As the massive creature charged toward Greybrook, the ground trembled beneath its weight, sending vibrations through the air that rattled the bones of everyone present. The villagers, once filled with determination, now stood frozen in fear, their eyes wide as they beheld the approaching doom.
As the monstrous horde approaches, the defenders of Greybrook prepare to unleash their heavy artillery. On the castle walls, the catapults are loaded and ready to fire. Nearby, the giant crossbow, adorned with a mysterious magic-absorbing stone, is cocked and aimed.
The grand duke gives the signal, and the catapults launch their payloads. Boulders and flaming projectiles soar through the air, crashing into the monstrous horde. The impact is devastating, crushing and incinerating dozens of creatures.
The giant crossbow fires its bolt, which is infused with the magic-absorbing stone's power. The bolt streaks towards the horde, aimed directly at a group of larger, fire-breathing monsters. As the bolt strikes, it absorbs the magical flames, rendering the creatures' attacks useless. The bolt itself deals massive damage, impaling multiple monsters and sending them tumbling to the ground.
The defenders watch in awe as their artillery takes its toll on the horde. However, the creatures continue to press forward, their sheer numbers and ferocity threatening to overwhelm the defenses.
Reincarnation of the magicless!
"No magic, No problem!"
Chapter 12 : AMALGAMATION OF FEAR!
Edric, confident in his knights' abilities, gives the order for the knights with rapid-fire crossbows to take aim. "Prepare to fire!" he commands. "Let's show them the true meaning of Greybrook's might!"
The knights ready their crossbows, coated with fire spell arrows that will explode upon contact. The duchess, meanwhile, continues to prepare her strongest water magic spell, awaiting the perfect moment to unleash it.
The knights with rapid-fire crossbows fire their arrows, unleashing a hail of explosive bolts that rip through the monstrous horde. The creatures scream in agony as they're torn apart by the blasts, their bodies burning with magical flames.
The duchess, timing her spell perfectly, unleashes a massive wave of water that crashes down on the battlefield. The wave slows the monsters' advance, giving the defenders a brief respite.
Edric, seeing an opportunity, charges forward with his sword glowing with the Dragon Slayer Crossblade technique. He slices through the monsters with ease, his sword flashing in the fading light.
The giant crossbow fires again, its magic-absorbing stone rendering the monsters' magical attacks useless. The catapults continue to pound the horde, crushing and incinerating creatures left and right.
Despite the defenders' valiant efforts, the monsters continue to press forward. A massive, towering creature emerges from the horde, its eyes fixed on Edric. The creature charges forward, its massive claws swiping at the air.
Edric, undaunted, prepares to face the creature. "Dragon Slayer Crossblade: Inferno Slash!" he roars, unleashing a powerful slash that erupts in a blaze of flames.
The creature attempts to block the attack, but Edric's sword slices through its claws, striking true. The creature roars in pain as it staggers backward.
Rolien hurriedly led Mr. Yohan to his workshop, with Elara and Lyra following closely behind. As they entered the workshop, Mr. Yohan's eyes widened in amazement. Before him lay a futuristic-looking air gun, its design sleek and menacing.
The gun's barrel was adorned with a small metal cylinder housing four air magic stones that propelled projectiles at high speed. A magazine loaded with multiple bullets sat adjacent to the gun, each bullet coated with a magic-absorbing stone.
Mr. Yohan's gaze lingered on the gun, his expression a mix of awe and curiosity. "Hey kid, when did you finish this project? I thought you were slacking these days?" he asked, his tone laced with surprise.
Rolien chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, I am, but after we heard about the monster gathering a few weeks ago, I got worried. It's happened here before, so I figured it could happen again. I prepared just in case something like this occurred."
Mr. Yohan nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, so why'd you want me to come here, kid? I know you wouldn't ask me to come here at a time like this unless it was important. What do you need me to do?"
Rolien's smile grew wider as he handed Mr. Yohan a set of armor pieces—boots and a chest plate. "Hehehe, here, sir... I want you to help me enchant these with strength boost, speed boost, healing boost, jump boost, and defense boost. But not on one whole armor piece; I want you to layer it in each and every piece."
The room fell silent as everyone's eyes widened in shock. Elara's voice barely above a whisper, she asked, "Rolien, do you know what you're asking? That's an enormous amount of magic..."
Lyra's expression turned concerned. "Rolien, are you sure this is necessary?"
