In the next moment, the spear in his hand pierced straight through Charman's body, pinning him directly onto the pillar. The dark red energy poured unceasingly into Charman's body through the wound, which instead of healing immediately, began to spread outward. The dark red energy was tearing apart his body.

"You always crush enemies so easily, but actually have no experience in direct confrontation, do you?"

A cold smile appeared on the attacker's face.

Behind him, the summoning by the Warlord had already completed. Beneath the silver armor was nothing but profound darkness. The contrast between the dark red wings and the golden glow outside the square was intense. The Warlord's giant sword cleaved downward, destroying the entire town hall in an instant.

More hidden followers removed their masks and threw themselves into this battle.

This is the beginning of a transformation, as not long ago, they had received an inspiring piece of news.

Despite some twists and turns, Princess Vivian successfully arrived at the Empire and delivered the letter into Ethan's hands. Perhaps it won't be long before the alliance between the Empire and Ophira launches a full-scale attack on the King of Gold.

Ethan might already be on his way to the frontline.

No news could be more inspiring than this.

"I want to know the reason."

Charman's voice sounded calm.

"Reason? What reason?"

"The reason for willingly walking into this trap, knowing it is doomed to fail."

He seemed to have seen through the attacker's heart.

In fact, everyone involved in this operation knew that hope was slim. With their strength, they were fundamentally inadequate to confront the Six-Person Council and the large-scale "Hunters." Yet despite this, they courageously planned this attack.

For faith and honor?

The followers of the Father of War would never abandon their partners; desertion is nearly equivalent to betrayal.

No need for the attacker to answer, the thoughts ingrained deep within his mind were extracted in an unraveling manner. When he understood this was a suicidal attack, Charman could hardly disguise the disappointment in his eyes.

A bunch of brutes could never shake the rule of the King of Gold.

In comparison, the followers of the Demon King Sincaro were much wiser. They didn't participate in this attack, and most had left Oak City to continue infiltrating other cities on the day the announcement was made at the town hall.

They had already accounted for the possibility of their brainwashed companions betraying them, and foresaw their upcoming days growing increasingly difficult.

As long as one person gets brainwashed, it would involve exposing more infiltrated members.

In the meeting, the followers of the Father of War clashed with Sincaro's followers. These reckless warmongers decided to fight a decisive battle, promising to die with the enemy even if they rescued their comrades. Before the operation, every participant was prepared to kill their brainwashed companions.

In their view, this was to defend their comrades' honor.

"One of the leaders is called 'Rattlesnake'... She is currently in the Royal Capital, in Duke Stan's household."

Every word Charman spoke sent chills down the attacker's spine. He saw the Warlord had already charged into the town hall, and no one could stop its advance. Under the Warlord's cover, the squad he arranged successfully escorted the captured comrades.

Everything was developing into the most perfect situation he had envisioned.

So perfect he considered it somewhat unreal.

They encountered no resistance, not even from the Six-Person Council members, whom he pierced with a spear, pinning them to a pillar.

The power of the Father of War was tearing apart Charman's body, yet he continually extracted the deepest secrets within his mind.

"If you lose this war in the end, it's because there are too many people like you."

At these words, the attacker gritted his teeth. He drew out his spear, vowing to utterly destroy Charman.

Yet what appeared before him next left him stunned on the spot.

The battle scenes he witnessed all turned into illusions in an instant, everything, including the Warlord, became semi-transparent until they vanished entirely, replaced by a familiar crowd, each wearing the same mask. They stood in place from the beginning, quietly waiting for everything to end.

And he, unbeknownst to him, had walked to Charman's front.

He was not holding any weapons, and was crouched in disgrace, kneeling before his enemy.

Just now... what on earth happened?

He had never fought from the beginning.

The arranged summoning squad was now like him, kneeling before their enemy, while the companions who had already donned the golden mask were confessing, stating the names of Rattlesnake and many others.

The confession reached Duke Stan of the Sivalentine Capital, one of the first to have his mind awakened by the "Shadow Lamp." He resolutely refused Rattlesnake's proposal to retreat, willing to stay in the Royal Capital as an insider. Thanks to his help, Princess Vivian was able to escape the capital successfully.

Princess Vivian is key, as the scholars of the Golden Kingdom seem to place great importance on her bloodline, whatever plan they intend to execute, they must act first...

The attacker was even more panicked, although those people seemed silent, he easily understood their thoughts.

He felt a cold sensation on his face, and as he raised his hand, he sensed the icy touch, even felt the six conduits piercing his skin, yet he did not feel the pain he imagined.