Chapter 716: [War (3)]

Suddenly, everyone there stopped talking as Mia gave a heavy stare.

“How many are there?!”

“Many, just far too many for us to even count!”

Aileen replied gravely.

“The Enterprise was already in the move and the Dawn Group was immediately notified. The data and news should be coming here at any given minute…”

“Is it starting…?”

Mia frowned then she let out a sigh.

“It seems so,”

Eliade nodded her head. Her expression was equally fierce.

“The Winter Solstice has begun…”

“Were there any traces of Bishop rank Monster Beasts and above?”

Ava asked.

“The reports have just arrived and unfortunately, as of now, we are still gathering information…including the power level of the monsters as well as the size of the horde. Though, the scouts are also too afraid of entering the Mountain Range so we can only wait for the Elite Scouts to enter it themselves.”

Flor replied in an apologetic manner.

“However, according to some devices installed, there are high readings of mana, so there are possible chances of them among the group…”

“I see…”

“What about the other parts of the world? The Church? The Dawn Alliance? Did they send some news?”

Mia asked.

"How did they react?"

“Not yet, but it should be soon…”

“Well, we can only wait. As for now, Aileen, Flor, prepare the entire city immediately! Withdraw the scouts and shut the city gates to prevent anyone from leaving!”

Mia thundered as she slowly stood up from her seat.

“Prepare the Evacuation Center and notify every Guild and forces within Italica… also, contact the Enterprise! I want them here as soon as possible!”

““Yes Milady!””

Aileen and Flor replied hurriedly and then, both disappeared in a flash.

“Lieri, contact Allen and Thumbeline’s side… the Winter Solstice is already here!”

“Yes, Milady!”

Lieri nodded gravely.

… …

With Lieri immediately announcing the start of the monster tide, not only the entirety of Italica but also the entire world had spread the news like wildfire.

Suddenly, the entire world exploded into action, as every single force, group, and organization that heard the news immediately trekked toward their position with their brethren to prepare.

Fortunately, they have been preparing for this disaster for a very long time, and thus, they were already prepared and gearing to go!

Though, they were caught off-guard by its sudden arrival that was too early than the premeditated schedule; food, supplies, ammunition, army, and so on, have already been prepared beforehand and even each walls protecting the cities were fortified.

Not only the defenses of every city fortified, but also every organization was also organized and wonderfully in order—

With the news of combat to be close at hand, the atmosphere was unnaturally serious, but at the same time, everyone was rather excited.

On the road of Italica, not a single caravan or shop could be seen anymore, only a large amount of heavily armored mercenary and warrior groups heading toward the same destination. Among them, many of the mercenaries walked with excited look on their faces; this time, the Guilds in Italica had issued a report that if they were able to provide the left ear of a magical beast or monster they had killed, then they would be able to claim the money reward for killing a magical beast of its rank.

The more ears they collected, and the higher the level they could kill, the more rewards they could collect.

While the magical beast tide was extremely dangerous, where one could lose their life if not careful, the allure of a monetary reward was tempting to those not afraid of death. However, this sum of money was all paid for by all the collections made by large Guilds personally, though most were by the Bianchi Family.

Nevertheless, it was not a small amount of money, but Italica was not just back with one clan and in fact, by many large Organizations and Kingdoms such as the Frozen Garden and the Dawn— so this kind of money issue is not a problem.

They know that even if their survival was at risk, not all people would make their move. Only money can do so. Though, a harsh reality, but it's the truth.

When Mia and the others led a hundred men to the city gates a thousand meters away, they suddenly found it harder to move as a large throng of men crowded the area and made it impossible to move. However, it was not a problem as the moment, the Bianchi Family’s flag, the symbol of rose crossed with a sword was erected, all the people immediately cleared a path for them, since many of the men felt intimidated by their presence.

Under their control, the amount of power exuding from them had caused the road in front of them to suddenly clear out as if a sharp sword had cut through it and forced the group of people to move off to the side.

“Eh? Isn’t that the War Princess? I didn’t think she’d be here personally…”

“The Bianchi Family… one of the crowned Emperors!”

“I guess, that’s how dangerous this Beast Tide this time! Even the War Princess was summoned.”

