Chapter 493 Seizing power in the name of disaster relief
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As far as the eye could see, the ground was covered with blood-red grass.
A gentle breeze blew, and the grass swayed with the wind, creating an almost seductive feeling.
Hobert wiped the red moss from his clothes, and once the moss was removed, the clothes returned to their original color.
This made Hobert exclaim, "This is the power of angels!"
At the battlefield of the two angels, the huge blood pool was still bubbling and boiling, surrounded by black, viscous liquid filled with "corruption" and "filth."
In a low-lying area, there was also a small blood lake.
Suddenly, black, gray, and red grasses began to grow in these places. These grasses not only grew extremely quickly but also rapidly became dense and thick.
The process was about as fast as pouring a layer of water onto the ground. When this layer of "water" splashed onto the ground, it was as if springs immediately burst forth!
The speed of growth was that rapid!
Soon, this grass covered the entire land at a speed visible to the naked eye. The blood pool and blood-colored lake were quickly sucked dry by these grasses, revealing the hard rock at the bottom.
However, the grass continued to grow and thrive on the rock without any difficulty, and the blood pool was quickly replaced by "red grass."
These grasses still swayed in the wind like liquid, but their essence had changed.
The original plants on this land were also quickly drained of all their moisture by these knee-high colored grasses, withering at a visible rate.
In the end, only one type of grass remained on this land, the only difference being their colors.
A few minutes later, as these grasses rapidly withered, the entire land became desolate, and no plants would grow here for ten years.
Outside Teuton Town, Hobert also devoutly thanked the Earth Mother and the Pope. He had been worried about how to deal with the blood pool, but the Pope had solved it.
Feeling the Pope's departure, Bishop Simpson and other members of the Earth Mother Church raised their heads with excitement.
The Pope's arrival meant that the Pope knew everything they had done, and there was no better reward than that!
Bishop Simpson got up from the ground and immediately ordered everyone to mobilize all available people to pull up these grasses and hand them over to the Earth Mother Church.
Because these grasses contained a large amount of toxins, prolonged contact would cause illness in ordinary people, and in severe cases, they would turn into madmen.
After the church collected them, they could be processed into materials for preparing poisons.
Hobert asked Fors to go back and convey the order: "Have Seel bring people over immediately, and also conscript three hundred young and strong men from across the river, along with the civil servants who are already prepared, to come and help with the disaster relief."
Hobert, of course, wouldn't just simply drive away the "demons." More than half a month ago, he had Corwin start drawing a batch of grassroots civil servants and professionally skilled cadres from the government and training them.
After driving away the demons, Hobert would take over the governance of this area.
However, the previous plan did not anticipate the appearance of an angelic battle, but this also provided a good reason to take over the governance: disaster relief!
That's right, the angel war was a natural disaster for the South Colson area on the west side of Full Moon Lake.
Hobert was on the edge of the battlefield at the time. In his mind, the moment the "Bloody Archduke" turned a small volcano into a neutral volcano, there was definitely an earthquake of nearly magnitude 7.
It's just that the range of the earthquake was limited, and there were no aftershocks.
But for ordinary people, it was still a huge disaster.
While Hobert asked Fors to convey the order, he also took the wounded and the remains of the sacrificed members back first, and there would be a notice about the aftermath at the latest tomorrow.
He also said to Angus and others: "The members of the first and second squads who are still in good condition should also participate in the next disaster relief operation."
Watching Fors and others leave, while waiting for Seel and others, Archibald said to Hobert: "My lord, I suggest hanging the bodies of these demons in various villages and towns so that everyone knows that the demons have been driven away by us."
Hobert was slightly stunned and glanced at Archibald.
Angus, who was resting nearby, said: "'Devils' also like to hang corpses in trees. If we do the same, wouldn't we be the same as them?"
While Hobert was thinking about this issue, he glanced at the people of Teuton Town, who were being driven by the "Druid Squad" to pull up grass, their faces numb. He adopted Archibald's suggestion: "The most important issue at the moment is to establish effective rule!"
He suddenly realized that the people here had been enslaved by the demons for decades, and there was no point in reasoning with them for the time being.
Seel and the others hadn't arrived yet, but Grove came with a team of people first. He greeted Hobert and Simpson warmly and sent food and wine.
Then, Grove read out the decree that the king had sealed the nearby area to Baron Teuton a long time ago, clarifying Baron Teuton's legal right to rule this area.
