Chapter 414: Chapter 416: The Rise of the Destiny Hero–Prince Anos

“Hurry up and shoot… I can’t take it anymore… Are you a pig? How can you miss at this range? Aim your arrows better!”

“These damn rats are so fiercely wild, I’ve already died twice, and now they’re charging again?”

“Whimper, whimper, there are so many little mice, I’m so scared… Motherf*cker, how dare they bite me, where’s my big sword? If I don’t chop these bastards up today, they won’t learn to respect women…”

“They’re so ugly, these Fierce Half-Ratmen are so hideous…”

In Anos City, players locked in fierce combat had reached a fever pitch after two days of fighting.

There were too many.

Too many Fierce Half-Ratmen.

Killing them was fruitless, exterminating them impossible.

These evil creatures, oblivious to pain, unacquainted with retreat, were simply the bane of players.

Although players were fierce, the potential loss of experience made them reluctant to risk their lives for real.

The back and forth resulted in a huge gap, with the Divine Servants fighting to the death on one side and players looking to retreat and capitalize on the other, so while the defense of the walls was manageable, the scene drastically changed after the walls were breached.

After moving into urban warfare, players could only form small squads to resist, but the Fierce Half-Ratmen on the other side had no fear of death.

Thus, even with millions of players participating in the defense, they could only retreat step by step.

Crimson Moon, Dark Contract, Red Dragon’s Fury; these were the three main player guilds of Anos City. If not for these guilds’ core players taking on most of the pressure, Anos City would probably have already fallen by now.

Among these guilds, Dark Contract and Crimson Moon were the strongest. In truth, it was the two guilds covertly controlled by Lide that were the core of the resistance against the Fierce Half-Ratmen.

As time passed, the situation in Anos City became increasingly passive, and the disadvantages were especially unbearable for solo players, who even began to desert…

The higher-ups of Anos City could only wryly smile at this. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to command the players, it was just that 70% of Anos City’s players had come from other areas after hearing about the epic quest here.

To think that they could marshal a million unruly player troops in just two or three days was pure fantasy.

Moreover, given the capricious nature of players, assigning them quests was one thing, but commanding them was another; they might not even care to listen.

The scattered players were also a major reason why Anos City was breached.

But no matter the excuses, the slow fall of Anos City was an undeniable fact.

This war, though limited to Anos City, had become a landmark event, potentially even reshaping the landscape of “Glory.”

Because this was the first time the Evil God Camp had launched an attack on a player’s main city under player leadership, the implications were far-reaching.

If the Ancient Evil God Camp emerged victorious, would that mean there were more benefits for players joining them? If Anos City fell this time, could their own cities be next?

Given that “Glory” could enhance physical fitness, with undeniable effects on the real world, the entire world’s attention was focused on this battle and countless media, streamers, and websites were reporting on it around the clock.

The posts on the “Glory” forums also skyrocketed.

“These NPCs are too ruthless, deploying so many monsters, mmp, who can withstand this?”

“We absolutely cannot surrender, Anos City’s banner has not fallen, how can we retreat! Anos City, forever valiant!”

“Kill them, they can’t hold on anymore!! If we break through their lines, we win!! Long live the Ancient Camp!!”

“F*cking Ancient Camp players, you traitors, human scum!! Collaborating with the Evil God to attack our own main city, I despise you! Middle finger up.jpg”

“This war is truly thrilling, never thought I’d see a scene more shocking than a blockbuster movie”

In the last few days, traffic on the “Glory” official website was several times higher than usual.

But in the beginning, players could still face the battle with a light-hearted attitude; however, as the battle turned sour, everyone watched helplessly as Fierce Half-Ratmen advanced through the city, conquering one district after another.

As companions fell one by one, anger began to rise within.

They started taking the war seriously.

But the disadvantage had already surfaced, and no resistance seemed enough to turn the tide.

The harsh reality of the battlefield was laid bare for the players to see.

For the first time, players realized firsthand that their much-prized skills were so weak and ineffectual on the battlefield.

