After comforting the refugees, the next step was to prepare for the sea migration.
Using the scroll he'd retrieved from Rahul, Allen cast the "Wind Message" spell and sent a message to his family back on Silvermoon Island.
The next day, Allen received a reply from Teacher Sora.
The New Gwent Town Government was intensively preparing to accept the refugees!
The eldest of the seven swan sisters also wrote back to Allen.
The seven sisters readily accepted Allen's invitation.
They departed that very day, flying to Gwent Harbor.
Each of the seven sisters carried large backpacks, crammed with storage bags.
Each bag was filled with food urgently collected by Allen's father.
The collective farms in New Gwent had enjoyed bumper harvests for three consecutive years.
The grain fields were overflowing.
With so much land and so few people, they simply couldn't digest such a large stockpile of food.
It could be used to alleviate the refugees' urgent needs.
The food the seven swan sisters carried was enough to feed ten thousand refugees on the voyage to Silvermoon Island.
Based on the seven sisters' long-distance flight speed,
It would take at most a week to meet Allen.
Food and lycanthropy—both problems solved.
Now, Allen faced one final challenge.
That was to quickly gather enough immigrant ships.
Years of war had left Quint Harbor nearly deserted.
No large sailing ships of any significance were to be seen in the harbor's anchorage.
They were all small or medium-sized fishing or cargo vessels.
The largest of these could only carry two hundred people.
If all these small boats were requisitioned, they could, in theory, accommodate over ten thousand people.
Unfortunately, this was just empty talk, not practical.
Ships too small aren't suitable for ocean voyages.
On a stormy sea, a massive wave crashes...
The immigrants on board would have to go into the water to feed the fish.
Not to mention encountering sea monsters like the "Fairy Snail"!
Alan planned to prepare for both scenarios.
On the one hand, he would try to modify the existing ships to enhance their ability to withstand wind and waves, and then venture out to sea.
If that proved impossible, he would have to mobilize a fleet from Silver Moon Island.
That would be a daunting task.
It would take at least half a year to complete a round trip.
Just as he was worrying, shocking news arrived.
The South Island Federation had dispatched a fleet of seven warships, which was about to arrive at Quint Harbor!
This fleet, ostensibly to assist Alan and his men in eliminating the remaining Beast Cultists on the island.
In reality, that wasn't the case at all!
News of Allen treating refugees in Quint and preparing for a transoceanic migration had already reached high-ranking officials in the South Island Federation.
The person who reacted most strongly to this was Vice Admiral Halsey, a Randolph family scion—a late-stage fourth-tier water elementalist.
Previously, Panson had written to him requesting assistance.
General Halsey's reply was merely perfunctory, not eager to dispatch troops.
Now, upon learning that the refugees on Quint Island were planning a mass sea escape, the general became restless.
He personally led a fleet to stop the mass migration!
General Halsey's stance represented the shared stance of all the major factions in the South Island Federation.
During the war, Quint Island residents could die at home, but were forbidden from escaping by sea!
Otherwise, if this precedent were set, refugees everywhere would follow suit, sparking a wave of exodus. What would that entail?!
With all the civilians fleeing, who will farm, work, and serve the warlock masters, raising farmers, laborers, and slaves?
Besides preventing the refugees from fleeing, General Halsey also has a secret mission.
I've heard that a master potion master named Allen Panthers has emerged in Quint, revered by the refugees as a "Great Kind Man"?
The potion he concocts is called "Pansers Holy Water"—what a boast!
However, from another perspective, if this potion is more reliable than traditional belladonna tincture, can completely cure lycanthropy, and has no side effects, it would be a lucrative business!
General Halsey rushed to Quint Island in a hurry.
He wanted to secure the formula for this money-making opportunity before other warlock families discovered it!
As for Allen Panthers, the inventor of this miracle drug.
It would be fine if he just cooperated obediently, but otherwise...
General Halsey will teach him the true meaning of cruelty!
...
Three days later.
Seven warships, like tall buildings floating on the sea, slowly entered Quint Harbor.
The three gun decks on either side of the warships opened their portholes.
