Yinniu Kingdom.
One of the Myriad Nations, its main ethnic group is the Yinniu People, and the entire ethnic group are devout believers of the God of Dawn.
After Sebawen Faith emerged, its doctrines quickly attracted the Yinniu People, who eventually embraced it. Even during Sebawen Faith's most difficult period, it accepted a significant number of Protestants despite pressure from the Holy See.
However, the Yinniu People did not know at the time that they were inviting trouble.
Despite its open doctrines, Sebawen Faith is not a Saint organization. In fact, Sebawen Faith is extremely hypocritical and extreme. They insist that the Geya People are God's chosen people and deserve to live and multiply under the light of the sunrise. Most Protestants look down on the "natives" [Yinniu People] of the Light-Bathed Sea, but because they need help, they initially remain humble. Once they have gained a foothold, they begin to oppress the Yinniu People, massacre them, and even sell the Yinniu People once helped them into slavery, seize their land and property, and constantly shrink the Yinniu People's living space.
Today, although the name of the Yinniu Kingdom has not changed, its core has been replaced by the Geya People. The Yinniu People have been reduced to the lowest of slaves, either sold as goods or turned into flesh and blood machines, toiling endlessly in dark, dusty underground mines.
Ironically, the Sebawen Faith, driven by political needs and severely violating Human Dao principles, not only escaped accountability from the [Planet Oklo United Council], but was instead courted by various parties to fight against the Dawn Empire.
Yinniu People, in desperation, had no choice but to rebel in the most resolute way, thus giving rise to the so-called terrorist organizations described by Sebawen Faith.
Browsing the intelligence information appearing on his communicator, Lancelot's eyes were filled with complex emotions. If it were just a matter of personal feelings, he would naturally be more inclined to stand on the Yinniu People. Sympathy for the weak is one of the human instincts. However, he was now a member of the Swordbearer Unit, representing the Crimson Alliance. He had to prioritize the interests of the Alliance. Not to mention the ungrateful Sebawen Faith, even demons could cooperate if necessary.
Putting away his communicator, Lancelot checked his current location and found that he was not far from the target area. He then began a final check of his equipment and his own condition.
There's not much to say about the latter; with the information panel, any subtle changes in the body will be displayed in detail.
In terms of equipment, Lancelot's gear this time is unprecedentedly luxurious.
Molecular Aggregation Insect, Samsung Immortal.
Steel Feather Cloak, a legendary three-star Legend.
Wind Thunder Shadow Battle Boots, 3-star Legend.
Shadow Lady Sniper Rifle, 3-Star Legend.
Flame Tyrant vehicle, three-star Legend.
Alliance Standard Equipment Set, 3-Star Rare.
Both Shadow Lady and Flame Tyrant were provided by the Tuoshan Bird Base. The former, similar to Darkness's Fallen Slaughter, is a Shadow series assassination weapon, firing bullets silently with built-in shielding effects.
As for the latter, the Flame Tyrant, you can tell how violent it is just from its name. Its six-barreled flame beam energy cannon, when fired at full power, can instantly destroy a small mountain. Its attack power is ridiculously strong. Of course, its speed and defense are slightly inferior in comparison, but Lancelot doesn't care. What he needs is ample firepower support. As for the escape route, with the Wings of Thunder, there are few below the Legendary who can outrun him.
With all this equipment, not to mention that Lancelot himself is already an eight-time awakened Innovation School Ability Energy, his combat power alone is enough to make people tremble. The combination of the two makes him invincible below the Legendary hexagonal warrior. In fact, his defensive and recovery abilities alone are comparable to those of Legendary life.
On the vast wilderness, dust and sand, along with fragments of dry vegetation, danced in the wind. A chariot, seemingly engulfed in flames, sped forward with a deafening roar, its momentum overwhelming.
As the chariot gradually slowed down, it signified that Lancelot had reached his destination.
This is a somewhat ancient fortified city, not large in scale, but the black iron walls, the faintly visible Magic Runes, and the grim-faced guards on the walls all demonstrate the strength of its defenses.
"This is the Desolation City. Please show your pass."
