Chapter 173: Battle in the Dwarven Kingdom Part 3

Chapter 173: Battle in the Dwarven Kingdom Part 3



Velara stood in the heart of the war chamber, the air humming with activity as her commanders relayed orders, and the sound of metal clashing filled the room. Yet, amidst the chaos, her mind was sharp, focused on what lay ahead. The Dwarven Kingdom had never been in such peril, and while she had always taken pride in leading her people, today was different. This was no ordinary battle. The Demon King Generals had come to destroy everything she held dear, and she would meet them with the full might of her battle-honed strength.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

As she walked toward a hidden alcove, a small group of dwarves followed, bringing forth a massive chest. Its dark iron exterior was engraved with intricate runes, glowing faintly as if the chest itself knew the power it held. Velara nodded, and with a heavy groan, the dwarves unlocked it, revealing her greatest armor and weapons, artifacts forged in the deepest fires of their ancient forges.

She reached for her armor first-Aetherium Plate, a gleaming suit made from a rare metal that absorbed and reflected magical energy. The black and silver design was flawless, every piece intricately interlocking, providing protection without sacrificing mobility. The armor didn't just guard her body; it harnessed the very magic that struck it, absorbing the power of spells and attacks to fuel her own strikes.

The breastplate bore the symbol of her house, a majestic hammer crossed with a sword, symbols of both war and craft. But the most striking feature of the Aetherium Plate was its enchantment. The Mirror Guard—a spell embedded within the metal-allowed the armor to deflect any magical assault back at its source. As she donned the armor, Velara felt the familiar surge of power course through her, the Aetherium Plate humming in tune with her own battle aura.

Next, Velara fastened her Thunder Gauntlets. These gauntlets were not merely for protection -they were weapons in their own right. Forged from the same metal as the armor, they allowed her to channel raw electricity. When activated, they crackled with energy, bolts of lightning dancing between her fingertips, ready to unleash devastating strikes. One punch from these gauntlets could level walls, shatter stone, or incinerate enemies in a flash of raw power. With a twist of her wrist, the gauntlets sprang to life, arcs of electricity jumping between her fingers, illuminating the chamber in a flash of blue light.

Strapping on her leg guards, known as the Wings of Khelbor, Velara felt lighter on her feet. These enchanted greaves granted her enhanced speed, allowing her to move swiftly across the battlefield, dodging attacks or closing gaps in the blink of an eye. The dwarves had long been known for their resilience, but with these, she could be as fast as she was strong, a perfect balance of agility and force. The wind seemed to respond to her movements, a silent ally that aided her every step.

Finally, Velara approached her weapon. Resting upon a stone pedestal was Stormbreaker, a colossal warhammer that dwarfed any ordinary weapon. Made from a metal found deep within the earth's core, Stormbreaker was heavier than any mortal could wield-except Velara. The warhammer was not only a symbol of her reign but a conduit for the elemental forces that flowed through the earth. The head of the hammer was engraved with runes of thunder and storm, glowing faintly with stored energy.

With a final glance toward Vincent, she stepped out into the courtyard, the roar of the army following her. As she crossed through the gates of the inner keep, the sound of thunder boomed in the distance. The Demon King Generals were nearing, their dark magic already seeping into the heart of the kingdom.

Velara paused, inhaling deeply as she took in the battlefield before her. The air was thick with the smell of burning stone and the metallic scent of blood. The outer defenses had been decimated, and the remaining dwarven forces were retreating into the narrow corridors of the kingdom, just as they had planned. It would be here, within the labyrinth of tunnels and fortified positions, that they would make their stand.

Velara called for her lieutenants, and they quickly gathered around her, awaiting her final orders. "We will split into three main forces. I will take the central defense, with our heaviest troops. Our goal is to hold them at the choke points. We can't let them reach the heart of the

kingdom."

The lieutenants nodded. "We'll take the eastern and western corridors," one of them said, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment.

"Good. Fight hard, and remember-if you fall back, fall back toward the tunnels. Keep them contained as long as possible," Velara said. "We make our stand here. For the kingdom. For

the people."

With that, the lieutenants dispersed, moving to rally their troops. Velara's heart pounded in her chest, the reality of the situation pressing in on her, but she pushed it aside. There was no

room for doubt.