A different world game? A different world game!

Chapter 1078 Dissatisfaction with the Argument

Aliris's cool voice echoed within the Hall of the Universe.

Her fingertips traced across the star-patterned alloy tabletop, instantly switching the activated holographic interface to display a 3D projection of the Taril continent and the surrounding seas, densely marked with predicted void rift eruption points.

Alysse's gaze swept across the entire room.

Her voice carried an undeniable determination: "Before you make up your minds, listen to the preliminary actions."

"According to Lord Kana's revelation and our deductions, the continent of Taril will be the first to be hit, becoming the area with the highest density of void rifts."

"Therefore, the entire continent of Taril must become our first line of flesh and steel defense against the void."

The projection zooms in, focusing on the rugged coastline and vast ocean of the Tauriel continent.

"The main structure of the defenses—including fortresses, energy barrier nodes, and rapid support corridors—will be planned and constructed entirely by the Night Watch."

"We have the technology, the resources, and the experience to carry out rapid construction in harsh environments."

She paused, her gaze sharpening. "But the Night's Watch is not inexhaustible. You must provide sufficient, organized support."

"We need your warriors, your elite troops, your war machines, to fill this line of defense, to use your flesh and blood to slow down, wear down, and even annihilate the first torrent of void energy surging from the rift!"

The holographic image switched, simulating a huge purple rift that had split open in a turbulent ocean, from which ferocious void creatures surged out like a tide.

"At the same time, the sea is by no means a barrier, but rather another easy route for invasion."

"Building a sufficient number of robust and powerful naval fleets and forming an effective maritime attack and defense team is of paramount importance."

"Otherwise, these fissures in the ocean will become springboards for void creatures to bypass land defenses and attack the interiors of other continents."

Alysse succinctly stated this cold and clear objective.

However, she did not immediately delve into the details of troop allocation or shipbuilding, and abruptly changed the subject.

“But,” she raised her voice slightly, cutting off several representatives who were about to ask questions, “before discussing specific troop strength, supplies, and defense details, we must address a fundamental issue.”

Her gaze swept across the faces, some solemn, some anxious, and some deep in thought, like that of a hawk.

"Such a massive joint operation, involving so many forces, races and nations, is like a pile of loose sand. How can it possibly form a cohesive force?"

"We need a definite alliance, a union with a clear leadership core and decision-making mechanism."

"All members must swear to abide by the common will of the alliance and contribute their efforts unconditionally to the common goal."

"Otherwise, if we fight our own battles and even hinder each other, we will be easily crushed under the iron hooves of emptiness, and our so-called unity will be nothing but empty talk!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell into a brief silence, which was then followed by a huge roar.

The human emperor spoke in hushed tones to his high-ranking minister, his fingers tapping rapidly on the table.

The orc Lion King and the Elephant Marshal Iron Nose exchanged glances, while the Wolf King Black Mane let out a disdainful snort.

The Elf Sun King frowned slightly and exchanged a silent conversation with the Night Queen.

The monarchs from small countries and city-states looked apprehensive and whispered among themselves.

In an instant, the Hall of the Universe transformed into a bustling marketplace.

The Night Watch did not stop them. Alyris simply stood quietly, while Lelia crossed her arms and coldly surveyed the restless crowd.

This chaos was expected and a necessary release.

The noisy discussion lasted for about fifteen minutes before gradually subsiding under an invisible pressure.

Emperor Augustus VII, a monarch known for his pragmatism, spoke first, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable power.

"Commander Alyris, your proposed alliance is essential for survival."

"But the question is, how will this alliance be structured? How will leadership be assigned? And what exactly do we, as members, need to contribute?"

"Is it a portion of the military force, the entire national strength, or... something else?"

His question went straight to the heart of the matter and voiced the doubts in the minds of everyone present.

Alysse seems to have been waiting for this question.

She nodded slightly, her gaze sharpening once more, as if it could pierce through to the heart.

“His Majesty’s question hits the nail on the head.” Her voice was clear and cold, like ice shattering. “Before answering, I must make clear to you a cruel and unavoidable fact—a cornerstone that must be agreed upon before the alliance is formed.”

She paused, and every word she uttered struck everyone's hearts like an ice pick.

"Everyone here today, your countries and your homes, after the full arrival of the Void Apocalypse, in the second year after it enters the 'Endless Darkness' phase, there is a very high probability, even a certainty, that they will be destroyed, abandoned, and completely swallowed by the Void."

