Scientific Wizard

Lynn's battle plan was straightforward: to use superior firepower to cripple or destroy the enemy as much as possible before formal engagement. No chances for the opponent to get close.

"The objective I'm giving you is to aim for ending every battle with zero casualties, preferably." Lynn stated firmly.

Zero casualties?

Robin was dumbfounded; no one with any experience in warfare would utter such a foolish statement.

But after carefully pondering Lynn's tactics, Robin suddenly realized that it might not be entirely impossible.

He'd seen something called a "fire cannon" in the alchemy research institute. While its power might not match that of magic crystal cannons, its range was significantly greater, and most importantly, it could be mass-produced swiftly.

The only trouble lay in the fact that artillery usually required some basic mathematical knowledge, which meant they could only select suitable personnel from wizard apprentices, and the formation was yet to be completed.

If they had a hundred of these cannons, a barrage of rapid-fire, without interference from a bishop-level opponent, it might indeed be possible to eliminate the enemy from beyond their visibility range.

Robin couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise at the idea that warfare could actually be conducted this way.

"But what if the enemy sends cavalry to flank us?" Robin, after hesitating, quickly identified the flaw in this tactic and urgently inquired.

Lynn looked at Robin strangely, saying wordlessly, "What do you think our alchemical armored vehicles are for?"

Right, Robin suddenly realized they had this significant weapon, his expression immediately turning excited as he imagined enemy cavalry charging and being crushed into debris by the swiftly moving alchemical armored vehicles.

"In that case, there's no need to worry too much about a frontal battlefield." Robin's previously tense demeanor relaxed instantly.

When he first learned that the wizard's land would clash with the church, Robin had been unable to sleep all night, considering the enormous conventional strength gap. But now, it seemed the situation might not be as dire.

However, Lynn wasn't as optimistic. Because all these assumptions were based on the enemy being an ordinary army. In this world of divine arts and magic, anything could happen.

Just as he was thinking, Lynn's expression suddenly froze, his brow furrowing as if sensing something.

"Lynn, what's wrong?" Robin asked cautiously.

"It's regarding intelligence from the Kingdom of Hadralata." Lynn's eyes flickered.

Taking advantage of a gap when William's trusted men stayed in Iyeta, he had placed a spy among them. While William indeed had means, these workers could only be described as loyal, with their families held hostage.

However, such loyalty often served as a bargaining chip for betrayal. He had given an offer the other side couldn't refuse, and it seemed to be taking effect sooner than expected.

"Just as I thought, William has indeed become restless; he's detected anomalies in the Misty Sea." Lynn continued.

The relief that Robin had briefly felt vanished instantly as he hurriedly asked for the details, wondering if war was imminent.

Lynn shook his head. William wouldn't report until he had the method to locate the wizard's land. Otherwise, considering his smuggling to the wizard's land, he'd face severe consequences. But this trouble, drawn out for so long, needed addressing now.

***

Meanwhile, at a mansion outside the capital of Hadralata, Cody cautiously entered the wizard's headquarters.

He came with William's task but didn't hold much hope himself, as even the servants in the mansion were under surveillance. Unable to gather any intel, it was evident that the wizards had been cautious from the start.

As expected, upon entering the mansion this time, Theodore, one of the wizards, didn't allow him to wander but took him straight to the reception room.

Cody could only negotiate the profit-sharing issue with them, as Theodore and his team had made a concession previously. Now revisiting the matter, being not directly thrown out was considered fortunate.

However, contrary to his expectations, Theodore and his companions, although reacting strongly, focused on discussing the balance of risks and benefits.

Could it be, as Lord William had mentioned, that the wizard's land had encountered significant turmoil and now relied heavily on them?

Thinking to himself, Cody noticed a change in Laut's expression, who then straightforwardly stated, "I need to negotiate with William in person."

"But Lord William has recently fallen seriously ill and can't go out now," Cody replied, declining.

"If he's still concerned about whether he's making enough imperial gold coins, it seems his illness isn't severe enough." Laut sneered.

Cody felt somewhat embarrassed, but he managed to maintain composure, stating he needed to seek permission before making any decisions.

As Cody left, the people present looked worried, and Lynn's figure appeared in the reception room.

"Lord Lynn, do you think William will agree?" Laut hesitantly asked.

"Why wouldn't he? He can't get useful intel from anywhere else," Lynn said with a smile.

Probably due to the clandestine nature of his work, William was exceptionally cautious. For the past two years, he hadn't left his fortress even once.

Moreover, very few had seen his true face. Most only knew the viscount of the Kingdom, William, as a kind-faced, chubby man who managed the trade fleet, and that was about it.

What's more, his location wasn't too distant from the church's headquarters, making an aggressive strategy challenging.

"But what if it's a trap?" Laut fretted.

"It surely is a trap. That's why your performance matters next, Laut," Lynn affirmed, patting Laut's shoulder, continuing, "You are my right-hand man, non-magical, and Cody is aware of this information. For safety, William will probably meet you."

Laut's mouth twitched involuntarily—it was like walking out of the tiger's den straight into the wolf's lair.

However, compared to the meeting with Anthony earlier, Laut didn't feel as intense a fear now because he knew Lynn could project some of his power through the Arcane Ring at any time.

Once William was dealt with, Laut could take over his influence, no longer be dispensable, and become Lynn's most crucial right-hand man. Laut silently reassured himself.