novelraw Chapter 450: One Bad News After Another
Chapter 450: One Bad News After Another
Daxia felt heavy under the war clouds.
For days, bad news had arrived one after another.
Fortresses fell, strong warriors perished, casualty numbers kept climbing... A sorrowful atmosphere shrouded everyone's hearts.
Pedestrians hurried through the streets, their expressions grave.
What scrolled across networks were no longer entertainment programs, but the brutal battle conditions from the front lines and the ever-growing lists of the fallen.
Every household worried about their loved ones at the front, anxious for the nation's future and fate.
The news of the Snowpeak great victory instantly dispelled the gloom shrouding countless hearts.
All still-functioning online platforms.
Whether beneath official news reports, or on civilian forums and social circles.
Within minutes of the news being officially confirmed, they were completely flooded."My heavens! Su Zhan! It's Su Zhan again! He went to the Northern Border!"
"Fighting one against seven! Slaying seven Calamity-level creatures! Including two mid-tier ones among them! Is this real? Am I dreaming?"
"There's the official battle report and blurry footage recorded by frontline soldiers with cameras. My god, that black flame, that dragon-man form, so cool! So powerful!"
"Wuwuwu... I'm crying! Finally hearing some good news! Our compatriots in the Northern Border are saved!"
"Su Zhan is awesome!"
"This is the true Guardian deity of our Daxia! Where are those who questioned his identity before? Still dare to speak up?"
"In the face of absolute strength and merit, any identity becomes unimportant! He is a hero!"
"I see hope! We will definitely win this war!"
"Long live Lord Su Zhan! Please stay safe!"
...
Su Zhan's image, at this moment, became completely bound to that of a national hero.
He was no longer merely a powerful individual, but had become a spiritual pillar supporting countless citizens to persevere through the darkness of war.
Daxia's propaganda department keenly seized this perfect opportunity to boost national morale, immediately activating the highest-level propaganda plan.
Daxia convened an emergency press conference at the first opportunity, confirming the authenticity of the Snowpeak great victory to the entire nation in an immensely proud tone, and highly praising Su Zhan's achievements.
They declared he had: "Demonstrated the fearless spirit and absolute strength of our nation's top-tier powerhouses, turned the tide at a time of national crisis, rendered outstanding service, and is a pillar of the state!"
Official media outlets played combat footage transmitted from the front lines on a continuous loop.
Although the images were blurry and the audio noisy.
Su Zhan's heroic figure, standing proudly in the snowy sky, black flames scorching the heavens, battling the colossal Calamity-level creatures, was visually stunning.
Major official media outlets launched special reports overnight.
"Northern Border Guardian Deity – Su Zhan"
"Light in Desperate Times: Recording the Miracle Battle of the Snowpeak Fortress Cluster"
"On the Decisive Role of Genius Powerhouses in National War"
...
The articles were extremely embellished, greatly stimulating the people's confidence in resisting the war.
At this moment, Su Zhan's prestige reached a zenith, as brilliant as the midday sun.
...
Snowpeak Fortress.
Inside a temporarily arranged quiet lounge.
Su Zhan had just finished meditating, stabilizing the somewhat restless power caused by continuously devouring Life Essence.
The encrypted communicator on his wrist vibrated.
Su Zhan answered the call.
"Mr. Su! A victory report! A heaven-sent victory report!"
Li Su couldn't wait to speak: "The detailed battle report from the Northern War Zone's 'Snowpeak' Fortress Cluster has been transmitted back to the capital! The Council of Elders and the higher-ups are shaken! No, the entire Daxia is shaken!"
You... your performance this time is truly... too astonishing!
With your own strength alone, fiercely battling seven Calamity-level creatures, including two mid-tier existences among them, and ultimately managing to exterminate them all, preserving the fortress, stabilizing the entire Northern Border front line!
This... is turning the tide, an achievement that overshadows the present age!
You may not fully imagine what this news means for Daxia, currently shrouded in war clouds!
It's not just a tactical victory, but a tremendous boost to our entire nation's morale! The Elders themselves have ordered that your merit be listed as the foremost achievement since the start of this Mist Surge war!
Mr. Su, I... on behalf of myself, and also on behalf of all colleagues privy to the details, I extend to you the highest respect! You've worked hard! You are Daxia's true hero!"
Su Zhan nodded slightly, saying calmly, "Liaison Officer Li exaggerates. I was following orders, merely fulfilling my duty."
Li Su nodded repeatedly, "You are too modest. This achievement cannot be praised enough, no matter what. The higher-ups are urgently discussing rewards for you.
However, the war situation is critical now, formalities might be delayed, but what is due will definitely not be lacking! Please rest assured!
Additionally, based on your battle report and strength assessment, the higher-ups have raised your threat level and strategic value evaluation.
Subsequent mission assignments may become more... challenging, but also better able to utilize your power.
Please be sure to seize the time to rest and recover your condition.
Mr. Su, first, please must truthfully inform me, what is your current condition? Are there any hidden injuries to your body? How much Spiritual Energy and mental strength have been consumed?
Is there a need to urgently allocate specific recovery resources?
Although the frontline battle situation is tense, your safety is even more paramount. Please do not force yourself. If there is any discomfort or depletion, you must speak frankly!
If your condition is poor but you forcefully go into battle, and something unexpected happens, that would be an unbearable, massive loss for our Daxia!"
Su Zhan replied, "I'm fine, in good condition, ready to execute the next mission at any time."
Li Su clearly paused for a moment, his tone taking on a note of admonishment, "Mr. Su, you... you must be joking.
I know you care about the war situation and are exceptionally brave, but... but that was seven Calamity-level Mist Creatures.
Two of them were mid-tier.
How could you possibly be completely unharmed after such a fierce battle? This defies common sense!
Mr. Su, please must consider the bigger picture.
I understand your eagerness to fight for the country, but concealing injuries and depletion is not the act of a hero.
This is not just related to your personal safety, but to the direction of the entire war.
You are now one of Daxia's spiritual symbols. If something were to happen to you due to poor condition, the blow to frontline morale and public confidence would be devastating!
That absolutely cannot happen!
Please tell the truth. We need to assess your true condition to make the most reasonable deployments!"
Su Zhan frowned slightly.
He didn't like this kind of pointless argument, nor was he accustomed to repeatedly explaining his condition to others.
He patiently maintained a firm tone:
"Liaison Officer Li, I am not joking, nor is there any need to conceal anything.
My condition, I know best myself.
The previous battle was indeed intense, but I have my own means of recovery.
Right now, my Spiritual Energy is full, my mental strength is stable, and my body has no hidden injuries.
You can issue mission orders at any time."
The other end fell silent for a long while.
"Alright... alright, Mr. Su. Since you are so certain... then I... I will trust your judgment. I will report your situation exactly as is to the higher-ups.
Please... please be sure to act within your capabilities.
If you feel anything wrong at all, retreat immediately, preserving yourself is the top priority! Daxia... cannot do without you!"
Su Zhan gave a slight nod, saying no more, "Understood. Contact me if there's a mission."
The communication ended.