Shaping silver fire into ray-like arrows of pure energy is the most basic application of this special ability by almost all the chosen ones of the Goddess of Magic.

Because it has no threshold, all preparations can be completed in an instant with just a standard casting action.

Its basic range is as high as 120 meters, which is almost the same as ordinary long-range bombardment spells such as fireballs, lightning, magic missiles, etc.

This means that before the enemy chants spells to attack the chosen ones of the Goddess of Magic, these guys will be the first to endure the burning of the silver fire arrows.

What's even more terrible is that the power of the energy arrows formed by silver fire continues to increase with the improvement of the spellcasting level (1D6 for each arcane spellcasting level), half of which is fire and the other half is magical energy.

Therefore, a wizard whose level is not high enough cannot defend effectively. At best, he can only resist and absorb part of the fire damage, and must take all the magic energy damage.

With Elminster's LV29 wizard level, even if he takes the middle value of the Silver Fire Arrow's damage, he can instantly severely injure a Berserker or Charmed Fiend, and can kill one in about two or three hits.

If you are lucky enough to deal the highest damage, then you can kill a berserker that can easily massacre an entire human army with just one shot.

This is true even if the latter possesses a certain degree of resistance to both magic and fire.

This is why many powerful people on the continent of Faerun, who have very high levels of arcane spellcasting, are still unwilling to become enemies of the chosen people of the Goddess of Magic.

Even if we become enemies, we will try our best to avoid direct conflict.

It's not that they don't want to defeat these voters with such a great reputation, but they really don't have a good way to deal with Silver Fire's cheating ability.

In many battles, the chosen ones of the Magic Goddess only need to continuously release silver rocket arrows in this simplest way to easily kill most of the enemies.

Looking at the silver rocket arrows flying towards him, Kurremos was obviously well prepared and quickly completed the nine-ring magic [Mana Absorption].

In the blink of an eye, an energy shield appeared out of nowhere and directly absorbed the silver fire and disappeared without a trace.

The next second...

An arc force field composed of energy hit the position where Elminster was with the force of thunder.

Boom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Along with a deafening sound and vibration, as well as flying dust and leaves, a terrifying gully three or four meters deep was smashed into the ground.

Fortunately, Elminster himself triggered the short-distance teleportation in time, otherwise, even if he was not killed immediately, he would probably fall to the ground or even become disabled due to the serious injury.

From the horrified expression on his face, it was not difficult to tell how great a threat the counterattack by "Dai Xiaozi" had posed to him.

Especially [Mana Absorption], an unpopular protective magic that is unknown and not mastered by most mages, is one of the very few spells that can truly and completely absorb the damage of silver fire.

Not only that!

It can also absorb and utilize all spell energy targeted at itself, and then instantly complete its own spells to counterattack. It is a truly top-level magic that combines offense and defense.

To master this spell, one not only needs to have a strong enough background, but also must have extremely high talent for arcane magic.

Usually, it takes both preparatory arcane professions (such as mages) and spontaneous arcane professions (such as warlocks) to reach quite amazing levels of attainment to master it.

In addition, the attack spell that the opponent completed with the help of [Mana Absorption] is very likely to be the equally rare nine-ring energy-shaping magic [Force Field Whip], and it is also a linear attack that can cause greater destructive power after changing its form.

After just one round of brief fighting, Elminster elevated this mysterious enemy who suddenly appeared before him to the same level as Mansong and Sazastan.

To be precise, it is at least one or two levels higher than Mansong.

Because in head-on confrontations, Mansong had never posed a real threat to him, and the only time he was killed was the result of a series of conspiracies and sneak attacks by the opponent.

Undoubtedly, the vigilant and fearful look of the Great Sage of Shadow Valley greatly satisfied Kurremos's self-esteem. He grinned and said in a smug tone: "Ah! You are angry, and a strong feeling of anger has arisen in your heart.

Someone once told me that when a person is angry and ready to resort to violence, there are usually only two reasons.

The first is that core interests have been violated, and the second is that the mask of hypocrisy has been exposed, causing anger and shame.

If you don't mind, could you tell me what kind of anger you are feeling right now?

Or is it a little bit of both?"