Players could resurrect, but there was an eight Sunshine Hour cooldown period, and since the game’s public testing aligned time with reality, it was a full eight hours in the real world, too.

At first, players could hold their ground against the assault of the Fierce Half-Ratmen, but as time went by and due to the sheer number of people waiting to respawn, the numbers rapidly decreased, leaving the entire city falling at an alarming rate.

“Your Highness, Prince of Anos City, District Seven has fallen!! We only have five districts left!”

Atop the towering Anos Mage Tower, once the Nolan Royal Family’s waste, now the lord of Anos City–the Prince of Anos City stood at the highest floor of the Mage Tower, gazing at the distant warfront.

This Mage Tower was a Subtower erected by the Crimson Mage Tower and, with no expenses spared, was completed within just half a year, reaching a height of 30 blades and becoming the city’s tallest building.

The anxious soldiers behind him had urgent looks on their faces.

“Just ahead of the Mage Tower is the temple of the Life Goddess. If it falls, adventurers from the Lost Plane won’t be able to resurrect. At that point, Anos City will truly fall…”

As a main player city, only about 20% of its population were natives, and nearly 99% of those fighting were players; the original inhabitants rarely risked their lives for Anos City.

Players, however, could only resurrect at the Life Goddess’ temple, and due to the high demand for player resurrection in Anos City, a total of four temples were constructed.

But the other three had already fallen to the assault of the Fierce Half-Ratmen. If this last temple were also breached, players would have no place to respawn but in Green City.

That would leave no option but the fall of Anos City.

“Only by holding the Life Goddess’ temple can we have a glimmer of hope.”

Prince Anos looked intently ahead, the piercing roar of magic blasts mingling with the anguished cries of the wounded, the city he had proudly built with his own hands was inching closer to defeat.

“Has Green City responded to our call for assistance?”

“Your Highness, those damned Nobles would rather we fall immediately–they won’t send troops to help us!”

Hearing this, Prince Anos’s gaze grew particularly icy; even now, certain members of the Nolan Royal Family wished for his death.

“The old grudges and accounts will be settled with them soon enough!

Notify the Centaur Army, follow me to battle!”

The Centaur Army, the strongest force supported by Dawn City for Anos City.

There were tens of thousands of them, and previously it was the ability to hire Centaurs that had allowed Anos City to attract players so quickly.

He had not intended to use the Centaurs, for although they were powerful, they could not resurrect, whereas the endlessly respawning players were the ultimate force.

But the situation had become dire for the very foundation of Anos City, and he had to play his last card.

“Your Highness, allow me to take charge of this! Your leadership is needed here!”

Not only the higher-ups of Anos City but also the presidents of various player guilds summoned urgently were looking at Prince Anos with surprise; taking the troops out at this time took real courage.

“Execute the order!”

With a cold shout, the commander shuddered then looked at Prince Anos with respect, promptly turned, and went to gather the last of the forces.

Once the commander had departed, Prince Anos City sharply turned to the guild presidents who had gathered with him.

The battle for Anos City involved not just Anos City players–it had captured the hearts of players, so much so that even players from the Nolan Capital had rushed there.

“Gentlemen, the fate of Anos City hangs by a thread. Whatever your reasons for coming to Dawn City, you have earned my friendship.

After we repel those filthy Divine Servants, I shall treat you all to the finest Elf Wine.”

Many players looked at Prince Anos, who seemed completely different from before, with peculiar expressions.

Especially the guild players from outside the city; they had heard plenty about the “legendary deeds” of Prince Anos–born to the King and a Maid after a drunken affair, seen as a disgrace by the Royal Family, utterly without Talent…

But these legends couldn’t be further from the Prince Anos, the masterful and commanding lord of Anos City standing before them now.

“Prince Anos, if it’s possible, please allow me to join you.”

Zhao Yue, who had been silent, stepped forward with a firm gaze towards Prince Anos, “Crimson Moon shall share the fate of Anos City.”

This?

Presidents of other guilds couldn’t help but exchange glances.

