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 his 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.
就在后者还想要说点什么继续刺激对方的时候，一个略显慵懒的声音突然回荡在所有人的耳边。
“够了，今天的争斗就先到此为止吧，没必要再继续无止境的扩散了。
更何况这是我跟伊尔明斯特之间的小矛盾，没必要把其他选民扯进来。
要知道我也是魔法女神的选民之一呢。”
顺着声音发出的方向，所有人都看到了不知何时出现在一颗松树下面的左思。
只见他没有吟唱任何咒语，仅仅只是打了个响指就把刚才被禁锢术放逐的风暴·银手给放了出来。
后者由于一开始就遭到伏击、囚禁，因此压根不知道究竟发生了什么，被放出来之后一脸懵逼的眨了眨眼睛。
不过伊尔明斯特眼下并没有时间去给风暴·银手做解释，直接了抬起头盯着左思质问：“所以这一切都是你策划的？从克劳斯与竖琴手第一次冲突开始，我们就落入了你精心编织的陷阱？”
“不，不，不，我可是很忙的，没那么多功夫陪你和你创立的竖琴手同盟玩。
这次行动完全是由哈瑞德三世策划并主导的。
是他串联了包括拜龙教、散塔林会等势力。
我充其量只是提供了一点微不足道的帮助而已。
没办法，谁让你们之前得罪了那么多人呢。
在失去北地民众的支持后，光靠那点可怜的竖琴手根本成不了什么气候。”
左思非常干脆的抛出了一个残酷事实。
事实上由于贸易同盟的成立，以及北地大范围民众思想、价值观和意识形态的转变，已经让竖琴手的平衡理念失去了市场，走向衰落和灭亡几乎是必然会发生的事情。
即便不去管它，用不了几年竖琴手同盟的势力也会急剧萎缩，最终变成无法对大局产生影响的边缘势力，亦或是在不断与文明扩张的对抗中走向灭亡。
这是一种历史性的大势所趋，更是不加掩饰的阳谋。
对于左思来说，不管是伊尔明斯特也好，还是竖琴手同盟也罢，其实早就已经失去了与自己为敌的资格。
对方可能会在一定范围内造成一些小麻烦，但距离成为真正意义上的威胁还差得远呢。
尤其是三代魔法女神午夜已经明确站在自己这一边的情况下。
“那你为什么现在又突然要站出来制止他呢？难道看着他把局势扩大化不是对你更有利吗？”伊尔明斯特皱起眉头继续追问道。
左思笑着回答：“这就要涉及到身份的问题了。
你应该知道，我有很多的身份，包括神祇选民、西海岸帝国的君主、旅法师、巴托地狱第九层的领主等等。
每个身份都有与之相对应的立场。
其中与北地息息相关的只有一个，那就是帝国的皇帝。
这是非常典型的政治身份，所以也必须以政治的角度去衡量利益得失。
你知道对于政治而言什么才是最重要的吗？”
“是什么？”
伊尔明斯特十分配合的问了一句。
毕竟他虽然活了一千多年，但绝大多数时候都生活在那种城邦和贵族领地林立的松散政治联盟时代，对于庞大而又复杂的国家根本没有太多的概念。
更不理解其背后复杂的运行规则，以及各方势力在内部与外部斗争中可能会表现出来的倾向。
左思意味深长的解释道：“是学会妥协和适可而止。
尤其是涉及到战争的时候，要非常清晰的明白战争只是政治的延续，是一种实现政治目标的工具。
它永远是最后不得已才使用的终极手段。
当有其他方法可以实现该政治目标的时候，那就最好永远不要去发动战争。
就好像这次与竖琴手同盟在北地的争斗，我已经达到了将你们的势力粉碎并驱逐出去的结果。
因此根本没有必要再继续扩大化，那样做对帝国没有半点好处，只会不断地增加成本与开支。
所以出于理性的判断，我认为是时候该画上一个休止符了。
如果竖琴手同盟也有理智的话，就绝对不会再踏足北地。
因为你们生存的土壤已经消失了，继续下去只会徒增伤亡。
事实上我都没想到能这么快完成对你们在北地势力的清理。
毕竟竖琴手同盟在这里是如此的根深蒂固，甚至有非常多的传统盟友和广泛的民众支持。
可有趣的是，我突然发现你们似乎根本不懂政治，更不懂得人心和什么是主要矛盾、什么是次要矛盾。
