Chapter 471
The Sarkaz Army, which had been in a very favorable position, was brought to the brink of collapse, either disbanding or surrendering, after this ordeal.
If Theresis were to surrender, the Confessors would be in deep trouble. They usually rely on the regent's protection to capture civilians and conduct human experiments.
Given the countless crimes committed by the Confessors, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he would be skinned alive and dismembered; he would certainly not have a peaceful end.
In order to protect himself, the Confessors Leader, who had been hiding, had no choice but to leave his lair to survive.
They now have only one path: unleashing Storm Cataclysm. Only by keeping each nation preoccupied with its own problems can the Confessors find a chance to survive in the cracks.
This is why Salus pressed the Red Button so hastily—she was in a great hurry.
The Confessors Leader also failed to formulate a plan, which is why he recklessly started a fight in the Control Room.
"Your His Highness, we shouldn't become enemies."
The Confessors Leader put away the Black Feathered Beast, seemingly wanting to negotiate with the Regent:
"We should both know that activating the Storm Cataclysm now is the only way. We'll do what you're hesitant about, so why are you resisting so much?"
Our goal is to rebel against the Sarkaz's unchanging fate of destruction that has plagued them for millennia, isn't it? If you can't bring yourself to be the villain, then I'll play the villain.
"Ha, that sounds nice."
Theresis now fully sees the ugly face of the Confessors:
"I tolerated your capture of Victorians, and I tolerated your disgusting experiments that would make anyone vomit. Because I believed you were on the side of the Sarkaz, and that the weapons you developed would only be used against enemies. But now, you actually want to turn against your own people? What we are fighting for is the future of the Sarkaz. If we unleash the Catastrophe and kill the Sarkaz in the city, where will the future be?"
The Confessors Leader wore Black Mask, obscuring his facial expression and making it impossible to discern his thoughts.
He paused for a moment, seemingly considering his words:
"Your His Highness, how can war be fought without death? Only by unleashing the Storm Cataclysm can the remaining Sarkaz have a chance to survive. Is it really that hard to choose between the lives of these Sarkaz in the Central City District and the lives of the entire Sarkaz race?"
"Confessors, don't try to scare us. Even without activating the Storm Cataclysm, there are still ways."
Theresis still remembered Wendigo's suggestion, that 'Third Path' for the Sarkaz's future.
It's unclear whether there's any chance of Zhongli being saved after being trapped Outside the Starry Sky.
Perhaps we can use this as leverage, saying we can contact the Lich King to redraw the Magic Array. The condition is that we cannot harm the Sarkaz in the city and must guarantee their safety.
I feel... this plan is feasible.
When the Confessors Leader saw that the other party refused to cooperate, he knew that he could not persuade Theresis to hand over the key.
"Since Your His Highness remains obstinate, then you cannot blame me. Allowing this man-made Storm Cataclysm to ravage this land is your inescapable fate. Salus, you must protect me even at the cost of your life!"
Upon hearing this, Sarkaz immediately stood in front of him.
The next second, the Confessors Leader slammed the cane-like withered Dead Twig forcefully into the ground. Ancient Sarkaz language uttered from his mouth like a church hymn:
"Your soul will become the bridge."
"Your soul will become a cradle."
"Your soul will leave this body."
"Your soul will be freed from this consciousness."
Theresis was horrified upon hearing this; she knew what they were planning to do even before the attack was successfully launched.
The lineage of the Confessors places the utmost importance on the purity of bloodlines, and will not allow noble blood to be tainted by impurities.
Therefore, they practiced inbreeding. The children born were used as vessels, their bodies taken over by adults through magic.
The Confessors's greatest strength is not physical attacks, but the unpredictable soul attacks!
"Shut up, you bastard!"
Theresis glared angrily, unleashing her powerful Demon King Power, preparing to kill the two of them head-on.
Salus was like a stubborn plaster, enduring his attacks without retreating an inch.
"Your soul will be set free."
"Your soul will be forged into a crown."
Theresis was frantic, but Salus clung to his waist and wouldn't let go. He punched Salus in the head, killing him instantly, and charged toward the Confessors Leader.
"Shut up!"
"Quetzaltcoatl's name is the answer."
"I will take your soul with me!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Theresis felt his body begin to slip out of his control. He felt lightheaded and couldn't muster the strength to break the key. He could only use the last of his strength to put it in his mouth.
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Chapter 546 Chopping Board and Fish (4K)
Under the cover of the Ink Specter Army, the group fought their way to the plaza outside the Shard Building.
The Doctor wanted to resolve the war peacefully, so he mentioned incorporating the Sarkaz before setting off. With everyone in mind, they wouldn't act recklessly.
Even though Shi Lei and Amiya are missing and their whereabouts are unknown, everyone still firmly believes that he will return and create miracles again, just like before!
Don't ask why, just believe it.
Texas, without the protection of the Jade Shield, still charged forward habitually. Dozens of fist-sized jade stones surrounded her, shooting out like pea shooters, a truly intimidating sight.
Lay down your weapons and surrender, or you will be spared!
Mudrock, worried that she might be in danger, stood guard beside her with Rock Hammer in case of a surprise attack from an enemy lurking in the shadows.
Miss Nian doesn't need extra protection; she's surrounded by all sorts of Ink Specter. Besides being used to clear out the Sarkaz City Defense Army, they can also protect the Doctor's safety.
Broca also stood guard near the Doctor, his massive body resembling an insurmountable mountain. Out of consideration for his kin, he refrained from taking the initiative to attack. He usually only threw his spear when encountering Sarkaz who posed a threat.
Logos, Ines, and W roam the fringes of the battlefield to provide support as needed.
Lay down your weapons and surrender, or you will be spared!
