The expressions of the Divine Officials all turned serious. When it came to the demi-humans of the Abelion Hills, no amount of caution and seriousness was too much. As the first agenda item, nothing was more important than this matter.
Wind Divine Official Dominic, feeling the probing gazes of the others, spoke with a grave face: "The [Black Scripture]'s Seer, during a recent mission to monitor the Hill area, unexpectedly discovered a situation of multi-demi-human race alliance."
The air stilled.
"A demi-human race alliance?"
"Are you sure there wasn't a mistake? How could the relationships between those demi-humans possibly lead to an alliance?"
"Could it be a situation where weaker demi-human tribes are dependent on stronger tribes?"
Voices of discussion arose.
The Divine Officials were clearly somewhat surprised by this situation. They could be considered "old friends" with the demi-humans of the Hill area. Even if they didn't completely understand them, they possessed a great deal of information, making it difficult to imagine that these demi-humans would actually unite.
Clang!
A powerful hand slammed onto the table, emitting a muffled sound, restoring silence to the air.
"Alright, since it's the result of the Seer's detection, then there's likely no possibility of a mistake." Earth Divine Official Raymond expressionlessly opened his mouth, "What's the specific situation?"
This was a Divine Official who was relatively young compared to the other Divine Officials, with sharp eyes and a strong physique. He appeared to be only in his 40s, a middle-aged man with a stern and unyielding aura.
Having once belonged to the most mysterious [Black Scripture] within the Six Scriptures Squad, he had a greater understanding and recognition of the Seer's abilities compared to everyone present.
"According to the Starfall Seer's description, the demi-human races currently known to be allied are the Zern, the Troll, the Pandex, the Magelos, and the Armat clans."
The Divine Officials' originally calm expressions changed. They simultaneously raised their heads, staring at Wind Divine Official Dominic with astonishment.
They had assumed that the so-called "demi-human race alliance" was only two or three races, and even guessed that they were weaker demi-human races from the Hill area.
They never expected them to all be powerful races!
Wind Divine Official Dominic didn't seem to notice the surprise of the others, and continued to speak in a cold voice: "Currently, I have already arranged for the Starfall Seer to focus on monitoring the Hill area, based on past and currently known information analysis."
"The combined strength of the 5 demi-human races is unknown. In terms of powerful individuals, those who have reached the Fourth Tier magic level include the Pandex Queen Mother, the Zern King, and two members of the Magelos."
"At the Heroic Domain power level, there's the Magelos 'Iceflame Lightning' and the Armat King from the 'powerful demi-humans'."
"The situation of the troll Clan is unknown. There has never been any sign of unification before. It is suspected that a powerful troll superior species has controlled the troll Clan, possibly one of the Water Element troll Taki or the Earth Element troll Heap."
Having said this, Wind Divine Official Dominic looked at the other Divine Officials who had fallen silent, leaned his body slightly forward, and said in a cold voice: "I've said it before, this group of damned alien races in the Hill area needs to be dealt with."
"Maintaining chaos may be a countermeasure, but once a 'wise man' is born among the demi-humans, or if they achieve the feat of unification like the Hill Dwarves 200 years ago."
As soon as these words came out, several Divine Officials frowned slightly, but more of them simply felt a terrible mood after hearing this news.
Dark Divine Official Maximilian opened his mouth: "Alright, Dominic, this strategy is a joint decision of all previous Divine Officials."
This was a refined-looking old man wearing glasses, who came from one of the three major institutions, the "Judiciary". Several magic books floated around him, a magical device that improved upon the "floating board".
The other Divine Officials nodded almost imperceptibly; they agreed with this strategy of the previous Divine Officials.
As the chosen people of God, humans were still too weak.
The Divine Officials, who knew the nature of "humans" well, knew that once they were in a comfortable environment, "internal strife", "laziness", "comfort", and "selfishness" would become the main themes.
The existence of the demi-humans in the Hill area was a warning bell.
At least, judging from the current development of the Holy Kingdom, it met their expectations. In terms of comprehensive national strength and military strength, it surpassed the other countries.