"You were deliberately trying to irritate me from the beginning? Why did you do that?"

Elminster gradually calmed down at this moment, and began to try to analyze who this mysterious guy in front of him was.

In his opinion, an arcane spellcaster like this should definitely not be an unknown person.

“I made my intention clear from the beginning, which was to keep you here and delay you a little.

Of course, it would be even better if I could get you to play with me and kill some boring time.

After all, many people have tried to kill you before, and some have even succeeded.

But the result is that you are resurrected again and again by the magic goddess soon after.

So killing you is a typical thankless task, and it may even trigger hostility, hatred and siege from other voters.

I'm not that stupid, and I won't take the huge risk to offend the great goddess of magic.

The only thing I want is for you and the Harper Alliance you founded to disappear from the North forever, ushering in a new era, an era that does not belong to you."

As these words came out of his mouth, Kurremos suddenly opened his arms and released the surging magical power in his body, starting with a series of instant super magic.

Both the speed and the power made Elminster's pupils suddenly dilate, and he had no time to counterattack or cast protective spells to fight back.

He could only grit his teeth and reluctantly release a protective light ball made of silver fire to absorb it.

But after the silver fire was transformed into a specific fixed form, he could no longer release energy arrows, and could no longer change the form and characteristics of the silver fire within seventy minutes.

Obviously, what "Dai Xiaozi" is using at this moment is the special ability [Arcane Attunement] unique to the advanced profession [Arcane Follower].

Its function is to allow an arcane follower to sacrifice the spell slot of a certain arcane spellcasting profession so that the spells cast by another arcane spellcasting profession can immediately gain supermagic effects without the need for advance preparation and memorization.

For example.

If an arcane follower has both wizard and warlock class levels, he can sacrifice a third-level spell slot of the warlock to empower one of the wizard's first-level spells.

The same is true in reverse.

This means that mages and warlocks who have all reached the legendary level of Kurremos can instantly cast any spell within the fifth ring as needed.

When necessary, you can even use spell slots above the tenth ring to instantly cast sixth-ring, seventh-ring, or even eighth-ring magic without any preparation.

It goes without saying what a terrifying advantage this can give in a spell duel.

In addition, Arcane Followers also have the ability of [Arcane Homology], which allows them to choose a known spell from the mage profession at even levels such as LV2 and LV4, and add it to the warlock's spellcasting list.

In other words, it makes up for the disadvantage that the warlock originally mastered relatively few spells.

In addition, this profession can obtain [Arcane Power] from LV1, which can increase the levels of the mage and warlock at the same time except at LV1, LV4 and LV7, just like the [Mystic] profession increases the levels of the mage and priest at the same time.

The three levels LV1, LV4 and LV7 can only upgrade the lower level of the Mage and Warlock professions.

If the [Mystic] is considered as practicing both divine and arcane magic;

[Spiritual Master] is considered as practicing both psionic power and arcane magic;

Then [Arcane Follower] is a typical dual cultivation of a mage and a warlock, fully displaying the ever-changing characteristics of arcane power.

With the amazing spell slots obtained from the warlock side, and the wide variety of magic at the disposal of the mage side, the followers of arcane magic have almost no shortcomings in magic.

They can either release a large number of metamagic spells in a short period of time to overwhelm the opponent, or use more spell slots to wear down the opponent bit by bit and finally launch a fatal blow.

Although Elminster has encountered various enemies over a thousand years, he has even faced gods and quasi-divine powers at certain special moments.

But this is obviously the first time to fight against an arcane follower whose warlock and mage levels both exceed the legendary level.

Due to insufficient intelligence and no relevant experience, he was immediately put in a passive position and had to use the ability of the Silver Fire Shield.

It is well known that Elminster's Silverfire Shield is a simplified and inferior version of the Silverfire Shield invented by Sammaster.

It can only provide protection within a certain range, but cannot enhance the power of Silver Fire, and Silver Fire attacks cannot be used while the shield is in effect.

In this regard, Sammaster, who has conducted systematic research on Silver Fire at the spell level, is the real expert.

Not only can this madman use silver fire to create an extremely effective fireball effect that ignores all immunity and resistance, but the silver fire produced after the fireball explodes can also absorb the magic attached to the surface of all living things and objects it touches.

