Chapter 182 Giant God Warrior
Yupa immediately rushed there based on the location provided by his teammates.
The group walked through the mine tunnels of the ruins for another ten minutes or so before finally arriving at the so-called "Ruins No. 3".
The mine shaft was more spacious than I had imagined, and a few white emergency lights hanging on the rock walls dispelled the darkness.
The air was thick with the smell of medicine, and supplies and medical equipment were scattered in a corner, indicating that this was just a hastily chosen outpost.
Nearly a hundred wounded but determined Pejite soldiers were resting in the mine. Even the soldiers guarding key positions such as the entrance were also injured, which is enough to illustrate how fierce the battle was.
In addition, a squad of the Mercenary Corps of the Wind's Blessed, under their command, had already arrived here to join them.
The team members looked at the vice-captain following behind Yupa, their eyes filled with undisguised envy. Everyone hoped to fight alongside this legendary Seawalker of Sea of Corruption.
As for the other two teams, they have an even more important mission.
After a short wait, a middle-aged man dressed in simple military uniform and slightly overweight emerged, surrounded by several ministers and officers. He was none other than King Pejite, Asbel's father, Asumo.
"You are Master Yupa of the Valley of the Wind? My son Asbel mentioned you, and I thank you for lending a helping hand at this time—Where is Princess Nausicaä?"
Despite being a king, Asumo's tone and attitude were very polite and approachable.
"Your Majesty, there's no need for such formalities. Princess Nausicaä is leading the attack on the warships—"
Yupa spoke, he stepped forward to bow, but his movements suddenly froze, and his pupils constricted sharply.
His gaze involuntarily drifted past the king's shoulder and into the depths of the mine, where, on the rock wall barely illuminated by the light, lay a massive "skeleton."
The skeleton sat cross-legged deep inside the mine, its back blending seamlessly with the surrounding rock strata.
Its shape is similar to a human skeleton, but the ribs, joints and other parts show obvious signs of industrial manufacturing, while the skull resembles an ancient warrior's helmet.
Yupa was absolutely certain what it was the moment he saw it, because it looked almost exactly like the giant remains that slumbered in the Sea of Corruption!
Giant God Warrior!
(The skeleton of the Giant God Warrior in an inactive state)
Giant God Warrior remains are not uncommon, but this skeleton is so smooth it looks as if it was created just yesterday.
Forcibly removing the light, Yupa looked at King Asumo again. "That thing—you always knew it was here? We thought—"
Asumo followed his gaze and looked back at the skeleton, a complex expression on his face, before letting out a deep sigh.
"As expected, those evil Dorok really came for it. Master Yupa, please come this way with me; it's easier to talk here."
Asumo led Yupa to a corner of the mine, away from the wounded soldiers, and began to speak in a low voice.
"This mine tunnel was jointly funded and developed by mining tycoon Seyid and the royal family a few years ago. When we were excavating here, we discovered it—and I immediately ordered a news blackout."
"Although I am not a particularly brilliant or ambitious monarch, I at least understand that Pejite's national strength is simply insufficient to control such a weapon, and leaking the news will only bring disaster."
"Later, I announced that the mine tunnel had suffered a severe collapse due to geological instability, and the exploration project was terminated indefinitely. Apart from Seyid and a few others who were present, everyone thought it was just a failed exploration."
"But who knew, the news still leaked, and we were attacked without even receiving any warning—"
"Alas, it was my carelessness that ruined Pejite. I should have been on guard when Seyid disappeared."
The king shook his head, his eyes filled with regret.
Yupa frowned as he listened. The other person's story seemed reasonable at first glance, but for some reason, he felt that something was not quite right.
Just then, a young minister with blond hair stepped forward and interjected, "Master Yupa, we have been trapped underground for a long time. Could you please continue to describe the situation on the surface?"
Yupa instinctively replied, "The elite warriors of the Valley of the Wind are capturing Gore's warship, and the allied soldiers should arrive soon. The opportunity to counterattack will come very soon."
