Vaan sat on the top of Zodreg’s head as they soared through the skies, making their way southward with sonic speed.
Zodreg had deployed a multi-layered bubble that absorbed all the sound produced within, preventing them from escaping the bubble. At the same time, everything inside appeared invisible as the bubble reflected the background.
Nevertheless, as they covered great distances, Vaan’s gaze remained fixed on the surface below, memorizing every terrain without missing anything.
Thanks to his great memory, a single glance was all it took to engrave the images.
Within a short time, they passed the Blackmoon Region and entered the Delarosa Marquisate, which was thrice the size of the Blackmoon Region.
Although the marquisate was a large territory, it didn’t possess any unique terrain like the Blackmoon Region.
However, it had a good balance of thriving forests, mineral-rich mountains, and fertile plains, allowing the territory to function stably.
Nevertheless, after the Delarosa Marquisate, Vaan and Zodreg passed the Auchendinny Barony, Norwich County, and Wolfpine Region, each with their own unique qualities.
The environmental changes brought by the existence of mana were apparent. In fact, their special terrains made the Delarosa Marquisate appear strange for being normal and not possessing any unique qualities of their own.
However, that was not true.
The Delarosa Marquisate was far more developed and industrialized than any of its neighboring regions. All of its natural resources had been capitalized, which resulted in a change to its terrain.
Nevertheless, Vaan and Zodreg eventually reached the kingdom’s southern border regions, Whitebridge, Ironhaven, and Dragontail.
The three border regions possess special terrains running along their edges that form the natural borders dividing the Kingdom of Black Rose from the Holy Knight Empire, Kingdom of Verdant Woods, and Kingdom of Scarlet Flames.
For example, the westernmost border region, Dragontail Region, was situated next to the thinnest end of the mountain range with active volcanoes that the Kingdom of Black Rose and the Kingdom of Scarlet Flame.
Coincidentally, the border region on the Kingdom of Scarlet Flame’s side of the mountain range was also called Dragontail Region.
As such, the two were known as Western Dragontail Region and Eastern Dragontail Region.
South of the Eastern Dragontail Region was the Violent Tributary, a river of boiling water running between the Kingdom of Black Rose and the Holy Knight Empire.
The Violent Tributary was connected to the Treacherous Sea in the far west and Stormwind Lake in the east, southeast of the Eastern Dragontail Region, and south of the Whitebridge Region.
Further east was the Sleeping River, full of calm water, the opposite of the Violent Tributary.
The Ironhaven Region north of the Sleeping River was a mineral-rich mountainous region full of steep rocky cliffs.
If the Kingdom of Verdant Woods wished to procure large amounts of minerals and increase its production of rare metals, Ironhaven Region would definitely be on their list of territories to claim.
Nevertheless, Dragontail, Whitebridge, and Ironhaven would be the first three territories to fall under attack should the Holy Knight Empire invade.
Of course, it was a different story if they also considered the potential use of spatial magic or if the Kingdom of Verdant Woods granted border access to the Holy Knight Empire’s army.
If that happened, the Kingdom of Black Rose would also have to watch its eastern borders, not just the south.
Although the Kingdom of Scarlet Flames was unlikely to do the same, getting attacked from the west was still a slight possibility that shouldn’t be ignored.
The western borders might not be easy to cross due to the large mountain range region with active volcanoes, but Vaan had to account for all variables.
After Vaan finished studying the southern border regions, he continued southward with Zodreg, entering the territory of the Holy Knight Empire.
Without surprise, they immediately noticed an unusually larger number of carriers and troops moving into the border cities compared to their last visit.
In fact, Equinox City had hit its occupation limit. Thus, the Holy Knight Empire’s forces had to pitch camp outside of its city walls.
After Vaan and Zodreg witnessed such a sight, they no longer had room for doubts.
“Supreme Leader, the Holy Knight Empire’s border cities are gathering large numbers of troops and supplies. Their intention to wage war on the Kingdom of Black Rose is conclusive,” Zodreg stated.
“Yeah, it was already clear when they raised Dorothy’s status to that of an imperial princess,” Vaan nodded and said, “However, this certainly leaves no room for doubts. In fact, I can confidently say the Holy Knight Empire doesn’t care if the Kingdom of Black Rose even took their demand seriously.”
“They only made their demand public for the other countries to know about their justification for attacking should the Kingdom of Black Rose fail to comply; it’s just a pretense,” Vaan stated.
“Since we have confirmed the empire’s intentions, should we head back and prepare?” Zodreg suggested.
However, Vaan shook his head.
“It’s a bit early for that. We’ve only just got here; it’ll be a pity to return so soon,” Vaan replied before adding, “We still have to figure out the Holy Knight Empire’s strength.”
That said, it didn’t take long for Vaan to see that the Holy Knight Empire’s troops were well-equipped.
“They sure have nice armor and weapons; those are all at least Peak-level Rank 3 to Low-level Rank 4,” Vaan commented with narrowed eyes as Zodreg descended for a closer look. “Oh? There are even a few Peak-level Rank 4 and Low-level Rank 5 equipment.”
“The people in possession of these pieces of equipment must be nobles or lords. Their strength isn’t bad either; they are at least Mid-to-High-level Rank 4 Aura Lords,” Vaan added with a thoughtful look.
The Assembly of Silent Night’s A-rank Witch Hunters was all around this level, and they numbered in the hundreds. Furthermore, they were trained in subterfuge, stealth, and assassination.
Thus, the empire’s nobles and lords were a little inferior to them.
But while the empire lacked experts compared to the Assembly of Silent Night, they had an enormous army, making them a force to be reckoned with.
