Chapter 604: Chapter 604: No Regrets in Playing Chess
On the afternoon of the third day, Li Yao was observing the ogres’ city from atop a tall building, blending into the shadows.
After three days of leveling up, he was just on the brink of reaching level twenty-six.
Every five levels marked a small milestone, and every ten a major one. The experience points required increased significantly with each one.
Originally, defeating twenty-five level Warcrafts granted him outstanding experience points due to his own higher level, but this advantage faded after level twenty-five.
Over the past three days, this place had become incredibly busy as more and more people became aware of the situation.
An influx of players had thrown this place into utter chaos; a wide range of people had turned up here.
Despite the NPC saying the Divine Artifact wouldn’t appear until the commemoration, there were always those who didn’t believe in such superstitions and sought to acquire the Divine Artifact ahead of time.
As a result, countless thieves tried to seize this opportunity, but most met disastrous ends. Facing a Warcraft and getting surrounded spelled nothing but death for the frail thieves.
There were those who during nightfall challenged the Nightmare Zone, but they had nowhere to hide, resulting in many forfeiting their lives there.
In a short time span, the Ogres’ meals significantly improved, they had human flesh to consume. This, of course, left a lasting, haunting impression on many people.
Although it was just a game, seeing one’s own corpse used for Ogre food was utterly horrifying.
Of course, Ogres had their share of discomfort too. With the increase in the number of players, armies were formed. They launched ceaseless attacks on the Ogre city.
Although players suffered heavy losses, the Ogres suffered just the same.
Currently, more than half the Ogre city had been occupied by the players. The stubborn pests were too many, even the return of the trial Ogre warriors were not enough to withstand the onslaught of innumerable player teams.
Moreover, the Ogres’ movements blatantly indicated that the Divine Artifact was bound to make its appearance.
Because from the third day onward, a powerful aura remained, which originally only appeared at night. Even during the day, the Nightmare Zone now stayed intact.
However, it no longer served as a caution, after all, more than half of the city had fallen. The Ogres could only retreat to the innermost part of the city near the mountains.
It wasn’t that the Ogres had lost much, but rather, something had led them to order not to go toe-to-toe with the players.
According to the investigation of many thieves, the city is wider and twisting. It wouldn’t be any problem if all the Ogres retreated here to defend.
Yet, perceiving the retreated Ogres, the players instead became more aggressive.
Different guilds’ teams divided into blocks, each claiming an area and launching a fierce attack on the Ogres.
Throughout the three days, casual players, under the temptation of the so-called Divine Artifact, even started to form cohesive teams under the guidance of renowned experienced players, they gained significant power among all guilds and controlled a part of the area.
“Ah, really, casual players are just cannon fodder.” Li Yao sighed and shook his head.
One reason was the strength of the guild players, and another was the lack of unity among casual players. Despite having a common goal allowed them to stand united for now, the appearance of the so-called Divine Artifact could easily lead to the collapse of the team.
There wasn’t any need for the guild, to strike down. In his past, Li Yao had seen this too often.
Many activities were dominated by casual players, but when it came to matters of interest, players turned against each other. In the end, the guild players were still the ones to reap benefits.
Many incidents of chest and boss looting occurred where casual players managed to gain an advantage, but in comparison to the crowd, it still seemed meager.
“The sacrifice ritual should be tonight.”
Li Yao clearly saw the situation now. Most of the captivated humans had been released by now.
But with so many players and the corpse of the Devil Tyrannosaurus, there was no shortage of blood and souls for the sacrifice. However, the Ogres had begun to fight over every inch of their territory without any concession, leading to a fierce battle with leveling players.
But there were just too many players, seemingly endless. No matter how strong the Ogres, they couldn’t possibly kill all.
“Such a perfect opportunity shouldn’t be wasted – a free tank.” Li Yao chose a good position and kept shooting at the Ogres.
The battle was too chaotic for anyone to notice Li Yao seizing the opportunity.
Everyone knew that today was the last day. All the players were bloodthirsty, now none of the guilds withdrew. They knew once the sacrifice ritual began, it would be impossible for them to squeeze in.
This battle lasted until it went pitch black. The players became more berserk, with corpses and fresh blood everywhere. If anyone gave up now, all the prior efforts would be wasted.
The Ogres were also fighting like there was no tomorrow. After half a day of intense battle, the players hardly made any significant progress.
Suddenly, the fire pit atop the altar emitted a skyrocketing flame. It brilliantly illuminated the square, and a massive voice echoed between heaven and earth.
“Great Lord of Nightmares, our most revered master, please descend your will here.” An elderly Ogre Priest knelt at the altar.
“Is my treasure well-nourished?” An ethereal voice echoed as an eye seemingly opened in the sky. A beam of light enveloped the High Priest.
“Our great master, as you wished, it has been well-nourished with fresh and powerful blood every day. It has now been accomplished.” The High Priest prostrated himself devoutly.
Only Li Yao could understand what the High Priest was saying. The players were confused. Only a handful of people could understand what the Lord of Nightmares was saying.
Because the Lord of Nightmares surprisingly spoke the Ancient Elven language, and the High Priest spoke the Ogres language. Needless to say, except for Li Yao nobody could understand the Ogres language.
As for the Ancient Elven language, only a minority among the Ancient and High Elves in the audience had learned it.
Even so, based on some translations by those who understand the Ancient Elven language, players came to realize that the Divine Artifact was about to appear.
As they had speculated, with a rumbling sound, a stone column rose from the center of the altar.
An object resembling a cluster of dark fog covered in countless protruding hands suddenly appeared. An extremely evil aura spread all over, even suppressing the aura of the Lord of Nightmares.
“HA HA HA, good, it has indeed been fed well. Surely the power of the Ancient God is great. After today I will certainly attain true immortality.” The Lord of Nightmares immediately became extremely elated.
“My Lord, bestow us your divine power to exterminate all these people.” The elderly priest cried out, “Our race has already suffered heavy losses.”
“I have been informed, once I descend I will certainly grant you power, but before that, I need fresh blood and souls, you know what to do.” Having said that, the sky-eye started to rotate. Mysterious forces seeped in from everywhere.
“Spread the divine decree. Kill all these intruders to sacrifice our great god.” The High Priest stood up and proclaimed loudly.
The Ogres, overwhelmed with energy, began to go berserk…