Anna's chariot surpassed all the Spiritual Energy chariots, entering Courage Fortress first.

This is a massive fortress located on the wasteland, with walls reaching 500 yards high, city gates 100 yards wide, and a moat 2000 yards wide surrounding it below.

A powerful Guardian Fire is positioned at the center of the fortress, casting light that illuminates the entire stronghold.

It is so visible that on the boundless desert, a massive pillar of fire shoots into the sky, creating a breathtaking sense of majesty that strikes awe into anyone witnessing it for the first time.

This is Courage Fortress, one of Trolian's strongest strongholds, guarding the outermost layer of the defense zone at the southwestern tip, like the sharp edge of a blade penetrating deep into the Dark World.

Perhaps this is why it is named "Courage."

The interior of the fortress appears even more solemn, with all the buildings solid and orderly, forming a protective enclosure around the central Guardian Fire Sacrificial Ground.

The Guardian Fire emits a bright and intense light from the altar, providing a foundational existence for humanity here.

The commander of Courage Fortress is a Guardian, youthful in appearance, tall, with red hair and blue eyes, and an aura full of valor.

"Hello."

He slightly bowed to Rod.

"I've long heard of your name, Black Barrel Rod. It's a pleasure to meet you here. I'm Guardian Lei Ping, the commander of Courage Fortress."

Anna shouted joyfully, "Talia's Rising Star!"

Lei Ping smiled faintly, "That's what they call me, but I don't think so. Lord Rod is the true Rising Star."

Rod was moved, remembering Horus mentioning that a few years ago, the most acclaimed of humanity's new stars were Talia's Rising Star and New Sima's Star of Hope, known as the Twin Stars. He didn't expect to meet one here.

"Hello, Lord Lei Ping, I'm also delighted to meet you. To be honest, I envy your title."

Rod shook hands with him warmly.

"They always call me Black Barrel."

Lei Ping laughed, "You're very humorous. The title initially sounded a bit odd, but as I heard it more, it became more pleasant. Every time a miraculous victory or incredible good news comes, it's always accompanied by the name Black Barrel. We all hope to hear it often."

"Indeed!" a guard said, "When information arrives from the Royal City, we don't read the entire message first; we look for the presence of Black Barrel in the text. If it's there, it means good news; if not, it often isn't good."

Lei Ping grinned widely, "Black Barrel, as loud as thunder."

Rod was somewhat disheartened, suddenly realizing that his title was now associated with victory and had become a spiritual support for many people. Changing it now would be very difficult.

Oh well, I'll figure it out later.

Rod forced himself to forget about it and focused on the battle itself.

He quickly learned that Courage Fortress is one of Trolian's highest-spec strongholds, guarding the gateway to Trolian's southwest.

It is equipped with the most powerful Guardian Fire and the strongest fortifications, with all personnel being Special Level Combatants, solely to block the monsters surging from Ash Lake and the Old Castle.

The main structure of Courage Fortress was crafted by Giants, with all structures solidified by Spiritual Energy, incredibly robust. When Trolian took over this relic, they immediately realized it was an excellent stronghold, capable of supporting a corner of the defense zone.

Indeed, under the protection of Courage Fortress, Trolian quickly expanded their territory to the east and north, significantly broadening their territorial range.

It was Trolian's largest support point, making indelible contributions to Trolian's development.

But now, it's become an obstacle to further development for Trolian.

Courage Fortress is too strong, too solid.

And ahead of it lies the extremely dangerous depths of the Dark World, where the terrifying Ash Lake and Old Castle are brimming with powerful monsters.

It's hard for humans to step out from their safe and warm homes, and in the face of enormous consumption and massive casualties, Trolian's leaders chose to avoid it. They lacked the resolve and power to advance another step.

Until now.

Lei Ping sighed, "This is an unprecedentedly powerful combat group. Without a force of this magnitude, it would've been impossible to take a step forward."

Rod asked curiously, "What are the main monsters in Ash Lake and the Old Castle?"

Lei Ping's face turned serious as he said, "High Devil's Son and powerful Profanity Warriors."

Rod frowned. He had encountered both of these monsters before. Profanity Warriors were troublesome monsters he had dealt with when clearing Starry Sky City. They had certain Space Abilities, capable of swallowing and digesting one to death.

