Holden, Cloudpiercer City.
This giant steel structure suspended ten thousand feet above the ground is surrounded by stratus clouds all year round.
Sunlight pours down from the gaps in the clouds and shines on the rune array on the edge of the giant city, stirring up layers of halos.
Seen from a distance, the entire city looks like a huge crystal suspended in the air.
Brilliant and graceful.
And deep in the hinterland of Cloudpiercer City, there is a dimensional space blocked by layers of inscription barriers, far away from the hustle and bustle, so quiet that it seems to be isolated from the world.
Fafweil stands on the high platform.
Looking around, the dome is so high that it is almost impossible to see the end.
The walls and floors are densely covered with complex rune circuits, the lines are thick and precise, intertwined with each other, heavy and solemn, and the air is filled with a smell of metal and energy, dry and slightly cool.
He was looking ahead solemnly.
In the middle of the field of vision is a machine.
A creation as majestic as a mountain.
Its main structure presents a texture between steel and bone. The white-gold armor is layered on top of each other. The structure is clearly layered. The splicing joints are so tight that there are almost no gaps.
It stands at the very center of the entire dimensional space.
The head is slightly lowered, and there are two dark observation slots embedded in the visor, without any light inside.
Quiet, heavy, silent.
It is like a sleeping giant curled up in the shadows, waiting for a command to unfold and cover the entire sky.
Holden Superweapon.
Zhen Guo Ji Shen, Platinum Star.
This is the ultimate weapon that Holden Empire has put in countless efforts and worked together from generation to generation. It is the pinnacle of Imperial Industry and Alchemy.
Countless small alchemical machines are flying around it.
They are only about the size of a fist, covered with a thin silver-gray shell, with various precision tools hanging on their abdomens, and are shuttled in and out of Platinum Star's armor.
Fafweil stared at the magnificent creation in front of him, his eyes tightening little by little.
On the armor surface of Platinum Star, there are some unnatural lines flickering.
Lilac.
It looks like congestion, or like the roots of some kind of parasitic vine.
With the core engine as the center line, they spread twisted veins inside and outside the giant structure, and were deeply embedded in the structure of Platinum Star, adding a lot of coquettish and dangerous atmosphere to this originally majestic war machine.
But compared to a hundred years ago, the color of these lines has become much lighter.
At that time, these lines were still dark purple, almost black, like blood vessels bulging on the surface of the skin, covering every inch of the armor, ferocious and shocking.
Now those colors have faded a lot, leaving only faint lilac stripes on the surface.
These colors mean Abyss erosion.
The operation of Platinum Star requires a huge amount of energy.
In the early days, Holden's Abyss Development Project received generous rewards. The empire used the energy drawn from Abyss to construct more Floating City, and its national power once reached its peak.
The engine of Platinum Star has also undergone several iterative upgrades, and its power has steadily increased.
However, this also brings fatal risks.
When the danger of Abyss first emerged, Fafweil immediately realized that something might also be wrong with Platinum Star.
As expected, this giant structure was also eroded.
The energy drawn from Abyss is not pure and harmless. They carry invisible corrosive power, seeping into the structure of the engine bit by bit, and then spreading from the engine to the entire giant structure.
This is the scary thing about Abyss.
Unknowingly, it can corrode everything, even inanimate structures. Metal, runes, energy circuits, all seemingly solid things are like sandcastles that cannot withstand erosion in front of Abyss.
Holden seriously underestimated the cost of Abyss.
Fortunately, the empire's response was swift enough.
They immediately isolated Platinum Star, carefully maintained it day and night, and eliminated Abyss corrosion bit by bit.
Fafweil turned to look to the right and said in a low voice, "These colors representing Abyss have faded a lot."
On the right, there is a person standing.
His hair color is very light, between silvery white and light gold, his face is young and calm, and his eyes contain the indifference and calmness that can only be accumulated after living for a long time, which is impossible to ignore.
Nosien.
The morning light of Holden, the Immortal One of the empire, is also the ancestor of Fafweil and one of the sources of blood.
Nosien also looked at Platinum Star.
