After delivering the goods, the man quickly disappeared into the darkness without saying a word.

"Shadows? Ace, did you get the Dark Philosopher's Stone from a man named Brno? Stark asked, frowning.

Seeing Ace nodding, Stark continued, "That guy turned out to be from the regiment. I think he's already told you. Do you know why he left the regiment? ”

Ace shook his head: "He didn't tell me. ”

Stark looked at the dancing flames in the furnace: "After the Dragon Slaying Campaign, the dark mages were found to be in collusion with the Demon Dragon, trying to use the power of the Demon Dragon to overthrow the Empire. As a result, the Mage Guild issued a kill order to all dark mages within the Empire. At that time, naturally, many people stood up against the decision of the Magician Society, and Brno was one of them. ”

However, the Wizards' Guild did not retract the order and still killed all the dark mages in the Empire. In a fit of rage, Nabrno left the regiment of fighters and lived in the Black City. He also trained a group of people who worked for him, called Shadows. What you just saw is one of them. ”

Ace asked curiously, "Brno said that he has a good connection in the Imperial Army. Did he ever have a high rank in this regiment? ”

Rick said, "He used to be the leader of the Bruises. Do you think he has a high rank? ”

Ace was taken aback. He didn't expect Brno to be so good. He was the head of this regiment. In other words, his strength is at least higher than that of a war general, equivalent to the level of a great magician.

"It is because of his high status that he can now obtain many rare items and more secret information from the Imperial Army." Stark said, taking the Dark Philosopher's Stone from Ace. "With this Dark Philosopher's Stone, this high-level wand will truly be complete."

When the high-level dark magic stone was embedded in the top of the magic wand, a visible energy filled the blacksmith's shop.

They were immediately surrounded by intense waves of black energy. After a long time, the black color gradually dissipated.

Ace held the Earth Staff and felt the magical communication between himself and the magic staff. This feeling is completely different from the feeling that comes with a low-level magic wand.

Lower-level wands don't feel like they're one with the wand, but higher-level wands do.

"Tomorrow you go to the barracks alone, I won't send you. Forging this one today, the magic wand took a lot of my energy. I am tired. I'll take a break first. Stark feigned annoyance.

As Stark was about to go upstairs, Ace stood up and shouted, "Teacher! ”

Stark turned and looked at him suspiciously.

"Thank you!"

These are Ace's most sincere words. He really admired Stark as a teacher. In Ace's opinion, Rick's actions have gone beyond the scope of a teacher, and is more like a blood related elder.

"Stinky boy, behave well in the army. Don't disgrace your Monchi family! With that, Stark went upstairs.

Ace had a little more firmness in his eyes, because his teacher Stark had a little more strength!

The next morning, Ace and Alexander woke up early, and Kling followed them. On the other side, Stark didn't make any noise, I don't know if it was because he was really tired last night, or because he didn't want to go through such a sad parting.

Ace took Alexander and Kling to the military camp outside the imperial capital. It was dark, and there was no one on the streets of the imperial capital.

But when Ace came outside the city, he found that it was already crowded with people, most of whom were relatives of the soldiers.

As far as the eye could see, the military tents, which were invisible in the distance, were put away, and a large group of soldiers were loading them into the wagon.

The soldiers of the empire had already packed their bags and were ready to go. They were well arranged. Under the command of several dozen commanders, they were divided into dozens of regiments.

It is estimated that there are about 90,000 people.

"Wow! This is the first time I've seen so many soldiers! What a terrible momentum! Alexander couldn't help but cry. In this extremely serious atmosphere, he did not dare to be too presumptuous.

Ace walked slowly forward, and soon she saw Al Slime, who was listening to a report from a subordinate.

"In the past half month, we have recruited more people from all over the Empire, including 3,124 magicians, 54,212 warriors, and 36,542 knights. Among them, many warriors and knights participated in the large-scale battles of the empire for the first time, so ..."

Aier interrupted the reporter: "Don't worry about this, we don't have enough manpower now, we can't manage so much!" ”

The reporter lowered his head and continued: "At present, the battlefield supplies are only enough for all our soldiers for three months. If we add those who are still alive at the front, it will be enough for only two months. ”

Aier's face is obviously not very good-looking: "Two months? That's it? The empire is so big, the products are abundant, the water and soil are very good. Why do you only get so much food? ”

The reporter sensed Aier's anger and was already trembling. At this time, he was even more scared.

