Chapter 132 The Count's fury

132 The Count's fury

"What did you do to my son!?"

The Count's voice boomed across the square as he launched himself at Alex in an enraged fury. His dark blade swung with deadly intent, slicing through the air towards Alex's head. Alex barely managed to parry, his fiery sword meeting Desmond's with a shower of sparks.

The impact jarred Alex's arm, but he pushed back with all his strength. The two men locked eyes, hatred blazing in both. Desmond's face twisted in fury, and he forced Alex back a step. "You'll pay for that!" the Count snarled, his voice dripping with venom. Alex swung his sword in a wide arc, flames licking at Desmond's armour. The Count dodged, his movements quick and precise. He retaliated with a series of rapid strikes, each one aimed to maim or kill. Alex blocked and countered, his fiery sword leaving trails of burning air.

Desmond's attacks were relentless. He was stronger than Alex had anticipated, and each blow carried the weight of his rage and sorrow. Alex could feel the heat of his own flames intensifying, the power of his Phoenix Fury technique driving him forward.

"You think you can stop me?" Desmond roared, his blade crackling with dark energy. "I've faced worse than you!"

Their swords clashed again, the force of the impact sending shockwaves through the square. Onlookers, too slow to flee, were thrown back by the sheer power of the clash. Buildings trembled, windows shattered, and debris rained down around them.

Alex grit his teeth, focusing on the fight. He couldn't afford to be distracted, not with so much at stake. He pushed Desmond back, his flaming sword a blur of motion. Each strike was aimed with lethal intent, but the Count's defences were formidable.

"You won't win," Alex growled, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. "You're out of time."

Desmond laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "You think you've won? You're a fool!"

The Count unleashed a wave of dark energy, the force of it slamming into Alex and knocking him back. Alex rolled with the impact, coming to his feet just in time to deflect another strike. Desmond was on him in an instant, his attacks fierce and unrelenting.

They traded blows, each one more brutal than the last. Alex could feel the strain of the fight, his muscles burning with effort. But he couldn't afford to slow down. He had to keep pushing, had to find a way to end this.

Desmond's eyes gleamed with malice. "You think you're a hero? You're nothing!"

Alex ignored the taunt, focusing on the rhythm of the fight. He ducked under a sweeping strike, retaliating with a powerful upward slash that seared the Count's arm. Desmond hissed in pain but didn't falter. He countered with a vicious thrust, aiming for Alex's heart.

Alex twisted, the blade grazing his side. Pain flared, but he pushed through it, his own sword slashing across Desmond's chest. Blood sprayed, and the Count stumbled back, his face contorted in rage and pain.

"You'll pay for that!" Desmond bellowed, his voice echoing through the square.

'Damn that bitch Martha, if it weren't for her, my power wouldn't have been so weak!'

What Alex didn't realise was that the Count's combat power actually exceeded his estimations.

He turned and sprinted towards the edge of the square, his mind racing. The Count's men had scattered, their morale shattered by the death of their leader. Alex moved through the chaos, searching for any stragglers who might pose a threat.

The townspeople were still fleeing, their faces filled with fear and uncertainty. Alex's voice rang out above the din, urging them to keep moving. He could see the relief in their eyes, but also the lingering fear.

"Keep going!" he shouted. "You're almost safe!"

The townspeople quickened their pace, their fear driving them forward. Alex watched as they disappeared into the distance, a sense of grim satisfaction settling over him. He had done what he could to protect them.

He turned back towards the square, his eyes scanning the area for any remaining threats. The Count's men were gone, their spirits broken. Alex felt a surge of relief, but also a lingering sense of unease.

The fight with Desmond had been close, too close. Alex knew he couldn't afford to let his guard down. There were still many enemies out there, many challenges to face. But he was ready for whatever came next.

He sheathed his sword, the flames extinguishing. His body was exhausted, but his mind was sharp. He knew there was no time to rest, no time to celebrate.

"Hahahahha!"

But when Alex turned back towards the town square, his eyes widened in shock and horror.

"Did you think you could kill me so easily?"

Count Desmond let out a deadly laugh as he stood amidst the square, uninjured.

"Haha, it looks like you're the one out of time now, Alex!"

As he spoke, Desmond clicked his fingers together, and immediately after a booming sound echoed throughout every alley, street and house in Monty town, and a dome shaped barrier encompassed the entirety of the town.

Alex looked desperately towards the edge of the barrier, and watched in distraught and desperation as the remaining 13,000 people who hadn't made it out yet screamed and cried out in agony and dissolved into puddles of blood one after the other.

These puddles of people all flowed towards the centre of the town, where Count Desmond was standing with his mouth still agape in sinister laughter.

A few seconds passed and the suffering of the thousands of Monty town citizens was over.

Each and every person who remained in this town was turned into a puddle of blood and sucked into the centre.