Chapter 339: Chapter 243 Bad News and Bad News
"Bad news? I have one too. You go first," Kirei said.
"Alright, my bad news is this. There’s evidence suggesting that the Black Dragon Empire may never have stopped researching necromancy, and they may very likely be trying to create a fearless undead army," Long Yi said.
"Then, you should hear my bad news," Kirei said, "I’ve gotten reliable information that the Black Dragon Empire really is studying necromancy and has made significant strides. Apparently, some powerful undead soldiers have been produced. My sources currently can’t get any specific information, but based on rough estimates. If the Black Dragon Empire is determined to create an undead army, then it could be alarming in a short time."
"Damn."
Long Yi couldn’t help but use such a vulgar word to describe his feelings.
"Ah, it seems that traditional warfare no longer works. Are we entering a new type of warfare?" Long Yi said.
Dragon Knights are powerful, but a mere three thousand dragon knights are a pipe dream when tasked with defending a vast border, especially against an undead army. These tireless, fearless soldiers share characteristics with Golems. Although they are far weaker individually than Golems, they have huge numbers in their favor. Every being that dies on the battlefield can join their ranks. The plague that follows the undead army brings catastrophe wherever they go.
The inhumanity and immorality of the undead army and the potential for a global catastrophe if things go awry are why nations agreed to cease research. After all, every nation at war just wants land and gold. The land won’t run away, but if people die, who would produce gold for you?
A simple example: If you murder all the people in the world, you would become the king of the world, but no one would be left to make beautiful clothes, delicious food for you, or craft armor. You would even need to produce your own food.
However, apparently, the Black Dragon Emperor has gone insane and doesn’t even give a second thought to these factors.
Once the Black Dragon Empire’s undead army takes shape, it will most assuredly deal the first blow to the White Dragon Empire. Using Dragon Knights to stop them would be the best approach, but the enemy has Dragon Knights too! If the enemy’s Dragon Knights tie up yours, your ground troops would have to face that plague-infested undead army.
However, Long Yi has suggested a solution.
Mass-produced battle armor.
These mass-produced sets of battle armor have seventy percent of the original’s power. But even so, they are already extraordinary.
"Your Majesty, it’s time to select individuals to don the battle armor," Long Yi said.
"Yes, I already have a plan in place. The plans have already been distributed to those I trust," the Emperor said.
Upon hearing the selection of individuals to wear battle armor, all of the surrounding guards’ ears pricked up.
Yes! That’s right! Why would these noble families send their precious descendants to serve the Emperor? Isn’t it for the sake of battle armor?
Despite the high level of secrecy maintained by the empire, hints have leaked to the higher-ups in some noble families. These hints, though vague, were analyzed by clever old foxes who soon understood the truth veiled behind the smokescreen.
So the noble families prepared beforehand— as soon as the Emperor distributed the plans, they dashed to the Imperial Palace to report in almost immediately.
These youngsters, possessing extreme talent but devoid of the ability to become Dragon Knights, could have coasted through life as low-level commanding officers. But now, ancient weaponry in the form of battle armor has appeared!
There are only 300 sets throughout the entire empire!
And according to Long Yi’s tone, there might soon be armies outfitted with battle armor!
Wouldn’t those chosen now essentially become military officers?
Suddenly, all the guards straightened up their postures.
"Hmm, not bad," Long Yi gave them a glance, finding their gaze fairly determined. Of course, if they hadn’t initially let their gazes wander over Ai Lin, Long Yi’s impression would have been better.
"Just not sure when the Black Dragon Empire plans to lay its cards flat. If they do it too soon, it will be troublesome for us."
"Actually... I have a bit more preparation to fall back on," Long Yi said.
"Don’t keep us waiting! Spit it out!" Kirei couldn’t stand Long Yi’s habit of revealing plans bit by bit.
"It’s not really anything. I’ve acquired a lava core. This thing can turn into a Molten Beast," Long Yi said, retrieving the lava core from his personal space. The dark red pearl seemed unremarkable. Kirei took one look and didn’t see anything special about it.
"This thing called the Molten Beast is a creature made of magma. They aren’t afraid of the plague. However, there is a small issue. I don’t really have control over the process of creating these creatures. Maybe Little Zi can unravel the secret in the future and mass-produce Molten Beasts. But right now, there’s no solution."
The Emperor was aware of Long Yi’s sidekick- the small female demon maid, Little Zi, who is a Master of Magic. This title was recognized by the Imperial Research Institute.
"Alright, looks like we can only rely on our allies for the time being," Kirei said.
"Allies? The Red Dragon Empire?"
"Right, our most reliable ally!"
"What needs to be done?"
"Nothing much, just strengthen our bond."
"Go hook up with a girl from the Red Dragon Empire?"
"How could that be, ha! I’m surprised you thought of that!"
As it turns out, every June, right before the annual vacation of all the major Dragon Knight academies, there’s a military exchange activity between the White Dragon Empire and the Red Dragon Empire. The activity includes combined operations, battlefield rescue, and Dragon Knight confrontations.
