Courage, Oaths, Victory!

PS1: This chapter has 10,500 words... Although I redefined the concept of "night," I still managed to write quite a bit. I hope this chapter will satisfy everyone, since I'm practically burning up. By the way, I finished writing this while listening to the song "ZipangU"... You can listen to it, but you'll probably need to listen to it two or three times to finish reading it.

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The significance of the Corona is not merely about creating one or more super weapons.

Instead, it makes the process of "absorbing stellar energy - elementalization - guided transmission - directional launch" controllable and standardized, forming a technical standard, and enabling a series of light-energy weapon programs to benefit from it.

To pluck the sun's crown and use it as a weapon for humankind.

The Athena Cannon, still in the concept stage, and the Prism Tank, already in service, are two products of the miniaturization of Corona technology.

--The former, as a tactical support artillery unit, launches elemental energy upward strikes on the battlefield to destroy high-value units and fixed fortifications, while the latter adopts a more miniaturized weapon system that can be directly mounted on the chassis of a tank, giving assault troops the power of light to destroy the enemy and break through enemy lines.

Weapon systems currently in the feasibility study stage, as well as the Light Lance Battleship Project.

And the "Heavenly Sword" light-based illumination system, which is expected to be mounted on dragons and heavy fighters.

Now, with the mirror plate preheating and the enhancement array activated, the heavy armored vehicle has driven to the high platform and rotated its turret on the battlefield amidst the roaring flames, ready to make its first contribution to this epoch-making new weapon.

Yes, this is a revolutionary new weapon.

Because it has broken free from the constraints of "throwing stones".

In the Mortal World, when facing enemy targets protected by energy shields, atmospheric shields, and magnetic field redirection fields, and when confronting strategic artifacts like Deceleration Field that utilize regenerative braking, this weapon, employing a completely new method of destruction yet remaining precise, controllable, and powerful, will prove its worth.

And to emphasize the importance of weapon system diversification.

Armored Commander Mei Xizhu called for the Prism Tanks to launch an attack, and these heavy tanks rumbled up to the high platform.

The armor, reinforced by the Paradox Element corrosion, brutally blocked the bombardment of magical power, while the twin Gatling gun weapon stations that rose from the front left and right rear of the vehicle swept back and forth, suppressing any infantry that dared to approach.

The turret lowered its shield, revealing a gleaming mirror panel, as the final restraints were released before launch.

The main gun launcher of this heavy armored vehicle is a slightly narrow and tall searchlight-like focusing device. Due to its relatively small size, it is more agile and faster in turning than a typical tank turret, much like the difference between the Six Meridian Divine Sword and ordinary swordsmanship. Compared to this rather miniature turret, the chassis of this tank is too robust and heavy, forming a stark contrast with the turret.

"Ready!"

"Ready!"

"Ready!"

In this wave of attacks, a total of eight Prism Tank followed Mei Xizhu in launching the main assault. They had all climbed to higher ground, their turrets rotating, their angles adjusted, and their sensors activated. They aimed at the magical mechanism that had been blasted open by the crusher and howitzer, and the buzzing sound of the lens resonance began to ring out!

"Focus on light energy - engage the scope!"

Inside the light energy generation chamber, the projectile made of elemental energy confinement material was immediately activated. The microcrystals inside the projectile exploded, the space beacon was activated, and the portal opened.

In an instant, the torrent of light, though passivated, still surged forth, guided by the binding magic patterns on the inner wall of the cannonball. It destroyed the light element affinity material in the warhead with unstoppable force, and rushed out along the predetermined route, which was precisely the direction of conduction deflected by the PRISM!

Restraint, guidance, sharpening, radiation—in an instant, the mirror panel of the Prism Tank's turret shone with a brilliant light, like a sharp blade piercing the sky. The activated and materialized stellar energy almost materialized, and those beams of light shone and shook the air, producing an ethereal resonance like shattering glass!

It struck the energy shield of the magical mechanism!

This was a clash of pure energy. The energy shield rippled violently, its brightness shifting and flickering incessantly. The attack and defense of the two energies even caused a burst of light.

