*SWING*
An orc fell dead. Artreus then took a half step to the side. As soon as he did, a loud swish could be heard as an axe split the air and struck at the empty place where his head was before. Artreus then thrust his sword and stabbed the forehead of the snarling monster. Without missing a beat, Artreus' used the Rosewood footwork, the 'Grasping Vines' to dance around the battlefield like he was gliding, and like the vines of the Blood Rose, he left every monster that was foolish enough to stand in his way taste his 'Thorns' as he stabbed and slashed away at anything that dared come at him.
"GROAAAR! SURROUND IM YE CURS!" The Red Orc Leader roared at the back.
If you have the energy to yell, then why don't you come over here and do the job yourself? Artreus thought. He then stabbed a goblin carrying a spear. Wrenching the spear from its lifeless hands, Artreus hurled it with such force that it pierced not only the Orc that was standing beside the Red Orc Leader but also the two other Orcs behind him, causing the Red Orc Leader to squeal in terror.
Oooppss! Better not scare him too much or they might escape. Seeing the monsters around him start to flee in terror, Artreus roared, imbuing in his voice the 'Roar of Challenge', causing the cowering monsters around him to get enraged and attack him once more. There is no escape! You will all die here!
The slaughter resumed as flesh and gore are splattered around. Some are bisected, some are crushed by blunt force, and some are torn apart with his bare hands. Through his efforts, he pinned the entire horde down single-handedly. Not a single monster was able to run past him.
This reminds me of old times. Artreus reminisced about the time when he was guarding the portal that connects Astrea to the Void Plains. Just like now, he was standing alone, against what seemed to be impossible odds.
But just like before, Artreus was not afraid.
He was not afraid of fighting.
Of dying.
The only thing that he was afraid of... Is loneliness.
He was afraid of being alone again.
That is why he let MIkaela and the kids escape first while he acts as both the rearguard of their escape and the vanguard for the town.
So what if he falls? As long as they remain safe, then it is worth it...
Most importantly... He won't have to watch someone close to him die...
That is why Artreus used his 'voice' to compel the people guarding them to fight alongside him. That way they could attract more attention from the horde. Also, Artreus knew that these warriors were veterans just by looking at the way they carry themselves, and while their physical ability has waned due to old age, Artreus would just need to use 'Blessing' magic to compensate and turn them into formidable allies.
They did just that, and more!
As soon as the battle commenced, the veterans showed skill no less than the veteran soldiers of Artreus' time, which surprised Artreus. Just as Artreus believes that men are like metal which becomes stronger the more pressure it takes, he believed that the Holy Crusade against the Demon Cults was hell. Seeing the warriors fighting by his side, it seems that the Thirty-Year War was hell as well. In fact, as Artreus watched the veterans fight together as a unit that has fought alongside each other for years, how they cover each other's backs, even the way they banter with each other, Artreus recalled precious memories of his comrades.
Unfortunately, quantity is a quality of its own that the veterans could not overcome even with their abilities boosted by 'Blessings'. Seeing one of them lose an arm in order to save his companion triggered another painful memory within him that he almost revealed that he could use Holy Magic in order to heal the wounded. Thankfully, the one called Marvin was able to gather his wits and perform emergency treatment on the wounded.
Seeing more and more of the reflection of his past companions on the ragtag group of veterans, Artreus 'persuaded' them to escape, lest he endangers them also when the remaining paladin orders caught wind of his 'heretic' abilities.
I hope they have arrived safely in town. If there are more good people like them, the world would be a better place. Artreus murmured to himself.
There are a lot of bad people in the world, Artreus doesn't doubt that. Evil lurks within the heart of men, but there is also goodness. The old men, The White Wolves, the kids, and even most of the townspeople that he had encountered, Artreus considers good.
As a Paladin, it is his duty to keep those lives safe from harm!
Using 'Creeping Vines' he glided around the battlefield, striking down each monster he came across, and whenever the monsters were able to corner him, he used 'Forest of Thorns', an indiscriminate consecutive stab attack in all directions, to push the monsters back before escaping the entrapment and wreaking havoc once more.
Alas.
Even the Blood Rose could be overwhelmed, its thorny vines could not keep everything away, and if one stray mouse even made it to its core, its beautiful and hypnotizingly sweet nectar would be undefended.
