"An NPC army of tens of millions?"
Shifeng was shocked when he read the report Fang Shihan sent him.
In God's Domain, he had experienced wars between kingdoms and empires. In a war between two kingdoms, each kingdom would only have around one million NPCs. It was normal for a war to last up to a month. Both kingdoms would engage in offensive and defensive battles, and they would fight for every inch of land they could.
This was because one of the ways for a kingdom to become an empire was to expand its territory. This was also the reason why wars were fought between kingdoms.
In a war between empires, the number of NPCs participating in a war between two empires could reach five to six million. The total number of NPCs in a war could reach ten million.
Currently, the Outerworld army was only one of several dozen, yet it already had tens of millions of NPCs. This army could rival the military strength of two empires.
"With this NPC army's speed, it'll take at most two hours to reach the Steel Lion Fortress at the Twin Towers Kingdom's border. Fire and I have already led 800,000 Tier 3 experts and 50 Tier 4 experts there. We should be able to reach the fortress in a little over an hour.
"As for Thunder Gorge City, the furthest border city, Shiuse Qiangwei is currently leading 700,000 Tier 3 experts and 70 Tier 4 experts to defend it. As for the Crimson Thorn Fortress, Gentle Snow is leading one million Tier 3 experts and 100 Tier 4 experts there. As for the independent players, they will likely arrive at these three locations soon.
"Based on our investigations, there aren't many Outerworld players participating in this war. The war shouldn't be as troublesome as the other empires. We only need to focus on dealing with the NPC army."
Border fortresses generally only had small teleportation arrays, and very few players could teleport there. Hence, Fang Shihan had no choice but to lead her team to the Outerworld's NPC army.
Shifeng understood this situation. After all, unlike the NPC army, players couldn't station themselves in border fortresses all the time. Players needed to level up and upgrade their weapons and equipment. Hence, they couldn't stay in the kingdom's border fortresses all the time. Normally, players would set the Return Teleportation Point to the NPC city closest to their border fortresses and ride their Mounts there.
"I'll leave the command to you guys for now. I'll quickly head over to provide support," Shifeng said after taking a look at the time.
One hour!
With his speed, he could definitely make it in an hour.
Currently, the Blue Thunder Flying Ship was only one step away from engraving the core magic array. This was also the most crucial step. Once the core magic array was engraved, the Flying Ship would be complete.
A Mysterious-Iron Flying Ship was of great help to a city defense battle. In fact, it was even more useful than two or three ordinary Tier 5 players.
After the Shifeng finished speaking, he disconnected the call and focused on engraving the final core magic array.
The final core magic array consisted of three Advanced Grandmaster Magic Arrays. It was so complex that even a Basic Grandmaster Magician wouldn't be able to complete it.
Although Shifeng had not been promoted to Grandmaster Magician for long, this step should have been impossible.
However, now that his Concentration standard had reached the Tier 5 Peak standard, his brain's activity and computational ability had improved by leaps and bounds. In addition, he had also obtained the Ancient God's Legacy. The three Advanced Grandmaster Magic Arrays were relatively ancient magic arrays that were similar to some of the magic arrays found in the Ancient God's Legacy. This made it possible for him to complete the three Advanced Grandmaster Magic Arrays in one go.
I've failed three more times. All of them are due to errors in the final Mana fusion. Logically, with my control over the magic arrays, I should've completed the engraving perfectly. Yet, no matter how hard I try, I still can't complete the Mana fusion. Could there be some other problem with my control over the magic arrays? Shifeng wondered as he stared at the core magic array on the design.
He had successfully engraved the core magic array in one go, yet he still couldn't complete the engraving when he injected the final Mana into the core magic array. This was definitely the first time Shifeng had encountered such a situation.
Normally, as long as the core magic array was engraved and injected with Mana, the core magic array would activate on its own. Only when there was a problem with the core magic array would the activation fail.
"Guild Leader, I keep getting the feeling that there's something strange about the core magic array." Melancholic Smile suddenly said as she looked at the core magic array. "The three magic arrays are clearly guiding one type of Mana from the outside world, yet they are forcibly merging these three Mana into one. The three Mana elements clearly have their own characteristics. How is it possible to forcibly merge them into one?"
