I, the prince in distress, send money

Chapter 546 No Misunderstanding
Things are unpredictable.

In the second phase of the revenge fleet, nearly 8,000 players, upon learning that they would be fighting the Elf fleet that night, basically all of them logged on, except for those who had important matters to attend to and were unable to leave.

Then, tonight everyone was excited and waiting for a big battle, especially the players on the outermost armed merchant ship who were all prepared to sacrifice themselves. Suddenly, something strange happened. A meteor flew across the sky, and then an announcement popped up.

The elves are no longer enemies, but have become temporary allies?

This kind of messed-up, unpredictable plot has almost everyone cursing the game planner's entire family for eighteen generations.

It's outrageous! We've all been preparing for so long, why didn't the planners let us finish tonight's big battle first, and then let the plot happen the next day?
So how could the players not be resentful!
It's like a man who's already taken his clothes off, about to climb into bed and start making babies with his goddess, when his boss calls to tell him to work overtime...

You've been constipated for days, and just as you're sitting on the toilet feeling ready to have a proper bowel movement, someone pushes open the toilet door...

You're in your room, tissues laid out, an exciting movie found, and just as your flight is about to take off, the power goes out...

Anyone who has had the above experience can understand the anger of these players tonight.

……

Despite the players' anger and displeasure at the anticipated battle's abrupt end, the elven fleet that had been surrounding the revenge fleet quickly changed direction and headed in the direction the meteor had traveled after the meteor streaked across the sky.

Since the opposing elf is uncooperative, even if someone on the player's side wants to recklessly fire and forcefully start a war, they can only think about it but cannot carry it out.

The elf ship was faster than their own armed merchant ships. Furthermore, neither of them had entered the effective range of the cannons. Even if someone tried to force their way in, the result of firing the cannon would only be that the cannonballs would fall into the water halfway through their flight.

There's nothing we can do now, this is the situation, what should we do?
Serve cold.

The leaders of the second phase of the revenge fleet held an emergency meeting in a chat software offline and made a decision... to follow suit.

Since the elves can't be defeated, the only option left is to fight the so-called "World Burners" and protect the World Tree.

The second vengeance fleet quickly broke formation, adjusted its course, and chased after the direction the elven fleet had left.

When Elunor, aboard the Steel Justice, discovered this situation, he understood the Bagnians' choice and breathed a sigh of relief.

"It seems you've made a wise choice."

He spoke to the Shanghai Pirate King beside him, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible approval, as well as a deeper sense of worry.

"Although I can sense that not everyone is doing it willingly."

The Shanghai Pirate King snorted, crossed his arms, and looked at the somewhat chaotic scene of his fleet caused by the emergency turn, saying irritably.

"Nonsense! I've already taken my pants off, and you're telling me it won't rain today? Would you be happy in my shoes?"

He used a crude yet vivid metaphor to express the general mentality of the players.

"If that damn mission prompt hadn't popped up, believe me, we'd be fighting your fleet to the point of having our brains splattered out by now!"

Elune was already used to the Shanghai Pirate King's rude words. Although she couldn't understand what he meant, she could sense a strange honesty in them.

He gave a slight, wry smile.

“I believe, and that’s why I’m even more grateful…or rather, thankful.”

He looked in the direction where the elven fleet had completely disappeared.

"When faced with true annihilation, reason ultimately triumphed over hatred and... well, interest."

"Stop with that flowery talk."

The Shanghai Pirate King waved his hand, but his expression softened slightly.

"Now is not the time to talk about that. What I need to know now is information about the Worldburners, the World Tree, and the situation in Mooncrown City. Tell us everything you need to know."

"The World Burner?"

After a moment of surprise, Elune realized what the Shanghai Pirate King meant.

"According to my father's description, the enemy that is now breaking through the world's crystal wall and trying to attack the World Tree should be a demon from the Abyss plane."

"A demon? Oh, this is what it is."

The Shanghai Pirate King suddenly realized.

"you know?"

"An old rival, someone I know very well."

The Shanghai Pirate King disagreed.

"There's a problem. Although we've decided to help you and protect the World Tree, it's just wishful thinking on our part. Your Blue Flame Kingdom doesn't know that yet... Old Ai, can you contact your compatriots?"

Upon hearing this, a complex expression appeared on Elunor's face. He pondered for a moment and then shook his head.

"Contacting the Mooncrown City court directly, given my current status... would be very difficult. An envoy who voluntarily stayed behind when the human fleet suddenly returned, bringing news of an alliance with humans, would probably not be believed by them."

He changed the subject, turning his gaze to the direction where the elven fleet had disappeared.

