....

On the other side.

Amidst the deafening sound of water, Hawkins and the main force of sea monsters surged up the wide course of the Leiden River on huge waves.

The "Leiden River Valley" was originally a habitable region with rich freshwater resources and flat, fertile land. Hundreds of sea monsters gathered their strength, creating an unstoppable tsunami. The raging current advanced, destroying vast areas of fields and towns in its path.

In just a few minutes, the homeland that humanity had taken hundreds, thousands of years to gradually establish was returned to the Barbaric Era.

Moreover, each time they passed a human town, a small species would break away from the group to assault the town, creating trouble for local guards, further slowing their progress and preventing them from banding together to cause problems for the pirate ship upon its return.

However, once they entered inland, the sea monsters' power was clearly suppressed, coupled with the constraints of the river course, the speed of the surging waves was notably restrained.

Yet despite this, in just one hour they advanced nearly 200 kilometers, and ahead lay their destination—the City of Wealth, "Golden Lion City"!

Finally, the military alert issued by the garrison headquarters arrived here just in time before the sea monsters were due to arrive.

Bang—

The assistant abruptly pushed open the chairman's office door of the Netherlands Bank Group, reporting urgently while gasping:

"Huff... Huff... Mr. Chairman! Emergency military situation!

A large group of sea monsters has broken through the estuary and is advancing upstream along the Leiden River, accompanied by a pirate ship, confirmed to be Hawkins' flagship 'Eternal Imprisonment Sacred Statue', destination... unknown!"

Crash!

The spirited white-haired elder behind the desk leapt to his feet, so much so that he didn't notice the important documents by his hand falling to the ground.

Old Joel, with his sharp eyes resembling a hawk's, stared at his otherwise shrewd and capable assistant, the calm expression on his face immediately changed as if a large stone had been thrown into a still pond:

"How can sea monsters from the deep ocean enter the mainland? And the sea monsters are working together with Hawkins?!"

Because the mainland naturally suppresses sea monsters, at least in the recorded history of humanity, there has never been a live record of sea monsters venturing deep inland.

Calming his breath slightly, the assistant whose hometown was Nisk replied amidst disbelief and deep sorrow:

"The garrison headquarters at the estuary reported that a massive tsunami appears to have been triggered by the sea monsters, and, and, Nisk is already finished!"

The elder's face changed unpredictably as the assistant spoke, knowing beforehand the probable scenario.

A large group of sea monsters able to get through the estuary, as the first checkpoint at the estuary, Water City Nisk was undoubtedly the first to bear the brunt, its fate amounting only to varying degrees of devastation.

What he considered was the uncontrollable variable of sea monsters suddenly causing chaos, affecting his Golden Lion City and the Bank Group!

If one were to rank humanity's greatest fears in this era of Great Navigation, sea monsters would unquestionably be amongst the top contenders.

Especially their irresistibly overwhelming power and extreme hostility towards humanity, these are eternal labels upon them.

If travelers encounter a sea monster at sea without a battleship escort or a powerful extraordinary on board, it means they have just secured a one-way ticket to hell!

Even if, like most directors, he firmly believed Hawkins wouldn't foolishly sabotage their formerly "good" cooperative relations, from the perspective of sea monsters, there's no concept of collaborators and clients — it's truly hard to predict what might happen.

As the chairman of the four-member committee of the Netherlands Bank Group and the Governor of Golden Lion City, whether Hawkins and that group of sea monsters target Golden Lion City or not, the elder must make a decision at this moment!

"Issue my orders.

First, initiate the highest-level alert, sound the alarm, have all citizens evacuate the city and take refuge in the Pine Forest! Dispatched a team of City Guards to accompany and maintain order!

Second, inform Great Knight Graces and the "Steam Master" and "Devouring Witch", the two wizards on duty, to prepare for combat. The bank group's large vault, particularly the third level, must never be compromised.

Third, personally take my directive to mobilize our private army to board the city walls, and buy time for the citizen's evacuation. No, I will go myself, I want to see whether this Pirate King dares to set foot in Golden Lion City!

Fourth, you personally go inform Bishop Jasper at the Golden Summit Cathedral, asking him to hold the cathedral firm against unforeseen circumstances, and activate that ultimate measure if necessary.

Finally, all employees of the bank group are to remain in their positions; we must live up to our clients' trust in us, as well as maintain the solid, unbreakable reputation established by the bank group's ancestors."

The elder knew there was no time to delay; he briskly issued orders while already donning his formal jacket, grabbing his cane and leading the way out of his office.

Tap, tap, tap...

As the two exited the office, the sixteen directors who were permanently stationed in Golden Lion City, or their representatives, had also received the news and rushed over.

Behind them was a group of guards fully armed with high-end equipment, both male and female, but each at least an official knight level extraordinary.

Among their gear, at least one or two pieces shimmered with brilliant extraordinary spiritual light, exuding an undeniable opulence from head to toe.

"Mr. Chairman! As directors of the bank group, we naturally should stand on the frontline to protect the clients' assets. Please let us accompany you onto the city walls."

It's evidently the motto of the "Netherlands Bank Group" that has existed since its inception that they spoke of.

Yet, most of their minds did not take Hawkins' attack seriously; having bypassed Water City Nisk, the target was likely the Salt Lake County's capital Brandenburg further down the valley.

These shareholders hail from multiple countries and don't have much attachment to the Tyrone Kingdom; if Hawkins wants to attack, let him, as long as he doesn't interfere with their money-making.

Standing up at this moment not only posed no risk but also added significant brownie points within their respective spheres of influence!

Standing out in the face of adversity naturally shows capability and competence, indicating readiness for more significant responsibilities in the future.

However, even if merely passing through "Golden Lion City", it nevertheless frightened our clients and employees.

The next transaction probably requires a higher price; however, Mr. Hawkins, the Black Sea Pirate King is always generous in dealings, isn't he? Hehe...

They remained optimistic even now; the long-standing cooperative relations let them keep a habitual mindset, not believing Hawkins' actual target is themselves.

Hearing their proactive offer, the chairman also showed a slight smile.

Most of these directors were his juniors, and he naturally felt pleased by their courage and responsibility, seeing the bank group professionally advancing.

"Very well, let's meet this old customer together! Whatever this Pirate King intends, passing through the bank group's territory should indeed entail sending us prior notice!"

His words subtly expressed dissatisfaction toward the Pirate King's actions; the wise chairman, despite issuing a series of orders according to the emergency plan, his deep-seated thoughts evidently aligned closely with those of his juniors.

Still viewing the world from a banker's perspective...

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