Chapter 364: with translation of chapter title

It has been proven that flesh and blood cannot stand against steel.

Translation: "Fact proves that flesh and blood cannot contend with steel."

The next morning, the Natural Legion completely broke through the blockade of the indigenous forces of the Lost Plane, crossed about 700 kilometers of desert, and arrived at the border of the high‑energy magic ring zone where the Gate of Creation lies.

Translation: "Early the next morning, the Natural Legion completely broke through the blockade of the Lost Plane Indigenous Army, crossed about 700 kilometers of Gobi desert, and arrived at the border of the High Energy Magic Ring Area where the Gate of Creation stands."

The result was that our side suffered fewer than a thousand unexpected casualties while killing over 170,000 indigenous warriors.

Translation: "The battle result was that our side suffered fewer than 1,000 unexpected casualties while killing over 170,000 indigenous warriors."

The remaining 130,000 soldiers were utterly terrified, scattering and fleeing in panic.

Translation: "The remaining 130,000 soldiers were utterly terrified and scattered in a rout."

At this moment, the legion's engineering mages are setting up a directed convergence array for the fusion incendiary bombs in front of the high‑energy magic ring zone.

Translation: "At this moment, the legion's engineering mages are setting up a directional convergence array for the fusion blast bombs in front of the High Energy Magic Ring Area."

There aren't many—just 500 of them—hurriedly produced by the empire working overtime.

Translation: "There aren't many—just 500 of them, hastily produced by the Empire working overtime."

The total yield is roughly equivalent to 50 kilograms of solar essence.

Translation: "The total yield is roughly equivalent to 50 kilograms of solar essence."

Their purpose, naturally, is to clear the final obstacle on the advance route, opening a safe passage toward the Gate of Creation.

Translation: "Their purpose, naturally, is to clear the final obstacle on the advance route and open a safe passage toward the Gate of Creation."

The reason for doing this is both because the high‑energy magic ring zone is extremely dangerous and because Rosen knows that Cicero is surely waiting for him inside the ring.

Translation: "The reason for doing this is both because the High Energy Magic Ring Area is fraught with danger and because Luosen knows Cicero is surely waiting for him inside the ring."

Faced with a situation that concerns the empire's fate and offers no certainty of victory over the opponent, Rosen naturally chose a crushing strategy.

Translation: "Faced with a situation that concerns the fate of the Empire and offers no confidence of victory over the opponent, Luosen naturally chose the overwhelming force tactic."

The emperor can certainly play among mortals, as he did earlier in Nawat, where Rosen, relying on his absolute superiority in high‑level power, toyed with the Light Gods.

Translation: "The Emperor can certainly play among mortals, as Luosen previously did in Nawat, teasing the Light God Clan with his absolute superiority of high ability."

But when facing an opponent of equal rank, the emperor's principle is to use national strength to crush them, never resorting to personal heroic duels.

Translation: "But when facing an opponent of equal rank, the Emperor's principle is to use national power to overwhelm and never engage in personal heroic single combat."

While setting up the nuclear bombs, Rosen and Tirallilin each piloted a Dawn Sentinel, standing side by side gazing at the distant high‑energy magic ring zone.

Translation: "While setting up the nuclear bombs, Luosen and Tira Lirin each piloted a Dawn Guardian, side by side gazing at the distant High Energy Magic Ring Area."

Within the magic ring zone, the most striking feature is the towering Gate of Creation.

Translation: "Within the ring area, the most striking feature is the towering Gate of Creation."

Its shape consists of two opposing, majestic pillars, each over 1,000 meters tall and 50 meters apart, resembling a gigantic roofless gate.

Translation: "Its shape consists of two opposing towering pillars, each over 1,000 meters tall and 50 meters apart, resembling a gigantic roofless gate."

Even after millennia, the two pillars still gleam with a rich steel‑gray metallic luster, showing no trace of wear.

Translation: "One can see that, even after tens of thousands of years, the two pillars still exude a rich steel-gray metallic luster, with no trace of wear."

Secondly, a spherical light shield emitting a faint glow envelops the entire Gate of Creation, with a diameter exceeding 20 kilometers and a clear boundary, resembling a colossal magic ring shield.

Translation: "Secondly, a spherical light shield emitting a faint glow envelops the entire Gate of Creation, its diameter exceeding 20 kilometers, its boundary clear, like a super-massive magic ring shield."

Tirallilin whispered: "From the edge of the high‑energy zone to the Gate of Creation is about ten kilometers; the internal ring strength is 12, but my temporal divination spell is heavily interfered with by Cicero, so I cannot see inside."

Translation: "Tira Lirin whispered: 'From the edge of the High Energy Area to the Gate of Creation is about ten kilometers; the internal ring strength is twelve layers, but my Time Insight spell is strongly interfered with by Cicero, preventing me from seeing the interior situation.'"