He squinted against the light and examined the light purple lines on the armor's surface, as if measuring their depth and density.
"Platinum Star's condition seems to be gradually improving."
he said.
Fafweil nodded, his eyes still falling on Platinum Star: "Yes."
"The restoration work is progressing more smoothly than expected."
"The core engine has been successfully replaced, and the peripheral erosion areas are also being peeled off layer by layer. According to the latest inspection data, the degree of erosion has subsided a lot compared to the last inspection."
He paused and felt relieved. "At this rate, it may be completely eliminated in a short time."
Once this alchemical giant is restored to its original state, the empire will face a completely different situation.
It is the strongest shield and the sharpest spear, enough to make any enemy pay the due price.
Nosien's eyes were deep and his voice was gentle. "From the day Platinum Star was eroded by Abyss, the empire began a long process of retreat. We paid countless painful prices in Abyssal Front, losing too many outstanding warriors and too many precious resources."
He tilted his head slightly, and the light moved from Platinum Star to Fafweil: "Our glory has been tarnished."
"When Platinum Star recovers, it is time for the Empire to counterattack Abyss and completely clean up this stubborn disease."
Hearing these words, Fafweil frowned.
His lips pursed slightly and he was silent for a few breaths before hesitatingly said, "Counterattack Abyss----isn't it a bit risky?"
"Ancestor, our previous underestimate of Abyss has already cost the empire too much."
He lowered his eyes and lowered his voice. "Besides, the empire still has internal and external troubles that have not been resolved. Wouldn't it be too hasty to launch a counterattack at this time?"
Nosien listened quietly without interrupting.
Fafweil's expression became increasingly serious, and his voice became even lower. "I have always suspected that the reason why Abyss was able to unknowingly erode the empire so deeply was because there was a traitor among us."
Immortal One's expression remained calm. "Who do you think it is?"
Fafweil whispered, "Ancestor, I have told you my guess before."
"I suspect it's----Dark Star."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "You have been in retreat all year round and are not too involved in the daily government affairs and decision-making of the empire. However, as Immortal One, he is quite active. Abyss Development Project can implement it, and there is also his reason for it."
"His shadow is behind many key decisions."
Nosien asked, "If it was him, why would he do this?"
Fafweil looked serious and said after careful consideration, "It's very simple, he is not of our royal blood."
"He relied on the empire's cultivation to achieve Immortal Realm, but he proposed reforms more than once, wanting to abolish the system we have inherited for countless years, and wanting to weaken the influence of the royal blood in the empire's decision-making."
"Of course, it's possible that he really wants to try a different path for Holden's good."
He raised his head and looked directly at Nosien: "But----I think he is more motivated by selfish motives. He wants to dismantle our foundation from the inside, weaken the power of the royal family, and then replace it himself."
"This is the path that is in his best interest."
Nosien asked without any change in expression, "What is the foreign trouble in your eyes?"
Fafweil said without hesitation, "Sacred Aura Empire is entrenched on the surface of Atlant, or more accurately, it is the master of their empire, that Red Emperor Pale Star."
"The empire was built almost entirely on their emperor."
"Without Red Emperor, there would be no Sacred Aura.
Having said this, he couldn't help but feel a complex emotion in his heart.
As far as the structure and foundation of the empire are concerned, Sacred Aura is actually quite shallow, relying entirely on the power of Red Emperor.
In the eyes of many people, this is a fatal drawback and a weakness.
Once something happens to the leader of a country, the entire empire will collapse without even a chance to breathe.
But Fafweil knows very well that this can also be called an advantage.
Just like Holden.
On the surface, the empire is bright and beautiful, the people are proud of Holden, and the streets are always filled with pride.
But in fact, the empire was filled with turbulent undercurrents.
The major factions are at odds with each other, and every meeting in the palace is an invisible confrontation, with everyone attending calculating their own interests.
People compete for power and gain, and are wary of each other. Even the existence of the Immortal Realm is not entirely of one mind.
Some people are planning for a higher status, some are coveting deeper power, some support the royal family on the surface, but secretly they are hoarding chips for their own plans.
