Chapter 132 132: Prince Asdri Of Valgros Kingdom

As the barrier collapses and the gates groan open, the monstrous horde surges forward with a deafening roar. Human soldiers, already in defensive positions, tighten their grips on weapons and shields, bracing for the onslaught. The two forces collide with earth-shaking intensity. Despite their discipline and training, the human soldiers are swiftly overwhelmed. The monster warriors, towering and ferocious, tear through the ranks with brutal efficiency. Swords and spears glance off thick hides and armored carapaces, while claws and fangs rend through steel and flesh alike. Cries of pain and terror echo as the defenders falter. Atop a nearby hill, General Varkas observes the battlefield. His form stands tall, fur bristling in anticipation. His keen eyes scan the chaos below, noting the swift collapse of human defenses. A low growl escapes his throat, a mixture of satisfaction and anticipation. Looking up, his keen eyes fixate on the faint shimmer in the sky, a telltale sign of invinsibility. His lips curl into a predatory grin, revealing sharp canines. His voice, deep and resonant, cuts through the cacophony of battle.​ "Human," Varkas calls out, his tone laced with mockery, "are you not going to aid your people? We are on the verge of conquering your city." The air distorts as Marshal Medren deactivates his invisibility, revealing his imposing armored figure hovering above the battlefield. His expression remains stoic, unreadable. Without a word, he ascends higher into the sky, distancing himself from the fray. Varkas watches Medren's departure, a guttural chuckle rumbling from his chest. "As always," he muses aloud, "humans are truly cruel." Below, the battlefield is a maelstrom of chaos. The monstrous forces press their advantage, their superior strength and ferocity driving the human defenders back toward the city's heart. General Varkas's piercing eyes scan the battlefield, observing his monstrous soldiers overwhelming the human defenders. The clash of steel, the cries of the wounded, and the scent of blood permeate the air. His forces press forward relentlessly, their sheer ferocity and strength driving the humans back toward the city's heart. Even the enemy generals struggle against his commanders, who are systematically dismantling the human leadership. Varkas stands atop a small rise, his lycanthropic form exuding dominance. He doesn't need to engage; his army is executing his strategy flawlessly. His ears twitch as he picks up the sounds of combat—clashing weapons, desperate shouts, and the heavy thud of bodies hitting the ground. Nearby, Nyssara confronts General Jherin. The human general's sword flashes in the sunlight as she delivers a series of precise strikes. Nyssara parries effortlessly with her chitinous limbs, her multifaceted eyes reflecting Jherin's determination. "You're resilient," Nyssara acknowledges, her voice a melodic hiss. "But resilience won't save your city." Jherin grits her teeth, sweat streaming down her face. "As long as we draw breath, we'll fight." Nyssara's mandibles click in amusement. "Then prepare to be breathless." With a swift motion, she entangles Jherin's sword arm in a web of silk, yanking the weapon away. A swift kick sends the general sprawling. Varkas observes these encounters with satisfaction. His commanders are executing their roles with precision, breaking the human leadership and morale. The city's defenses crumble, and victory seems imminent. He turns his gaze toward the central keep, where the remaining human forces are making a final stand. Varkas signals the advance. The monstrous horde moves forward, an unstoppable tide poised to claim the city. ------ In the heart of Valgros Kingdom's capital, within the palace's concealed chamber, King Rewalt stands before a shimmering teleportation portal. The portal's swirling energies cast an ethereal glow across the stone walls, illuminating the king's contemplative expression. This gateway connects to one of the three major continents, a testament to the kingdom's expansive reach. King Rewalt's gaze remains fixed on the portal, anticipation evident in his stance. He awaits the arrival of his eldest son, Prince Asdri, who had once been destined for the throne but chose the path of exploration over rulership. Moments later, the portal's surface ripples, and four silhouettes emerge. As they step into the chamber, one of them—a burly man with a thick beard—grumbles loudly. "Captain, you really should reconsider the location of your kingdom's portal," he complains, adjusting the heavy pack on his shoulders. "It's practically at the edge of the continent." Beside him, a slender figure clad in ornate robes rolls her eyes. "Can you stop complaining? I'm tired of hearing you whine," she retorts, her voice tinged with exasperation. Prince Asdri steps forward, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Father," he greets, inclining his head respectfully. "I apologize for our entrance. Allow me to introduce my companions." He gestures to the grumbling man. "This is Pyke, a warrior of unmatched strength." Pyke nods, still adjusting his pack. "Your Majesty," he mumbles. Asdri then