MMORPG: Divine Mech Hunter
Chapter 1640: Target Daisom

Chapter 1640: Chapter 1640: Target Daisom

The Drying Sun slowly rose from the back side of the Tower of the Windwalker, having undergone three days of modification in isolation, hovering over the cliff behind.

Now, massive armies had gathered outside Windwalker Village, and the main legion had expanded once more.

A significant addition of Skeleton warriors had further enhanced the army’s close-combat defense capabilities. Ghosts bolstered its striking and assassination power, Banshees enhanced the spellcasting corps, and Vampires became a formidable force in aerial combat. These additions elevated the combat prowess of the Drying Sun Legion to a whole new level.

Although the Drying Sun was technically an airborne warship, it was essentially an enormous airborne fortress.

While it wasn’t quite as massive as the Scourge Undead’s airborne Sky City, its deck alone was spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of thousands of troops.

The sheer size of the Drying Sun was astonishing, of course, but it was also far more agile than the airborne cities. However, this agility came at a cost—the energy consumption was staggering.

Fortunately, this was High Elf territory, and with the Barrier in place, the Magician had installed Magic Nodes, allowing direct connection to the Sunwell. With the Sunwell’s nearly infinite energy source, the Drying Sun didn’t need to consume its own reserves while within the Barrier. Otherwise, even the energy required for a Ghost Ship’s flight would have been a burden for the Drying Sun Legion.

When hovering in the air, the fortress exuded an immense sense of oppression—especially when descending close to the ground, looming like an imposing mountain.

Onlookers felt their scalps tingle, but a greater feeling overcame them: excitement. After all, this airborne fortress belonged to their Drying Sun Legion.

The Drying Sun hovered a hundred yards above their heads, casting a vast shadow that completely blocked out the morning light.

On the ship’s deck, the Lich Marshal was still babbling incessantly: "What’s the deal with installing things like an autonomous arcane cleaning system or Magic Broom? Are these things really useful? If you ditched these pointless toys, the ship’s flight speed could increase by 0.3%, and energy efficiency could improve by 0.5%."

The Magician sneered disdainfully: "Fresh air, a clean environment—you think it’s just about comfort? These directly affect the soldiers’ combat performance! Morale improvement cannot be compensated for by any percentage gains, you crude fellow. You’ll never understand why the High Elf Legion is invincible everywhere it goes."

Li Yao sighed helplessly: "Both of you, shut up! If you want to argue, take it to the bottom deck prison. I’ll lock you up together for three days and nights—is that enough? If not, I’ll add more time for you."

These two had been quarreling endlessly for half a day now, without stopping.

The Magician grudgingly fell silent, while the Lich Marshal dramatically dropped to the ground. "Oh, mighty master! I am your most loyal servant! Just look at what these idiots have done to—oh, I mean—your magnificent warship. I am heartbroken! This is an egregious waste of your wealth!"

"Bottom deck dungeon, open a cell for the two of them," Li Yao waved dismissively.

The Lich Marshal immediately zipped his mouth shut, his ethereal form rising to stand as his gaze turned upward, pretending the incident had nothing to do with him.

The warship gradually stopped, and Morning Breeze softly reported, "Master, the arrangements below have been completed."

Li Yao nodded and activated Sound Amplification Magic: "My warriors, the final battle is about to begin. Those undead rats of Daisom haven’t sent a single soldier even after we took over the entirety of Ghost Land. This time, with an airborne fortress at our disposal, we’ve added wings to a tiger—we shall win decisively. But to minimize casualties, I’ve decided to reorganize army formations. The spellcasting corps—including Mages, Magicians, and Priests skilled in stationary spellcasting—will be deployed onto the warship, forming the Drying Sun Legion’s ship-based forces. Additionally, a few Breakers and stationary-output Rangers will bolster the arrow towers’ firepower. I trust your commanders have already briefed you—begin the teleportation process."

Swish, swish, swish...

A large number of Drying Sun Legion troops were teleported onto the deck. Thanks to prior planning and the leadership of high-ranking officers, the new formations were quickly organized.

Several Skeleton warriors were also stationed onboard as a precaution against any enemies who might storm the ship. Furthermore, an entire separate deck section was allocated as a nesting area for aerial forces, allowing them to conserve energy and remain in peak condition for aerial combat missions.

Within a mere quarter-hour, the teleportation was complete, and the warship was in orderly formation—it was the epitome of an ace army.

Li Yao glanced down below, this time turning his gaze toward the players.

The players’ emotions were conflicted; they suddenly realized something that made their hearts sink—all their efforts and spoils seemed pitiful compared to the staggering resources invested into Li Yao’s forces.

This airborne fortress alone was priceless—no amount of money could buy it. It was like an unstoppable snowball rolling forward, growing ever larger.

While some players had achieved an impressive stockpile of battle rewards and resources—including rare materials and items, even capable of replacing tens of thousands of Silver Elite troops—they were still envious, especially when comparing themselves to Li Yao. Everything they had earned was essentially just scraps Li Yao hadn’t cared about and sold off to them. Meanwhile, Li Yao stood at the apex, leading a sky fortress and commanding three million elite troops—an utterly incomparable disparity.

"Hard marchers, those who contribute to the Drying Sun Legion shall not go unrewarded. New recruits with outstanding performance will be invited onto the warship. The standard is simple: anyone with Drying Sun Legion prestige at the level of ’Respected’ may board," Li Yao announced, triggering a commotion among the players.

Those who did not meet the criteria cursed inwardly, complaining loudly within their party channels.

On the other hand, players who had achieved ’Respected’ prestige were thrilled. They’d long been itching to step onto the airborne fortress—not necessarily to own it, but simply to experience its magnificence firsthand.

It certainly beat trudging along the muddy paths below.

After an extended period of gameplay, approximately one-tenth of the players had reached ’Respected’ prestige or higher.

Li Yao had intentionally reserved an area for them to be teleported onboard, where they eagerly explored their surroundings, curiosity evident in their expressions. Meanwhile, the players left behind below could only begrudgingly march along with the army.

Those without mounts—forced to keep up on foot—looked up at their peers aboard the ship and felt an uncomfortable pang as they were waved at by those players enjoying themselves.

Li Yao had thoughtfully prepared refreshments, including free wine and fruit, along with entertainment such as Hearthstone Ancient God tournament matches and pet battles. He even offered six rare prizes for the top-three positions in each competition.

While those below trudged through mud, some without even mounts, the players onboard indulged in free food and drink, leisurely amusements, and chances to earn rewards.

The contrast drove players below into heightened frustration, spurring them to accept various tasks in pursuit of advancing their prestige to board the fortress themselves.

Human nature is such—when only Li Yao possessed a warship, the players’ envy was solely directed at him. But once a group of peers benefited even slightly, the players’ resentment shifted and dispersed.

The massive captain’s chamber occupied one-fifth of the fortress. The outer area featured an opulent banquet hall, while adjoining smaller rooms showcased High Elf craftsmanship with remarkable elegance, where Starfire members gathered to celebrate their camaraderie. As Li Yao’s personal loyalists, they naturally earned their place here.

Baby Eyes reclined in a luxurious and comfortable enchanted chair, sipping chilled fruit juice. "Big brother, you’re truly deviously cunning."

Li Yao accepted a glass of fine wine poured by Morning Breeze with a smirk, but said nothing...