Chapter 128: The Fly


    "This matter is of great importance. As you can see, our Monte Empire was the first to inform the Kabu and Rhine Empires. Envoys from both nations have visited multiple times to verify the information and discuss the formation of a coalition. However, mobilizing the armies of three nations involves numerous complexities that aren''t easily resolved. Even if we assume successful negotiations and that both nations are sincere in deploying their forces, do you know how vast the Northern Continent is?"


    Han Ming shook his head slightly.


    Mai Lun sighed, took a sip of tea, and continued, "I''m getting old, and my mind isn''t as sharp as it used to be. Let me explain. The Northern Continent is incredibly vast, and on such a large landmass, there are only three major empires. The existence of these three nations is quite delicate, maintaining a balance of power. Simply put, none of the three nations are entirely content with the status quo. Each harbors ambitions to invade one of the others but fears that the third nation might take advantage of the situation. Do you understand this dynamic?"


    Han Ming furrowed his brow slightly. He realized that he had previously oversimplified the situation, assuming that the three nations would naturally unite against the demon invasion. However, he had overlooked one critical factor: human nature.


    In other words, even if the three-nation coalition successfully repelled the demon forces, which nation would suffer the least losses? Which nation would retain the most strength? And after the war with the demons, how would the aftermath be handled? Would one nation invade another''s territory immediately after the victory?


    These were questions Han Ming hadn''t considered, but the rulers of the three nations couldn''t afford to ignore them.


    "However, you needn''t worry too much. These matters are for the leaders of each nation to resolve. At least for now, the negotiations among the three nations are progressing smoothly."


    Mai Lun paused, then smiled and asked Han Ming, "Young friend Han, do you know why we''re suddenly holding the Tri-Nation Tournament at such a critical time?"


    After hearing Mai Lun''s explanation and considering the current situation, Han Ming quickly grasped the general idea.


    "The coalition of the three nations probably won''t reach a final agreement anytime soon, but the demon forces are already at our doorstep. So, you''re hoping to select some outstanding experts through the Tri-Nation Tournament? The main army will handle the direct confrontation with the demons, while these experts will be tasked with special missions?"


    Mai Lun patted Han Ming''s shoulder approvingly. "That''s essentially it. You see, the strength of a single expert is limited, but it''s unrealistic to expect these lone wolves to lead armies. They might not be willing, nor might they be capable. But how can we waste such valuable human resources? Young friend Han, do you know what determines the outcome of a battle?"


    Han Ming knew Mai Lun had more to say, so he remained silent, waiting for the elder to continue.


    "Often, the outcome of a battle hinges on the details. A seemingly insignificant detail can determine the course of an entire war. To put it simply, we want to gather a large number of experts to strike at the demons'' weak points. As far as we know, the demon realm''s seal isn''t fully open yet. For them to send higher-tier demon soldiers through the barrier, they need a massive amount of magical crystals as energy to break the seal. The role of these experts is to disrupt and sabotage their plans. If possible, they might even attack the demons'' formation and reinforce the seal, cutting off their reinforcements. If we can do that, the demon forces in the human world will lose their momentum. But the key is that we must act quickly—before the situation spirals out of control."


    Han Ming nodded slowly.


    "If these experts achieve even a small success, it will be like throwing a bone to a pack of dogs. The bone will naturally attract the dogs."


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Han Ming was intrigued. From Mai Lun''s words, it seemed there were hidden details he wasn''t aware of.


    "Elder Mai Lun, are you saying that defeating the demon forces could bring additional benefits?"


    Mai Lun laughed heartily. "First and foremost, protecting humanity is the top priority. But secondly, did you know that the demon realm has its own unique magic and combat techniques, completely different from what humans currently possess? Imagine if, while fighting the demon forces, you not only acquired their weapons but also obtained their secret manuals. What would that mean? And what if you distributed these manuals to the experts in your own nation? One day, you could lead a group of enhanced experts to invade a neighboring country..."


    At this point, Mai Lun gave Han Ming a meaningful look, then lowered his head to sip his tea without saying more.