The moment Mia and the others showed their faces, they had immediately garnered the attention of everyone who began to talk about them.

Walking towards the staircase leading towards the top of the City Walls, Mia walked with imposing grace and elegance that seemed as if she was a celestial that had descended into the Mortal World.

Her shoulder-length golden hair swaying in the air, just like strands coming from the golden sun. Her snow-white complexion and her fierce, hawk-like gaze were completely alluring.

Just as the group was 200 meters away from the walls, suddenly a large commotion could be heard up ahead. Then, a woman that looked like an elf spun from nature itself, glamorous and full of alluring attraction appeared, walking towards Mia.

“Mia, you came…”

“Sister Eliade, of course, this might be the last desperate battle we had.”

Mia smiled at Eliade who was wearing a luxurious purple-colored witch robe and classic pointed hat. Behind her was a group consisting of beautiful women, young and old, gearing in battle.

“Just pay attention to your safety!”

Ava joined in, walking with that serpentine-like curves of hers swaying. Behind her was also a group consisting of women and girls, the Clan of Medusas and Gorgons.

“Just like what you said, this is might be the final battle…if you become careless, I don’t know what would husband do if something happens to you!”

“Of course, I’ll keep that in mind. But that also goes the same for you all, Ava… Allen had lost you all once, I don’t know what would happen if he lost you again.”

Mia smiled warmly, “…so whatever happens, rely on us…understand?”

Ava smiled wryly. Then, she nodded her head.

“I’m not the same as before…”

“As long as you know it, I will be relieved.”

Mia sighs in relief.

Among their sisters, Ava was the one who was troublesome as she was sometimes detached and likes to handle things alone. And so, her falling in troublesome situations is not unlikely. However, this time’s disaster would not be a mere disaster and she cannot watch Ava all the time, so she could only warn her beforehand.

If something really did happen to her, she would have no way to explain it to Allen.

Walking ahead of the group, Mia turned at Ava and Eliade, “Then, if you would please do me the honor in leading.”

"Well, for victory,"

Eliade nodded with a warm and beautiful gentle smile.

"For victory..."

Mia replied and then hugged the two women.

"After this Winter Solstice, everything would be fine... for our beautiful future, you all must survive,"

"That same goes to you, Mia... the future I envisioned, can't possibly be without you,"

Ava chortled with an amused smile.

"Of course, I still want to live, retire, and take care of his child at home..."

Mia grinned.

"I think Husband is really lucky to have you," Ava laughed.

"Not only me, though...all of you as well,"

Afterward among the astonished stares of everyone else, laughing happily as if they were just going on shopping, Mia and the others left together toward the city gates.

The walls of Italica were that of the same standards of the walls in a First Class City.

They were over fifty meters tall and roughly ten to twenty meters thick.

On top of the walls, there were all sorts of soldiers of various strengths. Not only that, but many strong mercenaries were also on top of the wall.

There were also thirty Magical Crystal Cannons and Mini-Nuclear Cannons mounted over the walls with five people manning each one with a trunk full of monster cores. At the foot of the City Walls, lined up was an incredible dozen Nuclear Fusion, Magical Core Powered Lightbeam Tanks, and still many high powered modern-fantasy combined weapons.

Lieri brought Mia and the others to Aileen and the Bianchi’s Elite Force who was staring out beyond the city walls with serious expressions.

“Aileen, what is the situation looking like now?”

Mia asked the moment she arrived.

Aileen bowed at Mia with a faint smile and then turned her attention towards the white covered mountain range.

“It’s not reassuring My Lady; this time’s magical beast tide has way more magical beasts than before. Milady, take a look. Their numbers are almost immeasurable.”

Mia grew solemn after hearing that as she looked to where Aileen was pointing only to see a black storm of magical beasts slowly make their way toward the city. She couldn’t even make out a single magical beast’s body, let alone count them.

With this spectacle, the eyes of Mia and the others could only narrow in concentration. For the mentally stupid magical beasts to walk forward in such a manner like this, there must be a Higher Rank, Intelligent Magical Beast commanding them. After all, they possessed an intellect that while beneath that of a human, it was enough for them to control other magical beasts.