Just like that, a strong gust of wind blew as Artreus ducked just in time to dodge a huge tree that the large troll swung at him. The area between them was cleared as the Troll's attack sent its companions to oblivion. The troll then swung the tree downwards and the ground shook and dust flew in all directions from the force of impact. Artreus quickly dodged to the side, avoiding being crushed by the troll's weapon like its comrades who are smashed to the ground like pancakes. Using the dust cloud as cover, he sliced off the Troll's hand. The troll roared in pain, and in its blind rage, continued to swing the tree trunk with its remaining hand, causing more devastation to the monster horde.
"GET AWAY FROM THAT STUPID TROLL!" The Red Orc Leader roared. "WHERE ARE MY ARCHERS? MAKE THAT DAMN HUMAN INTO A PORCUPINE!"
Goblin Archers numbering to about 50 climbed up the tree branches and pointed their arrows at Artreus.
Seeing the arrows fly towards him, Artreus wondered why they have only just dispatched these troops if they had them from the start. If they did, Artreus and the others would've been in a pickle. For Orcs that were supposed to be forged in battle, these Red Orcs are quite lacking. Artreus thought as he grabbed one of the Orcs nearest to him as a shield from the incoming arrows. Well, it's not my problem. I should even thank them for being lacking. Artreus thought as he weathered the torrent of arrows by taking cover in the now-dead orc all the while the monsters near him were struck down by their allies along with the troll who roared in pain as it ran away after getting pelted with numerous arrows.
Believing that they have finally killed Artreus, the rain of arrows soon stopped. Using 'Sense', Artreus saw an Orc approaching, and as the Orc was about to pry the corpse of their brethren that Artreus used as cover to check if he was still alive, Artreus burst from beneath the corpse and stabbed the monster with a spear that he found lying on the ground. The Red Orc Leader roared as soon as he saw that Artreus was still alive. A vigilant archer quickly drew his bow and shoot an arrow at Artreus which he successfully parried with his sword.
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Those pesky archers are a pain. I should deal with them first. Artreus released his Aura, and combined with the 'Blessing' that he cast on his body, he swung his sword. Moonlight Dance! Quarter Moon Slash! Silver energy shoots out in an arc resembling the quarter moon in the sky from his sword. The energy projectile flew toward the archers standing in the trees, terror, and surprise were pasted on their faces as the energy blade flew past them, leaving their bodies sliced in two. Seeing his exposed rear, the enraged monsters quickly lunged at the opening. Their attempt at getting to his blindside was futile since Artreus is using 'Sense', giving him the ability to 'See' everything within the 5-meter radius. Artreus then quickly raised a 'Barrier' to halt the monsters' approach, and as the enraged monsters started to swarm him on all sides, he took a stance like he had sheath his sword, then imbuing it with his aura, he attacked. Moonlight Dance! Full Moon Slash! Artreus spun around, and as he did, it was as if the full moon has descended from the sky to vanquish evil as any monster who dare to come too close was cut to pieces. It took a full 2 seconds before the moon-like figure disappeared, enough for Artreus to regain his composure, after which he proceeded to decimate the horde once more.
Seeing that the archers have stopped shooting, the troll who has already regenerated from its wounds charged Artreus once again. Grabbing another fallen tree with its newly regenerated hand, it swung its weapon around, causing more collateral damage to its allies. While Artreus wanted to make use of the troll to cause more damage to the horde, it would be more dangerous for him to do so now that the goblin archers have started firing at him even if they hit the troll, knowing that it will not die due to its powerful regenerative ability. Making sure that they don't hit the troll too much like earlier so that it will not run away in pain, the archers continued to take potshots at Artreus while the melee troops tries to cut off any paths where he could retreat, slowly cornering him.
This is bad. They are slowly learning. I need to finish this fast. Artreus thought. From the start, he had no thoughts of escaping from the horde. No... He will exterminate every monster here. This is both to save all the innocent people in the town, but also to become stronger.
Right now he is weak. Far weaker than he was before he died at the hands of the Demon Lord of Destruction, Ashtaroth.
If by any chance, the demons try to invade Astrea once more, then he must become strong, stronger than before to push them back to the abyss where they belong once more.
As Devin has always said, the more difficult the challenge is, the stronger one becomes after overcoming it.
All of you will die. For peace. Artreus vowed to himself. But before he could do that, there is a problem that he must deal with first. Using his footwork, he grabbed another Orc as cover from the arrows before jumping to the side to avoid the troll's attacks. He has wounded the troll many times, but with the archers preventing him to deal the final blow, the troll was able to regenerate from all his attacks. Monsters with strong regeneration are really a pain. Wait, I use 'heal' a lot in my fights. Is this how my opponents feel whenever they fight me? Artreus thought to himself. Trolls are troublesome opponents not only because of their powerful bodies but also because of their powerful regenerative ability. Without fire or acid, it is nigh impossible to defeat a troll. Artreus doesn't know flame magic, since as a Paladin, he was only taught holy magic.
