"How wonderful black magic is! The higher its concentration, the more black magic can be produced."
Hasker closed his eyes and felt the tendrils of Deha's energy coiling around his body. He poured out the darkest energy. Breathe it into his body. He reaches out with withered claws and sends a ghostly stream of power through his undead warriors.
Instantly the energized undead hordes began to respond faster to their attackers, matching the cockatrice's attacks and resisting the carnage caused by the dryads. He knew that even if the bodies of the undead army were accelerated and strengthened by Deha energy, they could only delay the group of Enils, but that was enough.
"Attack!"
Hasker roared, and soon his consciousness returned to his own body. When an arrow whizzed towards his head, he had to expend a bit of magic to deflect it, and then a deep lament fell upon the invisible Aenir hunter.
"Attack!"
Husk kept repeating, his eyes flashing with Deha energy.
"Kill, kill all the elves!"
In order to emphasize his order, Hasker sent a death ghost directly into the gathered clan rats, turning one of the clan rats into a pile of black bones.
If the Skaven think the only people they have to fear are elves, then they need to be reminded of their mistake.
Seeing death, the Skaven let out a perfunctory war cry, rushed forward, and ran through the woods. When speed is required and the motivation is appropriate, the Rat Man can be very fast, whether moving forward or turning in. They moved through the woods so quickly that only twenty or thirty Skaven fell prey to the lurking hunters.
While the War Dancers and Dryads were still battling the undead hordes, the living rats attacked them. The Aenir were flanked and outnumbered by the hordes of Skaven, they were dragged down and slaughtered. The dryads continued to fight until a squad of Skryre weapons fired a warp flamethrower at one of them.
The chemical agent mixed with dimensional stone powder ignited the wooden body of the dryad. In an instant, the flames spread to almost all surfaces of the target. Once it is stained, nothing can stop the burning of the dimensional flames, and soon the target becomes walking. torch.
The hidden Aenir hunters turned their attention to the main force of Skaven. Arrows flew down from the trees, knocking down dozens of Skaven in an instant. Even under the protection of the Stormvermin, the warlord lay covered in arrows and fell in a pool of blood. At least a dozen arrows protruded from the gaps in his armor, as if he had suddenly mutated into a porcupine, which was also a rodent.
Gray Prophet Nashrik was luckier, he only received an arrow in his arm.
Husker deflected all arrows fired at him, disintegrating them in mid-air with a burst of Dehar energy. Not bothering to let the ghosts attack the hidden hunters, he barked orders at the rat zombies. In response, the Skaven removed the hood from the Cockatrice's head and unbuckled its belt.
The cockatrice flapped its wings, and then made a sharp cackle. Dozens of arrows shot down from the tree, but none of them hit it. As its eyes glanced, the arrows seemed to hit someone. Build invisible walls. To counter this attack, Husk locks amulets around its feet to protect it from damage such as arrows and lesser spells.
Husk had previously been reluctant to part with such a powerful object, a relic recovered from the tomb of the Lord of Cubatonia, but he knew that if he was to reach the Golden Pool, he had to keep the Cockatrice safe, the Cockatrice that represented His most powerful weapon against the elves and the forest.
The Cockatrice flew into the sky, with a large number of arrows still being bounced off by its protective shell. It cackled furiously and flew above the woods, staring at the forest below with its bulging eyes. Black membranes slid over its eyes, filtering its baleful gaze into a deadly light.
The Enil hunters fell from the tree trunks one after another, and their paralyzed bodies fell heavily to the ground.
There is a mesmerizing quality to a cockatrice's gaze that compels those creatures it sees to look into its eyes. Once he meets that gaze, a terrible transformation takes place. The skin hardens and calcifies until it becomes stiff and unable to move, paralyzing the victim. If it continues its vicious attention, the victim's body will also begin to harden. Given enough time, the body of its prey can turn into solid stone.
Husker saw the cockatrice flying down from the sky, flying above the canopy of a few dryads still lingering on the battlefield, chirping viciously.
It took the dryads longer to succumb to the cockatrice's gaze, and eventually they began to grow sluggish and their trunks took on a grey-black color. After a while, they froze in place, their claw-like hands still reaching into the air, trying in vain to catch the cockatrice in the sky.
In retaliation, the cockatrice slapped one of the dryads with its scaly tail, and the dryad fell to the ground like plaster, its gaze having completely petrified the dryad.
