The Approaching Nightmare, Serenade

Scattered pebbles rained down from the sky, striking the bats heavily. The intense heat forced them to retreat in panic, letting out cries of resentment.

"Truly worthy of being Catherine."

Looking at the gradually collapsing array before her, Angela couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

Just as Angela had predicted, when she led the Scourge Legion to the second line of defense, she encountered resistance again, and this time, even Angela suffered a minor setback.

Catherine's battle plan was executed flawlessly, but compared to the previous plan which only existed on paper, the attack Angela was facing was clearly an improvement. Soldiers loaded small stones into catapults and heated them with fire underneath, then the priests cast a binding spell to solidify the stones and prevent collateral damage. Finally, when the flying monsters reached the city walls, the catapults launched the solidified, high-heat stones. In mid-air, as the binding force dissipated, the stones scattered, using their immense impact and intense heat to destroy the enemy.

It must be said that the results were even better than expected.

Not only were the flying monsters forced to retreat by the onslaught of these scorching stones, but even the Scourge Legion on the ground were not spared. Regardless of whether they hit the enemy, these stones were bound to fall to the ground, causing considerable losses to the undead creatures on the ground. Although they didn't care about the potential for piercing injuries, the high temperature of the stones could easily ignite them, since corpses are inherently flammable. In this situation, if Angela didn't respond quickly, it might turn into a wildfire.

It must be said that this tactic was extremely effective. Stones are not living beings, and Angela couldn't create "stone zombies." Therefore, the number of losses wasn't a problem. Moreover, unlike weapons like arrows and longswords, stones were everywhere, especially in a country like Dideyasi. Although their mountains didn't have much ore, they had plenty of stones. Even if they didn't have small stones, they could still use large stones after smashing them... Furthermore, this approach significantly reduced the casualty rate of the allied forces. It must be said that Catherine's tactic was indeed very useful.

"Our master was right back then. If this woman hadn't been under our control, she would indeed have been a problem."

"Catherine is very smart. Now you admit it?"

Watching the Scourge Legion continue to suffer their deaths, Li Lin raised an eyebrow. Just as Angela had said, Catherine's intelligence, political acumen, and cautious approach made her a formidable opponent. If she weren't now his subordinate and servant, this battle would undoubtedly be even more difficult. Although Angela had intended to force Catherine to use her wisdom to "fight to the death," the Angela situation was clearly somewhat unexpected. After all, Catherine, as a saintess, was a civil official, not a military commander, and not familiar with military matters. Yet, even under these circumstances, she could propose such a highly feasible strategy against the undead attacks, which was quite surprising.

If Catherine were still the saintess of the God of Justice and possessed such abilities, she would undoubtedly be a target that required considerable attention. Fortunately, it seems that the decision to capture this saintess was absolutely correct.

"I have never considered her a fool."

Angela wrinkled her nose in dissatisfaction.

"However, since she has decided to do this, I naturally have a countermeasure."

As she spoke, Angela raised the fan that was covering her mouth. Then, with a "snap," she closed it again.

With this action, the undead army, which had been relentlessly surging forward like a tide, suddenly paused. Then, they retreated rapidly, like waves before a tsunami, revealing a land filled with corpses, blood, and darkness.

"Temporarily halt operations."

Angela a cold laugh.

"I have my own plans."

The Scourge Legion has retreated!

As the soldiers stared in disbelief at the terrifying undead army disappearing once more on the horizon, they could hardly believe their eyes. While Catherine's tactics had dealt a heavy blow to the undead, only those who had experienced it firsthand truly understood the power of these terrifying creatures. The undead were like a stagnant pool; although the catapults had inflicted considerable damage, to these soldiers, it was akin to throwing pebbles into a still pond—creating ripples, but ultimately sinking to the bottom, failing to fundamentally alter the outcome of the battle. After all, the Scourge Legion's numbers were simply too vast. Facing a million undead, even with ample firepower, the soldiers felt a profound fear and trembling at the prospect of death. It was as if a raging tide was relentlessly crashing against a fragile dam.

But now, a scene they had never imagined unfolded before them: the surging tide receded on its own, disappearing from their sight! Even the terrifying, flying monsters that had been hovering in the sky vanished. This unimaginable spectacle was nothing short of a miracle.

