"The Flesh-Devouring Destroyer Approaches Gelinsate"

Another banner has been added to the council tent of the Elf Expeditionary Force headquarters.

"The flesh-devouring Destroyer is closing in on Gelinsate."

Kang De's marching route was marked on a map, and every two to three hours he would arrive at a new battlefield and launch a massive and terrifying offensive.

The third battle report has arrived.

The entire auxiliary army from the Kingdom of Yalunxide was annihilated.

Relationships between nations also vary in closeness and distance. Yalunxide was one of the earliest vassal states of the Dusk Moon Dynasty. Over the long years, it was transformed into the shape of an elf. The people had a very high level of acceptance of the Twilight Moon. The royal family, bureaucracy, military system, and vested interest groups also formed a deeply intertwined network of relationships with the Dusk Moon Dynasty, making it a staunch ally.

Their army naturally received even more attentive care from the Dusk Moon Dynasty.

Not only did they enthusiastically invite Yalunxide's generals and officers to the Royal Military Academy of the Dusk Moon Dynasty for rigorous training, but they also prioritized selling Yalunxide discounted equipment salvaged by the Royal Army. The country's army was uniformly equipped with elven gear and trained in elven combat tactics, though all of them were, of course, monkey-like versions.

Even in its monkey form, Yalunxide's army was considered a formidable force, enjoying high regard within the Elven military. As a crucial link in the third line of defense against Kang De, they were highly regarded by the strategists and deployed in key positions for containment.

As they had hoped, Kang De did indeed follow Yalunxide's path, and was also lured and drawn into the Yalunxide's offensive, eventually engaging in battle with this formidable force from the southern nations.

Then it followed in the footsteps of the first two armies.

This time, the battle report came particularly quickly.

Because the battle reports were hastily written by scouts and spies observing from afar, and the content was entirely based on their observations without questioning or interviewing the routed soldiers, a lot of time was saved. Moreover, they did not see the end; firstly, the outcome was already predetermined, and secondly, they had lost the courage to continue observing.

Because the equipment and formation of Yalunxide's army were too similar to those of elves.

Formation, tactics, weaponry.

A force like an elven army, fighting like an elven army, and as valiant as an elven army.

Then they were bombarded by an incomprehensible and overwhelming force, suffering continuous casualties until they were defeated. They made no mistakes, showed no fear, and perfectly exerted all their fighting power.

But they still lost.

The scouts observed the battlefield, their fear palpable.

They asked themselves, if it were a powerful Royal Army battle group on the battlefield, encountering such an attack and offensive, what would the outcome be?

No one dared to think about it further; none of them wanted that answer.

He's devouring flesh and blood.

It records what happened on the battlefield with a fearful touch.

First, hundreds of heavy crossbow bolts, even larger than enchanted ballistae, streaked down like meteors, creating a violent explosion that killed countless soldiers. Then, Kang De drove his insane alchemical chariot into Yalunxide's army.

And it devours flesh and blood.

Many scouts and soldiers witnessed it all.

The vehicle roared forward amidst the gruesome corpses, emitting eerie howls never before heard by anyone. Intense flashes and sounds erupted from its top, front, and sides, firing invisible or visible crossbow bolts. These bolts were all enchanted weapons; they could burn, explode, penetrate hard armor, and pulverize fragile human bodies.

The description states that the attack methods, attack frequency, and even attack density have all been greatly enhanced. Kang De introduced many new things, covering a wide range of lengths, distances, and types.

The enormous wheels crushed flesh and blood, and wherever they went, the flesh and blood covered by the chassis disappeared.

Then, the trails of the spitting crossbow bolts streaked across the sky, leaving behind a trail of bloody light and shadow.

It was as if this steel behemoth used flesh and blood as bait, transforming it into the power of battle, imbuing all attacks with a bloody and terrifying energy of fear, causing the fragile bodies of its enemies to bloom with a crimson glow.

The ranged attacks, enhanced by the crimson energy, are now even more powerful.

