Chapter 1280: The Sharp Blade that Struck from Behind
It finally ended.
Stepping out of the room and looking at the same, gloomy sky, Rhode let out a helpless sigh. Following behind him quietly was Lesa, who held her usual silver staff. Even though it seemed like nothing changed, Rhode learned from the system that the projected players had restored all their strength. After receiving the ‘presence of G.o.d’ (in Lesa’s language) through consciousness from Rhode, Lesa exploded with great power, replenis.h.i.+ng the players’ strength immediately. Fortunately, they didn’t face any attacks from strange Chaos creatures. At least for now, everything seemed normal.
But…
I will never do this a second time.
Looking over his shoulder at Lesa, Rhode couldn’t help but swear in his mind. It wasn’t that Lesa didn’t satisfy him enough. As a matter of fact, the seduction and pleasure he felt from her youthful body were rather evocative. But the problem was that they weren’t actually enjoying the fun, but were carrying out a ritual instead—and a very rushed one.
A very rushed one.
It was so important that it had to be mentioned twice.
Rhode always controlled his pacing to cater to his partners’ needs, so both of them could reach the pinnacle of joy at the same time. This required a process of control, but the problem was that Lesa didn’t demand any blissfulness on her part. In addition to the lack of time, Rhode had no choice but to gather and drive all his strength into the young lady’s soft, tender body. This led to him feeling like he was suffering from premature e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.i.o.n. If this repeated a few more times, perhaps he would need to conceal his ident.i.ty and visit a specialized hospital for specific male diseases after transporting the Dragon Soul Continent to the solar system…
But then again, Lesa did give her all. After all, this was her first experience and yet, she had to withstand Rhode’s ‘violent storm’. But even so, she displayed her professionalism in ‘devoting’ herself to him. In the midst of his unbridled rampage, she suffered from blackouts several times, returned to her senses under the intense sensations of pleasure, and rolled her eyes again unconsciously under the fierce excitement. There was a period when Rhode suspected that he might get her killed… But even so, she insisted in completing the ritual, and Rhode was also aware that this was the critical period, so he also gnashed his teeth and persevered.
It wasn’t enjoyable at all, but more like a torture instead. I will never do it again!
As this thought cropped up in his mind, Rhode turned to Lesa. Even though the young lady seemed really calm from her expression, as though nothing happened, it was apparent from her limping that something was wrong. If she weren’t holding onto the silver staff for support, perhaps she would have a hard time walking.
“She sure is spirited…”
Rhode shook his head, staring at Lesa who didn’t seem to have any intention of stopping for a rest. He stooped over, extended his arms, and carried the limping young lady.
“M-Master?”
Facing this unexpected move by him, Lesa widened her eyes in bewilderment. It was apparent that she was at a complete loss. She looked at him in astonishment, her azure eyes glinting in doubtful flashes. Upon catching sight of her gaze, Rhode stretched out his arm and tapped her head.
“Alright, you can’t walk in this state now. Have a good rest before the battle commences later. Stay still and don’t move about. Dot it?”
“Yes… Master.”
Upon hearing his answer, Lesa nodded obediently and responded plainly. After hearing her reply, Rhode nodded in satisfaction, carried her in his arms, and sauntered across the corridor. Meanwhile, Lapis and the rest were still busy.
When Rhode and Lesa arrived at the site, they saw the perspiring Lapis setting up the Plane Destruction Bomb. According to Marlene and Lapis, they eventually decided to use the Dark Hall in the Darkness Palace as the core location of the explosion. At that moment, Lapis, Icy Snow, and the rest were busy completing the final installation.
The Dark Hall served as a venue for sacred ceremonies in the Country of Darkness, including national day celebration, the Dark Dragon’s inheritance ceremony, etc. That explained why this splendid and majestic hall with a capacity for 10,000 people was luxuriously decorated in every area. The floor was covered with marble tiles and bright red carpet. Sparkling crystal chandeliers and various black, sinister-looking obsidian sculptures added to the already oppressive, heavy, and solemn atmosphere. The pressure from standing in the center of this hall was enough to leave one breathless.
Well, it used to be that way…
But now…
“I just realized that Lapis has a talent for demolition too.”