The High Devil's Son was a disgusting creature that hid its head and showed its tail, always lurking among monster groups, using evil curses to secretly harm humans.

"How are they different from the usual ones?" Rod asked.

"Stronger, more cunning, and harder to kill."

Lei Ping paused for a moment, speaking earnestly.

"But the most troublesome thing is that there are too many of them. The Black Fog in these two areas is very dense, attracting many powerful monsters, and the area is incredibly vast. It's very difficult to clear them completely."

Rod's spirits lifted, and he gave a sincere smile.

A large number of powerful monsters, isn't this a big opportunity?

Looking at Star Square, he couldn't quantify the divinity he'd acquired, but Rod could vaguely sense that it's considerable.

"Great!"

Rod thought.

"Let me make a huge fortune."

"Even if the efficiency of soul conversion is low, as long as there is a sufficient quantity, a qualitative change can occur!"

——

Before long, Olivia and others arrived one after another.

When seven Special Level Combatants lined up, everyone found it hard to breathe. They looked in astonishment at the unprecedented scene, and deafening cheers followed. Every warrior was exuberant, raising their arms in celebration.

Special Level combat power is their faith, their cornerstone, their light, and their fire.

There's no one who doesn't wish to witness the combat prowess of Special Level combatants, and seeing multiple Special Level combatants at once was an unreachable dream.

Now, it's not just multiple; they saw seven Special Level combatants at once: the newly ascended Monarch Level Olivia, the undefeated War God Alan, the oldest and most legendary dual-source Commander, Alehon.

Plus, Fire Mage Luo Weiya, Hammer King Jelaba, Thunder King Misha, and the mysterious Dark Moon Princess.

Such a powerful lineup can only be seen in dreams.

Amid the thunderous cheers, the seven Special Level combatants, along with hundreds of high-rank combatants, entered the Guardian Fire Sacrificial Ground to meet with Lei Ping and Rod.

The leaders of this super combat group are Olivia, Alan, and Alehon, but to build confidence for the newly crowned King Olivia, Alan and Alehon voluntarily gave up command, leaving Olivia in charge of the team.

"Lei Ping, is there any new information about the Ash Lake area?"

Lei Ping's eyes glowed with brilliant Golden Light, slightly bowing as he replied, "Great Moonlight Knight, the high-level investigators at Courage Fortress just informed me that nothing unusual has appeared here for now."

Olivia nodded, and said solemnly, "Then proceed with the original plan. Use Courage Fortress as the base, and each Special Level combatant will lead their combat group to first clear Ash Lake and Gray Castle, then concentrate all forces to kill the Ancient Dragon King."

"Other high-rank combatants will assist in clearing, in teams of five."

Each Special Level combatant has their own armed guard.

About one-third of the Guardians have their own teams, Rod being one of them.

The Ancient Dragon King is a King Level Monster that dwells in Ash Lake.

Legend has it that Ash Lake was formed from the flames it spewed; killing the Ancient Dragon King implies a King Slaying battle.

However, even with seven Special Level combatants, it's still a highly risky battle, and no King Slaying battle has ever guaranteed victory.

Before proceeding, clearing the surrounding monsters is the most prudent approach.

Thus, everyone supported the strategy Olivia proposed.

Alehon looked at her with satisfaction, and remarked, "You've finally gained some maturity, little girl."

Olivia smiled awkwardly, choosing not to reply.

Luo Weiya shouted, "Fatty, you've aged another year!"

Olivia glared sideways at him, her fists cracking as she said word by word, "Luo Weiya, are you seeking death?"

Dark Moon Princess hugged Olivia, whispering, "Don't be angry, sister. That brute's not worth our attention."

Jelaba redirected the topic with the sound of hammer clashing, "I can't wait for battle!"

Alan smiled, saying, "Let's have a great fight."

"Yes!"

Everyone raised their arms, enthusiastically cheering.

Thus, the basic battle plan was determined.

The combatants quickly began fighting. Those who became high-rank combatants wouldn't waste time.

With just a command, everyone plunged into the epic Ash Lake battle.

Rod naturally was no exception. To maximize obtaining divinity, he didn't agree to anyone joining, only taking the Black Battle Group to fight alongside him.

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