booktalesy Chapter 115 Rescue Operation? Wrong, it's all for the cards!
Chapter 115 Rescue Operation? Wrong, it's all for the cards!
Chapter 115 Rescue Operation? Wrong, it's all for the cards!
This thought made Xiuqi's heart beat slightly faster.
He currently has 26 Lesser Demon Premium (Green) cards.
If all of them are used for enhancement, 5 rare (purple) cards can be made, and 1 premium card will be left over.
There are 6 rare cards, plus the original [Little Imp Azcaros], for a total of 7 cards.
Use four of them as side cards and sacrifice them to Azkaros...
"Theoretically," Xiu Qi calculated, "the energy infusion of 4 rare cards is enough to give the main card a qualitative leap."
It might even break through star level limitations, or awaken even more powerful talents.
But risks also exist.
Rare cards are valuable resources in themselves, so is it worth the waste?
Although Azkaros has high potential, he is ultimately only a one-star card. Even after being strengthened, it is unknown whether he can reach the level of a two-star card.
Moreover, this Demon Tide mission is not over yet, and he needs to maintain a sufficient card reserve for unforeseen circumstances.
"Let's strengthen enough rare cards first," Xiuqi decided. "As for whether to use them to strengthen Azkaros... we'll decide after the mission is over."
Without further hesitation, he focused his consciousness on the remaining Lesser Demon premium cards.
Five groups of reinforcements were carried out simultaneously.
In the virtual space, twenty-five green cards are divided into five groups of five, all radiating light simultaneously.
Emerald-like streams of light intertwine, swirl, and merge into the main card.
Five main cards are evolving simultaneously—
His skin changed from dark red to deep purple, his body grew larger, and the red light in his eyes became even deeper.
[Enhancement Successful!] ×5
[Monster Card "Little Devil" Quality Upgraded!] ×5
[Current Quality: Rare (Purple)] ×5
Five brand-new rare cards floated in front of Xiuqi.
Including the one that was previously enhanced, there are a total of 6 rare (purple) cards.
Including the naturally made [Little Imp Azcarus], there are a total of 7 cards.
"That's enough for now." Xiuqi carefully put the cards away.
He now has support cards:
Two-star premium (green): 2 cards (Thorn Demon)
One-Star Rare (Purple): 7 cards (1 card of Lesser Demon Azkaros + 6 cards of Lesser Demon Burner)
One-star premium (green): 1 cards (Little Demon)
One-star Common (White): 40 cards (3 Goblin cards + 37 Fearless cards)
One-star inferior (gray): 80 cards (original 80 cards)
There are a total of 130 supplementary cards.
This reserve is sufficient to cope with the upcoming battles.
Xiu Qi exited the system space and opened his eyes.
Outside the tent, the night was deep.
But a faint, almost imperceptible white light had already appeared on the eastern horizon.
Dawn is approaching.
The morning sun pierced through the perpetual mist of the gray forest, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
Unlike the gloomy and oppressive atmosphere of the past few days, the sky is exceptionally clear today.
As if an invisible hand had parted the dark clouds, the long-awaited dawn shone down, and the dewdrops condensing on the leaves refracted a rainbow of colors.
Everyone in the camp had already woken up.
After a night's rest, and with the help of Selena's [Vitality Prayer], everyone's condition has recovered well.
Max's left shoulder wound had mostly healed, leaving only a faint scar. The ogre Hodor, full of energy, had polished his mace and shield to a gleaming shine early in the morning.
Link practiced archery at the edge of the camp. The young hunter's movements were steady and precise, and every arrow hit the center of a tree trunk thirty paces away.
Captain Allen stood by and watched, occasionally nodding and occasionally whispering instructions.
Captain Cade was checking the equipment, while younger players like Blake and Tom were helping to prepare breakfast.
Everything appeared calm and orderly.
Until one bang!
Suddenly, a dazzling red firework exploded in the eastern sky.
The red was so vivid and urgent that it stood out against the blue sky of the early morning.