And claimed that Teuton Territory had begun to organize manpower for disaster relief, and did not need the help of any forces.
Hobert sneered in response, turned his face against Grove in front of everyone, and quarreled a few words.
However, he obviously didn't dare to disobey the king's decree now. After scolding a few words, he asked Seel and others who had just arrived to bring all the corpses of the enemies to the dock.
On the Jeffrey Territory ship, Angus whispered: "My lord, I can come again at night and kill that Grove..."
Hobert was about to interrupt Angus, but Archibald smiled and said: "Captain Angus, with my lord's magnanimity, how could he be angry with such a person?"
Angus thought to himself: Isn't this servant blind? My lord was obviously so angry just now!
He had been staring at Hobert just now. As long as his lord gave him a look, he would immediately rush up and kill the arrogant knight!
Hobert took another deep look at Archibald: This "dog" is quite smart. Did I help it turn a "Desire Apostle" into a mystic puppet, and it immediately became proactive?
Archibald gave Hobert a smile in return. Of course, the mystic puppet didn't have such a big effect. Archibald felt the angelic battle that had just taken place and realized that the "Creator" could provide angelic combat power support to its dependents at any time.
For Archibald, this was an opportunity, an opportunity to transform from a beast into someone with the background of such a powerful evil god.
Now, for it, Hobert is the key to this opportunity, so it suddenly became so active.
Leaving the dock of Teuton Town, the Jeffrey Territory fleet landed at the port of Baron Felix's territory upstream.
Baron Felix's reaction was obviously not as fast as Baron Teuton's. When he learned that Hobert was bringing manpower and supplies to help with the disaster relief, he didn't think of refusing immediately.
So Hobert unceremoniously turned his baronial mansion into the "Disaster Relief Headquarters." Baron Felix then realized that when the "demons" had just left, he had finally become the actual ruler of this territory, and now he wasn't anymore.
When the first batch of supplies arrived, there were also 300 young and strong men who had gathered directly from the construction site, as well as more than 50 civil servants. Town Mayor Conrad and Human Resources Knight Corwin came to direct the rescue work.
Hobert asked Seel and Corwin to take people to take over the governance of the two surrounding territories respectively.
Previously, the "demons" ruled a total of five noble territories. Now that the richest Teuton Territory could not be taken over, then the other territories should be taken over immediately.
One of the baron's territories was not affected by the disaster. Hobert's reason for disaster relief was not applicable to that territory, but fortunately, the baron had never been to his fiefdom, so taking over was effortless.
Hobert then led Angus, Helen, and other Beyonders to the Eugene Territory, which was the most severely "affected by the disaster."
Along the way, they saw many figures of refugees. They were skinny, dressed in rags, and some were injured.
Hobert had a deeper understanding of the previous demon rule. Those demons did not have any effective rule at all.
Under their bloodlust and violence, ordinary people had no way to resist, so the people here had no hope, and only knew to kneel and pray to the demons. No one actively engaged in agricultural production, and no one actively worked.
The harvest was always bad, so they had to eat less. Over time, they became so thin.
The manpower organized by Conrad would arrive later, settle these refugees first, and then repatriate them to rebuild their homes.
Hobert and others rode their horses forward, inquiring about the situation of Eugene Territory along the way. After several inquiries, Hobert obtained a general intelligence: Baron Eugene was dead, and almost no one there had escaped.
When they first entered Eugene Territory, they could still see some figures of refugees, but as they went further, only traces of fire and huge cracks in the ground, traces of lava that had once gushed out, remained.
Angus and Helen gradually realized that something was wrong. A demigod battle didn't seem to have such great power!
After walking a little further, everyone saw the colorful, boundless wilderness.
Even though the ground was covered with thick withered grass, it still couldn't hide the desolation here.
Hobert and others had never farmed, but their spirituality made it very clear to them that this wilderness was not suitable for cultivation in a short period of time, nor was it suitable for any human habitation.
Hobert jumped off his horse, and everyone dismounted and followed Hobert's footsteps closely.
Hobert used his cane to pull open the grass, and inside were two black figures, one large and one small, worshiping devoutly. When they were burned to death, they were still worshiping in the direction of the blood pool.
The surrounding grass absorbed the remaining nutrients from these two people, and eventually, these two people became fragile mummies, as if they would shatter with a touch.
Hobert noticed that the small figure was only seven or eight years old.
For some reason, Hobert didn't feel any guilt this time.
If it had been before, he would have felt guilty for his poorly planned plan, which accidentally triggered an angelic battle and killed so many people.
