CHAPTER 511: CHAPTER 365 TROUBLE IN THE KINGDOM OF SILVERMANE_2

Many military forces still used the early-era weapons of the Eternal Domain. This was unavoidable, as the Eternal Domain’s active-service weapons were heavily reliant on logistics. Without a robust logistics system, reserve ammunition could be depleted in no time. Logistical support was extremely difficult and couldn’t sustain the firepower efficiency of the Eternal Domain’s active-service weapons.

Overall, however, the Elves’ weaponry and equipment were far superior to those of the Orcs. After the Highland City conference, the Cloud Union finally acknowledged its outdated approach to weapons development. The somewhat ostentatious Charged Magic Wands were replaced by Charged Magic Guns. Charged Magic Guns dispensed with the shield function, channeling all effectiveness into offense. They offered increased range, an added aiming mechanism, and enhanced stability in harsh combat environments. Although the cost rose once more, they finally had a personal weapon their soldiers were willing to use.

Heavy magic artillery also shifted focus from flashy appearances to pragmatism, emphasizing increased launch speed and magical power, leaning towards surprise attacks and greater lethality.

In the skies, Cloud Tower had constructed Floating Warships. These Floating Warships achieved a technical milestone, ascending to 8,000 meters. Equipped with numerous anti-air weapons and Mages, they were capable of controlling designated airspace. Additionally, these warships housed newly manufactured Divine Beast Lords. These beings possessed flight capabilities superior to ordinary Divine Beasts and were designed for aerial dominance.

To counter the Eternal Domain’s missiles, Cloud Tower had also designed a variety of ingenious devices. One of these was a rapidly deployable aerial barrier with excellent missile defense capabilities. Of course, this required the caster to detect the missile in advance, remain calm while being pursued, and accurately position the aerial barrier in the missile’s flight path.

At least in the aerial confrontations above the Wildwind Highlands, the Cloud Union’s flying units were no longer being slaughtered so one-sidedly by the Eternal Domain’s air force.

However, the Cloud Union’s military development was perpetually constrained by its production capacity. Facing military pressure from the Thunder Coalition, the Cloud Union had mobilized almost all its national resources for war preparations. Soldiers, civilian laborers, and artisans were conscripted. Materials were concentrated to produce weapons and other war resources. The cost to equip a single soldier was now several times higher than before, with training and maintenance expenses soaring proportionally.

This was a new mode of warfare. Not only were battlefields affected, but the entire nation was also under tremendous internal pressure. As the number of artisans producing civilian goods dwindled, severe shortages of essential supplies began to plague their territories. Prices surged, and the standard of living for commoners plummeted.

On the other hand, the Thunder Coalition, where Yan Xing had always focused on supporting the development and production of trucks, was accelerating circulation within the Alliance. The widespread use of Grain Tickets also injected a strong boost into rapid transactions. The Eternal Domain’s industrial zones handled high-tech and mass production, while continuously delegating low-tech, labor-intensive industries to allied markets. Meanwhile, raw materials flowed back to the Eternal Domain. This system created a virtuous cycle, ensuring a plentiful supply of goods in the market. Although the workers were exhausted, the handfuls of Grain Tickets they earned brought them satisfaction.

War sped up the internal integration of the Thunder Coalition. While continuously harmonizing, it began to operate steadily, like a well-oiled machine. As one side waned and the other waxed, time would ultimately determine the victor.

And as internal pressures mounted within the Cloud Union, the need to release this tension through warfare became increasingly urgent. A large-scale war between the Orcs and Elves was destined to erupt that winter.

The Gryphon Heart Empire was also stirring restlessly, eager for action. The Empire perceived the economic and military growth of the Kingdom of Silvermane far more acutely than the Barbaric Orcs did. After all, both were human nations. While their Monarchs waged war, commoners and merchants on both sides continued their frequent interactions. The Kingdom of Silvermane and the noble domains leaning towards the Thunder Coalition were reaping generous profits from the war. The populace, both nationally and locally, was visibly wealthier than before. Their improved access to food and necessities, as well as their general morale, couldn’t be faked.

