Necromancer, but pre-collapse civilization

　This is a terrifying attack capable of severely damaging, or even sinking, any of the airships ever equipped by the Firemoth.

　Under the cover of this torrential rain of iron and fire, the surface of the [Divine Grace Barrier] began to ripple.

　The Herrscher of Bindings' expression turned unusually solemn; she could clearly feel the pressure on the [Divine Grace Barrier] constantly increasing.

　Despite her best efforts to maintain the stability of the barrier, the destructive force from the outside world continued to erode its defensive capabilities.

　Under the continuous bombardment of missile rain and Honkai energy ray cannons, the light of the [Divine Grace Barrier] began to dim, and even fine cracks appeared on the golden barrier.

　These cracks spread rapidly like a spider web, indicating that the barrier was about to reach its limit.

　However, even in such a critical moment, the Lawbearer did not give up.

　She gritted her teeth and poured all her Honkai energy into maintaining the barrier.

　Her persistence and efforts were not in vain.

　After wave after wave of saturation attacks, as the residual force of the last missile dissipated on the horizon, the [Divine Grace Barrier], though teetering on the brink of collapse, miraculously survived this devastating offensive.

Chapter 553 Mutual Testing

　"Truly astonishing resilience..."

　Standing on the bridge of the Charon-class light frigate, Moros gazed solemnly and admiringly at the [Divine Grace Barrier] in front of him, its radiance dimmed but still standing tall.

　The Charon-class light frigates, meticulously designed by Verviers, have already demonstrated their outstanding combat capabilities in actual combat.

　When they unleash their full power, the destructive force they release is comparable to the legendary spell cast by a legendary mage who has just entered the legendary rank.

　Just now, a full 120 of these light frigates unleashed all their firepower on the [Divine Grace Barrier].

　However, to everyone's astonishment, the [Divine Grace Barrier] remained standing despite the fierce attack.

　Although Moros could clearly see that the [Divine Grace Barrier] was on the verge of collapse, its formidable defensive power was still breathtaking.

　Of course, this is also thanks to the fact that all of the Charon-class light corvettes are equipped with Honkai energy weapons.

　From the clash between the existing civilization of the original world and the Heralds of Restraint, it is clear that the Heralds of Restraint's power, which constructs the Divine Grace Barrier, is far less effective at suppressing conventional energy than it is at suppressing Honkai energy.

　If that round of firepower was composed of conventional energy, then the [Divine Grace Barrier] deployed by the Eleventh Herrscher of Binding would never have been able to withstand it.

　"Pity……"

　Looking at the golden barrier that was rapidly regaining its luster and whose cracks were gradually disappearing, Moros couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

　The Charon-class light corvette, a light warship whose main weapons are Honkai energy missiles and axial guns—Honkai energy ray cannons—possesses an amazing burst firepower output capability, but its firepower continuity is relatively poor.

　Once they unleash a burst of peak firepower, these warships will need some time to reload their missiles and replenish the energy of their Honkai energy ray cannons.

　This means that after a brief period of glory, they will fall into...

　Entering a period of lull in firepower.

　Against ordinary Honkai Beasts or the floating warships of the Fire Moth, such a gap in firepower actually has no substantial impact.

　However, when their opponent is a Herrscher, this period of firepower downtime changes a lot.

　Although the Herrscher Cores possessed by the Herrschers of the previous civilization were "dead," this did not affect their basic ability as Herrscher Cores—to continuously draw Honkai energy from the imaginary space to replenish the Herrscher's consumption in battle.

　Furthermore, given the enhancements provided by the Cocoon of the End to this divine apostle who accompanied the eleventh Great Collapse, it is truly difficult to say whether she can fully replenish the consumption of the [Divine Grace Barrier] before the Charon-class light corvette completes missile reloading and main gun charging.

　In fact, judging from the current development of the situation, this pessimistic possibility is gradually turning into a harsh reality.

　With the profound wisdom granted by his four leaps in life level, Moros was able to accurately predict that once all the warships' missiles were fully loaded and their main guns were at full power, the consumption of the [Divine Grace Barrier] would be completely replenished.

　In other words, if they were to rely solely on the strength of their fleet to wage a war of attrition, their defeat would be almost inevitable.

　Admittedly, the energy required by the shaft cannon—the Honkai energy ray cannon—can be directly drawn from the ship's Honkai energy reactor, making it a near-infinite source of ammunition.

　However, the total number of Honkai energy missiles and Honkai energy fission bombs that the Charon-class light corvettes can carry is limited.

　Ordinary Honkai energy missiles are manageable, but due to the high manufacturing cost, the number of truly powerful Honkai energy fission missiles that can be carried on each light frigate is only enough to support three salvos.

　"Ugh……"

　With a helpless sigh, Moros had already made the decision to take matters into his own hands.

　Having already guessed that the unusual actions of the Eleventh Herrscher, the Herrscher of Binding, were the will of the Cocoon of the End, the necromancer naturally didn't want to reveal too much.

