Chapter 648: Three Years

Three and a half years later, in Teutonic Heidelberg. Twenty-three 'Jihadist' 420-type magic-powered armors, which had abruptly appeared on the streets of this small town, were spewing tongues of fire toward the church ahead. The roar from the continuous firing of the autocannons shook the entire night sky. Among them, three special models carried heavy cannons on their shoulders, attacking at close range from less than two hundred meters.

Those thirty-millimeter magic-energy autocannon shells, along with special armor-piercing rounds, tore apart the church's magic-energy defense array in less than twenty seconds, then forcibly blasted a giant hole in the left wall. Immediately, a petite figure burst in with lightning speed.

At that same moment, a total of five angels with three pairs of wings appeared outside the church—all of them beings with the rank of Seraph, descending here in avatar form.

However, all their efforts to intercept and block were simply and cleanly broken apart by a single slash from the petite figure. She caused half of these Seraph avatars to burn violently, while the other half instantly froze into slag.

The many demigod armors that followed provided cover with their autocannons, tearing apart the angels that descended one by one.

The petite figure quickly advanced deep into the church, then directly swung her blade, delivering a heavy slash toward the altar. A giant metal pillar standing there, from top to bottom, including the part underground, was blasted into fine dust and smoke.

Then these people withdrew extremely swiftly; within just two breaths, all twenty-four figures had vanished.

Shortly after, an old man in a red holy cape walked into the church, looking at the ruins before him with eyes full of helplessness.

Behind him were the church's priests, deacons, and the local bishop.

Most of them also wore expressions of anger and helplessness, their faces mostly dejected and dispirited.

"Radiant Holy Lord above! This is already the fourth time in three months!"

"This is a great contempt for our Lord! These damned heretics—the Church should declare war on them directly—"

"Didn't you notice? This time, the one leading the team was the Calamity Dragon Angel, Hazel."

"So should I feel grateful? At least no one was injured this time, and no one died."

"Her power seems even stronger, stronger than in the legends."

Beckman, the local bishop, also had a pale face, his expression extremely unpleasant. At this moment, he was speaking in a voice inaudible to others to the red-robed cardinal beside him: "Cardinal Igor, did you notice? These angels didn't try their best to stop them."

In fact, he wanted to say that those winged creatures were just going through the motions.

"Maybe? But even if that were the case, there's nothing we can do. We can't stop them, can we?"

Cardinal Igor's reaction was rather calm: "Just on this piece of land on the border of the Teutonic Republic, there are seventy 'Roots of Thorns' that need guarding. We can't muster the strength to oppose them. And besides, that is the Calamity Dragon Angel, one of the six Angel Kings before the Lord of Fate."

Beckman let out a cold snort: "An Angel King in name only! That woman from the Wiltonshire family—I heard she doesn't even have the rank of a Greater God?"

"Your information is outdated. Six days ago, she confronted Michael's avatar on the sea head-on, held out for seven hours without defeat, and withdrew calmly. Note that it wasn't a divine projection or a divine分身, but an avatar with a saint's body as a vessel for descent."

Beckman's pupils contracted slightly. The Holy War King 'Michael' was a powerful angel at the rank of Vice-God King, wielding all authorities related to war. To be able to contend with an avatar possessing at least thirty percent of His power—this person's combat strength was at least at the rank of a High God, already worthy of the title 'Angel King.'

"So put away your arrogance, Beckman. Whether you or I admit it or not, the Church of Fate is now a faith that can contend with us."

Cardinal Igor said with a sigh: "Only by accurately understanding and recognizing the enemy can we defeat them."

"If that's the case, then it's understandable. But I still feel unwilling!"

Beckman gritted his teeth: "This is already the fourth time they've destroyed the Heidelberg Central Church. Are we just going to let it go? This is blasphemy against the Lord and violates divine will."

"We have also destroyed hundreds of their temples. At least on the surface, the Church has not been at a disadvantage in the confrontation with them. But if the war escalates further in this region, it won't be good for either side. They have invested strong forces in the Teutonic Republic—you should be aware of that, right?"

