Activate the Core of the Magic Empire

I know what you're thinking.

Li Lin paced back and forth in the somewhat simple hall, observing the people standing around him. They were all representatives chosen by Nia to attend this meeting after adjustments were made to their identities.

"However, I think you are also very clear about your current situation."

"Of course, 'Dominator'."

An old mage frowned slightly and answered.

"Our souls are able to remain in this world only because of your magic, and for that we are very grateful to you."

"Then, I think you should understand what I mean."

Li Lin spread his hands, explaining that his interaction with the monks was unlike that of ordinary citizens, where speeches and propaganda could achieve their goals. Those present were influential figures among the remaining population; if he could persuade them, they would no longer be a problem.

"I can be frank: I will only allow those who support me to remain. As for those who are unwilling to support me and help me achieve my plan, I will not waste my Magic Power to maintain their physical form. You are all mages. Therefore, you should understand how much power it takes to maintain such a massive spell. I will not waste my power on things that endanger myself. So, if anyone is unwilling to help me... they can return to the God of Death and see what they will become in their next life."

It was a blatant threat, but the mages present remained unfazed. Since their transformation, they had naturally anticipated this outcome.

"But, esteemed Arcane Mage."

The other mage looked somewhat hesitant.

"As you know, this spell can only maintain our physical presence within the barrier. If an enemy invades, we can hold them off for a while, but in our current state, we have no way to attack other countries. How do you plan to deal with this problem? You know, the mobile magic cannon is already..."

"I know they've been destroyed, and we can't find the right materials to repair them right now."

Li Lin gestured to stop the other person from continuing.

"I don't deny that there have been many difficulties. But I think you should now see what our city has become!"

Li Lin suddenly turned around and pointed out the window.

Remaining silent.

Under Li Lin's furious gaze, the mages lowered their heads one by one. They couldn't blame Li Lin, much less the other Arcane Mage. This war wasn't something they had started. The Arcane Mage had done everything they could for the country. Moreover, these mages, who had resisted to the very end against the Five-Nation Alliance's offensive, understood best. They, too, were unwilling to accept defeat.

"Perhaps you do not agree with my decision, but I have made it. Since the Five-Nation Alliance destroyed our country, I will make them suffer the same pain. Now, any of you who are unwilling to accompany me can speak up."

Li Lin glanced around at the mages, then sat back down on his throne.

Under his gaze, the monks whispered among themselves, and then the old monk who had raised the question earlier stepped forward again.

"Arcane Mage, we agree to serve you in principle. Like you, we have also lost loved ones and friends in this brutal war, and we will certainly not let those murderers go unpunished. However, realistically speaking, we are currently severely understaffed. Moreover, the Imperial Capital is such a large city that it is beyond the capacity of our current population. Do you have any good solutions to this problem?"

"I think you might not know this yet."

Li Lin gently tapped the armrest of the chair before speaking.

"The Five-Nation Alliance has been keeping a close eye on us. Because of my magical barrier, they haven't been able to attack this place. Now that the barrier is gone, given the current low level of their Mages' Association, they certainly can't guess what happened. I think they'll rush over to investigate. In fact, I agree with you; the Capital of the Magic Empire's capital is simply too vast, and our manpower alone can hardly protect such a massive city. But... we won't let the Five-Nation Alliance's dirty hands touch our land again!"

At this point, Li Lin slammed his hand on the table and stood up.

"Therefore, I will activate the core."

Then, his face darkened, and he uttered a statement that astonished all the mages.

"You can't do this! Your Arcane Mage! We all know that the entire capital city relies on the city core of thirteen Arcane Mage to function. If you do this, then this city..."

A young mage stopped mid-sentence with a strange expression, clearly understanding Li Lin's thoughts.

I won't leave them anything, not even a single brick or tile.

Li Lin didn't explain. The mage's pause just now indicated that he understood his intentions, and the other mages were clearly not fools either.

"Therefore, I require you to immediately gather all remaining valuables and transport them to Ringwraith City... The Five-Nation Alliance is not foolish; I believe they will arrive here in no more than two days. You must complete this as quickly as possible. Any further questions?"

