Chapter 385

Chapter 385

William chose to accept this formidable challenge in pursuit of his interests and long-term development. This marked the beginning of the Imperial War's pioneer phase. However, with an army of 1.8 million players, it was undeniable that strong orcs would attempt to obstruct their advance and employ covert tactics.

Various magical fields and Forbidden Spells posed additional threats, and the players' chances of escaping unscathed were slim. In the event of a major defeat, the loss would be significant, and the reputation of Dawn City would suffer. Particularly with such a large force, even enemy experts would be difficult to counter.

To elaborate further, there existed an unwritten rule among the gods regarding battlefield distinctions: low-end, middle-end, and high-end. The low-end battlefield catered to junior and intermediate Professionals, while the middle-end battlefield hosted conflicts between high-level and master warriors. The high-end was reserved for epic and Legendary battles. Generally, the powerful refrained from involving themselves in conflicts beneath their status.

However, when the situation escalated, such as when large numbers of players were involved, and resurrection was a possibility, the adherence to these rules often waned. Therefore, William's approach involved not showcasing the sheer quantity of players and preventing them from attacking as a unified force.

Consequently, William the prince promptly divided the players into 18 legions, each consisting of 100000 individuals, aptly named Legion 1 through Legion 18. Their mission was to capture the 18 steel fortresses held by the Frost Orc Empire in the northernmost reaches of the far north. The orc empire occupied the north, while the Northern Duchy and the Snow Elves resided in the south. Along the borders of the three powers, the orc Empire had established 18 formidable steel fortresses.

The Blue Frost Empire and the Snow Elves had also set up eight fortresses along their territory's border to fend off the orc Empire's incursions and vie for resources. This ongoing struggle had persisted for millennia, and the focus wasn't necessarily on capturing the fortresses but on kindling the first battle with fiery determination, sacrifice, and fearlessness.

As William prepared to motivate the players by offering rewards, an envoy from The Blue Frost Empire arrived in the Snow Elf, Capital City on the eve of the war. In response, the top leaders of the three Elves convened a meeting, attended by Snow Elf KING Bernice Frost, Moonlight Elf Elders Preti Moonlight, and Black Leaf Elf Second Elder Anderson Black Leaf.

Since the dark army of Moonlight Island had been led by Cronus, the Moonlight Elves who had withdrawn from Moonlight Island had not elected a new Elf KING. The role of the Moon Elf Elf KING was currently assumed by Elder Carmelo, the only Sage among the Moon Elves, overseeing all Moon Elf matters.

The Black Leaf Elf KING had not attended the meeting, but his brother, Anderson Black Leaf, the second elder of the Black Leaf Elves, a strong Legendary-ranked warrior, would oversee all military tasks on behalf of the Black Leaf Elves KING. In essence, as the three Elves prepared to confront the orc Empire, the need for a commander-in-chief was evident. The Black Leaf Elf KING and the Moonlight Elf Elder preferred not to attend and converse on this matter.

Furthermore, the geographical challenge in the Frost Forest pitted them against the orc Empire, their far northern neighbor. In this harsh environment, launching an assault on the fortresses and navigating snow-covered mountains with sparse vegetation to challenge the orc empire was no small feat. The Snow Elves possessed more Experience in such warfare, particularly with their formidable leaders, the Snow Elf KING, the Frost King, and the Ice Queen, all of whom were not only women but also held the revered status of a Sage.

On the continent, the presence of gods has dwindled significantly, almost to the brink of extinction. Among the few remaining, Bernice Frost stands as a notable figure. She is brimming with reasons, excuses, and authority.

In short, it's best not to engage in disputes with women, especially with a female Sage. As a Legendary warrior, the Black Leaf Elf King, well aware of his inferiority in hand-to-hand combat, has no interest in provoking potential adversaries.

Similarly, the Moon Elf Elder, Carmelo, possessing the holiest name among the three races, has no inclination to vie for control with a female Elf King. Hence, as long as the three factions deploy their forces sensibly, they aim to avoid casualties and steer clear of becoming the target of aggression in the final showdown.

