Clop Clop Clop Clop
Hurried footsteps echoed in the dark hallways, rocks rolling around as they were kicked and disturbed. The eerie and tranquil silence is no more, only panting breaths and panicked voices to be heard.
Two figures wore pale expressions on their faces as they rushed out of the dimly lit cavern, inching closer and closer to the entrance. Faces of urgency and worries were unveiled as the magic light's gentle rays graced their figures.
『Everyone, how's the situation over there?』 ［Grey］
『Nothing out of the ordinary has happened so far, Master.』 ［Sirius］
『Good! Because we'll need your help right now!』 ［Grey］
There was no need to explain the situation any longer. As soon as they felt the sense of urgency in Grey's voice, the familiars quickly pieced the situation together, raising their guards and alertness in the same moment, a fierce and serious glow glimmering in their eyes.
『But Grey, how about the port and the sea? We still can't leave them unmanned. Beasts could still appear any moment.』 ［Yuna］
『Don't worry, Mistress, you can leave it to us!』 ［Vega］
『Y-Yes! We'll do our best!』 ［Capella］
There was a slight problem with who would be guarding the fishermen and sailors, but with Vega and Capella volunteering, it was quickly resolved. Their numbers might have dwindled down to two, but they were still not ones to be messed with.
『Thank you. We'll be leaving it to you then.』 ［Yuna］
『Yes! Rest assured, Master, Mistress!』 ［Vega］
The problems were quickly erased, and though they hadn't heard the others' voices, they could feel that they were raring to go, only waiting to be summoned. Now, there's only one thing left to deal with.
A couple seconds later and the end of the cavern was in sight. The sun's gentle rays colored the viridescent forest with life and peace, beauty and wonders everywhere to be seen, a refreshing wind blowing ever so softly.
"Now! Everyone!" ［Grey］
But there was no time to admire such beautiful scenery. As soon as they were out of the cavern and into the open, Grey and Yuna quickly summoned the familiars. Their shadows trembled once again as four magnificent figures appeared out of thin air.
Scales of platinum, prettier than any gem, eyes like jewels glimmering with fierce and domineering light, and two pairs of wings encompassing the widest of spaces. These four High Dragons didn't fail to show their majesty, exuding a domineering presence.
"The enemy is due southwest! Go first, we'll follow you later!" ［Grey］
"Understood!" ［Sirius］
A single word echoed in the air. What followed after were the howling of the winds and the trembling of the earth. The moment Sirius! voices echoed, they had already flapped their wings, soaring high and swiftly like bullets fired.
Sonic booms echoed throughout the sky as four figures bolted throughout the sky's vast blueness, parting the slow-drifting clouds and streaking like shooting stars. Sirius was especially speedy, darting like a raging lightning bolt.
"Huff... Huff... Lord Grey... Lady Yuna... Wha... What's happening..." ［Manelo］
Soon after Grey and Yuna sent off the familiars, another two figures exited the cavern. They were none other than the Great Chief and Marika who are now gasping for their breaths, obviously exhausted after chasing after the two.
They haven't grasped the situation yet after Grey and Yuna suddenly started dashing out of nowhere. But hearing what Grey said from before, they couldn't help but be worried, faces full of concern and anxiety.
"Is... Is it true..? Has the Evil Beast shown up once again?" ［Manelo］
"Unfortunately, yes." ［Grey］
At Grey's words, the Great Chief and Marika immediately flinched. They don't know how Grey and Yuna knew that the Evil Beast had appeared, but they also knew that they weren't ones who'd lie needlessly, especially regarding such a serious topic.
It has been so peaceful in the past few days that they had almost forgotten about the terror which lay waste to their Chiefdom and took the lives of many. Hearing the Evil Beast be mentioned once again, a strong sense of dear and despair started to creep inside their hearts.
"Great Chief, Marika, I know how you feel right now, but this is no time to feel down. We need to prioritize everyone's safety." ［Grey］
"A-Ah... You're right... I apologize for making you worry..." ［Manelo］
Thankfully, with Grey shaking their shoulders and a little reminder, they quickly snapped back to reality, quickly regaining their cool. They were still anxious, but now, they could think much clearer than before.