如果换成我是你们，就不会轻易陷入文明与荒野的矛盾中最后搞得自己里外不是人。
而是要抓住帝国与北地城镇之间最大的分歧，那就是独立跟统一。
据我所知，很多北地贵族领主虽然加入贸易同盟享受着其中的便利，但却非常抗拒有一天会被帝国吞并失去高人一等的地位和各种特权。
要是你们能打出追求自由独立的旗帜，肯定可以团结起一批当地的领主。
只可惜，竖琴手同盟没能看到这一点，眼光仍旧停留在过去那种所谓维持平衡的思想陷阱中。
你们根本没有察觉时代已经变了，变得跟过去非常非常的不一样。”
毫无疑问，左思这番站在完全理性角度的分析和言论，宛如一记重锤砸在了伊尔明斯特的胸口，使得他露出了无比颓废跟沮丧的神情。
足足过了一分钟，老人才深吸了一口气试探道：“那下一步你是不是就要开始着手吞并北地的各个城镇，将其整合为西海岸帝国的一部分？”
左思轻轻摇了摇头：“不，不急。
因为让习惯了独立行事的北地个城镇接受一个大一统的中央政府并不是一蹴而就。
我会先通过贸易同盟这个工具，不断强化经济上的共同利益，然后以荒野中那些怪物和敌人为靶子，说服所有人同意组建联军并签署共同防卫协定，首先完成军事上的整合。
紧跟着，我会扶持那些倾向于统一的领导人占据个城镇的重要位置，并形成有影响力的派系。
等他们的势力强大到无可匹敌的时候，才是真正实现西海岸帝国从南到北横跨费伦大陆的完整版图。
说了这么多让你感到绝望的信息，最后再告诉你一个好消息吧。
当完成对北地的吞并之后，我的西海岸帝国将不会再向东边扩张哪怕一丁点。
因为托瑞尔的神上之神艾欧陛下并不喜欢这个世界太单一，而是希望它保持着竞争和不停的演化。
你和你的竖琴手仍然可以在东边的土地上继续发展，甚至是组建一个反帝国的同盟。
毕竟有竞争才会有进步和发展。
我期待着你们也能展现出另外一种文明的可能性。”
说完这番话，左思便不再理会任何人，直接启动传送魔法消失在原地。
风暴·银手这会儿也终于回过神来，用十分严肃的口吻询问：“我们输了？”
“是啊，我们输了，而且输的非常彻底。走吧，先回阴影谷，有什么事情和问题回去之后再谈。”
伊尔明斯特无奈的叹了口气，带上风暴·银手转身消失在了茂密的树林之中。
两人前脚刚开，后脚库尔雷莫斯就与阿加莎、瓦瑞斯交换了一个眼神，随即展开对拜龙教的屠杀。
银龙巫妖也毫不犹豫的加入其中。
她可不会忘记，就是这群邪恶的疯子剥夺了自己死亡的安宁，现在只能以被诅咒的亡灵形态存在。
一时之间，在这片位于至高森林边缘的土地上空，到处都回荡着拜龙教成员的惨叫与哀嚎声。
到死他们都没搞清楚，明明之前还合作的好好地，为什么对方会突然之间翻脸。
在完成了杀人灭口的任务后，库尔雷莫斯直接传送到刚刚遭受克劳斯攻击的米拉巴。
看着居民区一片废墟的景象，以及大量民众被组织起来灭火、救人的混乱场面，他立刻忍不住向躲在阴暗角落里的席曼蒙问道：“疤佬呢？”
“他刚刚被索斯阁下现身击败，眼下估计已经逃回巢穴中躲起来养伤了。”
席曼蒙直截了当的给出了答案。
“主人来过？！”
库尔雷莫斯惊讶的挑起了眉毛。
席曼蒙嗤笑着反问道：“这很奇怪吗？
别忘了，他可是西海岸帝国的皇帝，同时也是贸易同盟的最高领导人。
像这种挺身而出击败强大恶龙保卫盟友的事情，只要做一次就能立刻获得巨大的威望跟影响力。
不相信的话你可以去问问那些平民，看看他们现在对并入帝国是否还有什么排斥心理。”
库尔雷莫斯若有所思的点了点头：“原来如此，我想我明白你的意思了。
在我们利用克劳斯对付竖琴手同盟的时候，主人已经站在更高的地方看到了施加政治影响力的机会。
所以他亲自现身做了一场政治秀，彻底赢得了米拉巴民众的感激与信任。
而且这种威望还会随着时间的推移而不断扩散。
真是好算计呢。
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 residents 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)