CHAPTER 187: INVASION

Elian’s words caused everyone in their group to fall silent.

Invasion, or Expedition as the invaders called it, was taking a military force into the world of another. The Crucible would grant them a lot of land in the form of a dungeon.

Once they arrive, the Expedition would be given an objective. As far as Elian knew, there were only two: Conquest and Retaliation.

Hmm. Does that mean that there is a declaration for each dungeon on Earth?

In response to his question, Bianca’s voice echoed in Elian’s mind.

"There was, but remember that Earth is just one node in a matrix. While many took our axis positions to attack, that meant there were also others in their vicinity,"she explained. "Also, use words; I think listening to the experiences of the others would help us greatly."

Her words allowed the Tyrant to understand the true nature of the Crucible. It was a free-for-all. While many worlds tried to attack Earth, there was no guarantee that the world would remain there until the invasion was completed.

"So, most of those were attacked by other worlds and had to pull back as a result?"

Bianca nodded, "Yes. It is quite common for other worlds to wait for invasions to act. Most either gang up on the one being invaded or attack the back of the one invading."

"I see. Most newbies wouldn’t have the strength to both attack and defend at the same time. What happens to the expedition when the world is forced back? Or rather, what does being forced back even mean?" Elian asked as they walked.

The one to answer was Fluffy, "It’s one of the options given to a Crucible World. Normally when invasions occur a bridge is created between the two in battle. A forced retreat is to transfer the world while it is connected to another by paying a penalty."

Fluffy’s eyebrows furrowed as she explained. Her body tensed and she clenched her fists in what looked like frustration. Elian could understand the shame and anger that his sister-in-law felt. Retreats basically meant, Fralhame picked a fight and lost.

"When a world retreats, any and all expeditions are abandoned. The objectives for each group are lifted and the Expedition leaders gain the temporary status of Tyrants. How they live and survive in foreign soil would fall unto them."

"Do you know which world forced Fralhame to retreat?"

Fluffy shook her head, "I do not. I was told it happened before I was born. By the time I could understand what was going on, we had already been left behind. All I know of Fralhame were the stories Mom and Dad shared. That and the small patch of land we lived in."

Bianca quickly hugged Fluffy and tried to comfort her. Hearing the grave consequences of failing an invasion caused Elian to pause. Much like during the Age of Exploration of Earth, joining an expedition had no guarantee that you could make it back.

All of a sudden, it made sense why the Big Three refrained from invading others. While there was the option of getting rewards, the risk of being abandoned by the other candidates was too high.

"Hmm. It seems I took invading a homeworld too lightly."

Still deep in thought, Elian and his group eventually reached the new and improved guild building. The said building rested at the center of a busy intersection. There was a intricate statue resting on an elegant-looking fountain resting at the very middle.

It had two components: Elian’s bulky wall armor and Bianca standing back-to-back.

Seeing the intricate design, Elian grew pleased. Bianca’s statue, in particular, was crafted extremely well. But before he could approach it, waves of murmurs came from the humans all around the plaza.

"Yoh! Isn’t that Elian Reed? The woman with him is the same as the statue! He even has Tails with him!"

"Bro, that is 100% Elian Reed. Look at his outfit! White hair, black coat, and ashen skin. If that wasn’t enough, the Weapons are like docile dogs."

"Hmm, should we call it a Cobra-centaur hybrid? The other seems like a rocket-medusa-harpy..."

"Shit, so the rumors are real? Elian Reed already has five marks?"

"Eh? What does a mark mean?"

"Like hell I am telling you, I paid 100,000 crowns for that info!"

Just like always, the onlookers lived in their own world. Much like he was before, their lives were completely dependent on the decisions he made. If ever Elian invaded another world, the humans in Crestfall would be the first to either profit or perish.

"Ah! It’s the Trident! They’re here!"

The particular title caught Elian’s interest; he followed the gazes of the crowd and saw a group approaching. Like rock stars, they were escorted by huge, burly soldiers; like a shark crossing the ocean, the goldfish gave a wide berth.

Three people led the "Trident" group of a man and two women: Katri Valkama, Ned Patel, and Charlotte Daniels. They were the leaders Elian left behind to manage the city. They each represented administration, the human military, and economic power.