Mr. Yohan, however, seemed intrigued. "Layering multiple boosts on each piece... That's ambitious, kid. But I like it. Let's get to work."
Elara's voice grew urgent as she objected to Rolien's plan. "Are you going to tolerate this, Sir Yohan? Even if it's possible to layer enchantments, it will destroy the armor and its user over time."
Mr. Yohan nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I know. I think the kid has a plan, so who's going to wear it, kid?"
Rolien's response sent shockwaves through the room. "Me."
The others stared at him in horror. Elara's voice trembled with concern. "Why would you wear such a dangerous item? It can kill you!"
Rolien's reply was calm and collected. "Yeah, I know, but not if you won't move around like crazy."
Lyra's expression turned grave. "Young master, even if you manage to use it properly, the speed and acceleration of the armor will give your brain a strain because of the high-speed information it will receive due to the enhanced speed movement you do."
Rolien waved his hand dismissively. "Yeah, I know, I know. Don't you forget that I already have an enhanced brain because of the skill I received? I can speed up my thinking speed to catch up to the armor, so don't worry, big sis!"
Elara's face turned stern. "No, even if that works, I won't let you go there and fight. You're just a kid!"
Rolien's determination was clear. "I have to do this, big sis. I have to protect our home and the people I care about."
The room fell silent, with Mr. Yohan watching the exchange with interest. How do you want the scene to unfold next? Does Mr. Yohan intervene, or does Rolien continue to argue with his sister?
Elara's expression softened slightly, but her concern remained evident. "Fine, if you're determined to do this, Lyra and I will accompany you."
Lyra nodded in agreement. "We'll make sure you're safe, Young Master."
Mr. Yohan smiled, relieved that the decision had been made. "Alright, let's get started on the enchantments. We'll need to work carefully to ensure the armor can withstand the layered boosts."
As Mr. Yohan and the others began working on the armor, Rolien sat at a nearby table, tinkering with a small device. He carefully assembled the components, his hands moving with precision.
Meanwhile, at the front gate, Edric fought valiantly alongside his knights. The monstrous horde seemed endless, but he refused to yield.
"Sir Valor, Sir Lancel, hold the line!" Edric shouted, his sword slicing through the creatures. "We can't let them breach the gates!"
The knights fought bravely, their armor battered but unbroken. The catapults and giant crossbow continued to pound the horde, but the creatures kept coming.
Edric's eyes scanned the battlefield, searching for any sign of weakness in the monsters' formation. Suddenly, he spotted a massive creature emerging from the horde's center.
"By the gods," Edric muttered, his grip on his sword tightening. "What is that thing?"
The creature charged forward, its massive claws swiping at the knights. Edric prepared to face it, his sword at the ready.
Groteus emerged from the horde, its massive form casting a shadow over the battlefield. The creature's body was a twisted fusion of unyielding armor plating and scaly, pulsing flesh, as if the very essence of the Armored Titan had been melded with the ferocity of the Jaw Titan and the unbridled terror of Godzilla. Its gargantuan size defied comprehension, its length stretching over a hundred feet, with a height that rivaled the castle walls.
The armor plating that covered its back and shoulders glistened like black steel, adorned with jagged, bony protrusions that seemed to shift and writhe like living things. The plates themselves were scarred and pitted, bearing testament to the countless battles Groteus had waged and won. Its skin was a deep, foreboding green, like the darkest depths of the ocean, and it seemed to ripple and flex with every movement, as if the very muscles beneath were alive and hungry.
Its jaws were a nightmare vision, a twisted parody of the Jaw Titan's deadly maw. Rows upon rows of razor-sharp teeth glinted in the fading light, each one curved like a scimitar and serrated like a saw blade. The jaws themselves were powerful enough to crush a castle gate with a single bite, and they seemed to be constantly in motion, as if Groteus was perpetually hungering for its next meal.
The creature's eyes glowed with an otherworldly energy, two burning orbs of malevolent fury that seemed to pierce the very soul. They fixed on Edric and the knights, and for a moment, time itself seemed to freeze. The air was heavy with anticipation, as if the very fate of the world hung in the balance.
As Groteus took its first step forward, the earth shuddered beneath its feet. The ground trembled and cracked, and the sound of its movement was like thunder in the distance. The creature's roar was a deafening cacophony, a sound that shook the foundations of the castle and sent shivers down the spines of even the bravest warriors.
