After West let out that provocative sneer, the previously high morale on the battlefield seemed to drop several degrees instantly. However, this also ignited an even stronger resolve among the warriors present.
“Gentlemen,” the envoy of Lightol’s voice remained steady, “we may be facing an extremely powerful enemy, but he is not invincible. Remember, courage and wisdom are our weapons!”
A chorus of agreement immediately rose from the crowd. Some waved their fists and shouted slogans: "Protect the stars!" Many others silently placed their hands on their hearts in prayer, vowing to fight evil until the very last moment.
"My lord... what better method did you mean by that?" Sophia gripped her longsword and walked to the silver-masked knight's side, asking in a low voice. Meanwhile, Case also cast a concerned glance—clearly, they were both very interested in what the mysterious figure had mentioned.
After a moment's thought, Lightol explained, "It is said that there is a method that can directly affect the Heart of Darkness, but the process is extremely dangerous and requires a high degree of coordination. More importantly, during this time, we need someone to sacrifice themselves to temporarily withstand the enemy's attacks... only in this way can we buy precious time to complete the ritual."
After he finished speaking, everyone fell into deep thought. Indeed, if what he said was true, it would undoubtedly be the most ideal way to resolve the current predicament; however, the enormous risks involved also put a heavy burden on many people.
Just then, Jerry stepped forward and shouted, "I'm willing to stay and delay the enemy! Let me do this proud thing to give hope to my fellow villagers!" He then bowed deeply to the main characters to show his determination.
Upon hearing this, the old soldier standing nearby had tears welling up in his eyes: "What a good boy... Although I'm reluctant to let you go, I'm also proud of you! Whether you succeed or not, you are a true hero!"
“Thank you, Jerry… but this isn’t a task that can be accomplished simply through courage.” Nova spoke softly, trying to calm the crowd. “I will be working with Aiden and Sophia to execute this plan. At the same time, we hope to have everyone’s strong support to maximize its effectiveness…”
Just then, West, as if anticipating something, burst into maniacal laughter from afar. "Ha~ Trying to play tricks on me right under my nose? How naive!"
"Now there's no time to waste. Let's act as agreed!" The silver figure made a swift decision and took the lead, moving in the designated direction. The other three exchanged determined glances and followed...
"Wait! Where are you going?" A young soldier anxiously stopped the crowd that wanted to follow. "Please stay where you are. Protecting your own safety and innocent civilians is your most important duty! I believe that those who are truly capable of changing the status quo will be able to achieve their goals."
"Well said, young man! Let's do what we're supposed to do. We'll persevere no matter what!" A woman holding her child's hand smiled brightly as she encouraged him.
And so, everyone on the battlefield began to work methodically and diligently according to the established strategy...
Meanwhile, on the other side, members of a team approaching the core of the enemy force were also quietly communicating the specific implementation steps.
"Once we launch our final assault, it will immediately trigger a violent reaction... Remember, we must never reveal our whereabouts," Aiden warned his companions, urging them to remain vigilant at all times.
"Yes, I understand. I only pray for divine protection." Sophia closed her eyes and prayed for a few seconds before opening them again, appearing incredibly calm and composed.
Just as they were cautiously groping forward, the surrounding environment suddenly changed—the space, which should have been pitch black, suddenly became filled with firefly-like lights, giving them the illusion of entering a dream.
"What's going on... Could it be that we've already been discovered?" Nova wondered, while speeding up her scan for any movement around her.
"Don't panic, this might be the result of some special mechanism, it's not entirely a disadvantageous situation." Lightol remained calm, assessing the next step...
And just ahead, quietly waiting for the opportune moment to arrive—
A sudden, powerful aura shattered the tranquility...
To be continued.
As the sudden, powerful aura shattered the silence, Sofia and Nova tensed almost simultaneously, while Aiden gripped his longsword even tighter. Lightol remained composed, but beneath his silver mask, his eyes became unusually alert.
The flickering lights in the surrounding environment began to flash, seemingly reacting to this anomaly. A sense of oppression filled the air, making even breathing feel heavier.
"What is this..." A voice from a passerby warrior rang out from not far away, "This power is terrifying, it feels like I'm being targeted by something."
Another soldier, his weapon trembling, replied, "Could it be that the Great Demon King has discovered us? My God... I hope they can successfully complete their mission!"
Just as everyone held their breath and stared intently, a tall, dark figure suddenly appeared in front of them—it was West.
He let out a contemptuous laugh, as if his voice enveloped the entire space. "You really think your little tricks can escape my eyes? How naive!" he said, his scarlet eyes fixed on the group of heroes before him.
At this moment, a conversation also took place between the young soldier waiting for news at the rear of the battlefield and the woman:
"Do you think they'll come back safely?" the soldier asked, his voice tinged with tension. "That powerful shockwave just now was almost suffocating."
"No matter the outcome, at least they tried." The woman patted the other person's shoulder to comfort them, and then looked at the child beside her and said gently, "Remember their courage, child. In the future, you should be like them, facing any challenge with your head held high."
As the atmosphere on the battlefield grew increasingly tense, Sophia stepped forward to meet West's gaze. "So what? We never expected to win so easily. Today, this will be the ultimate showdown between good and evil! Are you ready to face judgment?"
After she finished speaking, she swung her sword sharply, leaving a bright arc in the air; her teammates followed suit and launched their own attacks. Although they had anticipated the difficulty, everyone gave it their all.
An elderly man in the distance, witnessing this scene, exclaimed, "What a beautiful sight... This must be the most radiant moment of youth. I only hope that this beautiful moment can be preserved forever."
The battle quickly intensified, every move and every dodge filled with the pressure of life and death. Fortunately, the previously agreed-upon plan began to take effect: Aiden and Sofia used their agility to restrain their opponents, creating opportunities for Nova; while Nova seized every second to cast spells in an attempt to locate the Heart of Darkness…
Just when the two sides were deadlocked, something unexpected happened—the sky, which was originally pitch black, gradually began to light up with a faint glow!
"Look over there!" someone shouted. Instantly, everyone stopped fighting and looked up at the night sky. A soft yet unwavering light gradually spread out.
This power of light seemed to give everyone unprecedented confidence and courage, and the pressure brought by West was now greatly reduced.
"This is... the power of star protection?" Exclamations arose from the crowd. "It seems our prayers were truly heard!" someone shouted excitedly.
“It seems we’re not the only ones struggling here…” Aiden smiled as he looked at his friends fighting alongside him, feeling an indescribable power surging within him.
"We must not let this light fade away, no matter what!" Sofia shouted.
Upon hearing these words, even someone as ruthless as West couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. "Damn it, how could this happen at such a crucial moment..." he cursed under his breath.
The battlefield was now in complete uproar. Hope and dreams shone brightly in everyone's eyes.
Just as both sides were considering their next move,
Nova suddenly pointed excitedly to a spot not far away and exclaimed, "Look! Isn't something strange emerging over there?"
Everyone looked in the direction he was pointing—and sure enough, a strange pattern could be vaguely seen in the light...
"Is that what they call the 'Heart of Darkness'?" Sophia muttered to herself.
At the same time, West's expression grew even more somber.
"No, we can't let them advance even a single step!" West roared, preparing to launch the final attack.
However, at this critical moment,
From afar came Jerry's brave and fearless voice: "Want to go? Ask me if I agree first!" Jerry then charged forward with all his might...
The battle is about to erupt again, and no one can predict where this struggle between good and evil will lead...
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