King-Chapter 1440 - 7: Withdrawal Turmoil_2

In fact, even though the various factions surround the Pope to eliminate the Evil Spirits, their actions aren’t very strong.

Frequently overlooking some remaining spirits, not to mention demons often being driven to the Holy Mountain, causing chaos within the Clergy.

"Your Majesty, both the Clergy and Different Races are suspects.

They not only have the motive but also sufficient strength.

The Clergy, being the most ancient force of the Human Race, naturally possess such means.

Among the Different Races, the Elf Race is the most worthy of vigilance; their heritage is so ancient that only the Dragon Race can compare.

The number of top Strongmen in their race is many, albeit slightly less than Our Human Race. If not for their small population, the struggle for continental supremacy would likely continue.

Recently, we’ve captured a few special alien scouts.

They are all mixed-bloods, removing some parts through magic methods, appearing no different from the Human Race, and are usually hard to spot.

If they were lurking extensively among the Human Race, it’s possible they planned this action.

After all, the Magic Cataclysm within the Different Races’ territories and the one we encountered are on completely different levels.

Using the ruse to confuse us is entirely possible!"

Marquis Ormos objectively analyzed.

It seems like two suspects, but in reality, it’s a group of suspects, because there are too many Different Races.

Doing such things must be done secretly, it’s impossible for all Different Races to gather together for discussion.

If the Magic Cataclysm further spirals out of control, then the Different Races would be the biggest victors.

First, sit idly by as the Human Race and exotic creatures end up hurting each other, then step in to clean up and seize continental hegemony.

If the plan succeeds, then it would be a truly unparalleled scheme.

"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!

Just received news, the Magic Cataclysm in the Felic Duchy has worsened, the Undead Legion has surrounded their Capital, and the situation is out of control!"

The Palace Minister rushed in, bringing terrible news, causing everyone’s faces to change dramatically.

The biggest characteristic of the Undead army is that as long as they continuously achieve victory, the troops will only grow in number.

Since the outbreak of the Magic Cataclysm, at most a few provincial capitals have been lost, yet to have an example of extermination.

Upon receiving this news, not only will several small countries withdraw troops, but likely many kingdoms will follow suit.

If the neighboring Felic Duchy falls, the pressure on Iberia will greatly increase, and no one can guarantee when this Undead army might attack.

"Your Majesty, dispatch troops now!

The Undead army is unlike other evil creatures; once they grow larger, the consequences are unimaginable!

First, pull eighty thousand elite from within the country to help the Felic Duchy hold the Capital, then redeploy two hundred thousand troops from the Papal State battlefield to aid.

Other issues can be addressed after the Magic Cataclysm is quelled!"

Minister of Military Affairs Marquis Francisco immediately proposed.

Requests for aid from various places are flooding in, and the domestic troops are already stretched thin. With each day delayed, the Kingdom pays a painful price.

Instead of delaying, why not make a decision early? After all, military actions in the Papal State are but profiteering, certainly not more important than domestic affairs.

Bordeaux VIII fell into deep contemplation. Once two hundred thousand troops are redeployed back, the Iberia Kingdom is effectively withdrawing from military actions against the Papal State.

The remaining several thousand troops are purely to maintain appearances. After all, this action was under the banner of "liberation"; without a justifiable result, it’s politically indefensible.

"If we retreat, what if the Frank people and Alpha people continue their actions?"

Bordeaux VIII’s concern is not unfounded. The Iberia Kingdom is severely affected by the Magic Cataclysm; domestic troop strength is tight, but it doesn’t mean others are struggling as much.

Retreating at this moment equates to handing over dominance. In subsequent issues dealing with the Clergy, we can only follow along.

"Your Majesty, we can’t care about so much now, national fundamentals are important!"

The Chancellor’s words enlightened Bordeaux VIII. The Continent of Aslante ultimately relies on strength; holding onto face only leads to self-suffering.

If the national foundation is damaged by the Magic Cataclysm, no matter how much gained in the Papal State, it won’t compensate for the loss.

"Withdraw troops!"

Grinding his teeth and uttering these words, Bordeaux VIII’s heart was bleeding.

Through this battle, the international prestige accumulated by the Iberia Kingdom, while not utterly lost, the title of the second strongest Human Race nation will inevitably face skepticism.

If it were merely an empty title, dropping one rank wouldn’t matter, but the problem accompanies major power dynamics.

The Iberia Kingdom and the Frank Empire both reside on the South Continent, implying long-term competition between the two.

Though there are differences between "second and first", without real battles, no one knows how significant the gap is.

Regarding paper strength, the Iberia Kingdom only lags by a tiny margin, feeling like pulling a few more allies could bridge the gap.

When aligning themselves, countries have minimal concerns. Both sides’ strengths are comparable, and with the threat of Different Races, it’s unlikely to break out in conflict; disputes are political maneuvers.

Once trailing to third place, that would be fatal. On paper, the Alpha Kingdom lags far behind the top two.

Having an additional reference comparison profoundly affects people’s hearts, influencing future international dynamics.

After quelling the Magic Cataclysm, how to maintain the existing international status will be the Iberia Kingdom’s toughest challenge.

Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om