Even in the current crisis of Abyss, Fafweil still has to consider possible betrayals and calculations from his own people at all times.
This kind of internal friction made him physically and mentally exhausted, and also greatly affected the empire's decision-making.
"Let's not talk about these issues for now."
Nosien raised his hand slightly and brought the topic back. "What do you think should be done next?"
Fafweil strengthened his spirit, his eyes showed a thoughtful look.
"Relying on Platinum Star, the empire can completely withdraw from this crisis and stop losses."
"We should first stabilize our position, seal the cracks, consolidate the defense line, and control the losses within an acceptable range."
"When we have accumulated enough strength and found out the details of Abyss, it will not be too late to plan a counterattack.
"This is the safest and safest way."
"The Empire will not suffer any more losses, and we have room to breathe and adjust."
A smile slowly appeared on the corner of Immortal One's mouth.
He turned his head, his eyes fell on Fafweil's face, and he made no secret of his admiration. "Fafweil, among all the Holden kings, you are the one I admire the most."
Fafweil was slightly startled.
"You are willing to sacrifice everything for the benefit of the empire, including your pride, your comfort, and even your reputation. This is rare on the throne of Holden. Many kings value their own dignity and majesty more, but you are different."
"And what's even more valuable is that you are still cautious."
Nosien stared at Fafweil with deep eyes. "This is not cowardice, especially among people sitting on the throne. This is an extremely rare quality."
"An impulsive king can lead an empire to destruction, but a prudent king can help an empire survive the storm."
Fafweil lowered his head. "Ancestor, you are overly complimentary, I just----"
Nosien gently raised his hand, interrupting his self-effacement.
Then, his conversation changed.
"But, Fafweil, have you ever thought about how the history of the empire will judge you thousands of years from now?"
Fafweil raised his head, a trace of confusion flashed in his eyes.
Nosien put his hands behind his back and took half a step on the high platform unhurriedly.
"When you were in charge of the empire and served as its lord, the empire suffered a huge defeat on the Abyss battlefield. Countless resources were lost and countless soldiers died."
"This is the status quo."
"No matter how you gloss it over, these facts will be engraved into the empire's records and become an unchangeable chapter. If at this time, you choose to withdraw and stop your losses——"
He paused, turned around, and stared at Fafweil's face.
"How will Holden's history books record this period of time?"
"Holden's people, the people of the empire who have advocated victory for generations and valued dignity more than their lives, will not think that the empire has failed."
"They will say that you, the king, are incompetent and cowardly and have tarnished the glory of the empire."
"They will blame all their failures on you alone.
77
Fafweil was silent.
Of course he knows this.
He knew how people were already talking about their emperor outside the palace walls and in the streets. It didn't take a hundred years, but right now, his reputation among the people was getting worse and worse.
The point is, he is no longer young.
There are more wrinkles on his face than there were decades ago.
His body gradually became stooped, and it took a little effort to straighten his body. The years put layer upon layer of weight on his shoulders and back.
If nothing changes----
Until his death, he may not be able to change his people's view of him.
When people in the later generations of the empire talk about him, they will only remember a king who cowered in front of Abyss.
Nosien looked directly at the contemporary king Holden: "Fafweil, I know what you have paid for the empire."
"You deserve better."
"If during your reign, the empire first falls from the clouds to the bottom, and then climbs from the bottom to the higher clouds——"
"So, what will people say about you?"
"They will praise your tenacity and wisdom, and rank you with the greatest Holden king in history. They will write in the history books that the darkest era of the empire was ended by the most dazzling monarch."
"When future generations of children study the history of the Empire in their classrooms, they will remember your name."
"You will be regarded as a symbol of Holden spirit."
"At that time, all your failures will be redefined."
Nosien turned around, faced Fafweil, raised a hand, and lightly patted the latter's shoulder.
"The empire has been able to develop and survive until now, thanks to mature order and division of labor."
"I am responsible for guarding the empire's territory with sword and armor, and fighting for her glory until the day my light burns out; it will always be your duty to hold the steering wheel of this giant ship's course and think about her future destiny."
He retracted his hand and took a step back, his eyes as calm as water.
