Chapter 238: Could it be a coincidence?
Chapter 238: Could it be a coincidence?
[Night retreats, dawn arrives]
South of Emerald Hills, deep into the Arsen continent.
Here lies a massive and filthy city, surrounded by countless towers and camps. Whether on the tall walls or outside the city, burly orcs patrol everywhere.
These orcs are different from those in the small camps of Emerald Hills. They wear heavy armor and are equipped with various weapons.
Their faces are fierce, and they maintain strict discipline, ensuring the city's security.
This is Bloodrock City, the power center of the entire Orc Empire and the gathering place of the orc Bloodrock royal family camp.
They named the city after their camp, showcasing their dominance.
Before the Orc Empire was established, it was a chaotic period of camps fighting each other. Bloodrock camp eventually unified all the camps and founded the Empire.
However, they retained the camp tradition. Although it appears to be a centralized Empire, each camp still fights independently, only restrained by Bloodrock camp's strength.
If Bloodrock camp ever shows weakness, the other camps will unite to overthrow its rule.
Thus, internal strife is severe within the Orc Empire, with constant battles for dominance.
Despite being a chaotic and uncivilized nation, Bloodrock City currently hosts several human guests.
They wear bright silver-white armor, their eyes filled with disdain as they stand in the orc palace, refusing to sit.
"Honorable Orc King, I am Gawain, representing the Holy Court to negotiate with Your Majesty," Gawain said, bowing slightly to show respect.
The Orc King sat on the throne, his large yellow teeth exposed. He glared at the humans with undisguised hatred.
He despised humans and had no intention of cooperating with them. Humans were deceitful and cunning, like detestable insects.
"I have nothing to discuss with humans. Please leave!" the Orc King said bluntly, feeling he had already shown them enough respect by allowing them into the city.
A knight behind Gawain was instantly enraged by the Orc King's attitude.
"Gawain, you're a fool for trying to reason with these brainless creatures."
"No, this is my knightly duty, Tristan. You seem more like a raging bull than a knight," Gawain replied, drawing his weapon and glaring at the Orc King, clearly ready to fight.
"Orc King, I think you misunderstand. We're here to inform you, not to negotiate!" Gawain declared.
The atmosphere grew tense as many burly orc warriors flooded into the palace to protect their king.
The Orc King reached for his giant axe, but the palace was suddenly bathed in golden light.
Boom!
A massive explosion reduced the palace to rubble. The Orc King remained in his previous stance, but his hand no longer dared to reach for his weapon.
A sword was pressed against his throat, wielded by the much smaller Gawain.
The surroundings were in ruins, and the orc warriors who had rushed to protect their king were all instantly killed.
Hearing the explosion, Bloodrock City's warriors rushed to the palace, but they only dared to surround the templar knights from a distance, not daring to approach.
The Orc King's pupils contracted. This human's strength far surpassed his own. He was no match.
To his surprise, Gawain withdrew his weapon and stepped back.
"Orc King, shall we discuss the cooperation between the orcs and the Holy Court now?"
"Speak. What does the Holy Court want?" the Orc King asked, setting aside his pride.
"You will become vassals of the angel race," Gawain said calmly.
The Orc King was instantly furious, unable to believe his ears.
"Orcs will never be slaves! You're dreaming!"
Gawain wasn't surprised by the Orc King's response. He had expected it.
"After hundreds of years, it seems the Orc Empire's royal family needs a change."
"Disgusting creature, we're offering you a chance to submit. Even without the angel race's leader, we could destroy Bloodrock City ourselves," Tristan snarled, unleashing a terrifying aura equal to Gawain's.
All five templar knights present were King level, each stronger than the Orc King.
The defiant Orc King finally realized the power gap, feeling a sense of helplessness.
Five King levels—his entire Bloodrock camp couldn't match them.
"Even if I agree, the other camps won't necessarily follow."
The Orc King's tone softened. He didn't want to lose his royal position and knew that if his camp refused, other camps would agree.
"No problem. Just summon the other camp leaders to the royal city. We'll handle the rest. Surely you have that authority?" Gawain said with a smile.
"Fine," the Orc King reluctantly agreed.
"Then I wish you a successful cooperation with the Holy Court," Gawain said, bowing slightly before leaving the ruined palace with the other knights.
The terrified orcs made way for the five knights. Once they were gone, the Orc King slumped in his chair, drenched in cold sweat.
"Summon the camp leaders to the royal city for a council. Tell them the Hundred Tribes Sacrifice is being held early."
...