However, after regaining their composure from the euphoria of victory, the commander of the defensive line immediately issued orders to rebuild the line and repair the damaged sections. At the same time, a military intelligence report was sent to the capital as quickly as possible, informing the eagerly awaiting nobles of the royal city about the situation of the battle.

Although in everyone's mind, the previous lines of defense were merely "stumbling blocks" meant to wear down, resist, and hinder the Scourge Legion's advance—opportunities they believed might buy them time, but had no chance of victory—this military report immediately caused a huge uproar in the royal city. "Blocking" is one thing, "forcing back" is quite another. This meant that they not only possessed the power to hinder the Scourge Legion, but could even defeat them!

The military intelligence report was immediately disseminated by Catherine, and the entire territory of Dideyasi erupted in jubilation, as lively as a New Year's celebration. People were discussing the victory against the Scourge Legion and were filled with unprecedented confidence. If before they had only been prepared to die resisting the evil Magic Empire and the Legion of the Dead, now they not only had the resolve to die, but also the confidence to survive! They not only had the determination to resist the Scourge Legion, but also the confidence to defeat it!

Of course, with this victory, Catherine's personal reputation was once again pushed to an unprecedented high. People praised the saintess's intelligence and cheered for her. After the terrible disaster and the threat of foreign invasion, everything Catherine brought made the people feel as if they saw the only light that could save them in the darkness. The people firmly believed that as long as the saintess was still by their side, with them, then they still had hope—the hope of defeating evil.

As long as she remains by their side.

"Of course I'll be by your side."

Standing at the window, gazing at the crowds outside, Catherine gave a barely perceptible, cold smile.

"Until the right time comes."

"You've really taught Angela a lesson this time."

Li Lin put down his teacup and looked at the Holy Maiden before him.

"The little guy is very angry."

"I can tell."

Upon hearing this, Catherine's fingers trembled slightly, but she quickly regained her composure and then looked at Li Lin with a smile.

"In fact, I originally thought Miss Angela would punish me personally, and to be honest, I was mentally prepared..."

"If you are injured, then the rest of the game cannot proceed."

Li Lin spread his hands and shrugged.

"So, I've come to see how you're doing... It seems you're doing quite well."

Upon hearing this, Catherine smiled sweetly and turned to look out the window.

"I doubt anyone would expect that the supreme ruler of the Magic Empire we are currently fighting against would be here having tea and chatting."

"One of them."

Li Lin raised an eyebrow and changed Catherine's statement.

"We already have two Arcane Mages, although that guy isn't quite there yet."

"But in my heart, you are the only one, my master."

Catherine's gaze finally turned serious.

"Furthermore, I doubt I will live to see the future prosperity of your empire."

"You're a smart person."

Hearing this, Li Lin's expression didn't change. Although Angela had never mentioned this matter to him, Li Lin naturally guessed that Her Highness had made her choice. Li Lin also understood that this choice was unfair; she had sacrificed enough and paid a heavy price for herself and the Magic Empire. She wandered here alone, carrying out Li Lin's plan under immense pressure. Even Angela had spoken highly of her.

"She's a very nice woman."

The little guy had a rare look of pride on his face; it was hard to tell if he was showing off his good taste or something else.

Unfortunately, her fate will not change.

This wasn't just Angela's thought, but also Li Lin's. Regardless, Catherine carried the bloodline of the heroes of the Five-Nation Alliance; she was a descendant of the Five Heroes and naturally had to pay the price for what her ancestors had done. Although she had already made considerable amends, it was far from enough... Bloodline—this was something inseparable, yet something Li Lin absolutely had to eliminate. He would not tolerate the continued existence of the bloodline of any murderer who had destroyed his empire; they had to be severed, without exception.

"Now that you understand your destiny, there's nothing more I need to say... Because of your bloodline, I can't offer you many promises, but I assure you, I will never forget you."

At this point, Li Lin raised his head and stared intently at Catherine before him. The saintess was also staring back at him without fear, as if she was waiting for something or considering something. However, in the end, she nodded.

"This is more than enough for me, Master."

Upon hearing this, Catherine's smile became more genuine.

"I assure you that I will complete your task perfectly, right up to the very last moment. This is my promise to you."

"Well... I'm looking forward to a good result."

Upon hearing this, Catherine bowed deeply, answering with her actions. When she looked up again, Li Lin had already disappeared.