109 Urgent Military Report

Spring in the imperial capital was radiant and warm, its sunlight gentle and inviting. After a long winter, people naturally packed their belongings and stepped out of their homes to embrace the beauty of nature. Thus, spring outings became the most traditional activity. In the capital, anyone with even a modest fortune would spend a few days at a countryside villa during such pleasant spring days, allowing their weary bodies and minds, long confined by the bustling city, to relax.

Beyond the capital, the most picturesque scenery lay in the western suburban mountains. In the distant era of imperial rule, this area was the exclusive royal retreat—commoners had no access, and even nobles were forbidden to enter these mountainous lands! Since the transition from monarchy to parliamentary governance, the splendid estates in the western suburbs were gradually divided among the aristocratic families of the parliament. To this day, only the empire’s most elite figures hold the privilege of residing here.

A lone rider galloped swiftly along the broad, smooth avenue of the western suburbs. The rapid clatter of hooves shattered the unique tranquility of the area. Startled birds took flight from the dense forest, their flapping wings creating a chorus of sharp sounds. Some leisurely tea drinkers strolling in the front gardens were disturbed by the noise, their enjoyment slightly spoiled. Yet, what truly astonished everyone was the news brought back by servants dispatched to investigate—

The rider bore the crimson standard of the Empire’s Joint Military Intelligence Department! The blood-red banner fluttered wildly, signaling a level of urgent military alert!

While countless noble elites began to deliberate in their own circles, the rider with the red banner had already raced up to a manor nestled halfway up the mountain, embraced by a peach orchard. Before his horse could come to a stop, he dismounted swiftly and, hoarsely, said, “Urgent military intelligence. Take me to see the Grand Duke immediately!”

The manor’s entrance became a flurry of activity—some tended to the tired horse, others supported the rider and led the way, while some hurried inside to notify their masters.

In the pink-hued peach grove, the Grand Duke’s wife and Benita sat side by side. On the small round table before them lay a collection of colorful yarns. Upon closer inspection, the yarns were mostly bright and vivid, seemingly suited for young girls. The Grand Duchess gently picked up two bundles of soft pink yarn, compared them, and asked Benita, “How do you find this color pairing?”

Benita pursed her lips, tilted her head, and stared for a moment before hesitantly replying, “The colors are too tender. Though Tess is only twelve or thirteen, she never likes such soft pastel tones. Better to choose something brighter.”

The Grand Duchess did not mind and selected six or seven other colors, experimenting with different combinations. Smiling softly, she teased Benita, “Wool from the Mido Mountains is the softest and finest—ideal for weaving. However, its dyeing quality is poor, so it’s usually left in its natural color to preserve fabric quality. If you want to knit a spring sweater, it would be perfect, but your skills are honestly a bit worrying.”

Benita touched her nose and chuckled softly, offering no rebuttal—after all, the Grand Duchess had watched her grow up and knew her capabilities well.

“Spring sweater or scarf, it’s just a gesture anyway,” Benita smiled. “If it’s from me, Tess will definitely love it.”

“You’re quite confident,” the Duchess smiled, tapping Benita’s forehead lightly as she selected the final two yarn colors. She then motioned to the standing servants to clear away the remaining yarn.

Just as Benita eagerly prepared to show her skills, a dignified middle-aged woman entered the garden with steady steps, approached the Duchess, and whispered something in her ear. The Duchess’s cheerful expression gradually faded. After listening, she nodded and said softly, “I understand.”

Benita glanced at the woman, then at the Duchess, and returned to fiddling with a few wooden knitting needles, though her mind was unsettled—the woman was the chief lady-in-waiting, and such a visitor always bore grave news.

After the woman departed, Benita immediately spoke up, “Great-aunt, if you have matters to attend to, I’ll come back this afternoon.”

“No need,” the Duchess replied with a warm smile. “It’s just urgent military news—your great-uncle’s affairs, not ours. Come, I’ll teach you how to cast on stitches…”

Benita bit her lip lightly, watching the Duchess’s hands as she mimicked the knitting motions, though her thoughts had already drifted away.

Outside the garden, spring flourished in full bloom, yet inside the study sat Grand Duke Armand Thurstan, his face heavy as he stared at the urgent military dispatch in his hands. After a moment, he flung the paper onto the desk, turned sharply, and struck the wall behind the desk with a heavy fist—

With a loud snap, a massive map slid down from the ceiling, occupying the entire white wall.