The moment the fireworks exploded, it was as if a ball of flame was burning in the air, then slowly dissipating, leaving only a wisp of red smoke.
"Red fireworks..." Captain Cade stood up, his face grave. "An emergency distress signal."
Captain Allen had reached the center of the camp and quickly determined the direction: "It's the location of Sector 12, about ten miles away from us."
Everyone put down what they were doing and gathered around.
The red fireworks signify that a unit is facing an insurmountable crisis and is requesting assistance.
Based on the warning from yesterday's deep purple fireworks, District 12 may have already been surrounded by a massive demonic tide.
"What should we do?" Selena asked softly, her deep blue eyes filled with worry.
Cade and Allen exchanged a glance, both seeing hesitation in each other's eyes.
Rescue missions mean actively entering the area teeming with demonic energy, which carries enormous risks.
Not rescuing them means that the entire squadron may be wiped out, and after the Demon Tide eliminates Area 12, their next target will likely be Area 11, where they are located.
"We must go." A calm voice rang out.
Xiuqi stepped out of the tent, his gray robe swaying gently in the morning breeze. His expression was calm, but his eyes held an undeniable determination.
"Captain Hugh," Cade began cautiously, "the situation in District 12 is probably worse than we thought."
Yesterday's deep purple fireworks rose from that direction, and now there's a red distress signal... that area has likely been completely submerged by the demonic tide.
"That's why we have to go even more," Xiuqi said. "If District 12 falls, the next target of the demonic tide will be us."
Instead of waiting passively here, we should take the initiative and disrupt the demonic tide's plans before it is fully integrated.
""
He paused, then looked east: "Besides, our comrades are there. If we don't help when we see a distress signal during a coordinated operation of this level, we can forget about ever holding our heads high in the association again."
19
These words silenced everyone.
Captain Allen gritted his teeth: "Captain Xiuqi is right. Rescue is necessary, but how to do it requires a plan."
Xiu Qi nodded: "My suggestion is that I lead Squad 33 first, and your two teams will provide support from behind. If the situation is under control, you can follow; if the situation is critical, you will be responsible for supporting our retreat."
This plan is reasonable and reflects Xiuqi's true thoughts.
Squad 33 is the strongest in combat and has the highest mobility, making it the most suitable for rapid raids and reconnaissance missions.
Teams 31 and 32, with their larger numbers, can form a more solid defensive line, making them suitable for both holding their ground and providing support.
But Cade and Allen both shook their heads.
"No." Cade's tone was firm. "Captain Xiuqi, if we split up like yesterday, what's the difference? This time, we're going together for the rescue."
Allen nodded. "That's right. We're going with you to the rescue."
The two men's words stunned the young team members.
Blake couldn't help but speak up: "Captain, is it really necessary for us to take this risk? Wouldn't it be safer to let Captain Xiuqi and the others go to the rescue, while we provide support from the rear?"
"Safe?" Cade turned to look at his team members, his eyes sharp. "Blake, do you think it's safe to stay here?"
If Captain Xiuqi and his team fail in their rescue attempt, and the demonic tide engulfs District 12, our next target will be us. How long can we hold out, isolated and helpless?"
"But..." Tom wanted to say something more.
"No buts." Allen interrupted him, his tone unusually stern. "Didn't you understand yesterday's battle? In the face of the demonic tide, dispersing your forces is tantamount to suicide. Only by concentrating all your strength can you have any hope of survival."
He looked at Xiuqi with sincere eyes: "Captain Xiuqi, although our two teams are not as strong as yours, we still have eight people, including warriors, archers, and priests. If we act together, we can form a more complete tactical system."
Xiuqi looked at the two of them and remained silent for a moment.
He could sense that the two captains were sincere.
They did not blindly follow, but made the most rational choice based on their assessment of the situation and their understanding of their own strength.
"Alright." Finally, Xiuqi nodded. "Then let's act together."
He turned to everyone, his voice clear and calm: "Since we've decided to rescue, we must act quickly. I'll assign tasks briefly."
