The mechanism behind the strengthening hormones remained unclear to Richard, but the lack of understanding didn't stop him from utilizing it. As the hormones flowed through his bloodstream, Richard could feel his cells becoming more active, a subtle change that only a well-trained body could notice.
The transformation was slight at first, almost imperceptible to an ordinary person. However, over time, this minor boost would accumulate, enhancing his overall physical condition. Richard couldn't help but marvel at the process.
"Slowly evolving over time—passive evolution. Once a certain life threshold is reached, even just resting can bring the body to its peak. Truly, dragons are a perfect species," Richard mused.
Yet, despite their perfection, dragons were likely the result of genetic manipulation by an ancient civilization, leaving Richard with a lingering thought.
What kind of monstrous enemy could have brought such an advanced civilization to ruin, leaving it as nothing more than a footnote in history?
He shook his head, dismissing the thought. He was just a newly promoted second-circle wizard; such matters were too distant for him to ponder. There was no point in worrying about it.
Exiting the room, Richard decided to check on the status of the ongoing war. After all, as a technical advisor, it would be beneficial for him to gather intelligence and potentially secure some business deals.
The floating city had changed drastically since Richard's arrival three months ago. The construction surrounding the city had mostly been completed, and the logistical wizards were now working on special projects. Having experienced the Nestworld, Richard recognized that these buildings were fortified strongholds, likely intended to be the last line of defense should the situation become dire.
Walking through the floating city, Richard felt somewhat out of place amid the bustling wizards. After some inquiries, he found the location of the military guild that accompanied the army.
With the war just beginning and no significant spoils yet, the guild was relatively quiet. Richard wandered through the area before stopping in front of a store.
He glanced at the sign before entering.
"Welcome! How may I assist you today?"
A mechanical shop assistant greeted him with a polite smile.
"I'm looking for Bob."
"May I ask who you are and the purpose of your visit...?"
"Hey, Richard! Long time no see!" Bob emerged from the back of the shop, greeting him enthusiastically.
"You've been gone a while. Came back from the front to make some money?" Bob asked.
Richard shrugged, his tone a bit exaggerated. "I've been back for a while. The Fire Lizards aren't as easy to handle as the locals. I ran into a squad of tier-two Fire Lizards as soon as I arrived—almost didn't make it out."
"Whoa, impressive. No wonder you come from a Black Wizard background," Bob said, impressed, giving Richard a thumbs-up.
During this age of expansion, wizards held those with strength in high regard.
"Ah, too much praise," Richard replied humbly.
"No, no, no. I would've been in trouble if I'd gone up," Bob continued, shaking his head. "You just don't know yet. The tier-two Fire Lizards you ran into? That's the elite unit of the Fire Lizards, the Imperial Dragon Guards."
"Imperial Dragon Guards?" Richard asked, intrigued. "Those with the golden masks?"
"Yep, that's the one. So, you ran into them too," Bob confirmed.
Richard nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "With the Fire Lizards targeting us like this, hasn't the command center come up with any countermeasures?"
"Countermeasures? Of course," Bob said, pulling Richard a chair. "The command center decided to send in the Black Wizards for urban warfare. This kind of warfare needs individual combat strength, and Black Wizards are perfect for it."
Richard wasn't too surprised. He agreed that Black Wizards were well-suited for urban warfare due to their superior individual combat prowess and resilience. Even when facing danger, their survival chances were much higher compared to White Wizards.
"Sending Black Wizards in should speed things up, right?" Richard asked.
Bob waved dismissively. "No, not really. We've met some tough resistance. These Fire Lizards are a handful. Over three months, we've captured about ten cities. But the more we fight, the more scattered our forces become, and our advance slows down."
With a sigh, Bob continued, "I'm afraid it'll be tough to collect the payment this time."
Richard shook his head slightly at Bob's defeatist attitude. Wizards who were accustomed to easy victories often struggled with setbacks. Bob was part of the guild, so his attitude didn't hold the same weight as it would if he were a frontline White Wizard. If one of them had spoken like that, it would've demoralized the entire army.
