Chapter 47
"Have you ever dance in the moonlight"
Nightshade looked over the field of battle. Those damn snakes were blasting away at his warriors. Thankfully, he thought to himself, the true back bone of his forces was untouched and about to reach the front line. His scorpion knights have yet to be injured, and the projectiles that those witches were unleashing seemed to bounce off the harden armour of the fire ants. He could always replace the fodder, but the higher level and skilled troops were another story. His eyes narrowed with a mix of determination and cunning, he was going to remove this constant thorn in his side.
"Yes," smiled Nightshade. He remained confident as he glanced over their unscathed ranks, a sense of reassurance washed over him.
“Those witches,” Nightshade spat, “those insidious wielders of dark magic, launching their projectiles with unrelating fervor.” But Nightshade's scorpion knights stood firm, their armor providing an impenetrable barrier against the onslaught. The projectiles merely bounced off their hardened exteriors, leaving the knights unharmed and ready to advance.
Nightshade's mind raced with strategic calculations. He knew that while he could easily replace the lesser troops, the loss of his higher-level and skilled warriors would be a devastating blow. They were his most valuable assets, honed through countless battles and years of training. Their expertise and experience were what set them apart from the rest.
With a calculated gaze, Nightshade weighed the risks and rewards. He understood that the battle was far from over, and the outcome still hung in the balance. Every decision he made now would have a profound impact on the future of the conflict. But Nightshade thought himself a master tactician, remained resolute.
He gave a wicked smile as he watched the battle, “I am not one to shy away from a challenge.” He embraced the chaos of war, reveling in the art of strategy and the thrill of victory. With a final nod to his scorpion knights, he knew that the true test of their mettle was about to begin. Then he stepped forward onto the battlefield. He lifted a massive black spear, took sight on one of the snake witches, and sent his mana into the spear and let loose the bolt. He watched the spear strike the snake in the heart.
“Finally, first blood was mine!” He laughed to himself.
The field of battle was a cauldron of chaos and destruction, but Nightshade's confidence burned bright. His forces were prepared, their armor unyielding, and their resolve unwavering. With a blend of calculated precision and fierce determination, Nightshade pushed his troops forward. He thought he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead and secure victory for their Queen.
Nightshade's eyes widened as he witnessed the ground beneath him erupt in a sudden flurry of movement. The once-undisturbed terrain came alive with a network of unseen traps, triggered by his advancing forces. Spears shot out from the ground, ensnaring his soldiers and causing chaos to ripple through their ranks.
"By the shadows!" Nightshade exclaimed, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and frustration. "Ambush! Watch your step, soldiers! These traps were cunningly hidden!"
His lieutenant, a seasoned warrior by his side, shouted over the commotion. "Commander, we're caught in a trap! What do we do?"
Nightshade's mind raced, his instincts sharpening in the face of danger. "Regroup! Tighten the formation! Watch for any signs of the enemy!"
As the ground continued to shift and writhe with hidden mechanisms, Nightshade's voice carried above the chaos. "Stay focused, soldiers! We can't let these traps immobilize us! Push forward with caution!"
The scorpion knights, their armored forms towering over the battlefield, used their strength to free their trapped comrades. Nightshade's eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any signs of the enemy responsible for this ambush but they didn’t need to, the magic projectiles never stopped firing towards the grunts. The meat shields he was using to protect his higher-level fighters were thinning out by the second.
"Spread out!" he commanded, his voice carrying a mix of authority and urgency. "Find the traps and neutralize them! We will not be ensnared like helpless prey!"
With renewed determination, Nightshade led his forces, now more vigilant than ever, through the treacherous terrain. Each step was measured, each movement calculated to avoid the hidden snares. Nightshade refused to let these traps dictate the outcome of the battle.
His eyes darted, searching for any signs, any subtle movements that would reveal the enemy's trap locations. Nightshade's mind worked swiftly, analyzing the surroundings, and devising a counterstrategy to turn the tables on their hidden assailants.