If the situation was hopeless, most were unwilling to stay and face death–unlike Crimson Moon, whose entire fortune was invested in Anos City.

“President Yue, no need for more words, your presence was requested to continue commanding the troops, to hold the line.

Trust me, as long as the flag of Anos City doesn’t fall, Anos City shall endure!”

His tone was indifferent but unshakable.

The slightly frail young Prince now seemed to truly embody the demeanor of the Destiny Hero.

After Prince Anos finished speaking, he turned and left, with the surrounding guards stopping any players who tried to follow.

Once Prince Anos’s figure disappeared, the remaining players looked at each other in silence.

This??

Zhao Yue glanced at these players with a hint of disdain, then held her head high and walked away.

These people had alternatives; Crimson Moon did not.

Seventy percent of Crimson Moon’s investments were in Anos City; if it were conquered, nearly a year of effort would have been wasted.

Anyone could leave, but not her; she had to account for all of Crimson Moon and to that heartless boss.

Thinking of this, Zhao Yue’s eyes filled with a profound resentment–more unsettling than that of a spurned woman… Where had her boss died? How could he disappear at such a critical moment?

Outside Anos City, as the main target of the Fierce Half-Ratman was Anos City, the surrounding areas remained unaffected by their assault.

At least two to three hundred thousand players had gathered to observe the spectacle.

Several Mages used the Mirror Image Skill to allow everyone to witness the war conditions in Anos City firsthand, while some players uploaded snapshots to the forums from atop flying Demon Beasts they’d acquired from gods know where.

But just as countless cloud players unable to enter “Glory” were eagerly viewing those screenshots on the “Glory” forums, suddenly a message excited everyone.

System Alert: Anos City is in a state of war, players may initiate live streaming within a 100-kilometer radius of the city, streaming will be limited until the end of the war.

“F*ck, finally we can stream! I’m dying to see…”

“When did Glory become so accommodating? Their previous policies were a bunch of bullsh*t…”

“Hahaha, I’ll start streaming, make you all jealous with the three cuties I’ve taken care of…”

“It’s unfair, I demand all streaming permissions be opened. Why can only Anos City’s surroundings be streamed??”

Whether it was players in the game or those on the forums, everyone was shocked to see the sudden announcement on the “Glory” official website, some even exclaimed it was a rare sight, that the usually unresponsive “Glory” website had updated at all.

Even because of this system prompt, “Glory” topped the trending searches within just half an hour.

And with the release of that notice, the official website of “Glory” quickly opened up a live streaming area.

Netizens could click in to see a live broadcast of real-time footage.

And it even thoughtfully included a barrage feature.

Many players who were seeing the “Glory” game video for the first time were instantly captivated, deeply impressed by the realistic scenes.

No one knew how the official website of “Glory” was able to live stream.

The perspective was from high above in the sky, clearly showing countless fierce half-rat men snarling and clawing their way toward the players.

Players brought to bear all sorts of weapons: archers, thieves, assassins, priests, warriors, and even some rare hidden Professions like Druids, Beast Tamers, Undead Summoners, and many more.

The clash between the two sides was utterly thrilling to witness.

Those players wearing virtual helmets could immerse themselves and experience the sensation of wartime combat–it was simply invincible.

In no time at all, the live stream of “Glory” was flooded again.

“Holy shit, I recommend everyone watch the ‘Glory’ live stream with a virtual helmet or a gaming pod; the feeling is too damn shocking!!”

“People used to say ‘Glory’ is very realistic, I didn’t believe it, but after I just put on the helmet to watch the live stream, it scared the piss out of me…”

“No wonder this game can improve players’ physical fitness, with this level of realism, fighting every day inside is just like in reality, isn’t it?”

“We strongly demand ‘Glory’ to produce more gaming pods!!…”

The exaggerated live broadcast effects on the official website of “Glory” immediately attracted countless players who were already curious about this cutting-edge technology game.

Even not only Huaxia’s players, but also players from all over the world could experience the charm of “Glory” in the live broadcast at this moment.