Within the conference hall, numerous Legendary and epic high-level Professionals from the three ethnic groups are present, along with Elf princes and princesses representing their respective races. While William is not the lowest-ranking attendee, he is on the lower end of the hierarchy. However, his status has been elevated as Dawn City has brought not only 100000 regular troops but also 1.8 million Intermediate Level players.

Even so, he can't help but feel a bit out of place. Seated at the front row and at the center of power among the three factions' representatives, he now represents a formidable force and Dawn City. Nobody perceives him as a mere child anymore.

However, at the southernmost end of the table sits the emissary of The Blue Frost Empire, the venerable Mage of Time, Kieran Time. Clad in a snow-white magic robe, his elderly visage and white beard make him appear like an ordinary old man, devoid of the aura of a Grand Enchanter.

Now, he rises and, after scanning the room, gestures politely, saying, "I have had the pleasure of meeting Your Majesty, the Fairy Queen, Elder Black Leaf, Elder Moonlight, and esteemed friends."

Bernice Frost nods in acknowledgment, and the Black Leaf and Moonlight Elders offer their salutes. Other attendees follow suit, showing their respect for the Grand Enchanter of the Time Department.

Kieran Time then turns his gaze towards William and offers a warm smile as he begins, "I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to William Blackleaf. Without Prince William's thoughtful guidance, the Northern Duchy might have become a desolate wasteland by now. My king has sent me here to convey his gratitude and bring a token of appreciation. Please, do not decline."

William stands and replies with a smile, "The courtesy is greatly appreciated, Mage Kieran. Humans and Elves have been historical allies for countless eras. This is merely our duty."

Kieran smiles in response but quickly gets to the Point. "The Blue Frost Empire does not intend to obstruct the Elves in their war. We merely wish to participate on our own terms. However…"

Bernice Frost interjects, her tone sharp, "And what is it that you wish to object to? Speak your mind. I'm here to listen. I'm also curious whether the Far North belongs to you or me. Can The Blue Frost Empire truly represent all Humans on this Legendary continent or even across the nine continents?"

Kieran takes a deep breath, realizing he's in a challenging position. However, as the official Chief Mage of The Blue Frost Empire, the honorary president of the Royal Academy of Magic, and a key figure in the cabinet, he can't afford to back down. He continues, "Your Majesty, you misunderstand. The Empire doesn't seek to prevent the Elves from going to war. We only wish to partake in this conflict in our own way. Our intentions are clear; we don't seek to meddle."

His words cause discontent among the Elves in attendance. The three Elves have embarked on this war with confidence in their ability to win, and the cost and resource allocation have been carefully considered. The Blue Frost Empire's involvement, while potentially reducing losses, also hints at a desire to share in the resources of the Far North.

Bernice maintains her composure, her thoughts inscrutable. She eventually states, "Very well, how do you propose to participate?"

Kieran seems perplexed and asks, "You're assigning us to control eight of the military fortresses? Is that what you meant?"

Bernice retorts with a sardonic smile, "Do you have an objection? Weren't you eager to participate?"

Kieran Time sighs inwardly. The queen's tactics have cornered him, and he's left with little choice. Reluctantly, he concedes, "Very well, Your Majesty. As you wish, you shall have control."

With that, the negotiations proceed, and the fate of the upcoming war begins to take shape.

"Well, you have the option to remain here in the future as the military alliance's liaison envoy between the two sides."

"Well, that's an interesting offer. I don't think I need it…"

"No, the three Elves have a lot of experienced Professionals. Please instruct them carefully!"

Keelan heard this direct comment and couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness, pursing her lips.

I'm quite frustrated.

Maybe he'll stay here until the end of the war.

But suddenly, William's eyes lit up.

I have to admit.

Kieran's timing is perfect!

However, in the later stages of the game, the only timing expert on the Legendary continent is the Sage.

Bernice has a keen eye.

It's a good idea to have him train law of time Professionals.

Especially since not only can Old Leather seize the opportunity to find a mentor.

He suddenly had a great idea.

William narrowed his eyes and gave a deep look to Kieran, the old man, thinking, "Brother, you're my ticket to success."

Kieran glanced back at William and found that the entire conference hall seemed to be quite impressed with him, silently deducting 180 Points of favor.

A spark passed between them.