Three hours later, the magic train arrived in Shazi. After a brief inspection, Iris successfully entered the city and everything here became somewhat unfamiliar. The barbecue restaurant on the left had turned into a small tavern, and the snack vendors on the right had become a hotel. The buildings around the central square were all replaced by luxurious office buildings, and the shops along the street had been completely renovated. Iris walked on the street and noticed that the crowd had become sparse, and it was no longer crowded here.

"Why has it changed so much here?" Iris muttered to herself, feeling that everything here was somewhat different from what she had remembered. Just as she was wondering, a knight in white armor approached Iris and spoke softly, "Miss, have you just returned to Shazi City? I am Cavalry Captain Davis, responsible for welcoming the residents who previously lived in Shazi City."

Iris looked up at Davis's tall figure, surprised in her heart. "Davis is so tall! He's almost as tall as my little Baixi at home!" Standing in front of Davis, who was over six feet tall, Iris, who was only a little over five feet tall, seemed petite, a feeling she was not used to.

Although they used to have similar heights, why is there such a big difference now? The difference between people is really huge. But Iris didn't show any unusual expression and politely said, "Hello, Davis. My name is Ling Xi, and I am not a native of Shazi City. I came here to find a girl named Singri."

Upon hearing Iris's words, Davis was somewhat surprised, but quickly regained his composure. He asked, "Oh? You're looking for Singri? Do you know her?"

"Yes... I know her. I am her friend," Iris nodded.

Davis scrutinized Iris, finding her suspicious. Since Singri returned, her character had become more aloof and cold, and she did not like to talk to people. These were things that Davis could clearly sense. Besides Singri's family, the only person who could have a few words with Singri was Davis himself. As the Cavalry Captain, he had some knowledge about the blood race, and Singri wanted to know more about Night White and whether he was still alive. Therefore, Singri would come to Davis from time to time to inquire about information regarding the blood race.

Information about the blood race is difficult to obtain from the outside world. Apart from the demons, humans still consider Victor to be the sovereign of the blood race, and the name of the country is still the Crimson Empire.

Seeing the suspicion in Davis's eyes, Iris explained, "Captain Davis, I am just entrusted to find Miss Singri and give her a surprise. As for other matters, please do not ask too much."

Davis still did not dispel his doubts, but rather became more suspicious. He felt that the girl in front of him did not seem like someone who came to visit Singri. Her tone sounded indifferent, not flustered at all. Moreover, her appearance seemed intentionally made to look ordinary, especially her demeanor and actions, which made her seem like a flawless noble.

What kind of noble is she? The Sun-Moon Empire or the Crescent Empire? How could Singri have any contact with the nobles of these two countries? This puzzled Davis greatly.

Seeing that Davis still did not loosen his lips, Iris became speechless and continued, "Well, Captain Davis, can I talk about some things concerning my client and your affairs?"

"Of course," Davis nodded, indicating that he was all ears.

"My client told me that he saw you and Minel singing and dancing around the bonfire," Iris said casually.

Memories from seven years ago quickly flashed through Davis' mind.

At the time, Davis wanted to get back at Minel for pushing him into the water, so he deliberately invited Minel to dance, hoping to embarrass him. Unexpectedly, Minel used his warlock magic to figure out Davis' plan and turned the tables on him.

A trace of sadness appeared on Davis' face, but he quickly regained his composure and said nonchalantly, "Your client sure has a good memory! He remembers even the little things from our childhood so clearly."

Iris smiled faintly and replied, "Perhaps that's what stands out in his memory of you."

"Miss Ling Xi, can you tell me the name of your client?" Davis asked curiously.

"Before I meet Miss Singri, I'm not allowed to disclose his name to anyone," Iris shook her head.

"Uh..." Davis felt a bit disappointed and said, "Well, in that case, please follow me."

Iris followed Davis as they walked towards the inner part of Zashi City. Along the way, she encountered many men and women dressed in uniform black clothes with white armbands.

Looking at what used to be Tian Du Academy now turned into residential buildings, she couldn't help but point to the buildings ahead and ask Davis, "I remember there used to be a school called Tian Du Academy here. How did it become residential buildings? Did Tian Du Academy close down?"

Davis glanced at Iris and answered, "Several months ago, the White Stork Empire suffered an unprecedented heavy blow. The massive Bimong creature crashed through the city walls, turning the entire capital into ruins. Your Majesty, the ruler of the White Stork Empire, didn't manage to escape and was crushed under the rubble. The teachers and students of Tian Du Academy also suffered heavy casualties. Thanks to the personal intervention of Your Majesties, the rulers of the neighboring countries Sun-Moon and Cyan-Moon, the White Stork Empire was saved from being occupied by the barbarians from the Ruined Land."

"And who are these people wearing black clothes?" Iris pointed at the individuals in black attire.

"Each of them belongs to a family. In that war, some families were destroyed while others were lucky enough to survive. They wear black clothes and the white emblem on their sleeves as a way to mourn their lost loved ones and friends," Davis explained.

Hearing Davis' explanation, Iris fell silent. She felt a heaviness in her heart, never expecting the White Stork Empire to face such a crisis.

If something like this happened in her Shuowang Empire, what kind of disaster would it be?

This was merely a probing action by the barbarians from the Ruined Land. If they were to launch a full-scale attack, what kind of situation would it be?

Iris had originally planned to develop for ten more years before wiping out the enemy in one fell swoop. But now, it seemed that she had underestimated the strength of the barbarians from the Ruined Land. She had also overestimated her own military ability. The idea of wiping out the enemy in one stroke on the battlefield was simply child's play.

Some things must be consulted with her experienced aunt, to see if there is any solution. Although Iris's strength is above Lilan's, when it comes to leading troops in battle, Lilan can easily outperform Iris.

No matter how strong a person is, when faced with countless enemies, they will either be killed by random strikes or exhausted, there is simply no chance of killing their way through.

Iris does not have so much time. She plans to make all necessary preparations within a year and then launch an attack on the Ruined Land.

Looking at the silent Iris, Davis said with some concern, "Miss Ling Xi, if there is anything you need help with, please don't hesitate to ask. As long as I am capable, I will definitely not refuse."

Iris looked up at Davis, smiled faintly, and said, "I don't need any help. Just make sure you stay alive."

Upon hearing this, Davis was momentarily stunned, then laughed and said, "If I die, ask your client to burn more paper money for me, so I can have a more comfortable time in the afterlife."

Iris:"......"

"I guess my client won't burn paper money for you. Maybe she will stand in front of your grave and ridicule your weakness, saying that you can't even survive in a war." Iris said, laughing.

"Hahaha, Miss Ling Xi, you really know how to joke!" Davis laughed heartily, somehow feeling much more at ease.