Chapter 128: Three Peak Tier 5 Subordinates (part 2)

Alix continues to deliberate. "Sylara's versatility in dark magic and illusions is tempting," he murmurs, "but we're in the midst of war. We need raw power to break through enemy defenses." He recalls reports detailing the Ordeya Kingdom's formidable city barriers, particularly the capital's. "Their defensive spells are robust," he reflects. "Even Varkas might struggle against them." His thoughts turn to Gorath. "A giant with control over seismic forces," he muses. "If anyone can shatter those barriers, it's him." Decision made, Alix said. "Let's see if the Earthshaker can live up to his name," he says. Alix rises from his chair, determination hardening his features. With a swift motion, he activates the teleportation. In an instant, the familiar surroundings of his chamber dissolve, replaced by the dimly lit expanse of the resurrection chamber. The chamber hums with latent energy, its walls inscribed with ancient runes pulsating softly. Alix approaches the platform, his footsteps echoing in the vast space. He places his hand upon the cold stone, channeling his will into the system interface. A translucent screen materializes before him, displaying the list of available subordinates for revival. Without hesitation, he selects Gorath the Earthshaker. "Confirm revival of Gorath the Earthshaker for 2,000,000 gold coins?" the system prompts. "Confirm," Alix affirms. The chamber's ambient hum intensifies as the runes flare to life, casting shifting shadows across the walls. A vortex of energy coalesces above the platform, swirling with earthen hues and crackling with power. The ground trembles slightly as the energy condenses, taking form. Moments later, the towering figure of a giant emerges from the dissipating energy. Standing at ten meters tall, Gorath's presence is imposing. His skin resembles weathered stone, and his eyes glow with a subdued, molten light. Despite his massive stature, he moves with deliberate grace as he steps down from the platform. Gorath surveys his surroundings briefly before his gaze settles on Alix. Without hesitation, he descends to one knee, bowing his head in deference. "Your Majesty," Gorath's voice resonates deeply, echoing through the chamber, "thank you for reviving me. I am ready to serve." Alix nods, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Rise, Gorath. Your strength is needed now more than ever." Gorath stands, his towering form casting a long shadow. "Command me, and I shall lay waste to those who oppose you." Alix stands before Gorath, the towering giant whose presence commands attention. With a calm yet authoritative tone, Alix speaks, "Vaelith." From the shadows, Vaelith materializes silently, his form emerging as if woven from darkness itself. He bows slightly, acknowledging Alix's summons. Alix gestures towards Gorath. "Gorath is here," he states. "Explain to him everything he needs to know." Vaelith inclines his head. "Yes, Your Majesty," he replies, his voice smooth and unwavering. Satisfied, Alix turns away, the air shimmering briefly as he teleports back to his working chamber, leaving the two alone in the resurrection chamber. Gorath's molten eyes focus on Vaelith, a flicker of recognition crossing his stony features. A deep, rumbling chuckle escapes him. "Oh, Vaelith," he rumbles, "long time no see." Vaelith allows a rare, subtle smile to touch his lips. "Indeed, Gorath," he responds. "Much has changed since we last stood together." ---- General Varkas leads the formidable force of seventy thousand monsters toward Eldoria City. The army halts at the city's outskirts, confronted by ranks of human soldiers standing in formation. The atmosphere is tense as both sides assess each other. From the city's gates, King Edric himself emerges, his regal presence commanding attention. He strides toward Varkas, his expression a blend of respect and resolve. "General Varkas," King Edric begins, his voice steady, "welcome to Eldoria. We are prepared to provide the supplies and support you require." Varkas inclines his head, acknowledging the king's greeting. "Your Majesty, your cooperation is appreciated. Our forces will benefit greatly from your provisions." The citizens of Eldoria line the streets, their eyes wide with astonishment and apprehension as they witness the monstrous army within their city. Whispers ripple through the crowd. As the monstrous army of Erevaris marches through the streets of Eldoria, a hushed awe blankets the city. Citizens line the cobblestone roads, their eyes wide with a mixture of fear and fascination. An elderly man, his face lined with years of hardship, shakes his head slowly. "So that's the army of the Erevaris Kingdom," he murmurs to no one in particular. "No wonder we lost." Nearby, a young woman clutches her child's hand tightly, her gaze fixed on the towering figures passing by. "I never imagined such creatures existed," she whispers. A merchant, his stall momentarily abandoned, observes the disciplined ranks. "They're not the monstes we all know," he notes. "Look at their formation, their coordination. This is a true army." Amidst the procession, General Varkas rides at the forefront, his armor gleaming under the overcast sky. His piercing gaze scans the