"Fafweil, I will present the ends of these two forked roads in front of your eyes."
"You are the king of Holden. Which one you choose is ultimately determined by your heart and your crown."
After saying this, Immortal One's figure began to fade and dissipated in the air on the high platform.
Many alchemy machines were still shuttling around Platinum Star, making tiny mechanical sounds. Apart from the lifeless metal creations, Fafweil was the only one left in the empty hall.
He raised his head and looked up at the majestic and tall Platinum Star.
Its huge head was slightly lowered, and its metal visor was facing his direction, as if it was also looking at him.
Fafweil stood where he was, the ravine between his eyebrows getting deeper and deeper.
Platinum Star is not anyone's private property.
It has a strict startup protocol, and even Immortal One cannot be driven alone.
Only with the collective authorization of Imperial Core and the personal will of his emperor can its engine be rekindled.
His will is the last switch for this giant structure to wake up.
Counterattack Abyss?
This means putting the empire's last trump card on the gambling table, betting on Platinum Star, betting on all the wealth accumulated by the empire over the years, and betting on the future of Holden.
If you win.
Defeat Hellfire Lord and obtain the entire Abyss level. The empire will usher in a great leap forward and reach unprecedented glory. His name will also be remembered and praised, and he will receive unprecedented glory.
If it fails, the consequences will be unimaginable.
Not only Platinum Star may be damaged, but the entire empire may be dragged into Abyss, which is beyond redemption.
Get out and cut your losses?
This means acknowledging the failure of the empire, treating the price paid as a sunk cost, putting the names of the victims behind you, and turning around to move towards a path of relative safety.
But the people of Holden cannot accept defeat.
In their bones, victory is the only answer, and retreat and compromise are always shameful.
At that time, he, the king of Holden, will be regarded as a shame to the empire on the judgment seat of history.
Hard to decide.
Fafweil stood there, unable to make up his mind for a long time.
Lain Plateau, The night falls.
The mountains are like the backs of sleeping giants, outlining a majestic yet soft outline on the skyline. The stars pour from one end of the sky to the other, and countless stars burn quietly on the dark blue velvet.
In the hinterland of the plateau, a large lake lies quietly.
The surface of the lake is as flat as a mirror, completely reflecting the vast sea of stars above.
Garos had just returned from training in deep space White Dwarf, and sank his entire body into the lake, with only half of his head exposed, and his nostrils and eyelids just floating on the water.
He let out a gentle breath.
Gulu gulu...
Bubbles surged out from the nostrils, rising to the surface of the water one after another, bursting when they came into contact with the air, making a tiny crackling sound.
Red Iron Dragon narrowed his eyes in contentment.
"I really hope this peace can last forever."
He thought to himself, and at the same time he blew another breath. Water bubbles emerged from under the dragon's kiss, rising along both sides of the bridge of his nose, and merged into the imperceptible ripples on the lake surface.
Garos knows that this calm will not last forever.
But just because I know it, I cherish it very much.
This kind of rest is already very luxurious for him.
In this way, time gradually passed by.
The night wind from the plateau gently blew across the lake, creating circles of fine ripples. Everything was as peaceful as a scene in a painting.
But not long after, the sky suddenly froze.
Garos wrinkled the scales between his forehead.
He slowly raised his head, his gaze changed from lazy and soft to sharp as a knife, scanning the surrounding scenery.
Everything as far as the eye can see is blurring.
The reeds on the other side of the lake, the ridgeline in the distance, and even the stars above our heads were all distorted, spread, and lost their boundaries like ink stains thrown into the water, presenting an unreal sense of blur.
It's like being shrouded in some kind of shadow.
Garos's gaze instantly changed from lazy to sharp. His gaze penetrated the twisted air and landed on the lake on the right.
At some point, there was an additional figure here.
The humanoid shape and appearance are vague.
A thick layer of shadow wrapped around his body, and his face, clothes, and even all identifiable features were all covered, without even a trace being exposed.
It seems to be just a cut-out silhouette, or a virtual image made up of pure shadows.
He stood on the water, as if walking on flat ground, and his voice came faintly.
