Armored Cavalry, survive in a world full of mods

One by one, prisoners of different backgrounds were thrown into sturdy cells made of thick hardwood. Before being thrown in, each person was pricked with a thin, black needle, and then they were immediately thrown into a state of unconsciousness, like a tattered sack filled with blood.

Watching the prepared cells quickly fill up, until eventually there weren't enough cells for one person per cell, and two or three people had to be locked up in one place, Thesolius couldn't help but sigh:

"This is truly a fruitful harvest... completely beyond my expectations. In other words, I guess I've had a 'jackpot' of good luck?"

What does 'baohu' mean?

"It means that someone caught so many fish that they filled his fish container... That's about right, I think it's quite fitting to describe the current situation."

Recalling the videos and posts he had come across as a cyber fishing enthusiast, Tersolius nodded affirmatively.

"It really suits you perfectly, it's quite fitting..."

Tarina scribbled and drew on the parchment. Ever since she received that appointment, the girl had always kept parchment and a brass pen on hand, so she could make notes and investigate at any time.

"The fish attracted by this 'bait' were quite large. Fortunately, we made ample preparations, which prevented the plan from getting out of control. In any case, it was a very fruitful harvest."

"According to the prison guards who went to the prison, the target who was originally under protection, Alic, has been confirmed dead. The other party was very precise and stabbed him directly in the heart. The sword was also coated with poison to ensure that there would be no mistake."

"It's pretty much what I expected."

Tersolius walked through the long, narrow cells on either side—a sturdy prison in the city would have been more suitable, but its reliability was now highly questionable, so they brought all their spoils to the camp.

The prisoners in the two cells on either side came from all walks of life. Some were guards in the city prison, some were small vendors from nearby villages, some were beggars begging on the streets and alleys... and there were even prostitutes who made a living by selling their bodies. They were a diverse and varied group.

"He has already said most of what he knows. For us, his only remaining value is to lure out more targets. Now that the fish has taken the bait, the quality of the bait is no longer important... He can only be considered unlucky and lacked the necessary luck."

"It was only a matter of time before this kind of guy, who could turn against his last friend and be abandoned by everyone, ended up like this."

After making a couple of remarks, Thessalius turned his head:

"Although we've had a good haul, we can't let these fresh fish turn into rotten ones. That's all up to you, Talina."

Tarina nodded, as if it were just a small matter, a confident and composed smile even on her face.

“Achieving our goal is now very simple. After accumulating enough information, we can now accurately pinpoint the location of the follicles. We no longer need to open their heads; we can just make a small hole and kill the parasites with venom… It’s very quick.”

"Oh, it's already quite mature?"

Tersolius looked surprised, which made Talina smirk with a hint of pride. Her soft cheeks made one want to pinch them.

"Yes, it is now basically certain that the parasitic follicles are located in the center of the brain, and their size is large enough to tolerate some errors, and the speed is also much faster."

"Then let's not delay any longer and get started quickly. Just tell me what people or things you need; they're still waiting to get to work."

The men in black standing nearby stirred slightly; anyone could sense their eagerness. Meanwhile, everything was prepared inside the white tents set up nearby. They would soon be interrogated separately to prevent them from colluding with each other.

Talina couldn't help but feel sorry for these enemies—perhaps being killed on the spot during the resistance was the best outcome for them, otherwise they would be living a life worse than death.

………………

The screams that echoed through the military camp all night terrified many new recruits. Although they dared not cause a disturbance due to the strict discipline, many still did not get a good rest and went to ask other veterans for advice the next day with dark circles under their eyes.

Almost every veteran who was asked would casually tell them that the army was interrogating spies and they shouldn't worry too much. What they really needed to worry about was whether they could keep up with the march today... If they couldn't, the punishment they might face was what they should be wary of.

It was already past midnight, and the sky was beginning to lighten. Cooking camps everywhere were preparing food, and the soldiers were drinking hot soup and eating bread, getting ready for a whole day of marching.

At this moment, Thesolius did not intend to get up and leave immediately. Instead, he flipped through the parchment in his hand. The information recorded on it was unique in the entire country, and even the emperor knew about it later than him. In a sense, it was extremely precious.

"A special situation occurred with the parasites in prisoners No. 2, No. 5 and No. 7. Before the venom was injected, the parasites hatched prematurely, completely destroying the host's brain tissue and then dying together. It is suspected to be a new variant."

"The autopsy revealed a special organ the size of a grain of rice in their body structure, which may be the reason, but it is still difficult to analyze at present... I need a fully equipped research laboratory to do this."

"Everyone else is in good condition..."

At this point, Tarina's expression became somewhat strange:

"Those gentlemen were quite skilled. Although they inflicted extreme torture and caused great pain, they did not cause any fatal damage. As long as it was bandaged, the patient could recover through rest."