Should I just behead the troll and deal with the others before it could regenerate? But as he contemplated on what to do, he saw something in the corner of his eye. Is that? Laying on the ground was a pouch. It was the bag of flame resin that Marvin used to set his sword aflame and cauterize the wound of Deither.
Artreus smiled. Seeing this, the monsters flinched although he didn't use 'Roar of Intimidation' since the effect of voice magic weakens the more it was used on the same target. Still, the monsters felt fear.
"BASTARDS! ATTACK HIM! NOW! NOW!" The Red Orc Leader was the first to recover and roared his order with a hint of fear in his voice as he pushed the Orc nearest to him to urge him to fight. After he got beaten like a child, the Red Orc Leader's confidence was gone, but to his credit, he still, his ability as a leader still remained.
The monster's attacks renewed with a fervor, but now, with a clear plan, Artreus didn't mind them, instead, he quickly run towards the flame resin pouch, all the while killing all those who dare block his path. The pouch was only a few steps away, but as he was about to grab the pouch, a goblin discovered what his plan was and grabbed the pouch, and started to run away.
"You're not getting away!" Artreus shout. Moonlight Dance! Half Moon Slash! A wide arc of energy shoots from his sword, following the path of his sword, leaving a powerful energy blade that cuts everything that's within 180 degrees and 5 meters in front of him. The pouch of flame resin flew into the air as the goblin who stole it was cut in two. Artreus leaped in the air and caught the pouch.
Quickly applying the flame resin on his sword, he turn around to face the troll that was close to his tail. The troll's face is full of confidence as it has begun to believe that Artreus doesn't have the ability to kill it due to its regeneration. But soon, the smile on its face disappeared as it saw Artreus hit his sword against metal, the spark causing the sword to light aflame. Seeing the flaming sword in the hand of the man who he had slaughtered countless of his comrades, the troll knew that death was about to come for him. Fear flashed on the troll's face and it started to swing his weapon to clear the monsters in front of him in an attempt to run away from Artreus.
"Where are you going?" Artreus spoke as he land on the troll's shoulder.
The Troll shrieked in terror. But it was soon cut short as Artreus decapitated the monster with his flaming sword. With a loud thud, the gigantic corpse fell to the ground, the smell of burnt flesh wafting in the air.
Seeing the strongest monster in their group die a pitiful death, the monsters began to cry in fear and scurried away in an attempt to escape.
"Where are you going?! Stay and fight!" Artreus roared, using 'Roar of Challenge'. Unfortunately, he had used the skill too much already and the effect has weakened to the point that their fear overcame the skill's effect as they run for their lives.
Suddenly, walls of earth sprung from the ground to surround the whole area, thus, cutting the path of the escaping monsters.
"Indeed. Listen to the young man." A voice sounded from beyond the tree line. A few seconds after, a hooded figure appeared. "None is allowed to leave without the permission of this great one."
This old man... He's dangerous... At a single glance, Artreus sensed a strong energy emanating from the mysterious figure.
"I was wondering what has kept you lot from following this great one's plan. To think this great one's creations would be held back by only one person." The mysterious figure spoke. Then, Artreus felt a wave of mana sweep over him. "Hmmm... A Tier 3 Aura user. Your strength doesn't match your looks, young man." The mysterious figure said curiously. "To think that such a young man has reached tier 3 already. Aren't you quite talented?" A hint of animosity slipped from his tone. "Still... Your strength should not be enough to stop this great one's forces alone."
The Blood Orc Leader ran towards the mysterious man and get down on his knees. "Master! This human... Strong... Please..." The Blood Orc pleaded.
"Shut up!" Displeasure apparent in his voice, the mysterious old man released a shockwave of mana which sent the Blood Orc Leader sprawling to the ground. "This great one helped you evolve, yet you fail to defeat a single person? You should be grateful that this great one didn't kill you where you stand."
Seeing that the mysterious man was distracted, Artreus launched a surprise attack. It was clear that the mysterious figure was the one leading the monsters, thus, Artreus had no qualms about launching a sneak attack. Artreus knows that he doesn't have a chance if he fought an honest fight against him, the gap between their strength is too vast for the current him to deal with.
