Chapter 868 War Drums of the Underworld: Orcus's Wrath Unleashed

Chapter 868 War Drums of the Underworld: Orcus's Wrath Unleashed

[WARNING! Filler Chapter!]

Ragnar, Sumeri, Nikolai, and Hubrion

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From the myriad of failures etched into the fabric of his countless schemes, Orcus had gleaned little value from the incessant chatter of the living.

Even his fellow demons couldn't anticipate more than imminent demise when going against Orcus, regardless of their noble intentions.

Social interaction was a begrudging necessity for the old demon, reserved only for dire circumstances.

The exertion required to communicate with the living was a draining ordeal, an irritating inconvenience that left Orcus yearning for solitude.

Those who dared engage him in conversation knew to keep their words succinct and to the point, for Orcus had scant patience for idle banter.

Hubrion, understanding this well, kept his discourse brief.

Yet, in the Netherworld's swirling whispers, it was common knowledge that patience was not among Hubrion's many strong points.

Even Orcus's minions, bereft of any semblance of intelligence by his hand, served as silent witnesses to his disdain for conversation.

When communication with the living necessitated the use of intermediaries, Orcus favored necromancers and cultists, who could be relied upon to unquestioningly carry out his commands, no matter how perilous.

Among his demonic brethren, Orcus's presence elicited disdain and animosity. Only those drawn to self-destruction found any allure in his nihilistic cause.

Rivalries simmered within the infernal hierarchy, none more legendary than the ceaseless feud between Orcus, and his arcane counterpart.

However, despite his formidable power, Orcus had yet to emerge victorious against his rival, leaving the twin-headed demon as one of Orcus's most formidable adversaries.

"And I thought you were going to attempt diplomacy first!" Sumeri exclaimed, frustration lacing her words.

"Peaceful resolutions are no longer an option. It's time to fight," Hubrion declared, the glint of battle fervor shining in his eyes as he hefted his war axe, smoke billowing from his flared nostrils.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're relishing the fact that it's come to this," Sumeri muttered under her breath.

Hubrion only laughed and with a powerful stomp of his hoof, Hubrion sent shockwaves rippling through the earth, causing the skeletons in the distance to crumble to dust.

Yet, despite the display of force, the Death Knight and Deathswarms remained unscathed, their sinister intentions undeterred as they closed in on Ragnar and the others.

Caught in the midst of the chaos, the players who had merely been present for quests and missions found themselves thrust into the fray, their survival now dependent on their ability to fend off the relentless skeletons.

Friend or foe became indistinguishable as the horde of undead creatures attacked indiscriminately, leaving no living being safe in their path.

"Alert the guilds! We have a boss on our hands!" one player shouted, their voice cutting through the chaos.

"Quick, notify the others!" another cried out urgently.

"A boss has been spotted! Spread the word!" echoed another voice, frantic with the urgency of the situation.

"Everyone, be cautious," Hubrion began, his tone solemn as he addressed the group. "Orcus is no stranger to battle, though he no longer revels in it as he once did."

He paused, casting a thoughtful gaze over Ragnar and the others before continuing. "In the past, Orcus took pleasure in engaging the living in combat. However, after enduring countless defeats and setbacks, the old demon's appetite for firsthand slaughter has waned.

"In battle, Orcus sits upon his Lich Throne, directing hordes of undead minions and formidable champions to do his bidding," Hubrion explained, his voice tinged with a hint of grim reverence for their adversary. "Driven by his unwavering nihilism, Orcus seeks only one outcome: the complete annihilation of the living. For him, victory means ushering the universe one step closer to the sweet embrace of death."

Ragnar was visibly incredulous at the impromptu lesson on demonic warfare, and interrupted with a sarcastic tone.

"Are you seriously lecturing us about that demon's background, right now?"

Ragnar swung his axe in a wide arc, cleaving through a group of Deathswarms with a single powerful blow.