The giant serpent raised its head and let out a thunderous roar. Asryndor seemed utterly insignificant before it. The serpent's growl created a powerful gust of wind.
A man standing atop the serpent's head surveyed the city with bloodthirsty eyes. He was a dark elf. However, unlike the elves of Siralda, he emanated a demonic aura.
This dark aura influenced the entire atmosphere of the city so much that Harold grabbed Evelina's hand and fled the room. Moments later, the city was struck by a magical assault, and parts of it exploded.
Harold and Evelina raced through the labyrinthine underground passages while terrifying explosions erupted above them. The sound of collapsing buildings echoed through the corridors.
For a brief moment, Harold glanced up before using magic to enhance his speed. He sensed a powerful surge of magic forming above them.
Realizing this, he held Evelina tightly and concentrated mana into his legs. In the next instant, he dashed through the corridor so fast that he appeared only as a luminous blur.
Harold leaped out of the passage just as the ceiling collapsed behind him.
"That was close..."
However, he could see the great serpent lowering its head toward the city, demolishing buildings in its path.
Evelina stared at the monstrous serpent in horror, hiding behind Harold.
"Follow me..."
Harold led her to a crypt he had discovered. He opened one of the empty coffins and urged Evelina to hide inside. Her terrified eyes pleaded with him not to leave her alone in that cold, deathly space, but in that situation, Harold had no other choice.
As she entered the coffin, Harold handed her an elven dagger. Along with it, he gave her a small glowing orb. It was all he could do for her.
Before leaving the crypt, he said, "I'm sorry to leave you like this, but there's no other way. I won't let anything happen to you—this is the least I can do."
Without hesitation, he closed the stone lid, though not completely, ensuring she could escape later.
Outside the crypt, the dark elf was shouting in delight as he watched Asryndor's destruction.
"The future of the dark elves is here! I will build the foundation of a new civilization upon the lost glory of the high elves! Hahaha!!!"
The serpent responded with a mighty roar and unleashed even more powerful magic.
With each magical strike, the city's walls crumbled, and buildings collapsed. A massive cloud of dust engulfed the city.
The dark elf unleashed even stronger magic, but the city was remarkably resilient. In truth, a single one of those spells would have been enough to destroy a human city, but Asryndor had been built by the overlords using ancient magic. Though vast sections of the walls had fallen, and many buildings lay in ruins, the city's core structure still held firm.
As Harold emerged from the crypt, he saw the serpent's rampage, but he had yet to notice the dark elf. His plan, therefore, was to lure the serpent away.
Instinctively, he grabbed the Scythes of Life and Death. The scythes were connected by chains and released a sinister aura.
Sensing the familiar energy, the serpent immediately turned its head toward Harold.
"Grrrrrrr…"
Harold clenched his teeth, staring at the massive head slowly extending toward him.
"Damn it!"
He bolted away at full speed, but the aura of the scythes wasn't something he could conceal. The serpent's gaze remained locked on him, ready to strike.
"I need to get farther away!!!"
Once he had gained enough distance, he suddenly changed direction—now heading straight for the giant serpent. He leaped across the rooftops, making his way toward the fire-engulfed walls. Moving with incredible speed, he descended from the upper levels of the city.
Suddenly, a powerful blow struck his side, throwing him off balance. He crashed hard onto the brick roof of a house.
BOOM!!!
The dark elf stood before him, rage burning in his eyes.
Harold, having slammed into the rooftop with full force, struggled to his feet and dusted off his clothes.
Spitting out the blood in his mouth, he sneered. "So there was someone here, huh?"
The dark elf said coldly, "Return what belongs to us."
Following the elf's gaze, Harold looked down at the Scythes of Life and Death.
"These? Looks like they've grown so attached to me that we're literally chained together. If you want them so badly ...."
With that, he lunged forward, shouting, "How about I kill you with them?!"
"Blink!"
Harold teleported behind the elf, but it wasn't enough to take him down. The dark elf unleashed a surge of energy, its force sending Harold flying backward.
"I'll admit, you're a tough opponent," the elf said. "So I suppose I should show you my respect."
Harold unleashed his mana. Twin golden flames burned in his eyes as he smirked. "You should be honored—this level of seriousness from me is rare."
The dark elf chuckled at Harold's reaction. "How long do you think you can keep up this brav—"
BOOM!
Harold struck so fast that the elf didn't even realize he had been hit.
[One more attack!]
Without hesitation, Harold blinked again, narrowly avoiding the blast that created a massive crater where he had just stood.
The serpent had launched a sudden magical strike, but Harold wasn't one to be caught off guard so easily.
Now standing atop a nearby rooftop, he looked down at the serpent and the dark elf, both preparing for another attack.