After he finished speaking, he suddenly felt as if he had forgotten something important. Just as he was trying to recall, Ashta anxiously stepped forward and whispered in his ear that it was a blessed message from Nausicaä.
Yupa's face instantly turned ashen; the enemy wanted to use the swarm of insects to destroy the entire Pejite!
He immediately learned the enemy's method: using the young Ohmu to lure the swarm to attack this place through communication between the insect swarms!
Barton was filled with remorse. If he had known this sooner, he would have risked his life to save the Ohmu.
"Your Majesty Asumo, the situation has changed. I just received news that the leader of the Dorok has initiated the final plan—he intends to summon the Sea of Corruption of Decay swarm to utterly destroy Pejite!"
Upon hearing this, King Asumo's face turned even paler. "Attracted a swarm of insects?! The Dorok have gone mad!!"
If it were occupied by Dorok, there might be a chance of survival, but if it were a swarm of insects, no one could survive.
"He certainly didn't intend for anyone to leave alive, but we've discovered the Dorok's secret stronghold and must stop them before the swarm arrives. I need the help of the Pejite Champion."
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Yupa remained calm and composed, explaining the situation to Asumo.
Asumo did not hesitate at all. He straightened his back, and the decisiveness of a king returned to him. "Warriors of Pejite, listen up!" He turned to the soldiers in the mine, his voice echoing between the rock walls.
"Take up arms and follow Master Yupa! For our city, for everyone who is still alive, stop those madmen!"
After a brief commotion, the Pejite soldiers and the Blessed squad in the mine quickly assembled. Led by Yupa, this mixed force of over two hundred men rushed out of the temporary stronghold and headed towards the laboratory.
The chaotic footsteps quickly faded into the distance, disappearing into the intricate mine tunnels, and the once crowded mine shafts instantly became much emptier and quieter.
King Asumo stood there, staring at the passageway where the procession had disappeared, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
He dared not think about what would happen if the swarm of insects were truly attracted—
Your Majesty.
The blond minister who had interrupted Yupa's question earlier had quietly returned to the king's side.
"Have you considered what we should do if they fail to stop the Dorok?"
The king's body stiffened slightly. Although this confidant was young, he could always easily see through his thoughts.
"Once the swarm is attracted, even hiding in the underground ruins may not be enough to escape the onslaught of small insects and the Sea of Corruption. Everyone here will likely be doomed."
"But—perhaps there's another way for us to save ourselves."
He carefully took out a pure black metal box from his inner robe.
The lid pops open, revealing a golden sphere the size of an egg lying quietly on a red velvet lining. The sphere's surface is engraved with ancient patterns, and several polished gemstones are inlaid on it.
( The Secret Stone that activates the Giant God Warrior, possibly a small nuclear reactor)
"This—this is a relic found inside the Giant God Warrior. What are you doing with it?"
In Asumo's eyes, although this " Golden Egg " seemed valuable, it was nothing compared to the countless treasures in the palace.
"I spent day and night researching ancient data, and finally found out what this thing was used for."
"This is actually the key to activating the Giant God Warrior and controlling its movements."
Upon hearing this, Asumo's expression changed drastically, but the minister smiled and handed the opened box to the king.
"Your Majesty, please take this. This is Pejite —no, this is our last hope."
The king's fingers trembled as he reached out, but stopped in mid-air just before touching the Secret Stone. He turned his head with difficulty to look at the Giant God Warrior's skeleton.
"But is this really a good thing? That's a weapon capable of destroying the world; once activated—"
"Your Majesty, please calm down and think carefully. What a tragedy it would be if the Dorok succeeded! Pejite would be completely wiped out, the bodies of 100,000 citizens would be lost, and everything we have defended would become nourishment for the swarm of Sea of Corruption worms."
"The promises and aid of outsiders are ultimately no match for the power we hold in our own hands; Pejite must save himself."
As the minister's enticing voice rang out, the hesitation and fear in the king's eyes gradually gave way to resolve.
Yes—they have to save themselves.
Even if----
Asumo slowly reached out and grasped the Secret Stone, which seemed to weigh an immense weight.
Even if it means he has to ignite the world-destroying flames himself.