Edric and the knights stood frozen, their hearts pounding in their chests as they gazed upon the horror that was Groteus. They knew that they were about to face a foe unlike any they had ever known, a creature that would push their skills and their courage to the very limit.
Edric, steeling himself for the fight, charged forward with his sword flashing in the fading light. The knights followed close behind, their armor battered but unbroken. Groteus, the Behemoth of Legends, towered over them, its massive form casting a shadow over the battlefield.
The knights dodged and weaved, striking at Groteus's vulnerable spots whenever possible. Edric led the charge, his sword slicing through the creature's scaly flesh. Despite their best efforts, Groteus refused to fall, its regenerative abilities allowing it to heal from even the most grievous wounds.
As the fight continued, Edric began to charge his strongest attack, a technique he had used to slay a legendary armored fire dragon in his prime. The dragon, known as Tharagon the Unyielding, had been a formidable foe, but Edric had emerged victorious.
"Dragon's Fury!" Edric roared, his sword glowing with a fierce, golden light.
The air around Edric seemed to ripple with energy as he prepared to unleash his attack. Groteus, sensing its chance to strike the final blow, lunged forward with its jaws wide open.
Edric unleashed his Dragon's Fury, the golden light enveloping his sword as he struck Groteus with a mighty blow. The creature's armor plating buckled under the force of the attack, but it refused to shatter.
Meanwhile, the giant catapults and giant crossbow joined the fray, pounding Groteus with massive boulders and bolts. The creature stumbled backward, its massive body crashing into the ground as the projectiles struck true.
However, despite the barrage, Groteus's wounds were relatively minor. Its regenerative abilities allowed it to heal at an alarming rate, and it quickly regained its footing.
The defenders watched in awe as Groteus shrugged off the attacks, its sheer resilience making it a formidable foe. Edric gritted his teeth, knowing they needed to come up with a new strategy if they were to have any hope of defeating the creature.
"We need to find its weak point!" Edric shouted to his men. "Keep attacking, but look for any vulnerability!"
The battle raged on, with the defenders launching attack after attack against Groteus. But the creature's defenses seemed impenetrable, and it continued to press forward, its jaws snapping wildly as it sought to crush its enemies.
The battle raged on, with the defenders launching attack after attack against Groteus. Despite their best efforts, the creature continued to press forward, its jaws snapping wildly as it sought to crush its enemies.
Meanwhile, Elian sat in his classroom, listening to his teacher drone on about the history of the empire. But outside, panic was setting in. Students were whispering to each other, their eyes wide with fear.
Suddenly, the classroom door burst open, and a messenger rushed in. "The Greybrook Dukedom has been attacked by a monster horde!" he exclaimed. "They're requesting assistance, and the empire is mobilizing to help!"
The classroom erupted into chaos as students began to murmur and speculate about the attack. Elian's heart sank as he heard the news. His family lived in the Greybrook Dukedom, and he knew they must be in grave danger.
As the teacher struggled to regain control of the classroom, Elian's mind began to race. He knew the empire would send help, but he also knew that every minute counted.
Just then, the school's headmaster appeared at the door. "Students, I have news that the emperor himself will be leading the response effort, accompanied by his four strongest royal knights. They're mobilizing to defend the Greybrook Dukedom and Arcadia, and ultimately, the capital."
The headmaster's words were followed by a commotion outside, as the sound of a mighty roar echoed through the skies. Elian rushed to the window and saw a magnificent dragon soaring through the air. The dragon's scales glistened like polished silver, and its wings beat the air with powerful strokes.
"That's the emperor's Sky Dragon, Aerthys the Unconquerable!" someone exclaimed. Aerthys was a legendary creature, known for its speed, agility, and strength. Its wingspan was said to be wide enough to cast a shadow over the entire city.
Elian's eyes fixed on the dragon as it landed in the distance. He knew this was his chance. He rushed outside, determined to ask the crown prince to intervene on his behalf.
"Your Highness!" Elian exclaimed, approaching the crown prince. "Please, can you ask your father to bring me along? I want to help defend my family and town!"
The crown prince looked at Elian with surprise but then nodded thoughtfully. "I'll ask him, Elian, but you need to be prepared for what's coming. It's not going to be an easy fight."
The crown prince nodded and turned to his father, the emperor, who was standing nearby, his eyes fixed on the horizon.
"Father, Elian wants to join us on the mission to defend the Greybrook Dukedom. He's the eldest son of Grand Duke Edric, and his family is in dire need of protection."