"However, considering the fleet we just saw, it's possible that the Emerald Dream's commander is Lilana, a naval admiral known for her pragmatism and keen insight."

She witnessed the celestial anomalies and saw our fleet turn to follow us. If we can demonstrate sufficient sincerity and value, she might be willing to engage in limited communication.

"Value? How do we demonstrate it?"

The Shanghai Pirate King raised an eyebrow, feeling somewhat unhappy and irritated for some reason.

"For example, clearing away anything on the route to Mooncrown City that might be corrupted by demons or taking advantage of the chaos."

Ailunor pointed into the distance.

"The arrival of demons will distort the surrounding creatures and environment, breed monsters, and block shipping lanes. Our fleet is large and well-armed, making it the best force to clear these obstacles. If General Lilana..."

"No, whatever..."

The Shanghai Pirate King suddenly interrupted Elune, his annoyance quickly replaced by a reckless arrogance.

"Why make things so complicated? Do I have to do her work to prove myself first? I'm here to slay demons and save the world, not to apply for a job!"

"But what if a misunderstanding occurs..."

"Then fight!"

The Shanghai Pirate King chuckled and waved his hand.

"Fighting demons and fighting elves are the same to us... That's it, brothers, give the signal, let's go straight for the enemy's lair!"

When the Pirate King's arrogant and reckless declaration was broadcast to the players through flag signals and megaphone announcements, it was like a spark thrown into dry tinder, instantly igniting the emotions of all the players.

"Well said, it doesn't matter who we hit!"

"Exactly, my cannons are itching for a fight!"

"Forget elves and demons, anything that gets in our way will be blasted to dust!"

"Go straight for the heart of the enemy, and fuck them to death!"

The long-suppressed fighting spirit found a new outlet, and the entire fleet of ships was filled with fervent responses.

The initial frustration and irritation caused by the cancellation of the war were now replaced by a more primal and direct excitement.

"Raise all the sails and go full speed ahead!"

The Shanghai Pirate King stood at the bow of the Steel Justice, facing the sea breeze, and roared at the top of his lungs.

"Target: the spot where the meteor struck. Whoever gets there first gets to eat!" The order spread like wildfire throughout the fleet.

One hundred and fifty armed merchant ships—this enormous force, originally assembled to subdue the elves, now surged forward like a steel torrent broken free of its reins, accelerating recklessly.

The sails were billowed to their limit by the strong wind, the wooden masts groaned under the strain, the bows cleaved through the waves, splashing up murky white spray, and the entire fleet charged toward the distant horizon under the crimson sky with an almost savage manner.

Their formations were no longer important; dense defenses and overwhelming firepower were now forgotten.

Each ship was like a hungry wolf that had caught the scent of blood, eager to pounce on its prey as quickly as possible.

Elunor was stunned by this sudden, chaotic, and frantic sprint.

Looking at the fanatical and distorted expressions on the faces of the humans around him, and listening to their fearless and even expectant roars, he realized for the first time so clearly the true nature of these "otherworldly beings".

They did not fight for honor, faith, or survival; what they sought was the pure thrill of battle and destruction, regardless of who the target was.

"Sir, this is too dangerous!"

He tried to dissuade.

"You have no navigational charts, you are unaware of the situation ahead, and you are advancing so recklessly..."

"What do you need a navigation chart for!"

The Shanghai Pirate King interrupted him, pointing to the red light burning like a giant torch in the distant sky.

That is the best lighthouse!

As for the danger?

Hahaha, I'm all about the thrill!

The fleet galloped across the murky sea like a runaway horse.

……

Mooncrown City, the heart of the Blue Flame Kingdom and the sanctuary of the World Tree "Tears of the Sky," is immersed in an unchanging tranquility and splendor.

The palace complex, carved from living ancient wood, shimmers with a pearly luster under the eternal magical glow.

Even at night, elves stroll gracefully along the winding streets, discussing poetry, magic, and the upcoming Starry Night Festival with their companions.

The air was filled with the fragrance of calming flowers and silver leaves, occasionally punctuated by the ethereal harp music of a distant bard.

Everything follows an ancient and exquisite rhythm, as if time itself has slowed down here, unwilling to disturb this eternal perfection.

Then, the sky burst into flames.

At first, there were only a few low, uncertain gasps coming from the Night Watch Mage Tower.

The mages responsible for observing the stars noticed that the color of the sky was becoming abnormal. An ominous crimson was visibly eroding the deep blue night sky, as if the stars were being extinguished by an invisible force, and the bright moon had lost its luster.

