The interior of the Strategic Hall was extraordinarily vast, with a towering dome covered in magical light screens displaying various data streams and energy maps. At the center stood a massive circular energy platform projecting an ultra-high-precision magical holographic map of the entire Muret Continent. Blue light points representing the Alliance forces intertwined densely with glaring red points symbolizing the "Doomsday Rebirth" forces. Across large swathes of the western and northern fronts, the scarlet hue of destruction held an overwhelming advantage, spreading like lethal, ever-expanding poisonous blood.
Surrounding the central platform was an enormous round table forged from a dark alloy that emanated stable energy fluctuations. Seated around it were fifteen individuals.
At the head sat five figures of extraordinary presence, representing the highest core of power within the Alliance:
1. Elven Queen Sylvia Sunshine: Her silver-white hair flowed like liquid moonlight, radiating a soft halo. Her features were exquisitely flawless, her demeanor noble and serene, as though she could soothe any turmoil. Yet deep within her emerald eyes lay an unshakable worry mingled with iron resolve. The long robe she wore shimmered with flowing natural runes.
2. Beast King Nuti Ursa: Towering and extraordinarily muscular, yet his physique was sleek and explosive like a leopard's — not the slightest clumsiness. His fiery red eyes flickered with a blend of wisdom and wildness. A pair of long, short-furred rabbit ears occasionally stood alert or twitched subtly to catch the faintest sounds. He wore light alloy armor adorned with tribal totems.
3. Dwarven King Secret Forging Titan: Stocky as an anvil, his thick copper-red beard was meticulously braided with metal rings signifying master craftsmanship, reaching down to his waist. He gripped the "Frostforge Testament" staff — its head set with a huge sapphire that constantly exuded chilling air. Merely sitting there, he radiated the immovable, undeniable weight and authority of a mountain. Heavy runic plate armor covered his entire body.
4. Sarto Alliance Representative, Elder Xuanjia: Encased in thick, naturally textured dark-brown bio-shell armor; his skin resembled reef rock weathered by eons of seawater — rough yet indestructible. His movements were slow and deliberate, as if every action required profound consideration. Yet his deep-brown eyes held the unfathomable depth, vicissitude, and world-piercing wisdom of the boundless ocean.
5. Human King Aldrich of the Secret-Sath Federation: His dazzling golden hair was impeccably combed, his features stern and sharply defined. He wore an opulent white ceremonial robe trimmed in gold, beneath which lay skin-tight energy-conduction under-armor. His gaze was piercing, carrying the scrutiny of a born ruler along with a trace of anxiety forcibly suppressed, faintly visible at the corners of his tightly pressed lips. A small holographic tactical sandbox hovered beside his chair.
The other ten were key retainers and high-ranking generals accompanying the five monarchs: elven archmages, dwarven strategists and inspectors, beastkin war shamans, amphibious abyssal priests, human generals and court mages — each one exuding powerful aura, their expressions equally grave as they fixed their eyes on the central hologram.
The sudden intrusion of Fa's group was like hurling a massive stone into a seemingly calm yet roiling deep pool, instantly shattering the oppressive balance inside the Strategic Hall.
"Who goes there?! Guards!" King Aldrich reacted first, surging to his feet like an enraged lion, fury almost erupting from his face as he bellowed. The shout echoed through the vast hall. Behind him, his general instantly drew a longsword shimmering with enchanted light; the court mage conjured a dangerous ball of primal arcane energy in his hand. The ambient mana instantly tautened.
"Wait!" A loud voice filled with surprise cut through Aldrich's roar. Nuti Ursa's fiery red rabbit eyes burst with undisguised joy the moment he recognized the newcomers — especially Kayla's familiar figure. "Kayla?! It's you! How did you…" His gaze quickly swept over the others. "And… Fa? Arya?" He recognized the visitors who had once come to his Claw Empire.
"TISK! You little rascal, how did you get here?" Secret Forging Titan's booming voice rang like a giant hammer striking an anvil, brimming with unconcealed delight and familiarity. His bell-like eyes fixed on his old friend Hills Kingsk's grandson. "Seeing you kids safe and sound puts my heart at ease!" He gave Fa and the others a solemn nod, eyes filled with a senior's genuine concern.
"Fa, Arya, may the light of nature guide your steps. Your safe return is the greatest comfort." Queen Sylvia inclined her head gracefully, warmth and palpable relief shining in her emerald eyes.
Elder Xuanjia slowly turned his massive, thick-shelled head. His deep-brown gaze passed over the group and settled on Zhamisi. A rare ripple stirred in his eyes. His voice rumbled low like an ocean tide: "Zhamisi… welcome back." He gave her a slight nod — a simple gesture that carried the Sarto Alliance's formal recognition of her identity and strength.
