Andre felt the refreshing mountain breeze, filled with the aroma of pine and wet soil, hitting their face while they rode. The first burst of adrenaline had faded away, giving way to a lingering muscle pain and deep fatigue. Still, a feeling of excitement remained, creating a silent connection between him and the other survivors.
They traveled through an empty town, the skeletal remnants of structures serving as a dark reminder of the Vor'talon's ruthlessness.
The vacant openings of windows gazed at them like disapproving eyes, while the remains of broken doors dangled loosely from their hinges. If any townspeople remained, they had wisely opted to stay concealed. Andre sympathized with them, feeling a pang of empathy as their lives were disturbed and their world was flipped.
They kept moving forward, the steady clomping of hooves on the compacted ground being the only noise disrupting the quiet. As they turned the corner, a massive building came into view on the horizon, its shadowy outline making the surrounding area seem small by comparison. The Supreme Dungeon.
It resembled a fortress made from one gigantic black stone instead of a typical dungeon. Sharp black spires of obsidian reached for the sky, their peaks covered in swirling mist. Enormous chains, as wide as Andre's arm, twisted around the building, appearing to support the entire structure. A stifling atmosphere enveloped the area, a profound quietness that appeared to engulf every noise.
Andre pulled back on the reins of his horse, feeling a sudden sense of unease coming over him. That was the end. The enemy's core. This is where their families, their leaders, were imprisoned.
Corvus got off his horse, his emerald Mana Arc glowing slightly as night descended. The rest of the Initiates did the same, with an expression of seriousness and determination on their faces. Corvus observed them all, looking at each person one by one.
"We are on the verge of war,"he boomed, his voice filled with a quiet intensity. "Beyond these walls lie not just our enemies, but the hope for Decaoria's future. The Duke of Ingle, the Duchess of Nayland, and countless others are imprisoned within. We fight not just for glory, but for freedom, for family, for the very future of our world!"
He paused, his gaze locking onto Andre's. "Fear is natural," he continued, his voice softer now, "but we must not succumb to it. We are the 10th Legion, the embodiment of hope in this decaying world. Fight with courage, fight with honor, and fight for a future where Decaoria can rise again!"
A loud cheer rose from the gathered Initiates, rough in tone but brimming with unwavering resolve. With his voice joining the chorus, Andre lifted his fist in the air. He still felt fear, but it was overshadowed by a strong sense of purpose.
Corvus lifted his hand, causing the emerald light to shine brightly. He yelled, "To Arms!" "In the name of Decaoria!"
With a loud battle cry, they raced towards the Supreme Dungeon, growing more determined with each heartbeat.
The earth shook under the horses' hooves as the 10th Legion galloped towards the Supreme Dungeon. The atmosphere buzzed with a palpable intensity, a combination of dread and justified anger. Andre tightened his grip on Voidbane, finding comfort in the sweat-covered leather. That was the end. The moment of no turning back.
Right before they reached the enormous obsidian walls, a large chasm stretched out in front of them - a swirling black moat filled with a foul and decaying stench. Andre let out a loud yell from his throat and prodded his horse to move ahead. Feeling the urgency, the creature leaped high into the air, flying gracefully over the foul water in an elegant curve.
Others quickly followed with loud splashes, some landing smoothly while others fell into the dark depths with cries of desperation. Andre felt a rush of adrenaline as he landed roughly on the other side of his horse.
At the base of the massive gate, two individuals wearing shiny silver armor suddenly appeared, their visors mirroring the fading daylight. These guards were anything but ordinary. They glided with skilled elegance, their weapons shining with a lethal vow.
Marcus, a force of punches and rage, collided with the initial knight with a loud, bone-crushing bang. The figure in silver armor was briefly shocked as they stumbled, but quickly recovered and struck back with a powerful swing of their broadsword. Marcus narrowly dodged the blade, hearing it zoom past his ear with a lethal buzz.
Res, a calm and unyielding barrier of green and metal, faced off against the second knight. Sparks flew while she defended against his attacks, her axe moving quickly and with deadly accuracy. The courtyard reverberated with the sound of metal clashing, contrasting the increasing disorder nearby.
Andre drew Voidbane, feeling its familiar heaviness keeping him steady in the chaos. He ran at the last knight, his sword making a lethal sound in the air.
Res fought against the second knight. As they fought, she skillfully dodged his attacks with her twin daggers, creating sparks with each clash. The courtyard reverberated with the sound of metal clanging, adding to the increasing chaos in the area.
He ran towards the last knight, his sword making a lethal melody in the atmosphere. The conflict was like a musical composition of metal, a deadly performance where every action could lead to destruction.
Out of nowhere, a flurry of arrows poured down from the buildings on either side of the gate. One flew by next to Andre's ear, the breeze from its movement causing a sharp sensation on his cheek. He responded on instinct, lifting his shield to deflect another attack. It collided with the metal with a nauseating thud, almost causing him to lose his balance.
"Archers! Take cover!" Corvus' voice boomed above the din. His emerald Mana Arc pulsed brightly, summoning a shimmering barrier that deflected a barrage of arrows.
10th Legion archers, who were concealed among the soldiers, stood up from their positions. Their bows quickly released a barrage of arrows towards the enemy fortifications. One after another, the men in the fortress walls fell down, quiet.
The courtyard turned into a chaotic scene of metal and shrieks. The guards that were left in the dungeon, no longer shocked, resisted fiercely like animals trapped in a corner. Andre battled with primal anger, his actions driven by the urgent pleas of his allies and the intense longing to free the prisoners trapped in this hell hole of a stronghold.
However, the sheer quantity of guards was simply too much to handle. As Andre began to weaken, a harsh voice broke through the noise.
"Split up!" Corvus roared, his voice hoarse but unwavering. "Half of you, hold the line here! The rest, with me! We find the prisoners!"
The remaining 10th legion Legionnaires were in unanimous agreement. By making one last coordinated effort, they pushed the remaining guards towards the gate, leading to a brief pause in the battle.
Andre gazed at Res, their eyes connecting in a wordless mutual comprehension. They wouldn't be holding the line today. They were going in. A brief nod, a mutual look of serious resolve, and they started moving, trailing Corvus and hundreds of others towards the wide entrance of the dungeon.