Chapter 100: The Spirit Ripple Clan

I’ve Met Many Geniuses, But They All Call Me a Genius

After capturing Giant Spirit City, Jonas planned to replicate Thunderkeep's successful model there. The territorial expansion ensured rapid economic growth. He then assigned the fully trained Liliana to take complete control. Simultaneously, he distributed the seized magic crystals among his top retainers to maintain his faction's power progression.

The city opened its gates to various races, and under this diverse development approach, Giant Spirit City began flourishing. Compared to the Empire's oppression, the citizens' lives improved dramatically, and the city grew increasingly prosperous. The military forces also continued expanding.

However, problems soon emerged. As the city's population swelled, an inexplicable sickness seemed to have been introduced. The once-clear sunlight now appeared sickly gray when passing through the city gates, and the air carried an almost imperceptible heaviness that made every breath feel labored. Passersby would suddenly collapse against walls, gasping violently despite having no visible wounds, their limbs too weak to even wipe sweat from their brows. Greyish-blue veins became visible beneath their skin, as if countless tiny insects were gnawing at their flesh.

In households, elderly residents woke abruptly at night, coughing up bloody froth with chest pains. Strong young men found themselves unable to rise from bed, their limbs weighted down as if filled with lead. Both Jonas and Charis wore grim expressions upon witnessing these symptoms. Many had already succumbed to what appeared less like poisoning and more like a full-blown plague.

Charis asked, "Lord Jonas, if we gather the Mage Corps' combined power to cast a Grand Healing Spell across the city, would that work?"

Jonas shook his head. "That would only treat symptoms, not the root cause. This plague has penetrated their very bodies. Even if I could withstand the magical output of several Mage Corps to sustain the spell, it would last a month at most - just enough to prevent worsening but not eradicate it."

Complicating matters, Liliana had also contracted the plague. The toxin seemed particularly devastating to ordinary humans. Were it not for Jonas's continuous healing magic, she would have fallen unconscious. But this was merely delaying the inevitable.

Charis frowned. "How could any poison be this potent?"

Jonas answered, "Undoubtedly Retifus's doing. With this move, he likely plans to seize Atticus's second city while weakening us through sickness. Then he'll launch a full assault when we're least capable of resistance."

Compared to Atticus's inexperience, Retifus's every move proved calculated and terrifying. Had Jonas not possessed exceptional strength, those three Frost Silver-level Sand Tribe elders would have killed any ordinary opponent. After easily crushing the Destiny Army and capturing the second city of Lotus with his forces, Retifus had maneuvered to encircle Atticus's troops. Following their annihilation, he gradually consumed Bostaya's territories before besieging the capital from all sides - a flawless strategy. Were it not for Jonas's interference, Retifus would likely control five of Bostaya's six cities by now.

Even Jonas felt somewhat helpless against this plague toxin. As the two pondered their predicament, Katdera approached with a suggestion: "There might still be solutions. You could directly assault Retifus's stronghold, my lord. But judging from your analysis, he probably has Molten Gold-level Sand Tribe experts guarding him. The Retifus we see might even be a decoy. This approach carries extreme risk."

She continued, "The alternative is seeking the legendary Spirit Ripple Clan. Born from the Eye of Aretia - the primordial 'Fountain of Life' - legend says the first Spirit Ripple Lotus formed when ancient deities mingled stardust tears with World Tree root dew. Its falling petals transformed into winged beings with transparent wings. Their veins flow with the fountain's 'Life Ripple Light' - blood capable of curing any disease or plague."

"Because of this trait," Katdera explained, "they became coveted by countless races. Like our Nightshades, they've gone into hiding. Our people once encountered them deep in the desert. I have approximate coordinates. With your detection abilities, Lord Jonas, you stand a good chance of finding them. Their alliance would make Giant Spirit City immune to all toxins and plagues."

Jonas stroked his chin in contemplation. Truthfully, he could infiltrate Sand Tribe territory. If Retifus could poison them, Jonas could retaliate with assassinations to delay enemy movements. Otherwise, when the plague peaked and enemy forces attacked, Giant Spirit City would struggle to defend itself. With Shadowmeld and Backstab abilities, safety wasn't a concern. Moreover, he had one recruitment slot remaining - perfect for scouting talents while investigating the Spirit Ripple Clan's whereabouts.