Freya’s eyes were sharp as she stared at Ouroboros. The white werewolf stood before her, his muscular form exuding an overwhelming physical might that was impossible to ignore. While she lacked unique tools like the A.I. Chip, the Viking princess was a seasoned warrior, and her instincts told her that Ouroboros had grown significantly stronger.
"Your strength has grown a lot," she remarked, her voice carrying both admiration and curiosity.
Ouroboros showed a small smile at her words before softly nodding. "Thanks to my racial talent, I can grow stronger by consuming flesh," he explained. "Overlord had kept nearly one hundred Leviathan warriors for my consumption, each of them carrying the energy of a High Champion. However, I have reached my limit."
Freya’s gaze sharpened as she absorbed this information. A meaningful light appeared in her eyes as she nodded thoughtfully. She understood that the universe demanded balance. Even if Ouroboros’ talent was overwhelming, his soul’s power restricted his body’s growth. Unless the Depravita of Greed could rise in level or improve his soul in some other way, no matter how much he consumed, his body would not continue growing.
"Anyway," Ouroboros continued, his eyes shifting toward the volcano’s aperture, "I came to ask about Master and Big Brother. Overlord told me they are inside the volcano, is that right?"
"Yes," Freya confirmed, following his gaze to the smoldering crater. "They entered as soon as we arrived a few weeks ago. None have heard from them since."
A flash of worry appeared on her face as she glanced back at Ouroboros. "Can you tell me what is happening to them?" she asked. Although the Viking princess had always respected Vlad’s privacy, she could not help but grow concerned. After all, if they failed and were defeated, they would have to escape from Kuro Mountain.
Ouroboros’ eyes were sharp as he considered her question. Knowledge regarding the Depravita Race was something that had to be kept hidden. While no one on Terra could force them to reveal anything, they would soon reach higher dimensions, where there would definitely be powerhouses eager to obtain their secrets. He weighed his words carefully before speaking.
"Master and Big Brother are currently in an evolutionary step of their cultivation," he finally said. "They must be deep in trance, which is why we cannot communicate with them. Although I cannot say for sure how long it will last, I can tell you they are safe. We can do nothing but wait until they wake up."
"Thank you," Freya nodded, gratitude evident in her eyes as she thanked the Depravita of Greed. A sharp light crossed her eyes as she steeled herself, ready to fight with all she had for this mountain.
Ouroboros nodded in return and settled by her side, adopting a meditative position. He closed his eyes, focusing on his energy and trying to recover his strength.
Soon, silence reigned across the summit of Kuro Mountain, broken only by the occasional thunder and lightning strike on the inner ring. Everyone—from Royal Guards to Generals and soldiers—focused on recovering, trying to regain as much of their power as possible before the final clash. There would be no backing down or shield to protect them once the new battle began. They would either defeat the Leviathan army or be forced to run away, sustaining heavy losses and giving up any semblance of control over Karman Country.
Hours passed as the energy and stamina of the Xaos Forces and Turkin riders gradually returned. Many of them reached their peak condition once more, a sharpness returning to their eyes as they gazed at the dark swarm on the outer ring.
As the nineteenth hour approached, the last of the thunderous lightning arcs fell from the sky. The barrier that had protected them dissipated, the storm clouds parting to reveal a sky.
Not even a second later, the swarm of nearly two million Leviathans surged forward, their pincers clanging on the earth like the drums of war. The ground trembled beneath their onslaught, a dark tide rising up the slopes of Kuro Mountain.
The human soldiers could not help but feel a wave of dread trying to seep into their hearts as they beheld the terrifying sight. Fear whispered insidiously, but before it could take root, an aura flared among them. Freya stood at the forefront, her mace raised high. Her presence was a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness.
"Remember what you fight for," she called out, her voice ringing clear and strong. Freya’s aura was radiant as she stood on the frontline, her eyes glowing with power and might as she gazed at the soldiers. "We fight for our families and homes. We fight to protect the ones we love. We fight for humanity!"
Her words cut through the fear like a blade. The Xaos Forces and Turkin soldiers clenched their weapons, feeling their blood ignite with renewed fervor. As they looked upon the valiant figure of the Viking princess standing at the lead, her aura seemingly impervious to fear and so powerful that nothing could break it, their own courage swelled.
"Fight!" someone shouted.
"Kill!" another echoed.
Shouts of war erupted across the forces as soldiers from the Turkin riders, Golden Wave Legion, and Shadowstrike Legion burned with determination, fear and hesitation fading from their minds.
The soldiers were ready to move as one, stepping forward to meet the enemy. Armor clanged, weapons were raised, and spells began to shimmer in the hands of Mages. The air thrummed with the collective will of thousands, each individual contributing to a unified force.
Freya smiled, a fierce and unwavering expression, as she pointed her weapon toward the Leviathan horde. "March!" The young Viking princess had just uttered that call to battle when it happened.
"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!"
A colossal explosion resounded, shaking the very foundations of the mountain. The sound was deafening, a thunderclap that seemed to split the sky. The ground quaked beneath their feet, causing some to stumble.