Gazing at the dismantled and messy Dark Hall, Rhode couldn’t help but lament. The formerly solemn hall was now completely torn down beyond recognition. The thick, bright red, and luxurious carpet was ripped and tossed to the side. The exquisite sculptures were smashed into bits, while the crystal chandeliers hanging on the ceiling had fallen to the ground and were shattered into pieces. And the one who started it all lay beside the debris, extended her arms, and arranged the Plane Destruction Bomb with all of her attention.
“Ah, Big Brother.”
Upon seeing Rhode, Icy Snow, who stood guard in alertness, called all of a sudden. Then, she glanced at Lapis before approaching Rhode quietly.
“Why did it take so long? But it’s alright since everyone’s powers are restored. I wanted to ask you what exactly was going on, but I heard from Mirror that you blocked off all spiritual communications with you…” Icy Snow said, shooting a glance at the calm psychic in his arms. “… Is Lesa alright…?”
“The ritual was a success, but her body can’t handle the pressure and will need to rest for a while.”
Rhode couldn’t be considered to be lying. After all, that was indeed the truth if one only looked at the essentials without learning the details, wasn’t it? If it were Canary and Mini Bubble Gum, they would definitely pester further. But Icy Snow wasn’t as mature as Mini Bubble Gum, after all. It could also be said that Icy Snow was so ‘innocent’ that she was almost like a national treasure. After hearing Rhode’s explanation, Icy Snow nodded and didn’t ask any more questions. She was only curious to begin with, and now that she knew the reason, she wouldn’t pester him endlessly like Mini Bubble Gum.
“How is Lapis doing? What about the barrier on the outside?”
After laying Lesa down on a bench for her to recuperate, Rhode asked in a lowered voice. Even though no one mentioned it, they subconsciously stayed out of Lapis’s way. After all, she was carrying out a really dangerous task. If she were startled by something, perhaps Mini Bubble Gum’s disastrous premonition would turn into reality.
“Big Sister Lapis is doing fine. I was worried, but I didn’t expect her to be this serious when carrying out the task. The progress is smooth and already halfway through. As for the situation outside, it should be fine with Bubble and Big Sister Canary around. Earlier on, they faced ambushes from Chaos creatures, but most of them were driven away. The situation was rather tough when they relied upon Big Sister Lapis’s potions. But after recovering their strength, there haven’t been any more issues with our defenses.”
“Good to hear that. Continue to be wary of your surroundings.”
After hearing Icy Snow’s answer, Rhode heaved a sigh of relief, lifted his head, and scanned the surroundings in an odd expression.
“But I feel rather complicated… looking at that…”
“Yea, Big Brother, I feel like I’m in a movie… And I hate it.”
Upon hearing Rhode’s lament, Icy Snow’s expression also changed slightly and said in uncertainty.
It wasn’t surprising that they felt the same. At a glance, the entire hall was totally run-down. Wooden benches were removed and the sculptures on both sides were shattered. What caught their attention more were the rectangular, crystal gla.s.s-like boxes that were placed on the floor and tied to the walls. They flickered and emanated magical radiance rhythmically from time to time. But Rhode was clearly aware that what was hidden underneath the brilliance was the prelude to death.
According to Icy Snow, Lapis decided to plant nearly 15 Plane Destruction Bombs here to increase the success rate—just in case. Since the progress was more than half completed, Rhode and Icy Snow were now surrounded by seven to eight time bombs that were 10 times more powerful than nuclear bombs. If anything were to happen, they would be in for a whole lot of fun.
Not only that, but Rhode also understood what Icy Snow meant on another level. Because this scene reminded him of a movie where terrorists barged into a certain place, wreaked havoc, and captured everyone as hostages. Then, they used hostages as meat s.h.i.+elds and set up bombs in order to fulfill their anti-human and anti-social aspirations. And at that moment, a person known as the protagonist showed up, defeated the evil forces, and successfully removed the threats and dangers…
That’s a nice thought, isn’t it?
But it was a pity that reality wasn’t a movie. There weren’t that many protagonists who would step forward bravely as heroes. Besides… Even if they were here, perhaps it would be too late.
At this thought, the corners of Rhode’s mouth perked up slightly into a strange smile.
Ion must be attacking the front right now. I’m curious what expression that bast*rd shows when he learns about what was happening behind his back.