Beckman certainly knew. Over the past three years, the Rising Sun Alliance alone had successively deployed one sub-legion of the Divine Wing Knight Order and forty fully organized divisions of private armies into the territory of the Teutonic Republic, under the pretext of ensuring the safety of the Fate Pantheon's faith within the Teutonic Republic.

This reason was high-sounding. The Teutonic Republic and Austria were indeed the fourth largest source of faith for the 'Church of Fate' outside the North and South New Continents and Australia. Under the current situation, sending troops to ensure security was indeed necessary.

But their real purpose was to obstruct and sabotage the process of embedding the 'Roots of Thorns' in the Old Continent.

This had once sparked a diplomatic incident. The Teutonic Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had lodged a stern protest, but the influence of the Teutonic gods at the government level and in the business world was deeply entrenched. Moreover, the 'Rising Sun-Light Magic' alliance was the world's top supplier of magic-powered armor and biological implants at the time, a force that the Teutonic Republic, urgently needing to expand its military, dared not offend.

When the American government wielded the big stick called 'sanctions,' the Teutonic Republic ultimately succumbed, allowing the 'Rising Sun-Light Magic' alliance and the armed forces of the Church of Fate to enter. As a result, there were fewer than one hundred and fifty Roots of Thorns in the territories of the Teutonic Republic and the Austrian Republic.

"Beckman, over the past three years, Odin, Ahura, and Nyx have attacked the Divine Kingdom of Fate three times. Their preparations have been more thorough each time, and the forces they mobilized have been more exaggerated each time. They have even fought at least nine battles in the prime material plane, yet they have not been able to defeat the Lord of Fate."

Igor did not mention Michael, nor did he mention that their Radiant Holy Mother had also participated to a limited extent.

"But such days should be coming to an end soon."

As he said this, Igor looked at the holy emblem of light on his chest.

Only the most devout could detect the slight changes in divine power on this holy emblem.

"Beckman, all we need to do is wait patiently. The Lord's sword and blade will eventually cleanse all the filth of this world."

※※※※

Near Yogyakarta on the island of Java, a colossal fortress of steel and concrete rose on the plain. Distant artillery kept firing, pounding the seventy-meter-thick outer wall, creating shallow craters on its surface.

Only the top of the wall remained unscathed; the fortress's magical energy shield concentrated most of its power there, ensuring that combatants on the wall top suffered no casualties from the bombardment.

As for the craters on the outer layer, they would be repaired in a very short time by the mages inside the fortress.

Meanwhile, fifty-six 'Annihilator'-class 2100mm magical energy main guns positioned at various points of the fortress continuously fired at its flanks, hurling shells weighing tens of thousands of kilograms at speeds of up to Mach 150 into the distance. The thunderous tremors constantly shook people's eardrums.

This was the permanent fortress 'Iron Nail Three' built by the Australian landing forces half a year ago. Its inner and outer walls used the latest concrete technology developed by the Rising Sun Group, while the internal rebar was a new alloy with memory and self-repair functions developed by Light Magic Industries, rivaling mythical metals in toughness and tensile strength. The wall's strength could withstand a nuclear explosion of 30 million tons of TNT equivalent centered on 'Iron Nail Three'—meaning that under such a blast, even ordinary people inside would remain safe.

The total cost of the fortress exceeded 4.2 billion gold shields, expensive even considering recent inflation. Additionally, the allied forces of Australia and the Rising Sun Alliance paid the price of twelve temporary fortresses destroyed, a hard-won two-year defense line breached, and nearly 120,000 soldiers killed.

But once completed, 'Iron Nail Three' demonstrated its immense value. Over the past half year, this fortress stood like an unyielding iron nail, forcing the million-strong army of the Ten Thousand Beasts Empire and thousands of heavy artillery to halt before its walls in frustration. It also allowed the allies to free up substantial forces to launch an offensive eastward toward the port of Surabaya, coordinating with the 'Iron Nail One' and 'Iron Nail Two' fortresses in that direction.