In other words, this spell successfully combines large-scale killing with magic-breaking effects.

In addition, Sammaster also invented the method of attaching silver fire to the hands to form an effect similar to electric claws for fighting, and using silver fire to create traps to attract enemy attacks, and then using silver fire to devour spells shot at himself, and finally injecting the absorbed energy into the spells in preparation to give them additional enhancement.

So at this moment, Elminster was obviously caught in a dilemma.

Because he was previously affected by [Energy Absorption], his effective spellcasting level is only LV25, so he is definitely no match for Kurremos in terms of spellcasting.

Any spell that requires chanting may be countered by the opponent in an instant.

The final result of the fight is that one's spell slots are consumed bit by bit in the constant counterattack.

You can avoid counterattacks and hide inside the silver fire shield like a turtle. Precious time will be wasted little by little, and you will fall into the delay trap prepared by the enemy in advance.

What's even more terrible is that there are two extremely dangerous guys standing by Kurremos, watching him closely and ready to attack at any time.

What to do now? Call on other voters to help?

Elminster was caught in a dilemma.

The most important thing is that since he is not sure of the identity of his opponent, he dare not easily drag other important allies into the water to prevent the situation from developing in a worse direction.

After a brief fight, the two sides once again fell into a state of confrontation.

Although Kurremos had a strong desire to fight, his spell attacks were completely ineffective against the shield created by the silver fire.

Unless he was willing to transform into a giant dragon and rush forward for hand-to-hand combat, he could only watch helplessly.

Fortunately, we were able to detain the Great Sage of Shadow Valley, which means the whole plan was a success.

Therefore, the Purgatory Brass Dragon was not in a hurry. It still maintained a proud expression with a slightly mocking expression, patiently waiting for its opponent to make a move.

Just when the atmosphere began to become increasingly depressing and tense, a portal suddenly opened out of nowhere.

When he saw the person coming from the other side of the portal, Elminster's defense was instantly broken. He stared with his eyes wide open and asked sternly: "Hared! Is all this your conspiracy and revenge?"

Without asking, one would know that the person teleported here was none other than Harry III, who had served as his clerk.

But this man simply glanced at the Great Sage of Shadow Valley with contempt and disdain, then walked straight to Kurremos and said in an emotionless tone: "It's all over in Mirabar.

The twelve high-ranking members of the Harpists were wiped out by Scarface Klaus, and not a single one escaped.

Our people have already begun clearing out the remnants on the list in various towns, and I believe there will be results soon.

From now on, the Harper Alliance's activities in the North will come to an end.

Now, it's time to clean up the mess.

After all, the master does not want a mining town that produces all kinds of magical metals and gems to be destroyed."

"Well done! It seems that the famous Elminster and his follower, the Harper, are not that big of a deal. We can still manipulate them at will."

While saying this, Kurremos deliberately looked at the old man not far away with a provocative look.

Since Hared III did not lower his voice, what he just said was heard clearly by everyone present.

The moment Elminster heard the news, his heart sank. His already wrinkled face suddenly looked more than ten years older. His hands were clenched into fists, and his whole body exuded a mixture of anger and sadness.

Because he understood that it was his own misjudgment that led to the death of these Harpers and the total defeat in the North.

Hared III pursed his lips and sneered in response, “Isn’t this a matter of course?

It is not surprising that an arrogant, conceited, self-motivated and self-righteous hypocrite like the Harpist was swept into the dustbin of history.

Just look at the disgust that most people in the North have towards them now, and you will know that our victory is inevitable.

Okay, stop talking nonsense here and go deal with Klaus.

He has been greatly weakened by the previous Harpers leaders, and now is the time to kill him completely."

"Are you sure you can handle the situation here?"

Kurremos asked in an uncertain tone, stroking his chin.

He was a little worried that as soon as he left, the angry Elminster would kill him ally to vent his anger.

After all, in the eyes of most people, traitors are much more hateful than enemies.

Especially the traitors who caused such heavy casualties and the Harper Alliance's complete defeat in the North.

But Harry III shrugged nonchalantly: "It doesn't matter.

It's better to kill me.