"Then, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, what do you need us to do?" ［Manelo］
"Don't worry, it's only a simple task. We just sent our familiars out, so I'm sure the villagers must be very confused. I hope you can calm them down." ［Grey］
"Ah! And if possible, we'd also like you to prepare a refugee camp for later. We'll probably need it sooner or later." ［Yuna］
With the threat getting direr by the second, there was no time to waste. Grey and Yuna quickly explained their instructions to the Great Chief and Marika as concise and quickly as they could, the latter two listening attentively,
From what to prepare, how to explain things to people, where the attack is at, some estimates, and many more. As for the finer and more complex details, they left it to the Great Chief and Marika's judgement. They aren't leaders for nothing, after all.
"Then, that should be all. We'll leave the rest to you." ［Grey］
"You can rest assured, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna. We'll make sure to carry out your wishes as thoroughly as possible," ［Manelo］
"Alright, then we'll see you later, and don't worry... We'll make sure to finish everything today, once and for all." ［Grey］
A determined glint in their eyes, Grey's voice echoed a final time in the air. What followed after were strong bursts of winds as they swiftly bolted across the vast and verdant forest, the winds howling at their wake.
Though Grey could simply use "Gate", they have yet to step foot in the part of the island the enemy has appeared at. It was unfortunate, but all they could do was try their best, leaving the Great Chief and Marika aside.
Seeing how Grey and Yuna vanished before their very eyes. The Great Chief and Marika could only stand in shock and silence. They knew the two were powerful, but never in their imagination did they think it would be to such an extent they'll leave big craters on the ground as they ran. They were in awe.
"Papa... Would they be alright?" ［Marika］
Yet despite the awe in their heart, a greater feeling of worry and concern engulfed them. Marika, in particular, had her eyes still looking at the direction Grey and Yuna bolted to. She was visibly trembling.
"Marika, who do you think you are talking about?" ［Manelo］
"Ummm... Big Brother Grey and Big Sister Yuna...?" ［Marika］
"That's correct, but... have you forgotten? They're also the prophesied Emissaries of God. I'm sure they would defeat the Evil Beast as they promised... Marika, you should put more trust in them." ［Manelo］
"Y... Yes... I will..." ［Marika］
Worry still looming in her heart, Marika was reluctant to agree to her father's words. Still, her trust in Grey and Yuna was much stronger than his worries. All she could do was clench her fists and pray for their safety.
'Big Brother Grey... Big Sister Yuna... Please be safe...' ［Marika］
Silent and sincere thoughts drifted in the air, the leaves rustling as the dust settled. Footsteps soon echoed once again as two figures started to move. They may not be capable of fighting the enemy, but there was still something they could do.
...
Splash Slosh Splash
The splashing waves, the howling winds, and the shifting sands. A peaceful orchestra drifted afloat the salty breeze, accompanied by the bustling and hustling of the busy people by the shores.
The children ran around the place, tripping and tumbling. The farmers, young and old, carried their harvest and reined in the livestock. The merchants brought their wares in and out of the village, bright and cheery smiles painted on their faces.
"Hey, have you heard about the Emissaries of Gods?"
"Of course, who hasn't? It's been the talk of the village these days."
"That's right. I heard everyone who was graced by the Holy Light has been healed."
Of course, like every settlement there is, rumors spread around the village like wildfire. Everyone, whilst moving their hands and legs, talked endlessly about the most recent and hottest news in the Chiefdom.
"Ahh～... I wish they'll also visit our village... I want to see them."
"Hahaha, you bet. I heard they were kind and generous."
"Well, we could only hope they do. Hahaha."
Everyone was cheerful and happy, smiles and laughter to be seen and heard all over the place. There was not a single trace of worry nor concern to be seen in their faces as they went about their daily lives.
Though they settled on the seashore, they weren't worried in the slightest. After all, not only had the Evil Beast only appeared on the other side of the island, the sea is also riddled with stranger currents and reefs. Going around from one side to the other was practically impossible.
But such complacency was their very problem. Though it was impossible for boats and ships to traverse the harsh and unfathomable sea of fog, the same couldn't be said for beasts, especially one so overwhelmingly powerful.
"Hey, hurry up! We'll end up missing the tides with how slow you are!"
"Yeah, yeah, com... ing..... Hmm?!"
One of the fishermen suddenly stopped on his tracks, his steps frozen on the sandy shore. His eyes were fixed on the blue sea before him, mouth slowly opening from agape, his body getting stiffer and stiffer by the moment.
"Hey, what are you standing in a daze for? Do you really not want to work that much? You're a fisherman, for God's sake."
"N-No... It's just that... Aren't the waves getting bigger...?"
"Huh? What are you... talking... ab... out..."
