Chapter 213: Defend This Place

Chapter 213: Defend This Place

The Unified Army, with the assistance of the Angels, bombarded the huge metal doors that sealed the entrance to the Underground City with spells.

Rythar rested his hand on his chin and watched from his shining golden throne in the sky. As the God of Might and, more importantly, righteousness, an outsider may have thought for him to interfere. After all, there had to be some innocent among Iras flock. It was unfortunate that righteousness wasnt justice. As long as Rythar believed his actions to be on the morally upright side he wouldnt see any contradictions in what he did. Thus, he ordered the slaughter of any of all who lived in the Underground City.

Though, it was hard to say if the Unified Army could actually carry those orders out. As soon as the heavy metal doors fell, the Dark Elves retaliated with spells of their own except they were aimed far above. Explosions erupted at the canyon and as a result, rocks began to tumble down and slam into the army of millions.

Screams and cries echoed into Rythars ears and his face showed an unpleasant expression. He flicked his hand and the rockslide stopped immediately, allowing the Unified Army to press forward.

Disappointing. Rythars approval of the mortals fell with their display of weakness. He looked to the Angels nearby and snapped his fingers. Harith.

Yes, Lord Rythar. The worshipping look on Hariths face showed that if he could properly bow mid-air he would without pause. Still, the slight falter of Hariths body didnt escape the eyes of a God.

Hm? Youre injured? Rythar raised an eyebrow curiously.

...Yes, my Lord. A Valkyrie, one close to the Avarus, possesses some type of divinity. I was unprepared and she managed to leave me with an injury but not before I also left her with one.

Oh? Is she down there now? Harith leaned forward with a lively expression.

No, she thoroughly exhausted herself during our fight. Even with divinity, she is still a mortal in the end.

I suppose youre correct. Rythar settled down and then beckoned for Harith to approach. The Angel did as instructed and thats when a ball of golden light flew into his chest, repairing some of his wound in an instant.

T-Thank you for your graciousness, my Lord, Harith spoke in a flustered manner but Rythar maintained a nonchalant expression.

Be happy her divinity is constrained by the Mortal Realm. If it wasnt for that fact youd be known as an Angel who succumbed to a wound caused by a Mortal. Rythar glanced to the Tartarus which was constantly spewing black mist. Its rapidly spinning segments gave a clear indication that it was working hard to keep Ira contained but that was to be expected given the nature of the Void.

Hurry on with this assault. I want to bring the Avarus back to the Divine Realm as soon as possible. Rythars voice turned grim.

Of course. Harith nodded and flew down to make sure that no errors were to occur.

Inside the Underground City, chaos erupted. Most homes were already evacuated so there was no worry of citizens dying, but a fight in an enclosed space was bad for both parties. Thankfully, the Valkyries formed a plan to have the defense spread out over a wide area to avoid confusion. There were several key areas around the Underground City that served as defensive fortifications. The Valkyries and the Dark Elf Army fought a tough battle as wave after wave of enemies attacked. They couldnt hold them all as there were millions, so some managed to slip deeper into the city.

And when they arrived, there was another line of defense waiting for them.

Hmph! Gerald grunted as he swung his mace. It smashed a human soldier apart, sending what was left of his body flying onto the side of a house.

Arent you supposed to be holding the barricade behind us? Aldis asked while resting his hands on the pommels of his swords.

No one makes it that far, Gerald responded curtly.

I understand, Aldis replied with a sigh.

The number of people who made it to the second line of defense numbered a few dozen at first. Since the fight was just beginning, the stragglers who made it through still werent enough to warrant a large battle.

Eyes up! Amy shouted.

Just as Aldis was thinking the fight was going unexpectedly slow, thousands of soldiers came marching. At their front was a famous swordsman by the name of Cyprian Aurell. Blood dripped from his sword indicating that he had taken his share of lives in order to get through.

Before the fight between the two groups could begin, Cyprian raised his hand and stopped the soldiers behind him.

Arent you Iras brother-in-law? Cyprian looked closely at Aldis.

He fit the descriptions of one of the close to Ira so there was no mistaking it. Randolph and Clark had given knowledge on what they knew of Ira to the Angels long ago. So it was reasonable for generals and important figures within the Unified Army to recognize Aldis.

Aldis slowly drew his two sword and cold air began to drift off the surface of his blades. Amy twirled her spear while green fire covered her metal arm, showing she was also prepared to fight. Gerald grunted and slammed his massive shield on the ground.

Others who stuck around to see if they could get the drop on Valeryn was discouraged from approaching any further and returned to the larger battle.

Ill admit...I underestimated you due to your age...Let me correct that now. Cyprian dusted off his white robes as his spiritual power stirred underneath him.

His words made Valeryns grin turn into a full smile, like a kid who was given treats.

Cyprian moved forward and their fight began once again.

Above the streets where the fight was taking place, Raveria watched over Valeryn. Technically, it was one of her doppelgangers but the information would be transmitted to her main body. And if things looked like they werent going in Valeryns favor, she would interfere immediately. But as it stood, she didnt want to interrupt her brothers fun.

Didnt you promise father you wouldnt try to fight? Raveria mumbled to herself before remembering Valeryns response to that question.

Trying is different than doing. His voice seemed to echo in her mind at that moment causing her to frown.

Too troublesome, Ryn. She muttered again. Glancing into the distance, she could see hundreds of soldiers floating into the air before being hit with lightning bolts. Their metal armor made it incredibly easy for Zephyr to stop their attacks and since Rhys stuck close to him, all she had to do was fire off some lightning and kill them while they were helpless to respond.

Haaa. The doppelganger of Raveria sighed as if she was bored but shifted her attention back to Valeryn.

Two women in black veils stood with Sylun. She had come to know their names as Zella and Juliana and they were important figures in her eyes. The Veiled Maidens had become two people Ira consulted a lot before the battle and it was clear they knew a lot more than they would ever say.

Do you know when the Keeper will return? Sylun asked as they walked toward the throne room. People were scrambling to adjust to the ongoing attack and she was no different as she was dressed in armor and prepared to join the battle.

We do, Zella answered. But that isnt something that we can say. Youd risk changing fate just by hearing it.

I understand. I dont plan on going against the Keepers will. Sylun nodded.

Ah! Zella suddenly exclaimed. I think its best if you stand still for a moment...She is quite upset.

What? Sylun inadvertently stopped to ask a question but she received the answer before she could even speak.

The doors to the palace went flying past her and it was clear that if she was a few steps ahead she wouldve been hit.

Who Sylun suddenly got choked up as she looked at the person standing at the entrance.

Avery was standing in the doorway with a bloodlust that seemed palpable.

Where. Are. My. Children? Her voice was laced with pure anger and her eyes were the epitome of unforgiving. Blood seeped through her grey robes because of her injury but she didnt seem to notice it at all.

Keepress, your wound! You should be resting. An attendant tried to rush to Averys side but fire began to rise from the floor preventing anyone from approaching.

Answer me. Avery seemed as if she would erupt at any second if an answer wasnt provided.

Luckily, Zella stepped forward with the knowledge required for a response. They are fighting among the Dark Elf Army. I cant see any danger befalling so there is no need to worry.

Take me to them.

But Keepress Sylun tried to convince Avery not to push herself but there was no way that could happen.

Now, Avery demanded.

...As you wish, Juliana replied.

She, along with Zella, began leading Avery toward where the children were fighting.

"We'll follow along and protect the Keepress!" Sylun ordered the guards around her before they moved to catch up.