But it still stands tall.

The irradiation lasted only one second before the portal projecting the light energy immediately closed.

"Reload!"

Mechanical transmission, lever-driven recoil, and the cartridge case, flashing with photon beams, was directly ejected from the turret, distorting the surrounding air with its extremely high energy fluctuations.

The Corona Cannon can take ten minutes or more to reload, cool down, and recharge because it is a strategic weapon, while the Prism Tank cannot!

To address the most critical heat dissipation issue on a small platform and maximize sustained combat capability and weapon lifespan, the Prism Tank's firing system is ingeniously designed: light-generating ammunition is integrated into the firing system, acting as a direct conductor of light energy and thus bearing the brunt of heat dissipation and energy loss.

After a short period of irradiation and bombardment, the shells can be replaced immediately, which can minimize the stress on the weapon system itself, allowing it to fire almost continuously without interruption during a battle!

This is the most cost-effective strategy because, within the new Light Spear weapon system, the Athena Cannon's battlefield role is heavy firepower for assault, while the Prism Tank's power is somewhat excessive compared to its intended purpose. Therefore, it's advisable to appropriately reduce its power to increase firing rate and combat endurance.

The problem is that the Athena Cannon, with its even greater beam power, had not yet been deployed.

"We failed to penetrate the enemy's shields!"

The platoon leader of the Prism Unit shouted, "Enhance lens effectiveness, extend illumination time, continue the attack!"

You'd better hurry!

Mei Xizhu shouted into the communications system, "We rushed too fast—the enemy has cut off our retreat. It will take time for support troops to reopen the attack line. More and more enemies are closing in. We must destroy the target as soon as possible. Show them all what you've got, or else—"

The commander looked at the Astolfo on another front through the observation and monitoring screen inside the vehicle.

From beginning to end, those who were there attracted the most attacks, bore the greatest risks, and had their superior forces deployed to this route, ordered to bring victory back.

Climbing out of a life of being hired, taking money, indulging in debauchery, and living a life of decadence, to follow a glorious holy king who has never appeared even in epic tales, to fight for the greatest and most glorious cause in the Mortal World, to command an armored legion unlike any other in the Mortal World... Is there any other path but victory?

Is there any sin heavier than the inability to win?

"Otherwise, you can go see Kang De yourself! I can't possibly retreat alive!"

They had almost penetrated deep into enemy territory.

--Under normal circumstances, an armored assault of this caliber would be enough to completely destroy this left flank position! But now their enemy has become a bunch of toxic, fearless, and unyielding soldiers. Trying to make them surrender is a pipe dream, and killing them all is even more difficult.

After all, tens of thousands of people are far superior to tens of thousands of pigs!

The assault troops unleashed a barrage of fire at the magical machinery, but the Deceleration Field remained, and the force field shield was simply too strong. The Corona Cannon could not fire again for a short time, and more and more enemies rushed up! They were as frenzied as soldier ants whose nest had been destroyed, fearless and coming from all directions.

A moment later, the words of the Prism Unit company commander rang out in Mei Xizhu's battlefield communication system.

"Protect us!" the other party said decisively, "Protect us at all costs!"

A barrage of fireballs blasted from the concealed magic-powered firing platform, only to be prematurely detonated and disintegrated by the tank's active defense system's spray of incendiary powder. The violent shockwaves still shook the tank, causing distortion and static in the communication system. Mei Xizhu grabbed the handle and shouted, "What did you say?"

"I told you to abandon all attacks on the target and concentrate all your firepower on us to set up defenses, fight, or die alongside us and use your corpses to block our attacks!"

A wolf-like growl echoed through the communication system: "We need time!"

Before Mei Xizhu could reply, the image transmitted from the camera made him slightly change his expression—all the self-defense weapon stations of the Prism Tank were shut down and retracted into the vehicles.

The next moment, a loud, clanging vibration came from the previously silent communication system.

"The western attack has been thwarted, and Dong Tianming has important intelligence to report."

"Let's talk about the western route first."

