As Shi Xing'an and the others regrouped, Ning Yiyi's usual playful demeanor shifted to seriousness, sensing the gravity of the situation. Liang Yue directed everyone's attention to the fortress's Demonic Eye, which had ominously ceased its constant rotation—a stark indicator of impending trouble.
Shi Xing'an explained the Demonic Eye's function as not just surveillance but also as a tactical commander, capable of mobilizing the entire fortress's defenses in the face of large-scale abyssal assaults. This revelation underscored the Demonic Eye's pivotal role in the empire's military strategy, a fact that Lin had previously underestimated.
As the fortress braced for an imminent attack, a protective shield was activated, and specific orders were issued through the Demonic Eye. Professionals below level 30 were dispatched to the city walls, their roles clearly delineated to ensure the safety and efficacy of the defense.
The arrival of Mo Yun, aloof and unaffiliated, highlighted the individual prowess that some professionals wielded, starkly contrasting the collective might marshaled under the Demonic Eye's command.
The appearance of Ni Xiong, the legendary legion overlord, marked a significant turn in the preparation. His unique ability to rally and enhance the forces of the Shenxia Empire brought a palpable sense of unity and empowerment to the assembled professionals. Under his leadership, an aura of invincibility enveloped the troops, with boosts to their strength, agility, spirit, constitution, and various resistances, enhancing their combat effectiveness manifold.
Lin regretted that his skeletal companions could not benefit from these buffs but recognized the strategic advantage their current state afforded them. The distribution of professionals above level 30 to strategic positions, based on their abilities and roles, showcased the meticulous planning that went into defending the fortress.
As the black fog of the abyssal forces loomed on the horizon, signaling the approach of a formidable enemy, the Shenxia Empire's forces stood ready. With the city gates sealed and the eternal wall aglow, there was a clear message: retreat was not an option. This was a battle for survival, with each professional poised to defend their home against the dark tide about to crash against the fortress's defenses.