Chapter 285 Assault on Hell’s Gate - 03
The explosion ripped through the air with a deafening roar, scattering fragments of Homer's demonic form across the desolate landscape. Fiery tendrils of demonic magic attempted to pull the torn pieces back together, a grotesque dance of mending flesh and sinew.
However, Daniel, realizing the tenacity of demonic regeneration, acted swiftly. With a calculated throw, he hurled a holy flame grenade onto the scattered remains of Homer. The grenade burst into a radiant blaze, its sacred flames consuming the demonic essence and incinerating every piece of flesh that tried to reform.
The unholy shrieks of agony echoed as the demonic magic struggled against the purifying fire. Yet, the relentless holy flames devoured the remnants, leaving behind only ashes in the wake of destruction. Homer's attempt at regeneration was thwarted, and was reduced to nothing more than dispersed ashes on the wind.
The air carried the acrid scent of burning demonic residue, and a solemn silence settled over the scene. Erina, witnessing the decisive act, felt a mixture of relief and somber reflection, she never thought that her former work colleague would end up like that and she never thought that she would have to fight with him like this.
"Alright, Boss, I believe we should head quickly to the forward base," Erina stated, addressing Daniel. The medic team from the VTOL approached to assess her injuries and escort her to the infirmary onboard. noVe-lb.In
Daniel simply nodded in agreement and proceeded to follow the medic team towards the waiting VTOL.
— Meanwhile - Forward base —
At the forward base, a semblance of order had been reestablished. The once chaotic landing zone had transformed into a strategic hub, bustling with activity. Soldiers moved with purpose, fortifying defenses and setting up makeshift structures. The air, previously thick with the stench of demonic presence, now carried a sense of cautious optimism.
Medical tents were set up to tend to the wounded, their white canvases standing in stark contrast to the charred remnants of demonic incursion. Technicians scurried around, repairing damaged equipment and conducting assessments on salvaged demon remains.
Command tents, marked by the fluttering flags of the Astral Tech, stood as the nerve center of operations. Maps and plans were spread out across tables, and officers engaged in discussions, strategizing for the next phase of the operation.
The VTOLs, having completed their missions, were neatly parked in a designated area, their engines humming with an air of readiness. Supplies were being efficiently unloaded, and maintenance crews ensured the aircraft were in optimal condition for future deployments.
Penthesilea sat in the command tent amidst a myriad of reports from the various detachments she had sent out for rescue missions, perimeter scouting, and the establishment of a second base near the island bridge—an additional forward base to secure survivors and refugees who couldn't escape the demonic incursion in time.
One report from a scouting party brightened her day: news that her lord was en route, just a few districts away, expected to arrive within twenty minutes.
Suddenly, shouts erupted from the direction of the base defense perimeters, accompanied by a cacophony of gunfire, screams, and explosions.
"Report! We're under attack! The demonic horde is advancing! Numerous high-ranking demons spotted! Over!" The urgent radio report echoed from the defensive perimeters of the forward base.
Amidst the chaos, the downed VTOL lay battered and broken in the midst of the demonic horde. The surviving pilot, fighting desperately against the encroaching demons, knew his fate was sealed.
In a final act of defiance, he activated the VTOL's reactor overload sequence, setting in motion a catastrophic chain of events.
As the demons closed in, their attention drawn to the vulnerable pilot, he met his end at the hands of the ravenous horde. However, even in death, the pilot's sacrifice became a weapon against the demonic forces. The overloaded reactor surged with energy, transforming the VTOL into a makeshift explosive.
Boooooom!
The pilot's sacrifice, though tragic, became a fleeting triumph as the explosion created a brief opening for the defenders. It was a desperate and costly maneuver, but it bought precious moments for the beleaguered defenders to regroup and fortify their positions against the relentless demonic onslaught.
As the resounding explosion echoed through the bloodied battlefield, sending shockwaves across the torn landscape. Another VTOL arrived, this time carrying Christopher Ward, the Grand Paladin, and Penthesilea.
"Hahahaha! There are a lot of demons! Today, each of us will bask in the glory!" Christopher laughed maniacally as he plunged his blessed blade into the nearest demon's heart upon landing, swiftly beheading nearby demons in a relentless onslaught.
Christopher fearlessly led his paladins into the heart of the demon horde, and his subordinates followed suit. Whether armed with guns, spears, longswords, or halberds, their weapons glowed with the blessed light of the gods, becoming highly effective tools for dispatching the demons.
Penthesilea observed the remaining wreckage of the VTOL and let out a sigh. She lamented not being fast enough to save the pilot. However, her attention then shifted to Lucian. His demonized form, with red demonic eyes fixed on the VTOL she was in.
With a fiery determination, Penthesilea grasped her trusty spear and unleashed it towards Lucian from the VTOL. The spear cut through the air with remarkable speed, its blade and pointed tip aglow in a vibrant blue, fueled by the potent surge of mana that Penthesilea channeled into the throw.
Lucian, sporting a confident smirk, attempted to thwart the incoming projectile with his telekinesis.
Booom!!
In a surprising turn of events, the empowered spear effortlessly shredded through Lucian's telekinetic defenses, as if cutting through fragile paper.
"What!? Impossible!" Lucian bellowed in disbelief.
Faced with the unexpected failure of his telekinetic shield, Lucian desperately tried to evade, but the spear abruptly altered its course, meticulously tracking his movements.
"No!!"
Pierced!!
The spear found its mark, driving through Lucian's demonic heart with unyielding force. Its relentless momentum dragged Lucian's body towards a nearby building ruin, where it forcefully impaled him. The scene unfolded as a striking manifestation of poetic justice.