indicates the robed woman. "And this is Ingra, a mage whose knowledge surpasses many scholars." Ingra offers a slight bow. "An honor, Your Majesty." The prince continues, introducing the remaining two. "Here we have Famir, a master archer known for his unparalleled precision." Famir, a lithe man with sharp eyes, places a hand over his heart and bows. "And lastly, Valia, a healer whose skills have saved us more times than I can count." Valia, a serene woman with a gentle demeanor, smiles warmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty." King Rewalt's eyes light up with pride as he steps forward, arms outstretched. "Welcome, everyone. Thank you for accompanying my son on his journey home." His gaze settles on Asdri, a warm smile breaking across his face. "It's good to see you're doing well." Asdri inclines his head respectfully. "Thank you, Father. Your unwavering support has been instrumental. I've reached level 599 and stand on the brink of breaking through to tier 6." As he speaks, a powerful aura emanates from him, filling the chamber with an intensity that surpasses even that of Marshal Zinov. Rewalt's laughter resonates through the room. "Excellent! Your strength arrives at a crucial time." Asdri's expression turns serious. "Father, is it true that a monster has established its own kingdom and is now battling the combined forces of our kingdom and Ordeya?" Rewalt's face darkens. "It's true. Raltheon has already submitted to that monster and become its subject kingdom." Hearing this, Asdri's companions exchange uneasy glances. Pyke clenches his fists, his voice filled with disdain. "What a pathetic king. I'd rather die than bow to monsters." Ingra nods in agreement. "In our continent, monsters have always been a menace, relentlessly attacking human kingdoms and destroying cities." Famir's eyes narrow. "If Raltheon's king surrendered so easily, it doesn't bode well for the rest of us." Valia's voice is calm but firm. "Then we must stand strong and ensure that doesn't happen to Valgros." Rewalt nods approvingly at their resolve. "Your determination is commendable. We face a formidable foe, but with your combined strength, we have a fighting chance." Asdri places a reassuring hand on his father's shoulder. "We won't let you down, Father. Together, we'll protect our kingdom and drive back this monstrous threat." Rewalt's eyes glisten with gratitude. "Then let us prepare. The battle for Valgros's future begins now." ----- As the sun sets over the ravaged city, the battlefield falls eerily silent. The once-proud human soldiers now lie scattered, either lifeless or kneeling in surrender. The monstrous horde stands victorious, their dominance undeniable. Varkas strides through the debris-laden streets. His piercing eyes scan the remnants of the human forces, noting the absence of their leaders. The generals have fallen, their resistance extinguished. Nyssara approaches, her chitinous limbs glistening under the fading light. Her multifaceted eyes reflect satisfaction. "The city is ours, General," she reports, her melodic hiss carrying a note of triumph. "The human generals are no more. Resistance has crumbled." Varkas nods, a predatory grin revealing sharp canines. "Well done, Nyssara. Our victory here sends a clear message to those who would oppose us." As the monstrous forces secure their victory, the battlefield quiets, save for the occasional groan of the wounded. Amidst the aftermath, a lone human soldier, his armor dented and face smeared with grime, approaches General Varkas and Commander Nyssara. His hands tremble slightly, and his eyes dart nervously. "Excuse me," he stammers, voice wavering. "I'm Dorel. I... I did what you asked. Where is my family?" Nyssara's multifaceted eyes gleam with recognition. "Ah, so you're the one who dismantled the barrier and opened the gates," she hisses, a hint of amusement in her tone. Varkas steps forward, his towering lycanthropic form casting a shadow over Dorel. "Rest assured, human," he rumbles, voice deep and resonant. "Your family, along with most civilians, are safe. Your actions have not gone unnoticed, and you shall be rewarded." At that moment, Sorin, a lithe figure with sharp features, approaches. "I can escort you to your family," she offers, her tone softer than the others. As Dorel walks alongside Sorin through the war-torn streets, the weight of his actions presses heavily upon him. The path is lined with detained human soldiers, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and simmering rage. Whispers ripple through their ranks, growing louder and more hostile.​ "That's him," one soldier mutters, eyes narrowing. "The traitor who sold us out." Another sneers, "Hope your thirty pieces of silver were worth it, Dorel." Dorel's steps falter, his face flushing with a mix of shame and frustration. He clenches his fists, trying to ignore the barbed words. A voice calls out, dripping with venom, "How does it feel to betray your own kind? To watch your comrades die because of you?" Stopping abruptly, Dorel turns to face them, his eyes blazing. "You think I wanted this?" he snaps, his voice shaking. "I did what I had to do to save my family. To save your families!"