The same man pointed towards the sea, and the others followed. As soon as the other saw what he was talking about, he also stood in a daze, unconsciously letting go of the fishing net he was talking about.
The wave only grew bigger and bigger, and soon enough, sharp and massive spikes resurfaced on the waters. What followed after were massive fins, deep blue scales, and finally, a massive jaw. A beast of nightmares has appeared.
"I-It's the Evil Beast! The Evil Beast has appeared!"
"Ruuuunnn! Run for your lives!"
Panic struck the people from where they didn't expect it, spreading like a ferocious wildfire and devouring them whole. In just a single moment, the ever so peaceful village has turned into a complete and utter pandemonium, cries and screams echoing all over the place.
The villagers all ran for their lives, wagons and carriages racing as quickly as they could. Be it the livestock, their homes, or their boats, they abandoned everything with pale white complexions painted on their faces.
"Mama... Papa... Hic... Mama... Hic..."
A single child, once playing happily by the shores, now standing alone, frozen in fear as tears and snot filled her face. She could barely utter a single word as she watched the fearful beast before her.
CRASSSHHHHH
Loud crashes boomed throughout the air as the beast devoured boats whole with its massive maws, crunches echoing in the air as planks and poles were broken like mere twigs, splashing ringing as they dropped back to the sea.
The beast raised its head, gallons upon gallons of seawater trickling back down the water surface, ripples and splashes echoing as it watched the people run away in fear, looking at them like small ants running away from their colony.
"Tala! Tala! Come here!"
"Papa... Hic... Papa..."
"Don't worry, everything will be fine. I'll make sure you're safe."
Said the man as he embraced his crying daughter. Unfortunately for him, it was already far too late. The moment he raised his head, his eyes met the beasts, stuck in a deadly staring contest and unable to move his body.
Fear devouring his heart, the beast opened its massive jaw, blue light illuminating the village whole as mana swirled around like a raging storm, gathering in its mouth like a voracious vortex. Soon, a sphere of compressed water was formed.
'God... At least my child... Please let her live...'
His final words echoing in his heart, the man closed his eyes and at the same time, blue light shone brightly once again as a beam of extremely pressurized water came surging towards the man and the child. The man had braced himself for death, yet it never came...
BOOOOOOMMMMMM
Rather, what came was a loud, resounding, and ear-deafening boom which ruptured the sound barrier. The moment he opened his eyes, a beam of radiant light clashing against the Evil Beast's, fierce shockwaves echoing time and time again.
The explosion was soon over, and as the fog of mist dissipated, the sound of flapping reverberated throughout the whole village. As the people looked up, they could see a platinum figure hovering ever so gracefully, shining brighter than the sun.
Such a beautiful figure slowly descended towards the ground, the Evil Beast's eyes full of wariness as it measured the creature before it. Not only that, the people also looked at her with fear, trembling and crying.
"Fear not, people of Torogi. I will make sure not a single hair on your bodies will be touched. I swear it upon my name and honor." ［Sirius］
Her voice was gentle and warm, yet at the same time, fierce and boiling in rage. Her eyes gleamed brightly like a polished diamond, yet sharp like a deadly sword.
ROOAAARRRRR
Sirius opened her wings, a loud roar echoed towards the blue sky. In response, the evil beast roared back at her, opening its massive mouth. Seeing such beasts roar at each other, all the people could do was run with all their might.
WHOOONGGG WHOOOOMMMM BOOOOOOMMMMM
Beams were fired once again and shockwaves echoed as soon as they clashed. The waves roared and the winds bellowed at the might of their force, trees toppling over and houses being blown away without much effort.
Brilliant light shone upon the sea as two beams collided, the people running for their dear life. The village which was once peaceful and lively was now in complete ruins, devastated in just mere seconds.
As soon as the people were out of sight, Sirius quickly took off once again, soaring in the sky like a platinum shooting star. Soon, she closed her mouth and stopped firing her beam, evading the enemy's attack skillfully.
Using the sun's radiance, Sirius blinded the enemy before her, forcefully stopping its attack. But the same couldn't be said for her. As soon as the opportunity presented itself, she released a volley of silver bolts towards it.
BOOM SPLASH BOOM SPLASH
Unfortunately for Sirius, the enemy was not a stupid foe. As soon as it saw the torrent of attacks heading towards it, it raised the seawater and created a shield of blue, successfully stopping Sirius' attacks.
But Sitius didn't give up, as soon as she saw her attacks were ineffective, she quickly stopped the volley, once again gathering all the mana into a single beam, firing it without a second thought.