Only King Aldrich's face remained ashen. His gaze darted back and forth between Fa's group and the visibly delighted other four monarchs, finally locking onto Rex — whose armor was grotesque, distinctly non-human, and flowed with unknown technological sheen. His tone was thick with distrust and irritation at having a critical meeting interrupted: "Your Majesties Nuti! Secret Forging! What time is it?! The front lines burn with war; every moment decides the life and death of tens of thousands of soldiers! Every decision concerns the survival of the Alliance! And you allow these unidentified, suspicious outsiders who barged into the highest military command center to interrupt such a vital strategic conference?!" He jabbed a finger toward the silently standing Rex, words sharp almost to the point of accusation: "What even is that metal construct? Who can guarantee they aren't infiltrators or spies sent by Doomsday Rebirth?! They must be detained and interrogated immediately!"
Fa met Aldrich's gaze — filled with suspicion and hostility — without flinching. She performed a standard, respectful salute befitting an audience with royalty: "Your Majesty Aldrich, Your Majesties, Elder Xuanjia. We did not intend to intrude. The situation is extremely urgent and concerns the outcome of the entire western front and perhaps the fate of the Alliance's war effort. We have just returned from the abyss of Ghost Island, bearing intelligence and an opportunity that can turn the tide."
"Intelligence? An opportunity?" Aldrich gave a cold laugh, clearly believing not a single word. He leaned forward, hands pressing on the cold alloy table, exuding pressure. "On what basis? On the fact that it's just a handful of you? On the fact that you trespassed into headquarters? And that suspicious metal monster? I need concrete proof, not empty boasts!"
"Your Majesty!" Fa's tone sharpened, her gaze sweeping like lightning across every retainer, minister, and general present. "This matter is of utmost importance and involves highly classified secrets. To prevent any leak, I earnestly request that all accompanying personnel temporarily withdraw outside the doors!" Her eyes locked pointedly on Aldrich — the meaning clear: even his most trusted aides must leave.
"Absurd!" Aldrich laughed in furious disbelief, voice rising. "Every person here is a pillar of the Alliance! My right-hand men! You ask me to dismiss my inner circle — are you trying to isolate me so you can commit treachery? Or is this so-called 'classified intelligence' actually some shameful plot?! Planning an assassination or theft of secrets?!" The atmosphere instantly plunged to freezing. Swords were gripped tighter; dangerous energy flickered at sword edges and staff tips. Magical and technological targeting locks enveloped Fa's group.
"Your Majesty Aldrich, please calm yourself." Queen Sylvia's melodious voice flowed like clear spring water, carrying intangible authority and deftly easing the near-explosive tension. "Fa and her companions once ventured deep into peril, clashed directly with several high-ranking members of Doomsday Rebirth, and saved the Emerald Forest from catastrophe. I, Sylvia Sunshine, vouch for their character, courage, and ability on the honor of the elven race." Her emerald eyes turned to Fa with both inquiry and support. "Fa, is this matter truly so confidential that it must be handled this way?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." Fa nodded gravely, gaze sweeping every monarch present. "It concerns two powerful reinforcements capable of completely turning the war situation, as well as… a potentially fatal shadow that may already lurk within our ranks. Even the slightest leak could cause total collapse and render the sacrifices of our frontline soldiers meaningless!"
"Hmph!" Nuti Ursa folded his powerfully muscled arms; his fiery rabbit ears twitched irritably several times, producing faint whooshes. "Aldrich, enough babbling. If your aides hesitate even at an order like this, how can we talk about iron military discipline? It would be chaos on the battlefield! I trust them! My people — out, now!" He roared at the beastkin shamans and generals behind him, voice brooking no argument.
Secret Forging Titan gave a heavy grunt like muffled thunder, copper beard bristling. His huge eyes glared at his two most trusted advisors — Grand Strategist Grian and Iron Law Officer Anlus: "What are you waiting for? Didn't you hear them and me? Out! Wait at the door! Is my order less reliable than your ears?" The dwarven king's authority was beyond challenge.
Elder Xuanjia spoke slowly, voice deep as abyssal waves, carrying unshakable conviction: "Caution is not cowardice; trust requires foundation. Warriors of Sarto, withdraw for now." The amphibious commanders behind him bowed slightly and retreated silently.
Under the clear, firm stances of the four monarchs, Aldrich's expression shifted several times — from ashen to flushed. Finally, under Queen Sylvia's calm yet resolute gaze, he ground out the order through clenched teeth: "…All of you, withdraw! Guard the door. Without my command, no one approaches! Maintain maximum alert!" His retainers flashed reluctant looks but dared not disobey, sheathing weapons and filing out with wary, suspicious glances at Fa's group.