"Yes," Horus's calm report rang out. "The vanguard has advanced to the target area, but we cannot determine whether it is Deceleration Field or some other weapon... They attempted to destroy the target, but were blocked by both the Deceleration Field and the energy shield, and are unable to achieve anything for the time being. Their retreat has been cut off by the surrounding enemy, and it will take some time for the follow-up support forces to break through the defenses."

Kang De remained expressionless, offering no comment after listening.

Iron Son added, "They haven't called for help yet."

"The Council's forces have all been deployed. Except for the last reserve force and the air force, all our deployable troops are here. The phase channel response is completely saturated; even if they request reinforcements, there is no extra support for them."

Kang De surveyed the battlefield, his tone calm.

Although Shalana handled most of the teleportation requests, as the highest authorized person, he could still access the details of each jump... Casualties were escalating, and the Trauma Protocol was being triggered repeatedly.

Because the war has reached a fever pitch, the army's battle lines have been pushed deep into the enemy's heartland.

Horus added, "However, comparatively speaking, although we are suffering heavy attacks on the eastern front, the western front is more tightly deployed, and the enemy's counterattacks and resistance are more ferocious. Does this mean there are higher-value targets there...? Should we require further support? Please consider this."

Kang De replied without hesitation, "We will maintain the current situation—the general reserve is a last resort, used in extreme circumstances such as a surprise attack on Distant Harbor, enemy reinforcements breaking through the battlefield, or pursuing important strategic targets. Otherwise, we will not act rashly. Mobilizing existing troops to reinforce the western front is also absolutely not feasible."

"Because the most important, or rather the only, objective in the current war is the God of the Star Palace and that mind-controlling weapon... everything else is insignificant."

"Both battlefields must be kept equal, with breakthroughs achieved according to the established objectives, or a stalemate maintained. There must never be a situation where one force is concentrated to break through one front before attacking the other, because..."

He exhaled slowly, his eyes flashing with a cold light. "Because Griffin and the God of the Star Palace have not yet revealed their whereabouts, we cannot risk the fifty percent and let them escape... Today, all soldiers must remain at their fighting positions until the battle situation becomes clear!"

"Unless the God of the Star Palace and Griffin appear on the western route, they will not receive any reinforcements. Most of the attacking forces have been sent there. I have provided them with all the support, trust, protection, and manpower I can offer, drawing away and containing a large amount of firepower and offensive pressure. If they cannot complete their mission..."

At this point, Kang De paused, his expression returning to one of indifference and calm.

"--Just die there."

Upon hearing this, Horus fell silent.

A moment later, Iron Son's voice rang out, and the sound of metal clashing seemed to carry a hint of emotion.

"A wise judgment," it said. "I am pleased to hear that you have considered the war rationally."

Kang De bowed slightly. "It's ironic, but I'll still do it."

"What?"

"They followed me, trusted me, entrusted their enthusiasm and loyalty to me, believing I would lead them to victory. Does this kind of soldier's yearning, following, expectation, and trust in their leader mean...?"

The Fire Thief's voice was chilling.

"--They want me to use their lives with ruthless rationality, without hesitation if necessary."

Dairila, who had been standing guard by Kang De's side while monitoring the battlefield, showed a slight change in expression, a mixture of worry and realization arising within her. This was a lingering concern that the Elf Queen had once harbored.

Dong Tianming, who was waiting on the deck of the warship, suddenly looked up, his expression complex.

Horus hesitated slightly. "Father, you..."

"There's no need to say anything," Kang De sighed. "I don't need answers; I'm already doing it."

Silence fell for a moment in the wind.

"But... I sometimes wonder if those who are loyal to me and trust me, in the moment of serious injury or death, when their lives are about to end, will regret it, will blame me."

"Those soldiers who were seriously wounded or even disabled will suffer from their injuries for the rest of their lives. In the decades to come, as they drag their aching bodies and feel unwell every night because of it, will they ever think that their youthful, unwavering loyalty was foolish? Their so-called bravery and passion were frozen in that one moment, while the loneliness and pain that followed would accompany them for the rest of their lives. If that's the case, will they feel at that time that their sacrifice was not worthwhile, and will they regret their choice?"