It was a panoramic map of the continent, marking the four great powers clearly: the Orc Alliance and the Human Empire in the north, the Dwarf Tribes in the center, and the Nature Kingdom guarding the south. The major terrains of each country were distinctly labeled, with the Empire’s geography detailed most meticulously.

At that moment, red pins marked the Empire’s northern region of the Western Ice Fields. After staring gravely at the map for some time, the Grand Duke took three more red pins and pressed them into several coastal areas in the Empire’s southeast…

***

“In the mental manipulation phase, ‘Jujutsu’ is the most practical skill for controlling spiritual energy,” the Tome Spirit said, her robes swirling thrice around her, her long hair flowing freely as she held a pointer with an air of pride. “This arrangement exists because, during this phase, alchemists focus primarily on water-based talismans and related designs. Ideally, you wouldn’t be taught wood-based talismans at this stage, but circumstances force it. Therefore, during your studies, I hope you can temporarily set aside wood talismans and concentrate on mastering water talismans, aiming for a breakthrough.”

Theresa raised her eyebrows nonchalantly, signaling her to continue.

This attitude displeased the Tome Spirit slightly; she pursed her lips but proceeded, “‘Jujutsu’ emphasizes lightness in strength and aligns perfectly with water talismans. Your ‘Jujutsu’ skills have already achieved some proficiency—you can try using ‘Jujutsu’ techniques to manipulate your spiritual energy, advancing to alchemy operations.”

The abstract and complex explanations made Theresa’s head spin, her expression growing heavy. Once the Tome Spirit finished, Theresa closed her eyes and tried to meet the expectations—

Suddenly, silver-white specks of light appeared in the air, gradually forming lines and shapes, as if an invisible brush were slowly sketching in midair.

Halfway through, the shimmering pattern began to tremble; the light points appeared less frequently, and soon the image shook violently before dissolving completely, like snow melting in boiling water.

Frowning, Theresa opened her eyes, her fingers twitching involuntarily—this technique was unbearably uncomfortable! It was like asking someone accustomed to writing and drawing with their fingers to switch to a brush—and not just any brush, a calligraphy brush! The awkwardness was overwhelming. Before making a few strokes, her nerves tensed up entirely, her focus scattered rather than sharpened. Exhausted mentally, she had to give up the attempt.

Once, twice, thrice... after countless failures, Theresa lay on the cabin floor, drenched in sweat, breathing heavily in frustration. “Is this really necessary? I don’t see the benefit; it just wastes more spiritual energy.”

“It’s essential,” the Tome Spirit said, landing on her nose. Amused by Theresa’s involuntary cross-eyed expression, she spoke gently, “The initial adjustment phase is indeed tough and seems ineffective. But once you master advanced talismans, you’ll find that controlling them through Jujutsu is the most effortless. Then, unleashing three or four layers of talismans simultaneously will be effortless—imagine, with every additional layer, power increases exponentially. Casting multiple layers at once will be formidable—even mages and warriors of equal rank will have to avoid your blows!”

Her cheeks flushed as she grew more passionate. Theresa listened, gradually encouraged—well, if the Tome Spirit painted such a tantalizing vision, she might as well give it her all.

Days slipped by in a cycle of attempts and rest. One day, the cabin suddenly echoed with a series of “beep beep” sounds. Theresa, already frazzled by repeated failures, felt an immense relief, leapt out of the cabin with such speed that the Tome Spirit barely had time to react.

Outside, a tiny hummingbird darted incessantly around the small boat, moving so swiftly that its flight path was nearly impossible to track—this was a reconnaissance hummingbird, an essential companion for home or travel.

Theresa extended her hand, and the bird silently perched upon it. Instantly, information transmitted through this contact flowed into her mind—

The hummingbird had spotted two lone Void Demons three kilometers ahead. Lacking a strong suppressor, the two were driven by instinct to fight each other. Now was a perfect opportunity to strike while they were distracted—a classic case of “when the snipe and clam struggle, the fisherman benefits.”

Once word of this spread, not only Theresa but also Hawk and Wolf—two fierce fighters—jumped eagerly at the chance to battle. Since entering the Void Realm, the two had fought “Soul Beasts” relentlessly, gaining both material rewards and valuable combat experience. Now, the prospect of capturing a “Void Demon” thrilled them beyond measure.

Spurred on by the two, Theresa’s ambition surged. With a sweeping gesture, she declared, “Target: lone Void Demons. Let’s move out!”

(To be continued)