"Keep your wits about you, soldiers!" Nightshade called out, his voice projecting authority and determination. "We just need to reach the front line and make them regret crossing our path!"
With the fire ants and scorpion knights pushing forward, their movements more cautious yet resolute, Nightshade led the charge into the heart of the trap-riddled battleground. The unseen enemy had underestimated their resilience and resolve, and now they would pay the price for their audacity.
Through the chaos and uncertainty, Nightshade's voice echoed, a rallying cry for his troops. "Advance! Show them the might of the fire ants! We will not be deterred! Victory will be ours!"
With unwavering resolve, Nightshade led his forces into the heart of the trap-laden battlefield, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The snake assailants had shown their hand, but Nightshade would show them the true strength and tenacity of his warriors.
He gritted his teeth as he witnessed the traps springing to life before his advancing forces. The ground beneath his grunts trembled as spikes erupted, impaling some unfortunate soldiers, and causing chaos among the ranks. The Ladybug riders had already suffered heavy losses, and now the traps threatened to decimate his remaining forces.
Nightshade's eyes narrowed with a mixture of frustration and begrudging admiration. He had underestimated the wolves and their newfound allies, failing to anticipate the sophistication of their defenses. These traps were a clear indication that the wolves were not to be taken lightly, and Nightshade realized he would need to adjust his strategy if he wanted to break their front line and claim victory.
He barked orders to his remaining forces, urging them to stay vigilant and watch for more hidden traps. The three fire ants, formidable in their armor, continued their relentless march, their massive mandibles ready to tear through any obstacle. They were flanked by his twelve knights, armored and formidable warriors in their own right.
Nightshade, the cunning leader, kept a close eye on the battlefield from the rear. He knew the success of this assault depended on his ability to rally his forces and adapt to the unexpected challenges. The traps were only the beginning, and he was determined to overcome them and reach the heart of the wolf clan's stronghold.
“Did I underestimate those wolves; I didn’t think they had these new allies…”
As the battle raged on, Nightshade's mind raced with calculations and contingency plans. He had spent years honing his strategies and tactics, and now he needed to employ every ounce of his expertise to outmaneuver the wolves and their allies. The outcome of this battle would determine the fate of his ambitions, and he refused to let his underestimation become his downfall.
With a steely resolve, Nightshade prepared to lead his forces into the midst of the chaos, ready to face whatever the wolves and their traps had in store for him. He would not back down, for the wolves had awakened a fierce determination within him, and he was determined to claim victory, even if it meant sacrificing everything in the process.
Nightshade's eyes burned with a fierce determination as he spotted the gunslingers, their deadly firearms gleaming in the sunlight. With a roar that pierced the chaos of battle, he spurred his mount forward, leading his scorpion knights in a thunderous charge towards the enemy's front line.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"Scorpion knights, with me! Crush their defenses!" Nightshade's commanding voice echoed across the battlefield, igniting a surge of adrenaline in his warriors' veins. As they thundered closer, their armored mounts kicking up dust and debris, Nightshade drew his wickedly curved blade, its edge glinting with a deadly promise.
The gunslingers, caught off guard by the ferocity of the assault, scrambled to take aim. But Nightshade was relentless, his years of combat experience lending him an unmatched speed and precision. With lightning-quick reflexes, he deflected bullets with his blade, the metallic clangs reverberating through the air like a battle hymn.
"Strike hard! Show them the might of the Queen!" Nightshade's voice carried the weight of a commander who had seen countless victories. His scorpion knights followed his lead, their heavy claws slashing through the air, cutting through any resistance in their path.
Nightshade closed the distance, his steed crashing through the enemy's ranks. As he swung his blade, he danced with a deadly grace, evading bullets, and striking with lethal accuracy. Each swing of his weapon sent adversaries sprawling to the ground, their defenses shattered under the onslaught of his fury.
The gunslingers fought valiantly, firing their weapons with unwavering resolve. But Nightshade's determination was unyielding, his presence instilling fear in the hearts of his enemies. With calculated precision, he targeted the gunslingers' formations, striking at their ranks with merciless efficiency.
