Man on the ark, forced to become king

"It's been many years since Ursus had this holiday. I would have forgotten about it if you hadn't mentioned it. Although I don't know how long until the New Year."

Upon hearing the somewhat unfamiliar terms 'Spring Festival' and 'Chinese New Year', Talulah paused for a moment before realizing what they meant, a flash of reminiscence crossing her eyes.

Compared to other countries on the continent of Terra, Yan Kingdom is like an anomaly.

Most other countries outside of Yan share some degree of similarity, such as language and festivals. Although they each have their own culture and customs, they can be seen to have a common origin.

Upon arriving in Yan Kingdom, the landscape is entirely different. Whether it's culture, customs, etiquette, or anything else, Yan Kingdom is distinctly different from other countries. In fact, Yan Kingdom even has its own independent calendar.

The various festivals in Yan Kingdom are all based on its own calendar, which is quite different from those of the outside world.

Therefore, festivals like the Spring Festival are unique to the Yan Kingdom and only popular within the Yan Kingdom.

Talulah was abducted to Ursus at a young age and received many years of Ursus culture under the tutelage of Kosichear. Although she had not completely forgotten her roots in Yan, being away from her homeland for so long had left her feeling somewhat lacking.

Looking back on her life in Yan State, she suddenly realized that she didn't remember much anymore. Even the 'New Year' festival, which used to be quite important, left little impression on her, and even felt a slight sense of unfamiliarity.

“You can go back to Longmen for the New Year. It’s not difficult for your teacher.”

Talulah smiled, half-lying on the bed, and offered an idea.

Chen wants to celebrate the New Year, which is a good thing for her. At the very least, it makes her homesick and she wants to go back to Longmen, and then... never come back.

During Chen's stay in Ursus, the Reunion Movement would inexplicably "pick up" something.

For example, there were unopened tents, cots, Originium heaters, as well as clothes, medicine, food, weapons, and even a live person they picked up from outside.

That red-haired Sarkaz wielding a two-handed greatsword was terrifyingly strong; she wasn't confident she could overpower him.

However, both the people and the supplies were 'scavenged'.

There's no such thing as a free lunch. Talulah, for one, didn't believe it.

In her view, this was the "last meal" that Chen's teacher had given to the Integration Movement.

That man needs the Reunion Movement to grow stronger so that it can attack Chernobog and achieve some unknown goal. Before that, he needs to feed the people first, so that things can proceed smoothly.

Ursus's actions on the ice plains also corroborate this point. In the past few days, they have encountered Ursus regular troops several times while exploring outside, and fought several tough battles. Military operations of this scale have never occurred before on the sparsely populated ice plains.

The fact that a regular army group is conducting military operations on the ice field is itself a bad omen.

Talulah believed that Chen's teacher had a way to protect his disciple's safety, but while physical pain could be avoided, what about the mental trauma?

In her mind, Chen should live in the sunlight, living a bright and glamorous life, instead of getting involved in these messy things.

Some things, once experienced, can never be undone.

Therefore, Chen wanted to celebrate the New Year, and if he could take this opportunity to trick her into returning to Longmen, that would be perfect.

"No, I will not go back."

Chen's fingers brushed against the scabbard of the Crimson Sky Sword, and he shook his head firmly.

These days, during the Reunion Movement, she also went out with the Yetis and Talulah, fighting alongside them. After witnessing the cruelty of the wilderness firsthand, her desire to bring Talulah back to Lungmen became even stronger.

Going home at this time?

Not just during the Lunar New Year, but during any holiday!

"Why are you so stubborn?"

Talulah knew all too well how she could persuade her stubborn younger sister, who was as stubborn as a donkey. Chen refused to leave and just stayed there, leaving Talulah with no choice but to comply.

Once she leaves the camp, Chen will follow her, sticking to her like glue, leaving her with no way to get angry.

I can't bear to hit them, and I can't bring myself to scold them. I can only let them do as they please, which is really a headache.

Over the past few days, Talulah has figured out a bit of the truth. The reason Chen is staying here is probably intentional on the part of that big shot, who wants to use this environment to train Chen.

Currently, the only way to get Chen to leave is to have her reach a level that satisfies that big shot as soon as possible during her training. In that case, Chen will naturally have no reason to stay here.

But what exactly is that standard?

Talulah didn't know, and couldn't figure it out. She had no other choice but to take it one step at a time and teach Chen more combat skills.

"Anyway, I won't leave unless you leave."

Chen sat in front of the Originium heater, holding Chixiao in his arms, like a sulking child, his words unwavering.

She's just stubborn and throwing a tantrum. No matter what, she's determined to bring Talulah back!

