Exploring Technology in a Wizard World-Chapter 1423 - 1421: Crossing the Border

"Hmm—" Ax Shazuo pursed his lips, paused for a few seconds, then laughed and said to Soron, "Since that’s the case, it’s really a hardship for the General, and the Majesty has misunderstood you. It’s not that the General is lax, but there’s truly no other way."

"Indeed."

"However, the General need not worry too much." Ax Shazuo smiled brightly and said, "My primary purpose in coming to Reef Rock Castle is to inquire on behalf of His Majesty, and secondly, to assist the General in resolving any potential issues you might face. Didn’t you say that the troops are extremely lacking?"

Soron glanced at Ax Shazuo and nodded: "Yes."

"That’s perfect. I’ve brought the reinforcements you need. They’re currently stationed outside Reef Rock Castle, not many, just half a regiment—500 people. Indeed, it’s a bit sparse, but they’re all elite. Among them are 100 Magic Knights, enough to help the General complete the mission to Shalin."

"So, Mr. Ax Shazuo, you plan to lead the troops to Shalin in place of me?"

"Correct." Ax Shazuo nodded.

"Then I must thank Mr. Ax Shazuo."

"It’s my duty." Ax Shazuo said softly, then his tone changed, "However, before setting off, I’d like to trouble the General with a request."

"What request?"

"I’d like a unit designation under your command. I wish to go to Shalin under the name of one of your units." Ax Shazuo said, "After all, this task has been assigned to the General by His Majesty. I can assist, but it’s better not to mess up the identity."

"Borrowing a designation..." Soron raised an eyebrow, "According to military regulations, unit designations cannot be casually borrowed. Violators will be executed, Mr. Ax Shazuo."

Ax Shazuo smiled: "General, that’s precisely what I’m about to explain. I came with a direct order from His Majesty, one of which allows me to temporarily borrow a unit designation. I suppose the Emperor’s command outweighs the military regulations."

Soron furrowed his brow slightly and maintained silence, looking at Ax Shazuo for a long time.

Moments later, Soron finally spoke again and asked: "Which unit designation does Mr. Ax Shazuo wish to borrow under my command?"

"I would like..." Ax Shazuo quickly responded, clearly having planned ahead. But after beginning to speak, seeing Soron’s serious demeanor, he gently smiled and changed course: "How could I know which unit designation is fit? After all, I’m not a member of the military. How about this, let the General help pick one for me. I trust in the General’s abilities, you won’t disappoint me."

"Since Mr. Ax Shazuo trusts me so much, alright, then I’ll choose one." Soron raised an eyebrow and spoke, "You may borrow... the designation."

"Really?" Ax Shazuo’s eyes widened, slightly surprised.

"Of course."

"Then many thanks to the General." Ax Shazuo revealed a satisfied smile.

"No, I should be thanking Mr. Ax Shazuo instead."

...

A few minutes later.

Ax Shazuo left the Command Room, while Soron looked in the direction Ax Shazuo was departing, silent for a long time.

Wizard Jules approached and whispered: "General, will you just let him leave like this? The designation he’s borrowed isn’t ordinary. If something really happens, we’re not going to manage explaining."

"He’s already here, so it means some matters cannot be stopped." Soron lightly shook his head and said, "If that’s the case, why not let him proceed openly? The designation, well, since he wants it, give him the best. This way, we’ll also see what Shalin’s attitude is towards us. Pass my orders, have someone secretly keep an eye on this so-called envoy, and watch what happens as he leads his troops to Shalin. No matter what happens, don’t intervene, observe, and report truthfully afterward."

"Yes." Wizard Jules nodded and took steps to leave.

...

The scorching sun hangs high. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

West of Reef Rock Castle, across the vast wasteland.

"Clack clack clack, clack clack clack..."

The rapid sound of hooves emerged from the end of the horizon, accompanied by rising clouds of dust, a large contingent appeared, rushing swiftly.

Approaching, it’s clear it’s a considerably sizeable cavalry unit, numbering around 500 men.

The foremost 100 leading the way, wearing full Magic Rune Armor, are the Magic Knights even Wizards dread facing. Behind them, the other 400 are also elites, their aura of hostility so intense it can’t be concealed, definitely not trained merely by hacking at scarecrow targets.

In the middle of the group, the envoy from Shaya—Ax Shazuo, riding a white steed, moved forward surrounded, as he surveyed the surroundings.

After traveling several miles, a subordinate in yellow clothing drew close to Ax Shazuo, pointed ahead at a small hill, and said: "Sir, beyond that small hill ahead lies within Shalin territory."

"Finally approaching Shalin?" Ax Shazuo squinted while looking at the small hill, turned, and asked the subordinate who spoke, "Is there anything we need to be cautious about after entering Shalin?"

"Well..." The subordinate hesitated, then spoke, "Sir, the first point we should consider is the terrain. In this region of our Alliance’s western border, the area is relatively level before entering Shalin. After entering, the paths become extremely difficult to traverse. Though Shalin has been improving roads and traffic in recent years, you instructed us to remain discreet and avoid main roads, so the path we’ve chosen is very treacherous, we’ll face some hardship.

Secondly, it’s the safety issues. Actually, three years ago, the overall security in Shalin wasn’t great, with Thief Groups running rampant. Now, there are far fewer Thief Groups, mostly gone from the main roads, but we can’t be sure as we take the side paths. But regardless of any Thief Group’s nature, encountering us would be unfortunate for them, we can easily deal with them, at worst, it might delay us a bit.

And..."

The subordinate continued talking as the troops sped past the small hill, and at that moment Ax Shazuo saw a conspicuous two-story stone building in the view ahead.

"What’s that?" Ax Shazuo interrupted the subordinate, pointing forward as he asked with some curiosity.

Upon hearing this, the subordinate looked along Ax Shazuo’s finger for a while and spoke, with some uncertain tone: "A watchtower?"

"Clack clack clack..."

The unit maintained a brisk pace and soon reached the front of the two-story stone building. Two soldiers dressed in leather armor ran out from inside, their rifles ready, watching cautiously.

It really is a watchtower... Ax Shazuo examined them, raising an eyebrow, signaling the troops to halt, and carefully scrutinized the soldiers who had come out.

Two soldiers, one old, one young; the old appearing close to sixty, the young looking not more than twenty. The older soldier exuded a sense of weariness and appeared calm, but his evasive gaze betrayed his inner anxiety. The younger soldier outright hadn’t expected such a sudden influx of people at the watchpoint, his trembling hands showed just how nervous he truly was.