CHAPTER 425: CHAPTER 40 PARTICIPATION IN WAR

The group was about to reach the outskirts of the Verona battlefield.

Riding on her horse, Eleanor couldn’t help but recall Aske’s words once more:

"In terms of the Crusader bloodline alone, the stronger Laws include ’Honor’ crystallized from ’Justice,’ ’Guardian’ from ’Tenacity,’ the homonymous Law of ’Will,’ of course, there’s also ’War.’"

"If you wish to continue studying the Unyielding Holy Sword, then choosing the Law of Will is the most suitable for you. If you do not plan on pursuing the path of extraordinary swordsmanship, then any Law will do."

Really, isn’t this just hinting at me to choose the Law of Will?

After consolidating her Crusader bloodline, both Eleanor’s physique and will had been enhanced.

For instance, if Sigrdrifa’s Lv. 10 was about bluntly increasing attack and defense, and Peggy’s Lv. 10 was about enhancing healing and physical immunity, then Eleanor’s Lv. 10 was about a comprehensive attribute increase, and a significant boost to her life limit.

Whether it was Explosive Power, Control Power, Endurance and Reaction Speed, or intelligence and mental strength, all had been balancedly strengthened.

Even her figure had changed. Eleanor, who originally stood at 172cm, had grown to 178cm upon advancing to Lv. 10, with the additional 6cm seeming to all go to her legs, which made her now possess a pair of long legs, and her pant legs had pulled up from her ankles as a result.

This left Aske tongue-tied until Nora rode up at a gallop, blocking his view.

"What are you looking at?" the young lady asked in a kind of gentle tone.

For some reason, Aske suddenly felt a bit cold, but being a man of open disposition, he forthrightly replied:

"This Crusader bloodline, as far as I remember, is supposed to optimize the body, but I don’t recall any effect that includes getting longer legs?"

"Is there something wrong with a girl having long legs?" Nora wondered.

"Are long legs good?" Aske was puzzled. Longer legs would make the body’s center of gravity higher and less stable. If someone agile had long legs, they could run faster, but what use were longer legs to a tank class?

Eleanor, listening to their conversation on the side, sighed in her heart, knowing they were not communicating on the same wavelength.

The group sped on their horses and soon arrived at the outskirts of the Verona battlefield, only to see that what used to be a minefield had been transformed into crisscrossing trenches within a few days.

Clearly, the Medea demigod who had arrived a few days earlier had cleared all the landmines (including the soil) from the ground and had also dug trenches, the efficiency of which lived up to the nickname "Black Hole Excavator."

The purpose of digging trenches became clear when listening to the gunfire from the front.

The Church Court’s Temple Knight army had arrived.

Upon arriving at the gate of the Emperor’s Alliance camp and confirming their identities, everyone dismounted from their horses and rushed to the command tent.

Inside the tent, the Emperor and the various Dukes were discussing the subsequent tactical plans. Therefore, members of The Azure Longsword Mercenary Corps could only wait outside; half an hour later, the Dukes filed out of the tent one after another.

The Duke of Bavaria, walking in the middle, saw his daughter and her mercenary companions standing to the side, frowned slightly, and walked over.

"His Majesty is very impatient," he said, not displaying any signs of blame or surprise, as if he had already expected these young people to choose to return, and simply told Aske, "After you report on your duties, you may be sent to the battlefield immediately."

"What is the situation like on the battlefield?" Aske asked in a low voice.

"The Temple Knights have come, what do you think?" the Duke of Bavaria replied, patting his shoulder.

Aske understood the Duke’s meaning (take good care of my daughter) and nodded in agreement.

The Duke took one last look at Eleanor, who somewhat guiltily called out:

"Father..."

However, the Duke of Bavaria didn’t speak and walked away.

The Emperor’s tent flaps were lifted, and an attendant of the Saxon Family gestured for everyone to enter.

Next came the body search by the Blade Warriors, and surprisingly, the Emperor even had female Blade Warriors on hand to search the ladies. After checks confirmed there were no issues, the group was introduced to the Emperor.

