Chapter 592

Chapter 592: Infinite Distance

Clancia, Brown Flute County.

Lolan Hill was riding on a tall black horse, advancing with the army.

Under the bright sky, there was a vast expanse of yellowish-green wilderness. The dry ground was covered with sparse grass, whose roots were almost hugging the ground, and leaves were narrow, seemingly adapted to the local arid and hot environment.

As the main force advanced southward, they began to reclaim the lost territories, and the originally offensive Falcon Corps had already retreated early. By this time, it was late April, and the weather gradually became warmer, even somewhat hot.

The air was filled with the scent of dry grass seeds, mixed with the southern wind, causing a slight itch in one’s nose.

Lolan Hill wore a black cloak, with only a few strands of silver hair fluttering in the wind across her chest. She raised her fair hand and placed it on her forehead, looking at a group of winged beings standing by the roadside in the distance.

These people included both men and women, facing the scorching sun, watching the marching troops as if searching for someone. When Lolan Hill looked at them, one of the girls pointed at her.

“That big sister~” Her voice was young and full of joy, making it hard to imagine such a young child being here.

Upon hearing this call, these winged beings turned their gaze toward her. When they saw the silver hair peeking out from under her hood, their eyes flashed with delight, then they stepped forward and knelt on one knee.

A knight in porcelain white heavy armor approached on horseback, being a member of the Steel Sunlight Knights.

“Lolan Hill, they wish to see you,” he said, though they hadn’t communicated for over a thousand years. Rabbit-eared people and winged beings were both branches of beastmen, and their languages were basically compatible, allowing them to understand each other. It was nothing more than adoration, prayers, and submission.

Such scenes occurred frequently during their march. The knights around the silver-haired girl were no longer surprised.

“Find a quiet, open place. It seems they have traveled a long way from their homeland, and I also have some questions for them.” Lolan Hill nodded. Compared to before, her military life had improved her social skills significantly.

After about ten minutes, at the foot of a hill not far from the roadside.

Under a large tree with lush foliage, Lolan Hill removed her hood and stood there, while thirty or so winged beings stood in front of her.

“Are you here to see me?” Her light blue, transparent eyes showed curiosity.

“Yes, most supreme Wind Archangel, great ruler of the skies,” the group of winged beings knelt, reciting their prayers.

Lolan Hill tilted her head slightly, puzzled. This title was getting longer and more extravagant.

“There’s no need to kneel. Please stand up,” she said softly and melodiously.

“Thank you, Lolan Hill,” the crowd slowly rose.

“Why did you come all the way from your homeland just to see me? I don’t think I have that much appeal,” Lolan Hill didn’t believe she was that appealing.

“Because we heard the call in the wind,” a girl full of admiration said.

“Because we witnessed the divine sign descending from the heavens,” this was a soldier who had experienced that battle.

“Because we wanted to see such a legendary existence.”

The crowd spoke various thoughts, and finally, an old man with white beard slowly walked out. Only then did the crowd gradually stop speaking, indicating his high status among them.

“I will tell you, Lolan Hill,” the old man said, leaning on his cane, trying to stand straight.

“Perhaps people learned from ancient texts that our beastman clan once received part of the legacy of the Giant King’s Court, which includes records of past history,” his voice was old yet rhythmic.

Then, the old man began to recount那段埋藏在岁月中的历史。

“The sky was filled with a fierce and eternal sun, and the silver moon in the darkness was clean and cold.”

“The children of the sun and the children of the moon have been enemies for generations, battling across every corner of the world, chasing dusk and dawn, soaring in the sky and diving into the sea.”

“And the Giant King’s Court was the children of the sun, while the dragons embraced the moon.”

“Although the giants have fallen, the legends of the sun have been passed down among the shamans.”

“On the throne with four sacred pillars, the sun slowly rises.”

When the old man reached this point, Lolan Hill couldn’t help but recall the plan of the Divine Throne of the Dusk Era.

“And those four sacred pillars rose with the sun, transforming into four beings with wings in the sunlight.”

“They uphold the sun, serving as its representatives and messengers.”

“And among them, the archangel of the sky and wind, whose name sounds very similar to yours. In that divine sign, everyone believed you were its earthly incarnation.”

For the winged beings, who hadn’t suffered great calamities, their internal history was much more complete than the ancient Fia Prairie.

So it was like this. Lolan Hill thought to herself. If viewed through the plan of the Divine Throne, as one of the original four, she was indeed the closest to the Solar Crown, and might have been granted power.

Unfortunately, these were distant memories. After she awakened, she had no strength at all, let alone Sequence 10, or even the initial Sequence 1. Such honor did not bring real strength. Now, if faced with a Sequence 8, she would probably lose.

“It might be because you have too many expectations and adoration for me. Actually, I am not such a great and holy existence,” she shook her head slightly, her silver hair fluttering in the breeze.

The silk fluttered with the wind and was then held down by a fair-skinned finger, before being neatly rearranged.