Without further questions, the mages quickly turned and left. Li Lin nodded in satisfaction. Although, due to the war, most of the combat-skilled mages had perished when the city fell, leaving mostly support roles such as document processing and logistics, this very fact meant they were better able to see things clearly than those mages who devoted most of their energy to combat research. He had laid everything out before these mages; how to handle and choose was their next task. It was time for them to play this role. Li Lin understood that he didn't have enough troops and manpower for a large-scale war, but he naturally had his own methods to solve this problem.

Under Nia's command, the city gradually began to stir. The mages started looking for work they could do and diligently completed it. Although they had considered whether anyone would oppose their actions, the results showed that Li Lin's worries were unfounded. Although these mages were the last to die, this also meant that they were the ones who knew most about the atrocities committed by the Five-Nation Alliance. They had witnessed the Five-Nation Alliance kill their guardians, their families, their friends, and their relatives, and then die in despair and resentment. This resentment had lasted for a thousand years, no less than the anger and hatred Li Lin felt. Some mages even declared that unless the Five-Nation Alliance became a dead city, this hatred would remain forever unresolved.

Amidst this unprecedented surge of enthusiasm, the mages worked with exceptional efficiency. Although most of the valuables had been destroyed when the city fell, many items remained. They were all sent to the basement of Ringwraith City for safekeeping, and according to Nia and Suoxiate's reports, the core restoration work was nearing completion.

Finally, in the early hours of the third day, Li Lin received a message from Angela.

"Master, I have discovered that quite a few humans are heading in your direction."

Angela casually waved away the bats swarming around her, and spoke with a cold, wicked smile.

"Very good."

Li Lin nodded slowly. After repairs, the once dilapidated mage tower had been almost restored to its original appearance, though of course, it was still dilapidated.

"Let's get started."

He took Angela's small hand and led her onto the balcony, overlooking the magnificent, now ruined, megacity. The sun was slowly rising above the horizon, casting its beautiful, soft light upon the entire city.

"Um?"

Only then did Angela squint in surprise. Looking down from above, she seemed to have discovered something she hadn't noticed before.

I seem to have forgotten to tell you something.

Noticing the little guy's surprise, Li Lin patted his head with a proud and smug smile.

"This city wasn't originally built on the ground."

With that, Li Lin snapped his fingers and gave the order.

"Nia, begin the operation."

The cold wind was like a knife.

The knight commander exhaled a breath of cold air and looked towards the horizon, where the sun's rays could already be seen. After continuous marching, they were now somewhat exhausted. Even such an elite force would inevitably feel weary after such a long march.

"Captain, we're almost at our destination."

"Um."

Listening to his adjutant's report, the knight commander nodded, then took a deep breath and shouted.

"Alright, cheer up! That cursed place is just ahead. Don't forget your mission! Also, be aware of your surroundings. According to intelligence, we're not the only ones here! Be careful, watch out for unexpected events!"

Almost Five-Nation Alliance had borders connected to this dreadful place. Therefore, intelligence reports had long indicated that they would also send troops to investigate.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing the command, the knights quickly adjusted their formation, spreading out rapidly, watching their surroundings warily, and slowly emerging from the dense forest.

Then, everyone stood there, stunned.

As the morning sun shone, the city, shrouded in mist for a thousand years, finally revealed its true face to the world.

The massive stone pillars, weathered by a thousand years, remain flat and wide enough to allow two hundred-man cavalry units to advance side by side. The collapsed walls cannot conceal its former glory; the entire ruin, bathed in sunlight, exudes an unusual sense of majesty, inspiring even battle-hardened soldiers a deep sense of awe.

This is the legendary capital of the Magic Empire, once hailed as the most powerful city.

"Stop daydreaming, stay alert!"

As the commander, the knight captain quickly regained his senses. He dismounted, simultaneously alerting the other knights who were still lost in their own world. They all jumped off their horses, took their reins, and carefully set foot on the road to the Capital of the Magic Empire.

Looking around, there was no one in sight. It was a dead city, as if no living beings remained within it.

The knights stopped in their tracks, not immediately venturing inside to investigate, because they could feel the ground beneath their feet beginning to tremble slightly.

An earthquake? Or something else is heading my way?

The puzzled knights drew their longswords and looked around, but the next moment, they all stared at the huge, dilapidated city before them, their eyes widening in astonishment.

The vast, boundless city, now radiating a soft glow, slowly rose from the ground under the sunlight.