"The elf thing escaped." Nashrik came over and said. He took off the arrow from his arm and used magic to heal the wound. This seemed to be his only contribution to this battle. He then said excitedly, "Now we can seize the opportunity! We can escape! Get away from the scary trees! Hide in the safety of the cave!" "
We continue, we will not leave until we find the golden pool." Husker glared at Nashrik, lips moving towards He pulled back, revealing his sharp fangs, and hissed, while an evil light flashed in the eye sockets of Nahak's skull.
——
"Dear." Drusala knelt down and touched Darkus gently and said softly.
Darkus, who was holding the scarlet sword in his arms, suddenly opened his eyes and stared at Drusala in front of him. He exhaled and continued to close his eyes. Still trying to turn over, he opened his eyes again. Know that the appointed time has come.
After washing his face and putting on his armor under Genevieve's service, Darkus began to inspect the camping area. The Druchis were either applying potions or wiping their weapons to maintain their bow strings in preparation for what might happen today. Ready for battle, Cold Lizard was fed before he woke up.
"Everything is ready." Maranur, who was in charge of everything, walked to Darkus' side and said.
"I remember the time in Krakarond."
"If I'm not mistaken, it was the time when we hunted Mangil?" Maranur asked with interest and put the chewing tobacco into his mouth.
"The sound that reached my ears that night was either the sound of the wind or the crunching sound of the big man stepping on the snow." Darkus sighed as he looked around.
"Get ready to give the order." Maranur smiled and lightly punched Darkus on the chest before leaving.
Darkus habitually opened his pocket watch and looked at it. However, the pocket watch was not of much use in Lauren Loren. He shook his head and walked to Kaia who was still kneeling there praying.
"That's it." After a long time, Kaia said slowly.
"Then let's set off." Darkus turned around and waved his hand, signaling for the team to gather together.
Next, the team will make a plane, which is moving through the roots of the world. The world roots are buried deep underground. The deepest world roots are called deep roots. They form a closed communication network that connects many large forests in the old world and extends to other continents, such as Avalon in Ulthuan. Forest, Albion Island, Araby, Old World Southland, Naggaroth and Lustria. Of course, most of the roots have died over time, and only a few are now usable. Use it to quickly travel through hostile territory or travel great distances.
Due to the stereotype brought about by a certain game, Darkus always thought that the roots of the world must enter the roots through some way, that is, enter the underground world, and then move through 11 ways, such as using feet. Walking from Athel Loren to Naggaroth... Therefore, he also extended his thoughts on many levels, such as what the underground of this planet is like. After all, it is either this or that.
It turns out... moving through the roots of the world is even more magical than Darkus expected.
"I...ahem...I may not be able to provide magical support after I pass..." Kaia, who looked pale, said with some regret while coughing.
"If there really is a fight, just protect yourself." Darkus nodded and said. After understanding the mechanism of the movement of the world roots, he knew that he needed to exchange with the essence to use the world roots. This kind of The exchange is usually mana or blood.
After all, the Maelstrom has not exploded yet, and there is no way to use the power like Alarielle did to transfer the people of Ulthuan when Ulthuan was about to sink to Athel Loren through the roots of the world.
"I will strike through the roots of the world!"
-
Husk's army emerged from behind the woods and entered the open wilderness. The skeletons and zombies in front didn't notice the changes in the environment at all, and they didn't need to pay attention to the changes, but the Skaven following them screamed in terror.
After walking for several hours along a narrow forest path, with the surrounding trees pressing down on them and the air damp and stuffy, the Skaven looked up at the stars with a sense of utter fear. Skaven are agoraphobics who spend most of their lives crawling in underground tunnels, even preferring haunted forests to the terrifying open sky. The Enils hid in the woods on the edge of the wilderness, watching the Skaven sneak into the wilderness quietly. Ivan frowned as she saw the undead hordes of Skaven marching before and after her. It was a testament to her opponent's strength that they were able to raise so many corpses from their graves.
Perhaps this is another indication of how powerful the Necromancer can become under the evil influence of the Shadow Hour, as Ivan can feel himself weakened and his power drained away. She could only imagine what the opposite experience would feel like, perhaps the winds of magic flooding into Hasker's body.
Already Ivan could see the disgusting Husk striding next to the terrifying Cockatrice, surrounded by a horde of walkers. If she could unleash a spell against this evil monster, the battle would be won. Husker's death would end the threat to the Golden Pool and break the will of the invading army.
Ivan shook his head, feeling bitter and frustrated. If her powers were at full strength, she might risk casting such a spell, but she knew that trying to do so in her current condition would only drain her strength. To make matters worse, with Husker's powers greatly increased, Husker was able to break her magic with counterspells, rendering her efforts worthless.