"Squad 33 will act as the vanguard, responsible for raids and clearing the way. Ado and Max will be in front, and Link and I will be in the middle."
"Squads 31 and 32 are responsible for consolidating the front line and clearing out the remaining enemy forces. Captain Cade will command the defense, Captain Allen will command the ranged support, and Selena will be responsible for healing and support."
"Everyone remember: our objective is rescue, not annihilation. If the situation becomes unfavorable, retreat immediately and do not linger in battle."
The command was concise and clear, and everyone understood it.
Xiuqi looked eastward one last time, where the remnants of the red fireworks had faded, but the roars faintly coming from the depths of the forest grew clearer and clearer.
"Set off."
At the same time, deep within District 12, on a high ground backed by a rock wall.
The battle has reached a stalemate.
Silves lay in the center of the camp, his black robe stained with blood, his face ashen. He remained unconscious, his breathing weak, but at least he was still alive.
Winter Wolf Frost Fang lay beside him, its silvery-white fur covered in scars.
The deep, bone-exposing laceration on the left foreleg, though simply bandaged, was still bleeding. The erosion and ulceration on the right hind leg were even more severe, with the surrounding skin and flesh turning black and necrotic.
But Frostfang persisted, his icy blue eyes fixed on the area below the high ground.
There, demons surged forth like a black tide, wave after wave.
On the high ground, the remnants of the combined squads 34 and 35 were putting up a last stand.
Calling them "remnants" is no exaggeration.
The team that originally consisted of eight people is now down to five.
The dwarf captain Glenn's left arm was struck by a small fireball from a lesser demon, leaving it charred black and numb.
He could only grip the warhammer with his right hand, making each swing exceptionally difficult.
Paladin Captain Alfred was in slightly better condition, but his chainmail was covered in dents and cracks. His longsword was broken, and he was now using a spare, which was clearly not as easy to wield as the original.
Old Jack is still shooting arrows, but his quiver is long empty, and he's now using makeshift wooden arrows, which are much less powerful.
The female wanderer Lily's right leg was splashed with the acidic slime of the Primal Demon, causing her calf skin to fester and every step she took brought excruciating pain.
Tom, the young warrior who was listening to Captain Glenn tell stories of the North yesterday, closed his eyes forever today as the Thorn Demon's tail pierced his chest.
The body lay on the edge of the camp, and no one had time to bury it.
"How many arrows are left?" Glenn asked hoarsely, his voice dry as if sandpaper were being rubbed.
Old Jack touched his quiver: "Twelve wooden arrows, and three special silver arrowheads."
"Use it sparingly." Alfred gritted his teeth, cleaving a Primal Demon trying to climb the high ground in two with a single strike. "Aim at those lesser demons, don't let them cast spells!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the three little demons below chanted simultaneously, and three small fireballs whistled as they flew towards the high ground.
"Shield!" Glenn roared.
The surviving shield warrior immediately raised his tattered shield, barely managing to block two fireballs. But the third fireball bypassed the shield and struck Lily.
boom!
Flames exploded, and Lily screamed and rolled around, her right arm burned, her skin blistering and festering.
"Lily!" Alfred tried to rescue her, but more demons had already climbed up.
At the critical moment, Winter Wolf Frost Fang endured the pain and opened his mouth to exhale a breath of frost.
Although its power was far less than at its peak, the icy cold current still froze the five primal demons at the forefront into ice sculptures, temporarily blocking the demons' charge.
But Frostfang's injury aggravated the wound, causing the bandage on its left foreleg to burst open and blood to gush out. It staggered, nearly falling.
"Winter Wolf!" Glenn exclaimed.
Frostfang let out a low growl to indicate that he was alright, but his icy blue eyes were already filled with exhaustion.
It turned its head to look at the unconscious Sylvester, and let out a mournful sob.
The owner is still asleep.
And there are at least a hundred more demons.