The emperor's expression was unreadable, and for a moment, Elian wondered if he would refuse. But then, the emperor's gaze turned to him, and Elian felt a shiver run down his spine.
"Very well," the emperor said finally. "You may join us, Elian. As the future grand duke, it's time you learned the ways of battle. But be warned: the battle ahead will be fierce, and not everyone will make it out alive."
Elian's heart soared as the emperor nodded to one of his guards. "Take Elian and prepare him for battle. We'll depart immediately."
As Elian was led away, he felt a sense of excitement and trepidation. He was about to face the unknown, and he wasn't sure if he was ready.
Just as he was about to climb onto Aerthys's back, the emperor's voice stopped him.
"Elian, one more thing. If we fail to stop the monster horde, the entire empire will be at risk. You may be the key to our survival... or the catalyst for our downfall."
Elian turned to face the emperor, determination in his eyes.
"I'm coming, Mom, Dad, Elara! I'll protect them!"
The emperor nodded, a hint of approval in his gaze.
"Let's go!"
With a fierce cry, Aerthys launched into the sky, and Elian felt his stomach drop as the dragon soared upwards.
As they flew towards the Greybrook Dukedom, Elian saw the horde in the distance, and his heart sank. Groteus, the monstrous creature, was tearing through the castle walls.
Elian's eyes widened in horror as he saw his parents, Grand Duke Edric and his wife, Duchess Lirien, fighting for their lives alongside their knights. The duchess was firing a crossbow, her aim precise as she targeted the monster's vulnerable spots. The knights were circling the monster, firing their own crossbows and trying to distract Groteus long enough for the duke to land a critical hit.
"NOOO!" Elian screamed, his voice lost in the wind.
Aerthys dived towards the battle, and Elian's fate was sealed.
As they descended into the chaos, Elian steeled himself for the battle ahead. He knew he had to protect his family, no matter the cost.
Grand Duke Edric fought bravely, his sword slicing through the air as he targeted Groteus's vulnerable spots. Duchess Lirien, meanwhile, unleashed her powerful Grand Water magic, summoning massive waves and torrents of water to batter the monster.
The water magic was mesmerizing, with waves crashing against Groteus's scales and trying to slow it down. The duchess's magic was so potent that it seemed to be pulling the very life force out of the monster.
Elian's heart swelled with pride as he saw his parents in action. He knew he had big shoes to fill, but he was determined to prove himself.
"Father! Mother!" Elian shouted, charging into the fray, sword in hand.
Grand Duke Edric's eyes widened in shock and anger as he saw Elian join the battle. "What are you doing here, son?! You should stay at school, not risk your life in this battle!"
But before he could say more, the emperor chimed in, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Still hard as ever, Edric. Your son is strong. Let him fight. I think you'll be happy if you see what he's capable of."
As the emperor spoke, Elian felt something awaken within him. It was as if the emperor's words had unlocked a deep reservoir of power and determination.
Elian began to kneel, "Your Highness—"
But the emperor stopped him with a wave of his hand. "Let's forget the formality, Edric. Let's beat this guy like we used to when we were young, right?"
Grand Duke Edric's expression softened slightly, and he nodded. "You're right, Your Majesty. Let's show this beast what we're made of."
With renewed determination, Elian charged forward, his sword flashing in the sunlight. The battle was far from over, but with the emperor and his family fighting together, the tide might just turn in their favor...
As Elian and his family fought alongside the emperor, Groteus suddenly stopped its rampage and took a deep breath. The air around it began to be charged with energy, and a bright purple glow emanated from its mouth.
As Elian and his family fought alongside the emperor, Groteus suddenly stopped its rampage and took a deep breath. The air around it began to charge with heat, and a fiery glow emanated from its mouth.
"He's charging up!" Grand Duke Edric shouted, his eyes fixed on the monster. "Get ready!"
Groteus's body began to glow with an intense, fiery energy. Its mouth opened wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.
"It's going to...!" Elian shouted, his voice trailing off as he realized the horror that was about to unfold.
Groteus's eyes locked onto its target, and with a mighty roar, it prepared to unleash a stream of flames that would incinerate everything in its path...
Aerthys, shield us! "The emperor shouted, and the dragon swooped in, its scales glowing with a fierce blue light, ready to absorb the blast.
The monster's fiery breath was just a split second away from being unleashed, and Elian held his breath, bracing for the impact...
To be continued…