Although Ivan fears the danger Talos faces, she understands that Talos's plan is the best chance they have and must defeat Husker and his army by force. But to do this, they must be able to attack and fade freely. So no matter what the danger, the Cockatrice must be eliminated.
Husker's army advanced into the middle of the wasteland, and this was where Talos planned to eliminate the enemy. The Enil hunters were hiding in the grass and in tree holes. Suddenly, dozens of Enil hunters emerged from He emerged from his hiding place and launched a terrifying volley at the oncoming Skaven. Screams of agony echoed through the morning as the Skaven fell to the vengeful arrows.
According to the plan, after quickly completing three rounds of volleys, the Enil hunters did not stop, but immediately turned around and retreated to the other side of the field. The Skaven cursed and growled at them as they fled, but not a single Skaven pursued them. The Skaven have become accustomed to the new warlord's tactics and look forward to the unique sights they will soon see.
Sure enough, Hasker issued an order to the rat zombie, and the rat zombie took off the leather cover on the cockatrice. The cockatrice let out a shrill scream and then spread its wings and soared into the sky. As it flew into the sky, it made a savage cackle and pounced on the escaping elf.
When the cockatrice approached the elves, there was a sudden movement above the tree crown. A giant eagle rises from the forest, its huge wings spread, casting a long shadow. The early morning sun dyed its feathers red, and the hunting call echoed in the forest like a melodious symphony. Its flying posture is graceful and majestic, like a mysterious dancer dominating this natural realm.
Suddenly, screams of extreme panic rang out from the Skaven ranks, like a harsh bolt of lightning piercing the forest. Under the impulse of fear, many ratmen threw down their weapons without hesitation, turned around and fled into the dense woods, looking for any place that could cover themselves. This is one of the most primitive fears of their race, one of the nightmares deep in every Skaven soul, a horror that cannot be shaken off.
The powerful raptor soared across the vast sky, its huge silhouette casting long shadows in the sunlight, making everything around the mouse seem to be shrouded in darkness. The raptor's sharp eyes scan the ground, ready to swoop down, grab an exposed mouse with its sharp talons, and carry the mouse back to its towering rock eyrie.
Even Husker in the team was frightened. He huddled on the ground and covered his head with trembling paws, trying to avoid this deadly threat from the sky.
However, the giant eagles are not interested in the Skaven cowering below them. They are interested in the intruder flying over their hunting grounds.
The Cockatrice was so focused on its hunt that it didn't notice the sudden appearance of a giant eagle, until one swooped down on it and slashed its side with claws that could tear through steel. It fell precariously in mid-air, then righted itself and rose into the sky again.
The second eagle swooped down on the cockatrice and cut its wing. The cockatrice hissed angrily as the attacker moved away, then was forced to turn away when a third eagle attacked it.
The giant eagles besieged the cockatrices from all sides, preventing the cockatrices from concentrating and fixing them with their petrifying gaze.
Aiwan suppressed her fear when she saw the fourth giant eagle swooping down on the cockatrice. The giant brown eagle with white markings was Sklaw, and Talos was riding on its back. Instead of attacking the cockatrice with his claws, Sklaw twisted in mid-air, allowing Talos to slash at the chicken with his weapon. Snake beast. The Aenir Blade slashed at the Cockatrice, but failed to hit the target. Talos did not have the experience of fighting on the back of a giant eagle like Seth.
The cockatrice squirmed, trying to find its new victim. However, before it can pursue Scraw, another giant eagle swoops down on it.
Seth had better luck than Talos, and he stabbed the sharp spear into the cockatrice's ribs. Then his luck ran out, and a bolt of green lightning suddenly jumped up from the ground, and the energy crackled on him and the giant eagle. After he and the giant eagle let out a mournful cry before death, they headed towards the ground. Fall.
Ivan saw a second Skaven Wizard, a horned creature in gray robes drawing power. The wizard lacked the surging energy she felt in Husk, but the wizard still seemed to have energy that was not inferior to Husk to some extent.
Ivan knew her magic couldn't stop Husker, but she might have a chance against the second wizard. Even if she didn't, she couldn't stand idly by and watch as the evil creature used magic to knock the giant eagle out of the sky. She closes her eyes and opens herself to the terrifying forces of the forest, absorbing Lauren Loren's magical winds and transforming them into the form she desires.
Nashrik raised his staff again and shot another green lightning into the sky. At this time, the ground under his feet suddenly exploded and was covered with thorn roots. His staff fell from his talons and the roots spread upward, wrapping around his body. In the blink of an eye, before he could scream, he was trapped in a pile of crushed vegetation.