    Han Ming sighed. He hadn''t expected the situation to be so complex, with so many hidden agendas. This war wasn''t going to be easy. Moreover, what Mai Lun had told him was likely just the tip of the iceberg. There was at least one issue Mai Lun hadn''t mentioned: the possibility of spies in the human world. Han Ming found it hard to believe there were none.


    Would the demons launch an invasion without fully understanding human movements? Probably not. What if some of these spies were native demons, while others were humans who had turned traitor? How could they be identified? Han Ming planned to personally carry out some sabotage missions, but what if the demons already knew the details of his tasks and set traps for him?


    Han Ming didn''t dare to think further.


    "Let''s not dwell on this for now, young friend Han. Will you be participating in the Tri-Nation Tournament?"


    Mai Lun asked with a smile.


    Han Ming nodded. "Yes, of course. After all, I''m still a student at the magic academy."


    Mai Lun nodded slightly. "I hadn''t considered that. You see, mages aren''t bound to any single nation, so in theory, we can''t force any mage to participate in the fight against the demon forces. They must volunteer. That''s one of the reasons we''re holding the Tri-Nation Tournament and involving the magic academies of each nation."


    Han Ming declined Mai Lun''s offer to introduce him publicly and returned to the banquet hall alone.


    He didn''t want to draw too much attention. Some things were best done quietly, without anyone noticing. While some of these actions might not be entirely honorable, Han Ming knew that if it came down to it, he wouldn''t hesitate to act.


    The ultimate goal was to thwart the demon invasion!


    Han Ming returned to his corner and silently drank his wine. The information he had received tonight hadn''t eased his mind; instead, it made him realize how complicated the situation was. His mood couldn''t help but sink.


    "Han Ming, right? May I sit here?"


    Hearing the voice, Han Ming looked up and saw the same stunning woman from earlier.


    He had to admit that this woman was one of the most beautiful he had ever seen, second only to Catherine. But tonight, he wasn''t in the mood for any romantic entanglements.


    "Go ahead," Han Ming nodded, then stood up to move to another seat.


    "Wait!" The woman quickly stepped in front of Han Ming, blocking his path.


    Han Ming frowned slightly, displeased. "What do you want?"


    The woman stared directly into Han Ming''s eyes but answered with an unrelated question. "Let me ask you, if someone did you a great favor, would you repay them?"


    Han Ming was puzzled but nodded nonetheless.


    "Good," the woman smiled, seemingly satisfied with his answer.


    "Today, you must sit here and not leave!" She placed her hands on Han Ming''s shoulders and pushed him back into his seat.


    Is this woman mentally unstable? Why is she so fixated on me?


    Han Ming sighed. Fine, if she wants to sit here, let her. He decided to treat her as if she were invisible.


    He sighed again, took a glass of wine from a passing servant, and drank alone.


    The woman rested her chin on her hand, her large eyes fixed on Han Ming. She seemed lost in thought, occasionally chuckling to herself or frowning deeply.


    Han Ming felt increasingly uncomfortable under her gaze and awkwardly turned his face away, pretending not to notice.


    This action, however, elicited another light laugh from the woman. "Silly."


    In this world, there are always people who willingly play the role of the villain, taking pleasure in disrupting others'' peace. Their behavior might be attributed to their upbringing, or it might simply be a reflection of their flawed character.


    The man now sitting in front of Han Ming, sneering at him, was likely a combination of both.


    "Well, well, if it isn''t the kid I taught a lesson two years ago. I almost didn''t recognize you."


    Huang Ying pulled out a chair and sat down between Han Ming and the woman, mocking him. "You really can''t change your ways, can you? Are you planning to make a living by seducing decent women and living off them? Tsk tsk, having a pretty face certainly has its advantages. Look at you, smiling like a flirtatious harlot. No wonder women keep throwing themselves at you. First it was Fei''er, and now this beautiful lady."


    Huang Ying turned to the woman with an apologetic smile and raised his glass. "I apologize for my crude language earlier. I just don''t want to see another beautiful and outstanding lady deceived by this worthless fool."