The massive alloy doors sealed shut once more. Inside remained only the five monarchs and Fa's party. Outside, TISK and Kayla stood guard on either side of the entrance like immovable sentinels. Inside, Rex's armor emitted an almost inaudible low hum; an invisible wide-spectrum scan wave rippled outward, instantly covering every corner of the Strategic Hall.
"Scan complete. Environment secure. No listening devices detected. No anomalous energy窃取 traces. No invisible entities present." Rex's cold mechanical voice reported clearly.
Almost simultaneously, Celestia's psychic sensing and Salsa's soul-body probing returned "safe, no surveillance" confirmations from outside.
Fa no longer hesitated. She looked straight at the five rulers who held the continent's fate and delivered the first earth-shaking revelation:
"Your Majesties, Elder Xuanjia. I bring news of reinforcements: after thirty years of seclusion, the 'Lightfeather Dome' Winged Race, and the soul-body race dwelling deep within Ghost Island, have decided to abandon isolation and formally join the Alliance to fight Doomsday Rebirth together! Their main forces will arrive at the primary Muret battlefront in the near future!"
"What?!" Even these five seasoned, iron-willed monarchs could not help but gasp in shock, faces filled with sheer disbelief.
King Aldrich shot to his feet again, golden hair seeming to tremble from the impact. Hands braced on the table, he leaned forward, suspicion written large: "The Winged Race?! The soul-body race?! They have long been races cut off from the world! How is this possible?! Why would they enter the war now? How did you gain their trust? Empty words prove nothing — where is the evidence?!"
Queen Sylvia's emerald eyes blazed with dazzling light —That was the ecstasy and excitement of suddenly seeing a glimmer of hope in the depths of despair.: "Lightfeather Dome… children of the sky… they are actually willing to descend to the mortal world once more and answer the continent's call?" As an elf, she understood better than anyone the reasons behind the Winged Race's withdrawal.
Secret Forging Titan slammed the alloy table with a resounding "boom," copper beard quivering violently: "Good! Excellent! The soul-body race may be eerie and secretive, but their soul magic is the real deal — powerful enough to shake even dwarven iron wills! Let's see those Doomsday filth who toy with souls and breed monstrosities strut now!" Revenge and exhilaration burned in his eyes.
Nuti Ursa's fiery eyes gleamed like blazing coals. Fists clenched until joints cracked: "This is great… things are tough right now, but if these two forces arrive, we have hope — absolute hope — to smash those filthy Doomsday bastards back into whatever hell they crawled out of!"
A clear ripple passed through Elder Xuanjia's deep-brown eyes like ripples on a deep sea. He spoke slowly: "Allies of the sky… allies of the abyss… ancient pacts shine anew in the hour of peril. This is proof that Muret's fortune has not yet run dry, that the world's will has not abandoned this land." His gaze toward Fa carried deeper recognition and inquiry.
"The information is absolutely true," Fa declared, meeting Aldrich's still-probing stare unflinchingly, voice resolute and resounding. "The Winged Race's representative, six-winged warrior Celestia, stands here with us now. The witness to the soul-body race's alliance pact, Salsa, is also present. As for how we earned their trust…" Her gaze swept her companions, carrying shared memories. "We endured their harshest life-and-death trials on Ghost Island, faced their race's most ancient fears head-on, and Salsa has become the Soul King Erebus's sister. This pact was forged in trust and blood — not child's play!" She stressed again, deadly serious: "This is the highest level of classified information! I earnestly beg all of you to keep it strictly confidential — limited only to those present! Any leak risks Doomsday learning of it ahead of time, either disrupting the reinforcements' assembly or laying deadly ambushes along their route!" Secrecy was the key prerequisite for this trump card to work.
Aldrich observed the undisguised excitement and trust the other four monarchs showed toward Fa's words, then looked at Fa's steady, unshakable gaze and felt Celestia's powerful aura. Though suspicion still lingered like a shadow in his eyes, he restrained himself considerably. He slowly sat back in his opulent chair and said gravely: "If this is truly as you say… then it is indeed a heaven-sent turning point, a blessing for the Alliance. I will personally order this intelligence classified at the absolute highest level and strengthen information lockdown and counter-infiltration protocols." He finally relented, tacitly approving the plan — though his attitude remained guarded.
Yuyuer's Insight and Dual-Track Strategy
At this moment, Yuyuer — who had been staring intently at the glaring red points on the hologram that resembled festering wounds — spoke. The crystal orb in his arms glowed with serene blue light, illuminating his wise, tranquil face: "Your Majesty the Queen, may I ask — on the northern front, which core fortress city fell first? On the western front, which strategic hub was the first to be completely lost?"