Amidst the chaos of battle, Nightshade's voice rang out like a rallying cry. "No retreat! No surrender! We fight until the last enemy falls!" The scorpion knights echoed his words, their unified battle cry shaking the very foundations of the battlefield.
The gunslingers, their ranks thinning, soon found themselves overwhelmed by the sheer ferocity and tenacity of Nightshade. Their defenses crumbled, their resolve wavered, and in the face of certain defeat, they began to scatter. Nightshade's eyes burned with satisfaction as he surveyed the aftermath of the charge.
"We press on! We will not rest until victory is ours!" Nightshade's voice carried across the battlefield, rallying his forces and stoking the flames of their determination. With renewed vigor, he led his scorpion knights deeper into the fray, ready to claim triumph and leave no doubt of their indomitable might.
Until Nightshade laid eyes on a snake that looked different than the others.
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Violet
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I was in my city builder view but my heart pounding in my chest, as I witnessed the awe-inspiring sight of the Scorpion Knight Commander thundering down the battlefield. His imposing figure resembled that of a formidable creature, and his armor glistened under the sunlight. Everything about him reminded me of a paladin from the stories I listened to as a king. Those brave knights in the shining armour charging headfirst towards the dragon, but in this case, it was a scorpion in full plate charging towards my front line. Bullets ricocheted off his sturdy armor, creating a symphony of metallic clangs, while his hisses and clicks echoed through the chaos of battle.
As he charged relentlessly towards the front line, a mix of fear and fascination washed over me. The power and ferocity he exuded were undeniable, but deep down, I couldn't help but consider him reckless. The traps I had meticulously laid out continued to do their work, proving that brute strength alone couldn't guarantee victory.
From razor wire pits that ensnared and tore apart unsuspecting soldiers to the dazzling explosions of light bombs, my traps were relentless in their effectiveness. The ladybug grunts, unfortunate victims caught in the path of the Scorpion Knight Commander, were swiftly dispatched by the combination of traps and the bullets bouncing off the knight's impervious armor.
Gods, I need a better name then “Scorpion Knight Commander.” I wonder.
I used my skills: “System Scan then SKC.”
System Notification: majority of the data block due to skills and level. However, System can provide General Information. See box below.
Name: Nightshade, Order of the *****
Race: Scorpion- Warrior Class
Class: Scorpion Knight
Description:
Nightshade is an imposing figure, standing at an impressive height of seven feet. His body is covered in an intricate, obsidian-black exoskeleton that gleams under the light. The carapace is adorned with crimson markings, accentuating his fierce and commanding presence. Nightshade's large mandibles are razor-sharp and capable of tearing through the toughest of foes. His fiery red eyes pierce through the darkness, radiating an air of confidence and ruthlessness.
Attributes: Blocked
Level: Blocked
Background:
Nightshade rose through the ranks of the Queen Morfran’s hierarchy through his unmatched combat prowess and tactical acumen. He earned the title of Scorpion Knight Commander, a position reserved for the most formidable warriors in the fire ant army. Known for his fearless leadership and unrelenting drive, Nightshade seeks to expand his influence and conquer new territories for his kind. He sees the invasion of the wolf clan's domain as a crucial steppingstone towards achieving his ambitious goals.
Equipment: Blocked
Skills: Blocked
Awe. I see. His name is Nightshade, and he is part of the Queen’s forces. They weren’t looking for me, he was looking for the wolves, and found me in their place.
A spark of action pulled me away from the bigger picture and back to the battlefield.
Behind the Scorpion Knight, I noticed a contingent of twelve smaller versions, presumably his loyal comrades. However, their progress was hindered by the intricate web of traps, the constant gunfire, and the sheer number of bodies strewn across the battlefield. Their advance was sluggish, bogged down by the obstacles I had meticulously set in their path.