Because from the moment he kills me, I will completely become his biggest demon for the rest of his life and a scar that will never heal.

This is why I do these things to constantly stimulate him.

The master once said that anger and impulse are like the devil hidden deep in everyone's heart.

All I have to do is activate these two demons, and then watch with my own eyes the great sage of Shadow Valley go from being admired by everyone to being hated by everyone.

Dear Elminster, I know you must hate me now, and you may even want to kill me yourself to avenge those dead Harpers.

It's okay, you can do it.

I promise not to resist, nor will I let others protect me.

After all, dying in your hands is my lifelong pursuit."

As he spoke, Hared III opened his arms like a martyr, his face full of distortion and hatred.

The fanaticism was so twisted that it was beyond description, and even the "filial son" Kurremos felt his scalp tingling.

When the two of them were getting closer and closer, and finally almost face to face, Elminster suddenly exploded, raised his fist and slammed it on the face of the former clerk, roaring as he hit it: "Why? Why did you do this?

Those Harpers clearly have nothing to do with our feud! They are all innocent! Some of them even risked their lives more than once to destroy the evil forces' plot!

But now they are all dead! Because of your ridiculous obsession and hatred for me!"

Harry III was beaten until his face was covered in blood, his nose was completely collapsed, one of his eyeballs burst on the spot, and even several teeth fell out. However, he did not scream in pain. Instead, he laughed wildly like a madman.

“Hahahahahaha!

That's right!

That's right!

That's it!

Come on, vent your anger on me! Harder! Have you not eaten? It would be best if you beat me to death to avenge the dead Harpers!

Let me see if you can stick to your so-called principles when your close ones die one after another and you are left alone. "

Hearing these words, Elminster's blood-stained and slightly trembling fists finally stopped, and his breathing became extremely rapid in an instant, and he was only a step away from losing his sanity and falling into madness.

But in the end, he didn't let himself cross that threshold and pushed Harry III to the ground.

When Harry III saw this scene, he immediately showed a disappointed expression, struggled to get up from the ground, and spat out a mouthful of blood.

"Bah! You are such a waste!

What a disappointment! After all I've lost, the only revenge you can exact on a murderer is a measly beating?

All right!

Since you still refuse to take off your hypocritical mask, how about we try something more exciting? For example, we can release Storm Silverhand and send her to the torture chamber, let her taste the most vicious torture in the world, and then extract her soul and torture her repeatedly until her spirit completely collapses. "

The rage that Elminster had suppressed with great difficulty was ignited once again, and he rushed forward and grabbed Hared III's collar which was stained with blood.

Just when the latter wanted to say something to continue to provoke the other party, a slightly lazy voice suddenly echoed in everyone's ears.

"That's enough. Let's end the fight today. There's no need to continue to spread endlessly.

Besides, this is just a small conflict between Elminster and me, there is no need to drag other voters into it.

You know, I am also one of the chosen ones of the Magic Goddess."

Following the direction of the sound, everyone saw Zuo Si who appeared under a pine tree at some point in time.

He didn't chant any spells, but just snapped his fingers to release Storm Silverhand who had been exiled by the imprisonment spell.

The latter had been ambushed and imprisoned from the beginning so he had no idea what was going on. After being released, he blinked in confusion.

However, Elminster did not have time to explain to Storm Silverhand. He raised his head and stared at Zuo Si and asked, "So you planned all this? Since the first conflict between Klaus and the Harper, we have fallen into the trap you carefully woven?"

"No, no, no, I'm very busy and don't have that much time to play with you and the Harper Alliance you founded.

The operation was entirely planned and led by Hared III.

It was he who connected forces including the Cult of the Dragon and the Zhentarim.

At best I was of minimal help.

There's nothing I can do about it. It's because you offended so many people before.

After losing the support of the people of the North, those poor Harpers can do nothing."

Zuo Si very straightforwardly threw out a cruel fact.

In fact, due to the establishment of the Trade Alliance and the changes in the thoughts, values and ideologies of a large number of people in the North, the Harpists' concept of balance has lost its market, and decline and destruction is almost inevitable.

Even if they were left alone, within a few years the power of the Harpers would shrink dramatically, eventually becoming a marginal force unable to influence the overall situation, or even perishing in the constant confrontation with the expansion of civilization.

