Chapter 201 (Extra Chapter) Early Spring is Approaching

After the cold winter, the arrival of spring seems exceptionally swift.

The same is true this year.

Almost in the blink of an eye, it was already late January.

"February 1st..."

Looking up from the busy construction work, Gray, who had her long, fiery red hair tied up, happened to glance at the calendar placed not far away and unconsciously stared blankly into space.

Last year's beast tide arrived exceptionally late, but unexpectedly receded very early.

This is not because the leader of this beast tide sent most of the demonized beasts to the front lines early on.

In fact, according to the soldiers defending the city, the pressure on the defense line this year is less than half that of previous years.

"That's really strange."

Grabbing a file containing relevant information from the side, Grey carefully examined the numbers recorded on it and couldn't help but frown.

This is certainly not an unusual phenomenon.

It is more likely a harbinger of disaster.

"Where exactly did the problem go wrong? Was it the sudden beast tide at the end of last autumn that scattered most of the monsters in the forbidden zone, or the report about the strange golems that came back from the reconnaissance team that ventured into the dark zone?"

"Most of those magical beasts are not intelligent and do not easily agree to be commanded by others, so they do not deliberately restrain their bloodlust or plot in secret."

"It can't be that some people are involved, can it? Rather than that possibility, it's better to believe that the few high-level beings lingering at the very center possess wisdom no less than that of humans."

The lack of information makes it difficult to think deeply.

After jotting down a few possibilities in her mind, Grey turned her gaze back to the stack of beautifully decorated invitations and flyers placed in front of her.

— To celebrate the initial success in repelling the beast tide, this year's victory day will be February 1st.

The dazzling and beautiful lettering immediately catches the eye, followed by a large cluster of flowers and ribbons, along with many other details.

If the once-a-decade sword-fighting tournament is the grandest festival held by the Sacred Tree Barrier to inspire its people, then Victory Day is an annual celebration for all the remaining cities and city-states on this continent.

However, because the time it takes for each battle to end varies, the date of the celebration is usually decided on the spot after the initial battle is confirmed, and the celebration time also varies from city to city.

"What Victory Day? It's nothing but a beautifully crafted lie to appease the people."

With a sneer, Grey tossed the invitation back onto the table, letting the stack of invitations tip over and spill across most of the surface.

Her slender fingers tapped repeatedly on the armrest, and she and the chair moved backward. Grey turned to look out the French windows.

The golden-red sunset bathed everything on earth in its glow, with only a few nearby clouds casting dark gray shadows, which in turn obscured some of the unsettling scenery.

It was a half-destroyed city wall. The fire, which had just been extinguished less than half a day ago, left large patches of blackened bricks and stones, and wisps of smoke were still slowly rising.

In the early hours of the morning, a small wyvern suddenly appeared and attacked the weakened city wall. Caught off guard, the section that had not yet rested suffered heavy damage again, attracting some monsters that were still hiding in the nearby forest waiting for an opportunity, almost causing even more serious casualties.

Admittedly, the valiant soldiers defending the city did repel the attack, but prolonged exhaustion led to a growing number of wounded soldiers. This was only because the Wan Jin Merchant Guild supplied the majority of supplies and medicines at extremely favorable prices and also recruited additional mercenaries who had taken on the joint defense contract; otherwise, the situation would have been even more dire.

But while those passionate young people were standing on the front lines, shedding their blood, those they were protecting were drinking and making merry, celebrating the imminent victory.

Are you kidding me!

"So, I have nothing to talk about with those short-sighted bastards."

Shaking her head again, Grey couldn't help but sigh as she thought of the several research projects that had been stalled for a long time in the research workshop she had invested in.

More than four months have passed since the cooperation agreement was signed with Lovech Magic Workshop. Even though they have a rudimentary design and have invested a lot of money, the research on more convenient road transportation tools has still stalled.

The shortage of some essential rare raw materials, the temporary halt in forging due to the redeployment of manpower, and the lack of testing sites are also extremely important influencing factors.

"Ah, what a waste of precious time! This is a time when we absolutely must make the most of every second!"

Frustrated, she scratched her hair a few times. After calming down, the girl, burning with passion like a flame, had no choice but to take out a hand mirror and patiently comb her hair again.

"Miss, you must have been happiest when you were in school, right?"

Mira chuckled softly as she patiently picked up the scattered papers.

“Of course, Mira, you know me, back at the academy, at least I could do whatever I wanted and act straightforwardly. With all the teachers there to back me up, I wasn't afraid of anything. But here,” Grey said, slamming her hand on the table, shaking some loose files off their edges, “I have to think twice about the hidden meaning behind every word I say. Every sentence has to be said in roundabout ways. It's so annoying!”

"I think the main reason is that the young lady has a 'big treasure'."

Su coldly retorted.

"Oh! You're pretty perceptive, Su."

Grey leaned back with delight: "Of course! If that thing can really be made, I, and we, will all be pioneers in the history of mages, and even in human history!"

After exchanging a glance with his companion, Su shrugged: "I still think it would be easier to hope that the beast tide ends forever."

"...Hey! Isn't this basically saying there's never any possibility?"

That's it.

Seeing that the little princess was about to "get angry," Mira smiled and changed the subject: "Why don't we try asking the workshop owners in Lovech? After all, they are experts in this field."

Grey's attention was indeed diverted: "You all know that I already exhausted all my courage last time. That workshop owner is definitely not a simple person."

“You could try asking Senior Yumi,” Su suggested. “Aren’t they father and son? A request from a family member might be more effective, and even if it doesn’t work, he’ll at least give you face, right?”

Grey touched her chin thoughtfully.

"But speaking of this..." she murmured unconsciously, gazing out the window, "Where is my senior now, and what is he doing?"