Beyond the Apocalypse
Chapter 175: Covering the retreat (I)

Chapter 175: Covering the retreat (I)

Shock appeared on the soldiers of the Azarin Empire when they saw the immense speed that Vlad could achieve, but they were not stunned. Despite their clearly deviant moral compass and corruption, the men in black armor were elite forces, trained soldiers with a relentless focus.

Vlad’s eyes narrowed as he saw the warriors purposely slowing down their speed and tightening their formation. He then noticed dozens of mages in black robes atop the northern wall, raising their staffs and unleashing a barrage of fireballs.

These fireballs were all Mortal Tier Spells, but their sheer number created a storm of destruction capable of reducing even a Champion demon to ashes. Vlad’s instincts screamed danger, but before the barrage could reach him, a massive figure descended from the sky, crashing into the ground with an earth-shattering impact.

The Level 11 Fire Elemental stood like a fiery colossus, its molten body absorbing the brunt of the fireballs. The explosions rippled across its surface, sending shockwaves in all directions, but the creature remained unyielding, its fiery core glowing brighter as it shielded Vlad from the deadly barrage.

Seizing the moment, Vlad didn’t hesitate. He leaped onto the Fire Elemental, using its massive frame as a springboard. With a burst of crimson lightning and demonic fire, he propelled himself toward the warriors in black armor like a comet. The sheer force of his descent created a shockwave that sent several warriors flying, their bones shattering upon impact.

The actual battle began as Vlad’s swords became a blur of deadly precision. He moved like a specter of death, weaving through the warriors with supernatural grace. His blades flashed, cutting down two enemies with silent efficiency before seven more swords and spears converged on him. Vlad’s movements were a symphony of agility and power, dodging and parrying each strike with deadly accuracy. Every counterattack was lethal, taking more and more lives.

The Fire Elemental, emboldened by Vlad’s ferocity, marched forward like an unstoppable force of nature. Its massive fists, wreathed in flames, crushed warriors with each swing. The ground shook with every step, creating craters where its feet landed. It roared a sound that reverberated through the battlefield, shaking the resolve of the Azarin soldiers.

Despite the terrifying power of Vlad and the High Champion Fire Elemental, more warriors poured from the gates, their numbers seemingly endless. They attacked without fear or hesitation, their eyes burning with fanatical zeal. It was as if death held no meaning for them, their sole purpose being to eradicate every living soul in their path.

Vlad’s every move was a masterclass in combat, his blades dancing with lethal elegance. He felt the strain on his body, the exhaustion from the previous battle weighing on him, but he pressed on. The rage in his heart fueled his strength, allowing him to hold the line against the relentless onslaught.

Despite being massacred, the soldiers of the Azarin Empire marched without fear, so it did not take long for the soldiers to start surrounding Vlad and the Level 11 Fire Elemental. If he had all his power, Vlad could use powerful Force skills to push the enemies away, but that was no longer possible. He had to be careful unless he wanted to drain himself and become exhausted and forced to run away in less than a minute.

Just as attacks came from all directions, and Vlad felt his limit being reached, a thunderous explosion echoed behind him, obliterating many warriors of the Azarin Empire at his rear. The ground trembled under the force of the explosive projectiles, combined with a storm of metallic lightning daggers, decimating the enemy behind Vlad and the Level 11 Fire Elemental.

If that was not bad enough for the Azarin Empire’s Warriors, dozens of shadow-flaming arrows rained down, striking those in the left and right flanks.

Mirena, Frank, and Roman entered with a spectacular display of power. Mirena’s metallic lightning daggers streaked through the air, piercing through armor and flesh with electrifying precision. Frank’s explosive projectiles blasted the enemies to pieces. Roman’s precision ensured that each arrow found its mark, eliminating the warriors who attempted to attack Vlad from his blind spots.

The trio moved with deadly efficiency, swiftly clearing the warriors behind Vlad and the Level 11 Fire Elemental before focusing on the Mages in dark robes on top of the walls. Their combined might target the spellcasters, the real threat that Vlad couldn’t reach amidst the melee.

The Mages of the Azarin Empire had been charging their fireball through their magic staff, waiting for the moment when they could send a new barrage toward Vlad. They were caught off guard by the sudden and fierce assault and struggled to maintain their barrage of spells.

Using the opening left by the spellcaster and archer among the Royal Guards, Cazan, Clasius, and Amara launched a devastating attack from the flank. Cazan, in colossus form, swung his massive mace with earth-shattering force, each strike creating shockwaves that knocked down and crushed the enemy soldiers. Clasius, with his flaming sword and shield, sliced the bodies of the Azarin Empire’s Warriors, his every move displaying absolute combat precision. Amara, the shadowy assassin, moved like a wraith, her daggers finding the hearts of her enemies before they even knew she was there.

The trio did not blindly charge forward. Cazan, Clasius, and Amara strategically diminished the enemy forces from the side, ensuring Vlad and the Level 11 Fire Elemental would not be surrounded. Their teamwork was impeccable, reaching that level due to their trust in each other.

Vlad felt a surge of relief and determination as the Royal Guards arrived, their presence diminishing greatly the pressure he endured. However, the battle was far from over. They needed to hold the line to stop the onslaught of the Azarin Empire’s forces and give the civilians a chance to escape.

With renewed vigor, Vlad’s swords became a blur of lethal movements. He parried and countered, each strike aimed to kill. Vlad’s eyes focused on every warrior that dared to approach, ready to destroy all. Standing firm by his side, the Royal Guards unleashed their most powerful abilities, their hearts resolute in their mission to protect the hundreds of families running away.