At that moment, amid the roar of artillery, a young colonel stood at an observation port inside the fortress's outer wall, peering outside through a high-powered magical energy telescope.

"Today's offensive seems unusual. The bombardment has been going on for half an hour, and they're even using tactical nukes on a large scale."

This man, named George, the deputy brigade commander of the Australian 78th Infantry Brigade, knew that the reason these high-yield tactical nukes had yet to succeed was due to the full interception by the fortress's internal and rear anti-artillery and anti-missile systems, as well as the precise calculations and command of the 'Smart Central Command System' developed by Light Magic Industries.

This ensured that most of those nukes were intercepted and destroyed before they could descend over 'Iron Nail Three.' The remaining few could not shake the fortress's defense system.

"Of course it's unusual. Our flank trenches at sections T24-27 have been breached. The 341st Brigade stationed there reportedly has nearly half its casualties, and the situation is equally dire elsewhere—almost the entire line is in crisis."

This was another officer with the rank of brigadier general, intently studying a map: "They plan to break through from the flank and encircle our fortress."

"The problem is, I haven't noticed any reduction in their military strength on the fortress's front. They've added at least 700,000 troops, and we knew nothing about it."

The colonel deputy brigade commander said with puzzlement: "But I heard that not long ago, they fought a million-man battle with the Olympian pantheon in South America."

That was a war over faith. For three years, the Ten Thousand Beasts Empire's offensive in South America had been fierce as a tide, with millions of great ape warriors pushing the front northward to the Mato Grosso Plateau and Salvador in Brazil.

However, behind their lines, the faith of the Olympian pantheon quietly rose around Rosario, Argentina. Exploiting the discontent and resistance stirred by the empire's relentless oppression in occupied territories, the Olympian gods rapidly developed nearly 700 million followers in southern Argentina.

Not long ago, the Aesir could no longer tolerate this. At the cost of retreating to the Brasília line, they pulled twelve legions from the front and launched a cleansing war against the Olympian faith.

These two hostile pantheons finally expanded their war beyond the mist continents of Antolia and Bolivia, and still no decisive outcome has been reached.

The Olympian pantheon had obtained large quantities of arms from the 'Rising Sun-Light Magic' alliance, giving them enough weapons and war machines to arm their followers.

The ancient and powerful pantheon's deep roots in the Bright World gradually emerged. Though they had lost comprehensively in faith, they still held considerable financial resources and influence in the Old World, North Africa, and even the Americas. This sustained the Olympian pantheon's ability to arm seven million troops for three years without ever lacking food or weapons.

"I'm not sure, but didn't the intelligence reference from above say that the Ten Thousand Beasts Empire still has great war potential? After the world fusion, their living conditions are improving. Many warriors, with ample resources, have greatly increased their ranks. Also, last year their population growth didn't decline but rose, with a birth rate 70% higher than previous years."

"I'm actually curious—their warriors are clearly sent to the front, maintaining offensives on multiple fronts. Where does such a high natural population growth rate come from?"

Colonel George whistled, his tone full of mockery, but then his expression turned serious: "Bowie, I think you need to come see this. I suspect these might be the Night Warriors under the Night Goddess."

Brigadier General Bowie paused, then strode to the observation port and looked into the distance. His brow furrowed deeply: "Those are the Children of the Moon."

They had another name—werewolves!

And today was the night of the full moon.

※※※※

In a trench 420 kilometers from 'Iron Nail Three' fortress, Clark Denning, commander of C Company, 4221st Regiment, suddenly raised his automatic rifle above his head and sprayed a burst of fire outside the trench.

He wasn't firing blindly. A micro-drone hovering above them was sharing the battlefield situation ahead of the trench via data link to the entire company's vision. With the help of magical power armor and auxiliary intelligence, even in this awkward shooting posture, Clark Denning accurately hit three large beasts the size of lions and tigers that had charged to within 400 meters of the trench, blowing huge bloody holes in their chests and sending them howling to the ground.

But compared to the tidal wave of beasts and the great ape warriors mixed in on the battlefield, the deaths of these three beasts were insignificant.