This is a historic trend and an undisguised conspiracy.

To Zuo Si, whether it was Elminster or the Harpists, they had already lost the qualifications to be his enemy.

The opponent may cause some minor troubles within a certain range, but it is still far from becoming a real threat.

Especially when the third generation magic goddess Midnight is clearly on his side.

"Then why do you suddenly stand up to stop him now? Isn't it more beneficial for you to watch him escalate the situation?" Elminster frowned and continued to ask.

Zuo Si smiled and replied: "This involves the question of identity.

You should know that I have many identities, including the Chosen One of Gods, the Monarch of the West Coast Empire, the Planeswalker, the Lord of the Ninth Layer of Baator Hell, and so on.

Each identity has a corresponding stance.

Among them, there is only one person who is closely related to the North, and that is the emperor of the empire.

This is a very typical political identity, so the pros and cons must also be measured from a political perspective.

You know what’s most important in politics?”

"What is it?"

Elminster asked very cooperatively.

After all, although he had lived for more than a thousand years, he had spent most of his time living in an era of loose political alliances with numerous city-states and aristocratic territories, and he had no idea what a large and complex country was.

They also don’t understand the complex operating rules behind it, nor the tendencies that various forces may exhibit in internal and external struggles.

Zuo Si explained meaningfully: "It is about learning to compromise and knowing when to stop.

Especially when it comes to war, we must clearly understand that war is only a continuation of politics and a tool to achieve political goals.

It is always the ultimate resort used as a last resort.

It is best never to go to war when there are other ways to achieve the political goal.

Just like in this battle with the Harpers in the North, I have achieved the result of crushing and expelling your forces.

Therefore, there is no need to continue expanding. Doing so will not benefit the empire at all and will only continue to increase costs and expenses.

So based on rational judgment, I think it's time to put an end to it.

If the Harpers had any sense, they would never set foot in the North again.

Because the soil on which you live has disappeared, continuing will only result in more casualties.

In fact, I didn't expect that I could complete the cleansing of your forces in the North so quickly.

After all, the Harpers are so deeply rooted here that they even have many traditional allies and broad popular support.

But what’s interesting is that I suddenly realized that you don’t seem to understand politics at all, let alone human nature and what are the main contradictions and secondary contradictions.

If I were you, I would not easily fall into the conflict between civilization and wilderness and end up finding myself in a difficult situation.

Instead, we must grasp the biggest difference between the Empire and the northern towns, that is, independence and unification.

As far as I know, although many northern noble lords join the trade alliance and enjoy the conveniences it provides, they are very resistant to the prospect of being annexed by the empire one day and losing their superior status and various privileges.

If you can raise the banner of pursuing freedom and independence, you will definitely be able to unite a group of local lords.

It's a pity that the Harpists failed to see this and are still stuck in the ideological trap of maintaining balance.

You don’t realize that times have changed, and have become very, very different from the past.”

There is no doubt that Zuo Si's analysis and remarks, which were made from a completely rational perspective, were like a heavy hammer hitting Elminster's chest, causing him to look extremely decadent and frustrated.

After a full minute, the old man took a deep breath and asked tentatively, "So, will you start annexing the towns in the north and integrate them into the West Coast Empire?"

Zuo Si shook his head gently: "No, no hurry.

Because it is not easy to get the northern towns, which are accustomed to acting independently, to accept a unified central government.

I will first use the trade alliance as a tool to continuously strengthen our common economic interests, and then use the monsters and enemies in the wilderness as targets to convince everyone to agree to form a coalition and sign a joint defense agreement, completing military integration first.

Next, I will support leaders who are inclined to unification to occupy important positions in the town and form influential factions.

When their power becomes unrivaled, they will be able to truly realize the complete territory of the West Coast Empire spanning the continent of Faerun from south to north.

After telling you so much information that makes you feel desperate, let me tell you one last piece of good news.

After completing the annexation of the North, my West Coast Empire will no longer expand even a little bit to the East.

Because His Majesty Io, the God of Gods of Toril, does not like this world to be too monotonous, but hopes that it will remain competitive and constantly evolve.