The reason for this idea was because he had been educated from a young age to be "people-oriented." No matter what, life is the most precious thing!
But now it's different. He figured out a problem in the smog of Backlund: In this world full of madness, the lives of ordinary people are so fragile, and Hobert is also very fragile.
A fragile Beyonder is not qualified to blame himself. Only after becoming strong enough will his self-blame not seem so ridiculous and humble.
After a dozen seconds of silence, Hobert suddenly said, "I bear some responsibility for the destruction of Eugene Territory."
Of course, he wasn't really blaming himself when he said this; it was just a tactic.
He continued, "It was my lack of consideration that the enemy actually summoned an angel!"
Angus, Helen, and the others behind him showed surprised expressions. They had felt the immense pressure coming from that direction before, but at the time, they had no idea that an angelic battle had taken place there.
The two of them had similar thoughts: I knew it! How could a battle at the Saint level cause such a disaster?
Then, the Beyonders present realized another problem: how was the enemy's angel repelled?
Just as everyone had this question, Archibald very cooperatively asked, "Sir, how did you resolve this catastrophe in the South Colson area?"
Hobert nodded with satisfaction. This 'hound' knows how to talk: "Of course, I also summoned an angel."
Angus and Helen behind him immediately felt like their brains couldn't keep up.
Angus first thought: I've never heard of Beyonders of the 'Lawyer' pathway being good at summoning!
He immediately realized that his thinking was wrong: Could it be that Hobert has a close relationship with an angel? I have heard that a member of the Tudor family survived as an angel, could it be that Hobert and his son have contacted other Tudor families?
Then, he realized again that this idea was wrong, because if that were the case, Hobert could have said it openly, but Hobert spoke vaguely.
Moreover, having a close relationship with an angel is one thing, but being able to summon the other party to fight for you at any time is another.
Finally, Angus realized: Perhaps that angel was sent by a mysterious being?
As soon as this thought appeared in his mind, Angus was even more shocked. Looking at Hobert's back again, he seemed taller and more mysterious!
Helen, on the other hand, realized: "I underestimated Hobert before. I always thought he was just relying on having a good father to become a Baron at such a young age."
"The more I interact with him, the more I realize that his strength and methods far exceed my imagination. He is not as useless as those nobles in Feynapotter City."
"Ms. Monica's guess is correct. There is an organization behind Hobert, and within this organization, there is at least one angel!"
"Those ten masked reinforcements should be from the organization behind Hobert."
As Hobert expected, no one cared about his self-blame; they would only focus all their attention on the angelic combat power.
Hobert added, "Everyone, take a look around to see if there is any possibility of finding survivors!"
These words awakened everyone, and they went around to search according to Hobert's orders.
However, everyone knew that there could be no survivors; that was a battle at the angel level.
But they felt that they really needed to do something now to alleviate the shocking emotions just now.
The reason why Hobert brought this group of Beyonders was to make them feel shocked and to make them feel the power of Baron Hobert, so as to pave the way for some possible operations in the future.
"Angus!" Hobert called out to the captain of the first team.
Angus, who had just taken two steps, immediately came back, waiting for Hobert's instructions.
Hobert, however, strolled through the thick weeds and came to a small hill.
Angus followed closely behind. He realized that the Baron had something to say to him.
"What are your thoughts?" After reaching the top of the hill, Hobert looked at the wilderness in front of him and asked.
Angus also looked at the wilderness in front of him and said, "This is simply like a miracle."
Hobert smiled: "In ancient times, angels were also called gods."
Then he changed the subject: "I'm asking what you thought when you saw the two corpses in the grass."
Without waiting for Angus to answer, Hobert asked and answered himself: "Just now, I suddenly realized that life is so fragile and humble."
"Yes," Angus said, following Hobert's words, "Under the majesty of the gods, all life is fragile."
Hobert glanced at Angus and continued to look at the wilderness: "There are some things you should make a choice about."
"Believe me, I don't need to repeat why my father left the Tudor family. Through this battle, I have seen your talent. That family, whose atmosphere has long been rotten to the core, will bury you for the rest of your life!"
In fact, Angus's performance can only be said to be not bad, far from reaching the level of excellence.
However, this is a good breakthrough to pry open the Tudor family, so he is currently very likely to get Hobert's high evaluation.
Hobert's words made Angus first happy, then worried. He also knew that with his background, he had no hope of becoming a demigod in this life.