Meanwhile, at the Xiao siblings' castle in Emerald Hills.
"Leader, we've found orc camps to the north and south," an Ethereal Wraith reported to Arthas.
"Good. We'll split into two groups and take down both camps."
The four Race Kings quickly gathered all the undead and, led by the Ethereal Wraith, split into two groups to attack the camps.
Arthas and Crane led one group, taking most of the Monarch levels. Azure and John led the other, with the lv6 lich for added security.
...
In Undead City, Alex had encountered another lv2 Monarch level Soul Hunter that morning, easily defeating it and gaining 2 points.
The Xiao siblings and Sophie were leisurely having breakfast, while Alex, as usual, chose not to eat. After summoning troops, she watched the Silverscale Leviathan load undead.
Suddenly, an orange-red light flashed, and Alex looked towards the Portal of Transit.
"Who's here?"
Alex saw Lilith, in a black dress, elegantly emerge from the portal, followed by two fallen angels and a group of dark elves.
Alex smiled, realizing Lilith had brought her servants. But she was curious—Lilith wouldn't come personally just for this.
As Lilith stepped into Undead City, she wasn't surprised, only curious about the large city. To her, Alex upgrading to a city was expected.
"Alex, I've basically taken control of the forest elves kingdom. These dark elves were captured during that time. Knowing you like them, I brought them for you," Lilith said with a smile.
Alex welcomed her, leading her into the palace.
Inside, they sat facing each other. Although their development was on track, leaving them some free time, Lilith's visit surely had a purpose.
"I was close to fully controlling the forest elves kingdom, but the elves seem to have internal issues. The light elf king, storm elf king, and dark elf king have summoned all the elves for a major discussion. The forest elves kingdom is too low in status to get any information.
If I act now, it will attract attention from other elf races," Lilith explained, frustrated by the sudden change among the elves.
Her town was already lv9, but the forest elves kingdom lacked building materials, preventing her from upgrading to a city.
"These elves have always been full of conflicts. It's strange for them to suddenly gather," Alex said, puzzled. The elves were stronger than the orcs, making Lilith cautious.
"Are they unifying?"
Alex could only think of this possibility.
"Unlikely. They've ruled separately for thousands of years. They won't change easily," Lilith said, shaking her head. She then spoke seriously.
"I can't let this delay my development. Alex, I might need your help."
"No problem, happy to help," Alex agreed readily, owing Lilith a favor.
"One more thing. I heard from the forest elves kingdom that the Holy Court has been very active lately. Be careful."
The Holy Court was a vast force, spanning seven continents, far more threatening than the elves or orcs.
Lilith's warning was well-intentioned. If the Holy Court discovered their cities, it would be trouble.
"Got it. I'll be careful."
After chatting a bit more, Lilith left.
Alex watched her disappear into the Portal of Transit.
Xiao Hui and the others approached.
"Miss Alex, she's so beautiful," Xiao Hui said.
"Yes, she is. She came to ask for help. She's facing some trouble," Alex explained.
The lack of nearby forces was a disadvantage. Changes among the elves directly affected her development.
Before leaving, Lilith had asked Alex to find a Lord on Eldoria for her. Alex understood her intention.
Lilith wanted the Lord to submit, using the Portal of Transit to expand her influence to Eldoria. Her current situation was too limiting, so she needed other ways to grow.
She likely asked Satan the same.
Alex could help, but she had already explained her situation to Lilith. Finding a Lord at this stage was unlikely.
Alex herself was expanding northward. Where would she find a Lord for Lilith?
But there was a possibility—Drake. He was a good candidate, but Alex didn't want to reveal him yet.
Drake could be a mobile Lord. The Desolate Mountains were too poor; Alex didn't plan to keep him there.
As evening approached, Eldoria was already dark.
Arthas returned to Undead City with the undead, carrying a large amount of resources.
"Looks like they took down another orc camp," Alex said happily.
"Esteemed Queen, we destroyed two orc camps. One in the south was stronger, but the leader was absent, so we easily took it down. Azure also gathered some information from the other camp," Arthas reported.
"Esteemed Queen, the orc leaders have been summoned by the Orc Empire. The camp I attacked was remote and had just received the message, so they hadn't left yet," Azure added.
Alex pondered their reports. Although they had successfully attacked both camps simultaneously, their actions would surely attract the attention of the Orc Empire. Their operation had been exposed.
Would the Orc Empire retaliate? That could be troublesome.
Alex didn't know the Orc Empire's governance, but Lilith had mentioned similar events in the elf kingdom.
Could it be a coincidence?