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Chapter 558.5: Blossoming at the Center
The cool, crimson moonlight filtered through emerald-green leaves, casting its glow upon the wooden walls.
The fresh sprouts growing around the fortress walls swayed gently in the breeze.
The surrounding vegetation blended seamlessly with the walls, creating a harmonious aesthetic.
The tranquil atmosphere intertwined with nature, embedding the mountainside fortress into its picturesque surroundings.
Elves had an innate, almost genetic obsession with ideal living conditions.
Don't be fooled by the wooden walls—their defensive capabilities were astounding, even superior to some stone fortresses. They could also withstand magic like Earthquake spells.
This fortress, known as "Black Crow," once served as the frontline bastion against drow incursions.
It not only had a long history but also possessed formidable defenses.
The 3,000 Cole Elven warriors stationed here were all elite fighters, with over a third reaching the advanced level.
Each of them had over a hundred years of military experience.
Their deployment here was primarily to guard against dangers from the underground world and to uphold certain rituals and regulations.
However, in recent times, their presence was more about "gilding" their reputations.
"Black Crow" Fortress had not seen battle for 500 years.
The last skirmish had been against a drow scouting party.
Black Crow Fortress had easily claimed victory, eliminating all the invaders.
The passage connecting the underground world was conveniently blocked off by Black Crow Fortress, nestled in a valley.
On the towering watchtowers flanking the sides, over a dozen slender sentinels gathered, chatting leisurely.
They were not slacking off but discussing the latest developments in the underground world.
"Have you heard? The gray dwarves are desperately retreating. That 'volcano' they were sitting on has finally erupted!"
"Haha, those stubborn fools are finally getting what they deserve. Too bad their attitude is so awful; otherwise, I might have given them a warning."
"No need. Their minds are already broken, even more stubborn than the black dwarves were!"
"If those monsters reappear, the underground world might face another upheaval, and our mission will become even more demanding…"
"Let's see how long the Dwarven Kingdom can hold out. Once they collapse, it will be our turn to intervene!"
"The eastern front is holding up well. The Ail Elves are fiercely resisting—perfect for training our troops."
"The kingdom hasn't seen large-scale war in two or three centuries. Training soldiers requires some real pressure."
"Actually, the eastern front is becoming a stalemate. The Ail Elves are causing more trouble than expected."
"Their weapons and armor have improved significantly. Some even have combat golems now—they seem to be advancing rapidly!"
"We also need to adapt and pick up the pace. The first elemental tide is about to arrive!"
"We're fortunate to be in an era of elemental tides—this is the perfect stage for us!"
"…"
Every elven warrior spoke with confidence, their discussions filled with condescension toward other factions and kingdoms.
This arrogance was a product of the Cole Elven Kingdom's dominant policies and expansionist mindset.
They already viewed the entire northern continent as their domain, casually discussing plans to weaken or invade other nations.
For nearly 2,000 years, the Cole Elven Kingdom's territory had been steadily expanding.
From an initial 3 million square kilometers, it had swelled to 30 million square kilometers.
Their population had grown from just over ten million to over a hundred million.
Despite elves having a low birth rate, their sheer numbers ensured steady annual growth.
Recognizing the importance of a vast population, they remained highly wary of the rapidly growing Netheril Empire.
The larger the population, the higher the chances of producing exceptional talents!
The emergence of Grand Arcanist Iolum had led to the Cole Elven Kingdom losing control over the Netheril Empire.
His creation of the floating cities had nearly pushed the Netheril Empire into direct opposition with the Cole Elves.
At the time, many hardline Cole Elves had advocated for crushing the Netheril Empire before it could fully develop and establish its independence.
However, the sudden eruption of the Orcish Horde shattered their plans.
The Cole Elven Kingdom had no choice but to rely on the Netheril Empire's fearless armies.
Using their mortal bodies to withstand the orcs' million-strong invasion force.
This brutal war accelerated the growth of high-tier power within the Netheril Empire.
Floating cities and various arcane technologies were refined and enhanced through that conflict.
Fortunately, the Cole Elven Kingdom quickly adjusted its strategy, utilizing cultural influence, ideological indoctrination, and internal division to weaken the Netheril Empire.
Their efforts successfully curbed the empire's expansion and growth.
The two-pronged onslaught from the orcs, the devastation of the Dragon Frenzy, and the Netheril Empire's sluggish and decayed response perfectly exemplified the flaws of short-lived species.
Under such circumstances, their long-term plans ensured that this rising human empire would never pose a real threat to them.
Their strategies were undeniably subtle yet ruthless.
The fusion of domineering tactics with an iron grip on power, all backed by absolute strength, exemplified the Cole Elven Kingdom's continual rise.
Yet, just as they reveled in the smooth execution of their plans—
A sudden spatial fluctuation triggered the alarm wards within Black Crow Fortress.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
The crisp, urgent ringing swiftly echoed throughout the fortress.
Cole Elven soldiers across the stronghold rushed to their battle stations with impressive discipline.
Their response was commendable, yet the fortress lord furrowed his brows and shouted to the elven mages:
"A large-scale Dimensional Anchor? Widespread communication disruption?"
Several elven officers immediately voiced their assessments:
"Whoever did this is at least a legendary spellcaster! Send scouts in all directions—have them issue warnings as fast as possible!"
"Who could be attacking us? It can't be the gray dwarves; they don't have casters this powerful. We cut off their arcane lineage long ago!"
"Most likely the drow. Legendary spells and divine magic can both produce this effect."
"The drow are obsessed with blood sacrifices. If the Spider Queen's power is recovering, this could be her doing!"
"…"
Before they could argue further, a deafening war cry erupted from all directions, surrounding Black Crow Fortress.
A mass of siege engines and over a dozen massive obsidian golems—
Charged out of the underground passage at terrifying speed.
Under the stunned gazes of the elves—
The gray dwarf army stormed out in orderly ranks, clad in thick, reinforced armor.
Yet they moved as if weightless, covering dozens of meters in mere steps, arriving at the fortress walls in an instant.
"Kill them all!"
"Wipe them out!"
"Where did these gray dwarves come from?!"
"Quick, defend the fortress walls!"
"Impossible! Their defenses are too strong! We can't land fatal hits!"
"Hurry, secure the gates!!"
Amidst the chaotic shouts, the fully armored gray dwarves surged toward the fortress like a tidal wave.
Many Cole Elven warriors demonstrated exceptional marksmanship, targeting the gaps in the dwarves' armor and precisely taking them down.
But their numbers were too few—after just three volleys of arrows, the gray dwarves had already reached the fortress walls at astonishing speed.
Boom!
The sturdy gates shattered instantly under the impact of a battering ram!
Organizing the battle outline.