He had heard of the general's deeds, which were a nightmare for countless soldiers. It is said that she is very strict in governing the army, and military law is always the first place. Many of those who entered the imperial army were severely punished by her for violating military law, and some were even sentenced to death.

There was once a nobleman's child in the Imperial Army, who was sentenced to death by Al for disobeying orders in battle. This caused an uproar in the empire, and many nobles gathered in the palace to demand that the king remove Eyre from her rank and deprive her of her noble status.

But in the end? The sons of the nobles were still executed, and Al remained untouched.

From then on, all the officers and soldiers did not dare to continue to ignore the imperial military law, and her deeds began to spread. The reporter's voice trembled: "Respected archmagician, those local nobles said that now the empire is full of demonic beasts, which seriously affects the grain harvest. Therefore, the food they turn in now is their limit! ”

"Nonsense!" Ayr's eyes were already angry.

As soon as the reporter heard Ayr's tone, he was already trembling. How could he hold on? As soon as his legs were weak, he immediately fell to the ground, and he didn't dare to breathe. He didn't want to have her leg broken in anger.

In fact, Aier knows very well that it is not the fault of the reporting officer at all, but the fault of the selfish aristocracy, which is disgusting. They are like the moths of the Empire, sucking every drop of the blood of the Empire's civilians.

Recently, while various parts of the empire have indeed been affected by the changes in the Monster Mountain Range, those that have fled will choose forests or wastelands to settle and inhabit, which will not have much impact on the land of the Empire's farms.

The so-called "influence on the grain harvest" was just an excuse for the selfish aristocracy who were simply unwilling to give grain to the empire, especially in these turbulent times.

No one can predict how long this big war will last. Even Eyre, an important figure in the Imperial Army, is uncertain. Those ignorant aristocrats are even more uncertain.

Ace saw a rare sign of helplessness on Ayr's face.

"The Great Magician of El." Ace walked up to her and saluted her.

The traces of helplessness on Ayr's face disappeared in an instant.

"Well, we're going to start soon. Hurry up and join the group of mages out there. Al said, gesturing to the mage group camp not far away.

As Ace passed by with Alexander and Ayr, they felt only a scorching breath pass over them. Alexander immediately grabbed Ace and quickly walked away, his feet stained with grease.

When they arrived at the Mage Group camp, they found that the personnel were basically in place.

The mage group divides the team into four chunks based on the level of the mage.

Levels of Grand Mage and above are one area, Advanced Mage is one area, Intermediate Mage is one area, and Low Mage is one area.

Ace's identity is a little awkward. He didn't know which square he belonged to. In terms of age and seniority, Ace should stand in the academy. However, according to his own strength, he should stand in the ranks of intermediate magicians.

Just as he hesitated, one of the academy's mages shouted to Ace, "Ace, you two are here for the time being. ”

When Ace heard the words and looked around, he discovered that it was a water system mage from the academy who had asked questions in this mage's class. The kind mage was very pleased with Ace's wisdom and diligence.

In Ace's impression, this mage should be called Marcus Leth. Marcus is young. He looks like he's only 28 years old, but he's already a great magician. He is also the youngest Grand Magician in the Academy.

When Ace first meets Marcus, he is also surprised. After all, he didn't expect such a young great magician in the academy to teach students.

When he arrives at the student group, Ace looks at the magicians around him and notices that they still have three stars on their collars. It seems that in half a month, they did not make a breakthrough.

Judging by the tired expressions on the faces of the students, they should have suffered a lot during this time, so to speak, physically and mentally exhausted.

Soon, Arak and Leon also arrived outside the city. Of course, they were not soldiers of the expedition. They were just here to see Ace off. After all, in their hearts, Ace is their good brother and the eldest brother of the "three fools" of the academy.

"Ace, ah, Arak and I are really rubbish. We haven't broken through to the third-level mages yet, so we can't follow the Imperial army to the Warcraft Mountains this time. Leon's face was filled with frustration.

Arak nudged him and said angrily, "You can call yourself a piece of shit." Don't bring me along. I won't admit it. ”

Ace on the other side couldn't help but laugh. He didn't seem to be so happy in a long time.

But when Ace thought about leaving, he felt a little sad.

"Ace, I don't know when you'll be back from this experience. The Warcraft Mountains are very dangerous. You have to be more careful and come back safely! Arak said very sincerely.

Ace nodded: "Don't worry, I'll grow up soon!" Ha ha! You have to train hard, too. Don't wait for me to come back, you're still so strong. I'll be ashamed! ”

The three brothers smiled and hugged each other tightly.