Currently, A Melancholy Smile was only one step away from becoming a Grandmaster Magician. Since she didn't need to fight, she had researched far more Grandmaster Magic Arrays than Shifeng.
When she had first looked at the core magic array, she had already found it strange. However, since the design stated so, she couldn't refute it. Now that she couldn't activate the magic array, it meant that there was a problem with the magic array.
When Shifeng heard this, he chuckled and said, "The Mana elements indeed have their own operating principles. Of course, it is impossible to forcefully fuse them together. However, this magic array is very powerful. It first disperses the operating principles of the Mana elements. The instant it disperses the operating principles of the Mana elements, the magic array guides the dispersing Mana elements to form a new operating principle before they recover their operating principles. This new operating principle won't be affected by the operating principles of the Mana elements. Although this new operating principle is temporary, it has indeed succeeded."
"Even that works?" A Melancholy Smile was similarly surprised.
In her opinion, the operating principles of the Mana elements couldn't be changed. It was just like how players forcibly controlled the Mana elements. However, the Mana elements exerted by doing so were very weak. This was because the operating principles of the Mana elements resisted the player's power. Hence, after players reached Tier 4, they would take the initiative to conform to the operating principles of the Mana elements instead of forcefully guiding them.
When A Melancholy Smile revealed her surprise, Shifeng, who had wanted to explain further, was stunned.
So, that's how it is! So, this is the true way to utilize the Law of Destruction! Shifeng revealed a hint of ecstasy on his face.
Originally, he had despaired over the fact that his final Holy Annihilation had been stuck at the entry-level.
After all, no matter how he tried to convert the ambient Mana into his own, it depended on his Concentration standard. The higher his Concentration standard was, the wider his range of influence would be. While this was indeed the way to control Mana, it wasn't the way to utilize the world's laws.
The reason why Holy Annihilation's final Holy Annihilation had such destructive power was due to the complex operating principles of the magic array.
To put it simply, he could use the Law of Destruction magic array the Heavenly Blue Saint had given him. He could also incorporate the Law of Destruction into his combat techniques and Mana control. Although he had grasped the basics of the Law of Destruction, he didn't truly understand how the Law of Destruction magic array operated.
Now, however, Shifeng understood why.
The essence of the Law of Destruction wasn't to make the Mana elements disappear. Instead, it was to dispel the inherent operating principles of the Mana elements, causing the Mana elements to lose their original effects.
Hence, if he wanted to gain complete control of the Law of Destruction, he wouldn't have to rely on the guidance of the Law of Destruction. Instead, he would have to use his own Concentration to forcibly stop the Mana elements' operating principles.
Of course, while this sounded simple, it was extremely difficult to actually achieve. Not only did this require extremely powerful mental power, but it also required precise control of different Mana elements. Only by doing so could one perfectly stop the circulation of Mana elements. This was equivalent to reversing the flow of Mana's laws.
Thinking up to this point, Shifeng finally understood why the core magic array had failed to activate.
So, it's because the Mana here is too weak?
Shi Feng could not help but reveal a bitter smile as he looked at the completed core magic array.
To put it simply, Mana was the power to control the Mana elements. Without Mana, one couldn't control the Mana elements. It was just like how humans couldn't move without Strength.
Dispersing the operating principles of the Mana elements required immense power. Liquid Mana couldn't support such a feat. At the very least, one needed solid Mana to do so.
Following which, Shifeng began to gather all of his Mana. Finally, a sand-like solid Mana formed in his palm. He then channeled the sand-like Mana into the core magic array.
Boom!
Along with a loud boom, the Blue Thunder Flying Ship's core magic array seemed to come to life. The surrounding Mana began to gather toward the core magic array, causing the Flying Ship's engine to pulse.
System: Congratulations! You have successfully crafted the Mysterious-Iron Flying Ship. Forging EXP + 100,000,000. Level + 2.
At the same time, every player present who had participated in the Flying Ship's production also gained a corresponding level. Only, they didn't gain as much EXP as Shifeng, the main producer.
