Hades stood still, gazing into the distant forest.
The "veil", or rather the barrier in that region, seemed increasingly thin.
In battles against the Chaos, the thinness of this veil could prove to be a decisive factor.
Typically, in regions where the veil is of standard thickness, creatures of the physical realm must spontaneously employ various forbidden methods to weaken this veil, aiming to harness the power of the Sub-Space.
However, when the veil of a particular region becomes sufficiently thin, Sub-Space entities can freely traverse into the physical universe without the veil's restriction.
It was evident that the veil on this planet hadn't become thin enough to allow demons free passage. Nurgle's influence on the terrain also appeared rather limited.
After all, weakening this barrier isn't an easy task. It requires either a powerful spiritualist or an intense surge of collective emotions from a frenzied crowd.
After the banishment of the Rotbringer, it would not be easy for him to return to the physical universe.
Thus, Hades deduced the enemy's next move.
If they decided not to venture out of the city, the enemy would use a human army, whose origin was unknown, to infiltrate. During the assault, they would further weaken the city's barrier, summoning the demonic horde.
With such a vast number of sacrifices, Hades was certain that an exaggerated demonic army would be summoned.
Hades' recent triumph largely came from the element of surprise. If the enemy were to keep their distance and kite him, the situation would become precarious.
He couldn't always gamble on the possibility of beheading the enemy.
Now, the outcome of the battle seemed to hinge on how many followers the enemy had prepared.
Hades wasn't particularly concerned about the combat capabilities of the human follower army. From his prior observations, the overall armament of this planet was relatively weak.
He gazed back at the forest. The spiritual energy fluctuations were astonishing, mainly due to the vast number of follower armies present.
The dense, corrupting fog spread, with thick yellowish slime hanging from the tall trees. Any Protectorate soldiers who ventured in found their metal armor quickly corroded by traces of decay.
Patches formed, and the metal became soft and malleable.
They were trapped within the city, unable to enter the forest.
The ever-growing forest provided fertile soil, preserving life. Countless lives were stored, silently breathing, waiting for the day they'd be awakened.
Now, these dormant beings woke from their endless slumber and began marching towards the desolate city.
They twisted, shoved, and decayed, weakening the barrier between reality and chaos.
Hades stepped forward, the rotten mud reluctantly dripping from his powered armor.
After the initial deployment of the Protectorate Army, Hades didn't hide among the scattered squads in the buildings. Instead, he headed straight to the center of the vast square.
He wanted to inspect the Black Stone Obelisk.
Indeed, Hades had realized earlier that the Rotbringer intentionally kept him away from the center of the square.
Hades instinctively wanted to take a deep breath but resisted.
Walking through the mud with Jin, the two were the only ones left as everyone else had taken their assigned positions.
Upon arrival, Hades looked up at the towering Black Stone Obelisk.
On what was once a flawless structure, a clear dent was visible. Within it, the dark components and faint electric lights were stimulating to Hades' eyes.
His pupils constricted, the once black irises suddenly becoming pinpoint.
Knowledge whispered in his ear, murmuring.
The Obelisk's structure and function flashed before him, like a meteor shower.
Centuries of wisdom accumulated here, with galaxies brilliantly flowing past.
Could he... possibly repair it?
Jin stood silently beside Hades, watching him circle the space obelisk, muttering under his breath.
Hades knew.
The Space Undying's Black Stone Obelisk utilized the existing spatial characteristics, channeled into the veil, either to strengthen or weaken the barrier dividing the Sub-Space and physical universe.
The obelisk's layout and spatial position determined its polarity.
And its polarity decided whether it would use the physical world to reinforce the barrier or use the Sub-Space to weaken it.
The initial setting of this obelisk was to strengthen the barrier.
If this obelisk could be repaired...
Even if the enemy's prepared army was sacrificed, they wouldn't be able to summon the demons!
Under the protection of the Black Stone Obelisk, they could gradually eliminate the massive army, gaining a glimmer of hope.
"Buy me time."
The sage Kirkland's agreement and supportive electrical sounds came through the channel.
Hades estimated in his mind. He believed that with just one Terra-hour, he could forcibly activate it.
Yes, he'd make it in time.
Hades drew his scythe, pointing it downward, plunging it deep into the ground.
He then naturally stepped onto the scythe's shaft, too slender compared to his body, resembling a hawk perched on a thin branch.
Jin stared in amazement as Hades ascended, but the scythe remained steady, not swaying an inch.
However, engrossed with complex structures and formulas, Hades paid no mind to his actions. He just wanted to reach the higher dent.
Hades controlled the servo arms on his back, adjusting the plasma cutter to the suitable firepower.
Wait, something's off.
There was something wrong inside the obelisk.
A part was missing.
The components that detected and utilized spatial characteristics were damaged.
No... If forcibly activated, only some paths should be connected.
If all else fails...
A wild idea sprouted in Hades' mind.