Chapter 180: Hunting Once More

Chapter 180: Hunting Once More

I looked up at the towering gate in front of me. Well, it would soon become a gate, right now it was this towering arch that stood almost a hundred meters tall on top of a mountain peak in the Ironhammer Mountain Range.

I could see ancient power coursing through the strange white stone. The magic I detected from it was unique, I have never seen anything similar. It was old and powerful, but what else would you expect from a structure called a World Gate?

Everything is ready, my king. the Queen of the Vanguard Hive said from my right.

I turned over and scanned her insectoid body. Compared to the other queens, she was far more combat-oriented in design. Vanguard Broods were designed to punch deep into enemy territory and wreak havoc. So, the more vulnerable designs that favoured rapid growth were less suitable. Vanguard Broods were designed to be lean and quick, able to strike quickly and retreat into the woodwork.

As Malagaros puts it, a Vanguard Brood is a brood with lightning in its veins. Strike hard, strike fast and leave nothing behind. Ne/w novel chapters are published at novelhall.com

Adhaya, ready your brood. It shouldnt take long, considering its number. But dont worry, well expand the number soon enough. I said with a grin, and she returned my smile with savage grin.

I could sense her mind, she was as savage as I wanted her to be. She was only slightly less intelligent than Nafas and Legiana which was a significant step up from the common queens. Given her strategic role, a high level of intelligence is of utmost importance.

I probed her mind, and she was one of the few sharp enough to feel it. Most of the other hive creatures would not be able to detect my probing unless I let them know. Adhaya on the other hand gracefully bowed and allowed entrance. I scanned her thoughts and I saw what I wanted to see.

Hunger

Good, this was precisely what we will need once we enter the Searing Hells.

Everyone ready? Mahaila asked as she laid a hand on the World Gate.

Ready. I said with a grin as I instinctively bared my teeth and flexed my claws.

At long last, no more hiding in caves and tinkering. For at least a little while, I can do what I was made for hunt

I scanned the surroundings and saw Serchax lazily lounging on a nearby rock. Rosa was fidgeting slightly in her new armour. It wasnt the frilly dresses she usually wore. This one was far more practical.

Lastly, Mahaila was still fiddling with the gate, and I could hear her muttering to herself.

Sure Mahaila, this is a great idea just use this old unmaintained gate to jump dimensions.

What could possibly go wrong?

Its not like no one had ever experienced a failed gate jump or anything.

Its not like the Old Gods have mentioned a world between worlds filled with cosmic horrors.

Noooo, itll be fine

Fucking crazy idiot

I smirked as I heard her mumble as she fumbled with the runes. She was expertly manipulating the runes, so I knew this was nothing more than her usual personal grumbling.

If we die, I blame you. I said to Mahaila, and she paused as she turned to glare at me. I let out a laugh, and she sighed as she went back to the gate.

She fiddled with it a few minutes longer, and then I sensed a powerful surge of power. Somehow, I could feel the power dissipating rapidly across the short distance. I glanced up at the sky as a final check that no angels were watching, and then I saw the runes on the World Gate come to life as they gave off an almost kaleidoscopic glow. Each rune was a different shade, and the shades were changing with every passing moment.

I wonder where the real demons are

,`....`,

Alastor stood next to Tobias as they watched the carnage unfold.

Impressive. Tobias commented as he examined the carnage before the two of them through his matted wool like hair. He was squatting on his bipedal cloven legs, as he watched calmly. His deathly pale skin streaked with black veins on full display as squatted shirtless at the edge of a cliff.

I told you old friend, the Great Beast chooses wisely. Alastor replied with a low chuckle.

Or he makes them wisely at least. Tobias grunted as he nodded in the direction of Rosa Maledicta.

The power Maldeicta now wields is way beyond anything she could hope to achieve alone. Tobias added as they both watched Rosa Maledicta practically delete another few dozen demons in a flash of magic.

The Great Beast is willing to share his power, we would be fools not to take advantage. Alastor said with a wide smile.

And we would be fools not to see this power isnt free. The Firstborn does not partake in charity, a demon like you should know that all too well. Tobias said as he turned to stare at Alastor.

Of course, everything has a price. But if it is servitude then we are in good company no? Alastor replied, and Tobias just snorted in response.

We would be lucky if that is all it costs. The Firstborn will only take what you are least willing to part with. Tobias growled.

I thought that was a demon thing? Alastor asked sarcastically, and Tobias just slowly turned to stare at him.

And demons come from where exactly? Tobias asked coldly.

Exactly, we are Heirs of the Firstborn. Their power flows through our veins. Alastor said with a grin.

Stolen power, won by chance. But what would be the price of gifted power? Tobias asked as he stood up and dusted his worn trousers off.

Caution and meekness was always your weakness Tobias Giles. Alastor replied as he turned to face the battle below.

The Firstborn do not have such drawbacks. Alastor said, on cue, a pillar of flame appeared and out stepped a greater Wrath Demon. Towering five meters tall, with crimson red skin and powerful rippling muscles. From its head sprouted a pair of twin wicked horns that glowed with infernal heat. It wore nothing but a ragged loincloth and its hand held a large flaming seratted sword.

Alastors smile widened as he watched the demon let out a challenging roar. Mahaila shifted her stance and Rosa prepared a spell. Serchax did a twirl mid-air as she channelled another spell while Azatharine circled for another strafe on the demon. Adhaya wisely pulled back to rally with Mahaila. She was smart enough not to squander her limited number of forces.

But before any of them could launch an an attack there was a gold blur and the Greater Demon was tackled to the ground by the Great Beast. The Great Beast opened its maw and tried to bite down the demons neck. The demon to its credit managed to roll away, but for its efforts, it received a tail slam from the Great Beast with enough force to let out a thundering crack and a small shockwave.

The Greater Demon fell face-first into dirt, scrabbling to get back up but it was too late. The Great Beast pounced on it, burying its claws into its back as it breathed a mouthful of crackling gold fire onto the demon. The Greater Demon let out a howl of pain as the flames flayed the flesh from its bones.

Alastor knew it was over, the Greater Demon would be dead soon even if the Great Beast got up and left. Even from here, Alastor could see its exposed and charred spine. Such astounding power, flames that could flay away demon flesh.

The Greater Demon twitched as the Great Beast bit down onto its exposed spine and ripped it free tossing the white bone far into the distance.

Then the Great Beast raised its head and let out a booming laugh of almost pure joy. Even though Alastor was far away, he felt a thrill of unease run up his spine. He glanced at Tobias and saw a similar unease on his face.

What Tobias said next was enough to even give Alastor pause and cause a flicker of doubt to enter his mind.

The Firstborn hunts again