But the increased power was secondary; the sheer brutality of the visual effects was what truly overwhelmed any will to resist. The scythe, pouring forth death, was efficient, terrifying, unstoppable, and swept away everything in its path.

According to intelligence reports, Kang De unleashed at least five different attack methods this time, all of which were based on explosions. However, after being baptized in blood, they became even more bizarre and terrifying. The flames were intense, and the shockwaves swept across the sky, like the wrath of Vulcan, cleansing the scarred earth.

He ravaged the battlefield with even more ruthless, efficient, and swift methods.

Even the scouts realized something.

He was agitated, extremely agitated, and violent.

This can be seen by combining the previous two battle reports.

As time passed and they drew ever closer to Danfeng Lucerne, Kang De's attacks became increasingly intense and brutal, growing ever more bloodthirsty and cruel.

He's lost his temper!

Commander-in-Chief Xierfankai Le continued to encourage his men.

"He has become a bloodthirsty madman, a terrifying demon. Using such cruel methods, he is no different from the most evil demon king. Such evil beings have appeared on the continent before, and ultimately, as demon kings, they were united by the entire continent to be defeated and suppressed! Soldiers, we are facing such a demon king. Justice and light are on our side, and his actions will be condemned by the entire continent!"

He's almost at his limit!

"In order to achieve victory, we have no choice but to use several new attack methods!"

"When his offensive reaches its peak, a setback is not far off!"

The commander-in-chief boosted morale and ordered them to adjust preparations for the next round of war.

In the fourth interception battle, the elite army units directly under the command of Twilight Moon will enter the battlefield.

"Kang De won all three victories thanks to his powerful alchemical chariot. Undoubtedly, he is one of the most powerful alchemists we have ever seen. But he is alone. Therefore, in the next battle, we will pit alchemical golems against alchemical golems, and alchemists against alchemists!"

"The central principle of the next operation is to contain and suppress that alchemical war machine, using our elves' proud alchemical military and magical weaponry!"

Regardless of their true thoughts, the staff officers and soldiers maintained a facade of high morale.

And they continued to devote 100% of their energy and efficiency to planning the operation.

They had not yet shown true fear or unease. After all, at least for now, there was still a great distance between them and Kang De. Whether it was a flesh-devouring demon king or a bloodthirsty and cruel devil, at least at this moment, they were not the ones fighting this guy.

We can win... right?

Xierfankai Le gazed at the vast sand table.

Battle reports from the east concerning Kang De arrived every two or three hours, while battle reports from Danfeng Lucerne arrived every twenty minutes.

Goth's capital was heavily fortified, having been built up over a dozen generations and further strengthened during the war. It was a formidable city, well-supplied with provisions and fully equipped with armor and weapons, bringing together the best of Goth's entire nation. With its soldiers and civilians united in purpose, it was capable of holding its own against the Elf Expeditionary Force.

The expeditionary force launched a decapitation strike, traveling lightly equipped, with subsequent heavy troops and equipment yet to arrive. It was an impossible task to capture the city within a day.

But Kang De is coming in just one day.

Can we win?

Before this war, he was full of confidence, believing that Twilight Moon's strength was unparalleled in the world, and that Goth was nothing to worry about. But now he was not so sure, because a madman had interfered in this war.

Ahead, war rages, the celestial phenomena are unpredictable, and chaotic magical currents surge wildly.

The magical clashes continued, with the valiant elven warriors relentlessly assaulting the city walls. But Danfeng Lucerne, Goth's last stronghold and the capital of a once glorious nation, was capable of holding its own against the expeditionary force's assault troops in a single day.

Unless, a powerful force can break through the stalemate and open up a new battlefield.

Xierfankai Le's gaze passed over the sand table and looked toward Danfeng Lucerne.

The large number of air force personnel, aerial mages, and heavy magical artifacts mobilized from the Twilight Moon homeland and various colonies and garrisons on the continent remain on standby.

Over the years, the development of the concept of air force has been very slow, mainly because the training of air-riding war beasts is slow and expensive, and mages capable of aerial combat are even rarer. The main use of so-called air force units is reconnaissance, guerrilla warfare, and marking Arcane for long-range spell volleys. As for other uses, army and mage units can do them better and at a higher cost-performance ratio.

