Once upon a time there was a greedy snake.

Chapter 294 All the Stars in the Sky Are Enemies

Opinions vary on what the first step in preparing for battle should be. Some say it requires elite troops and capable generals, while others say it requires supplies first. But Habisa, who had actually fought in battles, knew very well that those were things that came later.

The first step in preparing for war is to know that war is about to begin.

When Habisa saw the vicious dogs blocking the doorway with their bloodshot eyes, he knew that the first step in the entire battle would probably have to start from his most inconspicuous position—especially when red light gradually emerged from the mouths of those seemingly ordinary vicious dogs.

"It seems some people already know, and you'll tell me about it."

A heavy, steel hand pressed down on the changing shape of the Phantom Shadow, and then simply hung it on its back.

"Hold on tight, don't fall."

"Because it will happen very soon."

The flash of sword light exploded before the red light.

In just a moment, a streak of light had already flown to the distant street corner.

Wherever the streak of light passed, the vicious dogs that were about to unleash their energy blasts froze in place.

Immediately afterwards, they all exploded into pieces.

The enormous explosion shook the entire street and completely roused the giant city from its slumber—especially the terracotta warriors and wooden statues who never slept. After quickly determining the location of the explosion, they were astonished to find that it was the residence of their new legion commander.

Therefore, the warriors of the Blood Warband immediately began to assemble.

"I also want to thank these friends; the assassins they sent saved me some time."

As more and more terracotta figures and wooden statues approached from afar, Habisa waved to them.

More vicious dogs rushed out from afar, this time, the ones flashing red had already transformed into bodies—but at this point, these suicide bombings were no longer of any use.

"Let's take the first city."

Looking at the serpent scale sword raised high in the distance, and getting closer and closer, Habisa knew that he had done what he could in the first stage of this battle.

"Leave it to us from now on."

After a brief exchange with Habisa, the four priests immediately issued an order to seal off the city.

This is the second step in the fight: suppressing those who might cause problems. Although this action will obviously damage our combat strength, it will at least allow the Serpent God Empire to launch a normal counterattack, rather than causing local malfunctions at a critical moment due to a few people having second thoughts.

As a result, dozens of pharmacies owned by the God of Life were shut down, and the staff were temporarily detained. Even the second-generation carpenter, Bescai, was sent to prison.

"Please be understanding; after all, you are too deeply connected to the chosen one of the God of Courage."

When Besca began to protest his innocence, the four priests gave him this response.

"This is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. This plan has been in place since we made the pact with the Serpent God. Just stay here for a while and we will release you after the battle is over."

"Why did they suddenly start fighting?"

Beskay, still somewhat dazed in the prison cell, hadn't yet realized what had happened after being suddenly arrested.

"Why do we have to fight? Weren't we cooperating well? Isn't it a bit too hasty to start a fight now? Should we talk to them again..."

Facing the four priests' piercing gaze, Beskay gritted her teeth and finally spoke.

"Can we win now?" Yes, as a master craftsman who had personally experienced those techniques, Beska knew very well that the gap between the two sides was more than just a matter of heaven and earth. Yes, they had indeed suppressed those chosen champions, but that didn't prove anything. That wasn't the true strength of the God of Courage; it wasn't even a drop in the ocean.

"Even if we really have to fight, we need to accumulate more skills over the next few years..."

Facing the gaze of the four priests, Besky continued to try to explain. He knew very well that it was impossible to win at this point, and he just wanted to prevent the warriors from making unnecessary sacrifices.

But the four priests simply shook their heads.

"It's not that we want to fight, it's that they want to fight. We have no say in this matter."

Taking a deep breath, Ansag, one of the four priests, stepped forward and patted Beske on the shoulder.

"I'm sorry to trouble you. You'll be locked up here for a while. We'll release you after the war ends... If we're not the ones who release you, then surrender and use your relationship with Casaloron to secure a position for yourself."

"Then, remember to treat your fellow countrymen kindly."

This was the final arrangement. The four priests themselves didn't know if it would be useful, but dealing with the aftermath of failure was better than doing nothing.

Yes, just like Beske, the four priests also felt that this war had come far too hastily, so hastily that they were, in fact, unprepared for anything.

However, that's how war is. The enemy won't wait for you to be fully prepared before attacking. On the contrary, it's when you're completely unprepared that you have the real opportunity to fight.

As the party being attacked, all they can do is fight back.

"It's better to resist than not to resist at all..."

Sataik, carrying a large sword, gave a wry smile.

"I'll go and gather the soldiers, at least to get the manpower together."

"I'll go and allocate the warehouse space."

Melk also spoke up.

"Fortunately, we have enough reserves, so at least we won't run out of various supplies."

“Then, Ban, come with me and help me reassure the skilled workers in the city.”

After a moment of silence, Ansag took the initiative to do the most troublesome task.

The city's craftsmen, or rather, the immortals of all trades, have become accustomed to gazing at the stars for inspiration, which has even led to rapid advancements in their skills—although those skills are somewhat flawed, they can still produce unexpected results when used appropriately.

But now...

The god of wisdom who had once bestowed knowledge upon them was also their enemy.

This was something the four priests never expected. The star gods who were once most friendly to them had actually joined the invasion. When they heard the news, they couldn't even believe it—until they tried to pray to the starry sky but received no response, they had to admit this unacceptable fact.

Or rather, it wasn't a complete lack of response. This time, the god of wisdom no longer bestowed any knowledge upon them, but instead directly showed them the boundless demon army, making them accept the rule from the stars.

This time, they no longer had any so-called allies, nor could they expect any so-called goodwill—they now fully understood that the Star Sea was indeed a place like a jungle.

All the stars in the sky are enemies.

(End of this chapter)