So, when faced with the task of being dispatched to monitor Christian, which even the direct descendants of the family were not interested in, he behaved very actively.
After learning that Hobert could summon the help of an angel, Angus did have some other thoughts.
Hobert continued, "Did you notice the ten reinforcements who appeared at the end?"
"I noticed!" Angus was also very strange. Where did Hobert find those reinforcements?
"Many of them were once marginalized figures in the family," Hobert said very purposefully. "In less than half a year, one of them has been promoted from Sequence 8 to Sequence 6."
"I think at his current speed, he should have the opportunity to be promoted to Sequence 5 at the latest next year."
"He didn't get such a good opportunity as you at the time. He has such a fast promotion speed only because he made a very correct choice."
This is the truth. At that time, Elliot's choice was more straightforward than Angus's. Of course, it also had a lot to do with the fact that Hobert was facing Elliot as the 'Creator' at the time.
Hobert pointed to the front: "Look at this wilderness, I have the opportunity to become a person with this level of power, because at the most critical juncture in my life, I also made the right choice."
Angus no longer hesitated and knelt behind Hobert: "Sir, please accept my allegiance!"
Hobert quickly turned around and helped Angus up: "Being able to get your sincere help has also given me a great boost!"
Archibald and his marionettes watched the whole drama of Hobert's wooing of his subordinates, which made it sigh at Hobert's skills and use of language.
After helping Angus up, Hobert said again: "I already have some ideas about how to deal with the aftermath of the four fallen members, and I will leave it to you next."
"First of all, the spoils of war from the first team must be given to them, and secondly, of course, the Beyonder characteristics must be returned to them."
"I can make a promise that in addition to returning the Beyonder characteristics to their family, I will also give them Beyonder characteristics of a lower sequence!"
"For example, if the martyr is a 'Sheriff', in addition to giving the 'Sheriff' Beyonder characteristic to his family, he will also give a copy of the 'Arbiter' Beyonder characteristic."
Angus was very surprised at first, then happy: "Their families will definitely be grateful."
In this way, Angus will be able to give an explanation to the families of the martyrs, and when he returns to the family to recruit people, it is estimated that more people will want to join the Special Operations Department than before!
"However, two conditions must be met," Hobert said: "The point that you must verify is to give his Beyonder characteristics to their family, not the family."
"The second condition is that before giving it to their family, the Beyonder characteristics should be kept in my custody."
"This is to protect you, so as not to be targeted by the family. If they have any anger, they can push it all to me."
Angus said gratefully: "Thank you, Sir, for thinking so much for me."
Archibald on the side felt that there must be a problem here, but it was not clear what the problem was.
"The last point is the issue of compensation for them," Hobert said: "You have been in the territory for a while and know my current difficulties."
"In terms of compensation, I can't temporarily match the official Beyonders. The martyrs of Sequence 9 can only be given 1,300 pounds, or 1,500 gold Lire."
"Sequence 8 is doubled, and Sequence 7 is doubled again."
Angus smiled and said, "It's good to have compensation."
This is true. For wild Beyonders, they have never thought about the issue of martyrdom and compensation.
That's why Hobert proposed this compensation standard, which is less than half of that of the orthodox churches, and will continue to use this standard for a period of time.
Hobert nodded and said again: "I plan to expand the size of the first team. After handling the aftermath, it should be expanded to at least eighteen members."
"You have given such good compensation conditions, I don't think there should be any problems," Angus said with a smile.
Hobert smiled with satisfaction: "This is the focus of your next work."
"Yes!"
After ending this conversation, Hobert's main purpose of this "personal disaster relief" was completed, so that he could more happily dig the corners of the Tudor family in the future.
When the group returned to Baron Felix's manor, it was already dusk.
The initial resettlement of the refugees has been completed. Conrad, according to Hobert's instructions, is preparing to use work as a form of relief to rebuild their homes.
Moreover, Conrad found that the spring planting on the west bank of the entire Full Moon Lake was very sloppy. He planned to organize people to replant the spring first to ensure this year's harvest, and then take time to redistribute the land.
It can be foreseen that Conrad will be very busy in the future and will have no time to stay in Baron Felix's manor to coordinate the resources of all parties.
Hobert had no choice but to stay and personally sit in the "new territory" on the west bank of Full Moon Lake.
After eating dinner and solving the work problems, Hobert returned to his room. After telling anyone not to disturb his rest, he came to the "Nation of Disorder" and looked at the spoils he had obtained today again.
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