However, compared to the EXP they gained, the Blue Thunder Flying Ship was the only thing on everyone's minds.
The Flying Ship was 500 meters long and could carry up to 300 people. It also had 40 Advanced Magic Elven Cannons, each with Tier 5 Basic Magic Elven Cannons. There were also 12 Floating Crystal Cannons, each with Tier 5 Basic Magic Elven Cannons and Tier 5 Basic Magic Elven Cannons. The cannons were also equipped with armor that even Tier 5 existences would have difficulty destroying.
Twin Towers Kingdom, Steel Lion Fortress:
Currently, over 300,000 Level 150-plus, Tier 3 NPCs stood atop the fortress's 50-meter-tall steel walls. Every one of these NPCs wore Level 150-plus Dark-Gold Set Equipment. These NPCs were definitely the Twin Towers Kingdom's elite army. Among these NPCs, nearly 30 Tier 4 NPCs stood atop the walls, led by a male knight who appeared to be in his sixties. He was a Level 200, Tier 4 Sky Knight, and he wore Fragmented Legendary Set Equipment. His aura wasn't any weaker than that of an actual Tier 5 existence.
Meanwhile, inside the fortress's core control room, over 20 Tier 4 magical class NPCs were chanting incantations to maintain the fortress's magic array. Moreover, unlike the fortress's magic array in the past, a total of three layers of large-scale defensive magic arrays had been set up. Even if a Tier 5 existence launched a frenzied barrage of attacks, they wouldn't be able to destroy these magic arrays. At most, they would only consume a small portion of the fortress's energy.
A total of 30 Magic Cannon Turrets stood around the fortress. In addition, a large number of Large Destruction Ballistas stood atop the walls, numbering over 600.
There were also ten Flying Ships hovering above the fortress. Among them, one was even Bronze Flying Ship, while the rest were Advanced Flying Ships. These Flying Ships could just barely hold their own against Tier 4 existences.
In addition, over 100 Tier 3 and Tier 4 Flying Mounts hovered above the fortress. It was a spectacular sight that one wouldn't normally get to see.
As for the Steel Lion Fortress, over two million players had gathered in the fortress, making it extremely crowded.
However, at this moment, none of the players inside the Steel Lion Fortress felt relaxed or excited.
This was because an army of over three million NPCs had gathered outside the Steel Lion Fortress. Just the number of Tier 4 NPCs that could be seen numbered over 500. Not to mention, there were also various siege weapons on the ground.
These siege weapons were either Giant Catapults or Mobile Advanced Magic Cannons. There were also over 50 Flying Ships hovering above the Outerworld NPC army. Six of these ships were Bronze Flying Ships, while the rest were Advanced Flying Ships. In addition, there were also over 500 Tier 3 and Tier 4 Flying Mounts hovering above the Outerworld NPC army.
The disparity in combat power between the two sides was so great that even some of the spectators watching the battle wore gloomy expressions.
Meanwhile, on the Twin Towers Kingdom's official forums, this battle's livestream caused an uproar among the kingdom's players.
"Is this the true War of Worlds?"
"Can our Twin Towers Kingdom really hold on?"
Although many of the Twin Towers Kingdom's players had some understanding of the battles taking place in other empires, most of the information they obtained came from players' accounts or images. They didn't have a clear understanding of the situation. Hence, they had always felt that the matters of other countries had nothing to do with them. However, when they saw this scene, they felt an indescribable sense of despair.
This was especially true for the players standing in the Steel Lion Fortress. At this moment, they finally understood what a War of Worlds and a War of Kingdoms were. One could say that the battles between players couldn't compare to this war. This was a true war.
In the next moment, one of the Outerworld NPC army's commanders waved his hand. Immediately, war weapons on the ground and Flying Ships and Flying Mounts in the sky swarmed toward the Steel Lion Fortress.
"Activate all defenses! Everyone, prepare for battle! " Sky Knight Sepel, the Steel Lion Fortress's commander, shouted as he raised the longsword in his hand.
For a time, the NPCs on the fortress walls either piloted Magic Cannons, Large Destruction Ballistas, or drew their bows and arrows. The Mage classes also began to chant incantations.