The black muzzles pointed toward the dock, a display of intimidation!
Alan, Pansen, and Tanya greeted the fleet at the dock.
The three masters and apprentices had different expressions.
Pansen's brow furrowed, unable to conceal his sorrow.
"A friend in the navy told me privately that General Halsey has ill intentions!"
"I'm afraid we'll have to abandon our immigration plan."
Tanya's anger welled up at her father's words.
"Halsey, as a naval commander, not only did you fail to fulfill your duty to protect your fellow citizens, you're also preventing refugees from finding their own livelihoods. How insane!"
Panthe glared at his daughter, warning her to be careful with her words!
Tanya, still furious, lowered her voice, staring at the warships parading in the harbor, and said fiercely:
"Aren't we in need of immigrant ships?"
"Those warships seem quite large, perfect for transporting refugees."
"Alan, how about we hijack the fleet?"
"Huh?!" Alan's face was filled with horror. "Senior Sister! You can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want!"
"Are you planning a rebellion?"
"Don't drag me into this! I haven't lived long enough!"
Tanya knew he was just pretending by looking at his cowardly expression.
She rolled her eyes at him.
"I was just talking, how could I dare to actually rebel..."
"Senior Sister, it's best not to make such jokes," Allen warned sternly.
"If someone overhears and takes it seriously, the consequences could be dire."
"Tanya! Your junior brother is right!" Pansen seized the opportunity to lecture his daughter. "Some things can be said but not done, and some things can be done but not talked about! Keep your mouth shut from now on and don't get me into trouble!"
Tanya snorted and fell silent, feeling aggrieved.
Allen stood behind her and quietly sent a "communication spell."
A spider-shaped mystical mark flashed on his fingernail.
Soon, the general's adjutant arrived at the dock.
He called Pansen, Tanya, and Allen by name, demanding they immediately follow him aboard the flagship, the Sapphire, to meet with Admiral Halsey.
The father and daughter exchanged a glance, somewhat uneasy.
Alan also feigned nervousness as he boarded the flagship.
Admiral Halsey met the three men in the briefing room.
When Alan and the others entered, the Admiral was seated in an armchair, barely bothering to lift his butt.
He crossed his legs, his jewel-encrusted command sword resting across his knees.
His cold gray eyes, with a lazy yet arrogant glare, scanned the faces of the three visitors.
Panson stepped forward and saluted respectfully.
Then, with both hands, he presented a pre-written petition.
Admiral Halsey did not reach out to take it.
He yawned and asked Panson absently.
"What do you mean?"
"General, on behalf of all the refugees on Quinte Island, I solemnly petition you!"
"I implore your kind General to allow the refugees to leave the island for asylum!"
"If you could dispatch a warship to escort the immigrant ship, that would be even better!"
"All the refugees on the island will surely be grateful for your kindness—"
Swish!
A flash of cold light interrupted Panson's statement.
The petition in Panson's hand was split in two by his saber.
The paper flew and fell to the ground.
Panson was stunned.
General Halsey calmly sheathed his sword.
"Pantheon, you're already an old man."
"Would you please use your brains and stop doing such childish things?"
General Halsey's voice was cold, tinged with anger.
"What a crap petition!!"
"It's full of nonsense, not worth a second of my time!"
"General!" Panson pleaded, "Please go to the island and see for yourself! See what life is like for the refugees! If this continues, no one will be able to survive!"
"No one will be able to survive... Haha, I see a lot of people on the dock, aren't they all living well?"
General Halsey's face darkened, and he said impatiently:
"Panson, I'm putting this on you, listen up!"
"No one from Quint Island will leave!"
"Anyone who dares to disobey will be executed on the spot!"
"You are responsible for enforcing this order."
"Let even one refugee escape, and I'll start with you!"
"You—"
Tanya, whose temper was flaring, was about to protest, but Allen grabbed her and signaled her not to act rashly.
General Halsey noticed the interaction between the siblings.
His cold gaze lingered on Allen's face.
"Are you the legendary philanthropist?"
"I don't deserve it!" Allen quickly apologised. "How dare I call myself a philanthropist in front of your noble and benevolent Excellency?"