"Don't be so pessimistic, Bob," Richard said calmly. "We're working hard, and the Fire Lizards are definitely feeling the strain. I heard the Fire Lizards are split into three factions—this is something we can use."
Once the frontline slows down, Black Wizards would be sent to conduct behind-the-lines operations—assassinations, sabotage, or even manipulating some of the Fire Lizard high command could be viable tactics.
Richard's mind started turning. In previous wars, wizards had often leveraged the internal conflicts of native species to expedite their conquest, reducing losses along the way.
---
Meanwhile, in the Morik Empire's capital, inside a grand obsidian pyramid adorned with golden patterns...
"Harash, why are my Imperial Dragon Guards taking such heavy losses recently?" The Fire Lizard King Morik sat on his golden throne, staring down at his trusted general, Harash.
Harash knelt, trembling under the oppressive presence of the Fire Lizard King. He knew his liege was displeased.
Harash tried to explain himself calmly. "Your Majesty, this is a strategy of attrition. The individual combat strength of the wizards is far greater than ours. Without an elite strategy, our soldiers wouldn't even have the chance to weaken their numbers in small-scale battles."
There was a long silence.
The Fire Lizard King stared at the golden patterns on the obsidian floor, the oppressive pressure of his dragon's presence unwavering despite Harash's explanation.
"What was the last thing I told you when I granted you command?" The King finally spoke, his voice chilling.
Harash immediately recalled the Fire Lizard King's last words—"Minimize casualties, and be wary of the other two empires." But he had done all he could to reduce losses.
"I remember, Your Majesty," Harash responded cautiously, "I've tried to minimize casualties, but..."
"You're minimizing casualties by throwing my Imperial Dragon Guards around like stones?" The Fire Lizard King cut him off, his eyes blazing.
Harash could only lower his head, silent in the face of the King's wrath.
The King closed his eyes, and after a pause, said coldly, "Harash, return to your quarters. Donar will take over the front."
"...Yes, Your Majesty."
Harash left the palace, handing a golden dragon horn to a servant. "Give this to Marshal Donar."
"Yes, General," the hooded servant replied.
Harash sighed as he left the palace. "I'm no longer a Marshal. Now, I'm just General Harash."
The servant raised his head, speaking softly but firmly, "Your talent is known throughout the Morik Empire, General. You may have temporarily stepped down, but your value is still recognized."
Harash eyed the servant carefully, then suddenly pulled off the hood from his head. "Princess... you flatter me."
The Princess looked at him seriously. "I mean it, General Harash."
Without further words, Harash turned and left, his thoughts heavy. "Maybe I'm just temporarily stepping down," he mused, looking up at the twin suns. "I hope so."
---
Back in the general's residence, Harash's son, Azuhan, stared at his father with disbelief. "You've been demoted?"
His father, the great Harash, had been removed from his position as commander during such a critical war. Could the Fire Lizard King truly be making such a mistake?
Harash remained calm as he explained, "The King didn't approve of my strategies and has decided to let Donar take over. It's fine; I'll rest for a while."
"But Donar isn't as capable as you, Father!" Azuhan began to argue, but stopped as he noticed his father's calm demeanor.
From a young age, Harash had taught him to focus on solutions, not to dwell on why things happened.
"Father, I want to join the army!" Azuhan suddenly said.
"I forbid it," Harash replied firmly.
"Why not?" Azuhan protested. "I'm strong enough now! Even the Imperial Dragon Guards wouldn't be a match for me."
"It's simple," Harash answered. "You're still not strong enough. The battlefield has changed. Even the Imperial Dragon Guards are just slightly bigger cannon fodder now."
Harash added with a finality, "Don't try to sneak into the army. Even though I'm no longer Marshal, I still have influence within the army."
Azuhan clenched his fists, frustrated, but said nothing more.
Harash looked up at the twin suns again, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. "This war... will last much longer than expected."
(End of Chapter 219)