The Dawn of War: Dongwu City's Legal Reforms Ignite Controversy
The laws of Dongwu City had become the hottest topic on the internet as the dawn of war approached. Public sentiment was shifting rapidly, fueled by a wave of discussions that felt increasingly incomprehensible.
Players led the charge, sharing their stories and humble beginnings in a calm manner. As more of these posts emerged, they faced fierce resistance from powerful capital interests and small families, all uncertain about how the reforms might affect them.
Tensions in reality began to surface. The proposed changes represented a seismic shift, one that could incite turmoil throughout the entire Federation. If only the laws of Dongwu City were amended, it would be enough to ignite widespread unrest. Ultimately, public opinion mattered little; it was the clash of interests that drove everything.
Only a small faction understood the true stakes. Many legislators supported the proposal solely because of the immense power backing Diane and the potential benefits of the law changes.
Every legislator was far from naive; they were seasoned players in a world shaped by hard-won experience. They had clawed their way back from the brink of destruction. How could Diane expect to change things with a few simple words?
What Diane truly wielded was the force of power itself.
For instance, when she and Yuan Tang Difeng sought the support of the first top genius of the elven clan, they did so with the backing of Tobu City's significant resources—the combined influence of five top potentials, three parliamentarians, and the wealthiest cities in the Federation.
While Diane may not fully grasp the extent of Bai Yi's influence, the Yuanming family certainly understood the magnitude of the white epidemic's power.
First and foremost, the white epidemic was unmatched, allied with two top geniuses and two golden-tier warriors. He had not even disclosed to the parliament how he had contacted the Star Federation.
Furthermore, the knowledge surrounding the A and S series protective mechas, along with undisclosed support from the distant federation, remained hidden.
Such formidable power could reshape only those who could afford to benefit; it could never alter the interests of those whose stakes were too deeply entrenched.
A rebellion that should never have emerged began to take shape, with minor nobles uniting to pressure the parliament.
Initially, the white epidemic had intended to use the impending war to demonstrate his greater power: Madness · Bloom, a transformation akin to nuclear weapons. With the full might of Dongwu City unseen until now, coupled with the weight of what Difeng and Dongwu City represented, he aimed to ensure that Dongwu City could stand firm in the face of reform.
Now, under Diane's guidance, bolstered by the wisdom of seasoned individuals, the situation had taken an unexpected turn.
Would it really be so easy to compromise with the family represented by Rova?
The consent of over a dozen legislative families, combined with the backing of five top potentials and an open parliament, marked a pivotal moment in the reform of the Federation. At dawn, 80% of the Federation's power still resided within the parliament.
As long as the legends refrained from intervening, no matter how much noise the populace made, they couldn't halt the top authorities from initiating a restructuring of the Federation.
For example, the capital city was now fortified by a law enforcement team comprising Ogana's silver army from the Tifeng family and the private soldiers of other legislators. The day after Diane's proposal passed, they began to deploy across all directions.
Those resisting the reform would ultimately pay with their own blood to ensure its success.
Dongwu City possessed enough power to suppress any opposition, while the forces in other cities could hinder the legal changes.
Thus, the top leaders initiated a purge to gather and consolidate these forces.
The moment the legislators discussed the proposal also marked the moment when endless bloodshed would begin.
This included the strategic maneuvers of the white epidemic in Tobu City. There were numerous reasons for him to initiate reform during the war, and public sentiment was merely a necessary element.
Force was paramount. The more gloriously they won the war, the less impact it would have on Dongwu City.
Of course, few comprehended these complexities. Most were only aware that the once-tolerant parliament was about to unleash iron-fisted measures to shock the Federation.
It was now the fourth day since the white epidemic entered the dark world, and the third day of the federal conference.
Over the past few days, player comments and supporter posts had gained traction on the internet. The upheaval caused by the legal changes was substantial, yet…
For instance, Fat Luo, who had built the railways across the Federation, remained steadfast. His remarks and resistance were little more than casual discussions for the parliament.
Suddenly, the door to the Federation swung open, and a soldier's voice commanded everyone's attention.
"Dear members, there is a change in Tobu City! The war is upon us!"
Diane, who had been feeling drowsy but determined to stay alert, jolted awake. She turned to look at the alchemist beside her, confusion flickering in her eyes as she occasionally caught snippets about the city retreating.
But she hadn't paid much attention; she was simply waiting for a resolution, albeit a lengthy one.
The legislators exchanged glances, then turned their focus to Hedinger.
Hedinger nodded. "I have confidence in him. You won't regret it."
He reached out and patted Eric on the shoulder, and their projections slowly faded away.
The remaining legislators smiled as a grand projection began to display the situation in Tobu City, masking their emotions behind a facade of calm.
"I'll support it," Diane declared.
As she spoke, a weathered hand rested on her shoulder.
Metheus smiled. "Don't worry. Let's wait for the results. You can't keep repeating this. If you want to listen, then listen. If it gets dangerous, we'll take you with us."
Diane bit her lip and nodded. "Understood."
Metheus turned to the scholars and asked, "What did you just say?"
The scholar hesitated before responding cautiously, "The secondary border city: Chaoyang City."
Metheus grinned. "That's very close to Dongwu City. When the old man retreats, let my son manage it. After all, the relationship between Bai Feng and the Difeng family is solid, and if Diane's uncle is involved, it's mutually beneficial."
The other members exchanged glances. The Rowa family's initial displeasure had transformed into a more amicable demeanor as they inquired, "We're discussing legal reforms. Has the city lord not yet appointed his successor?"
"Yes, yes, yes, I'm a bit confused." Metheus chuckled, looking back at the scholar. "What are the characteristics of this city? Given the current changes in Dongwu City, how can it be improved?"
