Revelry

The entire Black Rock City, along with its surrounding area, has now entered a state of celebration.

Compared to the Arnor Kingdom, the overall atmosphere of the Warrior Country is more serious, and people's daily words and actions give a more formal impression, unlike the more relaxed atmosphere of its neighboring countries.

But perhaps it is precisely because of the seriousness of daily life that the people here relax even more thoroughly when they hold festivals, banquets, and other occasions to unwind in the Arnor Kingdom.

As the saying goes, civilization is always inseparable from barbarism.

"Yohohoho, drink up, drink up!"

"Awesome! I really enjoyed watching it today!"

"Homage to Radahn, homage to the Battle Festival, and homage to you, warriors!"

Faced with glasses of fine wine offered by the revelers, Fan En seemed at a loss, but was eventually pushed and shoved into joining the group to drink.

Such toasting occurred in every corner of the city. Any warrior who had shown his face at the Battle Festival would be enthusiastically offered drinks once he was recognized.

The banquet in the Warrior Country can be summed up in one word—drinking.

The food and drink in the Arnor Kingdom is missing one step!

It's less like a banquet and more like a wine festival that people spontaneously organize.

Drinking alcohol, once it reaches a certain point, will definitely lead to trouble.

Dancing while holding a dog's paw, taking off their clothes in the street, and embracing a street lamp while pouring out their hearts to each other are some of the most common scenes after drinking.

As people got into high spirits, a group of extraordinary individuals suddenly appeared and began role-playing, recreating famous scenes from the Battle Festival.

When they saw a Birdman flapping his wings, imitating Radahn falling from the sky, only to fall headfirst into a well whose cover had been stolen, the surrounding wine glasses were filled with laughter, spilling their wine everywhere.

The theme of this banquet is already quite clear.

It's all to celebrate the incredibly exciting battles that the Legion, adventurers, and others bring to the audience at the Battle Festival!

Since these things have been brought up, the banquet is definitely not just a simple matter of eating and drinking.

Because those participating in the Battle Festival are the Traditionalists of the Warrior Country.

The Battle Festival showcases the Warrior spirit that Traditionalists cherish most.

The idea of holding a banquet was first proposed by supporters of the Traditionalists.

Through the festival, countless people in the public were converted into supporters of Traditionalists.

"Although we ultimately failed to complete the ceremony, we achieved the best we could, and I am honored to have made a demigod show signs of fatigue with the power of mortals!"

Te Mude was lifted to the highest point in the city by the crowd and delivered a passionate speech in a voice still carrying a hint of dragon accent.

"I am not a prince here now, but a Warrior! I offer my sincerest praise to all the warriors who participated in the festival today. It is my honor to fight alongside you!"

He seemed to be the most enjoying and intoxicated person at the banquet, holding four or five glasses full of wine in each hand, and not spilling a single drop even while giving such an excited speech.

"Today's battle is also the last battle that we, the old-fashioned people who adhere to tradition, will offer to everyone!"

"Enjoy the feast, everyone! Just enjoy yourself now!"

In his excitement, Te Mude's words were almost illogical. He opened his mouth wide and raised more than ten glasses of liquor high into the air, pouring them into his mouth at the same time, an action that drew cheers from the crowd.

He was in a very good mood now.

He and his Warrior performed exceptionally well at the Battle Festival, displaying a true Warrior spirit. Even if he were to fight again, he could never recreate that spirit and momentum. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"This battle, as our final battle, will leave us with no regrets." He uttered indistinctly under the impact of the liquor.

Tomorrow is the opening ceremony of the War Festival in the Imperial Capital. After the opening ceremony, there will be a series of traditional performances and rituals. At dusk, the competition for the crown will begin.

This competition will continue until no new fighters step up, and the final winner will claim the honor.

If Te Mude leads his men to the Imperial Capital now, they can make it in time for the War Festival and be able to go on stage to fight by late at night at the latest. There is still enough time.

But now he doesn't want to go anymore.

After what has happened these past few days, he has finally come to a complete understanding. Even if the Traditionalists win the War Festival, it won't be able to directly reverse the domestic situation. The newborns will remain the same, and magic will still be popular.

The decline of the traditional Warrior required by the God of War's blessing was inevitable.

But!

The spirit, or rather the morale, demeanor, and passion of Warrior, will never end with the changing times!

The sight of the people holding the warriors high and drinking and feasting in celebration of the Battle Festival is the best proof of this!

Even the most indifferent person could not remain silent after witnessing that battle. The Battle Festival ignited a flame in their hearts. At this moment, the Black Rock City, which was shaking with cheers, made Te Mude realize that it is not only Warrior who have the spirit of Warrior, but people who have such a spirit can be called Warrior!

