The Fire Thieves, undaunted by life and death, possessed terrifying power when they self-destructed, but this place was, after all, the Church’s home turf.
With Earl Barro and a Great Knight of the Church taking action, the remaining Fire Thieves were quickly eliminated.
In just a short moment, the scene returned to calm. However, many had died!
The Fire Thieves’ suicidal attacks were clearly premeditated, targeting densely populated spots in the first wave, as well as certain nobles of exalted status.
And most of the casualties occurred in that first wave.
The once peaceful and serene banquet site was now littered with severed limbs and flesh, a sight too ghastly to endure.
"Those goddamn Fire Thieves!"
Earl Barro, drenched in the blood of the Fire Thieves, patrolled the site with his sword, his face filled with rage.
How could he not be furious?
The attendees of today’s banquet all held significant status in Sigerno City, and now the casualties were severe.
The deaths of these people would affect not only Sigerno City but also the ongoing battlefront to some extent.
"How did they infiltrate this place?"
Turning around, Barro bellowed at the Church’s representatives, "What kind of job have you been doing?"
The people of the Church, usually lofty and aloof, were now clenching their fists, bowing their heads, enduring his reprimands.
"Search!" Barro roared. "Even if we have to turn Sigerno City upside down, we must find out who else is lurking in the shadows within. I need an explanation!"
Members of the Inspection Hall and the city guards all responded in agreement.
The Church also called in people to assist with the investigation, but it was clear that others were not optimistic about the outcome.
This attack seemed more like a well-prepared demonstration. Those remaining had likely already fled Sigerno City, making searches ineffective.
A few people, perhaps thinking of something, showed worried expressions.
Less than a hundred kilometers from Sigerno City, a burly man stood on a hillside, his hands clasped behind his back.
He was tall, but insignificant compared to the hillside itself. Yet, whenever someone looked at him, they would subconsciously overlook the hillside at his feet.
This man’s presence was like a towering mountain, standing tall and proud, as if with a mere lift of his hand he could tear the heavens asunder.
The frontline commander of Kolon, the Thunder Spear.
Unexpectedly, he was not on the battlefield between the two nations but appeared in a place not far from Sigerno City.
"Didn’t show up?" Gazing towards Sigerno City, Tucker spoke slowly, "It seems Antonio has indeed left; this city now lacks the Archbishop’s presence."
"Yes." A man in red robes bowed his head in response. "Our attack resulted in the deaths of more than twenty influential individuals, yet there’s still no sign of Antonio making an appearance."
"If he were here, some people wouldn’t have died."
Although the Divine Arts of the regional Archbishop couldn’t bring people back from the dead, they could save the lives of those who were severely injured. Minor injuries could be healed in the span of a Breath.
"How many Great Knights are there in the city?" Tucker asked. "Can we open the city gates?"
"General," the man in red robes answered, "there should be five Great Knights in Sigerno City. The Noble Council and the Church each have two, and there is also Earl Barro from Gando Royal City."
"Hmm... I’m not certain if there are any Great Knights accompanying Princess Du Na of the Sake Kingdom. If there are, then it would be six."
Six? Tucker’s expression remained unchanged. As long as there was no enhancement from the Archbishop’s Divine Arts, he feared no Great Knight. Even when facing several Great Knights working together, as the Thunder Spear, he still had great confidence in achieving ultimate victory.
"In this attack, we killed many opponents, but we still haven’t fully secured control over the city gates," the man in red robes continued. "Even though we hold leverage over him, Frank of the Noble Council is still hesitating."
"Hmph!" Tucker snorted. "Useless!"
It was unclear whether he referred to Frank or his subordinates; the man in red robes instinctively lowered his head.
After thinking for a moment, he further explained, "This attack has dealt a heavy blow to the powerful of Sigerno City and has also confirmed Antonio’s departure. But such a big commotion will inevitably lead to their counterattack, and it will be difficult for our people to stir up major trouble in the city anytime soon."
"Don’t make excuses." Tucker said emotionlessly, "No matter what methods you use, no matter what the cost, the gates must be opened within ten days. As long as my army enters Sigerno City, nothing else matters. There’s no need to worry about anything else!"
"Yes." The red-haired man responded gravely, "I will accomplish it."
"If you don’t..." Tucker glanced at him. "Cut off your own head!"
"..." The red-haired man’s eyes constricted, and his body tensed. "Yes!"
The shop Carl was given by the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce was located in the southern district of the Herbal Market, covering more than fifty square meters.
There was a partition in the middle of the shop, with goods displayed in the front for sale and space in the back to refine Potions.
In the corner, there were also two folding wooden beds for temporary rest or for someone to watch the shop at night.
Ayala, holding a rag, wiped the counter again and again until its gloss could reflect a person’s face.
She was very excited.
Nominally, the shop belonged to Carl, but in reality, she was the true Pharmacist and salesperson.
Even the profits were largely hers, with Carl taking only a very small share. So, she was the true owner of the shop.
"There’s no need to wipe it so clean." Carl adjusted his clothing and, as he was leaving, couldn’t help but say, "The Potions are to be supplied primarily to the Chamber of Commerce, and some will go to other shops, so not much will be left here."
"I know." Ayala replied with a smile, "One should always take care of their own possessions."