The Golden Experience Point [Part 1]

Chapter 180: "Portree King"

Portree Kingdom.

This country, located in the southern part of the continent, enjoys a mild climate throughout the year.

The soil is firm, and the undulating terrain makes it unsuitable for cultivation. However, since most of the land is covered in forests, orchards benefiting from the warm climate are prevalent.

The main food source for over 90% of the population, who are elves, comes from the fruits harvested in these orchards.

However, recently, incidents have been occurring where certain orchards are being attacked by unknown assailants, causing harm to farmers and others.

"Bandits, perhaps?"

"Yes. In some cities near the northwest border, there has been an increase in food raids by individuals believed to be bandits."

In the administrative office of the palace at the heart of the Portree capital, King Ustashe receives a report from a palace official.

Normally, Ustashe wouldn't be concerned about the food of local citizens being stolen. However, this is a turbulent time with the emergence of the Seventh Calamity and the neighboring country of Hiers being annihilated. In such times, anything could become a catalyst for the downfall of a nation.

According to reports from agents infiltrated in Hiers, there were no significant mistakes in Hiers' response. They had even repelled the threat once, implying that they simply lost in a pure display of strength.

High elves like Ustashe and the nobles of Portree are far stronger than the nobility of Hiers, not only due to racial differences but also the accumulation of years. Elves have long lifespans.

However, this doesn't mean they are arrogant enough to believe they can counter a calamity-level monster. While it's not impossible if an artifact is activated, it's not something they are eager to test.

In preparation for the worst-case scenario, careful attention must be given to securing resources, including food.

Despite the responsibility trusted to the ruling royal family, if there are damages, it falls on the shoulders of the local lords.

"Being taken advantage of by mere bandits suggests that the city lacks adequate defense. Who is the lord?"

"The reports indicate Viscount Pasquier and the territory of Count Cobell."

"Cobell? That place has a sizable territory nearby and should have its own substantial knight order. They shouldn't be incapable of dealing with bandits."

"According to the reports, the monsters in that region have been restless lately, and there are changes in the types of monsters appearing. They are fully occupied with dealing with that, and handling bandits is beyond their capacity."

"...When you say that the types of monsters have changed, does that mean that higher-ranking species are appearing?"

This is no joke. If the ranking of monsters in the territory is increasing, it implies that the boss's rank, the ringleader of the region, has also risen. If that's the case, it's unpredictable when they might come out of the territory to attack the city.

Just about a month ago, monsters flooded from territories across the country, causing significant damage. It was the large-scale flooding triggered by the birth of the Seventh Calamity.

"No, it seems different types have appeared."

"Again with the undead?"

During the previous flooding, undead creatures emerged from the territories of various monsters. Either the undead overflowed and triggered local monsters, or local monsters stimulated by the undead flooded out. The flooding happened in that manner.