"They have all been handed over to the jailers and will return to the imperial capital with us this time."

Tersolius nodded slightly, tapped the neatly cut parchment on the table twice to straighten the protruding edges, and then handed it to Talina, who put it into the box of important documents.

"Yes, I feel very reassured leaving it to them."

"Although I knew the gains would be substantial, I never expected them to be this great. It's beyond my expectations... A bloody storm is inevitable, and the scope of the impact will be enormous."

"Of course, if any unscrupulous people think they can take advantage of this opportunity to do something, they will regret it... The South can't be delayed any longer, or it will be harder to resolve if it drags on any longer... You don't need to remember these things, Doctor, I'm just saying."

"There's still a lot to do. I'll have to deal with those guys when I get back... It's incredibly troublesome."

Thesolius covered his face and sighed... but at the same time, a strange sense of excitement suddenly welled up in his heart. He was so looking forward to what was about to happen—a new conquest, a new war, a new revenge... just like parched land waiting for rain. The fatigue of the past few days was swept away, and every part of his body was cheering.

Taking a deep breath, Tersolius stood up, ordered his guards to pack up all his belongings, then opened the door and walked out, with Talina following behind him.

“Do you know, Doctor… I always look forward to new wars, to the sight of our army destroying the enemy under my command, to the war machine destroying the city’s defenses… I even find peaceful days a bit boring, and it’s hard to prove my worth.”

"But at the same time, I am very clear that war is not a good thing, and I will use reason to control myself... It can only be a tool, not an end, otherwise it would be a catastrophe for anyone, a catastrophe made of blood and fire..."

"Our country was able to reach its current heights precisely because of war. Now, we cannot leave war any longer, or we will face the crisis of annihilation in an instant. The fervor of war is both a curse and a blessing for us... The empire must continue to grow stronger, or it will only be divided up and destroyed. Now it is a matter of life and death, with no room for maneuver."

"Perhaps the goddess Fusgrina really exists, and maybe she even glanced in our direction... What should we do next? Can we achieve this through our own will? I have no idea."

"But one thing I am clear about is that my war will not be aimed at destruction, and the Empire will not need a scorched earth. What I need to clear out are just some stupid, vicious, and cowardly obstacles."

"The road ahead is still difficult, so be careful not to fall behind."

………………

As the first rays of sunlight touched the earth, large armies were already advancing on the provincial roads. Soldiers marched in orderly formations, their banners fluttering endlessly, their gleaming steel shimmering, and the grand, heavy footsteps reverberating across the land.

This land, ravaged by war, is regaining its vitality. New forces are being nurtured in the ubiquitous farmlands and pastures, waiting for their time to be put to use, and that day is destined to come soon.

The fiery red sunrise was bright and clear, rising in the direction the army was advancing, casting its gentle light on the faces of every soldier. Amidst the shouts of men and the neighing of horses, it rose higher and higher, until at one moment it completely illuminated the entire land, making every corner bright.

190 Return

Countless slaves and laborers were conscripted to the finest pastures of all of Cerisonas, and large quantities of building materials were transported by the army along the wide roads, and construction began immediately upon arrival.

Ordinary horse ranches don't need to be built too solidly and fortified, but this ranch is different. The warhorses raised there are the most valuable strategic resources of the entire empire—no warhorse can compare to the Passatria, even the Thoroughbreds of Asel are just inferior donkeys in comparison.

Such a precious breed of horse is under strict protection throughout the country. To prevent possible leaks and other accidents, the defense here is impenetrable. An elite legion has been deployed here, and even the workers and slaves who come here to work are blindfolded. Any slight abnormality will result in the immediate execution of the entire team.

This place was quickly transformed into something completely unlike a horse-breeding area. Fortresses, towers, and arrow towers surrounded the area, making it impenetrable. Elite soldiers patrolled everywhere, and light cavalry galloped back and forth incessantly. The area within a radius of dozens of miles was thoroughly patrolled. If any unidentified person dared to approach without authorization, the cavalry could execute them at will without any orders.

On the same day that Tersolius's legion left, a heavily guarded caravan also arrived from a wide road. Traveling by night and without regard for speed, they quickly delivered the important goods they were carrying to this excellent pasture.

Hersalos watched as the enormous chests were placed on the ground, from which came the heavy snorting and restless pawing of animals. Each chest was guarded by several fully armed elite soldiers, along with some smartly dressed stablemen. Through the narrow windows above, they tried to soothe the creatures inside.

As a high-ranking deputy commander of the legion, Hersalos was actually a little nervous at this moment—he hadn't expected that his commander would actually get the stallions and foals of the Passatrian warhorses, and judging from the situation, the approval was obtained in a very short time after the message was delivered, otherwise it would not have been possible to arrive so quickly.

Even the usually stoic Hersaros was moved at this moment. After calming himself down a bit, he gestured to indicate that the cages of the Passatrian warhorses could be opened.

