CHAPTER 929: SHOULDER THE SKY

The poaching of Daize meant that the Dragon Faction’s deployments, their strategies, their entire playbook in the Emerald Dream Realm, were now half-exposed. That was the real reason for their fury, the real reason they had sent three demigod phantoms to attack.

To put it bluntly, Leonidas had really stepped in it this time.

But then again, as sworn enemies, this was exactly the kind of trouble Deputy Commander Edward and Arthas wanted to see more of. Outwardly, the Alliance had to be united. Inwardly, however, the burn was specifically targeted.

Edward: One enemy destroyed, two fled. They have retreated.

Just as the tense silence was about to set in, the Deputy Commander, who had been quiet for a long time, delivered the result. Of course, the one "destroyed" was not a true demigod, but a demigod phantom.

Edward: This time, an otherworldly demigod, Pollard, intervened. He helped us pin down one of the demigod phantoms, which allowed us to secure the kill.

Edward: This Pollard, who claims to be from the Blood-Eyed Black Serpent, has formed a temporary alliance with us.

Edward: His forces will watch Dragonflame Island from another direction. This may relieve some of the pressure on us going forward.

The news from the Deputy Commander left Leonidas, Orion, Kraken, Isabella, and Makareth in deep thought.

Under normal circumstances, the fact that the two Big bosses of the Champions Alliance were willing to ally with another faction meant one thing: they were feeling the pressure.

Or rather, the combat strength displayed by the Dragon Faction was a cause for concern.

For the members of the team, the inability to help in such matters left a heavy feeling in their chests. At least, that’s how it felt for Orion.

Arthas: It’s not as bad as you’re thinking. The Champions Alliance is not a faction you can just push around.

Arthas: The reason we accepted Pollard’s offer is because our conflict has already drawn the eyes of other demigods in the Emerald Dream Realm.

Arthas: When a potential ally comes to you willingly, you don’t push them away and into the arms of the enemy. That would be against our interests and would not be a wise choice.

Arthas: We also agreed to the alliance to see what these entities are really after.

Arthas’s explanation eased some of the tension in the channel.

Alexander: Leonidas and I have both hit a bottleneck. The next time a demigod phantom attacks, don’t hold us back.

Alexander: With our resources, it’s a loss we can afford.

To slay a god as an arch lord—Alexander had that kind of courage and daring.

Leonidas: I’m with Alex on this one. What consequence could possibly be worse than blowing up one of my own avatars?

Leonidas was more than happy to try his hand at challenging a demigod. Besides, he was desperate to break through to the next level.

Hanging out with a bunch of his "disciples" all the time was fine, but after a while, you started to lose that profound, enigmatic aura that a Big boss was supposed to have. It was completely at odds with his carefully crafted persona as the king of swagger.

Hulk: If it’s just a demigod phantom, I can try to fight it.

After Leonidas’s posturing, Orion, as a core member of the team, felt he had a responsibility to step up.

If he were completely powerless against a demigod phantom, he wouldn’t have said a word.

But the fact was, he had the power. And right now, Orion himself didn’t know the true limits of his own strength. He hadn’t had a single, all-out fight since ascending to arch lord.

Edward: As long as Arthas and I are here, it’s not yet your turn to shoulder the sky.

But the resolve of Alexander, Leonidas, and Hulk was immediately shot down by the Deputy Commander.

While he usually seemed like an affable peacemaker, the kind of man who believed harmony brings wealth, deep in his bones flowed a pride that towered over all of theirs. The authority of a demigod-level mage was not to be questioned.

Arthas: This conflict with the Dragon Faction won’t be over any time soon. Make your arrangements. This is going to be a war of attrition.

Arthas: Isabella, Makareth. You two don’t need to stay in the Emerald Dream Realm indefinitely. Developing your base of operations should be your priority now.

This was both a warning and a gesture of care. Arthas knew this feud wouldn’t be settled easily.

The Great Dragon King of Light, Mondusath, would never give up on retrieving the six World Dragons eggs. And if the dragons from the Uynting Realm ever found out about the eggs, they would likely be even more frenzied.

It was clear from the Dragon Faction’s current attitude on the Dusk Continent that they were still unaware of the World Dragons’ existence.

To put it plainly, the war was likely to escalate.

When it did, Isabella and Makareth, as Legendary level lords without sufficient backing or resources, could easily fall if the others were spread too thin to protect them.

In contrast, arch lords like Alexander, Leonidas, and Orion, with their powerful avatars, could afford to go all-in. As for Kraken, he wasn’t mentioned because he was already on the verge of his own ascension. This war was his final baptism by fire.

Edward: One more thing. I have finished setting up a defensive formation across the Dusk Continent. It will be activated in seven days.

Edward: When it goes live, the less-hidden otherworldly races and heretics on the continent will be exposed. Hulk, Isabella, Kraken, you need to deal with them as quickly as possible.

Kraken: Roger that.

Isabella: I’ll coordinate.

Hulk: Don’t worry, Deputy Commander. I’ll pass down the orders.

Kasenna Sea, in a bay bordering the Dusk Continent.

A colossal steel warship was moored there, its front half beached on the sand while the rear half was submerged in the water, forming a massive, natural swimming pool.

At that moment, Kraken was lying at the pool’s edge, gazing out at the vast ocean. The last rays of the setting sun stained the water red, reflecting in his large, round, black eyes with a unique beauty.

Kraken saw no sense of an ending in the crimson sunset, but rather a pressing urgency and a profound sense of anticipation.

Soon... it’s coming soon...

He prayed and hoped, his heart racing. With the Champions Alliance pouring resources his way, he had spent all his recent time and energy breeding more Sea Race units.

While these cannon fodder troops weren’t highly intelligent, their sheer numbers were overwhelming. As they were born, Kraken harvested ever-increasing amounts of faith energy.

At this rate, it wouldn’t be long before he could attempt his own ascension to arch lord.

Hulk has the guts to challenge a demigod. I have to pick up the pace. I can’t fall behind.

Once I reach arch lord, I’ll be able to fight alongside the Big bosses!

Then, my world will become so much bigger!

Gazing at the sun dipping below the horizon, Kraken felt that his own brilliance was just beginning its ascent.