"Stop your flattering nonsense!"
General Halsey interrupted him impatiently.
"I have a question for you. Think it over before you answer."
"Please speak, sir! I'll tell you everything I know!"
"Hmm... not bad. You're quite sensible. I like smart people."
General Halsey smiled with a forced smile.
"Do you have the formula for the potion that cures lycanthropy?"
"General, I do have the formula, but it's not my invention."
Alan rubbed his hands, explaining with an embarrassed look on his face.
"The formula comes from Silver Moon Monastery. I dare not disclose it to anyone else without the unanimous permission of the three abbots."
General Halsey shook his head and sneered.
"I just praised you for being sensible, how come you've suddenly become so ungrateful?"
"Young man, Silver Moon Monastery is far away, but I'm right here. You'd better think carefully about who you should obey."
"General, you're deliberately trying to make things difficult for me..."
"Haha, it seems you really don't appreciate it."
General Halsey gestured.
The adjutant hurried forward to obey.
"Send this brat to the interrogation room and hand him over to the military police captain."
"Have him reflect on his loyalty: to which side should he be loyal, the Silver Moon Monastery or the South Island Federation?"
The adjutant, taking orders, came over with a cold face and shoved Allen.
"General! Don't go too far!"
Pansen's face was filled with rage.
Tanya was about to explode.
Alan quickly waved her hand to stop him.
"Teacher! Senior Sister! There's no need to get mad over such a trivial matter!"
"General, I'm just asking you to reflect. It's no big deal."
Halsey sneered, saying nothing.
His gaze towards Allen revealed naked malice.
...
Alan was escorted to the interrogation room by the adjutant.
The military police captain was already waiting.
This middle-aged man, in his forties, was as thin as a skeleton.
He exuded a sinister aura.
Alan could still smell the familiar scent of herbs on him.
It seemed he had met a colleague this time.
The adjutant relayed the general's instructions and left the interrogation room.
The military police officer locked the door and sneered back at Alan.
As Alan watched curiously, he opened his toolbox.
Like a skilled surgeon, he pulled out a variety of gruesome torture instruments.
Each one was meticulously maintained, wiped spotlessly clean.
The military police captain seemed to have obsessive-compulsive disorder and mysophobia.
He placed the instruments neatly on the table.
Finally, he took out a bottle of potion and walked towards Alan.
"Do you want to drink it yourself, or should I pour it for you?"
"Uh... don't bother you, I'll do it myself."
Alan stared at the bottle of brown potion and swallowed.
"I'm a little thirsty, so moistening my throat would be nice."
The military police captain stared at him with a strange expression.
He seemed to be wondering if this young man was truly foolish or just pretending.
Seeing Alan uncork the bottle and pour the potion into his mouth,
A strange smile curved the corners of the military police captain's lips.
"Young man, do you know what you're drinking?"
Alan shook his head frankly.
"This is the military's latest 'confession potion,' a Class 5 toxin."
The military police captain slowly explained to Alan while wiping the whip with a snow-white handkerchief.
"The confession potion won't kill you."
"But after taking it, your magic will cease to function."
"Don't expect to use your physical training to resist the coming punishment."
Alan shrugged, as if it had nothing to do with him.
"This potion will also make you dizzy and lose your will to resist."
"When facing my torture, you will be unable to help but tell the truth."
The military police captain continued.
Alan nodded and swallowed the potion in his mouth.
At the same time, a system prompt came to his mind.
Drip—
"Consume special ingredient: Heart-Losing Grass Extract!"
"Potential +2!"
"Spirit +1!"
Current Attributes: Constitution 34, Agility 27, Spirit 48
Potential Reserve: 7 points
…
Alan burped contentedly and asked the military police captain:
"Nice potion! Can I have the formula?"
The military police captain raised his whip and sneered:
"I've seen too many people like you who come in and act tough."
"You're not the first to drink the confession potion and act like nothing's happened."
"You want the formula, right? Take ten lashes from me first. If you don't beg for mercy…"
"Just give me the formula?" Alan asked eagerly.
"Hehe… I'll give you a taste of this!"
