Chapter 1062: Getting The Upper Hand (2)
Chapter 1062: Getting The Upper Hand (2)
"However, I must admit that interrogations will be much easier with this Divine Art. Chief, I promise to use this Divine Art according to your orders." His tone was serious as he spoke.
Orion nodded. "I know I can always count on you," he said, reassured by Zogar's unwavering loyalty, which he had witnessed firsthand during the time of the previous Village Chief.
"I'll teach you the Divine Art once Seth arrives," Orion added.
Zogar nodded in understanding.
They both walked over to a pair of comfortable chairs and sat down.
Two hours later, the door swung open, and Seth entered.
"I've received word from the warriors. They've confirmed the identities of the spies mentioned, but they'll need more time to verify the others," Seth reported, sitting in the
room.
Orion nodded and began explaining the intricacies of the One-Winged Chains of Eternal Submission to them.
If any outsiders had been present, they would have been astounded by how effortlessly the three discussed such a profound Divine Art and by the incredible speed at which Zogar and Seth were comprehending it. However, for Orion and the others, this was a regular occurrence.
On that day, the Sleeping Fox and Wanderlust Traveling Tortoise Runaway Cities learned of the events that had transpired in Trekking Flamingo Runaway City, and they were shaken. They had sensed the disturbance from the battle in the sky but never anticipated that the rebellion's outcome would be a mass execution, wiping out the entire power structure of Trekking Flamingo Runaway City and sparing only two leaders whose whereabouts were currently unknown.
The former leaders and nobles within the Sleeping Fox and Wanderlust Traveling Tortoise Runaway Cities patted themselves on the back, relieved that they had been intelligent and decisive enough to recognize the unfathomable depths of Paradise's power and abandon any thoughts of rebellion.
Though they fully understood their precarious positions in Paradise's eyes, they covertly held a celebration.
However, four days later, something completely unexpected occurred.
The Key Leader of Paradise, Seth, led thirty warriors into the Sleeping Fox and Wanderlust Traveling Tortoise Runaway Cities. They swept through the cities, stunning them into thinking that one of their own had been foolish enough to continue harbouring rebellious intentions against Paradise. They now feared they were about to face something similar to, or perhaps even worse than, what had befallen Trekking Flamingo Runaway City.
Then, the reasons for the assault were revealed to a few important individuals.
It turned out that Paradise had succeeded in uncovering the locations of hidden spies within each Runaway City. Some spies were ordinary inhabitants who had already started families, while others were nobles who had sold out to advance their descendants in more powerful Runaway Cities. Even the gods' chosen were among the revealed spies.
This revelation sent shockwaves through each Runaway City, as it demonstrated Paradise's astonishing capability to rapidly secure such sensitive information, terrifying the former leaders with the realization that their information network was so vast and precise that even the most inconspicuous spies couldn't escape detection.
The total number of spies uncovered was 3,685.
The spies began returning individually three days after they thought the ordeal was over. They resumed their lives as if nothing had happened, deceiving those who knew about their disappearance into believing nothing had transpired.
Since everything appeared to be normal, any rumours were quickly quashed. And so the day continued as though nothing unusual had occurred.
Outward Stronghold
Orion, Seth, and Zogar sat with their backs pressed tiredly against their chairs.
"This Divine Art is even more impressive and more stressful than I had expected," Seth said with a sigh.
Orion and Zogar nodded in agreement.
Over the past three days, they had not only carefully inscribed the slave rune on each captive but also delved into their memories, modifying them so that the spies themselves wouldn't notice or raise any suspicions among those close to them. This meticulous process was incredibly taxing, even for their capabilities.
The burden was even more significant for Seth and Zogar, who had mastered the Divine Art a day before starting its application. Nonetheless, their efforts were rewarded. They now possessed valuable information from thousands of undercover spies.
It turned out that the forces that had sent the spies were already prepared to lose them, which was understandable given that each Runaway City was constantly in motion, making communication difficult. As a result, they could only gain a broad outline of the forces the spies were working for rather than a complete picture.
Still, this made them somewhat knowledgeable about the outside world, alleviating their previous ignorance.
"You're right. It's truly worthy of its rank as a Divine Art. We need to ensure we don't utilize it carelessly unless absolutely necessary," Zogar replied, his expression and tone filled with fatigue. Nevertheless, his firm gaze remained fixed on Seth.
"Humph! I'm not so weak as to rely on such an art," Seth retorted with a snort. His voice grew firm as he added, "You can be sure I'll use it responsibly."
Zogar nodded, sighing in relief. He knew that Seth wouldn't use the Divine Art recklessly, but he needed reassurance due to Seth's hot-tempered nature. Seth's response gave him that
confidence.
"Chief, it's best to return home and leave the spies from the Trekking Flamingo Runaway City to us. Your wives might be unable to hold back their anger and frustration if you stay here one more day," Seth said, turning his attention to Orion.
Compared to them, Orion had been working tirelessly to ensure a solid foundation within the three Runaway Cities, keeping him away from his family for a week and a half.
They were familiar with Orion's family dynamics, having visited his manor several times, and knew he faced larger personal issues when he returned home.
Hearing the light-heartedness in Seth's voice, Orion rolled his eyes. "Unfortunately, you don't have a family of your own, so I doubt you fully understand what you're talking about," Orion said, clicking his tongue at both. He knew that while they had a few children from various barters, neither wanted a committed family, which might interfere with their work.