In contrast, the human citizens of the Cloud Union endured miserable lives. Taxes, taxes, and more taxes... Amidst material shortages and a depressed economy, the nobles could only relentlessly fleece their populace. Taxes for the next three years had already been collected this year, yet it wasn’t over... more was demanded... But what if, despite their efforts, the taxes simply couldn’t be collected? Without funds, their massive army could not be sustained.

War remained the only option. To wage war to sustain war, by plundering the territories controlled by the Thunder Coalition.

After concluding his inspection of the Snowland border, Yan Xing hurried non-stop to Dawnspirit City.

"My dearest little brother, you’ve finally arrived!" Queen Karol exclaimed. "Not having seen each other for months, I thought you had forgotten about your sister." She immediately hugged Yan Xing, affectionately kissing his cheek. Then, noticing Chui Chui who accompanied him, she asked, "Who is this? I’ve never seen her before."

Chui Chui, dressed in formal Royal Court attire, curtsied to Queen Karol. "Greetings, Queen Karol. My name is Chui Chui. I am the Master’s personal aide, maid, and bodyguard."

"Miss Chui Chui is really very beautiful. My brother always has beautiful women by his side; it makes me a bit jealous," Karol said, slipping a ring from her finger. She offered it to Chui Chui. "This is for you. I hope you will assist your master well."

"Thank you, Queen Karol." Chui Chui accepted the ring, a pleased smile on her face as she slipped it onto her finger.

"Sister Karol, you were so eager to summon me from Snowland to Dawnspirit City. Surely it wasn’t just to give Chui Chui a ring?" Yan Xing said. "Let’s get straight to the point; I’ve been incredibly busy lately."

"Right, follow me," Karol said. "I’m not versed in military affairs, but my generals can brief you on the situation the kingdom is facing."

Karol led Yan Xing into her Imperial Chamber, where the kingdom’s most important generals already awaited them.

The situation confronting the Kingdom of Silvermane differed somewhat from that in Snowland. Erelado wanted to push the battlefield into Orc territory, giving Snowland a period of stable development and room to grow. Thus, he appeared very proactive. The Kingdom of Silvermane, however, showed less enthusiasm for war. The main reason was, ironically, its overly robust economic development, with every domain advancing rapidly. The Lords feared war would impact their territories, so the call for peace negotiations with the Empire was strong.

Some members of the Griffin Royal Family seized this opportunity to stir up trouble, spreading claims that the Eternal Domain had unlawfully occupied the kingdom’s Storm City. Even within the kingdom’s own army, many advocated for peace, citing the Gryphon Heart Emperor’s public statements on several occasions expressing willingness to recognize the Kingdom of Silvermane’s legitimacy.

Internally, the Kingdom of Silvermane could only be described as a chaotic mess. Ultimately, this was because after Karol assumed power, she had, for various reasons, not settled accounts internally, and most of the old guard had been retained. Now, as the Gryphon Heart Empire adopted an aggressive posture, the Kingdom of Silvermane—which should have held a military advantage—found its internal divisions starkly exposed.

This was precisely why Karol had urgently summoned Yan Xing. Only Yan Xing could deter these individuals who prioritized their own interests over those of the kingdom.

Honestly, as Yan Xing listened to the various opinions being presented, he could feel his blood pressure steadily rising. We are strong, the enemy is weak. They’re on the verge of internal collapse and are being forced to attack. And yet, these fools are considering peace negotiations?This is absurd! Utterly absurd!

Karol truly is a master politician. Even in this situation, she can maintain a smile as if nothing significant is amiss.

Yan Xing took a deep breath, forcing down the angry retort that had risen to his lips. A large kingdom certainly attracts all sorts...

"Gentlemen," Yan Xing began, his voice calm but firm. "When you proposed peace negotiations, did you consider who is responsible for the economic growth within your territories?

"Was it your beloved Emperor?

"Or did you make money grow from the ground yourselves?

"Neither, I presume.

"Your wealth all comes from the roads the Eternal Domain built for you, from the Eternal Domain’s trucks running on those roads, from the factories the Eternal Domain constructed for you, and from the Grain Tickets the Eternal Domain provided.

"Without the Eternal Domain," he continued, his gaze sweeping across the room, "you would be in the exact same state you were before!

"Do you truly believe that by negotiating peace, the loans I extended to you will be forgiven? That everything I built for you will simply become yours?

"What a beautiful fantasy!"