Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Nine Provinces Are Simply Unbelievably Powerful!

Outside of the Nine Provinces, the other three superpowers had also expended tremendous effort to finally repel the Machine Legion of the Dark Lord, suffering heavy losses in the process!

When they learned that the Nine Provinces had managed to defeat the Machine Legion with apparent ease in just a few hours, their eyes reflected only astonishment.

In the United States, Marcus sat in the conference room, unable to believe that the Nine Provinces had so effortlessly repelled the Dark Lord.

By his side, his alluring and capable secretary had just finished reporting on the casualties and battle outcomes in the Nine Provinces.

“The Nine Provinces pushed back the Machine Legion in merely three hours and inflicted tremendous damage on their forces,” she said. “Their own casualties are, in fact, nearly zero.”

Just these few words plunged Marcus into silence.

The strength of the Nine Provinces was far greater than he had ever imagined.

Regret washed over Marcus—why hadn’t he agreed to the First Leader’s proposal at the time?

No one could truly understand the turmoil in Marcus’s heart—regret and anger intermingled.

After a brief respite following the war, Northsand immediately began constructing defensive works and developing advanced weaponry.

Reality had made it clear: the weapons of the Nine Provinces were superior to anything they themselves possessed. Especially the laser rifles and ray cannons—these were simply the bane of machines!

At this moment, Churchill was truly grateful for having formed an early alliance with the Nine Provinces. This had spared Northsand many casualties in the conflict and given them far more confidence against the Dark Lord.

Europe’s situation was no better than that of the United States.

But thanks to some private preparations, they fared just slightly better than the Americans.

At this point, Eurys was convinced that backing the Nine Provinces was the wisest choice.

“I believe forming an alliance with the Nine Provinces is our best course of action. What do you think?” Eurys asked, though he had already made up his mind.

No one in the meeting room dared voice opposition—nor did anyone wish to.

All the available data pointed to the same conclusion: alliance with the Nine Provinces was the only hope for survival in these dire times.

As for the United States, battered and bruised, they too would have to seek alliance with the Nine Provinces sooner or later.

“No objections!” came the near-unanimous response.

“Very well! I’ll go to the Nine Provinces at once to discuss the matter!” Eurys declared. The Nine Provinces, in order to prevent further invasions by the Dark Lord, had already severed communications with all other nations; any significant matters had to be discussed face to face, by helicopter.

At 8:10 that evening, Eurys arrived at the Nine Provinces for a direct meeting with the First Leader.

Chu Xiao, now bearing the military rank of Lieutenant General for convenience, was no longer simply Director Chu.

“Honored Leader, after this war, I’ve come to realize that now, more than ever, humanity must unite as one—helping each other and fighting together is our only hope,” Eurys said, his tone laced with deep respect.

The First Leader nodded. “No need for such formality. This is the duty of the Nine Provinces. We are eager to form an alliance.”

“The Dark Lord’s attacks will only grow fiercer from now on, and their machines will continue to evolve.”

“You must be prepared.”

The First Leader spoke out of genuine concern.

Eurys, however, was so startled that he accidentally knocked his teacup to the floor, shattering it and spilling hot tea all over himself. His secretary rushed to help him clean up.

“Are you all right?” the First Leader asked with some concern.

Eurys shook his head. “I’m fine, just a slip of the hand!”

In truth, Eurys’s heart was pounding with fear.

So this wasn’t the end—there would be even more advanced weapons! How could anyone hope to survive this?

He resolved then and there to hold fast to his alliance with the Nine Provinces and never let go. Otherwise, his country was doomed.

“First Leader, I hope our two nations can form an alliance to resist the Dark Lord’s invasion together. What do you think?” Eurys asked with a smile.

The First Leader glanced at Chu Xiao, who nodded in response. After a moment’s thought, the First Leader replied, “I have no objection.”

“For the prosperity of all humankind, the Nine Provinces will not hesitate to take up their responsibility!”

As soon as he finished speaking, Ji Kaicheng hurried in and whispered something to Chu Xiao, who then relayed it to the First Leader.

The First Leader’s pupils contracted slightly.

Eurys, sitting nearby, was puzzled. What was going on? Had something happened again? The thought made him restless.

At that moment, an icy presence swept into the room—there was no need to guess who it was.

Marcus entered slowly, his face expressionless.

“Hello, First Leader, Mr. Chu,” he greeted, showing none of his previous arrogance.

He gave Eurys a dismissive glance, clearly not taking him seriously.

“Hello, leader of the United States. To what do we owe the pleasure?” The First Leader could already guess Marcus’s intention—it was likely the same as Eurys’s.

“I hope to form an alliance with your nation to fight the Dark Lord’s forces. If possible, I also hope the Nine Provinces can offer assistance to the United States at critical moments!” Marcus said. “Of course, the United States will provide what you need as well—for example, radium.” Marcus was well aware of what the Nine Provinces lacked.

Clearly, Marcus was determined to secure an alliance with the Nine Provinces.

The First Leader and Chu Xiao both knew that the United States had the most advanced radium refinement technology in the world. But considering their previous attitude toward the Nine Provinces, and their current presumptuousness, it was hard not to feel some resentment.

Did they think the Nine Provinces were so easily pushed around?

Chu Xiao stepped forward. “If I may, I’d like to say a few words. I hope you won’t take offense.”

Without waiting for a response, Chu Xiao continued, intent on humbling Marcus.

“Leader of the United States, I am Chu Xiao,” he began. “When the Dark Lord first began to stir, I warned you to take action and destroy him immediately. You ignored my warning—and even sought to have me eliminated!”

At this, Marcus’s expression changed slightly.

“Of course, I will not hold this against you. What I want to make clear is that, as a great nation, the Nine Provinces naturally shoulder the grave responsibility of protecting humanity.”

“But this is not our obligation—it is a reflection of our commitment as a great nation!”

“And let me remind you: had you heeded my advice from the start, the Dark Lord would never have awakened, and things would never have come to this pass!”