Before they could activate the highest-level early warning array, the first "meteor" tore through the crimson sky, crashing into the Crystal Song Forest on the outskirts of the city with a tooth-grinding shriek and a long trail of destructive light.

The loud noise shattered countless exquisite stained glass window frames.

The earth trembled violently, as if a slumbering ancient beast were turning over beneath it.

The shockwave, carrying scorching air currents and flying fragments of lava, instantly turned the woodland, famous for its magical crystals and singing ancient trees, into scorched earth and a sea of ​​fire.

The tranquility was utterly shattered.

For the first time, screams echoed so rudely over Mooncrown City.

The elves on the street were bewildered, some standing frozen in place, gazing up at the sky that looked like it was weeping blood.

Some panicked and ran to the nearest building for shelter, pushing and shoving, and centuries of elegance and composure vanished.

"Enemy attack..."

The ancient warning horn was finally sounded, but its sound was so faint and hesitant amidst the deafening roar of falling meteors.

More fireballs followed, no longer falling aimlessly, but striking Mooncrown City's vital points with precision, as if they had eyes.

That's not a natural meteorite; it's a meticulously crafted demonic airdrop pod.

From the fallen meteorite, accompanied by the stench of sulfur and burnt flesh, the first wave of low- to mid-level demons—berserkers, quagmires, and frenos—swarmed out like locusts. They roared and brandished their innate weapons, instantly turning the area around the impact point into a bloody slaughterhouse.

The nearby elven civilians and the hastily arriving guards were swallowed up by this sudden, evil wave before they could even organize an effective resistance.

The mage towers on the east side of the city formed a united shield, but under the impact of an exceptionally large fireball, the outermost tower was snapped in half like a broken tree branch and collapsed with a roar, stirring up clouds of dust.

One of the missiles even hit the inner defensive barrier surrounding the World Tree, "Tears of the Sky." The emerald green light screen, which had remained unshaken for millennia, began to fluctuate violently, emitting a hum that seemed unable to bear the strain.

And this is just the beginning.

More meteorites followed, seemingly with eyes, accurately striking various strategic locations in Mooncrown City: the port, the magic tower forest, the military camp, and even heading straight for the city center, where the enormous World Tree supporting the heavens and the earth stood.

The fall of each meteorite is not just an impact, but also the activation of a space beacon and the opening of a portal!
After absorbing a large amount of life energy, the runic arrays in the meteorite's core, which emitted a ghostly green or dark red light, quickly stabilized and expanded, forming unstable but continuously emerging temporary portals from which demons poured out.

These portals, like festering sores tearing open the perfect skin of the elven kingdom, relentlessly pour the filth of the abyss into this world.

High-ranking winged demons and seductive demons flew directly out of the portal and began to systematically attack the elf's defensive nodes and spellcasters.

The burning figures of the even more powerful Balrogs also began to appear at the most important impact points, wielding long whips of fire, each strike bringing explosions and destruction.

"It's the abyss's presence! A demon! A demon has descended!"

An elderly elven mage stood atop a crumbling tower, shouting at the top of his lungs, his face filled with unbelievable terror.

His voice was quickly drowned out by more explosions and some kind of mind-numbing roar from the void.

Chaos reigned within the royal court.

The elven nobles poured out of the council hall in a panic, not caring at all that their magnificent robes were covered in dust.

Their faces, which had always maintained their composure and arrogance, were now replaced by fear and bewilderment, and arguments erupted.

"Did an experiment in one of the mage towers go out of control!?"

"Fool! This is an invasion from beyond the world! It's a demon!"

"Where are the troops? Where is our fleet?!"

"Quickly, activate all defensive formations to protect the World Tree!"

The orders are being transmitted, but the efficiency is far less than usual.

After too long a period of peace, the bloated and rigid bureaucratic system was laid bare in the face of disaster.

Some officials are still debating which level of emergency procedures to activate, while others are arguing over which guard unit to deploy.

In contrast, the lower-ranking elven soldiers and low-level mages reacted much more quickly.

The city guards, clad in silver armor, struggled to quickly regroup amidst the chaos. While heading towards the meteorite impact site, they also set aside some men to maintain order and attempt to guide terrified civilians to underground shelters.

Some mages also left the mage tower to join the army, providing them with magical assistance in preparation for fighting the demons.

The war broke out here for the first time since the founding of Mooncrown City.

After the initial shock and chaos, the elves of Mooncrown City finally realized that the mission of the Blue Flame Kingdom must be fulfilled in the most tragic way... to protect the World Tree "Tears of the Sky" until their last drop of blood is shed.

(End of this chapter)