Chapter 84 Fighting against the time

Jolthar turned to him, his expression steady but unyielding. "It's not about fighting them all. It's about delaying them long enough for you to escape. We don't have the luxury of arguing, Eran. Every second we waste, their numbers grow." The ground shook again, the sound of claws scraping against stone growing louder. More of the creatures were emerging, their pale forms glistening in the dim light. Their slit eyes locked onto the group, and their collective snarls filled the air with an overwhelming sense of malice. Daus who had been silent until now, took a step forward. "We'll follow your lead, Jolthar." Jolthar allowed himself a faint smirk, his hand tightening on his sword. Daus hesitated, but seeing the determination in Jolthar's eyes, he finally nodded. Turning to the others, he began organizing the retreat, ensuring the women were placed in the centre of their formation for maximum protection. Eran looked sceptical and didn't want to leave Jolthar behind; they had been leaning on him much more ever since they came to the valley. As the group began moving, Jolthar stepped forward, placing himself between them and the advancing horde. His drake, Maelruth, let out a low growl, its sharp eyes fixed on the creatures as if sensing its rider's intent. Belan and Lysandra didn't move. Eran also didn't leave the place along with his men. Only the warriors of the tribe started to move, taking the women with them. He looked at them and said, "I don't think we can survive this if we fight those gore creatures." Eran replied, "I don't care, Jolthar. But my lady wouldn't definitely kill me, knowing if he had left you behind and ran away." He looked at Belan, and she glared at him, "I don't know what you are trying to achieve by thinking of going against that army of deadly creatures. I already sent a signal to Blue Rose. We need to hold on until reinforcements come." Jolthar looked at them and thought for a second. Jolthar took a deep breath, his aura flaring faintly as he prepared himself for what was to come. His mind was clear, his resolve unshaken. Behind him, the sound of the retreating group of the tribal people grew fainter as they moved farther away. Ahead, the creatures continued to emerge, their numbers growing into a sea of pale, grotesque forms. He looked at the knights, who were standing with fear in their eyes, yet their determination to fight made them stand their ground. Jolthar turned to see the creatures and raised his sword, the blade humming softly with energy as it reflected the faint light. "Come on," he muttered under his breath, his voice low and steady. "Let's see what you've got." As the warriors began their retreat, Jolthar stayed behind, his sword glowing faintly as he channelled his aura. He knew they needed time, and he would buy it for them. With a determined shout, he swung his blade downward, the void's energy erupting from it in a concentrated arc. The air around the sword screamed as if alive, an invisible force slicing through the pit and striking the creatures and the ground itself. The valley quaked violently, cracks spidering across the rubble as the force of the attack threatened to bring the canyon down entirely. "Come on!" Jolthar shouted over his shoulder. The next second, he plunged forward along with Maelruth; both of their forms were a blur as they swiftly launched the assault. - Jolthar planted his sword into the ground, his chest heaving as he steadied his breath. He met Daurgien's gaze, his expression unwavering. "You talk too much," Jolthar said, his voice calm but laced with defiance. Daurgien chuckled, though there was no humour in it. "Bold words for someone who's about to die. But I'll admit, you've piqued my interest. A mid-level warrior who fights like a seasoned champion. Impressive... and annoying." The tension between the two was palpable, like the calm before a storm. Jolthar stepped forward, his grip tightening on his sword. His drake growled low, the sound vibrating through the ground. "Stay back," Jolthar said to the others without looking back. "This fight is mine." Daurgien watched how Jolthar had been singlehandedly taking care of the creatures and how his power exceeded that of anyone present here. He understood one fact, and it was Jolthar's sword power; it was completely different and lethal too. So he decided to put an end to him first, then take care of everyone later. Eran started to protest, but Belan placed a hand on his shoulder, shaking her head. "Let him handle this. We're no match for Daurgien in our current state." Daurgien smirked and spread his arms wide, his dark aura intensifying. "Very well, boy. Show me what you're capable of." Without warning, Jolthar charged. His movements were a blur, his sword slicing through the air with precision. Daurgien met his strike head-on, their blades clashing in a shower of sparks. The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the ground, causing the warriors behind Jolthar to stumble. The duel was ferocious. Jolthar's strikes were swift and calculated, his void-infused attacks leaving trails of shimmering energy in their wake. Daurgien countered with equal ferocity, his strikes heavy and deliberate, each one carrying an unnatural weight. "You're strong," Daurgien admitted, parrying a particularly vicious strike. "But strength alone won't save you." He thrust his hand forward, unleashing a wave of dark energy Jolthar narrowly avoided by leaping into the air. Spinning midair, Jolthar brought his sword down in a powerful arc, the blade glowing with void energy. Daurgien raised his hand just in time, the clash creating a loud explosion that sent both combatants skidding backwards. RUMBLE! The ground trembled beneath them as they squared off again. Read exclusive content at empire Jolthar's expression was stoic, but beads of sweat lined his brow. Daurgien, in contrast, looked almost amused, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of frustration. "You're persistent," Daurgien said. "But persistence won't change your fate. You're outmatched." Jolthar didn't respond. He shifted his stance, his aura flaring as he prepared for another assault. The others watched in silence, their hearts pounding as the battle unfolded. The duel wasn't just a clash of swords but a clash of wills.