"I've heard the name Lord of Sacred Aura for a long time."
"I came here specifically to visit tonight, hoping to have a chat with His Majesty."
The sound of water sounded.
Red Iron Dragon emerged from the lake and straightened his back. The water poured down from his broad chest, tight waist and raised ridges, crashing back onto the lake like a waterfall, causing huge waves that spread outward in circles.
"I don't talk to people who hide their secrets."
The dragon looked down at the figure and said, "Who can believe that a person whose face is even hidden in the shadows comes with sincerity?"
The figure in the shadow paused slightly.
Immediately, the shadows surrounding him began to shrink and fade.
"I was negligent."
"You stayed like this for so long that you forgot the proper etiquette."
As the words fell, the shadows dispersed at the same time.
What was revealed was a very mediocre face.
He has medium facial features, medium contours, and medium complexion. He is neither ugly nor handsome. None of his features can leave a deep impression on people.
If you put him in the crowd, he will disappear in the sea of people in the blink of an eye.
No one would take a second look at him.
"Let me introduce myself, my name is Ryan Steinbeck."
He bowed slightly and said, "But this name is rarely used anymore, and more people call me----Darknight Star."
Red Iron Dragon was not surprised.
When this person appeared, he already knew who it was.
After all, there are only a handful of such people.
Immortal One, an existence that stands above the ordinary.
There are only a few names on the entire planet that he can name. Even if he has never met them, he will collect some information in advance.
"Oh, it turns out it's Dark Star from Holden.
39
The dragon said, taking steps forward.
The lake surged.
The huge body approached, casting a shadow that completely enveloped the human being. When he looked up, he could no longer see the sky, and could only see a pair of vertical pupils that shone slightly in the night.
Immortal One has no backoff.
He raised his head slightly and met his looking-down eyes. "Dark Star----You can also call me that."
Red Iron Dragon lowered his eyes and looked at the human in front of him and said directly, "I have already said that a continent cannot have two suns. Sacred Aura and Holden are not friendly neighbors. As Holden's Immortal One, you can't sneak into my territory late at night just to give me a greeting, right?"
Dark Star stands on the water.
He did not answer in a hurry. He first looked over Red Iron Dragon's shoulders and back, looking at the distorted night sky, as if confirming something.
Then, he retracted his gaze and landed on Garos's visor.
"I know your Majesty you don't like to twist around."
"So, let me tell you frankly, I hope to achieve cooperation with you."
Hearing this, the dragon's vertical pupils were half-squinted, and the eyelids covered half of the pupils.
"Cooperation?"
"You came alone late at night, covering the sky with shadows, and twisting space to isolate the outside world - this kind of behavior does not seem like you are here to negotiate a cooperation that can be put on the table."
He said playfully.
Darknight Star's expression didn't change much, and he said, "I'm not afraid that His Majesty will laugh."
"We, Holden Empire, live above the clouds, overlooking all living beings on the earth. We look high and glamorous, but when we peel off that shiny shell, the inside is no different from an ordinary country."
"It is also full of filth and evil, and it is also full of shady activities."
This is no secret.
Hearing these words, Red Iron Dragon felt no fluctuation in his heart, and even wanted to laugh a little.
Darknight Star's voice rose a little more and continued, "The empire's system is extremely decadent and rigid."
"For their own selfish interests and so-called glory, the royal family and nobles even dared to develop the dangerous Abyss, putting the fate of the empire and countless people on the gambling table, even causing disaster."
"They are obsessed with the glory of the empire, reject any change, and regard every attempt at reform as a violation of tradition."
"If things continue like this, the destruction of the empire is inevitable."
"Even if there is no Abyss, there will be something else."
As he said that, Ryan's eyes became dark, and there was a sharp edge in his eyes.
That mediocre and ordinary face finally had features that people could remember.
"I rose from humble beginnings and saw too much ugliness and injustice along the way. At that time, I thought to myself that when I stand in a high position, I will definitely be able to influence Holden through my ideas."
"But it turns out I was wrong."
"Only through drastic reform and cutting off all the rotten flesh can this old giant structure be re-operated and given a new lease of life. However, every proposal and every attempt I make has encountered numerous obstacles."
