The trajectory of the war exceeded many people’s expectations.

Starlight Calendar Year 1272, Month of Tomes.

The Starlight Empire breached the capital of Snow Lion Duchy, resulting in its downfall.

Starlight Calendar Year 1273, Month of Winter Melodies.

The Starlight Empire destroyed the Newman Kingdom.

Starlight Calendar Year 1273, Month of Summer Plains.

The Starlight Empire destroyed the Atlant Duchy.

Starlight Calendar Year 1273...

The Starlight Empire, wielding an astonishing momentum, obliterated one opponent after another at a staggering speed.

Even in the midst of multi-front battles, it continued to exhibit a terrifying strength that left others feeling utterly helpless.

As time reached Starlight Calendar Year 1275, more than half of the nations that initially besieged the Starlight Empire had already fallen.

And the Starlight Empire showed no signs of decline; instead, it fought with ever more intensity.

The scales of victory clearly tilted in favor of the Starlight Empire.

Many realized that the southeastern region of the continent might soon welcome its true ruler.

...

While the surface wars raged fiercely, Sunan was immersed in cultivation.

Over the years, the front lines continuously brought him over twenty Spider-Elf corpses, from which he extracted divine energy, drastically boosting his Spiritual Refinement Level.

By the time of the Month of Summer Plains, Sunan’s Spiritual Refinement Level had increased to 22.62%.

Had he followed the original cultivation plan, it would have taken at least seventy years to reach this level.

Yet he accomplished it in just six years.

"The Spider Goddess Queen has given me a grand gift indeed."

Sunan’s lips curled slightly, though he felt a bit regretful.

Lately, the frequency of Spider-Elf appearances had dwindled.

Although he ordered the Star Alliance to ease up, the five-year-long war had thoroughly drained Magic Spider City’s combat strength.

Now, Magic Spider City’s forces had dwindled to the point where they could no longer defend the ten-plus city-states under its jurisdiction, continually retreating from the outer territories.

Recently, the Dark Elves had completely abandoned the last two affiliated city-states, pulling all their forces back to Magic Spider City.

At this rate, even if the Star Alliance doesn’t actively attack, Magic Spider City likely won’t be able to counterattack any longer.

It might not be long before Magic Spider City ceases to provide him with Spider-Elves.

If only it could persist a while longer; in hindsight, Sherman should have moderated his approach even more.

"Should I simply cease the attacks and let Magic Spider City recuperate for a while?"

Sunan rarely found himself considering the enemy’s perspective.

There’s only Magic Spider City left, so it hardly matters if it’s left alone.

Every so often, he can seize some ’supplements.’

The idea seems good, but will the Spider Goddess Queen cooperate with his plan?

No deity is foolish; the Star Alliance’s recent odd actions have likely aroused the other party’s suspicions.

Unlike the natives of Starlight Continent, the divine beings are quite knowledgeable about wizards.

The Spider Goddess Queen might have already guessed he’s collecting divine energy.

Shaking his head, Sunan temporarily set aside this matter.

Besides Magic Spider City’s situation, the battles in the Northwest Domain were progressing smoothly.

The so-called Fallen Star Alliance was no match for the Star Alliance.

After the newly formed third mid-sized Golem Legion joined the Northwest Domain battlefield, the already disadvantaged Fallen Star Alliance faltered further, now consistently retreating in the face of defeat, making its downfall only a matter of time.

Everything is evolving in a favorable direction.

...

Magic Spider City.

The pall of war hung heavily above the city.

The streets were unusually deserted; occasionally, the fully armed Dark Elf troops passed by hurriedly, their expressions grim.

As Tajana passed through the slave-occupied Lower City District, she heard the cries of slaves coming from many houses.

Clearly, some embittered Dark Elves were tormenting the slaves.

Originally, quite a number of Dark Elves liked to relieve stress in this manner, and with the recent repeated defeats in war, the tribe’s pressure increased, causing them to resort to it even more frequently.

So much so that, for some time now, many slave corpses were transported beyond the city walls for cremation every day.

Recalling the experiences of these years, Tajana couldn’t help but sigh.

This war might have been a mistake.

The Dark Elves gained nothing from it.

Magic Spider City’s twelve families transitioned from initial excitement and fervor to shock, disbelief, and now bewilderment and despondency.

It’s a vivid illustration of the idea that excessive joy can lead to grief.

Over these years, the twelve families held ceremonies, bringing forth more than twenty Spider-Elves, all killed by that mysterious young witch.

Magic Spider City even arranged multiple Spider-Elves to ambush the young witch simultaneously, yet failed to eliminate her, suffering total annihilation instead.

After several attempts, Magic Spider City was finally frightened, deliberately avoiding the city-state where the young witch resided, opting to attack other targets.

But curiously enough, regardless of which city-state they assaulted, whenever a Spider-Elf appeared, it wouldn’t be long before the young witch emerged on the battlefield!

After several episodes, the young witch became Magic Spider City’s nightmare!

She, along with the Star Alliance, stood unwaveringly like a towering fortress, remaining unyielding despite countless assaults.

So formidable it was terrifying, even despair-inducing.

The sole outcome of the war for Magic Spider City was a dwindling population.

Partly due to casualties from the war with the Star Alliance, but also largely due to the ritual costs.

Many of the tribe willingly sacrificed themselves, becoming part of the Spider-Elves.

Unfortunately, their sacrifices ultimately proved futile, bringing no victory to Magic Spider City.