The flame chariot had now quieted down, but its inherent mechanical beauty and its obviously expensive metal shell spoke volumes about its value. This made even the usually arrogant fortress guards become polite, and their usually gruff voices became soft and friendly. Anyone who didn't know better would think that his beloved father was sitting in the chariot.
A crack opened in the car window, and a platinum card with a bald eagle engraved on it was handed out.
"So it's someone from the Bald Eagle Company. Please come in!"
Upon seeing the card, the guard's expression immediately changed. After a quick check, he promptly let him pass.
The tank slowly started operating under the control of the intelligent system. In the seat, Lancelot, disguised as a middle-aged man with an ordinary face, leaned back lazily, toying with the platinum card in his hand. "Tsk, I didn't expect the name of the Bald Eagle Company to be so useful. It seems the Alliance is doing quite well with these military companies they've established."
Since a direct war between imperial powers would be unimaginably brutal and devastating to all parties involved, each empire has established its own military companies to avoid such situations as much as possible. These companies conduct military operations in a private capacity, are financially responsible for their own profits and losses, and handle matters that the government cannot easily intervene in. This serves as a fig leaf between empires and, to some extent, can be considered a form of proxy war.
The Bald Eagle Company is a military company established by the Crimson Alliance; a more accurate and familiar term would be the Bald Eagle Mercenary Corps.
At this moment, Lancelot's public identity is that of a high-ranking mercenary under the Bald Eagle Company, codenamed Dragon Tree.
His mission, ostensibly to protect Bishop Bolai of Sebawen Faith, was actually more complex than that the military had deeper responsibilities towards him.
The chariot traveled straight along the gravel road and arrived at a three-story pavilion located in the center of the Desolation City.
The area is heavily guarded, teeming with fully armed Transcendent, and every vantage point is equipped with ranged weapons, both technologically advanced and magically powered.
After showing his pass, Lancelot was allowed to enter the attic.
The first floor was quite large, and at this moment, more than forty Transcendent individuals had gathered here and there.
Lancelot's arrival attracted some attention, but after a brief glance, they quickly looked away. After all, in the world of the Transcendent, staring at another Transcendent person for a long time is extremely impolite and can easily be seen as a provocation, potentially leading to bloodshed.
I randomly found a spot, sat down, and closed my eyes to wait.
Three hours later, the sound of clattering reached my ears. A well-dressed old man, a Geya People, came down from upstairs. His aura carried a hint of Divine Power, but it wasn't strong.
After scanning the room, the old man said in a cold voice, "I am Nadak, the steward of Bishop Bolai. I will now assess everyone's strength and abilities and assign them to combat positions."
Everyone looked at Nadak; no one objected, because it was a very reasonable request.
"Then, let's start with you." Nadak casually pointed to the thin man closest to him.
"Life rank, combat strength level, preferred combat position, and personal requirements—answering these four points is sufficient."
The latter thought for a moment and then gave an answer.
"Okay, next."
The questioning proceeded smoothly, and soon it was Lancelot's turn.
"Tier Nine life level, Upper Tier Nine combat strength, skilled in sniping and healing. I hope to be assigned to a rear support position," Lancelot reported his information.
This information is certainly inaccurate. His actual life rank is only at the Peak Tier Eight, while his combat strength is at the Peak Tier Nine, 999 Dale. He is good at healing, which is fine. As for sniping, he is considered an elite among the Tier Nine. After all, in his previous life, he only used sniper rifles below the Legendary. After that, he would take down enemies with his Iron Fist.
However, even though he concealed most of the information, Lancelot's performance still far surpassed that of most of the Transcendent individuals present. Even the usually calm and composed old man looked up at him in surprise.
It's worth mentioning that although he knew the Crimson Alliance had sent people to provide support, Bishop Bolai didn't know exactly who they were. After all, the Alliance didn't trust the Sebawen Faith's credibility; they could offer assistance, but getting detailed information about the Alliance's elites was out of the question.
"Okay, got it, next!"
Lancelot turned around and sat back down in his seat, whereupon a crowd immediately gathered around him.
"Brother, so you're a healer? I'll have to take good care of you during the battle." A burly, mechanically armored warrior walked over and handed over a Ta Pound. Lancelot accepted it without batting an eye and silently memorized the man's appearance and aura.