Focusing his energy on his feet, he then lunged at the mysterious figure with the intent of dealing enough damage to incapacitate the enemy before him, so that he could interrogate the man after he captures him.
But before he could reach the man before him, a wall of earth rose from the ground. Artreus could sense that it was half a meter thick and rich with mana, causing the wall's durability to increase multiple times compared to a normal earth wall.
But to Artreus, it was not enough.
In front of Moira's Rosewood Sword Style, any defense is futile.
Focusing his Aura on the tip of his sword, he pierced the earth wall like it was a piece of paper!
Not expecting Artreus to breach his defense, the mysterious figure was frozen in place, unable to react as Artreus' sword pierce his chest.
"Futile!" The mysterious figure smiled even as a sword was planted on its chest.
Suddenly, the mysterious figure turned into clay and expanded. Artreus tried to get away, but it was too late, as the clay wrapped around him tightly, leaving only his face exposed.
"Hahaha! This great one wouldn't fall for the same trick twice." The hole then appeared from the ground, then, from the hole, rose an old man with a small cut on his neck. "Truly, worms act alike. But sneaky the rats may be, they can't defeat the cat, at least a lion like this great one.."
"What are you talking about?"
"Your companions, of course. This great one has met them before arriving here." The old man replied.
"What did you do to them?" A feeling of dread crept into Artreus' heart...
"What do you think?" The old man smiled sadistically. "But don't worry. You will join them soon. This great one will even be generous. This great one will bury you in the ground. Be grateful. At the least, your body won't be left in the open to be desecrated. Truly, be thankful for this great one's magnanimity."
With that, the earth covered Artreus' face, encasing him in the earth. But even if his body is encased in the earth, the strong emotions in his heart could not be buried.
He thought that by sending the veterans away, they will be safe. But instead, he sent them to their deaths. I failed again... I wasn't able to save them... What is the use of power when I can't even save my companions? Artreus lamented. That bastard... He looks so happy saying that he killed them... Why? How could someone enjoy killing his fellow men? The fire of anger soon swallowed the sadness in his heart. Bastard... I won't forgive you! Artreus gathered his energy to try to break through the Earth Coffin.
"Try as you might, worm. You won't escape this great one's magic! This is no normal Earth Coffin. Not only does it restrict your movement, but it also absorbs your energy, making it stronger the more energy it absorbs. Once you're inside, it's over." The old man laughed. " Accept your fate worm. You have lived like a worm, die like a worm."
The old man was right, and Artreus could feel it. As soon as he gathered energy, it was instantly siphoned by the Earth Coffin. I was careless. Artreus admonished himself. To think he would fall into such a trap, Captain Marius and the others would laugh at him. But if you think this is over. You are wrong! This will not stop me! While in the Void Plains, he learned a lot from his companions. Yuki, lend me your wisdom. Every trap has its weak point. He just has to find it...
Using sense, he scanned his surrounding. He could see his energy leaving his body and being absorbed by the earth. At the rate he's being drained, he would not last five minutes before he gets drained of all his energy. He then focused on the Earth Coffin that encases him. He could see the mana it absorbed traveling around it, further fortifying it.
"Futile! Try as you might, worm. You can't escape this great one's magic! Accept your fate. It is an honor to die to this great one's hand." The old man continued to mock him.
Not caring for the old man's babbling, Artreus continued to focus. He traced the mana traveling inside the Earth Coffin. He then noticed that the mana pools more in front of his stomach before it travels around the Earth Coffin. Following the flow of mana, he noticed that the further the mana from his stomach, the lesser the mana flows in the earth, making the area weaker. That's it! Artreus continued to follow the flow of mana until he found the weak point. It's by my butt! Artreus then started to gather his energy. But instead of focusing his energy normally like before, he continued to compress his energy so that it would not get easily absorbed by the Earth Coffin. In fact, he made sure that he compressed his energy to the point that once it burst, he would be able to break the Earth Coffin in a single strike.
"Whatever you do, it's futile!" The old man continued to chide him. But Artreus didn't mind him.
First, break through the trap. Next, kill the old man. But before Artreus could release his strike, he heard a commotion from beyond the walls of the Earth Coffin. After that cracks began to form in the Earth Coffin, breaking its energy absorption effect. Taking advantage of the sudden event, Artreus gathered his energy in his body and break through the Earth Coffin, finally freeing himself. Once freed, he was surprised after seeing the face of the one who freed him.
"You're my prey. Only I can kill you." His savior announced.