Chapter 206: War with the Empire

Zhang Nu spent 200 million gold to install all eleven Citadel Cannons and purchase 5,000 Magitek Missiles, 20,000 Basic Citadel Soldiers, 5,000 Intermediate Citadel Soldiers, 1,000 Advanced Citadel Soldiers, and 500 Magitek Aerial Soldiers. In total, he invested 320 million gold, bringing his cumulative investment to a staggering 520 million gold.

Although the investment was substantial, it was exceptionally worthwhile. After this round of construction, the offensive and defensive capabilities of this Supreme Magitek Citadel far exceeded that of the Bloody Fortress. Moreover, it was a mobile citadel, which could be deployed anywhere. This mobility was crucial, and no amount of resources spent would be wasted.

For the Chaos Federation, having such a powerful mobile stronghold was of immense significance. Zhang Nu had already appointed the Grand Archmage Bai Jie as the Citadel Commander and the Gnome Chieftain Segon as the Vice Citadel Commander. In the future, tens of thousands to over ten million gnome researchers and human scholars would inhabit the fortress. This fortress was not just a military stronghold but also possessed research and production capabilities.

When Zhang Nu returned to the Darkness City, there was an urgent military report from the Kolo region. Nancilia rushed to report, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Marquis Kregi has begun their operations. The imperial army is moving faster than expected, and it is estimated that they will enter the Kolo region today!"

"Marilyn, the Grand Elder, has already led the Ancient Tree army to rush over for reinforcement. The scale of the enemy's forces this time is truly enormous."

"I'm somewhat worried."

Hearing this news, Zhang Nu's expression grew somewhat more serious. While he had foreseen that the empire would launch an offensive within these few days, he had not expected it to happen so swiftly. Moreover, this time, the stakes placed on the battlefield were considerable.

From the intelligence reports, it was evident that the empire was fully committed to this operation. Four imperial legions, each numbering a minimum of 800,000 troops, composed of cavalry, infantry, flying units, mage units, and special forces, were involved. In addition to the imperial legions, this campaign included a Marquis and three Counts. As hereditary nobility, their personal strength was formidable, and they commanded a significant number of elite forces and their family knight orders.

A conservative estimate put the combined strength of these noble knight orders at around 50,000 troops. These family private armies were on par with, if not superior to, the empire's official army in terms of elite status. Furthermore, according to the intelligence reports, among the forces participating in this campaign were the Thunderous Mercenary Guild and the Radiant Church, with at least five southern mercenary brigades and ten Radiant Church squadrons joining the battle.

Leading these forces were two super Heroes. These two super Heroes not only possessed the ability to mobilize the mercenary world and the Radiant Church but also had Hero guilds under their command. It was certain that many Hero guilds would be actively participating in the upcoming conflict.

It could be said that this was a super army with a nearly million-strong force. There were at least four Level 6 overlords among them: Marquis Kregi, Sir Bard, and the two super Heroes. Among the other nobles, commanders, top-tier Heroes, mercenaries, and adventurers, there were no fewer than twenty individuals at the Level 5.

Even for an empire as dominant as the Thunder Empire, mobilizing such a massive force would require significant effort, and its success or failure would have considerable consequences on its overall power. A military operation of this scale had not been seen in the southern territories in the past century. This clearly reflected the determination of Grand Duke Bachor and the empire. Facing such an enormous invading force was an unprecedented pressure for the forces of the Darkness City.

Due to the limited time available, the Darkness City could not deploy more federal forces. Currently, the Demon King's deployment in the Colosseum region consisted of approximately two hundred thousand elite troops, including the draconian legion, ogre legion, elven legion, orc legion, as well as creatures like the beholders. Though their numbers were far fewer than the empire's, their individual combat prowess was notably higher.

As for the leadership, at the helm was the Dark Dragon King, Long Yi, with the assistance of the Wind Abyss Dragon, Long Er, the Earth Abyss Dragon, Long San, the human Holy Knight, Bai Jin, and the temporary reinforcement, Jin Kui, the golden giant from Thundering City, along with the Deputy City Lord of Giantree City, Marilyn. These were all valuable Level 6 high-end combatants.

In terms of mid to high-level commanders: two Earth Drake Grand Marshals, Wang Er and Zhao Wu, two Sky Drake Archpriests, Sun Liu and Zhou Qi, twelve Draconian Marshals, fifty Generals, six High Priests, and twenty Priests.

Additionally, as a precautionary measure, the Demon King had arranged a hidden force. This force would not readily intervene, but in cases of extreme danger where significant casualties were possible, they would immediately join the battle. This hidden force included Earth Drake Sovereign Zhang San, Sky Drake Sovereign Li Si, and 120 Demon King's Royal Guards, among which 30 had undergone advanced modification to become super guards.

Although time was limited, the lineup of the Darkness City was undeniably formidable. It was foreseeable that this would be an intense and large-scale battle. The Demon King continued to stay in the rear, maintaining a low profile and observing the situation quietly. The Demon King of the Darkness City would not easily take to the frontlines. After all, he was the last card of the Chaos Federation and could not be played easily. Even in special circumstances, he could send the Elven King or seek assistance from the Succubus Queen of Gloom City. These two trump cards were available if needed.

In response to Nancilia's concerns, Zhang Nule reassured her, saying, "No need to worry. There's nothing to fear. It's just the southern borders of the empire; it's not enough to pose a threat to the Chaos Federation."

"In this situation, can we really win?"

The several elven elders, golden giant elders, as well as the chieftain of the Orcs felt a hint of fear, anticipating that this battle would be extremely brutal.

"What is there to fear?" shouted Marilyn. "With the support of His Majesty from behind the scenes, how can these wretched humans possibly threaten the federation?"

"We have finally obtained peace and are on the verge of an era of prosperity in the Chaos Forest," she continued. "How can we let these interlopers disrupt it? Do you all want to return to the way things were before?"

Hearing the words of the Elven Grand Elder, the leaders of the various tribes and clans on the scene became incensed.

"Strike them down, one by one!"

"Let no imperial soldiers remain standing!"

"We must protect the federation!"

The Orc Gru, his eyes bloodshot, roared loudly, "As long as we unite as one and with His Majesty as our shield, let alone this puny human army, even if the entire imperial army arrives, we won't be afraid!"

"That's right!"

"Let them witness the might of the Chaos Federation!"

"Our benevolent Demon King has shown us great favor. We must defend the frontlines for His Majesty!"

"We will not retreat!"

"We'll fight to the end!"

"For the forest, for His Majesty!"

The morale of the assembled leaders and warriors soared. After witnessing the transformation of the Chaos Federation and the Chaos Forest following its establishment, they were determined to defend the federation and their beloved Demon King from any threat.

Just then, a piece of news arrived: "The enemy forces have begun to move!"

"Everyone, prepare for battle!"