She did not wish to acknowledge such a title; there were too many implications behind it. She also did not know if it would provoke hostile entities, after all, the conflict between the Sun and Moon had ended in neither side emerging victorious but rather both perishing.

“You may all return now. Since the Falcon has ceased hostilities, you should no longer participate in any further killings.” Lolan Hill said this, and this group seemed to have received a divine revelation, leaving contentedly.

—

In the Black Rock Duchy, ever since the orc reinforcements took down the Beacon City, they continued their sweep against the remaining Halberd faction soldiers within the territory.

In a valley in the mountainous region.

A crude wooden barrier blocked the path of a group of people. The black-scaled armored soldiers and the leather-clad guards were engaged in combat.

Although the black-scaled soldiers had an equipment advantage, the opposing side relied on their geographical advantage and archery support, still stubbornly resisting the enemy troops.

“Fools! You fools from the Hunter Bow faction!” The leader of the black-scaled soldiers shouted angrily.

“At this point, why are you still opposing us? Quickly clear the way; orcs are about to attack from behind. Do you want to watch your fellow countrymen get killed by the enemy?”

Unfortunately, his response was a barrage of arrows. Nearly a hundred archers continuously shot from the hillside, their arrows clattering against the armor, and some piercing through gaps, hitting several soldiers who fell among the grass and rocks.

Seeing that the black-scaled soldiers were gradually weakening, a young officer in brown leather armor stepped forward from the crowd.

“I know very well that orcs are chasing you from behind, which is why we set up this checkpoint here.”

“Brother? I’m sorry, I don’t have such cruel brothers.”

“Do you remember burning how many villages, dragging countless people into this war, causing so many families and lives to be destroyed?”

“Moreover, I must tell you, what stands before you now is not the Hunter Bow faction, but the Sword Casting faction.” As he spoke, he raised a purple robe longbow, placing an arrow on the string, and with a powerful pull of his waist and arm, he effortlessly drew the bowstring, launching a strong arrow that pierced through an enemy’s armor.

“What is the Sword Casting faction?” The halberd leader, deflecting an incoming arrow with his sword, asked in confusion, thinking this might be another new faction created within the Hunter Bow faction.

“That is a faction that does not approve of the conduct of the two factions and hopes to establish a new order. We will cast swords into plows and cultivate a new land.”

Another black-haired teenage girl stepped out from the crowd. She wore a leather skirt, holding a sheathed long knife, with a fitted leather vest on top and short swords and daggers tied to her legs.

“Big Sister!” When the girl appeared, some of the younger people around her excitedly called out, showing her high status in their hearts.

After experiencing two years of civil unrest, Jena had matured and become more resilient. Even her physique had grown taller, exuding a bold and agile aura.

When this girl appeared, she looked at the sword-wielding leader in the valley and said, “Long time no see, perhaps you still remember who I am?”

The halberd leader in the valley frowned, looking at the girl and guessing, “Jena?”

“Yes, back then in Beacon City, you used strong measures to force my father to join.”

“And did you ever think this day would come!?” As she said the last few words, her figure suddenly moved, like a gray shadow rushing straight down from the mountainside.

Several streaks of silver light flashed, and over ten halberd soldiers were directly cleaved apart, while the sharp long knife in her hand carried a dangerous chill, aiming straight for the leader’s neck.

Clang!

The long metal sound echoed in the valley, and the leader tightly gripped his sword to block the blade.

A fleeting glimmer flashed in Jena’s eyes, and her figure changed again. Immediately, a fierce battle erupted in the valley.

The swordsmen opposite, though holding a War Sequence 5 Magnetic Pole Swordsman rank, was no match for Jena. After two years of growth, she had reached Sequence 5 herself. Even without being in Emanas and lacking new knowledge, relying on past experience and knowledge, she could easily overpower ordinary beings.

Her long knife danced in the air, her body constantly drawing straight lines around the opponent, striking from various angles. Sparks flew intensely in the valley.

“You—!” The swordsman was surprised and doubtful, not expecting the girl to become so formidable, almost completely overwhelming him.

Just as he was preparing to surrender, Jena’s figure flashed again.

[Shadow Splitting Blade Technique]

The blade transformed, merging into a single wave, like silver snow pouring down, directly engulfing the enemy, then Jena stood still, slowly retracting the blade.

Behind her, the Magnetic Pole Swordsman fell, covered in blood, silent.

Seeing their leader fall, the surrounding soldiers immediately scattered and fled in all directions.

“Chase!” The Sword Casting faction on the hillside pursued relentlessly, delving deep into the grasslands.

“Big Sister Jena is indeed amazing!” Several young people armed with bows and swords gathered around, praising her.

The green-eyed black-haired girl shook her head slightly, indicating she was still far from those great figures. Not only was she distant from them, but even her peers from school were far superior to her.

I wonder who will be the champion of the school this year? Bumansa or Lolan? She hadn’t returned to school for a long time.