After those Russians experienced what is called immersion, they started shouting omg, unbelievable… Is this the creation of God? Why can Huaxia people make such a high-level game, and they can’t?!

Many foreign players, especially those from the disappointed capitalist empires of Europe and America, begin to rage post, cursing their own country as trash and stating that it must be a systemic problem; they love their country, but the country does not love them, and they are demanding the introduction of this game that belongs only to Huaxia…

No one knew exactly how the official website’s live stream was operated, but the perfect camera angles and close-ups of various crucial battles made it very satisfying for those outside of the game to watch.

It was absolutely an epic movie experience.

Even many in-game players, upon learning that the live broadcast had started, promptly found a safe place to log off and watch instead, as viewing from outside Anos City didn’t offer as direct and thrilling an experience as watching the live stream.

No matter what tumult was happening in the outside world, the progress within “Glory” would not slow down because of a live broadcast.

The fierce half-rat men soon overran two more districts, leaving the vast Anos City with only 3 districts left to hold.

Speaking of three districts, there were actually only two because the district behind the Life Goddess temple might as well not exist; once the Life Goddess temple falls, Anos City can no longer be defended.

“Look, what is that??”

“Holy shit, so many centaurs!”

“Brother, next time you see scenes like this, don’t just say ‘holy shit’ or ‘666’, use some proper words–majestic, crushing, earth-shattering, like a tidal wave, like wind sweeping leaves, magnificent, stately…”

Observant players watching the live stream spotted the half-rat men’s Steel Army emerging from hidden corners, their solid Dwarf Armor making this force look incredibly valiant and mighty.

The barrage in the live streaming room was instantly filled.

“Is this the Centaur Army? Holy shit, it looks so awesome. How can this game be so realistic…”

“Is Anos City finally going to use their trump card? Damn it, why didn’t they use it earlier, now they use it after I’m dead.”

“Ah, what a pity, I can only be revived in three more hours, now I can only watch the live stream to curb my cravings. If it wasn’t for that damn fierce half-rat man’s sneak attack, I could have taken down at least 100 more!”

“Anos City is done for this time, the players from the old days’ camp are too damn sly!”

“This scene is more spectacular than any blockbuster, the only regret is, why is all the gore blurred out? It doesn’t look exciting at all.”

With the official’s top-notch live streaming skills, viewers could oversee the entire battlefield, and at this moment, everyone noticed that the battle of Anos City was clearly entering its final stage.

Because any discerning eye could see that the outcome of this war was almost clear.

Especially when the “Glory” official live stream occasionally zoomed out, enveloping the entire battlefield within the camera’s view, it plainly depicted the current situation.

Gray-bodied fierce half-rat men had already taken over most of Anos City, while players clad in colorful clothing and armor were being compressed within a few streets, and even these narrow areas were gradually being consumed by the overwhelming number of fierce half-rat men.

Moreover, the dense swarm of flying half-rat men in the sky was everyone’s nightmare, these flying monsters being the principal culprits in the fall of Anos City.

The existence of the flying half-rat men meant that players had to always be on guard against their ambushes while facing the fierce half-rat men, which caused them immense trouble.

But just then, on Anos City’s most important streets.

Players still resisting bravely suddenly got excited.

Because the Prince of Anos City, leading the Centaur Army, appeared.

If the last two streets were conquered by the fierce half-rat men, then all their efforts today would be in vain; the Prince of Anos City undoubtedly gave all the players still holding out a glimmer of hope.

They had not lost yet!

At this moment, the number of remaining players in the three districts had fallen below 100,000. In other words, after two days of warfare, over a million players had died, fled, were injured, or evacuated, leaving Anos City with only 10% of its defensive forces.

“First and second divisions of the Centaur Army, form up!!”

Clad in black armor and wielding a longsword, the Prince of Anos City rode upfront on a pure white Unicorn King, leading all the centaurs.

He unleashed a roar of rage.

“Citizens of Anos City, today, I, Anos Nolan, the lord of Anos City, will defend the glory of Anos City with my life!

As long as I do not fall, Anos City will not succumb!

Sound the horn, and fight to the death!”

His resolute tone carried the momentum of facing death without fear.

This prince, who was regarded by players as the Destiny Hero, had now become the focal point of over a billion people through the live broadcast.

At any time, the sight of a warrior willingly facing death always commands respect.

The fearless Prince Anos had clearly won widespread praise.

At this moment, his stature in the hearts of players was rapidly rising.

This is exactly what the protagonist is supposed to do; this NPC is definitely a very important character in the next phase of “Glory.”

The Centaur Army consists of seven thousand heavily armored soldiers and another three thousand archers, who had already quietly assembled.

The main avenue where Prince Anos stood was a hundred blades wide and five thousand blades long, the most essential thoroughfare of Anos City, leading directly to the city gates and the primary battlefield.

Upon hearing the prince’s command, tens of thousands of horse soldiers started to form ranks on the main avenue.

The cold armor, towering stature, firm gaze, and high morale all spoke of the legion’s strength.

Players watching the live broadcast unexpectedly felt their hearts lift with anticipation.

“Damn, are these NPCs really going to charge in headfirst?”

“Nonsense, centaurs are suited for charging, not for alley fighting. If they wait for the Fierce Half-Ratmen to entrap these centaurs in narrow terrain, it would lead this powerful army to a slow death.

It’s better to press forward, breach an opening to relieve pressure on the frontline, and don’t forget–players can resurrect continuously. The longer the drag on, the more it benefits Anos City.”

“This NPC’s got some nerve, daring to charge head-on under such extreme disadvantages…”

“…”

No matter how the live stream viewers and players saw it, at this moment Prince Anos suddenly lifted his sharp greatsword.

With a fierce swing forward,

The horns sounded loudly at the command of the orderlies.

Wuuu~ Wuuu~ Wuuu~

All of the Centaur Army’s soldiers’ eyes blazed with fury as they commenced the most ferocious charge.

Tap Tap~

Tap Tap~

The sound of hooves trampling on the cobblestone ground made the earth tremble beneath the thundering of thousands of horses.

The world shuddered.

Players standing aside on the streets to make way for the centaurs could feel the vibrations numbing their legs.

Billions of viewers in the live-stream watched in awe as the Centaur Army cut deep into the midst of the Fierce Half-Ratmen.

The scene was enough to send adrenaline surging through their brains.

Such legendary acts of heroism stirred everyone’s emotions.

Facing certain death upon the city’s fall, they still led their cavalry to assault consecutively… their courage was admirable.

Just after a few breaths, the Steel Army, formed of centaurs, collided with the ferocious, clawing Divine Servants– the Fierce Half-Ratmen–with the most brutal force.

Puchi~

The scene instantly turned incredibly bloody.

From a bird’s-eye view, one could see clearly that on the main avenue of Anos City, a torrent of steel surged with a breathtaking force.

Everything blocking its path was trampled into a mush of flesh.

Though the Fierce Half-Ratmen were fierce, they could only put up futile resistance against the high-speed charge of the centaurs.

The centaur’s long spears were like the Death God’s scythe, wantonly harvesting the souls of these Divine Servants, and their charging bodies were like battering rams for siege, enough to pulverize all life before them.

And the highly focused Prince Anos took the lead, his longsword slashing wildly in combat, hacking the encroaching Fierce Half-Ratmen to pieces, his black armor even stained crimson with their fresh blood.

War, slaughter.

Anos City’s last Steel Army, under the lead of Prince Anos, had actually broken through the blockade of the Fierce Half-Ratmen.

On the main avenue of the city, tens of thousands of Fierce Half-Ratmen were trampled into a mush, turning this hundred-blade wide, five thousand-blade long road into a path of death and blood.

The scene seemed to approach a new turning point.

Prince Anos, once considered a disgrace to the Nolan Royal Family, now became the true protagonist in the hearts of all players.

This royal ‘waste’ who was once mocked even by guards and servants had undergone a tremendous transformation. Perhaps when the three-year agreement comes due, this “Destiny Hero” will truly rise.