The massive hull of the steel-clad ship finally merged perfectly with the ruins of Bokou, and the dark blue energy veins pulsed steadily at the base, like the heartbeat of a sleeping behemoth finally returning to its lair.
Standing atop the tower of Blackrock Keep, Linde felt the faint yet solid energy resonance emanating from the depths of the northern mountains, and the last weight that had been hanging over his heart finally lifted.
"With the foundation laid, the future looks promising."
Linde whispered, his deep purple eyes now devoid of any hesitation or weariness, only a sharp, star-like light remained.
This ark of civilization, adrift for millions of years, finally became the most solid fulcrum on his power map.
Next, his gaze turned to something further away—the ethereal throne of the gods, and the obstacles that needed to be overcome on the path to it.
The first priority is to return to the Earl of Truk.
Visiting his father, Earl Truk, was a necessary courtesy and a gesture to announce his official "return" to the entire Cree aristocratic circle.
More importantly, Nad Truk's operation to travel to the Dwarven royal court "Ironforge" required his personal attention to finalize and finalize the matter.
This time, Lind isn't going to keep a low profile.
He meticulously prepared a caravan befitting, and even slightly exceeding, his status as a viscount.
At the heart of the convoy were several heavy-duty wagons, covered in specially made dark metal plates from Black Rock Territory, and towed by rock-armored rhinoceroses with exceptional endurance.
One of the vehicles was exceptionally large and sturdy, with its interior specially reinforced and shock-absorbing, and it carried one of Linde's biggest "bargains" for this trip—
A complete set of Zedo civilization miniature teleportation devices, and several "Watcher" mechs in a dormant state.
The value of this item is enough to drive any discerning power crazy.
Every day during his rest period, Linde would personally check the condition of the vehicle to ensure that this sophisticated creation would not malfunction due to the long journey.
The accompanying personnel were few but elite.
Apart from the necessary attendants, coachmen, and servants in charge of logistics, there was a "Rock" guard squad of fifty men.
They wore the dark gray magic composite armor unique to Blackrock Territory, carried strangely shaped crystal-handled battle blades, and were as silent as mountains. Their movements carried a deep, rhythmic metallic scraping, exuding a cold, menacing aura that kept strangers at bay.
Captain Astaire, a bronze-rank warrior, stood like a mobile iron tower, personally guarding Lind's main vehicle. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, and his tough face was expressionless, showing only absolute loyalty and vigilance.
There was also a slightly unexpected figure in the group—the elf messenger Lyra Ryan.
Upon learning that Linde was about to travel to the Dwarven Royal Court, this "Dream Weaver" proactively and firmly requested to accompany him.
“Your Excellency,” her grey-blue eyes gleamed with curiosity and inquiry, “Whispering Woods and Ironforge are not closely connected, but the songs of the elves are full of praise for the skills of the dwarves.”
This journey will surely witness new legends, and as a 'Dream Weaver,' I cannot miss the opportunity to weave the epic meeting between the Lord of the Iron Stars and the King of the Dwarven Hills into song. It is also an excellent way to understand you… and the 'future' you represent.”
Linde looked at the elven lady; her reasons were eloquent and carried the artistic pursuits unique to elves.
But Linde always felt that there was a deeper curiosity hidden in her eyes, which seemed to see right through people—perhaps about him personally, or perhaps about the waves he was about to stir up in the Dwarven court.
After a moment's thought, he agreed.
Having another elven witness, especially the "Dream Weaver" from the Emerald Forest, would not do him any harm in demonstrating his power and spreading his fame.
The group set off towards the Earl of Truk's territory in the northeast.
Compared to the arduous migration with thousands of ragged, stumbling serfs, the current pace was more than ten times faster. Sturdy wheels rolled over smooth roads, and well-trained pack animals moved with steady steps.
Towns and checkpoints along the way, upon seeing this well-equipped and brightly colored contingent, especially the unique armor symbolizing the Rock Guard, all readily allowed them to pass, or even gave them a wide berth with awe.
Viscount Lind Truck of Blackrock had already spread throughout the Empire with the appearance of the Crystal Remains and the earth-shattering changes in his territory.
During rest stops along the way, Lind would get off the main vehicle and stretch his muscles.
His gaze always fell on the heavy van carrying the jump device.
The servants would carefully open the heavy doors, and Lind would go in to inspect them himself.
The cold metal device gleamed with a faint blue light in the dim light, and its complex geometry and flowing array of runes exuded an inhuman precision.
He stretched out his finger and gently brushed it across the cool surface. His mental energy swept over the core node like the most precise probe, confirming that it was stable and undamaged.
The mechs beside them stood quietly, like sleeping steel guardians.
Lyla Ryan would stand not far away, observing quietly. She watched Lind intently examining the profile of those "otherworldly creations," and the almost imperceptible glimmer of spiritual energy flowing from his fingertips, her grey-blue eyes sparkling with wonder.
In her small notebook, she had already recorded her observations along the way, the details of the convoy, and Lind's focused expression every time he checked the equipment, all in the beautiful elven script and sketches.
She keenly sensed that these cold, steel creations were no less important to Lind than the elves' feelings for the ancient tree.
Astaire stood guard like a rock near the vehicle Lind was inspecting, his vigilance never wavering, even in the heart of the Earl's territory.
The soldiers of the Rock Guard were scattered around the camp, silently forming an invisible cordon.
The journey went smoothly, and the iconic mountain range of the Earl's Territory, covered with vast expanses of dark green fir forests, finally appeared on the horizon.
The air was filled with the familiar, cool pine scent of the Truk family, but there seemed to be something else mixed in—a more somber atmosphere, a silence that seemed to precede a storm.
Linde stood on the carriage shaft, gazing at the majestic Truk Castle perched atop a mountain ridge, overlooking the fertile valley. It was the heart of the Truk family's power, and his former "home."
"We've finally arrived." Linde's voice was calm and even, but a hint of cold amusement flashed deep in his purple eyes.
Are the Earl and his shrewd and capable sister Nad ready to welcome... the return of "Iron Star"?
He gently lowered the carriage curtain, blocking the view from the outside world.
"Go into the city."
The convoy, like a silent, steel dragon, carrying an undeniable aura of power, slowly made its way toward the Eagle Fortress standing atop the mountain.
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