Game of the World Tree

“Dorulu…why is this guy here?”

Brein muttered to himself after seeing a familiar figure in the distance.

It was a gnome dressed in luxurious attire fashioned akin to the extravagant garb popular amongst human nobles.

While the clothing was elegant, it didn’t suit the gnome at all. Rather than appearing noble, the one wearing it looked more like a clown instead.

At this moment, the gnome, whilst being accompanied by several bodyguards quickened their pace through the bustling streets of Blackrock City. Dorulu’s eyes darted anxiously, and lines of tension creased the gnome’s forehead as they rushed towards the direction of the Church of Death.

It was undoubtedly Dorulu, who had been Brein’s classmate when he studied in the city-state of Shanathar back when he was young.

Dorulu is the heir of the most powerful gnome household in Shanathar and also the grandson of the current acting chief of that city-state.

As the current ambassador of Shanathar, Dorulu is also rumored to be next in line for the position of chieftain.

However, despite them being classmates in the past, their relationship had always been strained, mirroring the tension between Blade City and Shanathar.

Especially after Brein had became the chief of Blade City, Dorulu publicly stated, “With Brein’s lackluster abilities, he will definitely lead Blade City to ruin,” further souring their already strained relationship.

In truth, Brein was pretty certain that Dorulu was simply jealous of his success in becoming a city chieftain first.

Alas, when Brein saw Dorulu, the latter also noticed him.

The gnome then immediately masked his expression, lifted his nose disdainfully, and sarcastically remarked:

“Well, if it isn’t Brein from the City of Blades?”

“I heard that your city-state depleted years of savings shortly after the war began, even going into debt for nearly ten thousand sets of equipment from neighboring city-states. Moreover, the reinforcements you hired also suffered heavy casualties. Tsk, tsk… it appears that the current chief of Blade City is not up to the task, eh?”

Dorulu shook his head in a blatant mocking gesture before adding:

“I wonder what Lord Firebeard was thinking, passing the chieftain’s position to someone like you…”

Hearing the ridicule laced within Dorulu’s words, Brein’s expression visibly darkened.

Taking a deep breath to suppressed his anger, Brein responded,

“It’s better than a trash who only talks about people behind their backs.”

After speaking, he glanced at Dorulu’s weary and worried-looking guards. Considering the geographical positions of their respective city-states and his inside knowledge of the Dark Alliance’s troop movements, Brein realized their purpose for visiting Blackrock City at this critical time.

With a slight smile, he said, “Lord Dorulu, shouldn’t you focus more on your own personal affairs? I heard that Shanathar is also being targeted by the Dark Alliance. Now that my city had successfully repelled the enemy, they might shift their focus onto your city instead. If that happens, Shanathar will definitely be in danger.”

“It’s a pity my city incurred some heavy losses in our recent battle, so please understand that Blade City cannot offer any support for you at the moment.”

Dorulu’s facade slipped as his face momentarily darkened at Brein’s words.

“Hmph!”

He then gave Brein a long, hard look before silently proceeding towards the Church of Death along with his retinue of guards.

Watching Dorulu’s retreating figure, Brein shook his head slightly.

Judging by Dorulu’s demeanor, the situation was developing just as Lord Firebeard had predicted. The Dark Alliance hadn’t fully retreated but had changed their primary target to another city-state instead, specifically—Shanathar.

Clearly, Dorulu had come to Blackrock City seeking aid.

Although the Elves and Hermetic Alliance have formed an alliance, many of its member city-states remain hesitant, particularly regarding their stance towards the Elves.

On one hand, the other city-states are facing less pressure from the enemy and they are also very suspicious of the strength of these long eared folks from the surface.

It was only when Blade City was besieged and urgently needed reinforcements did the Elves involved themselves, thereby fully demonstrating their formidable combat prowess in the battlefield.

Blade City’s recent victory has allowed other city-states to truly witness what these Elves are capable of.

Nonetheless, the other members still didn’t know the full details of what transpired, and all they knew was that Blade City managed to repel the enemy in just three days with the help of the Elves…

And that Blade City seemed to have accumulated a significant amount of debt after the battle…

Watching Dorulu enter the Church of Death, Brein’s lips curled into a mocking sneer.

Heh.

My city owes a huge debt?

Well, that might be so, but I’d like to see how much Shanathar will end up owing then!

Indeed, he did renegotiate the agreement with the elves on behalf of Blade City, but that was a unilateral decision agreed upon by both parties.

Plus, the world underground is inherently filled with competition and chaos. Although Blade City and Shanathar are both members of Hermetic Alliance, there is still a great deal of rivalry between them.

As such, with Blade City having recently suffered significant losses, naturally, they wouldn’t consider the welfare of other city-states.

—Even if they are allies.

Speaking of which, it was these very same allies who took advantage of Blade City’s dire situation to hike up prices and profit despite them being besieged.

Even the equipment Blade City acquired from other member city-states came at significantly inflated prices…

Not to mention the lack of additional reinforcements.

No wonder Hermetic Alliance still struggles against the Dark Alliance even to this day. Without unity amongst them, even the strongest forces can’t be effectively employed, especially when they’re already weaker than the enemy.

In fact, the agreement between Hermetic Alliance and the elves only vaguely stipulates that “The Alliance must provide necessary equipment for the assisting elves.”

The finer details would only be added by respective city-states during its implementation.

Essentially, it means that the agreement Blade City made with the elves specifically only applies to them alone and doesn’t extend to other city-states.

And now, seeing that it’s Shanathar’s turn to seek aid, Brein naturally wouldn’t offer any help nor suggestions.

With the elves’ involvement, Shanathar is likely to hold out, but how much debt they’ll incur in the process is another matter entirely.

Well, Dorulu’s city will probably go bankrupt.

After all, the Dark Alliance had failed to take Blade City, and it’s probable that the enemy will put a lot more effort into besieging Shanathar this time around…

Brein thought to himself.

Imagining Dorulu’s possible expression after the battle ended brought a hint of satisfaction within Brein’s heart.

As a long-time underground resident, he had a long memory for grudges.

Hmm… when I return, I should probably prepare thoroughly and see if I can recoup our losses by taking advantage of Shanathar’s eventual situation.

Indeed, as a veteran commercial city-state chief, he was already considering how to exploit the information gap to shear Shanathar’s proverbial wool, so to speak…

Dorulu had indeed come to seek help.

After the Dark Alliance’s forces abandoned their siege of Blade City, they quickly redirected their main offensive towards Shanathar, thereby exponentially increasing the pressure on the city.

With Blade City’s recent success as a precedent, Dorulu naturally turned to the elves for assistance.

Thankfully, the process of seeking reinforcements was very smooth.

Having lost their opportunity to farm equipment through the resurrection exploit in Blade City, the players, whilst feeling regretful, were thrilled when they received a new request for reinforcements from another city-state.

Thus, Dorulu easily reached an agreement with the elves…

—Just like Blade City once had.

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【 SHEARING WOOL 】

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