Chapter 679: Chapter 679
Along with his companions, Allen welcomed Shea, who had undergone trials at the temple of the Beast God Garm in the Paradise of Primordial Beasts.
[Allen's Age and key events]
Allen and his companions used the Bird A's Awakened Skill [Homing Instinct] to teleport to their next destination, one of the ghost swarms in Shandar.
The S Rank Beast Summon, which had been summoned to intimidate the Beast God Garm, was returned to its card. Likewise, the Dragon King Matildora and Haku, who had come to impose their presence, circled in the air before slowly landing on the cloud-like ground.
"This is quite the fortress... I see, it has changed significantly."
Shea remarked at their arrival.
The fortress walls stretched endlessly across Shea's field of vision, turning sharply at certain points.
Unlike in the Paradise of Primordial Beasts, the ground was made of clouds, and dragonkin could be seen emerging from buildings nestled within the fortress.
However, unlike the hastily constructed, modest fortress near the ghost swarm where they had previously recruited Grahan, this one was entirely different. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs N(o)vᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt
(A fortress of this magnitude is rare even on the Central Continent.)
Typically, fortresses were built by carving and assembling stone blocks from rocks, but this fortress's walls were seamless, with no visible joints or cracks.
"The renovations on this fortress are finally complete, thanks to Sophie."
"I put my heart into it! This is the least I could do to show my gratitude for collecting the Spirit Stones!"
The ghost swarm in Shandar was a source of relentless enemies. No matter how many were hunted, more would always appear.
Over 100000 dragonkin wardens from Shandar went to hunt ghosts in the Paradise of Primordial Beast, but many remained to defend the fortress.
As a gesture of gratitude for collecting the Spirit Stones, Sophie had agreed to reinforce the fortress, ensuring that the dragonkin left behind wouldn’t struggle even if the ghost swarm became more aggressive.
With her extensive equipment and the buffs provided by her comrades, Sophie Mana and Spiritual Power exceeded 300000.
[Spirits that Sophie can manifest]
The group took a moment to once again admire the formidable fortress that Sophie had constructed. Despite its enormous size, the fortress's strength far surpassed that of any ordinary rock or mineral. Even S Rank monsters or demons would find it nearly impossible to breach.
"This is truly impressive, Allen!"
Abigayle, the overseer of the fortress, emerged from one of the buildings within the U-shaped enclosure. It seemed that one of the guardians had notified him of Allen's arrival.
"Ah, Abigayle. Thank you for greeting us. Have you completed the discussions on your end?"
"Not entirely, but we've made good progress on the selection of personnel."
"Thank you. We'll also need to provide updates to General Lucidral."
As they continued to converse, Allen and Abigayle made their way through the building, constructed from the very stone materials that Allen had provided.
Once they reached the meeting room, the group sat around a circular table, ready to discuss their plans.
"So, Abigayle is joining Allen's Army?"
Shea asked, attempting to confirm her understanding.
"No, Abigayle has been helping to select and coordinate the dragonkin who will be joining our forces. He's been working with the priests from the Dragon God's village."
Allen then elaborated on the current state of affairs for Shea, who had just rejoined them.
Originally, Allen's army had aimed to unite elves, dark elves, and beastmen. Over time, however, the army had grown significantly, incorporating dwarven golem drivers and magic engineers as well, thanks to Allen's expanding influence and contributions across the world.
[Current composition of Allen's Army]
Nations across the world, recognizing Allen's pivotal role in saving the human realm and influencing global events, began to extend offers of cooperation.
Recently, requests had also come in from birdmen and dragonkin to join Allen's army.
Meanwhile, in the Prostia Empire, which Allen had liberated from the Demon King's Army, Empress Rapsonile sent troops with an ulterior motive, to keep an eye on Ignomas, a member of Allen's party.
The Baukis Empire, originally contributing only a few hundred golem drivers and magic engineers, now sent a full-fledged army.
The Baukis Empire was not just supporting Allen's army but was also sending many golem drivers to the fleet of Admiral Galara, who was working closely with the Hero's Army.
"Allen's Army is really coming into its own. Hmm? I don’t see Admiral Galara and his team... Are they still in the Earth Labyrinth?"
Shea remarked as she noticed the absence of Admiral Galara and the rest of the Stinger party.
"Please, have some tea and sweets."
"Thanks, but I'd prefer some meat."
"Certainly, I'll have some prepared."
The fortress housed not just soldiers but also many commoner dragonkin who worked there.
"Yes, more and more forces are joining us. The dragonkin have also agreed to contribute to the army."
Allen had built the fortress as a way to repay the dragonkin for their help in gathering spirit stones.
Although many dragonkin were eager to contribute soldiers to Allen's army, Dragon King Matildora from the Dragon God's village opposed the idea.
'This is a matter concerning the human realm. We cannot allow the Demon King to do as he pleases.'
Matildora asserted, emphasizing that the issue was strictly a human affair, offering men from the Dragon God's Village and rejecting Abigayle's idea of involving the dragonkin wardens.
With Allen summoning the Dragon God Magra, Matildora had made up his mind on what to do.
"Hm? The Dragon King?"
Shea sipped her tea and gave Allen a piercing look.
"Is there a problem with that?"
"It's good that the army is growing. But Allen, what about Lud, my right hand…"
"Lud is aware and has accepted the decision. We selected someone with more experience, and Matildora agreed with that."
Lud had been with Shea since she was small, but Allen had picked Matildora instead.
'Hmph, Don't dwell on it. But leading such a diverse group will be no easy task,'
"Shea, I hope you understand."
Sophie added, trying to appear wise while sipping her tea, and then nodded while placing her index and thumb on her chin, even though she did not really understand either.
"Of course. We already had issues between the elves and dark elves. I don't intend to cause any more problems."
Shea responded, which relieved Sophie.
Allen's army had grown immensely, incorporating numerous races.
Initially, it was formed to gather items and information and strengthen the Five Continents Alliance. However, as Allen's influence expanded, so did the army, becoming a large, diverse force.
With everyone gathered, the discussion about their future activities continued.