The military police captain turned and walked over to the brazier.
He pulled a red-hot iron from the brazier.
Not counting the wooden handle, the iron was about two feet long.
The end resembled an iron... vibrator.
The military police captain raised the red-hot iron and gestured toward Allen's buttocks.
A vicious and perverted smile crossed his withered, triangular face.
"This is one of the ten torture instruments I invented, called the 'Rectal Destroyer'!"
"Young man, once you taste this, it will give you nightmares for the rest of your life!"
He picked up the red-hot iron and approached with a smirk.
Just then, a sudden boom of artillery fire could be heard outside the window!
The military police captain froze for a moment, then put the iron back on the stove and hurried to the window, looking toward the source of the sound.
Over at the harbor.
Alan had been
The ships, finally gathered and intended for transporting immigrants, were under fire.
One after another, they were blasted to pieces by the cannons and sank into the sea.
A short while later.
The cannon fire hadn't yet subsided when a sudden cry of alarm came from outside the door!
"Look out! There's an assassin!"
"Oh no! A Beast Cult sorcerer has infiltrated!"
"Hurry and protect the General!"
The series of events unfolded so quickly that it was disorienting.
In a blink of an eye, chaos ensued from the warships to the docks!
At the same time that Allen was being held in the interrogation room,
The refugees in the town were enraged upon learning that the military had detained the benefactor Panthers and was attempting to prevent them from escaping to the sea.
Thousands gathered at the docks in protest!
The angry cries alarmed General Halsey.
His face darkened, and he stood up.
Leaving Panson and his daughter in the cabin, he went out to investigate.
"General, the refugees have two demands."
"First, we demand the release of Alan Panthers. Second, we demand the lifting of the port blockade, allowing them to sail out to Silvermoon Island."
After hearing his aide's report, General Halsey's expression darkened.
Drawing his command sword, he strode onto the flagship's deck.
General Halsey stood at the bow, coldly gazing down at the sea of refugees on the dock.
"How dare you!"
As soon as General Halsey opened his mouth, his words roared like thunder!
The terrifying roar frightened the people.
The waves of protest were instantly silenced.
General Halsey, looking down from above, angrily rebuked the refugees.
"A bunch of lowly bastards! What audacity!"
"The federal authorities are resisting foreign invasion!"
"Instead of serving your country, you're gathering to cause trouble!"
"This is blatant treason!"
"If everyone were like you, caring only about themselves, showing no loyalty to the country, and fleeing at the slightest sign of trouble, how could we, the South Island Federation, win this war?!"
"Hmm? Have you ever considered this in your selfish minds?" Is that a problem?!"
"The country is in dire need of men, and there's a labor shortage everywhere in the trenches."
"You lazy pigs, why aren't you digging trenches on the front lines?"
"With a proper job, why worry about not having enough to eat?"
"In my opinion, you've had it easy. You deserve a good bet!"
"You unruly people are like mantises stretching out their arms in a vain attempt to stop the steel chariot. You're overestimating yourselves! How ridiculous!"
General Halsey sneered and continued his lecture.
"You, a ragtag bunch, can't accomplish anything!"
"It's obvious there are spies sent by the enemy, lurking among the people, fanning the flames and encouraging you to cause trouble!"
"Within ten minutes, I want to see the mastermind behind this conspiracy!"
"You'd better actively expose them, report each other, and I'll forgive anyone who exposes the spies!"
"If you dare to conceal or harbor spies, haha... I'll show you there are worse ways to die than starvation!"
General Halsey's threats didn't have the desired effect.
More and more refugees gathered at the dock, and the protests rose again.
No one bought the idea of exposing spies!
How could ordinary people actually come into contact with enemy spies?
Even if a few despicable people wanted to use this opportunity to frame their enemies, they wouldn't have the courage.
Otherwise, as soon as they showed any sign of rebellion, they would be torn to pieces by the enraged crowd all around!
The smell of gunpowder on the dock grew stronger.
The indignant crowd showed signs of rioting.
Seeing this, General Halsey was also furious.
"I spoke to you so kindly, yet you don't appreciate my courtesy!"
"Then don't blame me for being rude!"