He slowly lowered his head and looked at the person on the deck.

The chaotic battlefield seemed to fall silent for a moment.

He said slowly, "These people who died, those who were seriously injured, those who fought and bled for this, suddenly one day... just one day, maybe a few years from now, maybe tomorrow."

"Anyway, one day they suddenly found out that I had made peace, compromised, or reached some secret agreement with the enemy for whom they had fought and bled, or who had been wounded or killed... In short, for greater benefits or some other reason, I helped that person achieve their goal and survive."

Kang De spoke in a somber tone, gazing at the people below.

"So, what would those brave people, who sacrificed, suffered, and dedicated themselves to this cause, whether by the end of their lives or through prolonged suffering, giving their best years, their blood, and their hearts... think?"

Dong Tianming held a scroll, his expression shifting, and said softly, "My lord..."

He brought important intelligence.

Extremely important intelligence.

A scroll was found on several of the captured officers.

It was Griffin's secret letter.

It is said that he had no choice but to cooperate with the God of the Star Palace.

If Kang De was willing to preserve his life and power, he was willing to cooperate from within and without, to offer Phaethon's life, and to reveal all the secrets, technical support, and valuable intelligence about the Star Palace that he had discovered. From then on, he would lead the Northern Council as Kang De's most steadfast and loyal ally against the Star Palace.

If things are truly difficult, then as long as Kang De publicly promises and swears an oath to the Distant Harbor, the army, and the envoys of various countries to protect Griffin's life and personal safety, he will immediately cooperate and surrender. Everything else can be discussed, and he will slowly prove his worth to Kang De.

Upon seeing the scroll, Dong Tianming felt a mixture of disdain and attraction.

This letter was certainly not something that the Imperial Tutor would readily believe. In fact, his first thought after reading it was that it was a conspiracy by Griffin and the Star Palace.

But what Dong Tianming liked to do most was to turn the tables on those who thought they were right.

If this is true, then it's naturally a good thing. Dogs fighting each other is always a pleasant thing, and Griffin, who is infamous and like a stray dog, can be made to rely on his lord for protection with just a little trick. After Council, the wisdom, connections, reputation and skills of the former Grand Speaker of the Council are of great value and would be excellent for checking the Southern Council.

If it's fake, then it doesn't matter.

Given the current situation, Griffin was already a defeated dog, filled with fear and apprehension, his mind riddled with flaws and loopholes. Dong Tianming had plenty of ways to make this pathetic fellow act on impulse and turn the fake into the real.

At the very least, we can break the current stalemate on the battlefield and find a way to lure those two bastards out and kill them. After all, capturing the God of the Star Palace as soon as possible is the right thing to do— Griffin is insignificant. If the lord really doesn't like him, then after squeezing out the last bit of oil from him, let him fall into the water and drown.

He rushed to find Kang De, already having devised several plans, but while waiting, he heard these words—at this moment, the Imperial Tutor was suddenly jolted.

He remembered something he had overlooked.

The discovery of the scroll took place in the White Mist World.

My lord must know this.

Combining this with the lord's words, the meaning is already quite clear.

He sighed softly, "My lord..."

"Mr. Dong, I understand your intentions and good intentions, and I know that with your abilities, you will take my feelings into account and handle this matter perfectly."

"I also know that the bigger picture is more important, I know Griffin's immense value, I know that someone in such a high position with such enormous influence and resources is more valuable alive than dead, and I know that his complete alignment with us will bring us countless benefits."

"I know, I know all of that... because I've heard it before, that adults only care about interests, while children only care about right and wrong, and that the essence of politics is compromise, with interests above all else."

The more he said this, the more bitter the expression on Dong Tianming's face became.

"--Yes, that's definitely the right thing to do. Even if it's just going through the motions, talking to Griffin first and squeezing out what he can get is the right thing to do. You'll think that way, and many people will think that way, but..."

Kang De stared intently at this renowned minister who had served in the court for half his life.

"But what will those who died, those who fought desperately in this war, those who were seriously wounded, and those whose lives were incomplete think when they hear this news?"