It has been held more than a hundred times. In terms of confrontations, both sides have had victories and defeats, but overall, the White Dragon Empire has the upper hand.
"Master! Master! Look at me! Look at me— a powerful Dragon Knight! Send me, and I guarantee you won’t suffer! You won’t get duped! All for just two bucks! Huh! I mean, what two bucks, it’s free! Let me go!"
Long Yi rushed forward with a natural look on his face.
"No, this is a military exchange," Kirei said reluctantly.
"I’m a senior, aren’t I? Once you’ve entered the Dragon Knight Academy, you’re a soldier. There’s no such thing as grade!"
"No, there are rules."
"Master! Oh, no! Kirei! No, no, no! Your Majesty! Dearest Majesty! Please forget about those bullshit rules. Just look at you, your Majesty! You are wise and valiant. Just standing there, you exude such an overbearing air. The Chief Justice and others would pee their pants! Why do we need rules? Besides, if we use a senior student to defeat their regular troops, wouldn’t it boost our morale while deflating their pride? Just look at you, your Majesty, your robust body symbolizes your unrivaled might; You’re like an unyielding pine tree—"
"Stop! I surrender! You can go!" Kirei finally couldn’t take it anymore. He never imagined that Long Yi could be such torturous company.
Satisfied, Long Yi promptly left.
Staring at the departing Long Yi, and then at the Battle Armor still standing in the box, Kirei sighed.
Being an Emperor was really tough.
Back to the Academy, it was nearly summer vacation. The whole Academy was immersed in the cheerful atmosphere of upcoming holidays. However, this atmosphere had nothing to do with the three of them.
Wesley and the chef mosquito had just come down from the training ground. Obviously, the four Dragon Marks on Long Yi had fiercely stimulated them, and they had again increased their training intensity. The chef and Mosquito each already had the strength of a Dragon Mark. Wesley was a bit behind, but he already had the Fighting Aura of Tier 18.
When they met Long Yi, the three pretended not to see him, passed by him each saying their part, and then all of a sudden, the three simultaneously burst out, rushing towards Long Yi from three different angles.
"Good!"
Although it was just an instant, Long Yi could see the seamless cooperation between the three!
A Dragon Mark! Another Dragon Mark! And almost a Dragon Mark! They haven’t seen each other for a few days, and these three guys’ strength had dramatically increased! Had they taken some divine drugs?
Good!
However, good cooperation does not mean you can win!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The three were sent flying simultaneously.
"Damn! Chef! You said that this time it would definitely work, but we ended up flying again!"
Wesley slowly got up, dusting off his body, his eyes already black and blue.
"It’s all because of your rotten idea, asking me to attack his upper body. With my weight, I’m bound to be a fraction of a second slower, and that’s why he caught my flaw!"
The chef said while massaging his chest.
"Actually, it’s all useless. For a player of Brother Long’s strength, it’s impossible for him to show any flaws, right, Brother Long." As Mosquito was saying this, he limped towards Long Yi’s back.
"All’s fair in love and war!" Suddenly, Mosquito raised his hand, and his Fighting Aura turned into the sharp mouth of the Nine Mosquito Dragon, directly stabbing towards Long Yi’s back. This time, the chef attacked Long Yi’s legs directly, and Wesley’s fists were directed at Long Yi’s ears!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Three punches later, Wesley stood up with panda-like eyes. The chef massaged his chest on the other side. Mosquito forcibly dragged his leg.
Obviously, two failed surprise attacks had left them very depressed.
"Do you want to know where you lost?" Long Yi asked.
"Strength, duh."
The chef said while staring at the ground.
"Luck, duh."
Mosquito said while staring at the sky.
"No girls around, duh."
Wesley said while staring at his own right hand.
"Fine, I was planning to invite you guys to the Red Dragon Empire’s military exchange tournament, but since you guys don’t seem to have any fighting spirit, you might as well rot during the hot summer holiday." Long Yi held Ai Lin’s hand and prepared to leave.
"Bro!"
"Real bro!"
"You are my real bro!"
The three ran up without any shame.
"Come on, first tell me where you lost." Long Yi asked.
"When facing a powerful opponent like Brother Long, we didn’t effectively communicate and probe Brother Long’s weak points. Right from the start, we didn’t have the desire to win, which was the reason for the first failure. While the second failure was due to Brother Long’s previous punches affecting our attacking motions, causing our attacking motions to deform, and being anticipated in advance."
The three talked over each other, summarizing the battle report.
"Almost correct." Long Yi laughed.
"Yeah! Military exchange!" Wesley shouted excitedly.
"But Wesley is the weak link, huh." Long Yi said, looking at Wesley.
"Tier 18 Fighting Aura." Ai Lin added.
"Actually, this, it doesn’t matter, right?" Wesley said nervously.
"Yes, it doesn’t matter, actually." Long Yi said.
"That’s good." Wesley was relieved.
"We will have special training, we are all good brothers, don’t worry, we will be very gentle!" Long Yi grinned, looking very happy.
"No!!!" (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to visit qidian.com to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my strongest motivation. Mobile users please go to m.qidian.com to read.)