Rosen's gaze, however, remained fixed on the Gate of Creation.

Translation: "Luosen's gaze, however, remained fixed on the Gate of Creation."

"Lirin, is it made of 22nd‑grade high‑energy material?"

Translation: "\"Lirin, is it made of 22nd-tier high-energy material? \""

"No, this is a 23rd‑grade material synthesized by the empire at any cost, called Creation Godsteel, which is virtually indestructible."

Translation: "\"No, this is a 23rd-tier material synthesized by the Empire at any cost, named 'Creation Divine Steel,' an almost indestructible existence. \""

"No matter how much we stir things up, even if we increase the number of fusion incendiary bombs tenfold, we cannot inflict any damage on it."

Translation: "\"No matter how much commotion we make, even if we increase the number of fusion blast bombs tenfold, we cannot inflict any damage on it. \""

While speaking, Tirallilin's voice carried a hint of pride.

Translation: "While speaking, a hint of pride tinged Tira Lirin's voice."

Rosen fully understood her feelings and also keenly sensed the vast gap between the Natural Empire and the Dawn Empire.

Translation: "Luosen fully understood her feelings and also keenly sensed the vast gap between the Natural Empire and the Dawn Empire."

This is the difference between civilizational levels, almost like the distinction between humans and gods.

Translation: "This is the difference between civilizational levels, almost the distinction between humans and gods."

His steel legion can crush the indigenous forces, but if it encountered the Dawn Empire at its peak, it would surely be easily crushed by them.

Translation: "His steel legion can crush the indigenous army, but if it encounters the full-strength Dawn Empire forces, it will surely be easily crushed by them."

Moreover, even if he successfully acquires the Dawn Empire's legacy on this trip, he feels he will need a considerable amount of time to fully digest its knowledge.

Translation: "Moreover, even if he successfully obtains the Dawn Empire's legacy this time, he feels he will need a considerable amount of time to fully digest its knowledge."

Because this cannot be rushed; just as in mountain climbing, even if you see the whole summit from afar, you must ascend step by step to behold the view from the peak.

Translation: "Because it cannot be rushed; just as in mountain climbing, even if you see the whole summit from afar, you must climb step by step to behold the view from the peak."

"Lirin, given the Natural Empire's situation, how long do you think it will take to reach the former height of the Dawn Empire?"

Translation: "\"Lirin, given the Natural Empire's situation, how long do you think it will take to reach the former height of the Dawn Empire? \""

"If everything goes smoothly as Your Majesty described, I believe it would take about a hundred years."

Translation: "\"If everything goes smoothly as Your Majesty described, I believe it would take a hundred years. \""

"Of course, the Abyss will certainly not give us a hundred years of peaceful development, so we must obtain the Conquest Legion."

Translation: "\"Of course, the Abyss will certainly not give us a hundred years of peaceful development, so we must obtain the Conquest Legion. \""

Rosen naturally understands this, but he harbors a hidden worry.

Translation: "Luosen naturally understands this, but he harbors a hidden worry."

"The empire collapsed over eleven thousand years ago; are you sure the Creation Bureau can consistently carry out Emperor Safinonos's final command?"

Translation: "\"The Empire collapsed over eleven thousand years ago; are you sure the Creation Bureau can consistently carry out Emperor Safinonos's final order? \""

He isn't worried that the Creation Bureau is empty, because Cicero's performance has already proven that it definitely contains treasures.

Translation: "He isn't worried that the Creation Bureau lacks contents, for Cicero's performance has already proven that it definitely holds treasures."

He is worried that something unexpected might happen within the Creation Bureau.

Translation: "He only worries that something unexpected might happen within the Creation Bureau."

After all, so much time has passed that even the Seven Sages of the Imperial Court, whose soul strength once reached 22nd grade, could hardly survive unscathed, let alone a group of artificial magical constructs.

Translation: "After all, so much time has passed that even the Seven Sages of the Imperial Court, whose soul strength once reached the 22nd tier, would hardly survive unscathed, let alone a group of artificial magical puppets."

Tirallilin also lacks some confidence, only able to say: "Your Majesty, go inside and see for yourself, and everything will become clear."

Translation: "Tira Lirin also lacks some confidence, only able to say: \"Your Majesty, once we go in and see, everything will become clear. \""

At that moment, the engineering mage team reported: "The fusion incendiary array has been set up; the legion has fully entered the shelters and can detonate at any time."

Translation: "At this moment, the engineering mage team sent word: \"The fusion blast array has been set up, the legion has all entered shelters, and we can detonate at any time. \""

Rosen, however, did not directly order the detonation.

Translation: "Luosen, however, did not directly order the detonation."

Because he is about to enter the unknown high‑energy magic ring zone and will face completely unknown opponents and dangers.

