Inside the grand hall, what had once felt spacious gradually became crowded as more and more players appeared.
"Valerius, what's the game this time?"
As soon as everyone arrived, many noticed that Valerius was already seated upon the throne at the head of the hall.
"Ahem."
Only after all players were present did Valerius raise a hand, pressing it down lightly to calm the still-restless crowd.
"Everyone, the rules this time are different. You'd better listen carefully."
Hearing that the rules had changed again, the players immediately quieted down, all eyes turning toward Valerius.
"This round is a Total War. You will be divided into two teams based on your respective worlds. The objective is simple—eliminate the opposing players."
"And this time, the final reward applies to the entire team. Whichever side wins, that entire side gets to draw the reward."
The moment those words landed, the hall erupted with excitement.
This time, they were really playing big.
"Quiet."
Valerius pressed his hand down again before continuing. "Because the two sides have different numbers of players, the Honkai universe side will receive three additional total points."
Some people glanced toward the Honkai side upon hearing this, but no one objected.
After all, their side had more people. If Valerius arranged it this way, there had to be a reason.
"Those are the rules for the Total War. Now, let me explain the game itself."
He swept his gaze across the crowd. Seeing everyone staring at him without blinking, Valerius felt rather satisfied.
"Heroes of Might and Magic: Armageddon's Blade — Rules are as follows:"
"First: Each of you will be randomly transported to a world. There, you may recruit armies and build your own cities. Your troops refresh once every week, so remember to recruit on time."
"Second: Both sides may attack each other freely and capture enemy cities. If you go seven days without owning a city, you will be eliminated."
"Third: Before entering the game, you must choose your city type and profession here."
"Fourth: I have placed several teleportation gates across the wilderness. Through them, you can come to me and spend points to purchase powerful artifacts or creatures."
At this point, Valerius paused, then lowered his voice mysteriously.
"The highest-tier units you can recruit on your own are Tier 7… but I sell Tier 10 Holy Dragons here."
Brows furrowed across the crowd.
They didn't yet know what Tier 10 truly meant—but it definitely sounded terrifying.
"Fifth: After six months, all remaining players will be consolidated into a single grand battlefield. That's where the final victory will be decided."
"Alright, those are all the rules. You may now step forward and choose your cities."
With that, Valerius stood up and produced several city models.
For a moment, no one moved.
Sunday chuckled inwardly. What was there to hesitate about? He immediately strode forward.
"I'll go first."
Standing before the models, Sunday scanned them carefully. Each city looked completely different.
"What's the difference between these cities?" he asked.
"Each city corresponds to a different faction," Valerius explained, lifting one of the models.
"Different factions mean different units."
"For example, this Castle can recruit Archangels at the highest tier. If you choose it, your profession options are Knight or Cleric."
Then he picked up another city, one wreathed in flowing magma.
"This one can recruit Arch Devils. If you choose it, your profession will be Demon or Heretic."
Now everyone understood.
Cities were tied directly to professions.
"I'll take this one."
After surveying all the options, Sunday chose the angelic city without hesitation. The others either looked like villains or were downright ugly.
Especially the Necropolis—he had no interest in marching around with a bunch of skeletons.
"And your profession?" Valerius asked.
"Cleric."
Once the selection was complete, Sunday opened his status panel.
[Specialty: Mysticism
(Grants an additional 5% bonus per level to Mysticism effects)]
[Skills]
[Basic Wisdom: Can learn up to Tier 3 spells]
[Basic Scholar: Two heroes may exchange Tier 1–2 spells]
[Basic Mysticism: Restores 2 mana per day]
"…How's my build?" Sunday asked.
"It's… really something."
Valerius nearly burst out laughing.
Sunday had actually rolled Mysticism specialty.
What use was that?
In Heroes of Might and Magic, the strongest skill was always up for debate—but the weakest?
Mysticism was almost universally agreed upon.
Despised by players, scorned by guides, and mocked by veterans.
And Sunday didn't just have Mysticism—he specialized in it.
This was hilarious.
"Very good. I'm quite satisfied."
Seeing Sunday return to the crowd with a pleased expression, Valerius suppressed a grin.
Go on. Use it.
You'll understand soon enough.
With Sunday leading the way, more players stepped forward to choose their cities.
"Valerius, what do you think of my skills?"
Bronya walked up and asked.
"Let me see."
Seeing the angelic city in her hand, Valerius opened her panel.
[Specialty: Magic Arrow]
[Skills]
[Basic Wisdom: Can learn up to Tier 3 spells]
[Basic Leadership: Army morale +1]
[Basic Diplomacy: Surrender cost reduced by 20%.
Neutral creatures that attempt to flee have a 25% chance to join your army]
"…Ah."
Valerius froze.
This was literally Adela's skill set—and even better.
Magic Arrow specialty, Diplomacy, Leadership… this was outright cheating.
"How is it?" Bronya asked anxiously. "Is it bad?"
Valerius patted her shoulder solemnly.
"Once you're in there… try to leave the others a bit of dignity."
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