"Don't worry. Leave the rest to us."

Status effect [Lure] is in effect!

Samael's voice reverberated in the air, travelling through the crowd of abominations and reaching the ears of the warriors injured in battle. Bringing hope and security.

The soldiers, watchers, and knights didn't know who they were. They would be lying if they said they didn't have doubt nesting in their hearts. After all, anyone would find it hard to believe Erubin's words.

They had no idea who these "saviours" are or how powerful they can be. There was no proof either that they really exist or that it was all a fluke that Erubin said to boost their morale.

But here they were, upholding what Erubin uttered.

Will they really be saved?

Erubin's gaze quivered, his body trembling as he painstakingly raised his hand, grasping the ground as his nails drew lines in its dusty surface.

Erubin knew he wasn't strong enough to save everyone, and it was frustrating. Too frustrating.

But them? If it's them, then it's possible. If it's them, then victory is but certain.

With tears welling up in his eyes, Erubin struggled to speak.

"P-Please... please... help us...!"

Samael slowly raised his hand, a wave of Void matter shrouding his fist as he replied. "It's time to end this."

"Void Claw."

The swirling wave of Void matter solidified, encasing Samael's hand and warping it. Slowly, his nails grew longer and sharper, reaching inches in length. His knuckles followed suit as its surface jutted out, hardening and sharpening itself. It almost appeared similar to that of a gauntlet.

"It's time to taste your own medicine," Samael taunted.

The abominations jerked their heads in the direction of the two, their gazes growing crimson as their howls filled the air.

"I'll handle the half-wolves over that hill; you handle the rest," Ajax said before his figure jetted forward.

Without wasting another second, Samael lowered his stance, his hands clawing through the dirt as he propelled himself forward with multiple resounding bangs, his momentum tearing chunks of dirt back.

Samael's figure breezed through the air, closing the distance with ease as he landed in the middle of the pack.

Raising to his feet, Samael dusted his shoulder.

The wolves snarled in rage before lunging forward, maws wide open, as they aimed to dig their canine fangs through Samael's neck.

"Too slow," Samael nonchalantly uttered.

Before the warriors gazes, Samael's figure darted forward, confusing them with his odd actions.

But not for long.

Straightening his back, the wolves attacking earlier blew into multiple clean pieces, bouncing off the ground and dyeing it red.

Devoured Void Essence of "Imgrave Wolves" [Hatchling III] +590 pts.

Your power grows stronger...

The warriors eyes widened, their mouths agape as they watched, dumbfounded by what just occurred.

But Samael wasn't done yet.

Without another word, his figure burst forward, his soles morphed black.

The wolves snapped out of their surprise, swiftly taking a defensive position, but to no avail.

Samael streaked through the crowd, mowing them down like pigs in a slaughter as he rapidly swung his claws.

The wolves flinched in surprise before hastily retreating in hopes of avoiding Samael's attack, but it was too late.

Samael cleaved through the abominations one by one, his Void claws tearing them to shreds as their organs flew high in the air.

Dialling his arm back, Samael brought his hands forth, sending heads fluttering in the air.

Using his momentum, he dragged his claws in a circle, peeling through the enemies unfortunate enough to be near him.

Lowering his stance once more, Samael leaped through the air, shattering the ground and knocking a dozen attacking wolves back.

Resounding cracks echoed in the air as they smashed with their brethren, pulverising each other's bones as Samael's voice lingered in the air.

"Void Fire."

Samael's fingertips glew purple as he rained hellfire down the abominations, firing one bullet after the other.

The warriors tightened their grip, crouching down to regain their balance as the ground shook under the plethora of Void fire Samael fired.

They couldn't help but hold their breaths as they watched the dust cloud ascend the heavens, accompanied by the ear-shattering explosions leaving trails of echoes in the air.

Before them, the abominations that have caused them countless pain and misery were being butchered like they were nothing but a joke.

Before they even knew it, tears meandered down their eyes as their roars filled the air.

Their once grim faces have brightened, and their once dull eyes are full of light and hope. It was right in front of them. The key to their victory.

How can they not revel in their majestic glory?

On the other side, the warriors situated in the towers watched in awe as Ajax effortlessly picked off the hybrids with his shadow tendrils, skewering them before catapulting them to the side like used rags.

Ajax levitated in the air, utilising his shadow tendrils to move and pluck the enemy with ease.

However, the hybrids didn't just stand idle.

In retaliation, the abominations threw projectiles at Ajax, but the latter swiftly guided his shadows to flock together, forming a makeshift shield.

The stones collided with the barrier, erupting in small explosions as they turned into nothing but dust.

Sensing the abominations load for another barrage, Ajax uttered.

"Shadow Pike."

The shadow tendrils nesting behind him slowly rose in the air, spearing towards the hybrids before firing a plethora of spear-like shadows ahead.

Multiple explosions shook the earth as the spears tore holes through the abominations, easily penetrating through their bodies and drilling through the ground.

The rest of the hybrids ran back in horror as Ajax mercilessly strode forward, dicing and crushing them under his overwhelming power.