Queen Sylvia tapped lightly with her fingertip; the hologram swiftly zoomed in, precisely highlighting the two deepest, most blinding scarlet zones: "In the north, the fortress hailed as the 'Eternal Unbreakable Wall' — Frosthold, gateway to the Frost Plains — fell first, at a speed far beyond all contingency plans. In the west, Sunwest City — the vital choke point controlling the Blazing Sun Corridor, resource, and transportation nexus — was the first to fall completely. The rapid collapse of these two super-fortresses tore open two enormous breaches in our defensive line, directly exposing vast rear areas and causing the entire defense system to crumble."
Blue light in Yuyuer's crystal orb flowed like tides. Wisdom gleamed in his profound eyes as he began to dissect the situation: "Frosthold… Sunwest City… These two cities are not only absolute military strongholds; their subsurface geology is also extraordinarily unique, vastly different from normal terrain." His fingertip traced invisible data streams in the air. "Frosthold sits atop an ancient, eternally frozen ice layer tens of thousands of years old — geologically extremely hard and stable, theoretically almost impossible to destroy on a massive scale from outside… yet it fell first. Sunwest City lies at the edge of a major geothermal fissure zone; tectonic activity is relatively intense, and it harbors violently rich ley-line energy…"
He raised his head, gaze sweeping the five monarchs and Fa like a searchlight, and delivered a stunning inference: "The terrifying plant weapon 'Corrosive Earth Vine' that Doomsday Rebirth deploys must draw enormous — almost unimaginable — ley-line energy as its core power source to grow, spread, and destroy! Their choice of these two locations as the initial breakthrough points was absolutely not random! Beneath these two cities that fell first, there is very likely hidden a gigantic energy-siphoning hub that powers this devastating vine offensive… or even," he paused, tone growing more certain, "one of them is their forward command center or a critical core experimental site!"
His fingertip finally locked steadily on the huge scarlet point representing Sunwest City: "Especially Sunwest City! The geothermal fissure zone possesses far more active, abundant, and easily channeled/transformed energy than the stable permafrost layer — making it much more suitable as the core power source for such a colossal plant! Combining all intelligence analysis, the probability that Doomsday Rebirth's forward command hub or core technological facility is concealed beneath the ruins of Sunwest City… is extremely high! Destroying it may paralyze — or even reverse — the vine offensive on the western front!"
Yuyuer's analysis was logical, evidence tightly linked, as though it had parted the thick fog shrouding the strategic battlefield, rekindling tactical counterattack flames in the five monarchs' eyes.
"Makes perfect sense! Absolutely makes sense!" Secret Forging Titan slammed the table again in excitement, dwarven voice booming with fervor. "Those damned vines have to have a root! Just like a vein has a source! Find the root, chop the root, smash it to pieces — let's see them act arrogant then!"
"Sunwest City…" Nuti Ursa stared fixedly at that piercing red point on the map, battle intent rising like tangible flame. He could almost hear the counteroffensive bugles sounding amid those ruins.
King Aldrich sank into deep thought, fingers unconsciously tapping the holographic tabletop in regular rhythm. Though doubts lingered, Yuyuer's precise judgment grounded in geography and energetics was logically sound and strategically invaluable. He rapidly assessed its implications in his mind.
Seizing the moment, Fa's gaze burned as she decisively volunteered to the five monarchs: "Your Majesties, infiltrating occupied zones, striking behind enemy lines, locating and destroying critical enemy vulnerabilities — this is precisely what we excel at. We have proven it repeatedly since our fight against Doomsday began. Please grant us permission to head to Sunwest City immediately! We will investigate the truth behind the 'Corrosive Earth Vine' core hub and, if circumstances allow," her voice carried unyielding, do-or-die resolve, "strike straight at the heart and destroy Doomsday Rebirth's command center!" Her words were like an unsheathed blade, razor-sharp and filled with the conviction that failure was not an option.
Queen Sylvia and the other four monarchs quickly exchanged glances. No words were needed — their wills aligned in an instant.
"Very well!" Queen Sylvia spoke for them all, voice melodious yet carrying steely determination and grave trust: "The Alliance's 750,000-strong army will immediately fortify defensive lines on the western and northern fronts at all costs, holding back Doomsday Rebirth's frontal pressure and buying you every possible second! Fa, the mission at Sunwest City is entrusted to you! May nature watch over your steps… be extremely careful in all things!" The weight of this entrustment was heavier than mountains.
"We will not fail!" Fa, Arya, Yuyuer, Zhamisi, and Lin Ya answered in unison, voices ringing with strength, battle intent blazing in every eye. This was no mere mission — it was a holy war bearing the hope of the entire continent.
"You have traveled without rest, endured countless hardships, and now bear such a heavy responsibility. First go to the rest chamber to recover briefly and replenish necessary supplies," Queen Sylvia added with concern, her tone softening. "The latest high-altitude reconnaissance imagery of Sunwest City ruins, geological structure scans, and summaries of all enemy activity intelligence we possess will be delivered to you shortly by my personal guards in sealed format."