MMORPG: Divine Mech Hunter
Chapter 1630: Ace Army

Chapter 1630: Chapter 1630: Ace Army

Li Yao, of course, knew that the undead alchemists were transporting valuable data and certain core items, which were clearly extremely precious.

But Li Yao was equally aware of the combat strength of the fifty thousand Death Knights. Even if he deployed his main forces and successfully stopped them, the sacrifices would be too high for him to accept.

Moreover, these things weren’t immediately useful to Li Yao. Even if they were genuinely valuable, at most, they’d end up being transported to Daisom anyway.

Li Yao’s goal this time was to take Daisom. Conquering that location would still give him possession of the items—it was only a matter of getting them sooner or later.

Additionally, the parasites acted slowly and could only corrupt targets one by one when opportunities arose. Even if they successfully parasitized, Li Yao would ensure that the Death Knights stayed with the main force.

They were still serving their purpose, guiding the parasites into the death barrier of Daisom to fulfill Li Yao’s larger plans and ambitions.

However, to avoid arousing suspicion and vigilance from the undead, he had to put on appearances, at least creating the illusion of intense battles.

The release of the S-tier quest immediately drove the waiting players mad with excitement.

"This time, the S-tier quest involves intercepting Death Knights attempting to break through the defensive line and escape. The rules are simple: if you can stop the retreating undead army composed mainly of fifty thousand Death Knights, you’ll have completed the mission. Furthermore, this is a group task—anyone can accept it, and as long as even one participant completes it, it counts as a success for everyone. Besides the important data, any treasures intercepted along the way belong entirely to you."

The players exploded into action. The escaping undead army undoubtedly carried valuable loot. If they could seize it, they could strike it rich, no question about it—even if they couldn’t use those items themselves, they could sell them. Good stuff always finds a market. Many players were tempted, but some hesitated, knowing that the Death Knight Legion, led exclusively by leaders, was no easy challenge.

This time, Morning Breeze personally came to release the S-tier quest. Seeing the players’ excitement, he continued, "However, I feel the need to emphasize—this mission is extremely dangerous. Anyone lacking sufficient strength should reconsider participation to avoid being slaughtered pointlessly. Military glory is meaningful, but you need to survive to claim it. Originally, the Legion Commander didn’t want to pay the price to intercept them; it was only my insistence that led to the release of this S-tier quest. If no one accepts it, that’s perfectly fine."

The players hadn’t yet witnessed the might of an elite army firsthand, but they weren’t foolish. Naturally, they knew how formidable a legion composed entirely of leaders could be.

If Morning Breeze only spoke of the benefits without mentioning the perils, most people might rationally restrain themselves and opt out of the quest.

But Morning Breeze laid everything bare. It was extremely dangerous, with even the main forces reluctant to sacrifice themselves for the interception—that set the stakes high. With this level of risk, it was fine if each person refrained from joining.

Counterintuitively, this transparency motivated many to take the plunge for the sake of the rewards.

"This is clearly a trap, but damn it, I can’t resist! S-tier quest! Just completing it skyrockets your reputation to ’Respected.’ At the very least, you’ll unlock access to exclusive mounts and items!" said one adventure-loving player through gritted teeth.

"I’m in. Without taking risks for rewards, how can there be such great opportunities? Worst case, I lose everything and start over. I’m putting it all on the line, mission accepted!"

"I’m in too. Anyway, it’s a team-limited event. If we get a large enough group, we can work together to stop them. No way we’ll fail with enough people!"

"Exactly! Strength in numbers—let’s do it!"

In no time, the number of players accepting the S-tier quest skyrocketed. The lack of restrictions on participant numbers boosted their confidence and led to exponential growth in sign-ups.

"Sir, the response has been overwhelming," Morning Breeze reported.

Li Yao nodded approvingly. "This is ideal; it shouldn’t leave any loose ends."

"Won’t it be too wasteful? The new recruits’ army has mediocre combat power, but they’re still decent cannon fodder. Using them here seems wasteful; wouldn’t it be better to save them for the final offensive?" Morning Breeze hesitated before voicing his thoughts.

"You’re overthinking it. Don’t underestimate the new recruits; they’ve got plenty of tricks up their sleeves. Cannon fodder will always be there, and as long as the rewards satisfy their appetites, they’ll be eager to act," Li Yao replied, completely unconcerned.

"Then I’ll eagerly wait to see how this plays out." Morning Breeze turned his gaze southwest.

The reorganized undead army, now retreating, surged forward with unstoppable momentum, breaking through the southwest defenses of the player army.

Initially, the players had been on the offensive, having taken the city, but the sudden emergence of this terrifying army had thrown them into utter chaos, resulting in disarray. They couldn’t even hold the line for a moment.

The Death Knight Legion was too fearsome. No army could withstand the force of their charge.

Furthermore, over a hundred thousand gargoyles took to the skies again, delivering a double attack from the air and ground. The southwest front crumbled instantly.

However, due to towing numerous large carts, the Death Knight Legion’s march was somewhat slowed; otherwise, they would’ve escaped long ago and would not have been intercepted by the players taking the S-tier quest.

The retreating undead troops had barely gotten far before being intercepted by the summoning armies of the player legion.

Their goal was painfully clear—they intended to reach the Death Mark. Once they entered the Death Mark, the undead would cover their rear, making further interception nearly impossible.

The Death Knight Legion charged without shouts or battle cries, only the pounding of hooves.

Fifty thousand Death Knights charging forward sounded like rolling thunder, even at their slowed pace. If it were a pure Death Knight Legion, their speed would’ve been much quicker.

Yet even at this reduced speed, they became the players’ worst nightmare.

Facing the Death Knight Legion, the player armies shouted their war cries loud enough to shake the heavens and earth.

But the Death Knights were like an unstoppable arrow, piercing one summoned army after another.

There was no question of fighting back; they couldn’t even delay the Legion for a moment.

From a bird’s-eye view, the momentum of the Death Knights never faltered. They pierced through one army formation after another, leaving players quaking in terror and utterly losing the will to fight.

For the first time, the players truly experienced the yawning gap between their so-called elite forces and an ace legion.

An ace legion tore through them like harvesting crops, leaving them no chance of victory.

Over the span of half an hour, the Death Knight Legion pierced countless army formations, finally reaching the Path of the Dead, and with the cover of ordinary undead, marched away unabated.

"Order the vanguard legion to disengage from battle and continue moving forward," Li Yao commanded. "Instruct the main legion to occupy the Solar Corona Temple, clear out the remaining undead, and block key locations. No wanton looting is allowed. Violators shall be executed."

Li Yao’s voice, amplified by magic, echoed across the army. The prohibition against looting was clearly directed at the players, which was understandable. The players were merely auxiliary forces; unless they personally captured a location, only the main army had the right to distribute spoils.

With the main army joining the fray, they quickly swept aside the remaining undead, killing many players attempting to loot in secret. The Solar Corona Temple became the new base for the Withered Sun Legion...