Translation: "Because he is about to enter the unknown High Energy Magic Ring Area and will face completely unknown opponents and dangers."

Although he made extensive preparations, he still cannot guarantee absolute success.

Translation: "Although he has made extensive preparations, he still cannot guarantee absolute success."

As the supreme ruler of an empire, he naturally must prepare for the worst.

Translation: "As the supreme ruler of an empire, he naturally must prepare for the worst."

In fact, he has already prepared a contingency plan titled the 'Imperial Guardian Council.'

Translation: "In fact, he has already prepared a contingency plan named the Imperial Guardian Council."

Should the worst occur, Empress Ziegrelana will become the nominal queen of the Natural Empire, and Skyfather Shenwei will become the first executive chairman of the cabinet council.

Translation: "Should the worst occur, Empress Qi Ge Rui La Na will become the nominal Empress of the Natural Empire, and Heavenly Father of Divine Might will become the first executive chairman of the Cabinet Council."

The empire's current key members will become members of the Guardian Council, jointly deciding the empire's future fate.

Translation: "The Empire's current important members will become members of the Guardian Council, jointly deciding the Empire's future fate."

This plan has been kept safe by him all along; now, Emperor Rosen, far away in Swan Fortress, takes it out, together with many powerful artifacts and the authority of high‑energy spells, and hands it all to Ziegrelana.

Translation: "This plan has been kept safe by him all along; at this moment, Emperor Luosen, far away in Swan Castle, takes it out, together with many powerful magical artifacts and the authority of high-energy arts, and hands them all to Qi Ge Rui La Na."

Ziegrelana turned pale with fright and dared not take it, saying: "My love, why must we take such a risk?"

Translation: "Qi Ge Rui La Na turned pale with fright, unable to accept it: \"Dear, why must we take such a risk? \""

She knows very well that she cannot uphold the Natural Empire; in fact, no one can, not even her grandfather.

Translation: "She knows very well that she cannot uphold the Natural Empire; in fact, no one can, not even her grandfather."

Once Rosen, the founding emperor, is gone, the empire will surely face tremendous upheaval and may even collapse because of it.

Translation: "Once Luosen, the founding emperor, is gone, the Empire will definitely experience tremendous upheaval and might even collapse because of it."

Rosen gave a faint smile: "Don't worry, it's just a contingency plan; it's unlikely to be enacted."

Translation: "Luosen gave a light smile: \"Don't worry, it's just a contingency plan; it's unlikely to be enacted. \""

He paused, then spoke more seriously: "But if it ever has to be used, we will abandon all expansion plans and merely defend the Natural Empire as our stronghold; once the empire regains stability, we can discuss other matters."

Translation: "After a pause, he spoke more seriously: \"But if it is indeed used, we will abandon all expansion plans and merely safeguard the Natural Empire as our base; once the Empire regains stability, we can discuss other matters. \""

Ziegrelana asked again: "My love, is there really no other option?"

Translation: "Qi Ge Rui La Na asked again: \"Dear, is there really no other option? \""

Rosen smiled: "Our opponent is a high‑energy empire that has developed over countless years, a powerful foe capable of crushing us."

Translation: "Luosen chuckled: \"Our opponent is a high-energy empire that has developed for countless years, a powerful foe wielding overwhelming strength. \""

"We are the weak. When the weak face the strong, there has never been a safe, easy way to win; we can only take the perilous paths the strong refuse to walk."

Translation: "\"We are the weak. When the weak face the strong, there has never been a safe and easy way to win; we can only take the perilous paths the strong are unwilling to tread. \""

"In fact, we have been quite fortunate—at least there is still a road ahead for us."

Translation: "\"In fact, we are already very fortunate; at least there is still a road ahead for us. \""

"In this world, countless weaklings are born into hopeless desperation."

Translation: "\"In this world, countless weaklings face hopeless desperation from the moment they are born. \""

"They live and die in obscurity, like tiny bubbles that occasionally rise in a pond; once the bubbles cross the water and merge into the air, no trace of their existence remains in the world."

Translation: "\"They live and die in obscurity, like tiny bubbles that occasionally rise in a pond; once the bubble crosses the water and merges with the air, no trace of their existence remains in the world. \""

Seeing Rosen's resolve, Ziegrelana knew further persuasion would be useless.

Translation: "Seeing Luosen's resolve, Qi Ge Rui La Na knew further persuasion would be useless."

"My love, let's give our child a name."

Translation: "\"Dear, let's give our child a name. \""

In a year, this child will be born, a boy.

Luosen had already decided: "Let's call it Luogelikesi." This name in the ancient language of the Natural Alliance means "victory."

Qi Ge Rui La Na silently recited it once, then lightly nodded: "I've remembered it."

After arranging follow-up matters, Luosen gave a mental command, ordering the 200 Dawn Battle Teams to simultaneously activate their circumferential shields to withstand the aftermath of the fusion explosion array.

