The battle had ended.
In a certain sense, the events on the Highland only truly concluded at this moment.
The True Saint Disciples, the cult that was the main culprit, had their last and largest force swept away in one go, and the remaining Novice Followers posed no further threat.
As the ruler of the dark side of the Kingdom, the Believers of the Black Gate were far more than those exterminated on the Highland and caught in front of the prison. Many marginal figures, not quite evil but far from virtuous, relied on them, lurking in society's shadows, and even some Nobles were secretly connected with them.
These individuals, well-versed in Teleportation Magic and unafraid of the Kingdom's legal jurisdiction, undoubtedly served as excellent pawns in the eyes of many High-Ranking Individuals.
It's hard to say that the action of the Black Gate on the Highland, which almost deceived everyone, had no participation or assistance from others behind the scenes.
If not for the immense threat brought by the Corrupted Phoenix, the Count could not have executed military control with such thunderous means, thereby revealing these Cultists long-hidden in the darkest corners of the Border City's underground.
This Fortress City appeared solid as a rock, but the Count knew that what truly led to a city's downfall was often not external enemies but internal corruption and betrayal. Even he could not entirely clean the filth in the shadows.
However, under the leadership of the Sergeant, a large majority of the cult remnants were captured alive this time, marking a significant victory. Even if these Fanatics stood firm, there were countless ways to extract valuable information from them.
The fall of the Black Gate would trigger a series of chain reactions. Presumably, after this battle ended, there would still be broader ripples spreading throughout the city, and even the entire power structure of the Border region would be altered due to this operation.
Yet, for Miss Hero, currently recuperating in the Count Mansion, these complex politics and conspiracies should have nothing to do with her now.
She finally had a moment of peace, no longer needing to face unending battles and crises.
And during her recuperation, the Hero's main daily activities were—
2. Attending Adventurer Basic Training
3. Life Profession Alliance
5. Brewing Human Transformation Potion
6. Observing the Count's work
7. Helping with forging Equipment♛
8. Attending Church Training
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
"Good morning, everyone. I'm here again."
Pushing open the large door of the Border Arcane Forge, the Hero called out with an enthusiastic voice.
Several days had passed since the battle ended, and thanks to the excellent physicians summoned by the Count, although the Hero still had lingering fears about the pain that had knocked her out, she bore no residual aftereffects, either mentally or physically.
She currently stood in the largest and finest forge of Border City, responsible for providing a percentage of the Border military Equipment.
Whether in terms of equipment level or raw material supply, this forge had already far surpassed the traditional 'workshop' concept. Thus, it not only gathered numerous craftsmen but also housed the Border's most skilled Forging Masters, Enchanters, and Arcane Engineers.
Upon seeing the familiar face of the Hero, the craftsmen greeted her with smiles.
Meanwhile, the Hero responded while walking deeper into the factory.
As she ventured further, the surrounding environment began to change. The Magic Element in the air grew denser, and Magic Patterns were inscribed everywhere on the floors, walls, ceiling, and all around. The faint aura of Magic Power could even be felt internally, as Magic Energy surged through supply pipelines to keep the central Arcane Furnace operational.
Such a scene could not be witnessed even in the most bustling Capital, only in the Border City, where relevant industries had been vigorously developed under the leadership of the Count, representing the Kingdom's highest level of Forging.
However, the initial astonishment when the Count first brought her here had faded with the passage of time and repeated visits. The Hero deftly pushed open the doors to the most central area of the factory, waving at the figure standing before the Arcane Furnace.
[Man♛/Woman/Elder♛/Youngster]
[Attitude (Indifferent♛-Gentle-Enthusiastic)]
[Relationship with Enchanted Claw (30-None, 50-Acquaintance, 70-Ancestor, 90-Master and Apprentice, 90+Self)]
[Event Initiation: Armor(?) Forging]
[Main Material: Corrupted Phoenix Feathers]
[Auxiliary Materials:]
1. Treasure Trove Reward♛
2. Ancient Royal Family Necklace
5. Main Material Only
6. Eternal Night Gem Shards
9. Human Soul Potion(?)
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
Toward the Hero's spirited greeting, the elder Forging Master only nodded indifferently in response.
The stark contrast in attitude compared to the other craftsmen, even made the air feel a bit chilly.
Yet the Hero was not bothered by this. It wasn't because she had previously grown accustomed to being treated coldly, but simply because she understood this was the elder's nature.
Much like her grandfather, who must have already set off from the old manor, though he occasionally flashed a gentle smile at the Hero, it happened only now and then. Usually, the elder always wore a solemn expression.
The elder before her, in charge of a third of the Border military Equipment production and almost all high-precision Equipment output, was clearly a man of few words.
[Species (1-10 Foreigners, 50-Humankind♛, 70-Dwarfs, 80-Half-blood, 90-Demon, 90+Elf, 95+Half-Giant)]