Therefore, the scarce and precious air force units were usually evenly distributed among each battle group, becoming the prized possessions of each legion commander, and were rarely used in combat.

Now, Xierfankai Le has assembled an unprecedentedly large air force.

He planned to concentrate this air force, along with the air force units belonging to the expeditionary force, and launch a large-scale aerial attack on Danfeng Lucerne. The Dragon Knight would be the core of the attack, with the gryphon knights and pegasus knights serving as the air escorts, and the mages would carry out magical bombardment. With the concentrated Arcane support of the ranged mage group, they would swoop down from high altitude and break into the city of Danfeng Lucerne.

Arson, attacks on key strategic locations, raids on mage towers throughout the city, attacks on strategic strongholds, creating chaos, tying down the city's military forces, and coordinating with external offensives.

He had a premonition, and even greater confidence, that this move would surely lead to an unprecedented victory, because there had never been a similar concept or tactic in the history of world warfare before, and Goth would certainly have no way to defend against it.

Such an offensive is enough to change the current stalemate.

Only...

Parliament issued a strict order that the air force was not allowed to be deployed to the battlefield or suffer any losses before Kang De arrived.

To be fair, after the initial dissatisfaction and anger, and then seeing Kang De's terrifying record of breaking through three lines of defense in succession, the commander understood the purpose of the order.

The fall of Danfeng Lucerne is only a matter of time. Once the reinforcements arrive, we can launch an offensive at our leisure and have as many ways as we need to take over the city.

The so-called Goth, the so-called fortified city of Danfeng Lucerne, have never been the issue.

The biggest problem is Kang De.

Once Kang De is resolved, everything else becomes easier.

If Kang De is not dealt with, then the city of Danfeng Lucerne will become the greatest nightmare for the Dusk Moon Dynasty.

Therefore, the air force cannot afford to lose.

We must maintain our full strength and deploy the strongest lineup to encircle and kill Kang De.

Xierfankai Le understood the Parliament's thinking and acknowledged that this approach was entirely correct. He even wholeheartedly agreed with the Parliament's emphasis on Kang De, believing that such a human being truly deserved that kind of lineup.

But if...

That terrible thought still grew like a vine.

What if this lineup is still not enough to defeat and kill Kang De?

What if Kang De had arrived at the walls of Danfeng Lucerne and broken through the aerial battle array comprised of a large air force, numerous mages, and heavy magical artifacts created by the previous Phoenix King Malegith, to withstand the attack?

At that time, the elite troops of the entire expeditionary force were held back by the Goth People outside Danfeng Lucerne. What would the Cathayan, who once summoned the sword of heaven to strike the earth and instantly annihilated five legions, do?

With this in mind, he wanted to disregard everything and order all air force units to launch an attack.

Before Kang De arrives, capture Danfeng Lucerne, station all troops in the city, and use all the city's residents and all members of the Taidariel Family as hostages to have a proper talk with Kang De.

But the parliament's order...

And Kang De...

The life and death of hundreds of thousands of elite troops, the outcome of the battle, and even the future of Twilight Moon —his choice would determine and influence the future of many elves and even the entire nation. Such a responsibility was too heavy, so much so that even the renowned and decorated Lord of Dawnlight hesitated.

Such a choice is far too difficult.

Let's wait and see.

Let's wait a little longer.

Let's take another look.

He comforted himself with this thought, and then waited.

After all, Kang De was still far removed from reality, and the current situation was not enough for him to make a decision.

At this moment, eight hours have passed since the Sword Saint Cascading Snow and A Xing set off from Valentan.

The sun was setting in the west, and it was already afternoon.

After being brushed off by Hong San several times, Tagelise finally realized something was wrong.

He reached out and grabbed Hong San's collar, a strange panic and unease filling his heart. His elfin voice was sharp and piercing. "Where's Kang De! Where did he go! Tell me the truth!"