"Okay, okay, I won't go, I won't go."

Talulah lay down on the bed, no longer dwelling on this fruitless question.

Instead of thinking about things that are impossible, it's better to get a good night's sleep and recharge.

Judging from the Ursus army's operational route, the Reunion Movement, which has just recovered, doesn't have much time to relax. There are still many thorny issues to be resolved.

Choosing a new base, relocating personnel, and figuring out how to evade the army's search and capture are all situations that must be faced.

There are still many tough battles to fight in the foreseeable future.

Before that, she must—

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"

However, fate was unkind. Just as she closed her eyes to rest, shouts suddenly came from outside, startling Talulah so much that she jumped out of bed.

'Is it the Ursus army?'

Without a second thought, Long Nu, who had just returned from outside, grabbed the military knife placed beside her bed and rushed out of the tent, with Chen following closely behind.

As soon as they stepped outside, the two sisters saw an ice wall rising from the forest outside the camp, and familiar magical fluctuations emanated from it.

That was Yelena's magic, which Talulah was very familiar with, and Chen was no stranger to it either.

Rumble!

With the violent roar of the Originium Engine, towering trees in the forest fell in droves, and Talulah's face paled.

That's... a large armored vehicle?

Seeing a corner of shadow peek out from the woods, the Dragon Girl's heart sank.

This time, it's different from the small groups they've encountered before; it might be... a large army group.

"Gather supplies, organize the evacuation, I'll hold them off!"

Shouting words that even she herself lacked confidence, Talulah gripped her saber and charged headlong into the direction of the battle without hesitation.

Why the large Ursus Army Group found this place, and why the attack happened so suddenly, are things we no longer have the energy to think about.

In fact, she had long anticipated such an event. Life on the snowy plains is like this; there is always the possibility of being attacked at any moment. Contingency plans were prepared well in advance.

Faced with a well-organized army, the newly recruited Reunion Movement members simply couldn't muster enough fighting power to contend with the regular army; they had to rely on the strongest members of the group to step up.

According to the plan, the infected individuals who have not yet formed much combat capability will gather supplies and be transferred out as soon as possible through the planned routes.

The real battlefield is for the Shield Guards and Yetis, and for the high-ranking members of Reunion.

She had to buy time for the others to evacuate!

Sitting in the leader's seat, Talulah may still be inexperienced, lacking in foresight and understanding of people's hearts, and also unfamiliar with training troops.

However, she possesses a very good quality, and it is this quality that makes the newly formed Integration Movement willing to obey her commands.

In every battle, she never shouted "Charge!" but rather "I'll cover the rear!"

This time, it is no exception.

Under her command, the camp, which had been thrown into chaos by the surprise attack, was brought back to order, and everyone began to evacuate in an orderly manner according to the pre-rehearsed plan.

Talulah led Chen against the flow of traffic, joining up with the Shield Guards who rushed out of the independent camp. They took the lead and charged straight into the roaring forest.

In the distance, Yelena's magical ice wall teetered on the brink of collapse, but it had not yet shattered.

The massive armored vehicle, bypassing the spell, drove directly to the edge of the camp, its massive body leaving clear tracks in the snow as it forced its way in.

Why aren't they firing?

As the dark cannon on the armored vehicle turned and aimed, but there was no movement, Talulah became puzzled. She took a deep breath and looked at Chen, who was holding the Crimson Blade tightly beside her.

"Afraid?"

"Kind of."

Chen's fingers, gripping the sword, turned slightly white, clearly indicating that he had exerted all his strength.

The small skirmishes we faced before were nothing compared to the pressure of confronting a regular army and weapons of war. To say we weren't afraid would be nonsense.

"This is just the beginning. There will be many more battles like this in the future, and they will become more and more brutal."

Talulah was not surprised by Chen's answer. She narrowed her eyes, and a blazing flame began to burn. She drew her saber, and the scorching heat caused the air to distort slightly.

"So, Shining, keep an eye on her!"

Talulah pointed her blade at the armored vehicle that remained stationary, and whispered softly. Suddenly, she made her move, her hand flashing as she grabbed Chen by the collar and threw her backward while all her attention was focused on the battlefield.

Chen was completely unprepared for his sister's sudden move on the battlefield. He was thrown into a warm embrace by the immense force.

The Swift Spirit, who had arrived at some unknown time, precisely used the force of Chen's attack. A look of pity flashed in her eyes. She had been to countless battlefields like this in the past, and now, it was yet another repetition.

boom! !

The dazzling flames rose several meters high, melting ice and snow, igniting trees, and engulfing the battlefield ahead.

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