Chapitre 46: Chapter 47: The Shifting Tide
Chapter 47: The Shifting Tide
Morning in the valley brought a sense of guarded optimism. The settlers, invigorated by Adam's decisive leadership and the promise of the Free Union alliance, worked with a renewed sense of purpose. The Mana Core's glow seemed brighter, its energy seeping into the very soil of the valley, enhancing the crops and stabilizing the mana around them.
Adam stood at the heart of the settlement, overseeing the construction of the Mana Regulator. The structure, now halfway complete, was a marvel of combined magical and mechanical engineering. Dwarves and humans worked side by side, embedding mana-infused materials into the framework.
Mira approached, holding a bundle of parchment. "Scouts have returned with updates," she said. "The northern camp has grown. More mercenaries are arriving by the day."
Adam frowned. "Any indication of their intentions?"
"Not yet," Mira replied. "But they're fortifying their position. They're not just passing through."
Preparing for the Worst
Adam gathered his core team to discuss the growing threat. Garrick's face was grim as he laid out a map on the table, marking the mercenary camp's location.
"They've chosen a strategic spot," Garrick said. "It's defensible and gives them a clear view of the northern approaches. If they decide to move, they'll have the upper hand."
"We need to be proactive," Adam said. "Garrick, take a small team and assess their defenses. Don't engage—just gather intel. Tharim, I want siege weapons ready, just in case."
Tharim grinned. "I've been itching to test out the new ballista design. This'll give me an excuse to finish it."
Lyara chimed in, "We should also prepare evacuation plans for the settlers, just in case. The valley is strong, but we can't risk unnecessary losses."
Adam nodded. "Agreed. Mira, work with Lyara on contingency plans. I'll oversee the defenses and prepare for the worst."
<System Alert:
**New Objective: Secure the Northern Border.
Task: Scout the Mercenary Camp. Reward: Tactical Advantage in Future Conflicts.**>
A Surge of Strength
As the team dispersed, Adam felt a familiar pulse in the air. The Mana Core, housed in the council chamber, was resonating again. He made his way there, his steps quickening as the energy grew more intense.
The core pulsed with light, and Adam felt a connection forming between him and the artifact.
<System Alert:
**Ability Unlocked: Beast Empathy (S).
Effect: Strengthened connection with creatures, enhancing taming and communication. Additional Effect: Boosts productivity of domesticated beasts.**>
The new ability filled Adam with warmth and clarity. He could sense the creatures within the valley—wild and tame alike. Their emotions, needs, and loyalty became tangible threads that he could weave together.
"This changes everything," Adam murmured. With this ability, the valley's livestock and even the wild creatures could become a cornerstone of their strength.
Taming the Wild
Eager to test his new power, Adam headed to the stables, where a group of settlers was struggling to tame a particularly stubborn mana-infused boar. The creature's thick, shimmering hide and fiery eyes made it a valuable asset, but it resisted every attempt to calm it.
Adam approached slowly, extending his hand. The settlers watched in astonishment as the boar stilled, its fiery eyes locking onto Adam.
"Easy now," Adam said softly, his voice calm. The threads of empathy between him and the boar grew stronger. He could feel its fear and aggression but also its potential for loyalty.
Within moments, the boar lowered its head in submission. Adam placed a hand on its hide, feeling the energy coursing through it.
"It's not just an animal anymore," Adam said to the settlers. "It's part of our family now. Treat it with care, and it'll fight for us when the time comes."
The settlers cheered, their admiration for Adam growing.
<System Alert:
**Beast Taming Progress:
New Companion: Emberhide Boar. Effect: Enhanced Defensive Capabilities.**>
The Mercenaries' Warning
That evening, Garrick returned from his scouting mission with troubling news.
"They're not just mercenaries," Garrick reported. "They've got mages with them—ones skilled in summoning and barriers. Their camp is fortified with magical wards, and their numbers are growing daily."
Adam's jaw tightened. "They're preparing for something. Did you see their leader?"
Garrick nodded. "A woman. Tall, heavily armored, with a presence that could silence a battlefield. She's no ordinary commander."
<System Alert:
**New Threat Identified: Commander Kaelin.
Class: Warlord (SS). Abilities: Battlefield Command, Magical Barriers, and War Summons. Threat Level: High.**>
A Show of Power
The next day, Adam called for a public demonstration of the settlement's strength. He gathered the settlers in the central square, where Tharim unveiled the first completed ballista.
"This beauty," Tharim said, patting the massive weapon, "can pierce through magical barriers and shatter enemy lines. And it's just the beginning."
Adam stepped forward, addressing the crowd. "We're not just surviving—we're thriving. The challenges ahead are great, but so is our strength. Together, we'll build a future no one can take from us."
The settlers cheered, their confidence bolstered. Adam knew that unity was their greatest weapon, and he would do everything in his power to maintain it.
As the crowd dispersed, Adam turned to Mira. "Send a message to the mercenaries. I want to meet their leader. If they think they can intimidate us, they're in for a surprise."
Mira raised an eyebrow. "And if they refuse?"
Adam's gaze hardened. "Then we'll show them what happens when they underestimate us."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone