Chapter 45: Darkness Descends (XIV)

"Hoo ..............."

By the time Rhodes walked out of the stronghold, it was already afternoon, and the sunset was shining bright red at the edge of the horizon. As far as the eye can see, many mercenaries and soldiers are rotating nervously, and the whole street is filled with a tense atmosphere. Because everyone knows very well that when the sun sets, that's when the battle begins again.

But now, Rod was in no mood at all, and a sense of burnout welled up from the depths of his heart, and he looked around for a moment, and then sat down on a stone bench next to Center Park. As the liveliest public place in the Land of Atonement, there were always many people here in the old days, who gathered here to rest, laugh, and chat. But now, the serious wartime atmosphere had enveloped the entire fortress, and the originally lively park was now unusually deserted, and Rhodes sat on his chair and looked boredly at the sky above him. From time to time, he brought up the system panel in front of him and turned it off. Then bring it up again, then turn it off again. If he could, Rhodes at this time really wanted to get offline from this "game", and then return to the leisurely "real world", go to someone to have a drink or go to a sorority to tease his schoolgirl or something, where he doesn't have to worry about war, don't worry about his own life and death. Maybe you will complain that it is difficult to find a job now, and you have to line up as a dog, even if you take dozens of qualifications, it does not mean that you can find a good job, or listen to others envy and hate others there to say that so-and-so has a good father, and after graduation, he directly entered the company to be a manager, which is fate...............

Maybe in that world, I will be busy running for a house, a car, and a salary, but no matter what, I won't end up worrying about my own life. He lived in peace. Peaceful, a country without war, every day is troubled by small things that are a little bigger, graduation thesis, job, interview. Then there is love, breakup, mortgage, marriage, divorce. This is what Rhodes should be concerned about, as for the future of the mainland, his own life and death, he has never considered it. Even in the game, it's more about the player's own fight. But, after all, that's just a game. Instead of reality, you may be able to lead a group of people to fight the invincible opponents in the world, but these glorious experiences and fame will not help you in the slightest. It's like Lao Liu, in the game he is a majestic archmage, but in real life, he is just an ordinary white-collar worker. Even if it is destroyed in the game, it is admired by thousands of people. So much so that many players just see his back trembling, and they won't let him get any benefit in reality. In fact, from time to time, Rhodes and others would hear Lao Liu complain about his boring work. An incompetent and vain boss, a colleague who likes to be a sycophant but can't do anything at all, a wife who loves vanity and always likes to buy some copycat leather goods as a famous brand, and a daughter who likes to dye her hair yellow and blue, and doesn't go home on time every day to worry about herself. Everyone has their own life. Rhodes still clearly remembers that it was the first time he led the Starlight Guild to be invited to participate in the "Dragon Soul Heart" World Realm Competitive Competition held by the game company, and even almost failed to make the trip for various reasons. Because unlike the professional studios, many of the Starlight players are just ordinary players, which leads to a lot of trouble when it comes to participating in tournaments. For example, the canary has to go to cram school and write research reports. Little Bubble Gum's summer vacation homework is piled up on a big table, Lao Liu wants to ask for paid leave and I don't know if Lu Dao can approve it, and the hot cigarette even plans to take advantage of Golden Week to get married for a honeymoon...............

If it weren't for the fact that the game company was responsible for inviting and helping them reimburse airfare, food, accommodation and other expenses, plus the World Continent event sounded really bluffing, maybe Rhodes would only be able to go alone to break through to the championship of the individual competition, and as for Starlight, there would be no way to have the glory of reaching the top of the World Realm. It's no wonder, no matter how glorious, it's just a game after all. Perhaps in the eyes of the players of the Dragon Soul Continent, it is a very honorable thing to be able to participate in such a world world competition, and then ascend to the top to become the king of the world world world. But what are the facts? For Canary, even if she wins the championship, she will not add a point to herself in the college entrance examination, and for Little Bubblegum, accepting cheers in front of people does not mean that there will be a large group of fans rushing to help her write her summer homework. Even if he is called the god of law, Lao Liu must be anxious to think about how to explain to his wife that he came out to participate in the competition this time, rather than looking for some white-collar Xiaomi to cheat. So much so that when he was next to the game signature girl wearing a three-point bikini at the awards ceremony, Lao Liu's expression on his face was almost unable to cry, if it wasn't for the prize of more than 100,000 yuan, I am afraid that he would face the threat of Hedong Lion's Roar when he went home.

It's just a game, and no matter how glorious it is, it won't have any impact on society or the world as a whole. Their victory will not change the fate of the World Realm, and their defeat will not cause the World Realm to perish. Although with the rapid development of the information society, online game competition has gradually entered the public's eye. But it still can't be compared to big events like the Olympics or the World Cup, which in the eyes of most people is still just crooked.

Perhaps because of this, they can easily enjoy the game.

But now............... He can't enjoy this kind of fun at all, all Rhodes hopes now is to live, even if he doesn't care about the changes in the mainland, he doesn't care about the life and death of other people, but this pressure to live is still heavy on his heart, making him feel tired and tired.

"It's not fun at all........."

Rod closed the panel again and muttered to himself.

After that, Rod and the Canary discussed for a long time, only to feel that the future was dark. Although it is said that the current Irene has not yet entered adulthood, her strength should not be as terrible as in the game later, but as the embodiment of the power of the moon, her own attribute power will not change. In the presence of the moon, it is almost impossible to defeat, or defeat, her. But if Irene's three statues of the Holy Maiden are really destroyed, then Rhodes can be sure that his side will be completely finished. Although maybe it's a good idea to obscure the moon. But the problem is that whether it's a little bubblegum or a canary, their permission rules have nothing to do with it, and naturally they can't do it.

And what made Rod laugh and cry the most was what he heard from Leo. The reason why Her Royal Highness came to the front line was because she had heard rumors that the Land of Atonement had repelled the undead legions. Although several other fronts also have varying degrees of stalemate, only Rhodes has completely repelled the undead legion, and it is precisely because of this that Irene's interest is aroused, she wants to see with her own eyes what kind of existence can neatly repel the undead legion.

After learning the truth, Rod could only raise his head and ask the sky speechlessly, it turned out that it was a sin to be too good. I knew that he would provoke this tricky character, and he should have fought a little more hard and difficult in the first place............ However, Rhodes knew very well that if he really did that, I am afraid that the fortress would have fallen by now. If he had known the intention of Her Royal Highness the princess earlier, maybe Rhodes would have been a little more modest and low-key, and then make a scene that would not be alive or dead. In this way, maybe Her Highness Irene can't see anything interesting, so she just goes home, which is good for everyone.

It's a pity that there is no regret medicine to sell in this world.

Rod blinked. In his eyes, the huge golden thread circle slowly rotating in the sky was so eye-catching.

Is there anything more interesting than this?

"Hahh..............."

Thinking of this, Rod couldn't help but sigh again, he wouldn't show this expression in front of others, as a leader, it is important to maintain majesty and confidence at all times. If your subordinates see your sad face, they will be worried, even if things are worse than they thought. Rhodes also had to tell them that it wasn't bad at all, and that it was ——— terrible.

For Irene. Rod wasn't sure. Her Royal Highness was so delicate that she spent most of her time in the Moonlight Castle and the Royal Library, or in the theatre to enjoy operas and symphonies. And at that time, Rhodes either led others to confront the four demon generals on the Continent of Light, or invaded the Council of Light, since Her Royal Highness the princess did not come to the door herself, then Rhodes naturally had no way to communicate with her. It is also impossible to understand Irene's personality and thoughts. It is only possible to restore part of the description of the communication with Her Royal Highness on the forums of the Night Nation. But even so, Rhodes would not believe that Irene would be so kind as to sit back and watch his own legion destroyed by him because he looked at them well, it was not only a brain and a virgin, it was a complete traitor.

