Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 977- Battle of Mount Gorgor (3)

Although Vordanaz was frustrated in his mind, outwardly he maintained his calm and replied "Garvex saw fit to delegate this mission to one of my subordinates. I am merely ensuring it proceeds without incident"…

"Subordinate you say?" Gareth raised a brow "Since when can a piece of trash like that join your faction? Come now, what are you hiding from me".

No matter how low Melkan's position was in the Demon Lord of Envy's army, he was still a Demon Earl. However, he also had a point. The position Vordanaz was in, even an average Demon earl wouldn't catch his eyes.

"You're no babysitter. You wouldn't be here unless you had a vested interest. Could it be that the humans at Mount Gorgor are more dangerous than they seem? Or perhaps... you have your own reasons for involving yourself?"

Gareth was no ordinary Demon Duke. Under the five supreme commanders of the Demon Lord of Envy, he was a rising star, one of the most powerful and influential. His cunning, charisma, and sheer strength had earned him favour from the highest echelons of the faction.

Rumors even had it that Gareth, had reached the pinnacle of his rank and was half a foot into the next rank—Archduke. Given his power and acumen, it wouldn't be long before he figured out Vordanaz's plan.

"Nothing to say, old friend?" Seeing that Vordanaz wasn't saying anything, the smile on Gareth's face widened.

"You've always been good at keeping your motives close to your chest"…

"Mind your own business. What I do and why I do it is none of your concern, Gareth."

"Oh, but it is. Everything that happens in this faction concerns me. You see, I've made it my mission to ensure the Demon Lord's will is carried out... without interference from those with hidden agendas."

At those words, the already dark sky darkened even further. The clash of two energies divided the sky and even land into two halves.

Vordanaz narrowed his eyes "Are you doubting me? You of all people should know that I am one of the most stalwart followers of the Demon Lord".

The oppressive silence hung in the air, a suffocating tension that seemed ready to ignite at the slightest spark.

Gareth's ember-like eyes scanned Vordanaz, his aura pressing down on everything around them like an invisible storm. Then, just as abruptly as it had descended, the pressure dissipated with a sigh.

"Let's hope that is the case". shrugging his shoulders with an air of nonchalance, he said nothing more and stood there as if he had nothing else in this world to do. His stance betrayed the deadly power he showcased a moment ago.

Vordanaz said nothing, his gaze returning to the detached force far below.

The sun had risen fully now, its light illuminating the battlefield without prejudice—shining equally on the living and the dead, on shattered bones and blood-soaked earth.

The fortress loomed ahead, its appearance exactly what one would expect of an abandoned stronghold. Crumbling walls, overgrown moss, and deep cracks in the stone gave it an aura of desolation as if it had long been forgotten by time.

Yet as the detached force approached closer, signs of human touch became apparent. Barricades had been hastily erected over breaches in the walls, and piles of rubble had been cleared to make narrow pathways.

The gates, though weathered, bore fresh iron reinforcements. The signs of makeshift repairs made it clear: this fortress was no longer abandoned.

"They're here," High atop the fortress walls, Rothgard and Dravik stood side by side, their gazes fixed on the approaching demon force.

The latter spoke grimly, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword.

Rothgard with his weathered face, nodded and calmly ordered "Sound the bell. Alert everyone."

DING.. DING… alarm rang on all corners of the fortress rousing the human forces within. Soldiers and mercenaries rushed to their positions, shields and spears at the ready as they mounted the walls.

Their movements were rhythmic but clumsy, a sign of practice rather than experience. Clearly, these men had drilled these manoeuvres since arriving at the fortress, preparing for this inevitable moment.

Rothgard and Dravik busily handed out orders. Standing near them were several others—captains and vice-captains, the best fighters and leaders of the South Wing forces. Among them was Simon, disguised as a human mercenary once again.

"The fact that we could reach here and stand a chance to deadly the demon lord's army no matter how short, it's all thanks to you" Dravik glanced at Simon and thanked.

At this moment when the end was almost near, even a person as foul mouth as him spoke words of gratitude. The close officers and captains laughed.

"We owe you. Truthfully we couldn't have done this without you. If by miracle we survive this war, I will recommend you to Her Majesty to give a suitable position and reward. It applies to everyone here, so fight with all your strength. This will be our, the South wing army's final battle" Rothard commented raising everyone's morale.

HONK… The demon war horn sounded, its deep, guttural tone reverberating across the battlefield like the call of an ancient beast awakened from slumber. The war had begun. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

One side stood at the top of the wall, with nervous breaths and shield and arms ready while another side surged forward like a black tide, their guttural snarls and bestial roars blending into a cacophony of bloodlust.

The moment the two forces collided it was a gruesome sight. From high up in the sky, the demon army looked like a dark sea of shadows and fire, crashing against the fortress walls with relentless fury.

Infernal Hounds leapt and clawed at the stone, their flaming bodies lighting up the base of the stronghold. Behind them, waves of centaurs and war runners hurled themselves forward, their bloodthirst palpable even from a distance.

The first impact was bone-rattling. The fortress walls shuddered under the reckless charge of the black tide.