"I understand," the scholar replied, lowering his gaze.
In just a few exchanges, these individuals—who controlled over 80% of the Federation's power and wealth—had effectively divided up the territory.
"It's time! Close the gates!"
"Seal the gates!"
"Wucheng army, assemble!"
Badu, a level 50 orc, hurried up the city wall, scanning the distant horizon with solemn eyes, surrounded by the hoarse shouts of soldiers using communicators.
The law enforcement team, now expanded to 100,000 members, had been mobilized to ensure the city's security.
In an instant, all of Tobu City fell silent. The smiles that had graced faces just moments ago vanished, replaced by worry as citizens hurried to their assigned homes.
Powerless, they could only pray that the city, which had brought them hope, could survive the impending crisis—and that they themselves could witness the beautiful world promised in distant legends.
The whispering army, gathered in advance, stood ready at the East City Gate. Their military achievements were significant, and as their combat prowess reached new heights, they could exchange accolades for the advanced transformations offered by the white epidemic.
Even the X-reformed officers, with their golden strength, could continue to grow stronger.
This bolstered the army's fighting spirit tremendously.
The Wucheng army consisted of 40,000 troops, the Qingyu army had 30,000, and due to the current mobilization, players flocked to the scene, creating a dense crowd at the East City Gate.
Eric and Hedinger exited the parliament, taking their positions above the inner gate, gazing outward with solemn expressions, yet seeing nothing.
"Where is the white epidemic?" Eric asked, regarding the dwarf beside him, whose depths he could not discern.
"Don't worry, Mr. Principal. According to Miss Luo Ning's foresight, he will emerge at the critical moment, and now is the time to test Dongwu City's combat effectiveness."
Sabo, with an air of deference, added, "Although your qi and blood weaknesses have receded, they may diminish further after a battle. Please head to the quiet station to rest. Miss Irene and Miss Luo Ning are also there; if trouble arises, it will be during this time."
Eric nodded, his figure slowly fading from view.
Hedinger sighed, pondering the youthful audacity that seemed to thrive on chaos, and asked curiously, "What's your plan for me?"
Sabo maintained his respectful posture. "Your Excellency, please, but the West City Gate may require your support. Much of the pressure we face this time is from the East, so a significant portion of our forces will be stationed there."
Hedinger nodded, gazing at the sky with a heavy sigh. "Let them witness your strength."
With that, he vanished in a flash, leaving only Sabo on the wall.
The residents of the inner city peered outside cautiously. Under the watchful patrol of the three-thousand-strong Apocalypse warriors, they dared not make a sound, the tension palpable in the air.
Sabo's earlier bravado faded as he took a deep breath. "Let me see your strength at this critical juncture. How much is my investment truly worth?"
"A significant event has occurred. No wonder you urged us to return. No wonder the white epidemic chose this moment to initiate reform. I've been careless."
Demacia, Wei Brigade, and Xiahou Fuxing concealed themselves on a high mountain, observing the unfolding scene with wide eyes.
The spectacle before them was breathtaking.
Though they stood dozens of kilometers away from the action, atop the highest mountain range, they required no assistance to see the overwhelming tide of movement.
The ground was awash with a wave of dark figures, like a swarm of locusts.
The hillside trembled under the weight of this force, and a black tide stretched for hundreds of kilometers, encircling Dongwu City.
"Fush! There must be tens of millions gathered here, right? How many players and soldiers does Dongwu City even have now?" Xiahou Fuxing swallowed hard. "This scene renders any reform or change utterly insignificant, doesn't it?"
Boom boom boom. Buzzing.
The sound finally reached them, a relentless buzz that drowned out all else. The mountains shuddered beneath them, and the sheer magnitude of the gathering instilled a primal fear.
"There are 600,000 players. I'm unsure how many will log in. The law enforcement team is 100,000 strong, and the legions number 180,000. The law enforcement team lacks combat effectiveness and likely won't appear until the city is threatened," the Guard Brigade spoke with solemnity.
"Shimn, if the law enforcement team is excluded, even counting the players now, that's still a gap of nearly twenty times. It's daunting to face the immortals in the world, isn't it?" Demacia remarked, gazing at the immense gathering.
"In the battle of chasing deer, Xiang Yu overcame eight thousand with four thousand, a fifty-fold advantage. Don't panic; stay steady, we can win!" Xiahou Fuxing regained some confidence.
"The difference between eight thousand and four hundred thousand is only three hundred ninety thousand, and the disparity between seven hundred and ten million is over nine million. How can it be compared unless—"
[Triggering Main Task.]
Demacia paused, then exclaimed, "Shit! Here we go!"
[Name: National Invasion (2).]
Attribute: Large-scale mainline task.
Mission Description: The last invasion was merely a test. This time, it is real—the largest invasion in hundreds of years. Countless changes and disasters are converging on this city.
The blooming of reform marks the turning point of the dawn. Please assist in guarding the border city.
Mission Rewards: 50 gold coins, 3 free attribute points, 1 skill point, and 1 optional expertise.
Continuous Reward: Each time you kill an enemy unit, the reward increases.
Failure Punishment: All player attributes are reduced by 50%.
Mission Difficulty: Hell.
Introduction: They have ignored the sharp sword hanging over their heads. Crush them and usher in a true new era!
"Shit! Shit! Shit! The last task wasn't marked as difficult at all! This is a direct large-scale hell mission, with reward support! Oh no!"
Demacia couldn't help but exclaim. He knew how challenging a hellish task could be. The example of the black dragon Lixtine loomed large in his mind.
Initially forced to secure victory with resources, Demacia now faced a grim reality.
The chat screen exploded with activity. As popular anchors in the game, the trio attracted significant attention.
In this shocking moment, the number of viewers in the live broadcast surged.
(End of this chapter)