Would he say something like, "Yes, that's reasonable. Although Griffin started this war, killed many people, and ruined me, from a broader perspective, it's in our best interest to let such executioners and warmongers live. Kang De did the right thing?"

"They'll still say things like, ' Kang De, you son of a bitch! We were blind to believe your nonsense, fought you to the death, so many of us were crippled, so many died, so many of us were ruined for life, and in the end you're calling this bastard your brother!'"

Dong Tianming was speechless for a moment.

"So, I'm sorry, Mr. Dong, I know you... oh, no disrespect intended, I know you see further, you have a broader perspective, and you can grit your teeth and deal with the devil for the sake of long-term interests, while I can't. I'm just an ordinary person; I can only see those who follow behind me."

"More than how much benefit Griffin can bring us, I'm concerned about whether the dead will come looking for me in their dreams."

"I'm more concerned about whether those who are fighting, bleeding, and getting hurt here today will regret it later."

"I only care whether, in front of the families of those who died in battle, at commemorative events, I can say with a clear conscience and open eyes that the heroic spirits who fought for the great cause are immortal and their achievements will last for generations."

The gazes of Earthlings and beings from another world met in the air.

How young, how innocent, how simple, how naive.

But the light in his eyes was even more dazzling than the sunlight, making even the most renowned ministers and imperial tutors of their time feel ashamed and cover their faces in shame.

They are my biggest concern.

"Because the bravest people deserve the greatest respect and protection."

"Mr. Dong, who is the bravest?"

"I'm not brave. I'm being protected by some of the strongest warriors in the Mortal World. You'd rather die than let me get hurt. I have spatial abilities, so I can run home anytime... I'm not brave."

"You're not brave. You're the strongest in the world. Even if you suffer a crushing defeat in this battle, you'll still find a way to escape unscathed. You're not brave."

"Griffin isn't brave either. He uses soldiers, tramples on honor, acts lawlessly and recklessly. Even now, he still takes it for granted that his life is more valuable and can be exchanged for a way out from me. He thinks this is the rule of the world, and that's how it should be... He's not brave."

The bravest are the ordinary people who fight and struggle before us.

"They are of humble origin, ordinary and unremarkable, made of flesh and blood. Under our orders, they fight to the death, serving as pawns, enduring bloodshed and bitter battles. They have no great strength, only courage and determination. If they are trapped in a desperate situation, they will die; if they are cut, they will bleed profusely. Without the protection of an unparalleled expert, they will never be considered indispensable."

"In the vast majority of wars, they are pawns, dogs, breathing weapons; they are coerced by power, swayed by sweet words, and controlled by desires; they are the most insignificant and foolish group of people..."

"But here with me..."

He pointed to his heart.

They are still pawns.

"It's a weapon that breathes."

"They are the people who will be swayed by my words, the people whose desires will be stirred by my bait, the foolish people, the ordinary people, the most insignificant people, the people who will bleed when cut, the people who will cry out in pain, the people who shout slogans loudly but are actually quite pathetic in battle..."

"--Also the bravest person."

"--I am the most valuable person in the world."

"--They are the people with the highest priority in this world."

"--The person who deserves the utmost respect and protection."

"--Absolutely not, absolutely not..."

"--The traitor!"

He gripped the railing, looking down—or rather, disdainfully—at the Cathay imperial tutor of his time.

"Dong Tianming!"

Kang De pointed ahead, into the distance, and around him; the battlefield was like a furnace, the fighting boiling over.

Do you know what the view is like from up here?

Do you know what I've been watching?

"I have seen countless brave people fight, shout, slaughter, bleed, and sacrifice themselves under the orders of us cowards!"

Do you know what I'm thinking?

"Do you know what thoughts will be etched into my soul now and in the future, in this first battle, the first major war I personally commanded against the Star Palace?"

"--I was thinking, if these people, these warriors who sacrificed everything for their own and others' future, were to have even the slightest regret or disappointment..."

"Then is there any reason to continue this war?"

"Then, is there any value in protecting this world?"

"Then this Civilization— "

Kang De roared angrily, his eyes burning with Flame.