You and your Harpers can still continue to develop the lands to the east, and even form an alliance against the Empire.

After all, there can be no progress and development without competition.

I look forward to you showing us the possibility of another kind of civilization."

After saying this, Zuo Si no longer paid attention to anyone, directly activated the teleportation magic and disappeared on the spot.

Storm Silverhand finally came to his senses and asked in a very serious tone: "Did we lose?"

"Yes, we lost, and we lost completely. Let's go back to Shadow Valley first. We can discuss any issues and problems after we return."

Elminster sighed helplessly, took Storm Silverhand with him, turned around and disappeared into the dense woods.

As soon as the two of them started moving, Kurremos exchanged glances with Agatha and Varis, and then started to massacre the Dragon Cult.

The silver dragon lich joined in without hesitation.

She would never forget that it was this group of evil lunatics who deprived her of the peace of death, and now she could only exist as a cursed undead.

For a moment, the screams and wails of the Dragon Cult members echoed everywhere in the sky above this land on the edge of the High Forest.

Until their death they never figured out why the other party suddenly turned against them when they had been cooperating well before.

After completing the task of killing and silencing the witnesses, Kulremos teleported directly to Miraba, which had just been attacked by Klaus.

Looking at the ruins of the residential area and the chaotic scene of a large number of people being organized to put out the fire and rescue people, he immediately couldn't help but ask Ximanmeng who was hiding in the dark corner: "Where is Scar?"

"He was just defeated by Lord Soth, and he has probably fled back to his lair to recover from his injuries."

Ximanmeng gave a straightforward answer.

"The master has been here?!"

Kuerremos raised his eyebrows in surprise.

Ximanmeng sneered and asked back, “Is this weird?

Don't forget, he is the emperor of the West Coast Empire and the supreme leader of the Trade Alliance.

If you do something like this, such as standing up to defeat a powerful dragon and defend your allies, you will immediately gain huge prestige and influence just by doing it once.

If you don't believe it, you can go ask the civilians and see if they still have any resistance to joining the empire."

Kuerremos nodded thoughtfully: "I see, I think I understand what you mean.

While we were using Klaus against the Harpers, the Master had seen an opportunity to exert political influence from a higher ground.

So he personally showed up and put on a political show, completely winning the gratitude and trust of the people of Mirabar.

And this prestige will continue to spread over time.

What a good plan.

We will have to continue to learn more from our master in the future."

"You really need to learn more. After all, he is the perfect tyrant chosen by the great Bane. Do you need my help with your next move?"

Ximanmeng stuck out his tongue and licked the remaining blood on his lips, with a scarlet light flashing in his eyes.

He has successfully hunted down and converted two high-ranking members of the Harpists. The next step is to wait for these people to resurrect and become vampire derivatives, obtain intelligence from them, and then launch a covert mopping-up operation throughout the North.

"No. If it was Scarlett in his complete state, I might have to be a little more cautious, but in his current state, I can easily kill him or capture or imprison him."

Kuerremos raised his chin confidently.

Through the brief fight with Elminster, this guy already had a rough idea of his current spellcasting level, so he didn't take the injured Klaus seriously at all.

"In that case, I wish you a happy hunting. Remember to be careful, Scarface has a huge number of servants."

After saying this, Ximanmeng winked at his men beside him, and then the people of the Zhentarim quickly left Mirabar.

Kurremos stayed for a short moment, then left the city and transformed into a dragon, flying towards Klaus's lair in the northern mountains.

About an hour or two later, roars and growls were heard from the deepest cave, which made the beasts and monsters feel extremely terrified.

No one knew what was going on inside, and no one dared to get close to observe, not even the monster servants who served Scar Man.

The only thing we know is that when the noises stopped, Klaus was no longer the master of this cave or even the surrounding mountains.

A giant dragon with a mysterious identity defeated Scar Man with his undisputed power and became the new king of this land.

All monster colonies in the surrounding area either surrendered and offered tribute, or were ruthlessly destroyed.

It didn't take long before more than half of the power of the World's Spine Mountains were integrated.

Even the proud frost giants and white dragons had to bow their heads.

