Without hesitation, both knights charged forward. Their weapons gleamed as they poured every ounce of strength into their blades. In perfect sync, they slashed at the incoming beam.
The impact sent shockwaves through their arms, but they didn’t falter. Sparks erupted as their swords clashed against the raw energy, splitting the deadly light apart.
The beam cracked and dispersed, but the force still sent them skidding backward.
Before they could recover, a monstrous figure burst forward with unnatural speed. A beast-like creature, its eyes burning with primal madness, slammed into the frontline knights.
Armor shattered, bodies were sent flying, and screams filled the air as the shockwave from the impact knocked soldiers off their feet. Blood sprayed as the sheer force of the charge ripped through their formation.
Vic’s breath hitched as he saw the carnage unfold. His grip tightened around his blade, rage, and desperation surging through him.
"FUCKKK!" he roared, his voice echoing through the battlefield as he rushed forward, blade raised high.
Meanwhile, at the rear, Kael frowned hearing the groans.
Dust and debris rose around the place. A thick layer of mist and vapour shook everything covering the vision due to the slash.
The beam stuck around dispersing the snow which blinded everyone’s vision for a brief.
Kael was about to ask what had happened when a loud shriek filled the air.
The ground trembled as a monstrous roar echoed through the valley that tore away the mist screen frightening everyone.
A giant beast stood on two hind legs, its black fur blending into the night in sharp contrast to the snow. It was as large as a mountain, its upper limbs armed with two-meter-long claws. Sharp canines protruded from its muzzle, dripping with a thick, viscous liquid that splattered onto the ground with a heavy thud. A strange energy pulsed around its massive body, its crimson eyes glowing like fire.
Even in the old days, bears were feared for their strength and aggression. But this creature, this Byk—was something else. It towered at eighteen meters tall, weighing over 140 tons, with a large horn jutting from its head. Its aura crackled with power, marking it almost a B- rank beast but the power exerted by its beam was more than above.
After slamming the knights, it grabbed the monster around thrashing them out of which a bulky Orc retaliated.
Right now, it was locked in battle with another monster, slamming it into a bloody pulp.
"It’s even attacking the other monsters.."
"Where did this menace come from?"
The knights shrieked in disbelief.
Kael turned to Handel at the front, who was covered in blood, his breathing ragged. "Handel, are you still alive?"
Coughing, Handel wiped the blood from his lips. "Yeah... barely. This thing came out of nowhere. I ordered the others to retreat, but I couldn’t hold it off alone. It struck me once and nearly ripped me apart."
"Also the blood isn’t mine."
He looked back at the battlefield, his face twisted with anger. "An orc showed up and started fighting it. But he’s not going to last much longer."
Kael followed his gaze and saw the orc locked in a brutal struggle with the Byk. The orc fought with everything he had, but he was no match. Kael could tell—he was already at his limit.
The others who had barely regained their sanity looked down in horror.
The devastation was unlike anything they had ever seen. Kael took a deep breath, then shouted, "EVERYONE FALL BACK!" His voice boomed through the air. "This thing is MINE!"
Heru, gripping his staff, stepped forward. "Lord Kael, are you insane?!"
Kael laughed, eyes wild with excitement. "Of course I am! Now get the hell out of my way!"
With that Kael rushed ahead.
Heru looked in shock and decided to follow Kael.
"Heru, didn’t Lord Kael say to let him fight alone,"Kassel shouted.
"Are you an idiot?What if something happened to him? Young bloods are quite rash so we old bones should take care of it lest any mishaps happen."Heru snorted and rushed ahead
The Byk swung its claws, digging deep into the orc’s neck. Blood sprayed as the beast ripped the orc’s head clean off and hurled it toward Kael like a cannonball.
Kael grinned. "Oh, you’re playing catch? Let’s go then!"
He dropped to the ground, sliding under the spinning head as it flew past him. In one fluid motion, he kicked off a boulder, using it as a foothold to launch himself straight at the Byk.
The Byk reacted instantly, raising a massive claw and swiping at him. Kael’s eyes flickered with madness. He twisted in midair, narrowly dodging the claws. Sparks flew as the beast’s nails scraped against his armor, screeching like metal on stone. Kael landed, rolling to his feet, his grin widening.
Before he could attack, Heru leaped forward, swinging his massive war hammer at Byk’s claw. The impact sent sparks flying. The Byk roared in pain, but with a flick of its arm, it swatted Heru away like a ragdoll.
Kael barely glanced at him. "Tch. Weak."
The Byk raised its head and let out an earth-shaking roar. The force of its breath alone sent shockwaves through the ground. Cracks spread in all directions as the sheer pressure blasted Kael backward.
Kael dug his heels into the ground, but the force was too much. He skidded back dozens of meters, leaving deep drag marks in the dirt. His arms throbbed, and blood trickled from his lips. But instead of fear, there was only excitement in his eyes.
"This thing is weird" Kael cackled, licking the blood from his lips.
The Byk, sensing his defiance, roared again. Energy gathered around its muzzle, forming a concentrated beam of light. Kael’s instincts screamed at him.
Heru’s eyes widened. "EVERYONE MOVE!" He unleashed a powerful wind spell, sweeping the archers away just in time.
A blinding explosion ripped through the valley. Trees were obliterated. The ground split apart, leaving a deep trench where the beam had struck. Smoke and fire filled the air.
Kael stood at the edge of the destruction, his grin never fading. He cracked his neck, rolling his shoulders. "Now THAT was fun!" He turned back to the Byk, eyes blazing with reckless hunger. "Alright, big guy. My turn."