In the end, he discussed with Canary and others for a long time, and the result was. Canary and Little Bubblegum promise Rhodes that they will stop Irene from attacking the Saint Maiden "at all costs", but Rhodes must destroy the undead legions as quickly as possible during this time, or simply defeat them. Once it is found that the rout of their own side is inevitable, then perhaps this princess will turn away. Of course, Rod also knew that even if they and the seven loves after the lockdown were added, it would not be too long to be able to stop Irene. And now, the other party still has an army of 140,000 immortals, which is definitely not a small number.

And at this moment, a crisp, beautiful and weak voice like a wind chime sounded.

“………… Rod..................? ”

With this low groan, Rod felt a small cold hand gently touch his cheek, he lowered his head, and soon saw a face that was almost exactly the same as his own, but much younger than himself.

“………… What happened to you.........? Is it uncomfortable............? ”

"No, Christie."

Rod sat up straight, a gentle smile on his face that was different from usual, he reached out, took Christie's soft and smooth little hand, and quietly looked at the girl in front of him.

"I'm just feeling a little tired, so I'm here to take a break."

Saying this, Rod paused slightly, carefully looking at Christie in front of him. He's been busy dealing with the undead all this time, and he doesn't have much time to look after Christie. But Christie didn't complain about it, and her extraordinary maturity made the girl know what to do and when. Rhodes had learned about Christie a few times from Labis, and it seemed to be fine. And according to Labis, Christie has a talent for alchemy and a certain amount of magic power. Even the mages that Marlene brought back thought that Christie would definitely be able to achieve something if she could consider studying alchemy or magic.

"How? Christie? It's a bit dangerous during this time, you're okay. ”

“………… Well......... I'm fine .........."

Hearing Rod's inquiry, a gentle smile appeared on Christie's face, and she nodded slightly, replying in a somewhat slow and steady tone.

“…… Labis... Sister......... Everyone......... They all took good care of me......... I'm also ............ Step up your game......... Help everyone...... It's just that......... It's been a long time since I saw Rhodes......... Somewhat lonely........."

"That's fine."

Hearing Christie's voice, Rhodes felt as if his exhaustion had been swept away, and the problems that had bothered him before now seemed less important. He smiled and reached out and gently stroked Christie's hair, in the face of Rod's touch, the girl narrowed her eyes happily, she pressed her cheek against Rod's palm and rubbed it gently, like a kitten to make people pity.

Seeing Christie in front of him, Rod felt a little guilty in his heart. Although the girl was doing well here, Rhodes still felt that he had abandoned her, as if he had pulled a child who was wandering on the street and living a begging life out of the darkness, and then threw her into the welfare home, and nodded contentedly when he saw her frolicking with the other children, and then turned away, hiding his merit and fame, and brushing his clothes away. But is that really what she wants?

Rod can clearly feel that Christie has a deep attachment to himself, and he is the same, for this girl who looks exactly like his sister, Rod does not regard her as a stand-in for the person he once was, but he always pays attention to her. He could have sent Christie to a safer place and let her live a better life than she already had, but Rhodes knew that Christie wouldn't be happy about it.

“………… Are you really okay......? Rod.........? ”

"It's okay, Christie, I'm fine."

Hearing Christie's uneasy inquiry, Rod shook his head, but the girl frowned slightly and looked at Rod with some uneasiness.

"But............ I think Rhodes......... Very annoying..............."

“……………”

Hearing Christie's words, Rod fell silent, and the already silent park became more and more peaceful at the moment. He lowered his head and stared at the ground at his feet, and because of this, Rhodes didn't notice the flickering purple fire that flashed in Christie's eyes.

"Bell......... Bell ..............."

After a few moments, the rapid sound of the bell broke the silence, and Rhodes raised his head to look at the sky, where the sun had completely sunk below the horizon, and darkness was gradually emerging, enveloping the world.

The undead legion is coming. (To be continued......)