Because ten white dragons who were confident in their strength and refused to surrender, as well as the corpses of more than fourteen frost giant tribes, were neatly hung at the entrance of the cave that originally belonged to Klaus, to show the ferocity, brutality and ruthlessness of the "King of the North".

If it had happened in the past, Kurremos's actions would have certainly caused an uproar, and the Harpers would have passed the information to the rulers of various towns to alert them.

But now, with the Harper's power in the North completely collapsed, the towns and villages are busy defeating the druids, rangers and elves in the forest and deeply developing this wild land. No one cares about what is happening in the mountains of the Spine of the World.

Even Mirabar, which was closest to the city, began vigorous expansion and reconstruction after receiving assistance and low-interest loans from the Trade Alliance.

For the people in the North who are fed up with poverty and backwardness, nothing is more important than making money.

As long as they have money, they can even taste the spices from the South, eat colorful and delicious fresh fruits and vegetables in the snow, and sit in front of the warm fireplace to tell their children those scary horror stories from the past.

But compared with the towns and villages bathed in the light of civilization, the living in the forests and wild worlds of the North are much more miserable.

The Druids, in particular, were hit hard and targeted. Now they were either forced to convert to the goddess of poison and disease, Talona, who was in the process of transformation, or to break up into small groups of three or two and struggle to survive in the dense forest full of dangers.

Some of them have merged with the local elven villages, and even formed small resistance forces, trying to scare away the townspeople who came to cut wood, open up new land, and mine through attacks.

But these attacks soon brought even more violent retaliation.

A large number of adventurers and mercenaries were organized, and they easily found the locations of these villages through magical tracking and positioning.

As for what will happen next, there is naturally no need to say more.

Perhaps a kind-hearted city-state government like Neverwinter would pay some money to allocate a piece of land for the captured elves and half-elves to build a village, allowing them to continue living and reproducing within their rule.

But if it were in those profit-driven towns, what would happen would be robbery, rape and massacre.

Only women and underage girls who were unable to resist were allowed to survive.

The fate that awaits them is to be secretly sold, or to become the wife or lover of a rich man, or to appear in red-light districts that specialize in special service industries.

In this war for the right to survive and develop, elves, druids and rangers are undoubtedly the ones who are sacrificed.

To be precise, any development is bound to make trade-offs, sacrificing the interests and even lives of a small number of people in order to meet the needs of the majority of people in society.

This trade-off is undoubtedly just a few tiny specks of dust for the entire era, but it is undoubtedly a catastrophe for the sacrificed group.

Only those elven villages that were smarter and maintained good relations with the surrounding humans took the initiative to leave the forest and embrace modern civilization.

Without exception, they were all given key support by the trade alliance, which used it as a benchmark for public opinion propaganda, and lived a better life than before.

So much so that in the eyes of most outsiders, the large-scale development, production and construction currently underway in the North is a leap forward in civilization that will benefit everyone.

Little do people know that in those unknown corners are buried countless corpses, as well as the tears and hatred of the victims.

On the contrary, the murderers who committed all these tragedies have transformed themselves into brave pioneers praised by everyone, or gentlemen who own a lot of wealth and land.

If someone used the detect evil spell at the various banquets currently being held in the North, they would immediately discover that more than half of the upstarts were glowing with magical auras that ranged from red to black, or from black to purple.

The cruel facts once again prove that the primitive accumulation of capital is always full of sin.

A good person or a person with conscience can never become a qualified or even excellent businessman.

Of course, Zuo Si knew everything that was happening in the north, but he had no intention of stopping it.

After all, this is the result he wants to see.

Moreover, the bloody way of wealth accumulation in the North, and the changes in thoughts, cognition, and values ​​that followed from it, directly allowed the goddess of wealth, Woking, to leap from medium power to the threshold of great power.

At this moment, the gods of Toril finally had an accurate understanding of the size of the storm that Zuo Si could stir up in the material world, and realized that it was best not to make an enemy of him unless absolutely necessary.

Otherwise, his mortal enemy might suddenly be promoted from a demigod with weak divine power to a weak divine power, medium divine power, or even a powerful divine power.

After all, the goddess of wealth Waukeen who disappeared during the turbulent years is a living example. Next up may be Talona who is transforming into a neutral god of nature...

(End of this chapter)