As the wooden pegs of the crate were opened, the scholars from the Imperial Research Institute, the officials from the Livestock Bureau, the guards escorting the shipment, and the personnel responsible for caring for the warhorses all retreated in an orderly fashion to avoid agitating the precious creature.

A thin, bony colt cautiously emerged from inside, looking around with a mixture of sensitivity and panic. Its chestnut-brown coat appeared exceptionally glossy, indicating ample nutrition.

Skilled personnel immediately stepped forward to soothe and guide the unremarkable foals to their new pen. It would take a long time for these creatures to adapt to their new environment, and they would have to be careful at all times, without any negligence.

Besides foals, there are strong and healthy stallions and mares... as well as everything needed to raise these precious creatures. Each item is maintained and operated by dedicated personnel, and dozens of scholars and sages from the Imperial Academy and Imperial Library are responsible for the breeding work here.

As everything unfolded smoothly, the scholars remained deeply concerned. Despite the exceptional nature of the Passatrian horses, the sudden change in environment and potential diseases could still destroy them. Therefore, they had to be extremely careful and ensure that nothing went wrong with this newly established and important horse farm.

Now that the Empire's east has been pacified, the proposal to establish an important horse ranch here was approved. Otherwise, no one could feel comfortable exposing such a vital facility near those ambitious enemies. Only when this land is fully under the Empire's control can this fertile land realize its full value.

Hersalos knew that he still had many tasks ahead of him, and this heavy responsibility allowed no room for slackness...

…………

The eagle flapped its wings, the frequency was not fast, but the speed was astonishing. Like a black lightning bolt, it streaked across the sky, spread its wings and circled, finally slowing down and landing on the tip of a tall tower.

The black tiles on the roof have a glossy glaze. If it weren't for the wavy protrusions, even birds would have a hard time standing on them, let alone the rain. Because of this, it is difficult to build a nest here. Most birds of prey just stop here to rest.

A squad of guards adorned with brass armor marched past on the city wall below. The gleaming tips of their spears were clearly well-maintained, polished to the point of being almost mirror-like, reflecting bright spots of light under the sun and flashing continuously with the sound of their armor plates vibrating.

The raptor was used to the soldiers' presence, so it didn't seem disturbed at all. It continued to preen its feathers with its sharp beak and scrape its hooked talons against the glazed surface.

A hand wearing a black leather glove reached up from the eaves without anyone noticing, silently grabbed the protruding point, and then gently exerted force to appear at the top of the tower. Only then did the eagle notice this uninvited guest, let out a sharp cry, flapped its wings and jumped directly from the top of the tower. In mid-air, it took control of the airflow and began to glide towards the foot of the mountain.

The newcomer wore a light gray short-sleeved shirt, the cuffs and hem clinging tightly to his body without any excess fabric. His fine leather boots had prominent brass studs on the soles, allowing him to stand firmly on the smooth surface. His face was covered with a mask of the same color, revealing only his eyes. The sunlight shone on the gray fabric of his clothes, making him appear somewhat blurry and indistinct.

The leather straps clinging to his body were covered with a variety of odds and ends—several small brass bottles painted black, several long, sharp needles that looked no more than the length of a finger, and a short, sharp, and unstoppable armor-piercing awl about two feet long.

Every part of this person's body suggested that he operated in the shadows, yet he appeared at this moment in the place closest to the sun, holding an exquisite small copper tube in his hand and gazing into the distance.

As he looked at it, he was also muttering something to himself and writing something down on the parchment in his hand. The parchment was filled with tiny, dense writing, making the most of every inch of it.

To complete this task, one needs fine, strong fingers and excellent eyesight, both of which he clearly possessed, so he did it with ease. Before long, he rolled the paper into a small roll and stuffed it into a small pocket on his chest.

Then, just like when he came, he made no sound at all. With a nimble flip, as if he was about to fall off the spire, his fingers had already gripped the brick seam below. He looked lighter than a falling leaf, and with only the fingers on his two hands, he climbed down like a gecko.

A cheer suddenly erupted from a distant mountain peak, prompting him to instinctively turn his head to investigate. Through the crystal lens of the brass tube, he saw a standing sculpted column—a commemorative column recording General Tersolius's achievements, which had finally been completed and transported to the column forest atop Mount Pisri with the assistance of hundreds of workers.

The size and style of the commemorative pillars in the forest of pillars are determined by the degree of glory and victory achieved. The more glorious and magnificent the achievement, the more ornate and tall the pillars become, making the difference immediately apparent.

Besides the various intricately carved patterns and sculptures on the columns, there are also poems praising the achievements created by the most outstanding poets and scholars. These poems not only need to be beautiful in language, but also clearly record every point, which requires a very high level of skill from the creators.