“This magical beast tide is quite peculiar. Mistress, I remember the last magical beast tide had magical beasts that just recklessly threw themselves at the walls. How is it this time they are walking in such a disciplined manner?”

Flor who came forward spoke out in confusion.

“That’s right, the last time Italica was attacked, it was completely different from this one,”

Aileen replied as she looked at the incoming wave with worry.

“This is the trouble of the Winter Solstice…”

Mia shook her head with a wry smile.

“Not only we would face the Last Bosses on the seventh day, but strong monsters during this time would also appear as well. Several Bishop rank Monsters are just the least of our problem… That’s right, what about the Enterprise?”

Hearing Mia’s question, Alicia Tandor came over, holding a thin Tablet.

“…they are on the way now, Sister Mia. And from the information received, Sister Layla and the rest are also within the Enterprise, coming to help…”

“Sister Layla?”

Mia’s brows furrowed slightly.

If this time is like any other time, it would be better but wouldn’t this be dangerous?

… …

As the sky of the Demon World turned a deep purple, seared by the purpled dyed moon’s beaming clarity, the room Allen was staying slowly expanded.

The walls pulled back, the ceiling rose, and the floor lowered to make a gigantic suite, richly carpeted and curtained in the deep, late twilight.

There were lots of tables and cupboards but plenty of room to maneuver.

Left alone, Allen sat down on one of the sofas and closed his eyes.

A few days had gone by since he had a meeting with Vergil, since then, he had changed his plan of rushing to the Imperial City to confront the idiot Mammon and Vergil dou. He needed time to relieve his tense nerves and tired body, wanting to be perfectly conditioned before he faces the last bosses of this game.

The last couple of days had been trying, had vitiated his energy. Even though he had striven hard not to display his feelings in front of his loved ones, he had been terribly upset and anxious for the world. Through all of his clones and artificial bodies scattered in every place, the fire of war has already been ignited. There's no retreat or hesitation anymore.

The Endgame has officially started.

Although he said he would be fine of whatever outcome that might come after the end of this journey, he still couldn’t help himself but feel ache and pain of thinking of what will occur if he fails. Despite being a God, he was not omnipotent.

Fate is one thing he could never control, despite trying to, attempting to fight it, like a stubborn idiot. And as one, he knows that many had tried in the past, countless heroes brave the harshness of the world, yet not one had able to change fate successfully.

Not Great Heroes, not Demi-Gods, not even Gods themselves!

Then, what about him?

What is his difference that he is confident to defeat the fate intending to do him in?

Did he really have what it takes to defeat fate and the world?

That no other people have done?

However, thinking this is idiocy and a waste of time, Allen could only force himself to be positive and be confident—because he dreaded showing those people he loved, uncool weakness.

He knows that they are all following him, looking at his back as he walks on this path with pride and confidence and that this also gives them confidence in return, the confidence of attaining a better future at the end of this tribulation.

He doesn’t want to disappoint that.

He had only managed to get through the ordeal of showing this kind of weakness by being utterly detached and matter of fact.

Despite not willing to, deep in his heart, he accepted his destiny with equanimity now, had come to terms with his fate.

Allen sighs under his breath.

What kind of catastrophe would he encounter at the end of this road?

Was it hope…or was it despair?

Well, life itself has always been a catastrophe.

No, I can’t feel weak right now not that the end of this game of life is already near. No matter what happens, I can only do everything I can for them to survive and feel the hope of a better world and future!

No matter what enemy comes before me…!

Allen instantly let go of his pessimistic thought, not wanting to sink into deep philosophical ruminations this evening, as he had been so won’t do of late. Mia and the others wouldn’t like it if every they know what I am currently thinking, he said so himself and smiled, remembering the people he loved so much he could his life to.

Opening his eyes, Allen glanced around the room, blinking.

It looked beautiful tonight in the glow of the lamps and the warming firelight.

Asmodeus had decorated this room just after he had taken residence in it, and he always thought of it as a bit of a modern mortal spring, whatever season comes, with its roses and lilies, orchid and aster.

As he was reminiscing he suddenly felt a presence walking towards the room. His eyes turned towards the door and just as he expected, with a 'Clank!' the doorknob moved and the door opened. Then, a figure stepped inside.

Allen’s brows furrowed and stared at the figure that had appeared.