Rhode couldn’t help but reach for the pocket watch and look at the time. It had nearly been a day since the battle began. Since Ion didn’t seem to have the intention of returning, it proved that Orchid Heart had successfully made him take the bait. But perhaps she wouldn’t be able to hold on for too long. After all, with Orchid Heart’s forces, she might even invite more trouble if she went overboard.
***
It’s almost time.
Almost at the same time, this thought cropped up in Erin’s head. She stood above the city wall, gazing at the towering pile of Chaos creature corpses at the bottom. As of now, the situation was still under control. On the surface, even though it seemed like the city wall was crumbling under the cras.h.i.+ng waves of Chaos creatures, the city walls still held on strongly. Under Orchid Heart’s command, the mighty adventurers coordinated with the undead creatures in repelling waves after waves of Chaos creatures. What surprised Erin was that the adventurers also seemed experienced in such battles where they had lesser manpower on their side. Even when facing so many enemies, the adventurers had an easy time. Although they were mostly powerful, without such experience, not even a formidable being would be able to extricate oneself from the sea of Chaos. But now, the adventurers were apparently familiar with the style and tempo of Chaos and weren’t intimidated or overwhelmed by their ‘human wave attack’.
After all, in the game, no matter how many monsters there were, players were only able to create a party with a maximum of 100 members…
But even so, they were almost at their limits. Right now, the pile of corpses of Chaos creatures at the bottom were almost at the same height as the city walls. If this continued, perhaps this defensive line would be entirely submerged by Chaos creatures. When that happened, it would be meaningless no matter what tricks Orchid Heart had up her sleeves.
“We don’t have much time left.”
While Erin felt unsettling, Orchid Heart’s voice sounded in her ear. Upon hearing Orchid Heart’s words, Erin heaved a sigh of relief and turned to the sleepy young lady who had been holding a heavy, black tome in her hands since the start of the battle.
“Can we start now, Miss Orchid Heart?”
“Just a while more, a while more… But we’re almost there.”
Facing Erin’s question, Orchid Heart gave a confusing answer. Then, the latter opened her eyes all of a sudden, and ice-cold glints flashed.
“Alright then, let’s begin.”
Orchid Heart said, extended her arm into her pocket to reach for an oval device embedded with a beautiful gemstone. Then, she squeezed with force.
…!
The steel city walls trembled. Deep, ear-piercing sonic booms echoed in the sky, overwhelming the cries of battle. The Chaos creatures who were swarming ahead came to a standstill instinctively, gazing curiously at the steel city walls. Then, they witnessed trails of white steam spurt from the gaps in the city walls. Iron plates over the gaps flipped open all of a sudden, and razor-sharp, strong, and enormous triangular pyramids emerged out of the sleek walls! They spread out densely and let out a biting, cold, malevolent glow. Then, the trails of white steam emanating from their openings grew even more intense.
Boom———!
It was like a thunderclap. Along with the deafening rumbles, sharp, iron plates shot out from the bottom of the steel city walls abruptly like a bulldozer, slamming onto the pile of corpses. In loud booms, flashes of lightning erupted and linked with one another. In an instant, the steel city walls were enveloped in white flashes of dazzling lightning bolts that obliterated the Chaos creatures into powder before they retaliated. As for the piles of corpses below the city walls, they were nowhere to be seen. In the blink of an eye, the faltering defensive line became a reliable, solid fortress. The flickering lightning bolts formed a deadly no-man’s land that destroyed all intruders.
“This… This is…!”
Looking at this scene, Ion widened his eyes in bewilderment. He didn’t expect the enemies to be this capable! But… This also proved that the enemies were on the verge of collapse! Without any choice, the enemies resorted to using their ace in the hole. In other words, they couldn’t hold on for much longer!
In this case, I shall send them to their deaths!
At this thought, Ion grew more excited and agitated. He clenched his fists and stared straight ahead.
“Attack! Charge forward! Kill them all!”
The Chaos creatures didn’t stop at all as they continued to swarm the city walls regardless of peril.
However, Ion didn’t notice Orchid Heart, who stood above the steel city wall, to suddenly extend her arm to flip open the heavy tome in her other hand.
Then, she placed her finger on a page that was densely packed with various recorded runes.