Ryen had long expected that something like this would be impossible to hide from Ningguang and the others.
The subtle change in Guizhong, from a girl to a woman, was something Ningguang and the rest, having experienced it themselves, were all too familiar with.
Even if someone were a bit slow to catch on, it was hard to miss the pattern.
Every time Guizhong and Ryen went out under the excuse of "researching new skills," they would return with Guizhong radiant, practically floating as she walked.
If they stayed out a bit longer, she would sometimes barely be able to walk at all.
Ganyu and the others knew this routine far too well.
As long as Guizhong didn't want to make it explicit, Ryen let her keep her privacy.
After leaving with Ningguang, the Minecraft world was left with only Ryen, Ningguang, Jean, and the others.
Ganyu, Lisa, and the rest had already returned to Teyvat.
Tomorrow was Nahida's birthday, after all, they needed to prepare properly.
The soldiers from the four nations wore different uniforms, yet they all stood in perfect formation, clad uniformly in enchanted diamond armor.
Machine guns and RPGs hung at their sides.
Their personal inventories were packed full of ammunition.
At this moment, however, the thousand fully armed soldiers all shared the same burning gaze, fixed on the rows of massive crates near the entrance.
Inside those crates lay the treasures they had been dreaming about for the past five or six days.
Slash Blades.
During this time, they had watched Zhongli and the others use Slash Blades countless times.
After all, upgrading those blades required grinding kill counts at mob farms.
Many of those farms were scattered across major bases.
The entire upgrade process, along with the blades' active skills, had thoroughly captured the soldiers' imaginations.
Even though most of those present belonged to the Dragon Knight Corps, they didn't care whether something was "dragon knight" or not if it could make them stronger.
Besides, they knew the truth well enough.
The Dragon Knight Corps was indeed majestic and currently the strongest military force.
But the real power never came from the knights themselves, it came from the dragons.
Dragon knights merely rode the dragons and coordinated their attacks.
At best, a dragon knight's personal combat strength was only somewhat stronger than heavy cavalry.
Comparable to a slightly stronger Vision bearer, at most.
Slash Blades, on the other hand, regardless of whether they were external weapons, directly enhanced personal combat power.
How could anyone not covet something like that?
Just as everyone was staring longingly, the long-silent manor villa finally showed signs of movement.
Ryen emerged with Ningguang and the others.
In an instant, more than a thousand blazing gazes locked onto him.
"Whoa, this eager already?"
Ryen joked lightly, prompting the soldiers to avert their eyes in embarrassment.
He didn't waste time.
"Straight to the point. Starting today, you are officially reorganized as the Twilight Forest Exploration Force."
"You will be responsible for exploring the Twilight Forest, and only that."
"All other duties are to be handed over. Your sole mission is to explore and harvest the Twilight Forest safely and steadily."
The soldiers straightened their backs and responded in unison.
The momentum of a thousand voices surged through the Minecraft world, making it feel alive.
It was already evening, the usual rest period.
Word had spread that something major involving a new world was happening today, so many others had gathered nearby to watch, their eyes full of envy.
These people were the vanguard of the Twilight Forest.
A symbol of honor.
Ryen nodded in satisfaction and spoke loudly:
"Excellent attitude! Keep this spirit up. I'm sure you've all seen plenty of introductions about the Twilight Forest by now."
"But understand this, no matter how much theory you know, real operations are still difficult."
"The dangers of the Twilight Forest are unlike those of the Overworld. In that world, ninety percent of the monsters are extremely hostile to living beings."
"Harsh environments, endless traps, one mistake doesn't just doom yourself, it drags your teammates down with you."
"I'm sure you've heard the story of Tartaglia triggering a trap and causing a chain explosion that nearly injured his companions, right?"
Another round of Tartaglia's black history.
The soldiers from Liyue, Mondstadt, and Inazuma couldn't help but grin.
The Snezhnayan soldiers, however, looked awkward.
Standing off to the side, the Cryo Archon sighed.
This wasn't just Tartaglia's embarrassment, it was Snezhnaya's.
If Tartaglia hadn't left early, she would already be giving him an icy glare.
"I have only one requirement for your exploration of the Twilight Forest."
Ryen raised a hand and declared:
"Even with Totems of Undying, treat your own life as if you only have one, and treat others' lives the same way."
"Be responsible for yourselves and for your comrades. Always consider the consequences before acting."
"Operate strictly by squad. No solo exploration, ever."
"Think of your families. Think of yourselves. Life is not a game."
"The dangers of the Twilight Forest far exceed those of the Overworld. Memorize the guides you've been given. Every region's risks must be etched into your minds."
"Advance steadily. Eliminate all threats. Gather every resource."
"This is an endless exploration mission. After each run, return to the Overworld to rest and regroup."
"Every three full Twilight Forest clears, the thousand-man unit will rotate."
"Remember the requirements for defeating powerful bosses. Do not challenge the world's mechanics."