Alexander, on the other side, stared at them blankly, feeling a little uncomfortable. He doesn't seem to have had many sincere friends since he was a child. The people in the palace will only listen to what he says or say sweet words. How many people are sincere friends? Thinking of this, Alexander felt a little upset.

Ace was so perceptive that he immediately noticed Alexander's strange mood.

"Let me make a formal introduction. This is Alexander, who came from the swamp when I went out to train not long ago ...

Before Ace could finish speaking, Alexander hurriedly interrupted him: "Oh, no, no, Ace, I'd better introduce myself." ”

Alexander turned to Arak and Leon and said, "My name is Alexander-Fire, a fifth-level Holy Light Mage from the Yama Empire. ”

Alexander's voice in the last few words was naturally low. After all, it was the military camp of the New Delhi Empire. As a magician from a neighboring country, he snuck in. If the military had known about this, he might have been taken to a military center.

The fat man was about to shout, but Ace, who had quick eyes and hands, covered his mouth on the spot. Ace knows him very well, and if he doesn't shut up in time, Alexander will be finished.

The fat man quickly realized his gaffe, pulled Ace's hand away, gave Alexander a thumbs up, and whispered, "You are such a cowhide!" ”

Just as four young people of the same age were happily talking, a solemn voice sounded: "Quiet! ”

All looked at where the sound was coming from. Al stood on a high slope, looking solemnly at the army that was about to head to the Warcraft Mountains.

After hearing El-Slime's shout, everyone held their breath and didn't dare to make any more unnecessary sounds.

In such a cold winter, the Imperial army is about to go to the battlefield under the leadership of Ayr. Even a lot of people don't understand what they're up against, like Ace and Alexander.

"Soldiers! The army of the New Delhi Empire is about to conquer the entire continent of Mandala! The footprint of the empire will also cover every inch of land. ”

"Over the past few decades, our New Delhi empire has been on expeditions. It stretches to the boundless cape in the north, the mysterious places in the south, the wild Gobi in the east, and the snow-capped peaks of Simolia in the west. Our soldiers shed blood and sweat on every inch of land! ”

"Even more than a decade ago, we still had a great victory in the Battle of the Dragonslayer, and the survival of the empire was at stake. Despite the terrible price we have paid, our New Delhi empire has been invincible and has never lost over the past few decades. ”

"Now, the empire is once again in danger. As children of the Empire, we once again represent the unyielding will of the Empire. Are you confident that you will win this war? ”

The soldiers, who were originally silent, immediately raised their heads and shouted: "Yes! "The moment was filled with warm blood, like the warm St. Peter's Volcano.

The sound spread throughout the field, and the birds in the woods in the distance were startled.

"Good!" Hearing the shouts of the soldiers, Al smiled, "Self-confidence and courage are the basic qualities that soldiers must have. ”

At this time, Ai'er's face suddenly changed again, and he pointed to the huge white stone tablet of Burning Sun City and said, "There are countless heroes who died in the last dragon slaying battle!" This time, there will be a lot of famous characters on the stele. Chances are, some of you! ”

Al looked around and raised his voice, "As heroes of the Empire, are you afraid?" ”

"I'm not afraid!" The deafening sound sounded again.

"Well, this is the real hero of the Empire!" After Aier finished speaking, he turned to his subordinates and said, "Let's clean up, goodbye, and leave in half an hour!" ”

The soldier's face was completely covered by armor and bowed to receive orders.

After Al left, hundreds of priests in white robes slowly walked out of the imperial capital.

They came to the main square and prayed for the soldiers, hoping that they would return from the war and return home safely. However, everyone knows that this is not possible. This war is sure to kill many people, maybe even more than the Dragon Slayer War more than a decade ago.

Looking at the pastor with a Bible and a prayer, it should be a very peaceful picture. But somehow, Ace always felt an inexplicable sadness.

Hundreds of priests came to the front of College Square. A flash of sadness flashed in the eyes of the venerable old priest when he saw these teenage academy boys, but it was only for a moment.

The old priest said to the mage who led the academy this time, "Don't worry, the sun god will definitely protect these lovely children. They are the hope for the future of the Empire! ”

The leader of the expedition for the students is Marcus Lees, a water system mage. He gave the priest a church service: "Thank you, Mr. Pastor, for your blessings and prayers. We will definitely come back in triumph. ”

Marcus Lees is only in his twenties, and this academy tutor is too young.