　This is why, in the previous offensive, he only ordered the fleet to move, and did not mobilize the flying undead swarm accompanying the fleet.

　He didn't want to reveal anything that was out of step with the human civilization on this planet unless absolutely necessary.

　But now, faced with the indestructible [Divine Grace Barrier] erected by the Lawbearer of Restraint, Moros realized that continuing to be conservative was no longer a wise move.

　He wasn't unaware of the principle that delay could lead to unforeseen changes.

　Therefore, in order to break through this tortoise-shell-like defensive barrier, he had to reveal some of his true strength.

　Slowly raising the [Netherworld Staff] he gripped tightly, the necromancer issued an order through the mental link between himself and his undead army.

　Order: After the next round of fire coverage, launch a full-scale attack!

　As Moros gave the order, the entire fleet seemed to be awakened by an invisible force, and was once again poised to set sail.

　On the bridge, lights flashed, and various data scrolled rapidly on the display screens, with the progress bars for missile loading and main gun energy replenishment constantly moving forward.

　At that moment, twelve dazzling golden rays suddenly shot out from the [Divine Grace Barrier], rushing straight towards the twelve warships in the fleet like lightning.

　Although the Charon-class light corvettes' point defense turrets fired at full force, and the flying undead swarms desperately tried to intercept them, five golden beams still broke through the defenses and struck the warships directly.

　"Pfft! Pfft! Pfft!..."

　Under this fierce counterattack from the Herrscher of Binding, the Honkai energy shield equipped on the Charon-class light corvette, which was strong enough to withstand a single shot from its own main gun, collapsed at the first touch.

　However, just when Moros was mentally prepared to lose five warships and the undead troops on board, something unexpected happened.

　These five golden beams, which easily shattered the Honkai energy shield, were unable to penetrate the armor protection of the Charon-class light corvette, which was exceptionally weak compared to the Honkai energy shield.

　A thought struck him, and Moros instantly understood the reason.

　Does the power of [Restraint] have the ability to restrain Honkai energy...?

　As a demigod-level necromancer, this level of analysis was not difficult for him.

　A thoughtful look flashed in his eyes, and Moros quickly adjusted his strategy, lowering the priority of intercepting the Herrscher of Binding's ranged attacks.

　Since the attack of this apostle of God posed a limited threat to the Charon-class light corvettes, he naturally had no need to slow down the overall offensive pace of the fleet.

　It was at this moment that the progress bar representing missile loading and main gun energy replenishment reached its end.

　"Your Majesty, missile loading complete, main gun energy fully charged!"

　The cold, emotionless voice of the artificial soul aggregate controlling the warship echoed in the bridge.

　With a slight nod, the necromancer's gaze locked onto the [Divine Grace Barrier] in front of him.

　A cold smile curled at the corner of his lips as he issued the final command.

　"Fire!"

Chapter 554 Battle against the Herrscher of Binding

　Facing the Charon-class destroyer with its full firepower

　The light frigate formation, with the Eleventh Herrscher of Binding having no choice but to abandon its second round of long-range attack plans, which were being prepared in full swing, and instead poured all its Honkai energy into strengthening the [Divine Grace Barrier].

　Prior to this, the overwhelming barrage of firepower unleashed by the fleet under the command of the necromancer had already made this apostle of the gods deeply aware of the opponent's strength and formidable nature.

　She knew very well that even with the power of restraint bestowed by God, she would find it difficult to protect herself from such a fierce offensive if she did not exert all her strength.

　In this situation, if one still harbors wishful thinking and attempts to take the initiative, it will undoubtedly push oneself to the brink of destruction and dig one's own grave.

　However, the Herrscher of Binding was actually quite confident in the face of the firepower of the fleet under Moros's command.

　The remarkable performance of the Divine Grace Barrier just now clearly demonstrated to this Herrscher that, although the process was somewhat difficult, after she stopped moving and poured all her Honkai energy into it, the Divine Grace Barrier was indeed capable of withstanding an attack of this magnitude.

　Just as this apostle of God had predicted, after she poured all her Honkai energy into the [Divine Grace Barrier], the barrier, shining with brilliant golden light, successfully withstood the fierce firepower of the Charon-class frigate squadron.

　However, just as the Lawbearer of Restraint breathed a sigh of relief, a scene appeared before her that horrified her.

　After the fleet, commanded by the necromancer, completed a burst of firepower, countless flying undead surged in like a dark cloud.

　They broke through the dust and smoke stirred up by the attacks of Honkai energy fission bombs, Honkai energy missiles, and Honkai energy ray cannons, and rushed unstoppably toward the [Divine Grace Barrier].

　Although in her eyes these flying undead were nothing more than ants that could be easily destroyed, if these ants were allowed to continue to harass the already weakened [Divine Grace Barrier], the final outcome would be truly unpredictable.