Its powerful aura surged forth, even causing the air to freeze into frost.

Hong San's face was pale, but his eyes remained calm. "It seems you really don't know."

Eight hours have passed, so there's no need to hide it anymore. Besides, the other party has already sensed something is wrong. Even if he truly knows nothing about it, once suspicion arises, given his extensive intelligence network and immense power, it would only take him a short time to uncover the truth...

Tagelise's voice grew increasingly agitated. "Don't know what?"

The Cathayan calmly replied, "It is with your knowledge that the Elf Expeditionary Force has launched a surprise attack on Danfeng Lucerne without prior notice, at the latest by this morning. My lord is already on his way to reinforce Goth's capital."

Tagelise's expression froze.

He then roared in fury, "Impossible! I don't believe it!"

"I don't want to believe it either, but His Highness set off a long time ago and hasn't returned yet, which means the news isn't false."

Hong San's tone remained calm, but his words carried a nonchalant provocation. "What surprises me is that, given your status and position, you are truly unaware of such a significant matter. As expected of the Dusk Moon Dynasty, where the council and the royal family co-govern, preventing the royal family from dictating and abusing their power."

Tagelise's face was more ashen than ever before, his eyes blazing with fury. He gritted his teeth, his hands trembling slightly. "... He knew, so why didn't he tell me?"

I clearly believed him.

They were clearly enemies, yet they came to help him and save him.

Teach him something.

I'm willing to cooperate with him.

I willingly trusted this human, even though his hands were stained with the blood of my own kind.

Why didn't you tell me about this? Why didn't you consult me?

Why don't you believe me?

Hong San sighed inwardly.

Your Highness, you should thank me.

He gazed into the other's deep green eyes and said softly, "His Highness does not wish to put you in a difficult position."

Tagelise's eyes widened instantly.

Then, a sorrowful expression appeared on his face.

"It's a dilemma..." he said with a wry smile, "And what does it matter now?"

He let go, Hong San landed, staggered a few steps, and collapsed to the ground.

With his martial arts skills, facing the murderous aura of a top-tier expert in the world would be quite deadly.

Tagelise turned away, his expression blank.

"Oh, right."

Hong San reluctantly replied, "The extraterrestrial visitors you mentioned, after arriving in this world, encountered your country's elite troops disguised as Goth soldiers who attacked Halin Fortress. After the battle, they ran into His Excellency the Sword Saint Cascading Snow, who had come to deliver a message, and died at His Excellency's hands."

A wise person's words are often just a single word of advice.

Tagelise paused for a moment, then a powerful shockwave tore through the front hall of the house, and with the force of the terrifying recoil, the elf roared into the distance.

"Call..."

Hong San wiped the sweat from his face and let out a long sigh, "That scared me to death."

He pondered for a moment, then muttered to himself, "Thank goodness they didn't kill me. There might still be a chance."

Tagelise has returned to the temporary embassy.

Elandil stood a short distance away, watching him.

The elf gazed at the elder, who was both a teacher and a friend.

His voice was cold. "Tell me you didn't know."

The elven sage whispered, "Your Majesty..."

"--tell me!"

The emerald green eyes instantly transformed into blazing golden pupils that could incinerate everything. The Phoenix Fire away the illusory disguise, and the frail, thin body was replaced by a tall and heroic figure. The wide mage robes were stretched high, and then this captivating physique was covered by radiant battle armor. Dragon and phoenix armor, holy radiance shining, and the king's sword, swirling with the inextinguishable Phoenix Fire, was placed against the neck of the elven sage.

The elven guards who rushed over upon hearing the commotion were horrified; they were not yet qualified to know about this matter.

These young officers, of distinguished lineage and with promising futures, all knelt on one knee to pay homage to His Majesty the Phoenix King.

The most powerful monarch in the world merely gazes at his teacher, who is standing right next to him.

The king's face was completely covered by a phoenix-winged battle helmet.

"Tell me," she seemed to be crying, "How much more will you take from me?"

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PS1: First update, 5,000 words. Second update will be posted immediately. If you don't see it, just refresh the page.