His daily interactions with the Reformists had turned him into someone who only knew how to shout the slogan of "Warrior spirit," to the point that he had almost forgotten that the concrete explanation of the so-called Warrior spirit was to follow the guidance of one's heart and morality, do what one should do, and fight a battle that one enjoys!

Warrior spirit is something broader, something that anyone can possess!

Soldiers fighting in battle are Warrior, magicians creating mushroom clouds are Warrior, people who believe in morality, and people who work hard to make a living—all of them can be Warrior!

As long as things like the Radahn Battle Festival, which can ignite passion in people's hearts, exist, the spirit of Warrior will never die.

This country can also be called the Warrior Country!

"Vomit!"

Seemingly due to excessive drinking and excitement, Te Mude collapsed to the ground and vomited, causing those around him to burst into laughter.

Although he really wanted to retort with "What are you laughing at?", he ultimately said nothing, got up, turned around, and disappeared into the crowd.

The magical projection that covered the sky and brought people wonderful live broadcasts has disappeared, but Te Mude had already prepared to record the images on it.

Now, it's time to make hundreds and thousands of copies of the footage of that battle and spread it around the world!

"It was quite a lively banquet. Even someone as lively as me found it a bit overwhelming."

Looking at the cheerful crowd, Lu Lu Wo felt as if her ears were being assaulted by noise.

Somewhere on the street, the Strategy Team, the Skyrim Strategy Team, and the Hasawi Squad casually moved a table together and sat down to start a small celebration within this grand banquet.

"It feels like we haven't seen each other in ages," Leon remarked.

"It's been a long time. You were sleeping soundly under the guild's protection when I was arrested and imprisoned." Lu Lu Wo's face was full of criticism of the injustice of fate. "And this is the first time I've seen Fingel since I killed Iliphis."

Fingel leaned back in his chair with a nonchalant air and nodded, saying, "That's right. Our team never had a fixed base; wandering the world was the norm."

"Where did you go on your adventure?" Malu asked excitedly.

"Uh..." Fingel's face immediately turned embarrassed, and he stammered without saying a word. Matilda, who wasn't wearing armor, spoke directly:

"I was invited to challenge the Berserk Dragon that appeared in the Warrior Country, and then I got beaten so badly that I stayed in a sanatorium until now. I've been lying in bed ever since."

"."

Malu suddenly felt as if her enthusiasm had been doused with cold water.

"Haha, this can be considered retribution for underestimating that dragon and underestimating its strength," Fingel chuckled.

"Even you can't defeat that dragon, just how strong is it?"

Before Leon could finish his question, Fingel, clearly not wanting to continue the conversation, abruptly changed the subject, saying:

"Did you guys use that 'Remembrance? What good stuff did you get in exchange? By the way, aren't the rewards we can redeem a little different each time?"

"My people have interviewed most of the participants in the Battle Festival and made a list of all the possible rewards."

Lu Lu Wo smiled slightly and casually pushed a document in front of everyone, her words and actions exuding an air of showing off.

"As expected of Lu Lu Wo!"

Leon's straightforward praise made her smile soar to the sky. On the surface, she remained calm and collected, but the chains beneath her swayed merrily, leaving afterimages.

[The currently known rewards that can be redeemed at the Battle Festival, listed in order of my personal assessment of their rarity]

[Radahn's weapons: Starscourge Greatsword and Lion Greatbow, only a small group like Elsa can trade for them]

[Weapons: Original versions of all the rusted and weathered weapons that can be seen on the battlefield of the Battle Festival]

[Weapon Skill (Grey Class): Star Summoning, Gravity Spin Slash, Radahn's Rain, Gravity Spike, Rock Sword, Gravity, Mighty Lion Slash, Lion Slash, Earthshaker]

[Magic: Meteorites, shattered stars, Rock Sling, Gravity Ball, and even a series of Caria Magic]

[Armor: Radahn's Armor, Red Lion Legion Armor, Pot Helm made from Alexander's fragments]

[Miscellaneous: Large quantities of runes and various materials]

The rewards are truly dazzling.

"Overall, the Battle Festival is currently the most rewarding boss fight in all areas of the Zane Dungeon. Its overall value has surpassed that of the previously considered most valuable [Full Moon Queen's Mimic Tear]. Moreover, I believe it offers the best value for money," Lu Lu Wo analyzed.

"Now it seems we can challenge the real Full Moon Queen," Leon recalled the memory he had seen in the Roundtable Hold, where the Full Moon Queen Rella was among the available options. "If we can really challenge her and get the reward, it will surely be more generous than the reward for defeating the Mimic Tear."

