Chapter 931: 291. Laron Rockbone_2
“The second force is ‘the Pillar of Ley Lines’…”
Noland Lee raised an eyebrow.
He knew of this wizard force.
They had taken over the Death Herald Guild, undertaking the Research Task of the Undead Cult, and had now stationed themselves in the Tatis Empire.
“The wizards of ‘the Pillar of Ley Lines’ have a great demand for non-metallic ores, which is related to their Meditation Method,”
Selena said:
...
“After learning that massive mining operations for non-metallic ores were planned here on the Suman Archipelago, they sent a message inquiring whether I could sell them a portion of the non-metallic ores. Following your instructions, I have declined them for now, but left open the possibility of selling the ores in the future.”
“Hmm, I’ll make a note of it. We’ll consider cooperating with them later when the opportunity arises,” Noland Lee nodded slightly and asked:
“So, which is the third force inquiring about the distribution maps?”
“Do you know ‘the King of Rockbone,’ Jarvis?” Selena said.
Noland Lee searched through his knowledge:
“I’m aware. He is one of the longstanding Chief Sorcerers of the Wizard Council, leading a large wizard force known as ‘Larolon Rockbone,’ which controls the Laron Grand Canyon in the southern part of the Kashel Continent.”
“Yes, that’s right, the third force inquiring about the distribution maps is ‘Larolon Rockbone,'” Selena’s tone turned grave:
“‘Larolon Rockbone’s’ demand for rock and soil magic and non-metallic ores has always been one of the highest in the Ulnas Circle. The plans to extensively mine non-metallic ores on the Suman Archipelago could certainly not have been concealed from them.”
“If the Earth Vein Wizards are still willing to communicate peacefully, then the Rockbone Magicians of ‘Larolon Rockbone’ are brazen and domineering. With the backing of ‘the King of Rockbone,’ they act fearless wherever they go. So, you know, be careful and it’s best not to encounter them.”
Noland Lee pondered and said:
“Selena, could these two forces, the Pillar of Ley Lines and Larolon Rockbone, have been deliberately drawn here by Fagen Pangula?”
“What? Why do you say that?” Selena was taken aback.
Noland Lee counted on his fingers and said:
“As of now, Mira Farrell’s mining teams have just finished extracting non-metallic ores from four small isles. The total amount mined is only ten thousand tons, mainly high-concentration cumulate ores and terrane magic stones.
“We haven’t sold these non-metallic ores to the outside, right? They are all stored in the Academy’s ore Warehouse by the Deep Sea Branch.
“Neither of us would publicize the mining of non-metallic ores. Mira Farrell wouldn’t do so either. Because if other rock and soil series forces got involved in the mining, Mira Farrell would face Competition.
“I have had issues with your father, but after all, the Deep Sea Branch would benefit from the non-metallic ores produced from the Suman Archipelago. Using the Pillar of Ley Lines and Larolon Rockbone to hinder my exploration of the ore veins seems to have no benefit for him…” noveldrama
Noland Lee clapped his hands together:
“So, the answer surfaces. Fagen Pangula is the prime suspect. He is dissatisfied with Mira Farrell’s control over the mining rights of non-metallic ores since he lost his ruling power over the Suman Archipelago.
“Don’t forget, Mira Farrell’s mining teams were established by Dickler Fagen, and it’s very likely that the Fagen Lineage has spies within them. If Fagen Pangula wanted to sabotage the cooperation between Mira Farrell and the Deep Sea Branch, then stealing her distribution maps would be of the utmost importance.
“Both the Pillar of Ley Lines and Larolon Rockbone could be the best ‘weapons’ for Fagen Pangula to use against the Deep Sea Branch and Mira Farrell.”
Noland Lee’s analysis struck at the heart of their interests, was straightforward and pointed out Fagen Pangula’s role and interest in this event.
Selena, following his train of thought, gradually came to a realization:
“…Yes, you’re right, Jarvis. It could indeed be Fagen Pangula’s doing. Otherwise, the Pillar of Ley Lines and Larolon Rockbone wouldn’t have known the news so quickly. So, what do we do now? Should I communicate with my father, send a message to Fagen Pangula, warning him off?”
“Yes, let’s have your father step in for now, I don’t think he’d refuse,” Noland Lee said.
The situation was indeed magical.
Noland Lee and Selena’s father did have some past grudges, but when faced with external threats to the Deep Sea Branch, they could stand together, united against Fagen Pangula.
There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests.
This adage was vividly illustrated at this very moment.
Of course, Noland Lee was clear in his mind that strategies like “useless donkey can be discarded, borrowing a sword to kill” would not allow him to trust Selena’s father completely.
“Let’s leave it at that for now, Selena. Activate the Miniature Ocean for me; I’m heading to Snow Mountain Island 1.”
“Alright, Jarvis. I’ll calibrate the teleport destination of the Miniature Ocean. Just give me a moment,”
Selena temporarily disabled ‘Soul Perception.’
About half a minute later, the Miniature Ocean in front of Noland Lee began to wriggle.
It rose slowly from Ground Level, hovering about a meter above the ground, and gradually grew from half a meter in diameter to two meters.
Once the Miniature Ocean stabilized, Selena said using ‘Soul Perception’:
“There, it’s all set, Jarvis. You can go in. The destination is the Magic Ocean Current to the east of Snow Mountain Island 1.”