Then he issued the order.

"Then let it explode!"

The engineering mages immediately began the countdown.

"10, 9, 8"

At the same time, inside the high-energy magic ring area.

Xi Sai Luo continuously cast time mist to interfere with Ti La Li Lin's perception.

Originally everything was fine, but suddenly he felt a strong palpitation, and at the same time felt a thread of time begin to vibrate at an extremely high intensity.

The vibration of the time thread indicates that an event not to be ignored exists.

If the vibration is strong enough to cause such palpitation, it indicates that a high-energy event aimed at him is about to occur.

"What's going on? Does this natural emperor still have some trick up his sleeve?"

He interfered with Ti La Li Lin, while also continuously suffering interference from her.

Thus he could not see the situation outside the magic ring.

Now that this situation has suddenly appeared, it would be a mistake on top of a mistake, so he dare not act rashly.

To be safe, he also ordered the Dawn Battle Team to activate the circumferential shield.

Just as both sides' Dawn Battle Teams activated their shields, the fusion explosion array detonated.

"Boom—"

Only saw a fierce flash of strong light, its brightness exceeding that of a hundred billion suns.

The meticulously designed focusing array caused the power of 500 fusion bombs to converge into a super-high-energy jet with a diameter of 1000 meters, almost completely linear in its explosion!

This jet violently broke through the circumferential wall of the 12-layer high-energy magic ring, sweeping all before it as it surged toward the Gate of Creation.

In almost an instant, various aftermath forces struck the Dawn Battle Team where Luosen was.

The Dawn Battle Warriors' shield energy consumption surged instantly, using at least 5 grams of solar essence in just 10 seconds.

This is merely the aftermath's power; the intensity of the jet's frontal force is hundreds to thousands of times greater.

But the objects inside the high-energy magic ring are extremely sturdy, so the jet's power still suffered considerable weakening.

By the time it reached Xi Sai Luo's Dawn Battle Team, its power had already dropped to one-tenth of its peak.

Even so, when this terrifying jet swept over, out of the 500 Dawn Battle Warriors, 496 instantly exhausted their power and shut down.

The remaining four were Xi Sai Luo and his Three Imperial Heroes.

Xi Sai Luo's Dawn Battle Guard was loaded with 1 kilogram of solar essence, and just now it directly consumed over 260 grams.

The Three Imperial Heroes' power was nearly depleted, leaving less than 30 grams.

Looking down from the high heavens, one sees a steaming lava road appearing on the ground, over 1800 meters wide, stretching from the edge of the high-energy magic ring area all the way across 12 kilometers to the Gate of Creation.

It was as if struck by a world‑splitting sword!

Xi Sai Luo and the Three Imperial Heroes stood there, about 500 meters from the Gate of Creation, feeling somewhat desolate.

"Your Majesty, the situation is dire," said a warrior.

"Your Majesty, we are now outnumbered and outgunned; what should we do next?" asked the second warrior.

"Your Majesty, retreat quickly; we will hold the enemy for you."

The third warrior had already made the worst preparations.

"Shut up!"

Xi Sai Luo hystericly roared: "I will never retreat, nor will I ever give up!"

"I haven't lost yet; we are piloting elite Dawn Battle Guards, whose performance far surpasses the enemy's, so we still have a chance!"

No sooner had his words fallen than a Dawn Battle Team appeared on the lava road.

Numbering 100, dispersed in position, they were surging from all directions.

The terrifying part is that each Dawn Battle Guard's surface is enveloped in a thick circumferential shield, indicating it holds ample power.

In a head‑on clash, 100 versus 4, even if the latter's performance is superb, it cannot escape being crushed.

"Your Majesty, go quickly; we will block the pursuers!"

The Three Imperial Heroes shouted tragically.

This time, Xi Sai Luo did not persist, because persisting was meaningless.

He turned and fled toward the Gate of Creation.

His Dawn Battle Guard's performance is indeed strong, its running speed 50% faster than ordinary Dawn Battle Guards, while many Dawn Battle Guards were still being held back by the Three Imperial Heroes.

Thus, he broke through the enemy's encirclement and successfully folded the magic ring, hiding himself.

About half a minute later, he felt the time thread of the last of the Three Imperial Heroes cease vibrating.

This meant all three were killed.

A flicker of desolation crossed Xi Sai Luo's heart: "Am I the only one left?"

He tried every means to traverse ten thousand years of time, and again found the hidden imperial authority administrator.

He originally thought he could fully inherit his family's legacy, but never expected to be repeatedly suppressed by a junior, ending up as a completely solitary loner.

A boundless hatred suddenly welled up in his heart.

"If I can't have it, then nobody else should even think of having it."

"Ti La Li Lin, prepare to die!"

(End of chapter)