Chapter 747: Fight or retreat
Although Kraken, at Legendary peak, could tangle with an Archlord, in a life-or-death struggle, he would be forced to flee.
This was the real reason Kraken was being blocked and couldn't enter the deep sea.
The enemy had an Archlord guarding their territory, and with no powerful reinforcements, Kraken dared not make any rash moves.
Kraken: "Big Boss, requesting support! If this goes on, I won't be an invader; I'll be on vacation!"
Leonidas: "Enjoy your vacation!"
Hulk: "Poor thing."
Seeing Kraken's message, Orion and Leonidas both laughed shamelessly.
Just as everyone was exchanging banter, the Deputy Commander suddenly spoke.
Edward: "Let me say a few words. The situation in the Emerald Dream Realm is even more complex than you imagine."
Everyone fell silent, awaiting the Deputy Commander's next words.
The Deputy Commander was a demigod-level powerhouse; he definitely knew more than they did.
Furthermore, the Deputy Commander had also revealed his presence in the Emerald Dream Realm this time; he must have had direct contact with certain matters and individuals.
Perhaps the Deputy Commander had even clashed with other demigod-level powerhouses.
At least, that's what Orion guessed.
Orion felt that if he were in the enemy's position, facing a suddenly appearing foe, he would definitely fight first to assess the situation.
Firstly, it would allow him to probe the enemy's true nature and strength.
Secondly, it would enable him to make appropriate arrangements.
Edward: "Before the invasion, we all believed the conflict in the Emerald Dream Realm was between evil beings and the natives of this world."
Edward: "Originally, we planned to come and plunder resources secretly."
Edward: "Now, it seems that idea was somewhat naive."
This was the plan they had previously discussed, and they had indeed proceeded with this approach.
Leonidas: "Deputy Commander, are you saying that the factions in this world aren't limited to just two opposing sides?"
Edward: "Mm, including us, there are a total of five factions with designs on the Emerald Dream Realm."
When the Deputy Commander said this, everyone was greatly alarmed.
Orion could imagine the brows of Leonidas, Alexander, and the others furrowing.
Edward: "Us, evil beings, native demigods, powerhouses from the Titanion Realm, and other outer-realm demigods—five factions are stirring the pot together."
The Deputy Commander himself seemed shocked by the chaos in the Emerald Dream Realm. He paused for a long time before continuing.
Just as everyone was recovering from their shock, the Deputy Commander began to explain further.
Edward: "The primary conflict in the Emerald Dream Realm is between the evil beings and the native demigods."
Edward: "This conflict is irreconcilable, and the evil beings currently have the upper hand. The Emerald Dream Realm is being irrevocably corrupted by an evil aura."
Edward: "This situation has led the native demigods to seek an escape while still contending with the evil beings, and the Titanion Realm is their hope."
Edward: "However, the Titanion Realm also has many powerful entities. They have resisted the demigods from the Emerald Dream Realm and, in turn, now have designs on the Emerald Dream Realm themselves."
Edward: "In this environment, other races inhabiting this world began to seek their own paths to salvation."
Edward: "For the survival of their races, some factions inevitably disregard the bigger picture, thereby attracting other outer-realm demigod factions. These groups hide in the shadows, waiting for the moment to divide the spoils."
This time, Deputy Commander Edward laid out the general situation of the Emerald Dream Realm in one go.
Silence reigned in the Champions Alliance public channel; no one uttered a word.
Who could have imagined the situation in the Emerald Dream Realm would be so complex?
And each faction had demigod-level powerhouses at its core.
In such a situation, the war could no longer be dominated by one or two Archlords.
A faction without a demigod-level powerhouse backing it would be lucky not to be devoured and slaughtered, let alone qualify to share the spoils.
Leonidas: "Deputy Commander, according to you, is it possible that other outer-realm factions will get involved in this Emerald Dream Realm dispute in the future?"
Edward: "Yes, more and more factions will enter the game later on."
Edward: "I'm even beginning to suspect that the Emerald Dream Realm might be a setup orchestrated by some greater power."
Edward: "If that's truly the case, then unfortunately, we've already entered the game, and we're clearly the disadvantaged party."
Hearing this, Orion, Leonidas, Alexander, Kraken, and Isabella were all astounded.
Leonidas: "Deputy Commander, no need to suspect. This is definitely a setup."
Alexander: "I think so too!"
Kraken: "My dear Big Bosses, I'm starting to tremble all over; my tentacles are completely out of control!"
Isabella: "Mr. Alexander, is it too late for us to return now?"
Perhaps due to the overwhelming shock, or perhaps excitement, even Isabella spoke up this time.
Leonidas: "Lord Deputy Commander, just tell us: do we fight or retreat?"
Leonidas voiced the question on everyone's mind.
In reality, their earlier complaints were all just jokes.
They had already come this far; how could they possibly give up the benefits before them?
Edward: "Why retreat?"
Edward: "Besides, the more factions there are, the more Lords and Archlords there will be. For you, that means more opportunities."
Edward: "Slaying them and picking up survivor treasure chests—isn't that sweet?"
Edward: "Or are you scared, Leonidas?"
The Deputy Commander's words were not just directed at Leonidas, but also at Orion, Kraken, and Isabella.
A world with such a chaotic and complex situation was ideal for tempering individuals.
Even if there were no Emerald Dream Realm, the Deputy Commander would find similar worlds for everyone in the future to train newcomers.
The Champions Alliance was an elite team; it would never allow members who just wanted to drift along aimlessly, awaiting death.
This was the Commander's philosophy, and the Deputy Commander's as well.
…
Swamplight Refuge Outpost, temporary camp.
Orion and Leonidas simultaneously awoke from their meditation. Opening their eyes, they looked at each other and burst into laughter.
"Bro, it looks like it won't be long before I have to bring in my true body."
"This fire dragon body struggles even against an Archlord's avatar; it definitely can't handle the upcoming situation."
During the exchange in the Champions Alliance public channel, the Deputy Commander had revealed a great deal of intelligence.
The Emerald Dream Realm had numerous factions, and the situation was chaotic.
Fortunately, the demigod-level powerhouses were mutually constraining each other and couldn't yet personally intervene to clear the battlefield.
This gave Orion, Leonidas, Alexander, Kraken, and the others an opportunity, a chance to share the spoils.
In truth, the Deputy Commander's directive for them to join the fray was also in hopes that Leonidas and Alexander could find an opportunity to ascend to the demigod level amidst such chaos.
At the same time, the Deputy Commander also hoped that Orion and Kraken, both at Legendary peak, would seize the chance here to break through to the Archlord rank.
"Bro, according to the Deputy Commander, the faction on the other side of the mountains also has demigod-level powerhouses. Should we still launch an invasion?"
The situation was too chaotic, completely beyond Orion's control, and he felt a surge of worry.
"Of course, we continue the invasion!"
"As long as the demigod-level powerhouses don't personally intervene, what do we have to fear?"
Leonidas strode over casually, intending to sling an arm around Orion's shoulder. However, he had clearly overestimated his avatar's height and could ultimately only grasp Orion's wrist.
"Listen to me: advance to Archlord as soon as possible. We'll be even more formidable when we coordinate then."
"I think the day I reach the Archlord rank is not far off..."
A smile played on Orion's face; his relationship with Leonidas was growing ever deeper.