Chapter 1355 - 579: Golden Mage

Chapter 1355: Chapter 579: Golden Mage

"Bogil the Besieger is an incredibly powerful Mercenary Leader, known as "Sieger" for his unparalleled expertise in siege warfare. During the Ratman invasion of the City State, he was hailed as the greatest mercenary of the time. Legend has it that all the cities of Tiriel, even the cleverly fortified walls of Miraglino, could not withstand the Prince’s siege. Bogil was indeed a tactical expert, with most of his battles ending in victory."

"After three great victories, he made Miraglino the strongest Duchy in Tiriel. Thereafter, his enemies could only submit to his siege capabilities, avoiding open conflicts and hiding behind walls. He was both a shrewd and ruthless ruler, and any opponent that appeared did not live long."

"However, Bogil the Prince’s strength also drew universal animosity. He faced numerous assassination attempts, with all of Tiriel’s nobles, including many mercenaries from the Miraglino City State, joining together against him. Ultimately, during a bathhouse visit, he was assassinated without any means to defend himself."

Half-Elf Habi, a Legendary Peak Wandering Swordsman, followed closely behind Fugen, providing insights on the situation.

Hiring Half-Elves was not difficult. When Fugen produced enough gold and silver, it seemed only natural for Half-Elf Habi to join the Ash Legion. He agreed to lead his dozen half-elves in an expedition to Lustria to earn fifteen chests brimmed with riches. This amount of money was enough for the group to return to their native Mut Territory and find a female half-elf to marry after completing the mission.

Habi was speechless upon hearing the offered sum from Fugen, immediately accepting the employment. The half-elf was jubilant, expressing that after this deal, he would retire from mercenary life forever.

The group walked through the streets of Miraglino, which were splendid and luxurious, majestic, antique, and minimalist—opulent but not excessively cluttered. Conversely, the people here, liberated from the chaos of war, had time to ponder philosophy and pursue art. As Fugen listened to Habi’s tale, he also took a keen interest in admiring the streets and architectural design, occasionally stopping to listen to street performers.

In contrast, Angerong showed little interest in these things. His gaze wandered indifferently across the streets with varying styles of decor, not finding anything notable despite spending a long time observing, and merely listened to the half-elf’s explanations.

Based on talent alone, Bogil the Besieger might be the best Mercenary Leader in the Southern Realm. He used his Martial Valor, wisdom, and the spirit of shared hardship with his mercenaries to become the Prince of Miraglino. Over three wars, he sequentially defeated three Duchies and completely smashed the Green Skin’s great Waaagh from the southern Gray Mountain Range attempting to invade Tiriel. This fragmentation turned them into three small tribes, posing no further threat to Tiriel.

However, when Bogil revealed his ambition and proclaimed his desire to become the true King of Tiriel, he faced unanimous opposition. Everyone united against him, including his own mercenaries.

Bogil might win every war and defeat all enemies across his path, yet once he moved on, those conquered places would immediately raise the rebel flag and fall back into chaos. Efforts, no matter how extensive, still only maintained control over Miraglino and worsened with his mercenaries beginning to oppose him.

"It’s normal. We can’t expect mercenaries to provide loyalty akin to a nation’s, it’s unrealistic. Bogil isn’t Zhuangsen." Fugen calmly analyzed everything while listening to the half-elf’s account: "Unlike the Empire and Brittania, where people, pressured by Chaos, Undead, and Green Skin threats, long for unity. Those people firmly believe that a unified nation is undoubtedly stronger than a fragmented one. Yet, Tiriel and Estalia haven’t faced such menaces. The populace is accustomed to autonomy, favoring self-rule and resisting change. Therefore, the pressure to unify is exceptionally significant. Bogil clearly lacks the capability of Charlemagne or First Knight King Arthur, nor does he have the turbulent and threatening environment."

"But why did his mercenaries oppose him then?" Angerong asked Fugen: "According to Habi, Bogil always led by example in battle, endured hardships alongside his mercenaries, even sharing meals from a common pot."

"That’s correct, but ultimately their relationship is hierarchical." Fugen snickered: "Hierarchical relationships differ from those of a monarch and subjects, Angerong, we can’t mix the two."

"You understand, you understand best!" Angerong finally grasped the concept, realizing it was the discrepancy between a Warmaster and an Emperor—every Primarch governed by Warmaster, but qualified to become one. Conversely, there’s only one Emperor whose rule is eternal: "That’s why I hate conversing with you, you always say half and leave the rest, then mock me!"

Fugen knew Angerong, just as Angerong knew Fugen. Seeing Angerong’s outburst, Fugen merely smiled without saying more.

Due to Bogil’s death and the ensuing Chaos, the entire city remained in a state of extreme disorder. Much like their previous encounter, Chaos Cultists openly preached corruption on the streets without restraint, and when Fugen brazenly shot a cultist dead, causing panic, there was no response from within the city. The guards responsible for Miraglino’s security were too busy vying for power and had no time to deal with happenings in the city’s corners.