The towering, imposing figure of the Steel Sky returned from the Howling Abyss, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples that could not be calmed throughout the power structure of the entire continent.
Despite Aster's strict information control, publicly declaring it only a "deep technology verification cruise," the fact that Linde himself never made a public appearance, combined with the boastful remarks intentionally or unintentionally leaked by the Dwarven Kingdom about the miraculous behemoth being their creation, was enough for the think tanks of various factions to draw a startling conclusion—
The lord of Blackrock, Lind Truck, may not have returned aboard the Iron Sky; in fact, he may still be in some extremely dangerous or isolated situation.
This conclusion has reignited the ambitions of many forces that had previously remained inactive due to the deterrent effect of the Steel Sky.
The Dwarven Kingdom's "claim" of territory, to some extent, served as a smokescreen and buffer for Blackrock Territory.
The eyes of all the major empires and secret organizations instantly focused on the mountain dwellers, renowned for their forging and engineering skills, and the envoys and spies they dispatched practically wore down the threshold of the dwarven royal court.
They were eager to understand how the dwarves had mastered such advanced technology, and whether it was possible to trade or replicate it.
This gave Blackrock Territory a precious respite.
As many have speculated, many of Blackrock Territory's cutting-edge weaponry, especially the Crystal Remains Technology and Light Vein Application System which are tied to Lind's personal power, do indeed rely on Lind himself at their core.
During the ten years he was gone, these powers were like water without a source, diminishing with each use. Aster and Naruse had to be careful with their resources, only using them at the most critical moments to resolve crises and maintain the territory's deterrent power.
It was at this delicate moment, when internal and external pressures were increasing sharply, that Nazla stepped forward.
She astutely seized the opportunity presented by the dwarves drawing fire, and using her status as an orc royal (albeit a distant branch) and the influence she had accumulated over the years through her relationship with Lind, she actively mediated between the orc royal court and Blackrock Territory.
With the wisdom and resilience unique to the fox clan, she skillfully maneuvered among various forces, diverting some of the external pressure to the orc royal court for internal digestion. At the same time, she used the potential for cooperation with Blackrock Territory and its still formidable remaining strength as leverage to stabilize the territory's borders and appease any potential panic within.
Now that Linde has returned, all the undercurrents and unresolved issues have been thrust before him.
Among them, two forces are particularly concerned and have a special interest.
First, there is Lurie Erna, the headmistress of the Royal Magic Academy of the Kree Empire—Alice's biological mother.
Almost the day after the news of Lind's return was confirmed, a letter encrypted with the highest level of magic and bearing the unique emblem of the Royal Magic Academy was delivered to the Blackrock Lord's Mansion via an emergency channel.
The letter maintained a scholarly tone of restraint and politeness, but the sense of urgency conveyed between the lines was hard to conceal.
Dean Lully requested a "top secret meeting" with Lind, the topic of which was "recently observed anomalous disturbances originating from the very source of magic," and hinted that it was related to the movements of Tiolantis (the God of Magic).
Linde knew very well that as the authoritative institution for magical research on the continent, the Royal Magic Academy must possess ancient methods for detecting divine energy fluctuations.
His final showdown with Esmeralda in the depths of the Shadow Abyss, and the ripples of law he caused when he thoroughly analyzed the remains of Noctoos, have likely already alarmed this astute Dean.
Lurie's journey was not only for the safety of her daughter's territory, but also to explore the enormous variables that could endanger the entire Material Plane.
Secondly, there is the fox lord from the orc royal court, Zahira Adan.
This young fox lord represents the fox clan, which has the closest ties to Blackrock Territory in the orc kingdom, and is also an important supporter of Nazra's influence in the royal court.
Her messenger arrived almost simultaneously with Dean Lurie's messenger, delivering a more direct message: the God of Beasts, Urano the Goldenmane Watcher, had once again issued a divine oracle, inquiring of Lind Truk's response to the "Invitation of the Gods."
Clearly, this ancient orc guardian deity also sensed the fundamental transformation that had occurred in Lind—the authority of the Lord of the Light Veins and the profound understanding of the Shadow Abyss combined in one person, an existence that had already attracted the attention of true gods.
The contents of this "invitation" are still unclear, and it is difficult to predict whether it will bring good or bad fortune. However, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future relationship between the Orc Kingdom and Blackrock Territory, and may even change the landscape of racial power on the continent.
In the study, Linde listened to Astaire and Narosh's detailed report on the movements of external forces over the past ten years, especially the latest information about Dean Luli and the Fox Lord Zashira.
He tapped his fingertips lightly on the smooth obsidian tabletop, producing a rhythmic, soft sound.
Alice sat beside him, a hint of worry on her face: "Mother... she rarely uses such an urgent encrypted channel. It seems that the matter of the God of Magic has really made her very uneasy."
Nazla also spoke up:
"Although the Fox Lord Zahira is young, his influence in the royal court is growing daily. We have delayed the invitation from the God of Beasts for ten years, but now that you have returned, we must respond. This is related to the Fox Clan's position between Blackrock Territory and the royal court."
Linde's gaze was calm as still water, his purple eyes seemingly shimmering with light yet also holding the stillness of an abyss. He spoke slowly, his voice devoid of any emotion:
"There is no need to panic. Dean Luli is concerned about the foundation of the world, and Lord Zahira represents the gaze of the gods. Neither of these matters is trivial, but neither is an imminent crisis."
He paused, then continued:
"Reply to Dean Lurie, I agree to the meeting. She will decide the time and place, but it must be conducted with absolute secrecy. As for the Orcish Royal Court..."
A barely perceptible glint flashed in Linde's eyes.
"Tell the messenger of Lord Zahira that I have returned and will soon personally visit the royal court to meet the Lord of the Fox and give my reply to the invitation from the God of Beasts."
"A personal visit?" Nazra was slightly surprised. "The royal court has complex factions. Wouldn't it be... risky for you to go there in person..."
Lind raised his hand, stopping her. "It's alright. Times have changed. Some gestures need to be made in person. Some conversations carry more weight when they take place on their own soil."
A subtle smile curved his lips.
"Moreover, I also want to see for myself how sincere and courageous this young fox lord and the orc court she represents really are."
His decision was clear and decisive.
The return does not signify silence, but rather the beginning of a new round of competition.
He will proactively intervene in the dialogue between the continent's top powers and the divine level, and Blackrock Territory will no longer be the passive party.
"Aster, prepare to receive Dean Lurie with the highest honors, but be sure to keep it discreet."
"Narash, intensify intelligence gathering on the Royal Court. I need to know all the details that might affect this meeting."
"As for the territory itself..." Linde looked at his wives, "Restore normal operations and activate all defense systems. Let the outside world know that the master of Blackrock Territory has returned."
With the order given, the entire Blackrock Territory, like a sophisticated and massive machine, began to operate efficiently around its returning lord.
After a brief moment of being drawn to the dwarves, the gaze of the mainland will eventually return to this border territory, and to the lord who disappeared for ten years and whose aura has become even more unfathomable since his return—Lind Truk.
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