The battle between the two sides began abruptly. The sky above the fortress transformed into a sea of flames as various explosions echoed throughout the land and sky. Every player inside the fortress felt their heads buzz.
Fang Shihan watched everyone from the fortress walls. Using a Sound Amplification Spell, she calmly said, "Everyone, don't panic. Follow the original plan. All ranged classes, get to the walls. Melee classes, gather at the designated defensive positions. If the magic barrier breaks, it will be your time to truly display your strength. All melee classes, charge forward and stop those Outerworld NPCs from breaking in and destroying the core magic array until the magic barrier recovers! As long as we persevere, it will only be a matter of time before those Outerworld NPCs are defeated! "
The fortress's defensive magic array wasn't invincible. In the face of such a powerful attack, it was only a matter of time before it broke. However, the fortress's defensive magic array could still be repaired. It only needed time. Similar to the eastern continent's empires, players' main role was to prevent the Outerworld NPCs from destroying the core magic array. During this time, players could kill as many Outerworld NPCs as possible.
After Fang Shihan finished speaking, the players present calmed down, and a hint of confidence rose in them.
It was far more difficult for NPCs to resurrect than it was for players. In a war like this, resurrection was even more impossible. However, players were different. They could resurrect quickly after dying. If they had healers to resurrect them, they would only lose some EXP.
However, less than four minutes after Fang Shihan finished speaking, everyone heard the sound of something shattering coming from above the fortress. It was none other than the Steel Lion Fortress's magic barrier.
"Vanguard! Charge! "
The Outerworld commander commanded. Immediately, the Outerworld's Tier 3 NPC army charged toward the Steel Lion Fortress in a frenzy. As for the Tier 4 NPCs, they flew toward the fortress's core, the Fortress Lord's Mansion. Seeing this, the Tier 4 NPCs inside the Steel Lion Fortress hurriedly joined the battle.
"Use a magic barrier to trap those Tier 4 NPCs!" Fang Shihan hurriedly commanded when she saw the hundreds of Tier 3 NPCs and Flying Mounts approaching the fortress. "All melee classes, think of a way to keep those Tier 3 NPCs outside!"
Following Fang Shihan's command, Ling Yi activated a Master Magic Barrier she had prepared long ago and split the Outerworld NPCs and Flying Mounts into over a dozen combat zones, preventing the Tier 4 combatants from approaching the Fortress Lord's Mansion. At the same time, the Tier 4 experts coordinated with the Twin Towers Kingdom's Tier 4 NPCs to repel the Tier 4 combatants.
As for the remaining Tier 3 experts, they worked with the Tier 3 NPCs on the walls to stop the Outerworld's Tier 3 army from invading the fortress.
For a time, the sounds of battle filled the Steel Lion Fortress. Solo battles, team battles, and the sounds of slaughter echoed throughout the fortress.
Tier 3 experts fared relatively well against the Tier 3 NPCs. Although there was a gap in levels and equipment, the Tier 3 experts' combat standards and teamwork could make up for it. In addition, the Tier 3 experts' numbers were roughly equal. Hence, the Tier 3 experts' deaths were split evenly between the two sides. For every two NPCs that died, eight players would die. To the Twin Towers Kingdom's players, this was a win-win situation.
However, the Twin Towers Kingdom's forces were at an absolute disadvantage in the aerial battle.
Setting aside the difference in numbers between the Twin Towers Kingdom's Flying Ships and Flying Mounts, just the number of Tier 4 experts on the Twin Towers Kingdom's side was impossible to make up for. Even the fortress's Magic Turrets were useless against the Twin Towers Kingdom's forces.
Moreover, if not for the Level 170-plus Fire Dance, Violet Cloud, and Yan Tianxing working together to pin down the Outerworld's Level 180, Tier 5 vanguard, the Advanced Master Magic Barrier would've long since broken.
As for the other Tier 4 experts, aside from a few Void Realm experts who could fight the Outerworld's Tier 4 NPCs one-on-one, the rest of the Refinement Realm experts were no match for the Outerworld's Tier 4 NPCs.