For the girls, apart from Aske, this was their first time meeting Otto, the Emperor of the Empire. Everyone bowed their heads, sneaking glances with the corners of their eyes at the noble personage before them.

"You all did very well," sighed the Emperor, "Unfortunately, it was a bit late, but that’s not your fault... As for your reward, Albrecht has given it to you already, hasn’t he?"

Shouldn’t Albrecht, who has returned in advance, know if you simply ask him?

Aske was speechless at the Emperor’s posturing and respectfully said, "We have received it."

"Good," nodded the Emperor. Aske keenly noticed the old man’s complexion had worsened significantly since before their mission to Venice City, likely due to the recent pressures of the war situation.

"After Saint Suovino cleared the minefield, the Anti-Demon Magnetic Field was activated inside Verona City, and a large number of Temple Knights charged out from the city," sneered the Emperor disdainfully, "Clearly, if I had heeded the Nobles’ advice and rashly sent two Giant Dragons to attack the city from the air, we might have walked right into the Temple Knights’ ambush and concentrated fire."

"Your Majesty’s wisdom is unparalleled," flattered Aske.

Holy shit! The Squad Leader actually knows how to brown-nose! The girls behind him bowed their heads and secretly marveled in disbelief.

"Now that the enemy’s ambush plan has been revealed, they can only position themselves openly against me, meaning a tough battle is inevitable," the Emperor said impatiently, waving his hand. "Aske! I’m aware your Mercenary Group is all girls, but each and every one of you is an experienced Transcendent, right?"

"Yes, Your Majesty is truly perceptive," Aske flattered again.

I can’t take it, I’m gonna hurl! Mia couldn’t help but tremble with laughter in the back, struggling to keep quiet. Medea calmly glanced back.

Desire Manipulation—which wiped away Mia’s urge to burst into laughter—was a subtle technique she learned from the Demigod at the Pure Blood Monastery.

"Very well, I’ve always been generous," the Emperor said with a nod, "The previous transaction is proof."

Yes, the families of Eleanor, Medea, and Thira have all given out Level IV Magic Potions or materials, while you, the great Emperor, only gave a Level III Magic Potion and even made other families foot the bill, truly generous indeed.

"Next, I plan to continue employing you," the Emperor declared, oblivious to the internal criticism. "As long as Verona City is conquered, naturally there will be appropriate rewards."

"Alright," said Aske.

"I haven’t mentioned how much the mission reward will be yet," the Emperor said, somewhat surprised.

"Would Your Majesty really treat us, a small Mercenary Group, unfairly in terms of payment?" Aske asked with a smile.

And so, Otto, the Emperor, also laughed heartily, extremely pleased with the praise, "Of course, there is no one more trustworthy than I in this world."

"Aske, you are a smart man, and I see no need for empty pleasantries. Conquer Verona City, and you can name your price," the Emperor said frankly.

"I trust Your Majesty," Aske replied without pretense.

Of course, the Emperor’s words were just for show; if Aske really did quote an astronomical figure, Otto would definitely turn hostile.

Thus, the two men who were well aware of each other’s ulterior motives amiably ironed out the employment contract with a back-and-forth that suggested a mutual understanding.

After The Azure Longsword Mercenary Corps left, the Emperor’s face lost its mirth, and with a slight gesture, a chamberlain emerged from the side room.

"Do you think The Azure Longsword Mercenary Corps agreed to our terms too readily?" the Emperor asked with a frown.

The chamberlain knew the Emperor’s old paranoia was flaring up again— doubtlessly feeling suspicious without cause. With an inward smile, he explained:

"Your Majesty, The Azure Longsword may be a Mercenary Group, but they have always taken on business for the Nobles. For instance, from cities like Olympia and Sparta or families like the Weisbach and Sorren Families."

"If they had worried about upfront payment like some small-time mercenary group, that would have been the odd thing."

"Hmm." The Emperor had to concede that his nephew made some sense, "Then for now, let’s just observe their performance."