The Column of the Archon of Tersolius stands out even among that vast forest of columns. It is covered with thousands of patterns and carvings of all sizes, so dense that they are hard to distinguish without careful observation. The material is a single piece of carefully selected marble, and more than a dozen strong livestock died from exhaustion in order to transport it up the mountain.

When this pillar was erected, it naturally attracted countless people to come and watch, and bursts of applause and cheers that were even more intense and enthusiastic than a storm.

After a brief moment of reflection, he put away the small tube in his hand and, taking advantage of the gap between the arrival of the next patrol, nimbly slipped down the city wall. In a corner, he changed his clothes in the blink of an eye and quietly blended into the bustling crowd.

…………

The army camped on a wide, flat area with a nearby river with abundant water. The view was expansive and unobstructed, making even the sky seem wider. The stars twinkled in the clear night, their brightness changing from time to time, attracting people's attention.

Each time this elite legion stops, it creates a spacious camp, as large as a town, in a very short time. Those who don't know the situation can even get lost in it. Countless torches are lit throughout the night to illuminate the place and prevent any ill-intentioned individuals from causing trouble under the cover of darkness.

Amidst the ever-heavy defenses of the central army, Tersolius was burning the midnight oil by the light of a crystal lamp.

This peculiar little lamp was brought to him by the messenger who delivered the emperor's letter last time. It only requires periodic replacement of the wick to emit a gentle and bright light that lasts a long time. It is much better than an oil lamp and does not hurt the eyes.

After using it twice, he decisively abandoned the old oil lamps and used only this small crystal lamp for lighting the entire tent, which now seems to be a very wise choice.

In the bright light illuminating every corner, he carefully examined the writing on the parchment in his hand, while ink, still wet, dripped from the brass pen in his right hand.

After this period of study, he can now not only write letters himself, but he can even write them neatly and properly. Although they still look a bit stiff and rigid, they are still quite pleasing to the eye.

Finally, he raised an eyebrow, threw the pen in his right hand into the ink bottle, then put the parchment into an envelope, sealed it with wax, and placed it in the pile of documents next to him.

After a period of marching, he finally returned to the center of the empire. In two more days, he would reach his original post. At that time, honor would surely come to him, and trouble would inevitably be his to deal with.

Although this country is prosperous and powerful, its enormous size means that nothing is easy, and troubles and difficulties always come knocking.

To think that one person can solve everything is a foolish and arrogant delusion. Only by bringing together talented and determined individuals to form a well-organized organization can a country be governed.

What he is about to do may change the very foundation of the country—a new, more open, and broader way of selecting talent, and most importantly, a way to break the status quo and bring about new opportunities and changes.

This is like walking on a knife's edge; the slightest misstep could lead to utter ruin. So he had to be extremely careful... to prevent the situation from spiraling into the worst possible outcome.

There are so many things he wants to do, but the difficulties and obstacles are also countless. Sometimes, it even makes him feel a little irritable and creates a sense of urgency that time waits for no one... He even has an impulse to cut the Gordian knot from time to time.

But this impulse was only momentary, and he knew very well that it was the worst possible solution.

The crisp sound of warhorses' hooves could be clearly heard in the darkness. After the patrolling soldiers stopped the visitor and questioned him, they quickly escorted him to the center of the camp. After obtaining his permission, the messenger dressed in gray appeared before him again.

Although the other person was completely covered up, Thessalius recognized him as an old acquaintance from his build and certain subtle details:

"Another reply? You're quick."

"With a mission on my shoulders, I dare not slack off."

The emperor's henchman took out a parchment from his bosom and presented it to him with both hands. The fine gold thread inlaid along the edge shimmered in the lamplight.

Thesolius reached out and took it, but didn't open it immediately. Instead, he used his right hand to pull out the letter he had just written from the pile of documents:

"Give this letter to His Majesty, and your task will be complete."

The man reached out and took it, immediately understanding the other party's meaning—once they returned to the capital, the other party, in his capacity, could naturally communicate with the emperor in person, eliminating the need for letters, and thus his mission for this period would be successfully completed.

"What is the situation in the capital recently?"

"It was cleaned very well, and there were no extra bedbugs."

"That's good."

191 Celebration (1)

Everything appeared blurry in the steamy heat. Hot water of just the right temperature flowed from the mouth of a marble lion sculpture, splashing into the wide pool and rising into the steam. Dew began to condense on the intricately carved stone bricks. Bright yellow light from the glass lampshade illuminated the vast space.

A dozen or so maids stood by the bath, holding towels, fine wines in carved silver pots, chilled fruits, and all sorts of other things, ready to serve the emperor of the empire.

Her silvery hair swayed in the hot water like seaweed bobbing with the waves. Her golden eyes, though less majestic and sharp than usual, were blurred in the mist, making them difficult to see clearly. Only the clear, melodious sound of the hot water being stirred could be heard.