Back on the battlefield, Samael darted back and forth, his claws cleaving one wolf after the other as he formed small mountains of corpses.

Blood and organs flew high in the air, descending in the form of crimson rain.

Halting on his tracks, Samael gazed at his hands. An idea brewing behind his pupils as he muttered.

"Void Mark."

"Void Augmentation."

Slowly, dark lines travelled up his hands, shrouding his forearm and elbow as his claws underwent changes once more.

Solidified pieces of Void matter encased his hand, acting as armour and strengthening him even further.

[https://i.ibb.co/grtcGNn/sharp-claws-gauntlet-black-void-claw-hd-black-color-full-hand-gauntlet-391929246.png]

Samael's eyes glimmered as he shifted his gaze forward. The wolves visibly flinched as they slowly backed away, their silver furs rising on ends.

With one forceful kick to the ground, Samael's figure burst forward, stirring the dust as he zoomed ahead.

The wolves hastily jumped to the side, but Samael kept up the pressure as he took a sharp turn.

The wolves, left with nowhere else to run, snarled at Samael as they lunged forward, jaws wide open.

Samael's gaze narrowed as he twisted his body sideways, narrowly avoiding the attack before countering with a brutal swing.

The reinforced Void claw struck the wolf square in the face, crushing its skull before drilling forward, bisecting the beast in two.

Droplets of blood stained Samael's visage as he jerked his arm akin to a wheel, mowing down the abominations in front of him.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Devoured Void Essence of "Imgrave Wolves" [Hatchling III] +590 pts.

Devoured Void Essence of "Imgrave Wolves" [Hatchling III]...

Devoured Void Essence of "Imgrave Wolves"...

A plethora of Codex panels warped beside Samael as he devoured one wolf after the other.

The wolves trembled as they watched the massacre. They could only shake in fear as their kin were thrown away like rotten fruits.

Clenching their jaws, the wolves marched forward, attacking Samael all at the same time.

However, Samael's lips curled into a smirk.

"Abyss spikes," he muttered.

Large quantities of Void matter shot out of Samael's figure, knocking some of the wolves away.

The wave of Void matter swiftly condensed before springing upwards, impaling the attacking abominations.

Dozens of wolves howled in agony as the spikes tore holes through their flesh and bones, slowly leaving them to bleed.

Samael stood idle in the middle of the field as he watched the light in their eyes die out little by little. A plethora of Codex panels morphing beside him.

The last remaining groups of abominations didn't dare to take another step, their legs trembling vigorously.

Shifting his gaze towards them, Samael summoned Crimson Raven.

The last surviving wolves flinched, their legs slowly lowering down towards the ground as they stared with eyes wide in horror.

Samael looked like a demon sent to reap them as he stood in the middle of a blood-soaked battlefield, with corpses of their kin forming mountains behind him.

The wolves couldn't move; they couldn't breathe, nor could they howl. They could only... stare as Samael slowly inched closer to them.

Status effect [fear] has taken effect!

Passive [Feeder] has taken effect!

Crimson Raven feeds on the fear of your enemies...

Passive [Feed] has taken effect!

Crimson Raven feeds on the blood of your enemies...

Samael's grip tightened, his gaze tearing a hole through the cowering wolves.

Oh, how far they've fallen.

Your weapon grows stronger...

The wolves watched as Samael's figure turned to a blur, their eyes unable to follow his movements.

As his silhouette vanished before their eyes, a cold touch of wind travelled through their entirety.

Then their vision swirled.

Samael sheathed Crimson Raven back as he wiped the beads of blood staining his cheek.

Soon, multiple heavy thuds echoed in the air as the wolves fell one by one, headless and cold.

Glancing over his his shoulders, Samael saw Ajax sitting on a boulder, patiently waiting for him.

However, before he could take another step, Samael jolted as screams and cheers thundered in the air.

The warriors roared with all their might, tears streaming down their cheeks as they thumped on their chests.

They weren't cheering because they got to live another day. They were cheering because, for once, the abominations finally reaped what they sow.

For once, it felt as though victory was within arms reach.

Samael slowly approached Ajax, sitting down with him as they both watched the first rays of sun pierce through the dark clouds.

***

Some time after the raid, the warriors were swiftly given medical attention. They were escorted by the evacuated medics and healers earlier.

On the other hand, all abled men or women were tasked with collecting the dunamis of the felled creatures. Afterwards, dispose of them.

Unlike some abominations, the meat of an imgrave wolf is highly toxic. The reasons are still unknown as of now.

Repairs were also being held as fast as they could. The siege dealt heavy damage to the defences of the fortress. They had to get the ballistas up and ready before another raid like this occurred.

Samael and Ajax found themselves inside a provided tent. The tent had two beds, a single wooden table with refreshments on top, and two bright lamps on the side, casting shadows within the room.

There have been a few healers that came by a while ago, insisting on checking up on them. Fortunately, Samael had managed to convince them they were unharmed. He had regeneration to begin with; the same goes for Ajax.

Right now, they're waiting for the "general" of this place. According to Ajax's intel, his name was Timeus Grand. A knight of the enlightened one stage.

