[801-1000] THE EVOLUTION OF A GOBLIN TO THE PEAK

Chapter 958 Meeting

Fort Rindo, Giza Continent.

A middle-aged man with short blonde hair and yellow eyes stood beside the window, gazing out at the landscape beyond the mansion. He was clad in exquisite armor that emitted a potent energy, marking him unmistakably as Bargan Hevifield, the Flame Master.

Seated not far from Bargan were a man and a woman, engaged in conversation on a plush sofa.

The man boasted a thick chestnut beard and closely cropped hair of the same hue. His attire, crafted from fine materials, bespoke his status as the Admiral of Fort Rindo's naval army: Admiral Geopaz.

The woman, garbed in a mage robe that concealed much of her form, possessed bright eyes, cherry lips, and long brown hair cascading down her shoulders. Adorned with delicate earrings and wristbands, she was none other than Shimley, the Ascendant Storm—a Hero-rank adventurer hired by Admiral Geopaz. All three individuals had ascended to the pinnacle of Hero-rank, having shattered the tenth shackles and reached the coveted Freedom Realm, as known in God's Continent.

"The demons... Do you think they'll attempt to traverse the waters?" Shimley inquired, turning her gaze to Bargan.

"With the collapse of the Heretic's Dynasty and the significant losses suffered by the Gigantis Kingdom, surviving remnants are scrambling to endure. The demons, however, have remained dormant since you vanquished their main force," Admiral Geopaz responded.

"They're amassing near Heaven's Mount. Should the Demon Pillar emerge, the Gigantis Kingdom's deities will confront him. The plan seems sound, but I can't shake this foreboding feeling," Bargan remarked, his eyes narrowing in concern.

"True, everything is proceeding remarkably smoothly. But therein lies the cause for concern," Admiral Geopaz added.

"Isn't that a positive sign?" Shimley interjected.

"In theory, yes. But it also raises suspicions. There's a possibility that the demons are orchestrating events to deceive us into believing our plans are unfolding predictably," Admiral Geopaz explained.

"What if... there's another Demon Army infiltrating our continent? At present, the situation in the Listen Wastes remains uncertain, so if a secondary force were to arrive..." Bargan's voice trailed off, the implication clear.

"You're suggesting they might assault the Gigantis Kingdom from multiple fronts? The demons amassing at Heaven's Mount could be merely a decoy," Admiral Geopaz surmised, grasping Bargan's implication.

"It would be a gruesome conflict. We must brace ourselves for the worst," Shimley concurred, her expression grim. Then, a thought struck her. "Wait, I've heard rumors that the Mechanic Country intends to deploy its forces against the demons. Is there any truth to this?"

"Indeed. They plan to mobilize, but their arrival won't be immediate. If we wait for their intervention, it might be too late for the Gigantis Kingdom. Moreover, the Mechanic Country's alliance with us is uncertain. Reports suggest they'll navigate the waters to reach the Listen Wastes directly," Admiral Geopaz clarified.

The situation was dire. If only the Three Great Countries could commit their forces, things might have been more manageable. However, their wariness of the Bringers of Calamity, especially after the sighting of the Zodiac Leo in the Giza Continent, prevented them from doing so. The memory of the Zodiacs' previous assault on the Three Great Countries decades ago loomed large, adding to their caution. With reports of Gula's rampage in God's Continent, the chaos only intensified.

"What if the Zodiacs follow Gula's lead? A war between the Three Great Countries and the Zodiacs would be catastrophic," Shimley voiced, echoing the concerns shared by many.