Ivan focused her attention on the coiled roots to tighten them, she prepared to crush the evil Skaven, but before she could pull the coils tight enough, a pulse of Dehar energy repelled her spell and the roots Withered and died, falling from the gray rat-man's body in a ball of dry shards.
Nashlik fell to the ground, rolled and crawled to pick up his staff, and then retreated to Hasker's side.
Husker recovered from his fear and unleashed deadly magic, freeing his allies from Ivan's spell. He glared savagely at his ally, then turned and directed his energy towards the battle raging above him.
Ivan could see Hasker raising his claws, and the skull on his chest was burning with terrifying power as Hasker chanted the spell.
One of the giant eagles that attacked the Cockatrice was suddenly knocked back, and then fell to the ground, as if the invisible giant's fist hit it. The second giant eagle was also knocked back in the same way. .
The thwarted attack gave the cockatrice the respite it needed, and it turned to stare down one of the giant eagles with a terrifying gaze. The giant eagle screamed in pain, its body stiffened, and its feathers turned to stone. The giant eagle fell from the sky, shattering as it hit the ground.
Most of the giant eagles were adjusting their bodies to avoid looking directly into the cockatrice's eyes. Now there was only one giant eagle left attacking. Sklaw carried Talos and rushed straight towards the Cockatrice.
The Cockatrice fixed its sights on the powerful giant eagle. Sklaw's wings were slowly turning to stone, but he still flew towards it. However, it did not notice that an elf was still hiding on Sklaw's back. When the paralyzed Sklaw rushed past it with inertia, the elf hiding behind suddenly swung the war blade and tore its leather wings.
The Sklaw crashed to the ground, its impact digging a deep furrow into the wilderness, plowing through the gathering hordes of Skaven and undead. The Cockatrice also fell beside it, its torn wings unable to stay in the air.
The Cockatrice fell to the ground and struggled in pain, screaming in pain. The sound woke up Talos, who was thrown semi-consciously. When Sklaw fell, he was also knocked unconscious. He stared at the strange monster that killed Aenir and his allies, and he staggered towards the Cockatrice with his war blade in hand.
Ivan wasn't the only one to witness the fight, Husker's eyes stared balefully at the monster that wounded him and now wanted to destroy the monster's elf thing.
As a spellcaster, Ivan can sense that Husker is casting a fatal spell. There is no doubt that the magic will kill Talos before Talos kills the cockatrice. Desperately pouring her remaining energy into a spell, she opened a rift in the real world, propelling Talos through the rift and through the hidden path between reality and dreams. When Deha's energy landed on the spot where Talos disappeared, she knew her magic had succeeded and Talos was temporarily transported to the other side, but it was enough.
With the Cockatrice losing its ability to move, the Aenir hidden in the woods began to unscrupulously fire arrows at the Skaven and the undead army exposed in the wilderness. Skeletons shattered under devastating volleys and Skaven were pierced by vengeful arrows. Hundreds of invaders were killed, and the blood of the Skaven stained the wasteland red.
Talos dashed through the forest, desperate to get back to the battlefield. He didn't blame Ivan for using magic, even though it caused him to disappear from the moor and reappear in a grove of ash trees many kilometers away. He believed that Ivan had a good reason for using this magic on him. However, his place is to lead his kin in battle against Lauren Loren's enemies, to defend Lauren Loren, no matter the danger that means.
As Talos paused as he was about to turn a corner on the narrow path through the woods, he felt a change in the air around him, as if Lauren Loren itself was trembling.
An army in strange costumes, riding beasts or riding chariots, appeared in the open space in front of Talos.
Darkus noticed the sudden appearance of Enil, but he ignored it. He rolled off the big guy and almost stumbled to the ground when he turned. Fortunately, he suddenly grabbed the saddle. , the big guy's condition is also not very good, or the entire team's condition is not very good. He could only say that it was too exciting. The feeling of moving among the roots of the world was like riding a roller coaster all the time. It seemed very short, snapping from one position to another, but he knew that it took a lot of time, at least the team It was still dark before departure, but now the sun is out.
"Talos..." Kaia, who was in a very bad state at this moment, shouted with difficulty.
"Kaia? Lord Kaia?" Talos' eyes flashed with disbelief. He just sent the messenger last night. No matter how fast, Lord Kaia from the Storm Zone should not come so quickly. He suddenly thought of something, as The future successor of the Shower District, he knew that Kaia would serve as the adjutant of the three-person council this year, but what was going on with these strangely dressed elves? (End of chapter)