"--Is there any need to continue?!"

Dong Tianming was momentarily distracted, his hand trembled, and the scroll slipped from his grasp. It was blown off the warship by the battlefield's gale, drifted to the ground, and was trampled under the feet of a soldier who was running forward, shouting and firing, sinking into the mud.

Kang De had already looked away, raised his head, and no longer looked at Dong Tianming.

His gaze was fixed ahead, seemingly piercing through nothingness to see the prey he had been waiting for.

Then I picked up the communicator.

"Your strategic misdirection didn't even get Kang De to divert his forces... Hmph, Fire Thief."

Beneath the imposing fortress, Phaethon let out a cold laugh.

Do you think your feigned surrender will lure Kang De into a trap?

Griffin remained calm and said indifferently, "Yes... Not to mention the current stalemate on the battlefield and the increasing casualties of the Distant Harbor Army, that hypocrite Kang De will soften his heart."

"He won't let this opportunity to break the deadlock and reduce casualties slip by."

"Furthermore..." the Grand Speaker said proudly, "I am the supreme leader of the Council, I am the strongest standing at the pinnacle of the world. In this Mortal World, who can resist the temptation to make me kneel and submit? My power, my knowledge, my connections, my authority, my loyalty... who can resist?"

"Good."

Phaethon glanced at him, a hint of mockery in his eyes.

"Then let's proceed according to plan... Hey, you're not going to turn the tables on me and sell me out, are you?"

Griffin didn't answer, but instead asked, "I'm more curious, why are you so determined to fight Kang De now and attempt to assassinate him... Don't you know how many powerful people are gathered around him?"

The God of the Star Palace laughed.

"I've told you before, in every era, in every generation of Fire Thief, more or less, we've all killed our comrades, the strongest of us, the one who fought right up to our master, even leaving a scar on him..."

His eyes flickered, and he whispered, "His companions followed him closely, protecting him from all sides, charging through the surging tide of warriors and fighters. They were all prepared to die. Every companion of the Fire Thief, once severely wounded or exhausted, would come to his side without hesitation and be devoured by the Fire Thief..."

"In the end, only that one Fire Thief remained, pushing back the surging army. Countless pioneers surrounded him, fighting and killing him relentlessly, slaughtering, dismembering, and stealing their souls. Everyone knew that the Fire Thief of this era was unprecedentedly strong, so strong that no one except his master could rival him..."

Phaethon looked at Griffin as he finished speaking.

His eyes held contempt, relief, and remembrance.

He asked, "Then why do you think they charged forward even knowing they were doomed?"

The Grand Speaker thought for a moment and replied, "Because your master is watching?"

Phaethon slowly shook his head, then suddenly laughed.

"That's what I used to think... but now I suddenly understand a bit more."

"What?"

The God of the Star Palace's smile vanished, revealing gleaming teeth. "Your lifespans are too short... You've witnessed countless eras come to an end, grown accustomed to the monotonous starry sky and ugly, muddy planets, or sought a future in the Land of the End that even we find too distant. And then, occasionally, just occasionally, you think..."

His gaze fell upon Kang De.

The Fire Thief, standing atop a steel warship, leading countless soldiers forward with shouts of triumph.

"Sometimes I think, this being before me was born from filthy, lowly mud, yet he embodies the glory, power, brilliance, and holiness of an entire era. This is his last battle; he is about to die. This is the most sacred moment when he and that dying Civilization unleash their final brilliance."

"To die at the hands of such fleeting brilliance in this sacred final battle, like falling alongside a dying star... is it not worse than the eternal, long years of deathly silence?"

Griffin was startled.

He still couldn't understand Phaethon's ideas.

But he understood something: these arrogant, haughty people who called themselves gods clearly regarded mortals as pigs, dogs, and ants, yet they always maintained a certain respect for the so-called Fire Thief.

They don't even allow others to verbally belittle or insult them.

I see.

Because they had seen it with their own eyes countless times.

The Fire Thief of each era shone like stars, their fleeting, doomed light drawing these so-called gods, who had grown numb in the long, desolate years, like moths to a flame. Even knowing they were no match for them, they willingly died at their hands.

