However, who could have anticipated that the mysterious assailant, who emerged to face them, didn't come in the form of lightning and thunderstorms but with an enormous deadly wave of molten magma, which sent shivers down their spines, even through the protective layers of their armour?
Soon, they arrived before him. They didn't dare to fly higher or at the level of his line of sight.
"Great warrior, may we have the pleasure of knowing who you are?" Emperor Lakul, the leader of the Sleeping Fox Runaway City and the Sloth demon race, said, bowing down slightly towards Stronghold Leader Seth before raising his head.
The other leaders also bowed slightly.
"Are you the ruler of the Sleeping Fox Runaway City?" Stronghold Leader Seth asked, his eyes fixed on the man, taking note of his large horn that appeared to be adorned with more jewels than anyone present.
Stronghold Leader Seth wasn't accustomed to such formalities and didn't feel the need to explain his identity, so he went straight to the point.
Emperor Lakul hesitated before nodding. "Yes, I am Emperor Lakul, leader of the Sleeping Fox Runaway City and also of the Sloth demon race," he responded, his heart racing within his chest as he pondered the unexpected situation he found himself in.
"I've come to deliver a message to you," Stronghold Leader Seth began, his voice dripping with authority. "From now on, the Sleeping Fox Runaway City will fall under the control of Paradise for daring to trespass into our territory."
"Gather your forces and immediately send them to the immense crate at a distance from here, which has been formed by our god. Suppose you attempt to escape or entertain any foolish ideas of fighting back, you're welcome to try your best but rest assured that it will be met with a swift death," Stronghold Leader Seth said, glancing at the devourer's bracelet around the leader of the Sleeping Fox Runaway City's right wrist, along with the other gods' chosens, a glint flashing through his eyes.
Nonetheless, he was impressed that the Emperor hadn't run away or sent someone else to confront him out of fear of his imposing and intimidating entrance.
Stronghold Leader Seth added, his voice suddenly becoming louder, "And if the god or divine being protecting this Runaway City exists, you have only one chance to flee this territory and never return, or else prepare to face the might of our god."
Upon hearing Stronghold Leader Seth's words, Emperor Lakul and the others were immediately stunned.
Seizing the Sleeping Fox Runaway City! Surrender their forces! Protected by a god!!
Emperor Lakul and the other leaders couldn't help but doubt whether they had heard his last words correctly. They were shocked, filled with disbelief and fear, their hearts pounding in their chests.
After delivering the message, Stronghold Leader Seth snorted at their stunned expressions before he turned around and left. The wall of molten magma gradually retracted back to the ground and swiftly vanished, freeing the Sleeping Fox Runaway City from its enclosure.
As Stronghold Leader Seth gradually disappeared into the distance with a wave of molten magma that decimated the Vylkr vines below him, Emperor Lakul swiftly regained himself before the other leaders followed suit.
"Emperor–" Just as one of them was about to speak, Emperor Lakul raised his hands, silencing them.
"You all heard what he said. From his words, he isn't acting alone, so it must be that the previous attack on the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City was someone else delivering this message to them," Emperor Lakul said, understanding that it was more like a threat than a message.
But he didn't let it out after there was a chance someone was monitoring their actions closely to see how they would act. "Any power that can immobilize this strength at will is not one we want to offend. Quickly chart our course towards the direction of the dissipating Vylkr veil phenomenon and search for the immense crater so we can arrive as quickly as possible," he ordered.
The leaders all nodded in understanding of the Emperor's orders, inwardly sighing in response.
They couldn't help but wonder if this mysterious force was responsible for the emergence of the Vylkr veil phenomenon and the frightening occurrences that had taken place within it. From the show of power they had just witnessed, they would be surprised if they were.
As for whether their words about the backing of a god were something they all couldn't help but doubt that their assailant had used to lower their morale.
Nonetheless, they all agreed on one thing, which was that they all regretted accepting this mission.
Orion glanced at the sixty tied-up gods' chosens and their Gearweavers arranged at the scene, all properly secured by Leif and the others.
Despite their confident words, Leif, Leona, and the other gods' chosens weren't helpful during the battle against the opponents. They left most of the heavy lifting to Seig and Evadne, who skillfully handled the brunt of the fighting.
Meanwhile, they focused on securing and disarming the opponents, removing their Gearweavers and draining their Vylkr energy. Under Orion's gaze, they couldn't help but feel ashamed.
However, Orion didn't see it that way. He appreciated how quickly they adapted to the situation once they realized the enemy's strength. It showed they weren't too proud or impulsive, nor did they let any animosity towards Seig and Evadne cloud their judgment.
This demonstrated that the training under Stronghold Leader Seth and Zogar had been highly effective.
Orion suddenly shifted his gaze skyward as Stronghold Leader Seth landed beside him.
"How did it go?" Orion inquired with curiosity.
"It went smoothly. I delivered the message to the Sleeping Fox Runaway City leaders. They should be arriving here before the end of the day," Stronghold Leader Seth replied with a nod.
Seig, Evadne, and the others listening could only sigh and shake their heads, anticipating this turn of events. Seig, in particular, felt relieved that he hadn't resorted to eliminating the leaders.
Upon hearing this, Orion nodded thoughtfully. "Before their arrival, we need to inform Stronghold Leader Zogar about the change of plans. We also need to interrogate them about their affiliations and the purpose of their presence here," he added.