Chapter 190: New Action Plan

“I thought they’d be like Miss Ashina’s Drakewolf.”

“I didn’t expect them to look like this either.” Ashina swayed her tail. “By direwolf standards, they’re all too ugly.”

The Drakewolf beside her nodded in agreement.

“Whimper…”

Hearing everyone’s comments, the direwolves inside the enclosure let out pitiful whines one after another.

Phield felt awkward. He patted the Drakewolf beside him and tried to console it. “It wasn’t easy finding female wolves. Just make do for now—we won’t find anything better anytime soon.”

The Drakewolf’s domineering eyes filled with gloom as it let out a string of incomprehensible sounds.

“It says: ’Boss has no taste at all—bringing in these ugly things to fool me. Can’t you switch them out for a better batch?’”

Ashina held back laughter as she translated.

Phield covered his face. This wolf has quite the opinions… No wonder it’s a rare living divine artifact. He sighed and said, “What do you think this is, a massage parlor where you can swap out options? Close your eyes—they’re all the same. Well… okay, not exactly the same.”

After thinking about it more carefully, he admitted that being with beauty could elevate the soul. Treating it like this really did feel like a disservice to the “Number One Workhorse of Nightfall Domain.”

“Alright, alright. I’ll find you other living divine artifacts in the future—beautiful ones, I promise. You’ll be satisfied.”

Phield raised his fist. Only then did the Drakewolf perk up, lightly bumping its paw against his fist.

A pact sealed with a fist bump.

After that, the Drakewolf entered the enclosure with a look of grim determination, as if marching to its doom.

“Let’s give it some privacy. I wonder what it’ll produce—this is exciting.”

Phield gathered the Divine Chosen and headed to the top floor of Starnight Castle. A “No Entry” sign hung outside, and the door was tightly locked.

After unlocking the door, Charlotte instinctively stepped back, letting out a surprised gasp.

Inside, five rows of greatsword warriors stood in perfect order, clad in full plate armor, gripping their greatswords with both hands like silent statues.

Rumors had long circulated in the territory that the baron possessed a hidden army, though none had ever confirmed it.

Charlotte had been busy farming all this time—this was her first time seeing them, and she was clearly shaken.

Rosalia was directing the Greatsword of Gluttony, releasing strands of blood that fused potions and various materials together. The black mass formed from blood and ingredients resembled a grotesquely beating heart, emitting a dark gray glow filled with unsettling energy and violent malice.

“Second-tier Divine Guards… I can’t wait.”

Phield rubbed his hands eagerly.

As the final vial of second-tier potion was consumed, Rosalia’s Divine Chosen mark glowed ominously. With a thought, she implanted fifty corrupted hearts into the surrounding warriors.

In an instant, powerful auras erupted. Even knowing there was no danger, Charlotte felt a chill of fear and quickly hid behind Phield, while Ashina instinctively stepped in front of him.

“Phew… done.”

Rosalia wiped the sweat from her brow and gave a graceful bow. “My lord, the Corrupted Divine Guard awaits your command.”

At the same time, all the corrupted greatsword warriors dropped to one knee in perfect unison, their cloaks fluttering.

“Excellent.”

Phield felt an unprecedented surge of power.

Extending his perception, he sensed that every single warrior possessed strength not inferior to his own. He burst into laughter, his eyes blazing as he inspected them.

“The territory’s safety has increased again. It’s a pity second-tier equipment is so expensive—their current gear can’t fully bring out their strength.” Phield clenched his fists. “It’s time to start preparing the plan to reclaim Starnight City.”

A sharp gleam flashed in his eyes—he could hardly wait to take back that monster-infested city.

Starnight City itself had lost much of its value, as the Starnight family had long since moved their assets away. But even as an empty shell, the remains of a city still held strategic and economic significance.

Only by reclaiming Starnight City could they truly establish themselves.

Rosalia grew solemn. That city had been built by her family over generations. Even as a corrupted being, she couldn’t remain indifferent. “Yes. We must prepare thoroughly. The number of corrupted creatures there is staggering.”

“I won’t rush into it.”

Phield nodded seriously. “Ashina, I’ll need you to scout Starnight City from now on.”

“Leave it to me!”

“And Miss Charlotte, starting today, I’m initiating combat training. You’ll attend every day.”

“To be honest, the Empire is already full of undercurrents. Having the ability to protect yourself is crucial.”

Thinking of his own lacking combat ability, Phield resolutely decided to train in real combat—and to train Charlotte as well. Her combat strength was simply too weak.

Charlotte nodded earnestly. “Mm-hmm.”

They moved to an open space free from disturbance.

Phield didn’t use the Silver Iris Longsword, instead drawing the iron sword he carried with him.

“Let’s test the strength of a second-tier Corrupted Greatsword Warrior.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a burly greatsword warrior planted his blade into the ground and picked up a wooden stick as a weapon.

“My lord, be careful—even a wooden stick can be lethal,” Rosalia warned.

“Go, go!” Charlotte waved her arms excitedly, cheering for Phield.

The moment her voice fell, dark-gray corrupted magic surged out, wrapping around the wooden stick. What should have been harmless instantly became dangerous.

The greatsword warrior flashed forward, bringing the stick down with a fierce swing, the air roaring around it.

“Damn, that’s fast!”

Phield’s expression changed as he quickly raised his sword to block.

Bang!

The wooden stick slammed down, splinters flying. A tyrannical force forced Phield back several steps. Before he could steady himself, the warrior’s eyes flared crimson, and a powerful surge of sword energy formed, roaring forward with the swing.

“Second-tier combat technique—Sword Energy Surge!”

The Divine Guard wasn’t limited to simple slashes—they possessed combat techniques as well.

Seeing the warrior unleash a technique, Ashina nearly rushed forward to help, only to be stopped by Rosalia grabbing her wrist.

“My lord can handle it.”

With Rosalia’s reassurance, Ashina suppressed the urge to intervene.

“Impressive… even a single greatsword warrior can have such terrifying strength.”

Phield felt not anger but excitement. As he retreated, he shifted his footing, narrowly avoiding the sword energy before charging forward and thrusting his blade.

Clang!

The greatsword warrior instantly defended, blocking the steel blade with the wooden stick. Their magic clashed and canceled out, and with a burst of energy, the stick shattered into dust.

“Tsk tsk… even a wooden stick is this effective.” Phield sheathed his sword. “It wasn’t a life-and-death fight, but I’ve learned quite a bit.”

“Don’t underestimate yourself, my lord,” Rosalia said with a soft laugh. “Once you master combat techniques, you’ll handle this far more easily.”

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