Chapter 212: Terror Filled the Battlefield
*Step, step, step...*
As the sudden and intense pressure mounted, a resounding footstep thundered through the air with a force that seemed to shake the very ground beneath them. The colossal sound reverberated like the approach of a towering giant, causing pebbles to dance and tumble repeatedly on the terrain.
*Groan...*
Even amidst the overwhelming footstep, the soft-piercing groan emanating from the Lion Serpent pack's stomachs seemed feeble, their heads bowed low, and their bodies quivering in fear.
*Thumbs...*
Then, as if by some unseen force, the quaking earth came to a halt, and the blazing sun unveiled the figure that bore an eerie resemblance to a demon. Towering above the rest of its kin, this demon stood taller, its ears replaced by two massive horns that reached skyward.
Adorned in the typical fashion of demons—its upper body bare, revealing pallid skin—and wielding a long ax, this creature possessed an unmistakable feature that set it apart. Its eyes, unlike those of its brethren, consisted of empty, abyssal sockets that stretched from the top of its mouth to its forehead, concealing unfathomable darkness within.
As soon as the other demons caught wind of its command, those who had trembled in fear now stood dumbfounded. Confusion and disbelief painted their faces, yet none dared to question.
The demon leader noticed the bewildered gazes of its subordinates and responded with a derisive snort. "This is the queen's order," it proclaimed, directing a piercing gaze toward the Lion Serpents. With a swift turn of its head, it fixed its sinister gaze upon the human soldiers who stood rooted, their eyes locked upon the demonic figure. "Listen well, foolish humans.
You shall serve as the ultimate offering to our queen."
Its voice resounded, amplified by its towering stature, tormenting the ears of both humans and demons alike, causing them to instinctively cover their ears in agony.
"Hooh, interesting..." Yet, amidst the anguish, there was one individual who seemed unaffected and even dared to respond to the demon's booming voice. "Advance Spell: Dispel," declared Reinthard, his voice resonating with determination.
A constellation of tiny white grains materialized in his hand, coalescing into a form reminiscent of a delicate sword. As soon as it took shape, the ethereal construct soared skyward, shattering into minuscule droplets that gently caressed the bodies of the humans. The soothing touch washed away their pains, eliciting a surge of admiration as they bore witness to the powers wielded by a Dual-Class.
"Since when does a mere Warden possess the authority to make decisions?" the demon sneered, chuckling under its breath while continuing an incantation. A swift, dark object shot forth from behind, hurtling toward the Warden.
*Clang!*
Just before the dark projectile struck the Warden's body, a long ax intercepted its path, revealing its true form—a solid earthen arrow enveloped by swirling gusts of wind.
"Foolish," the Warden taunted, a sneer curling upon their lips. "You ants should consider yourselves fortunate to become sacred offerings for our queen."
This exchange occurred with such swiftness that it took the humans and demons a moment to gather their senses and process the unfolding spectacle.
Witnessing this sight, one enraged demon bellowed with fury, "You... ants! How dare you attack our commanders!" With a vice-like grip on its long ax, the demon exerted tremendous strength, hurling the weapon upward towards the humans with the velocity of a spear hurtling through the air.
"It's rather amusing," Reinthard sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "To think that a race that prides itself on strength is now scurrying like a dog chasing its own tail." As he spoke, his body became enveloped in a radiant energy, transforming him into a celestial presence amid the encroaching darkness.
Casting a quick glance back at the Warden teetering on the precipice of battle, Reinthard's outward demeanor projected calm mockery, but inwardly, he was ecstatic. A Warden! This is the opportunity of a lifetime; I won't let them slip away this time! His thoughts buzzed with excitement.
Sensing his waning energy gradually replenishing, Reinthard, with a composed countenance and unyielding posture, issued a commanding order that reverberated with a spellbound resonance, reaching the ears of demons and humans alike. "Brothers..." His voice boomed with such intensity, as if bewitched by a spell. "Attack!"
*Slashes...*
In an instant, the long ax flung by a demon cleaved in two, revealing Reinthard wielding his sword with astonishing skill.
"March!" The morale of the humans surged as they witnessed their Guardian effortlessly severing enemy weapons with the grace of slicing through freshly baked bread.
The desolate ground quaked beneath their feet, synchronized with the thundering footsteps of the human soldiers. Every soldier present here was a first-class Swordsman, their stamina and strength far surpassing that of ordinary, classless warriors.
However, as Reinthard tightened his grip on his sword, a furrow formed on his brow as he observed the peculiar silence among the Demons and the Warden. "There's something amiss about them."
Not only had he disgraced their race's strength, but he had also initiated the attack the moment their leader appeared—a blatant act of disrespect towards an unprepared adversary.
Yet, contrary to his expectations, the Warden spoke with unwavering confidence, as if victory was already assured. "Hahaha, this saves us so much time. These humans willingly offer their bodies as a sacrifice to our queen." The Warden's expression remained unchanged, its words dripping with a perverse sense of triumph.
"And you," the Warden continued, pointing a finger at Reinthard, its lips stretching into a wide smile, revealing sharp teeth glistening with a hint of saliva. "I can see the glimmer of greed in your eyes. But fear not, it only adds to the delectable feast that awaits."
"Slaughter them all!" The Warden's chilling command echoed, carrying a potent blend of fury and terror, propelling the Warden forward into the heart of the battlefield.
*Roooar!*
In response to this call, a cacophony of demonic screams erupted, drowning out even the strained tension between the Lion Serpents and the horned demons. The eyes of all the demons now shimmered with unbridled greed.
"Haunt!" Suddenly, the Warden bellowed, its towering stature and colossal frame allowing it to move unhindered. Not a single demon dared to impede its path.
*Anguished cries...*
The battlefield reverberated with a mix of avian-like screeches and the weighty wails of suffering. Yet, remarkably, the morale of both demons and humans remained unaffected, for their attention was focused on closing the distance between them.
Even Reinthard, upon hearing the chilling cries, dismissed them as inconsequential, taking them in stride. "I see, they remain foolish to the bitter end. My suspicions were a waste of energy." His raised eyebrows gradually relaxed, smoothing out the wrinkles on his forehead.
He released a relieved sigh while continuing to draw in the natural energy surrounding him. "But this Warden... there's something different about it. Let's see if this one sets itself apart from the rest." However, a second later, his pupils contracted, as he caught sight of the looming shadow of another colossal creature emerging from behind the ranks of the demons.
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