The Queen Has Awakened!
Taking advantage of the interval while helping the Elves treat their wounds, Aruka and Auna listened as Dolusam recounted what had happened.
"These greedy and cunning humans!"
Aruka was furious, but compared to his anger, his daughter Auna seemed much more composed.
"We'll talk about that later. Since the humans have sent out a signal, a large army will soon surround this place, so we must leave quickly."
"Mm, you're right. We must hurry and leave, then find Lola and the Queen."
As Dolusam spoke, Aruka understood why this had happened—powerful Serea and Lola were absent, so it was no wonder the humans managed to invade.
Just as Dolusam was about to lead the clan away, he suddenly remembered something important.
"Dorulu!"
Realizing the gravity of the problem, Dolusam shouted towards the Elves behind him.
"Has anyone seen Dorulu?"
The Elves looked at each other, but none had seen him. At that moment, several figures darted out from the distance.
"Who's there?"
A vigilant Aruka immediately turned, but the newcomers hurriedly answered.
"It's us."
Four Elven rangers emerged from the forest—they were the ones who had stayed behind with Doluka.
Seeing these four, Dolusam asked.
"It's you? Where is Doluka?"
The Elven ranger replied.
"Captain Doluka was captured by humans while covering for us. Dorulu tried to rescue Doluka, but unfortunately also fell into a human trap."
Upon hearing this, it felt to Dolusam as if his world had collapsed. He grew dizzy, and his body started to sway.
Seeing this, the Elven ranger quickly came over to support him.
"Dolusam, don't worry. We'll go find the Queen. As long as we find her, the Queen will surely lead us to drive out the humans and rescue your sister!"
As the ranger spoke, Dolusam felt as if he'd grasped his last hope.
"Right, the Queen! Quickly, find the Queen!"
Dolusam turned his gaze toward the Skeleton Warrior in the group; the Queen had said that the Skeleton Warrior could help them contact her.
But when he asked, the Skeleton Warrior replied,
"The Queen is still asleep."
It was the same answer as before. Dolusam clenched his fists tightly.
"Don't give up. We'll find Queen Serea. But right now, we must leave,"
Aruka comforted. Dolusam understood as well: with Doluka captured and command handed over to him, he now bore responsibility for the Darkmoon clan.
"Chief Aruka, sorry for getting you involved in all this."
"You're too polite. You are the saviors of our people. After the undead outbreak, you provided us with the Spring of Life and shelter here. Such kindness deserves to be repaid."
Having said that, Aruka barked orders to the wolf riders around him.
"Warriors, lend your mounts to our Elven friends. We'll regroup with our kin!"
At his command, the wolf riders led their direwolves over. After expressing their gratitude, the young and wounded Elves climbed onto the giant wolves.
But just as they were about to leave, the silver-furred direwolf let out a deep "rrrr" sound.
Hearing this, Aruka immediately became alert.
"Not good, we have enemies—many of them. They're on their way here!"
Using the direwolves' senses, Aruka obtained this information, and everyone prepared for battle.
But at that moment, auna spoke.
"There are too many enemies. When they see the corpses here, they'll surely search for us. We must have those unable to fight leave and regroup with the clan, while the rest of us use the forest cover to draw away the searching enemies."
"We'll do as Auna says."
Aruka patted the neck of the silver giant wolf.
"Take our Elven friends to the clan, then come back for us."
"Awoo!"
"I'm counting on you, old friend."
The silver-furred direwolf seemed to understand Aruka's words—its broad back could carry four wounded, and the other direwolves took the Elves unable to fight.
"Awoo!"
With a farewell howl, the silver-furred direwolf led the wolf pack with the Elves back toward Aruka's clan.
Now, only Aruka and his daughter, fifteen wolf riders without direwolves, six Elven archers, and one Skeleton Warrior responsible for communication remained.
Dolusam picked up a longbow and arrows from the ground. Although he was the tribe's armor smith and had little battle experience, he was once an Elven archer, so he was capable of basic combat.
"We know the surroundings well; let's draw the humans away together."
"Alright!"
Led by Aruka, the werewolves and Elves, together with the Skeleton Warrior, charged toward the human reinforcements—they needed to draw the enemies' attention.
Suddenly, the Skeleton Warrior stopped in place. Everyone else turned to look, when the Skeleton Warrior spoke words that lifted their spirits:
"The Queen—she has awakened!"
...
In the silent ancient tomb of Addis, Serea was sleeping atop a stone coffin.
Her posture was peaceful and serene, as beautiful as a crystal maiden. During this long slumber, as her awareness gradually returned, Serea's slender eyelashes fluttered a few times, then her beautiful eyes opened to the dim darkness of the underground tomb.
As soon as they saw her waken, Vina and Lola hurried over.
"Your Majesty!" x2
The two called out excitedly. Serea moved her body a bit; though it was somewhat sore, she could still move.
Feeling her body was dry and clean, Serea could confirm that Celia had treated her while she slept.
"How long did I sleep?"
"About a day and a night."
"A day and a night?!"
Serea felt somewhat dazed. Since a whole day and night had passed, why were they still in the tomb?
Right—the stone wall!
The stone wall had dropped and sealed them inside, so they were still trapped.
Thinking of this, Serea slowly sat up and saw Celia, Little Black, and the others hurriedly rushing over. Even Maro and Camilla were there, though at this moment both were clustered at Beverly's side. Judging from the slight movements in Beverly's chest, she was actually still alive.
Despite Addis having seized her body, Beverly had not died, which made Serea give her an extra glance.
But just as Serea was sorting out her thoughts, a mental connection came through.
It was the Skeleton Warrior!
Vivid images appeared in Serea's mind. Seeing those scenes, she felt shock at first, then fury, and at last, a long, silent calmness.
Noticing the changing expression on Serea's face, Lola and the others sensed that something was off, while in the jumping red soul flame of Little Black, murderous intent was already clear.
"Your Majesty, what's wrong?"
Lola asked worriedly.
Serea answered,
"I'm fine. But I might be just a little angry in a moment."
As she spoke, Serea looked down at the altar. More than thirty Skeleton Warriors were waiting, half-kneeling below. Sensing the Queen's gaze, they all raised their heads, their soul flames burning with battle intent.
Seeing those Skeleton Warriors, Serea thought...
No, this still isn't enough!
She then looked toward the sleeping skeletons and piles of broken bones...
Despair and fear—let me show you all what they truly mean!
(To be continued...)