crowd, noting the mixture of emotions etched on the faces of Eldoria's citizens. From the southern gate, the rhythmic march of additional troops draws attention. Ten thousand human soldiers from Raltheon enter the city, their banners fluttering in the breeze. They seamlessly integrate into the monstrous ranks, a testament to the new alliances forged in the crucible of war. A young soldier from Raltheon glances sideways at his monstrous counterparts, his expression a blend of curiosity and apprehension. "Never thought I'd be marching alongside orcs and trolls," he mutters. Beside him, a towering orc with scarred features grins, revealing sharp tusks. "First time for everything, human," he rumbles. "Just don't slow us down." The soldier chuckles nervously. "I'll do my best." As the unified army continues its march through Eldoria, the lines between former enemies blur, and a new chapter in the realm's history begins to unfold. After replenishing their supplies in Eldoria, the combined forces of Erevaris and Raltheon resume their march toward the Ordeya Kingdom. The army stretches across the horizon, a formidable blend of monstrous and human soldiers moving with unified purpose. As they traverse rolling plains and dense forests, the soldiers engage in quiet conversations, bridging the gaps between their diverse backgrounds. ----- In the grand hall of the Ordeya palace, Queen Seraphina stands before a towering window, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The afternoon sun casts long shadows across the marble floor, reflecting the weight of the news she anticipates. Marshal Medren enters briskly, his armor clinking softly with each step. He bows deeply. "Your Majesty." Queen Seraphina turns, her expression calm yet attentive. "Marshal Medren, what news do you bring?" Medren straightens, his face etched with concern. "Your Majesty, our scouts report that the combined forces of Erevaris and Raltheon have resumed their march toward our borders. At their current pace, they will reach our capital within a week." The queen's eyes narrow slightly as she processes the information. "How large is their force?" "Approximately ninety thousand strong," Medren replies. Queen Seraphina moves to a nearby table, unrolling a detailed map of the kingdom. Her fingers trace the routes leading to the capital. "And our defenses?" Medren steps forward, pointing to various locations on the map. "Our city walls are fortified with the latest defensive spells, and our garrisons are fully manned. However, facing such a vast army, our resources will be stretched thin." Seraphina nods thoughtfully. "We must utilize every asset at our disposal." She looks up, determination in her eyes. "Issue a request to the Adventurers' Guild. Offer a bounty of 100 gold coins for every enemy soldier they eliminate." Medren hesitates, concern flickering across his face. "Your Majesty, after the devastating losses the adventurers suffered in the last battle, I fear many will be reluctant to take on this quest." Seraphina's expression remains resolute. "I understand, Medren. Few may accept, but even a small force can harass the enemy, slow their advance, and diminish their numbers. Every bit of resistance counts." Medren bows, accepting the command. "As you command, Your Majesty." He turns and strides from the hall to carry out the order. Left alone, Queen Seraphina gazes out the window once more, her mind racing. As the first woman to rule the Ordeya Kingdom, she has transformed it into the wealthiest of the three kingdoms. She silently vows not to let the approaching monsters destroy all that she has built. ---- Two days into the march, the combined forces of Erevaris and Raltheon traverse a dense forest, the canopy filtering sunlight into dappled patterns on the ground. The rhythmic sound of boots and hooves against the earth is suddenly interrupted as shimmering arrows, glowing with arcane energy, descend from the treetops. "Ambush!" a Raltheon soldier shouts, raising his shield just in time to deflect a magic-infused arrow that bursts into sparks upon impact. Nyssara swiftly assesses the situation. "Form defensive positions! Shields up!" She commands, her voice cutting through the chaos. The monsters troops of Erevaris and the human soldiers of Raltheon instinctively tighten their ranks, shields interlocking to create a protective barrier against the relentless rain of magical projectiles. A towering orc beside Sorin growls, scanning the dense foliage. "Can't see the attackers, commander. They're concealed in the trees." "Archers!" Sorin bellows. "Return fire! Aim for the treetops!" Raltheon archers swiftly notch arrows, their eyes narrowing as they seek out elusive targets amidst the leaves. They release a volley, arrows whistling through the air toward the suspected positions of the hidden assailants. Raltheon archers swiftly notch arrows, their eyes narrowing as they seek out elusive targets amidst the leaves. They release a volley, arrows whistling through the air toward the suspected positions of the hidden assailants. A human soldier near the rear staggers as a magic arrow grazes his arm, leaving a searing burn. He grits his teeth, gripping his sword tighter. "These aren't ordinary arrows. They're laced with some kind of sorcery."