"We only hear news of them defeating the Mimic Tear two or three times a month, let alone the real Full Moon Queen."

Lu Lu Wo seemed to be quite realistic. She looked around at the people and asked, "What are your plans next?"

"If we're planning to stay, we'll naturally stay here. After all, there are still many unknowns to explore in the new area," Leon said.

Fingel thought for a moment and said, "We've accepted the commission to slay the mad dragon, so we must do our best to complete it. We'll also be staying in the Warrior Country for the time being."

"I'll stay too."

Lu Lu Wo suddenly gritted her teeth and stared at Fingel, asking, "So what's going on with Elsa? How did she end up with you? Where did she go? She didn't even bother to say hello!"

"I'm not entirely sure where she went, haha."

Fingel gave another awkward smile, and anyone with eyes could tell he had something to hide.

However, before Lu Lu Wo could ask any further questions, a chaotic noise came from the celebrating crowd.

It sounds like they've had an argument?

People listened intently, for no one dislikes gossip.

"Without that final spell, they could never have inflicted such serious injuries on Radahn. That's why I said magic is powerful, magic is invincible!"

"Without someone else stalling for time, the magic can't be cast at all. Besides, the Sword Saint and the Brave haven't even gone all out yet. How do you know they're inferior to magic?"

"That magic was created by several magic professors working together. The combined contributions of those professors are comparable to those of Master Yuenka, so naturally their contribution to magic is the greatest."

It sounded like another of the usual debates in the Warrior Country about whether magic or Warrior were stronger, something Leon and his companions had heard too many of and were already tired of.

"It feels like everyone here is arguing about magic as if it's a religion, and they won't tolerate any defilement of magic. It makes me very uncomfortable," Malu commented.

Everyone felt this deeply.

Similar debates also occur in the Arnor Kingdom, but the two sides are purely power-based, praising whoever is stronger and criticizing whoever is weaker, which seems to resemble the style of Sheda.

The debate in the Warrior Country, on the other hand, resembled a group of people defending the magic improved by Master Yuenka, whom they believed in. When they argued with others, they might not be praising "magic" but rather "Yuenka's magic," which felt rather strange.

Is it a bit like being a fan of a celebrity?

In the past, such debates often fizzled out, but things are different now, since everyone is still caught up in the afterglow of the Battle Festival.

So those who blindly praised Yuenka's magic at the beginning were quickly attacked by the crowd. Before they could even react, they were bombarded with a barrage of words and left completely bewildered.

What's going on? Didn't I used to have more people speaking up for me? Have times changed that fast?

He was so overwhelmed by the insults that he couldn't retaliate, and with his last effort, he shouted:

"Even if you say that about me, that Super Forbidden Spell is still powerful. Even Master Yuenka might not be able to replicate it. The Zane Dungeon that you all praise has no way to counter it!"

"Oh no, yes."

Suddenly, a girl Si Telan, who was chewing on fresh vegetables, popped out from the crowd.

What evidence do you have?!

"(chew) I participated in the entire development of the Super Forbidden Spell (chew). There is a video of it at the time, you can watch it yourself."

Si Telan casually activated the Image Stone, and the image immediately appeared before her.

That was the scene of her standing at the scene of the Super Forbidden Spell test explosion, wearing a full bomb suit but still looking terrified, holding Silver Shield.

The moment the Super Forbidden Spell exploded, Si Telan, with an expression that screamed "I'm going to die, I'm going to die, I'm going to die," swung her Silver Shield.

Topus's Force Field took effect in an instant.

The white light that shot straight into the sky from the Super Forbidden Spell disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving only the shockwave left from the initial explosion, and the Silver Shield shattered in response.

"That's the value of Topus! (chewing)"

The supporter of magic stared for a long time before collapsing to the ground, and the sound of shattered faith echoed in the sky.

Even the strongest faith will crumble when you see what you firmly believe in crumble.

"Ultimately, I don't understand why they value blowing magic so much; what are they trying to achieve?"

Leon's complaints faded into the noise of the banquet, which continued.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Capital...

The Imperial Capital War Festival is to be held tomorrow, is now illuminated by the flames of war, and the atmosphere of war permeates everywhere.

A staunch supporter of Traditionalists, the old King Fred of the Warrior Country paced back and forth in his palace, his old face filled with anxiety, glancing out of the Imperial Capital every now and then.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he scratched his head and shouted in a mixture of anger and despair:

"Where are the Te Mude? Where are the mission members?! Where have they gone?!"

"How come they're all gone!?"