Chapter 177: Stubborn Fool

Chapter 177: Stubborn Fool



Velara stood firm, gripping Stormbreaker, her gaze locked onto Thalor and Garruk. The battlefield around her was in ruins, with debris and the aftermath of dark magic scattered across the dwarven defenses. The air was thick with tension, and she knew she couldn't take them both down alone-not without help.

Above her, the low hum of the AC-130 could barely be heard over the chaos below. It was circling at high altitude, preparing to engage. Vincent's reinforcements were finally making their presence known, and the support from above would give her the edge she needed. Thalor moved quickly, his twin blades flashing in the dim light. He was fast-too fast for most to track-but Velara wasn't most. As he darted toward her, aiming for a strike to her side, she swung Stormbreaker with precision. The crackling energy of her warhammer collided with Thalor's blades, sending sparks flying as the assassin was forced back, barely managing to keep his balance.

Garruk, on the other hand, came at her like a battering ram. The massive Demon King General lifted his heavy axe, ready to strike with raw power. Velara braced herself, raising Stormbreaker to block. The impact was brutal, shaking the ground beneath them as their weapons collided. Her gauntlets flared with energy as she absorbed the force of the blow, but Garruk's strength was immense.

"Spooky-1, this is Alpha Actual," the voice crackled in Velara's ear, the communication relayed through the device Vincent had given her earlier. "We're locked on to the big one. Engaging in three, two, one..."

A second later, the sound of heavy artillery tore through the air. The AC-130's 105mm cannon fired a massive shell, the ground shaking as it struck near Garruk. The impact was immediate - an explosion of dirt and stone sent the hulking demon stumbling backward, momentarily disoriented.

Velara took advantage of the opening. She lunged forward, swinging Stormbreaker with all her might. The warhammer connected with Garruk's chest, sending a powerful shockwave through his body. He staggered, his axe slipping from his grasp as the electricity surged through his armor. For a moment, it seemed like the giant demon might fall.

But Garruk wasn't defeated yet. With a roar, he regained his balance, his red eyes burning with fury. His armor was scorched from the blast, but his rage made him more dangerous. He grabbed his axe again and charged, but before he could close the distance, another barrage from the AC-130 struck the ground in front of him.

A second 105mm shell hit the ground, even closer this time, sending Garruk tumbling backward. The explosion was devastating, throwing the massive warrior off balance and injuring his legs. Velara didn't waste any time. She advanced on him, her gauntlets crackling with energy as she prepared to deliver a decisive strike.

Meanwhile, Thalor had slipped back into the shadows. His form flickered in and out of sight, trying to find an opening while Velara was focused on Garruk. But the AC-130's crew had already spotted him. The gunship's 25mm GAU-12/U cannon fired a burst of high-explosive rounds, forcing Thalor to retreat as the shells struck the ground near his position. He barely avoided the shrapnel, his agility saving him from a direct hit.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Velara, expecting his speed, pivoted just in time, deflecting his blades with her gauntlets. The impact sent a shockwave of electricity through the assassin, forcing him to stagger back, but he recovered quickly. His movements were frantic, his pride fueling his attacks, but his body was showing signs of strain.

With a burst of agility, Thalor aimed for Velara's neck, his blades slicing through the air.

But Velara was quicker. She raised Stormbreaker, blocking the attack, and in one swift motion, swung the warhammer with enough force to send him crashing into a nearby wall. The impact reverberated through the battlefield, and Thalor's form flickered weakly as he struggled to stand.

Garruk, watching from a distance, growled in frustration. "You're going to get us both killed!" he barked, but Thalor ignored him, still trying to force himself up despite his injuries.

Above, the AC-130 crew recalibrated their sights, readying for one final shot. "Spooky-1 to Alpha Actual, target's weakened. Preparing for final engagement."

"Do it," Vincent's voice commanded over the radio.

The next sound was deafening as the 105mm howitzer fired once more, the shell exploding

just meters from Thalor. The force of the blast was too much even for the nimble assassin to avoid this time. His body was flung through the air, crashing to the ground in a smoldering heap, his twin blades clattering uselessly beside him.

Thalor's flickering form twitched, but he couldn't rise this time. His shadowy body was fading, the magic that sustained him failing under the relentless assault. He looked up at Velara, defiance still burning in his eyes, but it was clear that the fight was over. Thalor spat blood, his breathing ragged, but his pride wouldn't let him admit defeat. "You... will never win..." he growled, but his words lacked the strength they once had. Before Velara could deliver the final blow, Garruk, still injured but capable of movement,

stepped in. His massive form loomed over Thalor, glaring down at the defeated assassin. "Enough," Garruk said, his voice filled with anger, but also resignation. "You've proven your point, but we retreat now. You'll die for nothing if you continue."