BOOOOOOMMMMM
The beam was shot, but the enemy didn't flinch. Just like Sirius did, it also gathered the surrounding seawater and turned it into a massive, concentrated shield. It started boiling away, but with it residing in the sea, it was not too hard to resupply it.
It didn't just wait either. As it created a shield in front of it, it also made countless spears of seawater and launched a counterattack towards Sirius. An unrelenting opponent in both defense and offense.
"Tsk! How impudent!" ［Sirius］
Unfortunately for it, its spears were far slower than Sirius. The enemy may have the advantage in the sea, but with the vast blue sky above her, Sirius was undoubtedly unrivaled as well.
Sirius shot a bolt of mana and the enemy blocked it with its shield. The enemy then counterattacked, but Sirius would then dodge it with ease. It was an endless cycle which could only be seen as a stalemate, until....
BOOOOOMMMMM GRROOAAARRRR
A thundering bolt of mana struck the Evil Beast's side, a loud roar echoing all over the place as it shrieked in pain and agony, hatred and rage burning fiercely in its eyes as it looked at the one who struck it.
And no, it was not Sirius who made the strike. Before the enemy even noticed, three more platinum figures appeared from nowhere, shining just as brightly as the one before it. Their eyes gleamed radiantly as they hovered in the sky.
"Eldest Sister, let us assist you." ［Arcturus］
"Hahaha. You're not going to hog all the fun now, are you?" ［Kentaurus］
"Hmm... So this is the Evil Beast they're talking about, huh..." ［Canopus］
Though she was the one who arrived first, it didn't take too long before the others also caught up to her. Canopus, Kentaurus, and Arcturus now arrived in the scene, ready to engage in battle in a moment's notice.
Yet despite the arrival of the other familiars, Sirius felt no joy nor relief. Rather, she was a little disappointed and conflicted, only turning her eyes back to the enemy without uttering a single word.
FWOOSH FWOOSH FWOOSH
There was no time for chitchat. As soon as the enemy saw the new arrivals, it didn't waste a single moment and immediately launched a merciless barrage of spears towards them, each packing enough power to blow away villages in an instant.
Both Kentaurus and Canopus quickly flew up and dodged the volley, but the same couldn't be said for Arcturus. He remained firm and stood his ground, not budging a single inch in front of the enemy.
"Not! So! Fast!" ［Arcturus］
The spears soon reached Arcturusー or so the enemy thought, but before it could even do so much as to graze him, they suddenly exploded just a couple meters away from him, loud booms soon dancing in the air.
In just a single moment, Arcturus managed to erect the strongest barrier he could, protecting not only himself but the island and the escaping villagers behind him. He didn't even flinch or blink. A dragon with a heart of steel.
"Hahaha! Now it's our turn!" ［Kentaurus］
"Don't hate us too much." ［Canopus］
With the enemy's attack missing, everyone then started the party and shot an endless barrage of beams and explosions towards the enemy. Be it from the sky, the seas, or the island, all directions were covered without room to escape.
All the enemy could do was go on the defensive, surrounding itself with a thick barrier of water from all sides. A barrier which only received attacks, evaporating slowly but surely from the heat of the impacts.
ROOOAAARRRRR
It tried to counterattack from time to time, but with how agile the familiars were, it was but futile effort. It tried spears, waves, beams, lashes, and all sorts of things, but it was useless. The results remained the same.
On the other hand, the familiars couldn't damage it either. If it was on land, it would have been an easy feat, but with it in the sea, its very domain, its defense was nigh impenetrableー of course, to the familiars' attacks that is.
⟨⟨Southern Wind: Notus!⟩⟩ ［Grey］
The winds howled and the sea trembled, a massive spear of wind bolting through the air at breakneck speeds. Just the mere sight of it alone and the enemy could tell it was dangerous. Its instincts were screaming at it.
There was no time to waste. As quickly as could, the beast tried to gather as much water in one spot to create the strongest shield it could. Yet even with all its efforts, it was quickly broken in just mere fractions of a second.
Fortunately, it was intelligent enough to know its shield would last very long, dodging even before it broke. Though the spear grazed it, blood trickling down its scales, it still considered itself fortunate.
BOOOOMMMMM
Else, had it failed evading the spear, it would have ended up like the rocky islands behind it, mercilessly blown away to bits and pieces, barely recognizable anymore. The spear was certain death.
"Haah... So it really was a Leviathan, after all..." ［Grey］
The battle had just begun.
CHAPTER 236 END