Amidst the chaos, I witnessed a surprising turn of events. One of the twelve Scorpion Knights, in a momentary misstep, found himself impaled by a spear trap in a rather unfortunate location. Yup, you guessed it, right in the groin. To my astonishment, he broke off the spear with a defiant resolve, disregarding the pain and pressing onward. But his relentless charge was short-lived as a well-placed light bomb trap exploded in his face, causing him to stumble forward and plunge headfirst into the waiting razor wire pit.
I expected the razor wire to tear through his armor, but to my astonishment, the resilient metal held firm until just past the halfway point to the pit's bottom. It was a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of his armor, though it didn't save him from the inevitable fate that awaited at the bottom.
As I observed the Scorpion Knight's demise, a mix of emotions washed over me. The spectacle of his charge was awe-inspiring, but it also highlighted the vulnerability of even the mightiest warriors when faced with cunning traps and strategic defenses. It was a reminder that victory in battle often hinged on more than sheer strength alone.
With renewed determination, I surveyed the battlefield, knowing that my traps and defenses would continue to play a crucial role in repelling the enemy and protecting our domain. The encounter with the Scorpion Knight had solidified my belief in the effectiveness of my tactics, and I would use this newfound confidence to guide us to victory.
In moments like these, when the battle rages around me, memories of my friend Sam flood my mind. We were inseparable back in middle school, thick as thieves. We faced the challenges of adolescence together, supporting each other through thick and thin. Oh, how I miss those simpler times.
Sam, if you could see me now, you wouldn't believe the world I've found myself in. The battles I fight, the powers I wield—it's beyond anything we could have imagined. I hope you're safe and happy, wherever you are.
Dammit, where is that Nightshade. I swear my brain is scattered from Mors to Earth.
There he is.
He breached the front line; half a dozen librarians lay dead at his feet.
But he is facing off against Alex.
Alexandra, my Head Librarian and Gunslinger, stood tall and resolute in her blood-stained white librarian robes. The crimson splatters on her attire were a grim testament to the fierce battle she had waged against Nightshade, the formidable Armoured Hell Knight. In her mechanical arms, a testament to her ingenuity and resourcefulness, she gripped her trusted revolvers tightly, fingers steady and unyielding.
There was a fire burning within Alexandra's eyes, a reflection of the deep-seated hatred and unwavering determination she harbored towards Nightshade. The loss of her underlings, comrades in arms, fueled her rage, transforming it into an indomitable force that radiated from her very being. She was a force to be reckoned with, her resolve unshaken despite the overwhelming odds stacked against her.
The mechanical arms that adorned Alexandra's frame were a testament to her ingenuity and adaptability. Crafted with precision and expertise, they were an extension of her will and skill. With each squeeze of the triggers, her revolvers barked thunderous defiance, unleashing a storm of bullets towards Nightshade. She was a master of her craft, each shot finding its mark with deadly accuracy.
Though her heart was filled with vengeance, Alexandra's mind remained sharp and focused. She knew the importance of strategy and tactics in the face of such a formidable opponent. She sought to exploit any weaknesses in Nightshade's armor, aiming for the gaps and vulnerable spots that her sharp eyes had identified. Her hate fueled her, but her intelligence guided her actions.
In the clash between Alexandra and Nightshade, it was a battle of wills and determination. She refused to back down, her gaze unwavering as she stared into the eyes of her nemesis. Bloodied and weary, she stood as a symbol of resistance and defiance, ready to unleash her fury upon Nightshade.
As the battle raged on, Alexandra's resolve burned brighter, her mechanical arms blazing with the fires of vengeance. Nightshade had awakened a force within her, one that would not rest until justice was served and her fallen comrades were avenged. She would stop at nothing to bring him down, even if it meant sacrificing everything.
In that moment, I thought that Alexandra embodied the spirit of a true gunslinger, the embodiment of strength, resilience, and unyielding determination. She was the epitome of a librarian turned warrior, a force to be reckoned with, and Nightshade would soon learn the cost of underestimating her wrath.
But what if, God, what would happen if Alex can’t stop him?