The brief silence in the meeting room was shattered by hurried footsteps and shouted orders.
The heaviness brought on by Bruno's words—"As for the other places... they'll have to rely on themselves"—did not last long before it was replaced by the sense of an impending crisis.
Reality was cruel, but they had no time to lament.
"One and a half days..."
Season Star murmured to herself, her fingertips sliding across the cold metal tabletop and leaving faint white marks.
Her gaze swept over the constantly shrinking countdown in the holographic projection. Every change in the digits struck her heart like a hammer.
"Lord of Lies and two other Demon Gods, plus Night Lady... Four True Gods are descending upon Magic City."
She drew a deep breath and forced herself to analyze the situation calmly. "This will indeed greatly ease our pressure, but only if we can hold out until they descend, and... defend the area they're willing to protect."
Night Cherry Tangle tightened his grip on the Shadow Sword at his waist. The cold touch of its hilt slightly calmed his chaotic thoughts.
"Lord of Lies and the others will probably only ensure the safety of Magic City's core area. As for the outskirts... and even the rest of Yan Country..."
He did not continue, but everyone understood what he meant.
The gods' assistance was not selfless. It was more like a transaction—or rather, an investment in the future potential of "Shadow," Qin Chuan.
"Then we can't just sit back and do nothing!" Tiga Lingyu bit her lower lip, her tone resolute. "There are branches and allies of Apex throughout Yan Country. The president traveled everywhere to contact all sides and form an alliance, and invested a huge amount of resources. Wasn't it all for mutual assistance? How can we