I see.

Griffin looked at the light screen, then at the figure on the warship, and narrowed his eyes.

He never had a calm and rational conversation with Kang De face to face, nor did he ever seriously observe the man.

Is this the person?

Bearing the heavy responsibility of saving the world, yet destined to fail, but respected by the high and mighty Destroyer?

Is this the person?

A sudden surge of anger rose within Griffin —perhaps hatred, jealousy, or resentment.

He couldn't describe his current feelings, or rather, ever since the final battle began, his feelings had been complex, conflicted, and turbulent... He was going to lose, he was going to lose everything, and the future was unpredictable. Why was this happening? Had he done something wrong? But why... why...

But why was it that Kang De was able to get everything?

Even a bastard like Phaethon, who used and looked down on me, would show him such reverence...

--Even wishing to die at his hands?

His face contorted into a ferocious grin, and he roared, "Bullshit! How could he be the Fire Thief you described! How could he be some kind of hero? Do you even know what he did?"

"He deceived, he slaughtered, he schemed, he broke the rules! At most, he was just like me, only he inexplicably became some kind of Fire Thief! Where did his honor come from? He also obtained his current position through treachery and trickery... How is what I did any different from what he did? He—"

" --Griffin!"

It was not Phaethon who uttered such a shout.

Instead, it comes from the atmospheric mirror screen used to observe the outside world.

"Griffin Williams!"

That was... the voice of the Fire Thief.

The sound was amplified and amplified by the loudspeakers on the Astolfo and by loudspeakers throughout the battlefield, and also rang through the communication channels of all combat personnel... the former was to ensure that Griffin himself could hear it.

Kang De gripped the speaker and said sternly, "Griffin Williams just delivered a secret message to me, saying that he will surrender to me if I guarantee his safety—"

None of the soldiers engaged in fierce fighting heard this speech; Horus deliberately muted it.

To avoid getting distracted.

When more people can hear it.

The soldiers were somewhat in an uproar, and the officers from the Council cursed incessantly.

But some of the officers seemed to be deep in thought.

But the next moment, all the chaotic thoughts were shattered by Kang De's words.

My answer is... Don't even think about it!

"Today, Heaven, Earth, Gods, Goth's land, the land of the Council, all the souls who sleep here, all the heroes who perished here, all the soldiers who shed their blood here, all the soldiers who fought in the war, all the living beings who hear these words, all the messengers of all nations, remember my oath—"

"--I'm going to kill Griffin Williams!"

Even if he gives me the entire Arcane Council, I will still kill him!

Even if he offers up his entire soul and loyalty, I will still kill him!

No matter how important the intelligence he brings, I will kill him!

"This is not merely a personal grudge, not just because he started a war, not just because he sided with the Star Palace, not just because he exploited and trampled on the lives and honor of the innocent..."

"It was because of my comrades, the soldiers who fought alongside me, that they shed their blood and sacrificed their lives!"

Kang De gripped the communicator, his eyes filled with a chilling, murderous intent, sharp as a knife.

"Because of his evil deeds, betrayal, selfishness, and cruelty, the bravest people in the world have died for him, and that is my biggest reason for killing him!"

"So, soldiers, warriors, comrades! Now, in the future, from this day forward, before the tombstones of your comrades, beside the monuments to your heroes, at the bedsides of your comrades, before their families, before the Council, and even before the whole world, you can all stand tall and tell them—"

"For those who sacrificed themselves in this battle, the sons of farmers, the sons of laborers, the sons of bakers, the sons of hatters, the sons of tanners; for those who sacrificed themselves in this battle, the husbands of washerwomen, the husbands of waitresses, the husbands of dancers, the husbands of factory workers; for those who sacrificed themselves in this battle, the fathers of Little Mary, the fathers of Yue'en, the fathers of Leinade..."

"I, Kang De, executed Griffin Williams, the former Grand Chancellor of the Arcane Council of the great powers of this era, the supreme legendary mage, and the Arcane Guardian of Mortal World spellcasters..."