"This is not alarmist talk; it is a projection of the future, a reality we must face. I hope you all fully understand this and abandon unrealistic fantasies."

"boom!"

An even bigger commotion erupted instantly.

The kings from several wealthy small southern kingdoms turned pale and suddenly stood up.

Although they inherently knew this, no one could remain calm in this situation.

The Night's Watch's meaning couldn't be clearer.

Let them give up, and then put their efforts into the overall protection.

"Abandon our country?!" a king dressed in a magnificent brocade robe and with a bloated figure screamed, his voice distorted with agitation.

"Let us abandon our own land and people to protect some vague 'righteousness'?! Ridiculous! My kingdom has stood for seven hundred years!"

"Night Watch! Are you making us kings of a fallen kingdom?!"

Another, slightly younger king also slammed his fist on the table and stood up, glaring angrily.

"Humph!"

A cold snort rang out like a thunderclap. Leilia stepped forward, her deep purple eyes burning with rage. Her powerful aura almost suffocated the representatives of the small countries closest to her.

"Shut up! You idiot!"

She rebuked him harshly without any mercy.

"Open your eyes and see! See what Lord Kana is showing you!"

"Ask your own hearts! Without the Night's Watch, without the Night's Watch repelling the Void Vanguard time and time again, how long can your 'seven-hundred-year-old' dilapidated house and your pitiful army hold out?"

"A day? Or an hour?! You really think you can fight against that kind of destruction on your own? Dream on!"

She pointed at the bloated king, her words like knives: "You think you can stop them by keeping your troops in the country? It's like a mantis trying to stop a chariot!"

"Your soldiers will die in vain, their corpses will be corrupted by void energy, turning into new monsters that will turn around and tear your remaining people apart! Your so-called 'shared fate' is nothing but a foolish act of dragging everyone down to hell!"

The first to stand up was a powerful king from a mountain kingdom known for its martial spirit. His hair and beard bristled, and he slammed his fist heavily on the alloy tabletop with a dull thud, roaring:

"Even so! I, Gondorf Stonehammer, will live and die with my mountain people and with the ancestral lands of my Stonehammer family! Until death do us part!"

Leilia glared back at him defiantly, a mocking smile playing on her lips. "Gondorf Stonehammer? Fine! You've got guts! Then you and your equally 'gutsy' noble lords, clutching your crowns and scepters, can hold out to the death on that mountain that's about to be devoured by the Void!"

“But—” her voice suddenly rose, carrying a cold pity, “Ask your people! Ask the miners, the farmers, the shepherds!”

"Do they all also want to become nourishment for the belly of void monsters along with you high and mighty 'warriors'?!"

"Children of the world have the right to choose to live! Not to be held hostage by your 'glory' and buried alive!"

"Those are my people! Their fate is in my hands!" King Gondorf roared, veins bulging on his forehead.

"Pah!" Lelia spat, making no attempt to hide the contempt in her eyes. "In the end, it's nothing more than that you can't bear to give up the power you have under your backsides, and the land where you can lord it over others! A bunch of stupid pigs blinded by power!"

At this moment, another king, who had been wearing a gloomy face, also stood up. He stared at Areris and Leilia, his voice filled with suppressed anger and distrust.

"That sounds nice! You want us to give up everything and hand over our soldiers and people to you? Once we're on your territory, in your so-called alliance, won't we and our forces be pushed to the front lines as cannon fodder to protect the core territory of your Night's Watch?"

"I, Carlos Tide, will never surrender my fleet and my loyal sea people! We will fight to the last man in the waves, and sink with our homeland!"

Seeing the kings' agitated and resolute attitude, the last trace of warmth vanished from Ariris's face.

Her gaze fell on Carlos Tide, her voice eerily calm, yet carrying a chilling undercurrent:

"Your Majesty Carlos, you are certainly free to stand by your choice. The Alliance will not force anyone to join. But..."

She leaned forward slightly and asked clearly, word by word:

"If you were still the king."

"What...what do you mean by this?!"

Carlos Hai Chao's expression changed drastically, filled with shock and anger. "Do you dare to imprison us, the rulers of a nation?!"

Ariris slowly shook her head, her tone as indifferent as if she were stating something trivial that had nothing to do with her.

"Of course not. The Night's Watch respects the choice of every leader. You may leave the Hall of the Universe, leave the City of the Ring, and return to your kingdom now."