As the calls to surrender grew closer and louder, all the city's City Defense Army who tried to resist turned into Lost Soul. The remaining Sarkaz were terrified, dropping their weapons and covering their heads with their hands.
Seeing that their comrades were not attacked after dropping their weapons, the other City Defense Army followed suit. A large-scale rout was inevitable, and nearly a thousand Sarkaz lost their will to fight.
Some of the City Defense Army who were still putting up a stubborn resistance cursed at the sight. They still believed that as long as they could buy enough time, Theresis would come to their rescue.
Unfortunately, the regent never appeared before his death.
Only in the instant their Fate Knot did these City Defense Army realize that they had become cannon fodder to be discarded.
Lay down your weapons and surrender, or you will be spared!
Lay down your weapons and surrender, or you will be spared!
Shouts urging surrender echoed all around, and many of the City Defense Army, whose resolve was not strong enough, surrendered when all hope was lost.
The Doctor arrived at the entrance of the Shard Building, looked up at the dark clouds piercing the sky, and called out urgently:
"These clouds have been circling in the sky for days; they might be Sarkaz secret weather weapon. Someone quickly shut down the equipment up there, otherwise..."
Before the words were finished, an object fell from the sky.
Broca's helmet partially obstructed his vision, and when he sensed something falling, he used his body to shield it.
There was a clanging sound of metal hitting the ground, and a set of blood-stained armor fell to the ground.
"It's... it's His Highness's armor!"
The Sarkaz City Defense Army recognized the armor as belonging to Theresis. Judging from the bloodstains on it, he himself had likely met with misfortune.
"It's over, it's all over. Now that His Highness is sacrificed, what's the point of us struggling anymore?"
"Damn it, which traitor is it?"
The Exotic Demon King's army is still in the plaza of the Shard Building, not even inside yet. The fact that Theresis's armor is here suggests she was ambushed by her own people.
If the regent dies, the Sarkaz will lose their supreme military commander. What reason would these ordinary soldiers have to resist?
The Sarkaz who were hesitant at the scene all surrendered their weapons to the tide. They could only hope that the Exotic Demon King's subordinates would obey orders and not kill the prisoners of war.
"Come on, let's go up and take a look."
Before the group of the Doctor could even take the elevator up, thunder suddenly rumbled in the gloomy sky.
"Boom, rumble rumble..."
The spiraling clouds grew increasingly swirling, as if a violent storm was about to descend.
The Doctor wanted to go to the rooftop of the building, but was stopped by Mudrock and Broca. A massive storm had already formed, and they alone couldn't stop it.
"Don't go up! Cover the Doctor's retreat!"
A storm, sparkling with fire, was taking shape, causing the surrounding wind pressure and speed to rise sharply.
The Sarkaz City Defense Army, having discarded their weapons, quickly withdrew under the command of Mudrock and others.
Ines ran some distance with the main group, looking back at the storm at The Shard Building with lingering fear:
"If only the adults were here, they could probably stop this storm."
Those in the Liyue City faction deeply sympathize with this.
Watching the storm escalate, Texas, Mudrock, and Evening began to think of their men.
If he were here, he could handle it in a heartbeat.
Shi Lei, oh Shi Lei, where are you?
June 26, 11:15 am
Londinium, 30 kilometers outside the city.
The Duke Kester played with the Breath of the Kings that 'Grey Hat' had risked his life to bring out, seemingly unable to put it down.
This is the sword used by successive monarchs and is a symbol of Victoria royalty. Although she paid a price to obtain this National Sword, she believed it was worthwhile.
"Knock knock."
Upon hearing an officer knocking on the door, the Duke Kester laid down the Breath of the Kings and placed it into a gift box wrapped in brocade.
"Please come in."
The officer stood at the door without coming in and reported:
"My lord, Duke Godot has arrived."
Upon hearing this, the Duke Kester rose and went to the manor's main hall to greet the invited guests:
"Duke Godot, you've finally accepted my invitation. It seems you've realized just how dire the situation is in Londinium."
"Ah, yes. The situation is so dire that even the usually cautious Duke Kester has been stationed at the Frontline."
Duke Godot's words were clearly sarcastic, but Duke Kester didn't seem to care.
Those who achieve great things should not be bothered by trifles.
"I never expected that Duke Windermere would be attacked on his own high-speed warship. Once such Decapitation Operation is carried out, it will happen again. That's why I left my territory to come to the Frontline."
"I was originally worried about my own safety. I knew it. After all, everyone knows you and that Duke Windermere don't get along. Her views are too conservative; she won't support your decision to enthrone a new emperor in Londinium."
The Duke Kester narrowed his eyes upon hearing this and retorted to the seemingly unfazed man:
"It's widely rumored that the young Duke Godot is indulging in pleasure and debauchery, spending his days having sex with maids and servants, and has failed to inherit the wisdom of the patriarch. Now it seems you are not as simple as you appear."
"Haha, please be kind with your words and don't flatter me to death. I just didn't want to get involved in this game of power, nor did I want to interfere with your underhanded dealings. But war forces everyone to step forward. So I had no choice but to come out and stretch my muscles. By the way, I've brought two card-playing friends with me today. I hope you don't mind."
As soon as the Duke Godot finished his introduction, the Duke Wellington climbed the steps and entered the room of the hall.
The Duke Kester gave a polite smile until the Duke Windermere emerged from behind the Duke Wellington.
The two had clashed privately several times, and their political views and stances were completely different; they were recognized as enemies.
This immediately tightened her expression, and she gave the two guests a forced smile as she sized them up:
"Oh, so it's the two of you."
The Duke Windermere appeared dashing and showed no signs of being dejected by the Decapitation Operation.
"Everyone's time is precious, so I'll try to keep it brief. According to my latest intelligence, the Blood Demon Great Lord and the King of Scavengers have perished."