They stopped in front of Elian’s group and knelt in respect. The single act showed that despite their clout, they were subservient to the one who had just arrived. When even the guards with them got on one knee, it turned into quite a spectacle.

Why would they even need to do this crap? Elian groaned inwardly.

"It’s to elevate you, my love. If before you were treated like a superhero or a celebrity, Charlotte and her group probably decided that your public persona had to change. You cannot be ruler while you are a public spectacle."

I don’t get it.

"It’s fine, just act as you normally would. We’ll take care of the rest," Bianca reassured.

"Honor and praise to you, Tyrant! Congratulations on closing both the Karnathi and Ysh-Natul dungeons."

Elian and Bianca’s telepathic conversation was disrupted by Katri. Compared to her worn-out appearance before, her entire image looked like a ruthless guild master. Everything from her clothes to her makeup made her look extremely fierce.

Keeping what Bianca told him, Elian didn’t bother to keep up appearances and smiled warmly at the Guild Master of Crestfall.

"Thanks," Elian looked around before continuing, "I liked what you have done with the place. Thank you for keeping this place running, you three."

"Yes! It was our honor, Tyrant!" the three representatives replied respectfully.

Figuring that Bianca and her girls were once again making some kind of high-level play, Elian felt hesitant on what to do next. However, four people walked out to join them. Two males and two females.

Each one was a specimen of immense beauty. Despite Elian seeing three of them for the first time, their mana felt familiar.

Sun That Never Sets, the Everflame Tyrant of Averignis.

Depth Deeper than the Center, the Viridian Overgrowth Tyrant of Karnathi.

Yearns for the light of night, the former Tidal Swarm Anchor of Virexar.

And finally,

Unyielding Bastion, leader of the Beowolves and Elian’s father-in-law.

The powerhouses had an immense presence and caused the onlookers to take a step back.

To most humans, just standing before an actual Tyrant was enough to make them faint. So, while most of Crestfall’s people had no idea who these people were, their bodies trembling told them all they needed to know.

Commanding the presence of every present, the four figures then followed Katri’s group. Like vassals, they all took to one knee and greeted Elian.

"We greet the Tyrant Candidate! Hail!"

"Uh..."

Elian smiled wryly; he personally fought this group and almost killed, if not almost killed, most of them. Hearing their reverence felt awkward. The Tyrant, for all his intelligence in combat, lacked the skills to navigate the political battles of influence and control.

Bianca, please help me.

Thus, he made an earnest plea to the one who thrived on such a battlefield.

"Pfft. What will you ever do without me, my silly penguin?" she teased telepathically.

Bianca stepped forth and took Elian’s hand into hers, "The Tyrant is overjoyed at seeing you all. We are grateful to everyone here who labored to strengthen the factions’ standing. While there is much discussion, please save it for later."

"Yes! Our Anchor!" those kneeling answered in a loud voice.

The witch made a beautiful smile as she added, "I hope everyone has completed their tasks. The Tyrant already has our next objectives in mind, and I can tell everyone here. If you think he was crazy before, you are in for a wild surprise."

Trident and the other race representatives all grimaced. Despite making plans, Elian Reed normally operated on a timeline none of them could understand. Those who knew of Bianca and Elian’s tendencies, like Charlotte, Katri, and Bastion, all sighed in defeat.

Bianca then called out to those behind her, "Alpha, Epsilon."

The two raced towards Bianca and knelt in respect. "What do you require, my Anchor?"

"Please pick which of the two of you will be Ysh-Natul’s Tyrant. We need a leader to properly command the Naga."

They glanced at each other and nodded; Epsilon raised her head and declared, "The Naga have decided that I will take the crown until a better representative arrives, my Anchor."

"Okay, then join the group there. And call back the others. Tomorrow, we will begin,"Bianca declared with an impish smile.

Katri and Charlotte, who were already pale, asked anxiously, "What will begin tomorrow, my lady?"

Bianca turned to Elian, prompting him to answer.

"Tomorrow, the Weapon’s of Valestra shall go to war," he said curtly.