Chapter 314 204: The Herded Sheep

As the Candlekeeper appeared, the ten players present all turned to look at him.

The Candlekeeper didn't say much, simply giving the group a slight nod before he began to speak.

"The fact that you've made it here proves that you are all the most elite Candle Spirit Warriors."

"I need not elaborate on the importance of the Broken Core. It is highly likely that this crucial item lies within the area ahead."

"The Candlefire has great faith in you, and the other newborn Candle Spirits have also placed their hopes in you."

"Go... and illuminate the darkness ahead."

After speaking these words in a calm voice, the Candlekeeper gave the group a slight nod, and his figure gradually vanished.

A notification appeared in everyone's line of sight.

[This area war will affect the future of Candle Island and the fate of the Candle Spirits. Please proceed with caution!]

[You may open the barrier at any time using the Milestone Spirit Candle here.]

[Warning: The barrier created by the Power of the Spirit Candle will disappear three minutes after it is opened. Please ensure you are prepared before then, candidates...]

"This looks pretty serious..." Shore let out a breath, sounding surprisingly nervous. "If we fail this, aren't the others going to tear us apart when we get back?"

After all, this dynamic war was completely different from the previous great war against the Firewood Thieves; there were only ten slots for this area war.

If they had lost last time, at least a whole bunch of people would have shared the blame. But if they lost this time...

"Get out of here with that." Hearing this, Li Miao gave him a kick in exasperation. "What's there to be afraid of? Can't you try thinking positively? The fight hasn't even started and you're already spouting discouraging nonsense."

"If you're going to undermine morale, you should be beheaded."

"Okay, I agree. I'll be the executioner." Brother Mangzi chuckled, switching to his Great Axe and giving it a few practice swings. Its blade glinted coldly.

"No, no, no! I was just kidding."

"We're facing a powerful enemy; we can't have infighting."

Shore said quickly, waving his hands in dismissal.

The others couldn't help but chuckle at the scene.

Thanks to the trio's interruption, the formless pressure weighing on everyone's shoulders seemed to lighten considerably.

"Alright, guys, for overall command, we'll leave it to Faraway. Any objections?"

Li Miao spoke up at this point. It looked like he had already discussed it with Faraway.

"Okay." "No problem."

Hearing this, no one objected, and they all nodded in agreement.

They were all Prison Players who were quite familiar with each other, and Faraway's capabilities were plain for all to see.

Li Miao's gaze lingered for a moment on "Wax Scrap" in the crowd. When he saw him nod as well, Li Miao smiled and looked away.

At this, Faraway stepped forward, nodded to the group, and then spoke with a serious expression.

"Now, please check your item slots and your supply of Recovery Wax Blocks..."

"Stock up on as many of the single-use wax pellets from the Spirit Candle Shop as possible. It would also be best to have backup weapons and equipment ready..."

Faraway's words were direct and concise, with no wasted breath on explanations, but everyone present followed his instructions diligently.

Hidden among them, Luo Ge also nodded to himself at this scene.

'Although these players usually seemed ninety percent unreliable, they were actually quite dependable in situations that affected the big picture...'

That was right.

The player with the ID "Wax Scrap" was not some rookie who had suddenly shot to prominence, but was in fact Luo Ge's alternate character.

Although his powerful true body would be rejected, if only a small part of his Spirit made the connection, the rejection would naturally be far weaker.

His current supply of Wax Oil was still ample, and the importance of the Broken Core was self-evident, so Luo Ge could afford to support the actions of this player character.

If they encountered any special circumstances, he could also provide help at a moment's notice...

Of course, that referred to his true body intervening directly.

This current player character wasn't very strong, and because it was being controlled from a distance, there was some "lag," which severely hampered his performance.

'Besides, the resource consumption isn't insignificant. I can only afford to play like this at crucial times like now...'

While Luo Ge was lost in thought.

The other nine players had all finished their preparations.

Seeing this, Faraway went directly to the Milestone Spirit Candle and opened the surrounding barrier.

[The barrier is about to disappear...]

A countdown timer began in the notification panel.

The gray mist all around began to dissipate, replaced by pitch-black darkness.

"Everyone," Faraway reminded them in a low voice. "Light your illumination Candlefire and get your Spirit Fire Sails ready."

The group nodded and did as instructed.

*Haaaa...* Li Miao exhaled, lowering his heavy Metal Helmet Face Mask. The sound of his own breathing instantly became clear.

He glanced at Luo Ge beside him, tightened his grip on his Frost Riding Spear, and spoke in a low voice.

"Don't be nervous, brother."

"Based on my past gaming experience, there's usually no risk right at the start of a map. Just relax."

"..."

Luo Ge glanced at him. 'Bro, I think *you're* the one who's nervous.'

However, he didn't call Li Miao out on it. After all, the guy meant well, so Luo Ge simply smiled and nodded.

But before he could speak, his eyes narrowed. He unhesitatingly made a grasping motion with an empty hand, and his fully enhanced Execution Gloves instantly materialized a Magic Longsword, which he swung fiercely behind him.

At that exact moment, the countdown in the notification panel hit zero, replaced by a series of rapid, horrifying shrieks.

[The barrier has disappeared.]

SWISH!

A flash of azure sword light cut through the pitch-black gloom.

SPLURCH! Three wolfhound-like creatures, slimy tentacles sprouting from their backs, were sliced clean in half by the Magic Longsword. Their foul-smelling entrails and blood spilled to the ground in a gory cascade.