He paused and his eyes became sharper.
"Now I even suspect that Fafweil, the king of Holden, and Immortal One Nosien, known as the Dawn in our empire—these two, including many Destiny Rank and central ministers, have been eroded by Abyss without knowing it."
Red Iron Dragon's eyes narrowed slightly.
Immortal One and the emperor were both corrupted?
If this is the case, then Holden's problem is far more serious than what the outside world speculates. However, although the words of the person in front of you sound generous, Bloodburst cannot believe them all.
Garos did not rush to express his position, but just listened quietly, with no emotion or anger in his eyes.
"Their decisions are becoming more and more radical and reckless."
"Fafweil formally proposed to Imperial Core, trying to wait for Platinum Star to recover and then counterattack Abyss. This is simply suicide, and Nosien, my colleague and senior, his recent behavior has also become unpredictable."
"He originally liked purity, but he completely agreed with Fafweil's proposal."
Darknight Star, the amount of information is huge.
Red Iron Dragon looked thoughtful, but still didn't say much.
At this time, Dark Star Ryan sighed and said, "This is not normal Holden. Something is corroding it from the inside, and I----can't stop it alone."
Holden Empire has been silent most of the time these years, dealing with the mess he caused behind closed doors.
Although I had hoped for support before, I did not ask for or complain.
Garos I thought it handled it well.
But now it seems that his current situation is not optimistic.
"These are all your Holden's private matters."
"Your succession to the throne, factional strife, and whether any of you have fallen into the quagmire of Abyss - I am not interested and I don't care."
"Let me tell you first, what exactly do you mean by cooperation?"
Red Iron Dragon said with his huge head lowered.
Ryan Steinbeck took a deep breath.
In an instant, all the hesitation on the mediocre face was stripped away at this moment.
He raised his head and looked at the majestic Red Iron Dragon: "I want to carry out a thorough reform."
"Overthrow the existing Imperial Core, end the hereditary monopoly of the royal bloodline, break the shackles, and choose more suitable leaders from among the people, rather than letting a certain bloodline family forever control the destiny of the empire."
"The cooperation I want is to invite you to participate in this reform."
"I can cover all your breath for you, avoid Cloudpiercer City's layers of surveillance Magic Array, and take you directly into Holden's heart center."
"You, me, and some of my confidants."
"We should cooperate internally and externally, and we can take down the center in a short time."
A Immortal One crossed the boundary between the two empires, sneaked into his territory, and then told him that he wanted to ask him to help overthrow his empire.
This sounds ridiculous.
Red Iron Dragon stretched his wings and carefully examined the human being in front of him.
This guy looks unattractive, but he is very courageous and determined. If he invites himself to participate, he is really not afraid of attracting wolves into the house.
"Human, aren't you afraid that I will take advantage of the chaos and swallow Holden whole?"
he asked.
Darknight Star shook his head.
He said, "Sacred Aura and Holden are equally powerful. I don't deny this."
"But, even so, there are not many bad comments about Your Majesty among Holden. Even the most proud Holden's People thinks that you are a dragon king who keeps his word and deserves respect."
Garos was speechless.
His reputation has always been very good.
He doesn't like betrayal, and he never disdains intrigues.
To a certain extent, this style of behavior has become a trustworthy quality in the eyes of the enemy.
Except for a few completely unreasonable beings like Bronze Dragon King, even his opponents have no hatred or resentment towards him. It's just that they have different positions and camps.
"What will I get if I say yes?"
Garos asked.
Darknight Star had obviously thought about it a long time ago and immediately said, "After the matter is completed——Atlant's sky and earth will completely belong to Sacred Aura."
"All of our technologies and knowledge base accumulated over countless years, including relevant records of Abyss research."
"These will all become yours."
"And I----"
He paused, and an indescribable expression appeared on his mediocre face.
"I will lead the people of Holden to move to other Material Plane, far away from Atlant, leave Bernardo, and give up everything we once occupied."
"Start from scratch, build a new empire chapter in a new world."
"Build a new Holden without shackles and truly belonging to the people."