Chapter 1615 1615. A Resolution
Even though Jack finally succeeded in killing Long, this was not the last time they saw this troublesome martial artist. Like Master and him, Long had the Immortal Soul. Hence, this kill would only reduce his level by half.
Still, this kill satisfied Jack. This would be great morale for his guildmates when they learned of it. This would also be a great shame for the prideful Long. He understood martial artists relied on a good mental state for their development. He hoped this defeat gave Long enough shame to stunt his growth.
"Thanks, Spark!" Jack exclaimed. He didn't give this spirit weapon the order to come to his aid. Spark had done it out of his own account.
"It's my duty, Master," Spark replied. "The battle down there is almost finished. I figured I should be more useful up here in case you need help."
Jack looked down. The battle had indeed ended. His soldiers were searching the streets to see if there were still surviving ethereal soldiers. As for the draconian soldiers, they had now switched sides after Jack destroyed the throne and killed Gridhacker.
The combat status ended and Long's body on the ground vanished.
"You have surprised me again," Jack resumed his conversation with Spark. "Not only did you learn my sword art, but you also learned my mana concealment and Nine Yin Phantom Sword."
"As long as you use the martial art while wielding Storm Breaker, I will be able to analyze it and learn it for my use."
"Damn…! Do you know how much effort we put to learn these martial arts? Isn't it a bit unfair if you can copy them just like that?" Jack asked.
"Oh? So, you now understand how the natives are feeling when you outworlders learn game skills instantly?" Peniel said.
"Uh… When you put it like that…"
"So, what are you going to do with this country?" Peniel asked. "It is under your rule now. You can use the monarch system directly or you can appoint a puppet sovereign to represent you."
"I am not ruling another country," Jack said. "Taking care of one is time-consuming enough. I'm going to give it back to its rightful ruler. Speaking of which…"
Jack had been receiving several messages from Arthur when he and his army started charging into Messephyria. He didn't pay attention to them at the time. He was reading them now. He frowned after finishing reading. Peniel also read the messages via their mind links.
"Ten million zombie troops…?" Jack muttered. "That guy is insane…"
"Don't forget the two eternal-grade zombie dragons," Peniel reminded. "Unlike country guardians, they are not limited by summoning time. If your eternal helpers couldn't defeat them within the time limit, then you would be in trouble."
Jack understood that. At this stage, he had several eternal-grade helpers. Broidrireg, the archdemon lord, Therras under Elevate Beast's effect, and Elayne. However, all those helpers other than Elayne had a time limit, while Elayne's level was still too low. He would be at a disadvantage if Master came with Suzaki and his two zombie dragons.
"Should we abandon this capital?" Peniel asked. "It doesn't seem like you can keep it for long anyway. Master should have received the news about this capital falling into your hands. He should be coming this way soon."
Jack thought about his options as he looked at the situation below. His troops were now restoring order to the city. He saw many draconian civilians coming out of their houses to look at the situation. They understood the rulership of this country had again changed hands. They wondered how their lives would be with the new sovereign.
Jack made a resolution then.
"No. We will defend this capital!" Jack exclaimed. "The people of this country have suffered enough under Master's rule. We will now give them a banner of hope, that there are still people who they can look up to!"
At the same time, Jack sent a message to Arthur who was on the run with Aldryth. He told them to come to Messephyria. They would make their stand in this ruined capital.
Jack unsummoned Spark, Therras, and his royal agents. He would need his royal agents again soon, but thanks to the summoning feature, they could improve themselves in these few days rather than sit here waiting for the enemies. Jack then went back to the throne room.
The large hole in the floor was still there, but the throne had miraculously reformed. It was now situated a bit further to the back due to the hole in its original position. Jack looked around. The eight draconian guards were there but Guzrim was not.
"Where is the marquess that was in this room earlier?" Jack asked.
"Reporting, Your Majesty. He had left as soon you became sovereign," The guard answered.
"Chase him! Capture him and bring him to me!" Jack commanded.
Four out of the eight guards rushed out of the room to carry out Jack's command. Jack went to the new throne and sat on it. He checked the settlements' stats. All four stats in every settlement were below the acceptable level. It was especially so to settlements where Master carried out the massacre. Some villages were even greyed, indicating that they were no longer functional.
Even the kingdom coffer and kingdom mana were lacking. The kingdom coffer only had a bit below 300,000 gold coins. This was hardly enough to rebuild.
"F*ck that Master," Jack cursed.
Jack spent 100,000 gold coins and 30 ruling powers for the most important thing if he wanted to defend this capital. He repaired the capital's wall and its defensive armaments. The city wall outside magically returned to its perfect state. The gap in the wall was now sealed. One couldn't even spot a crack. Rune diagrams shone on the wall's surface.
The draconian civilians looked at the repaired wall with wonder. A small hope blossomed inside their hearts, thinking that their country might still have a chance to return to its former glory like how that wall did.