Then, in less than two seconds, the drone above them was noticed. A burst of gunfire from afar shredded the micro-drone.

Fortunately, at that moment, their rear artillery opened fire again, with hundreds of howitzer shells raining down on a two-kilometer-wide front. The surging tide of beasts and men suffered a heavy blow, as thousands of beasts and great ape warriors were torn apart by shrapnel, blood flying everywhere.

Machine gun positions in the trench also opened fire fiercely, dozens of streams of tracers desperately blocking the advance.

But Clark Denning still roared without hesitation: "Prepare for close combat! Get your injectors! Grenades! Shotguns ready! Axes and knives ready! Brothers, this time we're going to hit them hard!"

The soldiers of C Company in the trench exchanged glances, their eyes filled with gravity. They realized that the firepower blockade of this line could not stop the enemy's charge, and a close-quarters melee was inevitable.

This was undoubtedly a general offensive; the enemy was willing to pay any price, any cost.

Their company commander, Clark Denning, continued shouting like a wolf howling: "Listen up, you rookies! You know the consequences of losing here, right? Your sergeants should have told you: if we fail here, those foreign bastards will land on Australia's northern coast overnight. They've tried a few times before, but never succeeded. I believe you've also seen what happened to the Indonesians—poverty, hunger, disease are tormenting that country, and their women have to bear children for those Aesir believers. So today, we have no retreat, no retreat! I'd rather die here than take a step back. Tell me, are you with me?"

"Yes sir!"

All the soldiers let out hoarse roars, like wild beasts. Without hesitation, they took injectors from their tactical packs and injected themselves. Most of them had bloodshot eyes and ferocious expressions.

This is a combination of adrenal neural stimulants and magical potions, which can temporarily enhance their reflexes, mental focus, and various physical functions.

Although it comes with considerable aftereffects, placing a heavy burden on the body, they know that in the upcoming battle, survival is paramount.

Compared to death, the consequences of the stimulants are insignificant.

Just then, Clark Denning saw a total of twenty-four magical power armors from two squads pour into the trench, each bearing the astrolabe emblem of the Lord of Destiny on their chests, with a pair of wings extending from the sides of the astrolabe—the insignia of the Winged Knight Order.

This slightly eased Clark's tense mind; the support of the Winged Knight Order could greatly enhance their close-combat capabilities.

In fact, over the past two years, the Fourth Subdivision of the Winged Knight Order had been a stabilizing anchor on their front line.

However, the order deploying such a scale of warriors to this position also meant that the battle here was far more intense and dangerous than he had imagined.

Coincidentally, the leader of one Winged Knight squad was an acquaintance of his, a 'Heavenly Knight' named Alex.

"Sir Alex, it seems the situation is quite dire!"

"Not too bad! The Beast Empire, with the help of that Night Goddess, suddenly reinforced Java Island with seven hundred thousand troops; Nyx's authority even deceived our God of Intelligence. Besides, the Night Goddess has also committed two hundred war bands of Night Warriors to the fight. Don't worry too much, buddy! Fortunately, we were also secretly preparing for the Corridor Operation, and right now, three battalions of the Fifth Knight Subdivision of the Winged Knight Order are deployed near the fortress."

Alex briefly explained the situation while making final preparations: "Same as usual, we'll handle all the demigods and legends on the other side; leave the ones below to you."

He was only a legendary first-rank magic warrior, but with the aid of magical power armor and bio-suit, he could stand against demigod-level opponents.

Just as they were speaking, several sergeants in the trench roared simultaneously.

"Everyone, throw!"

Hundreds of grenades were hurled beyond the trench, while the accompanying mages cast supportive spells to ensure the grenades wouldn't be sent back by enemy magic and to guarantee their landing points.

After the intense blast, everyone leaped out of the trench. In the shortest time, they emptied all the shotgun magazines in their hands. Then, wielding swords and axes, they charged wildly into the dense tide of men and beasts ahead.

At this moment, if viewed from the sky, one could see that from trench sectors T12 to T19, the scene was essentially the same. The warriors of both sides clashed fiercely, like two torrents of iron rushing toward each other.