Chapter 691 - Undercurrent
The Light Parliament mobilizing their troops to the border had captured the attention of the entire continent. However, the people refused to believe that the Country of Light and Country of Darkness would go into war. After all, they knew that such clashes had always existed and were well aware that the Light Parliament would be so unyielding. Therefore, the Light Parliament mobilizing their troops was only making a tough stand. Sometimes, international politics were like two people pointing at each other’s nose and taunting: “Hit me if you dare!”, “Touch me and I will kill you!”, or “Come on, I’m not afraid of you!”…
Even though both sides cursed while spitting saliva across, neither would do anything even if the situation escalated. Therefore, everyone was only concerned about the clash between them at a general level. They believed that the Light Parliament was only expressing their tough stance to regain support from the people and wouldn’t send out their troops to attack the Country of Darkness.
Indeed. That was their intention. But the Country of Darkness might have other ideas!
Unlike the Country of Light with an accumulation of contradictions and internal and external problems, the Country of Darkness could be said to have expanded in strength and thrived under the guidance of Dark Dragon, Ion. They possessed formidable military forces, wealth, and apart from the four largest families led by the four legendary generals, various smaller family forces were also rising. Ion was clear that there was only one path to take on if the Country of Darkness yearned to unleash all their potential. If they didn’t expand their forces, they would inevitably get into a conflict with the four legendary generals as the emerging families rose in forces—there were possibilities of internal wars and disputes. The Dark Dragon was neither Lilian nor the Light Parliament, so he definitely wouldn’t allow such calamities to happen under his watchful eyes. Starting a war, dominating the territories, and expanding their forces was the inevitable ending.
Rhode had gotten ready as soon as he heard of the possible upcoming war. The Country of Darkness didn’t retaliate up until this point while the Light Parliament continued to clamor for attention, and that was all. Neither did the Country of Darkness mobilize their army nor sternly warn the Light Parliament. Therefore, everyone saw this as only an ordinary international conflict.
But Rhode was clear that the Country of Darkness had no need to mobilize their army. All they were doing now was concealing their true motive. This was what they did in the game: paralyze the opposition before launching lightning swift raids in one swoop.
The undead properties of the Country of Darkness’s undead army proved that there were no flaws in their blitzes. As Undead Creatures, they didn’t need to replenish their health on the spot and could mobilize their army beforehand. Besides, they wouldn’t feel exhausted and could travel day and night constantly. As long as Necromancers were present, the corpses on the battlefield would be awakened by them to become a part of their forces. In addition, the corpses were tireless and fearless of death, which decided that almost no one could resist their attacks whenever the undead army mobilized.
This was one of the reasons why the Country of Light fell a thousand miles in the game. After all, they were humans with lives and would naturally feel fatigue, exhaustion, and fear. Facing such a tactic from the Country of Darkness, the Country of Light had no means of resistance at all. It was only until later, after they sacrificed a large portion of their territories and manpower to rely on the mighty fortress and defensive line, that they defended against the Undead Creatures’ attack. However, as any solid defenses would crumble from the inside first. Rhode led the players from the rear and seized the chance to wipe out the Light Parliament before the Country of Darkness managed to.
Even though the Light Parliament would still be destroyed by the Country of Darkness even if Rhode didn’t take action, that didn’t mean that the strategy to defend to their deaths was useless. Most importantly, although the Light Parliament was a group of good-for-nothing, adopting the strategy to defend to their deaths could slow down the Undead Creatures’ attack to a certain extent. This was proven to be an effective strategy against the Country of Darkness. After all, blitzes were to catch enemies off guard with a surprise attack and it wouldn’t be too effective if the enemies were ready for it.
The little girl opened her eyes wide, clutched her chest tightly with both hands, and her petite body trembled constantly on the bed. Her weak, painful groans resounded in the spacious, warm bedroom. Shortly after, a few Battle Angels rushed into the room and to her side.
“Your Majesty! What’s wrong? Your Majesty!”
“Argh… Ahh…”
Lilian gritted her teeth. Her adorable face was as pale as a sheet of paper. She widened her mouth and panted for air. There were no traces of radiance in her eyes as though her consciousness had left and drifted to a faraway land.
“Step aside.”
A deep, calm voice sounded. Then, Archangel Serene emerged beside Lilian and placed her right hand on the latter’s chest. A spotlessly white brilliance emanated from her palm and shrouded Lilian completely. The little girl’s painful expression softened and her tensed up body relaxed.
“Ha… Ha… Ha… Ah…”
Lilian laid paralyzed on the bed. She widened her eyes and was drenched in cold sweat. She lifted her head and gazed Archangel Serene worriedly.
“Serene… I-I think… someone… has invaded my territory!”
“…!”
Archangel Serene turned around hurriedly and looked at Archangel Boulder who stood by the door. She nodded slightly and said with a stern tone.
“Gather the Light Parliament immediately!”
***
The snow continued to flutter about.
“This goddamn weather.”
The guard captain gazed at the snowy scene from his tent, but he wasn’t in the mood to admire the magnificent view. He picked up an alcohol flask placed on a brazier, opened the cap, and gulped the warm content down. He let out a comfortable shiver.
“Those bastards from the parliament actually made us suffer in this border wilderness. I would’ve been having fun with wifey if I were home! I don’t understand why must we be in this ridiculous place. When are we going back!”
“Alright, alright, cut the crap.”
His companion curled his lips and passed another alcohol flask to him.
“We’re here to put up a show anyway and we can go back after those guys finish speaking their piece. Alright, shut your mouth and get ready to patrol. Be prepared to stay here even longer if the chief hears your complaints. Look around you, damn it. It’s just night duty, so cut the crap and save your energy. Drink a little less. There’s not much alcohol left!”
“I know, I know. I was just complaining. Those bastards… Huh?”
“What’s wrong?”
“That’s strange…”
The guard captain knitted his brows and listened carefully to the surrounding. He shook his head.
“Why do I hear some ‘swish… swish…’ sounds like the waves?”
“Have you drank too much? There isn’t any river around, not to mention an ocean… Argh. It’s freezing. How can the weather be so cold. I’m about to freeze to death… Damn it. My armor has frozen together! Why is this winter…”
Boom!
At this moment, a soldier barged into the room from the snowstorm.
“R-R-Reporting, Captain! We’ve been attacked! Ambush! Ambush!”
“Calm down! Where’re the enemies?!”
The guard captain berated and drew out his sword. He strode out of the tent was instantly stricken into silence.
A steady stream of white waves whizzed in like waves that engulfed the land. The strong snowstorm was as though powerless breezes that weren’t worth any mention. In this vast white ocean, vague, greenish-white radiance resembling candle flames could be seen dancing in the distance.
The guard captain felt his blood freeze up completely.
“Undead Army…”