Chapter 145: Tanya's thanks

Meanwhile, the fortress defenders cheered. The White Devil Eagles, leaderless and fraught with panic, scattered in all directions.

Some were cut down by the fortress's archers and mages, while others simply fled for distant skies. Arcadia's West Fortress had staved off disaster for another day.

The Totem Serpent roared one last time, as if to proclaim the city safe. Then, it turned, slithering back into the night.

Though it had grown beyond expectations, it retained the mysterious aloofness that marked all totemic guardians.

And so it vanished, leaving behind only the stunned defenders and the broken corpse of the Silver Dome Lord.

"He…he saved us," breathed one soldier, collapsing with fatigue.

"Yes… the serpent… is truly our city's protector," murmured another, tears at the corners of her eyes.