As the horn sounded, the people, who were still saying goodbye to their loved ones, also retreated from the army and returned to the gates of the capital.

It is reasonable to say that His Majesty the King and the Archbishop must be present at each expedition. But this time, His Majesty the King was too ill to come in person, so he asked the Minister of Finance to take his place and make a speech.

After the horn sounded, the Minister of Finance walked to the high wall and began to read the king's farewell and blessing speech.

The minister was bloated and stood on the wall like a round stone sculpture, which made Ace want to laugh. A soldier standing next to him protected him from the cold wind. He would have been a strong man, but he was as thin as a wooden pole compared to the fat minister.

The cold wind howled. Despite the minister's efforts to raise his voice without losing his manners, his words were still blown away by the cold wind, and the soldiers below could not hear anything.

After reading this extremely lengthy speech, the fat finance minister gave a somewhat awkward military salute to the soldiers below, and then nodded to Al below, indicating that he had completed the task assigned by the king.

Al politely replied to her, then shouted, "Go!" ”

At this moment, the loud trumpet of the Imperial Expedition and the farewell military music sounded.

At the same time, on the high wall west of the Imperial Capital's city gates, hundreds of dragons roared. Ace and the others looked up and saw 300 knights in red armor sitting on a black iron dragon in armor.

"So, is that the dragoons of your New Delhi Empire?" Alexander was both shocked and jealous.

"Well, although I knew a long time ago that there was an army of 300 dragoons in the Empire, this is the first time I've seen it." Ace's eyes were filled with curiosity and admiration.

Leon and Arak were also dumbfounded, their eyes full of excitement and excitement.

It is said that only those who have reached the strength of a paladin are eligible to join the most special army of the empire - the Dragoons.

In order to tame 300 Black Iron Dragons, the Empire had to spend a lot of time and money. It is rumored that the armor of more than 300 Black Iron Dragons alone cost the entire blacksmith town the blacksmiths and took two years.

Considering the matching nature of the armor, it is necessary to accurately measure the dimensions of each piece of wurm black iron armor. During this time, several forgers were bitten in half for getting too close to wurm black iron.

After all, Warcraft is Warcraft after all, and its wildness is too strong. Even if it is tamed, it is impossible to completely eliminate its inherent bestiality.

At this time, three hundred black iron dragons roared on the front line, as if responding to the call of the imperial expedition.

After the army of dragoons, the huge platform in the southeast corner of the imperial capital was also moving. Airship workers in the capital of the empire were already loaded with large quantities of military supplies. More than a dozen airships slowly flew out of the harbor and towards this place. It seems that they want to make peace with the army.

Listen to Marcus Leth say, "Considering your hard training in the past, this time we can take an airship to the Warcraft Mountain Vein. ”

As soon as these words came out, the students of the academy immediately cheered.

"Wow! That's great. Never have I ever been on an airship! ”

"Yay! After ten days of training. I was almost exhausted. ”

......

Alexander was also very excited: "I heard that the airships of the New Delhi Empire can play a huge role in the war. I thought they were just used to transport supplies, but I didn't expect them to be used to transport troops. ”

Ace said with a smile: "I heard that there are not many large airships, which are mainly used to transport goods. We were lucky enough to be able to fly one this time, which is really rare. ”

Soon, the airship slowly landed in the open space outside the imperial capital.

By this time, the sun was already red, and the morning light shone on the huge airship, casting a long shadow on the ground.

As they approached, Ace began to take a closer look at the monsters.

At the upper end there is a huge oval airbag with the coat of arms of the New Delhi Empire painted on it.

Underneath the airbag is a building that resembles a wooden boat. The wooden ship is very large, with a length of at least 65 meters, a width of more than 25 meters, and a height of about 20 meters.

On the sides of the hull there were many small holes, which were supposed to be windows in the engine room. Each small window is sealed with clear stained glass, which looks very beautiful.

Under those windows, there was a neat row of carpenters, which seemed to be used to adjust the direction of the airship's flight, and in the tail there was a large tail rudder, like the tail feathers of a bird.

"Wow! This airship is too big! It would be great if one day we had such an airship in the Yama Empire. In this way, I can go to every corner of the Mandala continent and see all the scenery on the airship. I want to see St. Peter's Volcano, the Mystic Forest and the Elementals, and ......"

Before Alexander could finish speaking, Ace patted him on the head: "Don't dream, go up." ”

Hearing these words, Ace was the first to board the airship.

By this time, Alexander had begun to take turns boarding the academy students and tutors. He hurried towards Ace.