The Stonehearted Knight-Chapter 446: The current situation

"Is there truly peace or has the war halted for some other reason?"

Hex knew there was no way to achieve peace. Not this time. Every participant believed it to be the end of all Ages. Hearing the war had finished, filled him with more worry than joy.

While Hex didn’t understand what that entailed exactly, he knew no one would withdraw from it halfway through it.

There was a lot riding on this war. Everyone had their own motivation to win this. A temporary halt was more like it. But somehow that made things worse.

Wars often developed with momentum. Halting it midway would destroy all the progress made up to that point. It didn’t seem like something just anyone would risk.

The twins slid a booklet toward Sterling. Hex knew what it was. A report from merchant spies, filled with information. They limited the content based on the amount paid, of course.

"According to this consolidated report I received – as you know we have to buy from different parties to get a less subjective view on matters – the world has been conquered."

Hex blinked a few times. This couldn’t be right. He refused to believe it. There were many factions, nations, and powerhouses. Not to mention, a few slumbering Sins and Taboos.

’We have been here for a month. Maybe two, at most. There is no way the war could be concluded in just two months.’

Hex had assumed from the very start that a war that threatened to change the world beyond recognition would take years, decades maybe. Not even someone like Divine Lord could engineer such a feat.

"Surprised, aren’t you?" Sterling continued reading the report, once he was sure Hex was focused on him. He seemed pleased with how unsettled Hex had been with the news.

"It’s not what you think. Albeit, I confess to have started this way deliberately. You see, the world is conquered but not by one person or faction.

It’s more like the world is now divided in less pieces and under a few leaders. Each has conquered a piece of the world closest to their center and will use that as their base to resume the war."

"So, they have expanded their borders and have eliminated stray forces. Anyone unwilling to join them has been removed," Hex concluded, gaining a better understanding. It made sense. As if aligned with how he expected things to proceed, he calmed a little.

Those powerhouses could have betrayed them in a disadvantageous situation. Having consolidated the forces, they could move against the true opponents with less risks within their own ranks.

Hex looked toward Sterling. "So why did this news put you all in such low spirits then?"

The war wasn’t over. The competition’s next round would soon commence too. Their position and display of abilities had also been good. There was plenty to win. And there were plenty of allies to choose from. So, why were these people slumped in their chairs?

No one replied for a while. He looked from the team to Sterling and then back to the team. Only an unheard sigh lingered in the air.

It was Quid who stood up and explained. He pulled the report out of Sterling’s hand who seemed to be gripping and wringing it with enough force to tear it into two.

"You see, the situation is tense and fragile. With how the world is now, trade between territories have stopped. Right now, everyone is focused on removing spies, enemies, and other suspicious elements. Heck, they are trying to control all the main routes, whether they are on land, on water, or through the air."

"What that means for us," Sterling joined with a nasty growl, "is that no new merchants will be allowed into these places. After all, the existing merchant unions are already handling the inner trade and resource storage. There is no need for new ones. Unless..."

"Unless you guys join an existing group and work for them," Hex completed his sentence.

He understood their lowered enthusiasm. If these people wished to work for someone else, they would have done so already. There would not have been a reason for them to abandon their lives, brave through dangers, and compete against others.

"So, are you guys giving up?" Hex asked, after weighing his options to console them. Nothing would work. This might. And it did.

They all glared at him. One by one, they spoke up, refusing to give up. At first they whispered. Then they shouted. Finally, they cursed and gulped down the wine. All of it. It was still morning when they finished the wine and snoozed on the tables.

"Thanks," Sterling smiled. He was drunk too. But his tolerance was above most.

Hex just nodded. He took the report and went through it.

The North consisted of seven nations. One empire, three kingdoms, two alliances, and one ruled by armed forces. There was an eighth territory further up north. It was the largest piece of land, stretching without limits. But it was barren. No one ruled it. There was but a note.

The boundless expanse of frozen land and shattered Ice lakes remains empty under the eye of the Winged One.

’The winged one. Sounds like a Taboo. They sure like to wrap themselves in a mystery. Oldest One. Winged One. What’s next? A dead one?’

The majority of the Endless Mountains and some pieces south of it were under the rule of the Warlords. Not much was known about these lands as few ventured deep into the mountains and even less returned.

Most of the mountains housed beasts, many of which were Devils. There were several tribes too, wandering from place to place. A select few merchants had managed to secure trade with some of these people but they guarded their connections and routes with their lives.

...not much can be said aside from the fact that the Warlords seem to have transformed the harsh mountains into a bastion. None of the forces have even tried to get near them so far.

’That sounds like the crazy people they are. I think Gronke is pleased with this bit.’

The western side was completely dominated by the High Temple. They had conquered everything swiftly. Most attacks were led by Templars. And they won every battle with zero casualty on their side.

And finally, the forces of Asterella under the Divine Lord’s command. They had the least amount of land under their rule. But they had taken control over all sea routes near the southern borders of the continent.

...instead of going north, the forces of prince Orosol have focused on the Southern Isles and the drifting lands.

’He is waiting for the Crack to disappear. After all, his brother and the Wrixian army are on this side.’