Ten Days Later, Sun Moon Kingdom, East Mountain City.
Located on the eastern border of the kingdom, East Mountain City earned its name from its unique position between two towering mountains. This city was the largest in the eastern region, serving as the gateway to the kingdom. Anyone wanting to enter or leave the kingdom from the east had to pass through here.
The reason was simple—most of the eastern lands were cliffs and jagged peaks. This was the only region with a relatively flat terrain, making it the sole passable area. As a result, it was a bustling hub, with merchant caravans frequently passing through, making it the busiest frontier city.
As morning broke, East Mountain City was alive with activity. The bustling marketplace and crowded streets were a far cry from the capital city. As a border city, it had many visitors, with caravans of various races, mostly from the Yellow Tier, arriving daily. Rarely did you see any higher-tier races, as the more powerful races like the Xuan and Tian-tier tribes looked down upon mingling with the likes of humans. Even the peaceful elves, though relatively close, didn't deign to enter human lands.
Inside a modest inn, Ronald, dressed in a simple green robe, sat in a private room, listening to Liu Long's report.
"Young Master, your plan worked perfectly! Zhang Tie reports that the rebel forces have mobilized 10,000 elite soldiers to the western border. Truly brilliant strategy, Young Master! You've outwitted them at every turn," Liu Long said, clearly impressed.
Ronald chuckled, a smug smile tugging at his lips. "Of course, everything is going as planned. Now, stop with the flattery. How's the mission I assigned going?"
Over the days, Liu Long and the other guards had come to understand their king's character. Ronald wasn't the stereotypical, distant monarch. He could laugh, get angry, and even feel uncertain. Aside from his occasionally terrifying outbursts, he was approachable.
Liu Long gave a grin before replying, "Everything's been taken care of. General Fan and some of the men disguised themselves as horse traders and have already left the city. The other two groups are in position, waiting for your orders!"
Ronald nodded, satisfied. "Good. How are the defenses at the city gate? Are there any wanted posters of us?"
Liu Long hesitated before replying, "East Mountain City is the kingdom's eastern gate. The city walls are fifteen zhang high, made of solid blue stone—impenetrable. The gates are built from black ebony, sturdy and difficult to break down."
"But strangely, I didn't see any wanted posters there."
Ronald furrowed his brow. After a moment of thought, he said, "Something's off. If we're on the run as remnants of the old regime, it doesn't make sense that the wanted posters aren't here."
Liu Long's face darkened. "Then what do we do now, Young Master?"
Ronald's tone turned firm. "We proceed as planned. No matter what happens, we stick to the plan."
"Understood, Young Master!" Liu Long bowed before rushing out of the room.
Once alone, Ronald leaned back in his chair, resting his chin in his hand, his finger lightly tapping against the table in a rhythmic pattern—a habit from his past life when deep in thought. Though he had decided to go ahead with the plan, an uneasy feeling gnawed at him.
Suddenly, a cold, mechanical voice echoed inside his mind.
"Beep. Energy restoration complete. Host has survived for over 20 days. System activation successful. Beginning binding process."
"Beep. Binding complete. Installing system."
"Beep. Installation complete. Commencing countdown."
"10...9...8..."
Ronald's jaw dropped as the mechanical voice continued, and for a moment, he stood frozen, utterly stunned by the strange event unfolding in his mind.