　After all, the principle that "many ants can kill an elephant" applies in most cases.

　Moreover, if she wasn't mistaken, among those ants lurked some hidden threats that even she found unsettling.

　In order to prevent the [Divine Grace Barrier] from being breached, the Herrscher of Binding had no choice but to reluctantly send out the Honkai Beasts that had always been protecting her.

　All Honkai Beasts, launch an attack immediately!

　Unfortunately, just as those Honkai Beasts rushed out of the protection of the [Divine Grace Barrier] with overwhelming force, intending to intercept the overwhelming flying undead, a shrill scream that could not be emitted by any mortal creature suddenly resounded throughout the entire battlefield.

　Enhanced Spell: [Curse of the Underworld]!

　Under the personal command of Moros, a demigod-level necromancer with a [Curse Power] attribute of 73, this level 5 dark magic, imbued with the super magic technique [Spell Enhancement], has reached a power level approaching that of a legendary spell.

　Just as her deepest worries were ruthlessly confirmed, all the Honkai Beasts that broke out of the protection of the [Divine Grace Barrier], whether they were noble and powerful upper-level Honkai Beasts—Emperor-class Honkai Beasts, or humble and weak lower-level Honkai Beasts—Rush-class Honkai Beasts, were not spared. Their life force was ruthlessly extinguished at the same moment.

　Moreover, under the bombardment of this level-five dark magic, the already precarious and dangerous [Divine Grace Barrier] suffered unprecedented damage.

　The dim, almost transparent luster, and the cracks covering the entire barrier, told everyone that this barrier, which had previously withstood the combined fire of an entire fleet, was now on the verge of collapse.

　In stark contrast to the tragic fate of the Honkai Beasts, the flying undead, upon hearing the shriek, seemed to be injected with hormones, and their attacks became even more ferocious.

　Under the overwhelming onslaught of flying undead, the [Divine Grace Barrier] finally reached its limit.

　"Click~"

　With a crisp yet desperate sound, the golden barrier that had once rendered the Fire-Chasing Moth helpless shattered into countless brilliant but fleeting points of light, gradually dissipating into the slightly salty sea breeze on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

　As the [Divine Grace Barrier] shattered, the Herrscher of Binding felt as if a huge boulder was pressing down on her heart, leaving her feeling heavy and hopeless.

　She never expected that her carefully prepared defenses would crumble so easily.

　We can't sit still and wait for death!

　Silently reciting in his heart, the Lawbearer, knowing full well that he had no way out, made up his mind.

　She recklessly activated the Herrscher core within her body, frantically drawing Honkai energy from the imaginary space.

　The massive amount of Honkai energy surged through the Herrscher's core like a torrent, flooding into the body of this divine apostle. In just a few breaths, her nearly depleted Honkai energy reserves were replenished to their peak state.

　But all of this comes at a price.

　This reckless and impulsive absorption of Honkai energy subjected her body to an unprecedented burden, leaving it riddled with holes from the Honkai energy's corrosive effects.

　While a Herrscher's body possesses the ability to adapt to large amounts of Honkai energy, this does not mean that it has no limits.

　Although this limit is extremely high, at this moment, the Law of Constraints has already exceeded this critical point.

　However, this is also

　There's nothing we can do about it.

　Rather than die at the hands of flying undead due to the depletion of Honkai energy, she would rather bear the cost of this serious injury and recover to deal with the current crisis.

　There are advantages to being inhumane.

　When faced with a difficult choice, a Herrscher, free from emotional entanglements, can calmly analyze the situation using the purest rationality.

　Once a decision is made, there will be no hesitation or doubt.

　It is precisely because of this that the Herrscher of Binding was able to recover her condition just before the Ghost Dragon's [Death Breath] was about to hit her.

　"Die, ant!"

　A cold and authoritative voice echoed across the battlefield, and golden light slowly emerged from her palm, as dazzling as the rising sun.

　It was obvious that this divine apostle, who wielded the power of [restraint], was preparing to once again open the [Divine Grace Barrier] to annihilate the swarm of flying undead that had already approached her in the dazzling golden light.

　However, at this critical moment, a shadow loomed over the battlefield, abruptly interrupting the Herrscher of Binding's imminent activation of the [Divine Grace Barrier].

　It was a massive flying undead, covered in jet-black scales, with a chilling, eerie green soul fire burning within its hollow, dragon-shaped skull.

　It is not an ordinary flying undead, but the most powerful summoned creature that a necromancer can summon—the avatar of death.

　This is also the source of the sense of threat that the Herrscher of Bindings previously sensed from the flying undead horde.

　Under the cover of illusion spells cast by Moros himself, the dragon of death, summoned by the legendary spell [Avatar of Death], silently approached the battlefield, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to the Herrscher of Binding.

　Now is the perfect moment to deliver this blow.

Chapter 555 The Cocoon of the End, Substituted for Another Player