"--To be buried with them!"

"This sentence will be engraved on his despicable tombstone!"

"This sentence will be inscribed on the monument commemorating this battle!"

"This sentence will be written on the certificates of merit, wounding, and death of soldiers!"

"This is my promise and oath to you—I cannot guarantee that you will survive every war, but I will do everything in my power to ensure that not a single drop of your blood is shed in vain, and that any culprit who starts a war and harms you will be held accountable! No one will escape!"

"Emissaries of all nations, listen carefully. This is my decree for the entire Mortal World —no one shall be allowed to surrender to the Star Palace. Anyone who dares to cross this red line will be like Griffin, no matter how powerful, valuable, powerful, protected, or obstructive they may be..."

"--I'm going to kill him!"

Comrades, remember my oath today!

"From this day forward, if I or anyone else violates this ironclad rule and betrays the blood shed by our soldiers, then you shall take up the weapons I have given you—and rectify this!"

"Now--"

He pointed his sword forward and let out a battle roar that would shake the Mortal World.

"Let's go together—to deliver divine punishment to the traitors!"

The western battlefield.

The tanks were already damaged, and Mei Xizhu even poked his head out and fired a machine gun wildly, roaring as he fired, "Are you fucking done yet--"

His response was the resounding clang of clashing steel.

On the eastern battlefield, Horus seemed to sense something and chuckled softly, "Luckily, it's just a prototype."

The elven swordsman beside him glanced back at Kang De and the queen, his face clearly saying, "I agree to this marriage." Hearing this, he asked curiously, "What?"

The Transformers, appearing in human form, wore a cape that revealed a metal skull, with blue light flashing in its eyes.

"I mean, having a father with a certain retro sentiment is pretty good."

On the western battlefield, eight heavily protected Prism Tank suddenly had their thick hulls crack open.

Four massive mechanical arms emerged from the outer armor, slamming into the ground and locking in place. The upper half of the vehicle began to deform, the turrets expanded and contracted, the heavy lenses extended and separated, and an even larger turret detached from the vehicle and rose up, extending a longer and larger rectangular gun barrel.

The barrel sidewalls are constructed using a large confinement device with enhanced heat dissipation and elemental conductivity, achieved through magic-guided active casting. Separated glow lenses are arranged along the long barrel, ranging in size and varying in radius of curvature. The light energy generation chamber at the breech is composed of honeycomb-like semi -PRISM.

The massive, unfolded cannon barrel turned.

These devices will appropriately amplify the weakened and dulled light energy emitted from the portal, then focus it and emit it. After being further guided and strengthened by a glow lens, the light will finally be finely oriented by the refraction crystal at the muzzle and then emitted in a burst, transforming into almost tangible elemental rays to bombard the target.

Its principle is basically the same as that of the Corona Cannon, but it requires more compromise, effort and hard work.

Siege mode... its power is more than twice as strong as the previous assault mode!

"Prism Tank - Fire a Barrage!"

A resolute roar echoed throughout the entire battlefield channel.

"We are... Kang De's saber!"

The persistent and violent stream of light bombarded the energy shield at close range. It may have taken a long time, or it may have only taken a moment. The high-intensity elemental energy bombardment broke through the energy protection and penetrated deep into the shield!

A violent explosion unleashed a fierce wind, ignited raging flames, and roared across the sky!

An invisible force, silently shattered.

"Father, the kinetic energy restriction has been lifted, the Deceleration Field has disappeared. Repeat, the Deceleration Field has disappeared!"

Amidst the roar of artillery fire and the opening of Phase Door, supersonic fighter jets roared out, sweeping across the sky above the Western Route Army. Heavy machine guns strafed the enemy, and bombs rained down. No one could stop the wrath of the heavens from descending.

"It's a deceleration mechanism..."

Kang De gave a cruel smile, "Then this place I chose is where the grand prize lies..."

He gripped his blade of light, pointing it forward, urging his army to advance. The powerful figures from various nations, scattered across the land, began to gather; the final hunt was about to begin, for the Fire Thief had issued his declaration—

"Griffin... we've come to kill you!"