General Halsey immediately issued orders.
He ordered his six warships to load their guns and train their cannons on the large and small ships anchored in the harbor.
"You unworthy people, you refuse to serve your country and yet you still dream of escaping by ship?"
"Haha! Today, I will completely shatter your dreams!"
General Halsey drew his sword and swung it forward!
Six warships simultaneously opened fire on the anchorage!
The small and medium-sized ships intended for transporting the immigrants were unarmored.
They were bombarded by close-range, high-caliber naval gunfire and shattered instantly!
Inside and outside the harbor, flames erupted, and smoke filled the air.
Broken wood chips floated on the foaming sea.
The people on the docks were horrified by the scene.
The young men, filled with grief and indignation, waved their fists, cursing General Halsey's ruthlessness.
The elderly refugees burst into tears.
They knelt one after another, begging General Halsey for mercy.
Halsey, standing at the bow, laughed heartily.
The refugees' cries gave him immense pleasure.
The rumble of cannons echoed through the air.
The immigrant fleet that Allen and Panson had so hard to assemble met its end in a hail of gunfire before it could even set sail.
On the dock, thousands of refugees lay heartbroken.
The cries, curses, and cannon fire intertwined, forming a cruel symphony.
Clang!
General Halsey sheathed his sword.
He yawned lazily.
He was very satisfied with the show.
A round of artillery fire had successfully intimidated the unruly civilians.
It was time to end this farce.
"This is a small warning to you."
"If you know what's good for you, expose the spy!"
"If the mastermind of the conspiracy isn't seen within ten minutes..."
"Haha..."
A cruel smile crossed General Halsey's face.
"My cannons are about to fire at you, you bastards!"
These were more than just verbal threats.
General Halsey gestured.
The adjutant immediately passed the order to the gunnery chief.
The flagship's portside gun portholes opened.
Three rows of thick gun barrels extended out.
The black muzzles were aimed at the crowd gathered on the dock.
Even the strongest bones would shatter before the cannons.
The refugees were terrified and fled in all directions.
The dock was in chaos.
At that moment, a sharp buzzing sound suddenly emanated from the sky above the harbor.
General Halsey's face changed slightly, and he looked in the direction of the sound.
From behind the clouds, a swarm of giant wasps swooped out.
Each one was as big as an eagle!
They were swooping towards the flagship's deck.
"Hmph! I knew it! It must be a Beast Cult spy, instigating the mob to cause trouble!"
General Halsey drew his command knife and pointed it toward the sky. Icy energy emanated from the blade and slashed towards the swarm of bees.
Swish!
A flash of cold light ripped the sky apart!
A row of giant bees were cut in pieces by the blade's swift slash.
The shattered remains of the giant bees fell to the deck.
Suddenly, without warning, it exploded, releasing a powerful flash of light!
General Halsey was caught off guard, his eyes stinging.
Knowing he had fallen for a spy's trick, he unhesitatingly activated his fourth-level Atavism!
He transformed into a giant water elemental over ten meters tall!
Swish, swish, swish!
The sound of breaking wind was incessant.
A hail of arrows from the air struck Atavism Halsey, deflected by his flexible, water-like, deep-blue skin.
"Flash Dust" and "Pyrotechnics" continued to erupt.
The entire flagship was filled with a smoky haze.
But General Halsey was fearless!
Transforming into a water elemental form, his eyes were no longer fragile organs of flesh and blood.
He was not blinded by intense light.
He didn't even need to breathe.
He remained calm amidst the choking smoke.
Six young sorcerers from the Randolph family stood guard by the general's side.
These guards were all nephews and nieces personally selected by General Halsey from his family. Absolutely loyal and reliable... or were they?
On the deck of the warship "Sapphire."
Beside General Halsey, three guards suddenly broke ranks and collectively transformed!
Strangely enough... they weren't transformed into elemental forms!
Three guards, two women and one man.
A female spider in the shape of a human, eight claws splayed out from behind.
A female giant with a human body and a wolf's head.
And another, who had transformed into a werewolf with twin horns, covered in steel-blue armor. A truly terrifying sight!