—

After the Falcon Kingdom incident, the Starlight Alliance began to tighten its defenses, and Lolan Hill returned to Soland.

In a certain open courtyard of the palace,

Lolan Hill had changed into a soft pure white dress. At this moment, she was sitting under the grape arbor, slightly dozing off while enjoying the cool breeze.

Her arm rested on the light wooden chair, her head pillowed on her arm, allowing her smooth hair to gently flutter in the air.

A gentle breeze blew, lifting the edges of her white skirt, revealing her fair and smooth calves before the dress clung to them, outlining their slender shape.

A neatly dressed maid slowly walked from the corridor of the courtyard, stopping when she reached the grape arbor. She stood there, watching the young lady whose body was slightly moving as she slept at noon. She hesitated for a moment but decided not to speak, choosing instead to remain standing, waiting for the girl to wake up.

The cicadas chirped merrily from the branches of the trees. Bright sunlight shone on the vibrant leaves, reflecting a mix of tender green and yellowish-green colors. A gentle breeze occasionally swept through, causing the leaves to rustle.

After a long period of war, a brief moment of peace finally arrived.

After a long while, the eyelashes of the girl under the grape arbor trembled slightly before she slowly opened her eyes. She shook her head lightly to clear her drowsiness and then tidied her hair that had been flattened.

At this moment, the maid stepped forward to inquire.

“Lolan Hill, good afternoon,” she said with a slight bow.

“Parinsha, is there something you need?” Lolan Hill looked up at the maid, her pretty face and black-and-white uniform creating a patchy effect under the grape arbor, giving an old-fashioned charm.

“Yes, not long ago, the Black Rock Public Domain’s army sent a message asking what actions should be taken next.”

“Should we directly conquer and occupy it, or consider other options?”

Parinsha took out the documents and letters from her bosom.

“What did the others in Congress say?” Lolan Hill took the documents.

“Most people believe we should directly conquer it to eliminate future problems, but Lord Pullman did not express an opinion and said to temporarily set it aside, then asked me to seek your view.”

“I see.” The young lady slowly flipped through the thick battle report, which described the current situation within Black Rock.

Since the Siege City was conquered, the Halberd faction scattered and fled, wandering around the territory. Most were captured and imprisoned, while a few fled into the deep mountains.

Additionally, the Hunter Bow faction has gradually declined, and now it is rumored to have been replaced by a new faction called the Sword Casting faction. The leader and information about this faction were revealed in the documents.

“Jenna?” Lolan Hill looked surprised at the familiar name on top, then glanced down and turned the page to read more about her.

Born in Emanas, daughter of a mercenary leader, age and weapons matched. It turned out to be her, a former classmate.

“It seems she has made some decisions.” As she flipped through Jenna’s recent actions—reforming systems, establishing new order in mountain villages—Lolan Hill felt a sense of understanding.

“That would be good.” She pondered for a moment.

“Currently, the major war is not over yet, directly ruling Black Rock would cause many resistances, and subsequent issues would be difficult to resolve.”

“Instead, we could support factions with similar ideologies to ours. Leave enough soldiers to assist the Sword Casting faction in establishing a new order, and soothe the residents and environment within Black Rock.”

“Then send craftsmen to transport supplies and food, aid families and residents affected by the war, and use labor as a form of relief, allowing them to recover and rebuild. This will help bridge the gap between us and alleviate previous resistance and discord.”

“After the war ends, guide a universal representative to vote on whether to annex Clancia.”

“At that time, there will be fewer troubles, and there won’t be any historical baggage.”

Unconsciously, Lolan Hill had become a mature state ruler.

“Yes, Lolan Hill, Your Highness,” Parinsha, admiring the silver-haired girl who appeared younger than herself, quickly recorded her suggestions and went to report.

Watching Parinsha leave, Lolan Hill stretched her body and slowly stood up from the chair. She extended her left hand, looking at the blue sky and the sun through her fingers.

Time really flies, and she had adapted to her current identity.

Not long ago, she was just a girl living alone in the forest, but now she was at the center of power, influencing the lives of thousands upon thousands.

This was immense honor, and also immense responsibility, making her cautious and careful.

Perhaps she was not inherently suited to be a leader. She always wanted to hide in a quiet place, living a leisurely life, sleeping until dawn, fishing in summer, sitting by the fireplace in winter, leading a tranquil life.

But such a life was not possible right now.

Lolan Hill silently thought to herself as she walked out from the grape arbor and slowly ascended the hill of the palace. Then she came to a high vantage point.

Looking down from the vast expanse ahead, she saw rows of uneven ochre houses, countless families and people within her sight.

Endless distances, countless people, all connected to me.

She couldn’t indulge in illusions and avoid this real and vast world. If it wasn’t beautiful, she needed to make it so. Only then could she rest assured and have sweet dreams.

The year in the previous chapter has been corrected to the Third Era 1688.