Of course, they also saw another possibility at the moment - the Baharuth Empire!
Under the leadership of an "aberration" and an excellent "king", it had unleashed a result that far exceeded their expectations.
"Too strange."
"It's simply nonsense. Leaving aside the issue of appearance, these demi-human races would not have the possibility of uniting based on habits alone." Light Divine Official Ion extended a withered finger, forcefully tapping the table lightly.
This was a thin and bony figure, the moisture in his skin seemed to have evaporated long ago, and his wrinkled face gave people a sinister feeling.
If it weren't for the insignia of the Light Divine Official on his body, anyone who saw his appearance would probably suspect that this person was the real Dark Divine Official.
Earth Divine Official Raymond: "Regardless of whether it's strange or not, this problem has now appeared. This group of demi-humans has coalesced together, already possessing the ability to easily destroy cities and break through national defenses."
"That's right." Dark Divine Official Maximilian seriously continued: "The most crucial issue is that once a trend is formed, there is indeed a possibility of unifying the demi-humans in the Hill area."
The Divine Officials' expressions became even more serious; they realized that continuing to let it go could turn into a big trouble.
Suddenly, Water Divine Official Cineadin, who had been silent all along, coughed softly, drawing everyone's attention. This was also an old man, so old that one couldn't tell his age, and even his entire skin had a unique earthy color.
Water Divine Official Cineadin's half-closed eyes flickered with wise light, and he slowly said: "The one who should be most worried right now shouldn't be us, right?"
"The Holy Kingdom is closest to the Hill, don't tell me they don't know anything right now."
The Abelion Hills directly bordered the Holy Kingdom. Although the Slane Theocracy was located on the eastern side of the Hill area, it was blocked by mountains, so there was no need to worry too much about safety issues.
Speaking of "Holy Kingdom," the Divine Officials present had expressions ranging from expressionless to cold, while some let out an almost imperceptible snort.
As a Holy Kingdom with a strong religious atmosphere, under normal circumstances, its relationship with the Slane Theocracy should be good.
But the reality was, although the relationship between the two countries couldn't be described as extremely bad, they were also mutually incompatible. This issue was relatively complicated. If one had to offer a reason, then it would be the issue of faith.
The Slane Theocracy worshiped the "Six Great Gods", while the Holy Kingdom worshiped the "Four Great Gods". There were two Gods that the Holy Kingdom explicitly did not recognize.
"That's the second thing I wanted to talk about." High Priest Dominic of the Wind spoke, taking out several pieces of information from his robes and spreading them out on the table.
The other High Priests each picked up the information to read, and soon, expressions of disgust and anger appeared on everyone's faces.
"With such long-standing hatred towards the Hill Demi-humans, these nobles are still doing such foolish things." High Priest Ion of Light said in a cold voice.
High Priest Dominic of the Wind: "Heh, the foolishness and greed of nobles are like a plague, becoming more serious with time."
High Priest Maximilian of Darkness sighed softly: "Because of the existence of that city wall, peaceful hearts will only be eroded by desire again."
"How exactly is Saintess Calca managing the country? It took her over two months to deal with that group of nobles, with so much food entering the hills..." The wrinkles on High Priest Ion of Light's face became even more pronounced.
"It's not all bad."
A faint voice attracted the attention of the High Priests.
"At least we can confirm one thing: the demi-humans in the Hill region won't trade with humans. It must be an outsider—I mean, this abnormal situation might be related to this 'outsider'." High Priest Dominic of the Wind's deep eyes flickered slightly: "Relying solely on astrology for aimless detection over a thousand miles is limited. We can start from the Holy Kingdom's side."
"Mm."
"Activate the hidden agents to first determine the specific situation. We must not allow the demi-human races of the Abelion Hills any chance to unite."
"If the Holy Kingdom doesn't take action, give them a push and have the [Sunlight Scripture] on standby."
"I second that!"
"I second that!"
"I second that!"
Abelion Hills
The sun hangs high, enveloping the entire hill region, wantonly radiating light and heat.
In a season that should be rich in rainfall, it hasn't rained for two consecutive months, and drought conditions have already emerged, with the humid rainforests and grasslands becoming dry.
