Chapter 345: Before The Storm
In Darkness City, all the high-ranking members of the Chaos Federation, including Nancilia, were gathered.
Han Kexin asked, "According to the city lord's prediction, the enemy is going to launch a surprise attack from the west, through the direction of the Sunset Empire. How are our defensive preparations?"
Nancilia immediately stood up and said, "Rest assured, Vice City Lord. Since we received the alert, we have been preparing for battle with all our might. Grootroot has led the main force of the ents to fortify the western front, and other tribal forces have already arrived."
Han Kexin was pleased to hear this. Although Zhang Nu's ability to predict the enemy's direction, number, and identity through his time abilities was incredibly advantageous and made surprise attacks nearly impossible, it still wasn't foolproof against an overwhelmingly powerful enemy.
Han Kexin reminded them, "The enemies we face this time are exceptionally strong. We must not act recklessly. Our primary goal is to delay and wait for the city lord to complete his ascension successfully."
Hearing this, Nancilia couldn't help but ask, "Vice City Lord, our alliance is already very strong. Even if the Sunset Empire mobilizes its entire nation against us, it would be difficult to even shake us. Why are we being so cautious?"
From her perspective, they shouldn't have to trouble the Demon King for everything. Nancilia's own strength had grown significantly, and she was now nearly Level 6 legend. The vice city lord's power was even more profound, and they had the support of giants, ents, and humans. How could they possibly be threatened? Even if the Sunset Empire mobilized its entire nation, Nancilia did not believe they posed a threat.
Han Kexin said, "It seems necessary to give everyone a heads-up and make sure you all have a clear understanding of the enemy we are about to face. The Sunset Empire is not a significant threat on its own, but the enemy forces this time, while borrowing the path through the Sunset Empire, are not primarily composed of Sunset Empire troops."
Empress Ophelia of the Thunder Empire asked, "Is it the Radiant Church?"
Han Kexin nodded, "Yes, this time, the Church has mobilized its elite troops, the entire college of bishops, and various knight orders. Nearly all of them are coming, including the two living Popes. This force is no less powerful than the main army of any empire in this world. Furthermore, the Church's influence is immense, allowing them to easily call upon the armies of ten, or even dozens, of nations."
"Thus, the combined strength will be unlike anything we've faced before."
Everyone exchanged glances. Although Nancilia had a high level of intelligence, she was ultimately limited by her experience and did not fully grasp the gravity of the situation. Han Kexin decided to put it more plainly.
"According to the future seen by the city lord, the enemy forces coming to attack us include no less than three Level 7 demigods!"
No one thought Han Kexin was being overly cautious anymore. On the contrary, they felt immense pressure. The Chaos Forest was strong, but could it really withstand such an overwhelming invasion?
Seeing the apprehensive and tense expressions on everyone's faces, Han Kexin smiled and spoke in a more relaxed tone, "There's no need to worry, everyone. The city lord will emerge from his seclusion in a day or two. At that point, mere three demigods won't be an issue."
"Our most important task now is to defend the forest well during the city lord's seclusion. We must not let the enemy approach the Darkness City by even a step!"
At this moment, Marilyn, the deputy city lord of Giantree City, spoke up, "But, Vice City Lord, the enemy's lineup this time is incredibly terrifying. Although we have many powerful warriors, it won't be easy to hold off so many elite troops and powerful individuals on our own!"
Without a doubt, the three demigods would definitely be a formidable issue, even without considering the numerous Level 6 mythic and monarch units and the various super legions. This was far stronger than the forces they faced when invading the empire.
Han Kexin said, "I didn't have absolute confidence in minimizing our losses before. But now, if everything goes as planned, we can significantly reduce our casualties and even achieve our goals with minimal losses."
Her words surprised everyone. Given the enemy's overwhelming advantage in troops and strength, it seemed unlikely that the Chaos Forest could hold its ground, let alone achieve victory.
Han Kexin continued, "Before the city lord went into seclusion, he entrusted me with some crucial items. With these, the enemy won't be able to breach our defenses."
Han Kexin's plan was straightforward. They recently acquired a Level 6 special building upgrade scroll from a treasure chest, which was too valuable to waste. Although Darkness City had many auxiliary buildings, some even at Level 6, the most worthy of upgrading was the World Tree in Giantree City. Han Kexin had already checked the upgrade requirements. It needed a staggering 10 billion gold and millions of gemstone materials. The cost was extremely high, almost absurd, but the city's finances could handle it.
If the Level 6 World Tree were upgraded further, what kind of existence would it become?
......
Shortly after, the two demigod Heroes arrived above the Chaos Forest.
"The entire Chaos Forest is shrouded in an enormous barrier. Its size and strength are unparalleled," Mandell said. "As expected of the number one Demon King Zhang Nu. Such a massive barrier is something I've never seen before, but believing it can stop us is too naive."
Just as they were about to act, something astonishing happened. From the depths of the Chaos Forest, an unimaginable power erupted, causing the entire barrier enveloping the forest to undergo a monumental transformation!