**Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)**
**Most Castle (Ruins)**
The entire Most City had descended into chaos.
Xi Wei stepped out of the castle and turned to look.
He saw that the round tower on the right side of the castle was already emitting thick black smoke that billowed towards the sky, forming dark clouds that obscured nearly half the heavens. This was the aura of the Abyss, heralding the arrival of disaster.
A massive Balrog tore through the roof, its monstrous claws, larger than the castle’s main gate, extending out of the windows to rend the bricks.
Pieces of stone pattered to the ground, making a crackling sound.
Behind it, Xi Wei saw more demons.
Various kinds, densely packed together.
The demon types included Giant Ox Demons, Succubi, Imps, and Hissing Demons – nearly every demon from the upper Abyss had appeared. This indicated that the opened Teleportation Gate was of considerable quality.
Several brilliant beams of Holy Light flashed, and Gabriel’s figure could be seen vaguely moving amidst the swarm of demons.
“Roar—”
The demons grew more enraged and violent.
A giant claw engulfed in flames suddenly shot out from the Abyss Gate, flailing about and swatting aside a group of lower-level demons caught off guard.
This was a high-level demon: a Balrog.
It pressed its hideous Eye of the Demon towards the Teleportation Gate and peered out for a moment. It then reached out again, attempting to widen the gate, but was repelled by a sword strike from Gabriel.
Xi Wei turned away, no longer watching, but a sense of urgency filled his heart. He needed to evacuate the city’s populace quickly and then return to the castle to assist. Otherwise, Gabriel might fall in battle within the castle.
The sheer number of demons was overwhelming. He dimly recalled that Gabriel had previously returned to the Supreme Dome to recuperate. It was truly uncertain whether Gabriel could unleash Divine Descent in this critical situation. If she could, the Abyss Teleportation Gate would have been shattered long ago.
With this thought, Xi Wei’s body ignited with Qi as he slowly ascended into the sky. He channeled his Qi into his throat and let out a thunderous roar:
“All townsfolk of Most Territory, I am the King of Winter!”
“Most City is under demonic attack. All townsfolk, evacuate Most City immediately through the north gate and stay away from Most Castle.”
“Evacuate immediately. Do not be greedy for possessions.”
“All remaining guards of Most City, assemble before me. Follow me to repel the demon army!”
Xi Wei’s reminder was unnecessary; many had already witnessed the scenes unfolding within the towering castle. After all, the dislodged bricks had flown nearly to the outer city. Many demons had already scaled the castle walls and were wreaking havoc in the inner city.
The Most City guards, upon hearing the King’s roar, also began to gather. Fear and trepidation filled their hearts, as they were about to face terrifying demons. However, their military dignity and instinctive obedience to commands compelled them to gather by the King’s side.
Xi Wei observed the soldiers and knights assembling near him – less than a thousand. Some had undoubtedly fled, and those remaining were pale-faced, their legs trembling. He couldn’t help but shake his head and sigh. They were defeated before the battle even began; in the ensuing fight, they would only meet a more tragic end. If they were soldiers from his Winter City, such a situation would never arise; they would be full of high spirits.
Xi Wei descended back to the ground and, in front of the assembled guards, cleaved a charging Berserker Demon in half with a single sword strike. Dark red blood splattered the ground. His effortless action instilled a flicker of confidence in the guards. He planted his long sword into the ground with a clang, his gaze serious and imposing. His voice was not loud, but everyone could hear him:
“I know that fighting demons is a difficult task.”
“But please understand, the edge of your sword is not only for killing enemies, but also for protecting your loved ones.”
“This city needs your protection.”
“And as your King, I will fight alongside you.”
Seeing the guards and knights’ eyes growing brighter, their grip on their weapons steadying, Xi Wei knew it was time. He turned his back and faced the direction of the castle, issuing a resolute command:
“Everyone, form ranks and surround Most Castle!”
***
Meanwhile, a group of Players from the Abyss Plane emerged from the Teleportation Gate. The fresh air, bright light, and colorful surroundings – at this moment, they finally understood why demons yearned for the Material Plane. Frankly, anyone would find it unbearable to stay in that black, red, and gray world for too long. Of course, the Players were not defending the demons. Given their nature, demons would inevitably turn this colorful world into a mess in no time after arriving at the Material Plane.
**[Ding! All Players please note, follow and protect NPC Qi Wub. Qi Wub will lead you into the battlefield.]**
As the system prompt sounded, the Players noticed Qi Wub moving in the opposite direction of the demon charge. Most Players instinctively followed him. However, a small number of Players, stubborn and believing in freedom, charged alongside the demons.
“Filthy insects from the Abyss, return to your foul plane!”
A clear, melodious female voice rang out. The Players felt their hearts flutter, having never heard such a beautiful sound before, even though it was laced with anger and killing intent. Following the voice, they saw a maiden clad in sacred armor, stained with the deep red blood of demons, walking towards them. The Sword of Judgment in her hand shone dazzlingly, much like the blood-red killing intent in her eyes, making it impossible to meet her gaze.
“Die!”
Following this cold snort, a scorching Holy Light sword strike swept out, illuminating the entire castle corridor as bright as day. Before the Corrupted Players could react, they were instantly vaporized by the Holy Light. Before their vision went black, they could vaguely see a [Purified] debuff on their HP Bar.
They finally understood why NPC Qi Wub had unnaturally moved in the other direction; he had cunningly discovered a fearsome female warrior at the direction of the demon charge. But it was too late for the Corrupted Players to regret it. The temporary resurrection point had not yet been set up, and they dejectedly emerged from the Abyss Novice Village resurrection point. They had been eliminated without even seeing the King of Winter. This wave was a complete loss. The higher one’s level, the more severe the death penalty. At their level of over thirty, one death meant losing a level.
“Let’s just follow the NPC honestly,” one Player suggested with a sigh. The other Players nodded and re-entered the Teleportation Gate. This world was too dangerous; rushing blindly would only lead to frustration.
Qi Wub was a truly crazy yet cautious NPC protagonist. Unlike Ye Hao, following Ye Hao was suicidal, but following Qi Wub might yield greater rewards.
**Balrog**
**[Skippable Information]**
As an ancient and terrifying embodiment of evil, the Balrog commands the demon armies. They yearn for power and destroy all creatures that stand in their path. Wielding a whip of flames and a storm greatsword, the Balrog throws itself into battle with hatred and fury. It harnesses the demonic power of rage to charge its final self-immolation, its searing flames capable of destroying even the most powerful enemies.
“Summoning and controlling demons is incredibly arduous and difficult. Those with fragile minds simply cannot undertake such work.”
— Excerpt from “Igville’s Record of Demons”
