It was quite anti-climatic.
The large explosion only gave birth by tiny flames the size of rain-drops.
Black flames rained from the skies as shouts continued to echo throughout the battlefield. Grouped up and unable to escape backwards, the creatures that lived on the World Tree began to panic as they tried to get away. Those that were out of reach stood and watched as the tiny flames drifted down from the skies. Looks of contempt flashed across their faces as they too doubted the power of those tiny flames.
If only they knew...
"DEFENCE LINE PREPARE!" the ancient snail shouted as she directed the sturdiest looking snails that she could find toward the frontlines.
"PREPARE!" the leaders that stood around her shouted as well as more defensive creatures emerged. Plated and armoured these creatures knocked up the dirt beneath them as they walked forth. The anger and determination in their eyes were clear.
"SPEAR TEAM READY!" she shouted once more as the spiked and blade-shelled snails entered the fray from behind them. Ready, they slid behind the line of defensives snails and prepared as well.
As the creatures of the meadow prepared, snowflakes of black flames continued to drift down from the sky.
I watched the first of many, touch the shoulder of a large hound.
The tiny thing, barely the size of my tiny shell latched on to its fur and burned. The beast barely glanced at it and seemed to laugh as it tried to smother the flame with its paw.
"AAAARRROOOO!" It screamed out loud as it did. The flame had not been put out. No, it had grown bigger and spread towards the beast's paw as it continued to burn.
Similar scenes began to escalate through their groups as the tiny flames continued to drop from the skies. Shouts of pain and fear dispersed through the crowds as more and more bodies touched the dark flames and ignited.
Those that were asunder tried to pat away the flames, but couldn't. Like the flames fed off of something else other than their flesh, those that were hit by the flames soon weakened and their legs buckled. Their struggles were plastered over their faces as they fell and shook. Muscles tightened and twitched all over their bodies, but no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get up anymore. The fires roared as the flames on their body grew at their expense.
Mass hysteria began to spread at the edges of the World Tree's contingent as hundreds of creatures died to the flames.
Panic. Giant beasts began to panic as they saw their family members begin to burn right next to them. As if that wasn't enough, the flames spread like a wildfire over dried grass.
Those that weren't affect jumped over each other in a selfish attempt to get away. The collateral damage was evident. Claws splayed, as those that could climb over each other did - clawing and pushing their allies into the floor.
Those that were "smart" ran towards the sides and away from the centre of the crowd. Charging at full force their intention to burst through their encirclement was clear. "WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING? ATTACK THOSE COWARDS!" they shouted as they sprinted outwards. Not completely stupid, they knew that the only way to escape as to break out.
They charged, but the creatures of the meadows were prepared.
"HOLD!" my great-grandmother yelled as her eyes continued to glow brightly as their snake-like slits grew larger.
Boom.
Both parties collided as the meadow's defensive team was pushed backward by the immense power and weight.
"KNOCK THEM BACK!"
Sliding to a halt, the defensive team bound backwards before they held stead once more. Evenly matched, the defensive team held strong against the push of their assailants.
"I SAID KNOCK THEM BACK!" my ancestor yelled, but the other creature of the World Tree didn't give her enough time as they jumped upwards. Their intention was breaking out for themselves... not saving their allies.
Reacting immediately, the ancient snail change plans. "SPEAR TEAM PEIRCE THESE BASTARDS. HOLD THE LINE SHOVE THEM BACK INTO THEIR FIERY HELL!" she shouted as those with sharp bodies either lined up behind the defence team or climbed atop them as they jabbed their sharp appendages at the crowds in front of them.
Limbs fell to the floor as those of the meadow tried to use brute force to break through the defensive walls that were placed before them.
Although both sides suffered losses very quickly, the victors from this clash were clear.
Howling those of the World tree jumped back as they retreated backwards.
"ATTACK THEM WITH RANGED ATTACKS! WHY ARE YOU ALL JUST STANDING THERE? ATTACK THOSE OF THE MEADOW WITH YOUR SPELLS AND LONG RANGED SKILLS! NOW!"
But their shouts were only drowned out by the screams behind them. The fires were glowing... surprisingly darker as the flames had turned pitched black. Spreading now, the flames crossed all the fallen and dead bodies as they continued to burn inwards.
The combatants from the World Tree were not only surrounded but were fenced in by a wall of flames.
I was raised back into the air.
Time seemed to speed up as the two suns in the sky travelled across it. Day turned to night and night back into day. The fires of war continued to burn as the creatures of both sides continued to fight.
Tiny squirming dots continued to move as I watched the encirclement continued to collapse inward.
On the fourth day... the winner was clear.
And just like that, I was then instantly pulled away from the scene as the world faded to black once more.
"Child. Tactics, tactics are important in large-scale battles. Initiative is key in these battles. Morale is also key. A strong army in hysteria is as weak as a rotten leaf in a storm. No matter how hard they tried, we kept stacking our advantages. Learn from my battles child. This is my memory. This is what I'm giving to you, Child. This is your lineage, what us snails of our species will always thrive from. Embrace your history and your lineage. Use your mind to the utmost capabilities. Foster your strategies, look for weaknesses in their psyche."
She paused and I heard one of her distinct sighs.
"Child, as your ancestor, I give you my blessing. May your lineage prosper. I just hope that your path doesn't coincide with your mother's..."
Soon the metallic boom of the Reward System chimed within my head.
[Skill acquired: Ancient Snail's Ancestral Blessing LV. 1] (Unique) (Passive) (Upgradable)
+ User's ancestor has blessed you with her knowledge and lineage unlocking hidden potentials.
+ 200% intelligence multiplier acquired
+ 200% wisdom multiplier acquired
+ 200% intuition multiplier acquired
[Role: Tactician] (Discovered) (Locked)
Error... Please increase level to unlock [Roles]...
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