Chapter 117: Shifting Fortunes, the Artifact Beckons
"Using adventurers from other worlds to counter their own kind?" Lantilus hesitated, uncertain. "But there are only a few dozen of them here in Keshi Town right now."
"Don't worry," Antonidas replied with a knowing smile. He raised his staff high, eyes gleaming with determination.
A bright, white light burst from his eyes and the staff, spreading a massive silver-white magic circle under his feet. The spell's energy rippled outward, expanding at the speed of light to cover the entire Gorse Empire, its reach spanning over four million square kilometers.
Every player in the game received a notification:
"Ding! [Dangerous Escape (Duke of Lantilus)] The portal for this scenario battle has opened at coordinates (xxx, xxx). Adventurers above level 8 are invited to join! Participant slots: (0/10000)."
In the squares of major novice villages and city centers, five-meter-diameter portals appeared, glowing with a soft, inviting blue. Above each portal hung a golden exclamation mark, signaling the quest's importance.
Players quickly took notice.
"What's this? Did you get the same prompt, Lao Li?"
"Yeah! A 'Scenario Battle Portal'? Must be some big event!"
"Let's go check it out!"
Excited, players above level 8 began heading toward the coordinates. Many gathered in squares, eager to see the enormous portal firsthand. Intrigued, they spoke with the portal, triggering the scenario battle.
"Ding! Congratulations! You have activated the large-scale scenario battle: [Dangerous Escape (Duke of Lantilus)]."
**Battle Introduction:**
"A new era dawns; the artifact's fate awaits the righteous. Today, the cruel Gorse Empire's rule brings ruin to the innocent, withering the people's livelihood. Yet, the Duke of Lantilus has heeded the heavens' call, guided by virtue and honored by all. Shall we not join in defeating tyranny?"
**Battle Objective:**
Assist [Turalyon] in defeating the forces of [Queen Elize] (Progress: 0%).
**Rewards:**
- 2,000 experience points
- 1 psionic coin
Unable to recruit more than 1,000 players on his own, Antonidas cleverly issued the quest under Turalyon's name, expanding the limit to 10,000 players.
Players reading the quest text were caught off-guard.
"Hold on! Aren't we in a fantasy game? Why's the quest intro written like some ancient classic text?"
"Yeah, it's kinda cool, though! Feels like we're in a historical epic!"
Despite their amusement, the rewards were tempting enough to prompt players to accept. They quickly flooded into the portal.
**(1,314/10,000)**
**(2,333/10,000)**
**(10,000/10,000)**
Within twenty minutes, all 10,000 spots were filled. Upon arrival in Keshi Town, Antonidas used a [World Shrinker], a gnome-made artifact, to scale up his and his allies' appearances a hundredfold. Lantilus, Turalyon, Antonidas, and Walnut all transformed into giants towering over a hundred meters.
Stepping out of the portal, players found themselves facing the colossal figures before them, awestruck into silence. Then, some noticed the petite yet imposing Walnut, a girl dressed in black with an air of youthful charm.
"Wow, she's adorable!"
"Yeah! Look at that hat with the plum blossoms!"
"And those shorts—maybe if we get close enough..."
Noticing their interest, Walnut sighed and waved her wand, instantly turning those eager players into small white spirits that floated into her purse.
"Antonidas, is this what adventurers from other worlds are like?" Walnut raised a brow, giving him a sidelong glance.
Antonidas cleared his throat. "Ahem! Listen up, adventurers! Stand in the designated areas and do not wander! Anyone who strays will be disqualified from the task. Understood?"
The players quickly snapped to attention, moving into formation. Following Antonidas' orders, they lined up according to roles: tanks at the front, damage dealers behind, and healers in the back.
---
Meanwhile, Su Yu and the heads of various guilds had gathered in the back cabin of a merchant ship, discussing their strategy. News of the scenario battle had spread like wildfire, reaching every guild.
The Red-Eyed Black Dragon spoke up, irritated. "The system's really stacked the odds against us—sending 10,000 players as enemies?"
Xia Yiyao agreed with a resigned sigh, "True. But at least their reward is much smaller—only 2,000 experience points and 1 psionic coin."
Su Yu chuckled. "Even if it were just 1,000 experience, they'd still come. Players are just that eager."
Everyone shared a knowing laugh.
Snow Leopard turned to Su Yu, "Senior, any thoughts? Should we adjust our strategy?"
Su Yu shook his head, remaining calm. "No, we stick to the original plan. Our main goal is to ensure the princess breaks through. We don't need to defeat all 10,000 players."
"The river is still our best route. Not all those players can board to fight us there."
Snow Leopard nodded. "Then, let's continue as planned."
The six warships sailed onward. As they neared Keshi Town, players aboard were stunned to see the four towering figures on the horizon, each over a hundred meters tall.
"Humph!" A disdainful voice echoed as Dark Mage Xivan, now at seventh-tier, leaped from the deck, transforming into a streak of dark purple, glaring directly at Turalyon.
A piercing dragon's roar filled the air as a massive starlit dragon, with a wingspan of 100 meters, appeared overhead. Morning Star had joined the fray, eyes fixed on Walnut, whose intense gaze met the dragon's.
General Shuhe gripped his sword, springing skyward to face Antonidas, his blade pointed toward the formidable archmage.
Despite Shuhe's sanctuary rank, Antonidas' magical prowess was far superior. Shuhe and Morning Star kept a careful watch, determined to shield the fleet from the airborne adversaries.
All eyes were on the fleet below, holding their breath, hoping it could break through.