Even more terrifying, at the very back of that black tide, three Thorn Demons were slowly approaching. They were not in a hurry to attack, but were directing their demon army to systematically surround and wear down the enemy.
These elite demons were clearly intelligent; they were slowly wearing down the remaining troops in the safest way possible.
"We...can't hold on much longer." Lily sat down against the rock wall, her burned arms trembling, her voice filled with despair.
Alfred did not answer.
The paladin captain simply gripped his longsword tightly, his gaze fixed firmly on the demon below.
"The God of Justice teaches us that even in the face of adversity, we must not give up hope," he said softly, as if speaking to himself.
"Hope?" Glenn smiled bitterly, supporting himself with his warhammer. "Where is the hope? We've already set off the distress signal twice, and we haven't even seen a single person yet."
"Perhaps..." Old Jack drew his bowstring taut and shot a wooden arrow, which struck a small imp in the shoulder, but not fatally. "Perhaps no one even saw the fireworks."
"Or they saw it, but didn't dare to come," Lily added in a low voice.
A brief silence fell over the camp, broken only by the howls of demons.
The entire District 12, their high ground, was now like a hellish place.
"Then let's die here," Alfred finally said, his voice eerily calm. "At least, we fought to the very end."
Glenn nodded, a resolute glint in the dwarf captain's eyes: "Alright. Dwarves never back down from battle; if we're going to die, we'll take a few down with us!"
He looked at Frostfang, then at the unconscious Sylvester: "It's just a pity. If Sylvester hadn't been separated from us... with him in good condition and this Winter Wolf... we might have won!"
Frostfang seemed to understand, its icy blue eyes looking at Glenn before it nodded gently.
Winter Wolf stood up again, despite its wounds still bleeding and its strength nearing its limit, it was still ready to fight.
And at that very moment—
Below the high ground, on the flank of the demon army, a sudden commotion arose.
At first there were only sporadic screams, then came the sounds of weapons clashing, followed by the heavy footsteps of some enormous creature charging forward.
Boom!Boom!Boom!
The sound grew louder and louder as it approached from afar, as if giants were running through the forest.
The demons' formation began to crumble.
The outermost primal golem was knocked away by an invisible force, its black, sludge-like body arcing through the air before crashing heavily to the ground.
The demon's poisonous mist suddenly stopped, replaced by terrified screams.
The little demon's fireballs no longer aimed at the high ground, but instead shot randomly towards the trees on the flanks.
"What's going on?" Glenn's eyes widened.
Alfred was also stunned. The paladin captain looked in the direction from which the commotion was coming and vaguely saw something rapidly approaching from the woods.
It was a huge figure, as big as a small mountain.
The ten-foot-tall ogre's robes and chainmail gleamed coldly in the morning light, and each swing of his spiked club cleared an area.
Beside the ogre, a goblin warrior over eight feet tall wielded a two-handed greatsword, and wherever the blade passed, the demon fell like stalks of wheat.
Further back, a gray-robed youth wielded a longsword that shimmered with light, each strike precise and deadly.
And from the treetops, arrows shot at the little demons who were trying to cast spells, as if they had eyes.
"Reinforcements..." Lily murmured, a glimmer of hope rekindling in her eyes. "It's reinforcements!"
Glenn and Alfred exchanged a glance, both seeing disbelief in each other's eyes.
Someone has actually arrived.
Moreover, the team that came was incredibly powerful.
Those demons that had caused them a grueling night of fighting and heavy losses were easily torn apart and crushed like paper in front of that army.
"That's..." Alfred squinted, trying to make out the gray-robed boy's face, "that mage apprentice..."
""
He remembered.
In Summertown Square, there was a mage apprentice with an ogre and a young hunter.
At the time, he and Glenn thought it was ridiculous to make such a young person the captain.
But now.....
"Everyone!" Glenn suddenly roared, the dwarf's voice bursting with astonishing power at that moment, "Reinforcements have arrived!"
Hang in there! We can survive!
The surviving team members were greatly encouraged.