He's one of the most valued knights of the Tertian order and has thus been given the mission of recapturing Georgo Road.

The Tertian order is the circle of knights present in all sanctuaries. While they're not as famous as the Watchers Guild, that cannot be said for the Tera Sanctuary.

Tera is a sanctuary where most of the olden-day nobles reside. Some people would refer to it as the higher circle since all of its population is filled with aristocrats.

This is the reason why watchers aren't as widespread there. Nobles believe they are barbaric and low in comparison to the gallant knights of the Tertian order.

Tera has earned a bad reputation within the Watchers Guild because of that trait.

Samael leaned back as he summoned the Codex, bracing himself for the upcoming stream of notifications.

Devoured Essence of "Imgrave Wolves" [Hatchling III] x137 + 42,470 pts.

Samael's gaze glimmered for a moment. A small, imperceptible smile made its way to his face.

Prerequisites for one-tier elevation met!

Do you wish to proceed?

Yes or no?

Crimson Raven

Tier 4 -> Tier 6 Mark 2.

A new skill has been acquired for Crimson Raven!

Void mastery

Tier 5 Mark 3 ---> Tier 6 Mark 3

Samael read the notifications with care before setting some aside and focusing his gaze on the tier elevation notice.

Proceed He commanded.

Command received.

Commencing Tier Elevation...

Samael took a deep breath as that familiar wave of strength flowed in his veins, sharpening his senses and power even further.

Clenching his fist, Samael felt the power to bend steel as though playing with clay.

After a few more seconds, the euphoria slowly died out, leaving a single panel in front of Samael.

[STATS]

Name: Samael

Title: [Loved by the void]...[+]

Species: Void Spawn [+]

Affinity: Void [+]

Rank: Metamorphosis III

Condition: Good, Minor fatigue

STATS

STR: 5870

SPD/AGI: 5667

CONSTITUTION: 6836

SPIRIT: 6000

CHARM: 50

∆SKILLS [+]

He has been constantly getting stronger since the moment they started this mission of theirs. It has been dangerous but bountiful, leaving Samael with a mix of emotions.

Shifting his gaze to the side, he commanded the Codex to show him the newly obtained skill of Crimson Raven.

[Blind rage]

-Increases the sharpness, durability, and skill damage of the weapon but inflicts great rage upon the user.

Samael's gaze narrowed, his brows furrowed.

An augmentation ability, but at the risk of losing my sense of reasoning... Samael thought as he read further, his frown deepening with each passing second.

It has been some time since he felt such reluctance in front of a skill.

While an augmentation ability is always welcomed, was it really worth it if it left him blinded in anger? Potentially causing him to hurt his allies in its midst?

A sigh escaped Samael's lips. While he wishes to keep the skill untouched, his battle with the leviathan cub has proven it to be a massive mistake.

He can only train and look forward to what the future holds.

Reading further, Samael's eyes widened as another panel warped in front of him.

Your power has reached a new threshold!

Ascension trial available!

Ascension trial? Samael thought in confusion.

In order to increase your rank and increase your growth, you must undergo a trial.

A trial...? What kind of—

Samael's ears flinched as the sound of steel boots inched closer.

He's here, Samael thought. It seems he'll have to deal with this matter later.

After a few more seconds of silence, a hand reached out and dragged the tent entrance open, revealing their long-awaited host.

Samael's gaze travelled up and down, examining the man.

Timeus had an imposing aura, but his power was the real deal. Well, it is to be expected considering he's merely one rank away from sainthood.

I wonder who will win. Enlightened Ajax, or him? Samael wondered.

Timeus confidently sat across them as he set down his esteemed blade.

So that's the black blade that is said to have slaughtered thousands of abominations, Samael thought as he examined the weapon.

Ajax raised his visor as he spoke. "Timeus?"

Timeus reached out before replying. "Yes, that's indeed me."

Ajax turned down the handshake with a wave of his hand.

This guy... Samael thought.

"Ah yes. If you wish," Timeus said as he retracted his calloused hands.

"Nonetheless, I am indebted to the both of you. Without your help, Stellaris camp may have fallen," he said as he lowered his head on the ground.

Samael's brows rose to an arch. The same can be said for Ajax.

A knight giving his thanks in such an... unrefined manner? It seems there is truly a first time for everything.

"But if you'll excuse me, may I ask the names of our guests?" he followed shortly.

A frown crept its way to Samael's visage as he asked. "Did you not receive a letter? One from the Watchers Guild?"

Timeus held his chin as he fell deep in thought.

"Unfortunately, some of our resource routes have been constantly ambushed by abominations," Timeus replied with a deep sigh.

Ajax fell silent for a moment, and Samael followed suit.

It seems the situation is far more dire than they expected.

"How long ago has this happened?" Ajax asked.

"Weeks," Timeus replied.

"...Well, it appears introductions are in place," Ajax said before shifting his gaze towards Samael.

Samael could only shake his head.

"My name is Samael, and this is my mentor, Ajax," Samael said.

Upon hearing Samael's words...

Timeus paled.