Chapter 147: A Threat Amidst the Chaos

Yame swept her gaze across the enemy forces with the calmness of an undisturbed lake. Despite being surrounded by danger, her expression remained unwavering. She shifted slightly, shielding Myouka behind her, and spoke in a low, resolute tone: "Stand firm. Don't move."

Myouka nodded. Though her hands holding the bow trembled slightly, she stayed in place, obediently refraining from any rash actions.

Across from them, Watcher 24 smirked, a sinister curve playing on her lips. "You act so composed. Let's see how long you can keep it up." With a mere flick of her wrist, a swarm of spiders surged forward, their sharp screeches filling the air, as though the entire space was being enveloped in a web of silken death.

Simultaneously, Watcher 22 intensified the summoning ritual. Out of the void emerged a host of monstrous demons, each grotesque and varied in form—some cloaked in black fur, others bristling with sharp spines and claws. Their deafening roars shook the ground as they charged toward Yame and Syoruha.

"Their numbers keep growing," Syoruha muttered with a hint of impatience. Despite his tone, his movements were sharp and precise. With a sweeping motion, he unleashed a dazzling light from his palm, transforming fallen leaves into radiant beams that pierced through the spiders, filling the air with the acrid stench of burning flesh.

Yame's gaze hardened. "Focus. No distractions." As the words left her lips, she summoned another surge of storm energy, unleashing a tempest of cutting winds and debris that tore into the enemy ranks.

This time, however, the Watchers' attacks were far more coordinated.

"Foolish little girl," Watcher 27 sneered as she emerged from the shadows. A chilling chorus of bats followed her, their wings slicing through the air with a metallic hum as they swarmed toward Yame.

Syoruha instantly sensed the danger and stepped to her side, wielding his radiant blade to intercept most of the bats. Yet, a few slipped through the defense.

Yame remained unshaken. With a simple motion of her hand, the storm expanded outward, shredding the bats into dark plumes of smoke. Her cold gaze locked onto Watcher 27. "Hiding in the shadows won't save you."

A derisive laugh echoed faintly in response. "Oh, really?"

At that moment, Watcher 30 silently appeared behind Yame, his dagger gleaming with a deadly chill as it aimed for her back.

"Look out!" Syoruha spun, his luminous blade sweeping toward the dagger. The clash of metal rang out, sending Watcher 30 stumbling back and disarming him. Yet the madness in Watcher 30's eyes only deepened as he hissed, "You noticed so quickly? No matter. You're already finished…"

Meanwhile, the spider assault reached a fever pitch. Accompanied by a sea of silken threads, a massive spider emerged, sealing off escape routes and compressing their battleground.

Yame's expression grew more serious. She could sense the tides of battle shifting dangerously against them. The enemy's numbers and coordination were becoming overwhelming.

"We can't stay on the defensive," Yame muttered, her voice calm yet resolute. She glanced at Syoruha, her tone barely above a whisper. "Hold out just a little longer."

Syoruha nodded, his hands igniting another cluster of radiant leaves. His demeanor sharpened, exuding an unyielding resolve.

From a distance, Riyugi and Myouka watched the relentless assault. Their hearts were gripped with anxiety and helplessness, their only recourse being silent prayers for a reversal of fortune.

Amid the chaos, a streaking arrow pierced the air, its icy glint targeting Watcher 24.

"Ah!" Watcher 24 recoiled, a thin line of blood marking her cheek. Her fingers touched the wound, and her eyes turned venomously cold. "You impudent little girl!" Her voice dripped with malice as she glared at the distant Myouka.

Holding her longbow, Myouka trembled but remained rooted in place, her determination overcoming her fear. She had hesitated long while aiming, never expecting her shot to land.

"Myouka, be careful!" Riyugi exclaimed, tugging at her in an attempt to pull her to safety. Yet Myouka stood firm.

"I… I can't just watch them fight and get hurt," Myouka whispered, her voice soft but unwavering.

Watcher 24 chuckled darkly, murmuring an incantation under her breath. The ground trembled ominously, signaling the approach of something colossal.

"What has she summoned now?" Syoruha muttered, gripping his radiant blade tightly.

The answer came swiftly. The earth split apart, and a gargantuan spider, coated in black and purple bristles, emerged. Its towering form cast a shadow over the battlefield, each step sending tremors through the ground. Its crimson eyes, numerous and glinting, fixed hungrily on its prey.

"That's a problem," Yame said, her voice low as she tightened her grip on her storm energy.

Watcher 24 caressed one of the spider's legs with a twisted grin. "Meet my child. It will show you the true meaning of despair."

The spider emitted a piercing screech before raising one massive leg and slamming it down with crushing force.

"Scatter!" Yame commanded, unleashing a burst of wind to propel Riyugi and Myouka to safety. She and Syoruha dodged in opposite directions as the spider's leg shattered the ground, sending cracks spiderwebbing outward and flinging debris into the air.

"We can't keep this up," Yame said, her voice firm with urgency. "Syoruha, we need to act now."

Syoruha nodded grimly. "I know. The longer this drags on—"

Before he could finish, Myouka stepped forward, drawing her bow again. "I'll help!" she declared, her voice trembling with both fear and resolve.

"Myouka, fall back!" Yame shouted. But Myouka, determined to lighten their burden, released another arrow, this time aiming directly at the spider's glowing red eyes.