Sovereign of the Ashes

Chapter 591: Network of Allies

After the battle to defend the fortress, Sein was moved to the space fortress to recuperate.

This relocation was necessary primarily because the main fortress base below had been destroyed by creatures from Thunderfall World, reducing even Sein’s magic towers to rubble.

Naturally, he needed a new place to rest.

Like Sein, many other knights and mages also returned to the space fortress.

Most of them were the knights and mages stationed at the fortress, as well as those who had suffered injuries during the recent conflict.

Below the fortress, the enslaved creatures who had returned were now serving as laborers, tasked with repairing the damaged base.

However, Sein noticed a distinct lack of motivation among the slaves for the repairs.

It was not that the knights and mages of Magus World had overly spoiled them. Rather, Sein suspected that most of them would not remain in the Thunder Plains for long.

The battlefield in the Thunder Plains had seen the elimination of millions of creatures from Thunderfall World, significantly disrupting the balance of this world.

There were only three major battlegrounds in this world, each hosting forces of about a million.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Magus World Army was gearing up to advance soon.

Sein had enjoyed a six-month rest period granted by the command center, but as this period drew to a close, he was bound to receive a new mission.

On this day, Sein was leading Yuri back to his temporary residence after purchasing a large amount of supplies and materials from the space fortress’ logistics office.

He had brought Yuri along specifically because many of the procured materials were intended for her use.

He planned to reinforce and upgrade Yuri’s damaged mecha.

Sein had always been taking good care of his people, and now, following the recent conflict, Yuri’s focus had reached a new level.

In the Neisse Civilization, she was now eligible to apply for a promotion and secure a higher-grade mecha.

If Yuri were piloting the highest-grade mecha available to her in Neisse Civilization, she would be as powerful as a mid-stage Rank Two being.

Even with a standard mecha model suited to her rank, Yuri could now easily wield power comparable to a Rank Two. This marked a significant improvement from her previous, awkward position at the peak of Rank One, where she had barely touched Rank Two.

While Sein did not have access to the well-equipped mecha factories of the Neisse Civilization, he was well-versed in the alchemy of the Magus World.

When he was in Steel City, Sein had acquired a collection of mecha parts and had also researched Neisse Civilization’s mechas. Confident in his skills, Sein decided to undertake the construction himself.

Although he might not be able to build a mecha with the combat power of a mid-stage Rank Two, creating a standard model comparable to a Rank Two should be well within his reach.

Moreover, Sein had found an exceptional component at the fortress’ logistics office—a small elemental reactor formerly used in the engine room of the space fortress.

Despite being replaced by a newer model after its two-thousand-year service life had elapsed, the reactor still appeared to be in good condition.

Sein purchased it for nine hundred magicoins, a bargain considering its market value in the Capiche Business Alliance was no less than ten thousand magicoins.

It was no surprise that Lorianne, despite being promoted to Rank Four, had not acquired a space fortress.

The financial drain of maintaining such a structure every two millennia, including replacing the reactor and other parts, was immense.

The mere cost of docking and maintenance was enough to astonish any mage below Rank Three.

“If this reactor is utilized effectively, its power system should sustain you until you reach Rank Three. Of course, if it outlasts its expected lifespan, you’ll essentially be carrying a time bomb,” Sein joked to Yuri as they headed back to his temporary residence.

Yuri merely blushed slightly and bowed her head. “I don’t mind dying for you, Master.”

Sein chuckled and reassured her, “I won’t let it come to that. We’re only using this reactor temporarily. Once we return to Magus World, I’ll order a new one from the Capiche Business Alliance.”

The Capiche Business Alliance, the largest business entity in the Magus World, controlled over fifty percent of the space fortress manufacturing and distribution sectors.

It also managed the loans approved by the Magus Alliance to the major divine towers and orders of the knights.

In other words, Capiche Business Alliance was the principal creditor for many new Rank Four and above knights and mages in Magus World, including Sein’s mentor, Lorianne.

Hearing Sein's promise, Yuri nodded her head happily.

She was happy that Sein cared about her, rather than the gift itself.

Before Sein reached his quarters with Yuri, he encountered Gould in the space fortress.

This meeting was no accident; the Rank Two Land Knight had been waiting here for Sein to appear.

Gould was a burly man who could transform into the form of a pitch-black ancient savage bear due to his bloodline.

Despite his intimidating exterior, Gould was quite smart and shrewd.

Earlier in the war, Sein had casually mentioned that he could help with repairing Gould’s severely damaged armor.

Seizing the opportunity, Gould immediately stripped off his battered armor and handed it to Sein.

It appeared Gould had also “accidentally” included his equally worn sword with the armor.

This incident taught Sein that these knights were certainly not shy about seeking help.

Fortunately, Gould did not make a spectacle of the exchange. Otherwise, other knights nearby might have swarmed Sein for similar repairs.

Now, Sein had to decide whether he should repair Gould’s armor and sword.

With a six-month rest period at his disposal, he supposed he did not mind repairing Gould’s gears.

Having experienced this interplanar war, Sein began building his own network of allies.

Previously, while at the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring, he had relied heavily on Master Lorianne’s influence.

Now that Sein was away from the divine tower, Sein realized that acting distant and aloof would not serve him well. Building and maintaining a network of his own was essential for navigating and succeeding in this environment.

In Sein’s view, these little favors were investments in his future.

These friends and alliances would prove invaluable if he needed favors in the future or if he ever decided to establish his own divine tower or mage council.

Gould quickly explained, “Hey, I didn’t come here to rush you about the repairs. I actually came to give you a heads-up!”

Hoping to keep the conversation short, Sein simply waited for Gould to continue.

After ensuring no one else was around, Gould leaned in and whispered, “The female knight involved with Natalya is back, and she’s gone to meet her.”

After delivering his news, Gould patted Sein’s shoulder, giving him a knowing look that lingered for a moment.

When Sein showed no reaction, Gould’s expression fell slightly.

Then, with a sympathetic tone, Gould added, “That woman can be pretty harsh with her words, but don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”

“Worst comes to worst... we’ll face them together! I’ll handle Natalya, and you take on the other one!” Gould declared.

“What’s the name of that female knight?” Sein asked curiously.

“Reina...” Gould replied, his face clouding over as if recalling unpleasant memories.

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