Hmm, very sensible. If given the chance, I'll make sure you don't die.
"I'm a melee fighter and need fire support. Name your price after the battle." That's insincere; words are unreliable. Lancelot didn't even bother to check what he looked like—a waste of time.
Thus, upon learning that Lancelot was not only a sniper but also a rare healer, he immediately became the focus of everyone's attention.
After all, anyone with a bit of combat experience knows how important sniper support and healer healing are in a chaotic battle. Those positions can protect your life; they're practically your lifesavers.
Not to mention these High-Rank Transcendent individuals, even the three Legendary showed goodwill towards Lancelot, albeit only with friendly smiles. But it's important to understand that this is already quite rare for noble Legendary powerhouses. Don't underestimate Legendary powerhouses just because Lancelot has dealt with Legendary and Epic a lot. In fact, on Planet Oklo, any Legendary is an absolute big shot, standing at the top of the pyramid of the Transcendent system.
Only in ultra-high-end areas like the Holy Sword Academy can Legendary figures be found in such a concentrated manner.
Amidst the chaotic atmosphere, Nadak's statistics came to an end.
"Now begin assigning combat positions."
"Three Legendary, each guarding one of the three anti-aircraft towers, responsible for guarding against any Legendary combat forces that the enemy might deploy, and serving as the supreme commanders of the three war zones."
"Other Transcendent individuals."
"Mengsidun, proceed to the First War Zone, the Third Ring Line, and take charge of the frontal blockade."
"Wenjinsen, Second War Zone, Second Ring Defense Line, responsible for medium- and long-range fire support."
"Dragon Tree, Third War Zone, Second Ring Defense Line, responsible for long-range fire support, pinpoint sniping, and medical assistance. Any combat personnel within a 1000-meter radius of Dragon Tree's location who are injured can seek treatment there. Furthermore, everyone within this area is obligated to protect Dragon Tree's safety."
To put it simply, Nadak meant that a small war zone would be formed centered around Lancelot, and he would be the core of this zone.
After these words were spoken, the remaining Transcendent who had not been assigned combat positions all looked at Lancelot with shining eyes, secretly hoping that they would be assigned to his small war zone.
However, compared to the entire Desolation City, the Dragon Tree small war zone was still too small. In the end, only about seven or eight Transcendent individuals were assigned to this area. Among them was the big man who handed Lancelot money at the beginning. His name was Hadio, Lancelot remembered this man's name.
Of course, all of the above are High-Rank Transcendent individuals, basically at the Tier Eight or above; otherwise, they would not be qualified to enter the pavilion.
Besides the High-Rank Transcendent and Legendary, there are even more mid-ranking and Lower Transcendent beings in the Desolation City. However, most of these people are expendable in the war. As one of the Alliance's generals once said, war is a ruthless meat grinder for lower-ranking officers and soldiers.
"Alright, the battle positions have been assigned. Everyone, go and prepare. According to intelligence, the enemy will attack in no more than three days. Also, the master promises that those who perform exceptionally well in this battle will receive generous rewards. If they satisfy the master, he will even give them 'divine crystals' as a reward."
Nadak began his pre-battle mobilization, calmly and skillfully drawing up a pie in the sky. It seemed he was quite adept at this, having done it more than once. But that's understandable; Sebawen Faith may lack many things, but it certainly doesn't lack charlatans who are good at talking and deceiving people.
The mobilization is over, and everyone is dismissed.
Just as Lancelot was about to leave, the burly Hadio approached. "Haha, Brother Dragon Tree, we're really destined to meet! I hope you'll take good care of me during the battle."
"Is it really fate?" Lancelot said with a half-smile.
"What else?" Hadio shrugged, but a sly glint flashed in his large, bell-shaped eyes; he was a man who was rough around the edges but shrewd underneath.
Lancelot shook his head, indicating that he should not say anything more.
Anyway, they gave us money and were quite sensible, so let's help them out. After all, this is what we do, and treating anyone is the same to us.
Following Lancelot were several High-Rank Transcendent. They looked at Hadio, who was chatting and laughing with Dragon Tree, with envy. Building good relationships before a battle could very well be a matter of life or death during the fight.