The rainy season not only brings abundant rainfall but also allows plants to grow, providing food for beasts and magical creatures. The lack of this link will quickly cause a chain reaction, leading to a food shortage.
Great Grassland
This is an area located in the central region of the hill region, a vast grassland occupied by the well-known and powerful race of Zoastia.
At this moment, a figure exuding a domineering aura walks on the grassland, tall and sturdy, covered in dark gray fur.
The upper body is that of a beastman, with a face resembling a "leopard," having a pair of downward-pointing fangs, while the lower body is a beast-like physique.
Vijar Rajandala—King of the Zoastia.
Currently, Vaijar face reveals worry as he strides forward with his strong limbs, stepping on the dry grassland covered in tiny cracks, and looking up.
In the distance, there's a lush green scene, but it's just an illusion. Vijar retracts his gaze, narrows the distance, and can clearly see the sparse grass sprouts on the ground, their height not even reaching half a thumb.
Normally, the grass in the Great Grassland would already be a palm's height, and the current situation is somewhat beyond Vijar's usual understanding.
Possessing immense power, and even bearing the great title of "Demon Claw" that has resonated throughout the hill region for 200 years, "Demon Claw."
At this moment, Vijar feels a sense of unease rising from the depths of his heart.
The title "Demon Claw" has been passed down through the family, and he inherited it from his father.
Since inheriting this title, "Demon Claw" Vijar has had two dreams: one is to prove his strength to the other races in the hill region, deserving of this great title.
The second is to lead the tribe to become even more prosperous.
But now, an unavoidable problem has appeared before him—food and water!
The Zoastia tribe prefers the meat of cattle and horses, so they raise these livestock on the vast grasslands.
"Demon Claw" Vijar looks at the sparse grass sprouts on the ground, knowing very well that it's not enough to feed the cattle and horses. A food shortage is inevitable!
But that's later; right now, water is the serious problem.
This unprecedented crisis, with no experience to refer to, makes Vijar feel a sense of panic.
Bang, poof!
Bang, poof!
Violent vibrations come from the grassland, and two equally tall figures quickly run over, creating gusts of air wherever they pass.
The two figures quickly appear in front of Vijar.
"King."
"King."
Two voices sound, one respectful, the other relatively calm.
The one uttering the respectful voice is a member of his own tribe, named Muar Praxua, a fellow tribesman whom he respects and takes seriously.
His "Demon Claw" fame comes from his ancestors, while the tribesman before him has earned the title of one of the "powerful demi-humans," "Black Steel," through his own strength.
Vijar looks at the other one.
The other is a half-beastman, similar in appearance to their tribe, except that the upper body resembles a human, while the lower body is a strong, beastly version of four limbs.
Also one of the "powerful demi-humans," with the title "Beast General."
Facing the other's indifferent attitude, Vijar is actually somewhat annoyed. The reason the other appears here is because the half-beastman tribe is dependent on the Zoastia tribe.
Calling him "King" is only because of the race, not because of strength. If the other were famous for individual strength, he wouldn't mind fighting to prove his power.
However, the other is not.
"Beast General" Hektor Weiss is widely known as a brilliant general capable of overcoming a tenfold numerical disadvantage. Once he leads an army, he displays terrifying abilities.
[TL: Not sure of the name]
Knowing that the other is not skilled in personal combat, insisting on defeating him by force would be too embarrassing.
"King, the tribe has been pacified."
"The most urgent task now is to find a water source that can completely reassure the tribe." Muar said, panting.
"If the drought continues, the water source must be able to guarantee the tribe's long-term supply."
Vijar is well aware of this. The question is how to solve it. He subconsciously looks at "Beast General" Hektor Weiss beside him.
"As far as I know, there are two water sources in the hill region that will not dry up."
"Beast General" Hektor Weiss said in a steady voice, "One is the river left by the Northern Mountains, and the other is the Southern Mountains, but both of these mountains have a large number of tribes gathered nearby."
"As the drought worsens, these tribes will desperately try to secure their water sources."