"We've given you more than enough detailed guidance. If anyone gets into trouble because they ignored it, "
"Their name will be carved onto the Monument of Shame. A Totem may revive them, but they will live forever in social death!"
"Understood?!"
The soldiers answered solemnly.
To be honest, they weren't afraid of death.
With Totems of Undying on hand, and resurrection resources available in all four nations, death simply meant revival.
But…
What was worse than death was living on in eternal embarrassment.
Like Tartaglia.
Blown up while grave-robbing due to carelessness, mocked by Venti and the others for ages.
If he weren't high-ranking, the soldiers would've laughed openly.
He'd have been mentally broken by now.
"I won't go over the details of Twilight Forest exploration again."
"Once inside, remember, there is only one portal. It must never be destroyed."
"Memorize your routes. You know what my requirement is, don't you?"
The soldiers roared in unison:
"Leave nothing behind! Strip it bare!"
Ningguang rubbed her temples in mild distress.
She had no idea how to even begin criticizing Ryen.
He'd turned their elite soldiers into full-fledged bandits.
Ryen, however, nodded with satisfaction.
"Very good! Strong spirit. I look forward to your triumphant return!"
"You are the most elite soldiers selected, the first to explore the Twilight Forest."
"You are the example for all others."
"You know what needs to be done."
"Now, step forward and receive your Slash Blades."
At those words, everyone perked up instantly.
Even the onlooking soldiers in the distance stood on tiptoe in anticipation.
These Slash Blades weren't theirs yet,
But who knew? Maybe in the future.
And this exploration force was just the first batch, there would be rotations later.
No harm in taking a look now.
The distribution went quickly.
The soldiers were enthusiastic.
Even with strict discipline, they couldn't resist lovingly examining their blades.
All the Slash Blades issued were the most basic type: Wooden Dummies.
The Millelith soldiers didn't mind at all.
They had seen Zhongli and the others upgrade these blades, starting from Wooden Dummy, evolving into weapons wielding spatial power.
They roughly understood the process.
And even if they didn't, several swordsmiths would be accompanying them into the Twilight Forest.
Seeing the soldiers quickly regain formation, Ryen nodded approvingly and continued:
"Many of you have seen this before. This is the most basic Slash Blade, the Wooden Dummy."
"How far it evolves from here depends entirely on you."
"This blade is yours."
The forging methods for Slash Blades were under strict control.
Treated with the same level of secrecy as firearms.
Each swordsmith only knew a portion of the process.
Even upgrades required soldiers to bring their blades to the smiths.
Once upgraded, Slash Blades could wield spatial power, mass distribution carried inherent risks.
Ryen wasn't afraid of problems, but Ningguang and the others didn't want unnecessary trouble.
All swordsmiths were bound by contracts. None would leak the methods.
In the long run, Slash Blades would become a monopolized resource.
Receiving one was, for a soldier, the equivalent of gaining a family heirloom.
"I hope that when you finish exploring the Twilight Forest, the Wooden Dummies in your hands will have evolved into true legendary blades."
"Remember the exploration rules. Anyone who violates them will have their Slash Blade confiscated."
The soldiers nodded solemnly.
"The swordsmiths know how to use and upgrade Slash Blades. They'll guide you."
Ryen paused, then added:
"Don't think I'm exaggerating the dangers of the Twilight Forest. There are countless threats, no amount of caution is excessive."
"Keep your Totem on you. Keep your weapon in hand. Whether exploring or gathering, prioritize safety."
"No need for great achievements, just no mistakes."
"Some of you are elite heavy-weapons troops; more of you are Dragon Knights."
"The nations have invested heavily in you. Every action must put safety first."
"Dashi, along with the four commanding officers, you bear full responsibility."
"If even one person is lost, you are derelict in your duty. Understood?"
Dashi and the commanders of the four nations nodded gravely.
They didn't need reminding.
These soldiers weren't just subordinates, they were brothers.
Ryen nodded, then turned to Ningguang.
"Anything to add?"
Ningguang smiled and shook her head.
"You've covered most of it. Safety above all. Resources can wait, we're not in a hurry."
"But I do have one final thing to say."
She stepped forward, swept her gaze across the soldiers, and announced:
"After three exploration cycles, those with outstanding performance will be entered into the reserve list for a new legion."
A new legion?
The soldiers looked at her in confusion.
Ningguang raised her staff.
"The new legion will be called the Thousand-Mage Corps, wielding staves and commanding the extraordinary!"
The promise landed squarely on everyone's heads.
They had seen Ryen and the others' staves.
They knew exactly what that meant.
To wield a staff themselves,
Even "a gift from the heavens" didn't begin to describe it.
Seeing the soldiers' enthusiasm fully ignited, Ningguang smiled faintly and said no more, glancing at Ryen.
He didn't add anything either, simply pointing toward the distant portal and calling out:
"Move out! Target: the Twilight Forest!"
"Leave nothing behind!"
"May you all return victorious!"