"We will open a portal for you immediately to ensure your return as quickly as possible, without any obstruction."

Carlos Sea Tide was speechless, his face turning bright red from the blunt, almost humiliating, "send the guest away" remark.

He stared intently at Areris for a few seconds, then glanced at the silent Elf Kings, the expressionless Orc Lion King, and the Imperial Emperor with a complex expression, before suddenly flicking his sleeve.

"Good! Very good! Remember your words! Let's go!"

He turned around, and with his two accompanying ministers, strode towards the hall door without looking back.

The bloated king who had started the trouble hesitated for a moment, then glared hatefully at Leilia before following after her, panting heavily.

Surprisingly, Gondorf Stonehammer, who had just shouted that he would "live and die together," sat back down heavily in his original position with a livid face, clenched his fists, and did not move again.

The third young king, who had been shouting, hesitated for a moment, but finally stamped his foot and led his entourage to chase after Carlos.

Some silent monarchs, or leaders of power.

He got up and left.

Several figures disappeared outside the magnificent hall doors, and the heavy alloy doors slowly closed, separating the inside from the outside.

Alysse's gaze returned to the remaining representatives, and the atmosphere in the hall became extremely oppressive.

She seemed completely unaffected; her voice remained steady and clear.

"As you all have seen, abandoning lands that are destined to be lost and concentrating our efforts on protecting the last hopeful place is the most basic premise and consensus that enabled the alliance to be established and to exert its power against the void."

"If even this is unacceptable, then there will be no place for them in the league, nor is there any need for them."

She looked around and saw even more complicated expressions.

Some people strongly agree with this, such as the Four Elven Kings and the Emperor of the Empire.

Some struggled and suffered, like many human kings.

Some are ruthless and calculating, like the Orc Lion King.

Some were at a loss.

"I understand that such a decision is too heavy for anyone. It requires time to think, to discuss with the core team, and to... convince oneself."

Alysse softened her tone slightly.

"Therefore, today's meeting is adjourned. Please go back and consider this carefully. We will continue our discussions on the alliance structure and defense details at the same time tomorrow."

No one raised any objections.

Everyone understands that negotiations that determine the fate of the world cannot be completed overnight.

Several months is possible.

Before they arrived, their respective think tanks had already simulated various difficult situations and possible sacrifices.

The core issues of the first World Federation Conference were discussed hastily amidst arguments, walkouts, and the somber pronouncements of reality.

Aside from clearly defining Taril as the first line of defense and the need for naval power—two cold strategic points—and an even colder premise—abandoning homeland—it seems like nothing has been gained.

When the last representative disappeared outside the door, the vast space of the Hall of the Universe was left only with the core members of the Night Watch Council of Candlelight.

The heavy silence was broken.

The composed, businesslike mask on Ariris's face vanished instantly, replaced by a deep weariness and resolute coldness.

She didn't even sit down, but directly gave instructions to the officers in charge of intelligence and special operations who were standing beside her.

The voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling, resolute edge:

"Notify 'Shadow' and the corresponding 'Soul Guardian' squads: Targets: Carlos Tide Kingdom, Golden Harvest Kingdom, Blue Reef Kingdom..."

"The 'wake-up call' plan... is now being implemented. Let them, and their equally blind 'loyal subjects' within their own country, wake up properly."

A cold, unfeeling smile curled at the corner of her lips. "Their country no longer belongs to them. It's time to let the 'voice of the people' ring out."

The intelligence officer solemnly accepted the order, his figure quickly disappearing into the shadows.

Leilia walked over to Areris and snorted.

"A few noisy, stupid chickens are just right to be slaughtered as a warning to the monkeys. That way, no one will still have unrealistic fantasies tomorrow."

Aliris walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window and looked down at the brightly lit, yet turbulent, southern part of the city surrounding the tower.

"As expected. Sacrifice is inevitable, but no one will sacrifice willingly. The first day is merely tearing away the veil of tenderness to expose the cruelest wounds."

"There always have to be a few 'chickens' to sacrifice for this life-or-death struggle for the future."

Her gaze was cold and resolute. "Now, the chicken has jumped out on its own. It's time."

Under the cover of night in the city of the Ring Tower, an invisible undercurrent, following the command of the Night's Watch's High Commander, began to surge toward the three distant kingdoms destined for upheaval.

The prelude to making an example of someone has begun. (End of Chapter)