Beneath the towering walls, rows of defensive towers stood vigilant against the encroaching darkness.
It was Day 30.
Lucian had built 40 defense towers, each upgraded to the maximum level of 10.
These towers were undeniably the stars of every monster invasion.
While the territory's top combat power came from heroes like Lin Daiyu and Qin Keqing, it was these towers that bore the brunt of the monster hordes.
Among the towers were a variety of sculpture towers such as [Fart Tower], [Crossbowman Tower], [Sword Qi Tower], and [Diamond Tower], totaling 22.
Another 16 were elemental towers, including [Flame Trial Tower], [Inferno Tower], and [Frost Curse Tower].
The remaining three were specialized structures: the [Missile Tower], [Virus Tower] and the [Purification Tower].
The Virus Tower was obtained during the Day 27 invasion, when the territory was besieged by a terrifying horde of virus-based monsters capable of infecting and parasitizing their victims.
Without the [Purification Tower], the troops might not have survived.
Now, the level 10 Virus Tower proved invaluable. It could infect large groups of enemies, turning them into allies while simultaneously leveling them up.
Standing atop the walls, Lucian surveyed his surroundings.
Each wall section was guarded by 25 Great Qin warriors and 25 Moon Palace disciples.
Upon seeing Lucian approach, the soldiers saluted in unison.
"Your Majesty!"
"Divine Lord!"
The poised and gallant warriors greeted him formally, while the lively and charming disciples sent warm regards.
Lucian had once tried to standardize their titles, asking everyone to simply address him as "Master" or "Lord."
Yet, no matter how often he corrected them, they insisted on using "Your Majesty" and "Divine Lord," as it fit their perception of him—a figure of near-perfection.
Lucian found their unwavering reverence amusing, and eventually gave up trying to change it.
"Carry on. I'm just here to take a look," he said with a wave of his hand.
The guards resumed their watch as Lucian strolled along the wall.
Glancing at his watch, Lucian noted the time: 10 PM.
"Two hours left," he muttered.
But something felt off.
Where were the monsters?
In previous waves, even the most cunning bosses wouldn't delay their assaults. Regular mobs would swarm early, sometimes attacking non-stop for 24 hours.
Yet tonight, the battlefield was eerily silent.
"Strange," Lucian said, leaning against the inner wall.
He struck up a conversation with Qin warriors nearby, including a tall and strikingly beautiful woman.
She stood about 5'10", her figure both lean and powerful. A long ponytail swayed in the wind, adorned with a black bird ornament that gave her a mysterious air.
Her sharp features exuded an icy resolve, her gaze constantly scanning for threats.
Even clad in bronze armor, her captivating figure was unmistakable.
"What's your name?" Lucian asked.
The tall warrior turned respectfully, saluting. "Your Majesty, I am Zhao Heihe."
"Zhao Heihe? That name doesn't seem to suit you," Lucian replied, puzzled.
The warrior explained, "My parents named me after the Black River where I was born under the night sky."
Lucian rubbed his temples. "That's… straightforward. Would you like a new name?"
"It would be an honor, Your Majesty," she said, her stoic demeanor softening with a hint of excitement.
Lucian thought for a moment before suggesting, "How about Zhao Xuan Yue? It feels more fitting for someone with your grace and strength."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" she said, her eyes brightening.
As they spoke, Zhao Xuan Yue's expression suddenly changed, her brow furrowing as a sharp glint of danger flashed in her eyes.
"Something's wrong!"
Lucian followed her gaze, his body tensing.
"Enemies?"
The fog was still thick, and the night remained calm.
Even so, the other guards soon chimed in.
"I sense it too, Your Majesty!"
"There's a dangerous aura in the air!"
Even the Moon Palace disciples felt the unsettling tension. Their heightened levels and superior senses made them acutely aware of the threat.
"Could it be an invisible enemy? Or perhaps something attacking from long range, hidden in the fog?" Lucian's mind raced as he scanned the horizon.
From the [Missile Tower] to the [Frost Curse Tower], every defense was activated. Traps were set: mines, green mist, vines, and explosive traps.
If anything dared approach, it would face an overwhelming barrage.
Yet... nothing happened.
11 PM.
Lucian's confusion deepened as time ticked by without incident.
"Are the monsters afraid of us?"
He dismissed the thought. The Void controlled these trials. There was no way the monsters would simply forfeit the battle.
11:30 PM.
Still, no sign of the enemy.
"...This is getting ridiculous," Lucian muttered.
As the final minutes approached, Lucian remained vigilant, his mind racing with possibilities.
10 seconds…
9… 8… 7…
6… 5… 4…
Suddenly, time seemed to slow.
From within the dense fog, a solitary figure emerged.
The man wore a wide-brimmed hat, his face shadowed except for the faint smirk curling on his lips. A sheathed blade hung at his side, exuding a chilling presence.
He stopped, raising his gaze to meet Lucian's. His voice, calm yet filled with menace, echoed across the battlefield.
"I have nine blades."
"Allow me to show you… their taste."
The words carried a weight that sent a shiver down Lucian's spine.
This was no ordinary foe. The final boss had arrived.