"The difference in the number of Tier 4 experts is simply too massive. It's no wonder the empire's various superpowers are losing so many of their defenses. At this rate, the Fortress Lord's Mansion's core magic array will most likely be destroyed in less than ten minutes …"
After Fang Shihan killed a Level 180, Tier 4 Great Wizard, she glanced at Ke Le, White Feather, and the others, who were still struggling to fend off a dozen or so Tier 4 NPCs, and could not help feeling helpless.
She could deal with two or three Level 180, Tier 4 NPCs by herself. As for Ke Le, White Feather, and the other MTs, they could rely on their Skills and techniques to tank a dozen or so Tier 4 NPCs for a short time. However, the Outerworld army had over 500 Tier 4 NPCs, including Tier 5 NPCs. It was simply impossible for a single kingdom to stop such an army.
As time passed, Fang Shihan had killed eight of the Twin Towers Kingdom's Tier 4 NPCs and over 20 Tier 4 experts. On the other hand, only six of the Outerworld's Tier 4 NPCs had died. Moreover, Fang Shihan had killed three of these Tier 4 NPCs. At this moment, the Tier 4 players present despaired.
"Kill them! We can't retreat in the first battle! "Fang Shihan bellowed when she saw her team's morale dwindling. "Even if we die, we must make these Outerworld NPCs pay the price!"
Fang Shihan wasn't particularly surprised that the Steel Lion Fortress would fall.
The gap between the Twin Towers Kingdom and the Twin Towers Kingdom was massive. If the Twin Towers Kingdom wanted to win, it could only engage in a war of attrition and wear down the Outerworld's NPC army. Meanwhile, the first battle was the Twin Towers Kingdom's greatest combat power.
If the Twin Towers Kingdom couldn't wear down the Outerworld NPCs in this battle, it would be even more difficult to whittle down the Outerworld NPCs in the future.
However, as soon as Fang Shihan finished speaking, the Outerworld's commander aboard a Bronze Flying Ship stood up. Immediately, an incomparably frightening aura enveloped the Steel Lion Fortress, causing every player's heart to pound. It was obvious that this commander had no intention of watching this battle and was prepared to enter the fray himself.
"A Level 200, Tier 5 Holy Grail Knight?" Fang Shihan's expression turned grim when she saw the Tier 5 Holy Grail Knight approaching her.
The aura this Tier 5 commander exuded was clearly much stronger than the Tier 5 vanguard leader's. Moreover, he wielded a Legendary greatsword. Most likely, he was an existence that stood at the apex of Tier 5 existences.
If such an existence took action, the Twin Towers Kingdom's side would most likely crumble instantly.
None of the players present doubted the commander's words in the slightest. The fortress defense battle had already ended.
Just as the Outerworld's Level 200, Tier 5 commander arrived above the fortress and was about to take action, an ear-piercing rumble suddenly came from the distant sky.
Before anyone could turn to look at the source of the sound, a dark-blue figure appeared above the Steel Lion Fortress like a bolt of lightning.
The appearance of this dark-blue figure shocked both the players and NPCs present.
"A flying ship?!"
"Is that really a flying ship?!"
This flying ship was simply too massive. Even the 200-meter-long Bronze Flying Ship looked like a baby before this dark-blue behemoth. Moreover, this dark-blue behemoth caused the space around it to distort as it hovered in midair. The Mana in the Steel Lion Fortress also gathered toward this dark-blue behemoth. Even the Tier 5 players present couldn't control this Mana with their Mana Domains.
As the dark-blue behemoth slowly descended, a man wearing a black cloak walked out of it. The Steel Lion Fortress immediately erupted into an uproar.
"Guild Leader! You're finally here! "Fang Shihan grumbled when she saw the figure standing atop the dark-blue behemoth.
Originally, the Shifeng had said that he would arrive before the start of the battle, yet it had taken him so long to arrive …
"Sorry for the long wait," the Shifeng said apologetically. He then shifted his gaze to the Outerworld NPC army and said, "However, leave the rest to me!"
If you are interested in this book, you can follow the Weibo account, X Fate Tomcat. You will see some of the book's Easter Eggs.
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