The Approaching Nightmare Arrives

The final line of defense!

Everyone knew this day would come; sooner or later, the Scourge Legion would reach the final line of defense. It was only a matter of time. However, when this news spread throughout the United Kingdom, it inevitably stirred up turmoil and panic. But under Catherine's strong orders, all the unrest was suppressed. She blocked all outside information, so the people didn't know what had breached the second line of defense. The soldiers who participated in the battle were mostly vague in their accounts. To prevent further chaos, Catherine forbade them from returning to the capital and instead stationed them near the final line of defense. She also ordered them to be closely guarded to prevent anyone from saying anything that could undermine morale.

However, these measures failed to quell public panic.

What exactly happened at the front?!

We need to know the truth!

"The people's right to know must not be violated!"

Catherine raised an eyebrow as she watched the citizens holding up signs and chanting slogans on the street not far away.

Utterly foolish.

"Immediately disperse these people and issue a curfew. From today onwards, no gatherings or demonstrations of any kind are permitted without permission; anyone who does will be arrested and imprisoned immediately. No, since these people are shouting so loudly, send them all to the front lines and let them see the truth for themselves! If they think they haven't seen it clearly enough, then send them to the stormtroopers to have face-to-face contact with those undead."

"Yes!"

The officer standing beside Catherine said nothing. He solemnly bowed to the saint before him, then turned and left the room. Only then did Catherine's expression soften considerably. She rubbed her forehead in distress, then let out a long sigh. Clearly, Angela's problem this time had exceeded Catherine's capabilities. Unlike before, if she couldn't find the monster's weakness, then no amount of clever tricks would be of any use. However, as things stood, the situation didn't seem entirely pessimistic, but...

"It seems I have no choice but to take matters into my own hands."

Speaking softly, Catherine sighed helplessly.

Her Highness the Holy Maiden is about to personally lead the charge.

This news immediately boosted morale at the front, but it also had an impact on the rear. Various rumors circulated throughout the streets and alleys. Some said that Her Highness the Saintess was about to abandon them and planned to flee alone if the situation turned bad. Others worried that once Her Highness left the capital, the people in the surrounding areas would face an even greater threat than before. However, Catherine had naturally made preparations. Before leaving, she dispatched her personal priests to the vicinity to soothe the people's minds and help them stay away from the evil threat.

However, these priests were no longer devout believers, but rather evil children transformed by Catherine. With the help of Li Lin, Catherine made connections with several demon kings in Hell, promising them the souls of those who died in agony from despair and pleasure, thus gaining their assistance. These priests had long been brainwashed by the devils' sweet words and steadfastly carried out what they believed to be absolutely right under the guise of evil temptation. Their mission was to give hope to the people and then, in the final stage, utterly destroy it.

Admittedly, associating with demons is extremely dangerous, but the title of Arcane Mage is not to be underestimated. The Lord of the Nine Hells is a different story, but the other demon generals are completely powerless against Arcane Mage. They understand that if Li Lin discovers they've manipulated things, the demons might fight tooth and nail for a mere vacant demon general position for centuries to come. Considering the dangers, even the most adventurous demons would choose to act cautiously, not to mention Catherine n't need to worry about that.

Those once pure, kind, beautiful, and lovely pastors have now become prisoners of the devils. They are hopelessly immersed in Catherine's lies and the devil's instigations, having long abandoned their former kindness, replaced by hedonistic desires and greedy thrills. Catherine once witnessed their shameful behavior—laughing like harlots, naked and begging any man to ravage them. Was this indulgence? Addiction? Or depravity? Did they know that their souls were also part of the deal Catherine made with the devil?

However, these things are none of my concern.

When Catherine arrived at the front lines, it was already the afternoon of the third day. It must be said that the morale of the final defensive line was not very good. Although because it was close to the royal city, there was a constant supply of supplies to reinforce the entire defensive line, the soldiers here were under the greatest pressure. They knew very well that if they failed, then only the royal city would be left. Of course, given the current strength of the royal city of Dideyasi, it could barely be regarded as a defensive line. However, at that time, the residents living around the city walls would be unable to resist. Even now, they were living in tents, and only a few trenches had been dug symbolically for defense. However, any soldier who had fought against undead creatures knew very well that with that level of protection, it would be a miracle if they could withstand the Scourge Legion.

Although the frontline legion strictly followed Catherine's orders to isolate all the surviving soldiers from the second line of defense, this did not reassure the other soldiers. These soldiers included many veterans who had fought in numerous battles. While they might not understand the big picture, they were very familiar with military affairs. Such isolation must have been due to some unexpected factor. Whatever the reason, it only meant one thing: if the news spread, it would severely shake morale. That was why it was so thoroughly sealed off.

Even so, no one dared to say anything. After all, the soldiers knew better than anyone that the situation was tense and that they were not fighting humans, but completely different undead creatures. There was no room for leniency when fighting these creatures. So, even if they had doubts, they kept them to themselves and did not voice them.

Catherine's arrival revitalized the previously low morale.

Her Highness's personal appearance greatly stirred the soldiers' enthusiasm, especially after she spread her wings and surveyed the defensive line; her divine and warm radiance immediately dispelled the soldiers' deepest unease. Afterward, Catherine immediately went to the isolated soldiers, spoke with them in detail, and subsequently lifted their ban, allowing them to reintegrate into the army.

Afterwards, the soldiers defending the line learned the truth from these people: a terrifying, indescribable, bizarre, and enormous monster had devoured the second line of defense, swallowing them and everyone standing on them whole, completely digesting them. Nothing could stop their advance; even catapults and rockets were ineffective. This naturally caused panic among the soldiers, but the panic did not spread, because the veterans fiercely refuted the rumors spread by the new recruits.

"What a bunch of idiots! Since Her Highness allowed us to know what happened, she naturally has a way to deal with it. Look at you all, so scared you're practically wetting your pants!"

And so, thanks to the efforts of the veterans and senior officers, the front line returned to calm. Although everyone was still somewhat worried about the matter, they were also very clear in their minds that they could not leave this line of defense no matter what. After all, this was the last line of defense protecting them and those they were supposed to protect. If they were to escape, the only outcome would be death.

More importantly, Her Highness was with them, right beside them.

"That's what these stupid humans think."

Catherine leisurely sipped her black tea, glancing at the Nalu, with the same disdainful look, watched the soldiers diligently training on the defensive line.

"They'll definitely think, 'Ah, at least Her Highness the Holy Maiden is here. Even if we die, she won't live much longer...' See? These guys are so eager for me to become their sacrificial offering. In their eyes, even if we fail, as long as I die here, then their deaths won't have been in vain... Hmph, what a bunch of foolish idiots. Do they really think their efforts can withstand the army of their great master?"

The more desperate the situation, the more they struggle.

Nalu spoke softly.

"Let us witness these humans struggling and dying in despair, Your Highness."

"Of course, but the play has to be played out completely..."

At this point, Catherine put down her teacup.

Are you ready?

"Of course, although Angela's is extremely difficult to deal with, I believe that if used properly, we still have a chance to eliminate it."

"That's the only way."

Time passed day by day, and Catherine waited patiently for Angela to present her with the challenge.

Finally, five days later, the putrid, evil, and nauseating solid ocean appeared in people's sight.