Chapter 142: The Battle for Obsidian Ridge (not final)

Chapter 142: The Battle for Obsidian Ridge

The Shadow of the Ridge

As the convoy approached the Obsidian Ridge, the atmosphere shifted. The terrain grew darker, the air heavier with the unmistakable taint of demonic corruption. Jagged rocks jutted out of the ground like broken teeth, and faint, guttural growls echoed from the distance. The soldiers tightened their grips on their weapons, their breaths visible in the unnaturally cold air.

Jack stood at the front of the lead transport, his gaze fixed on the ominous silhouette of the Ridge. Beside him, Eryndra's sharp eyes scanned the horizon, her bow resting across her lap. The tension in the air was palpable.

Eve's voice broke the silence, her projection flickering on Jack's comm. "Commander, we've confirmed significant demonic activity ahead. Initial scans indicate multiple fortified positions along the Ridge and at least three major corruption nodes anchoring their defenses."

"Corruption nodes," Jack muttered. "If we don't neutralize those, their forces will just keep regenerating."

Astraeus's golden projection materialized beside Eve. "Preliminary analysis suggests targeting the nodes with mana-catalyst artillery will destabilize the demons' hold on the area. However, direct engagement will be required to secure the Ridge."

Jack turned to Eryndra. "Your Skyward Rangers will handle the outer defenses. I'll lead the Shadow Vanguards to neutralize the nodes."

Eryndra smirked, her confidence unshaken. "Don't get yourself killed out there, Commander."

Jack's lips twitched in a faint smile. "I could say the same to you."

The Assault Begins

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Celestial Imperium's forces launched their assault. Valkyrie-class aerial fighters roared overhead, their mana-guided missiles streaking through the sky and slamming into the demons' defensive emplacements. The explosions lit up the night, momentarily piercing the oppressive darkness.

On the ground, the mana-fusion heavy tanks rumbled forward, their dual plasma cannons firing relentlessly. Waves of demonic creatures charged at them, their monstrous forms illuminated by the tanks' glowing shields. The ground shook with every impact, and the air was filled with the deafening cacophony of battle.

Eryndra and her Skyward Rangers moved with precision, their arrows glowing with mana as they struck down flying demons before they could reach the aerial fighters. Her commands were sharp and decisive, her presence a beacon of hope for her troops.

Meanwhile, Jack led the Shadow Vanguards into the heart of the battlefield. Their Aetherial-enhanced exosuits allowed them to move with unmatched speed and agility, their weapons cutting through the demonic horde like a scalpel. Jack's Aetherial blade hummed with energy as he carved a path toward the first corruption node.

The Cost of War

Despite their advanced technology and tactics, the battle was brutal. Demonic creatures fought with a ferocity that seemed almost unnatural, their bodies regenerating as fast as they were destroyed. The ground was slick with blood and ichor, and the cries of the wounded echoed across the battlefield.

Jack gritted his teeth as he saw a squad of soldiers overwhelmed by a towering demon. He moved swiftly, his blade slicing through the creature's legs before driving it into its chest. The demon let out a guttural roar before collapsing, but the sight of the fallen soldiers lingered in his mind.

"Commander," Eve's voice crackled through his comm, "casualties are rising. We need to neutralize the corruption nodes quickly."

"I'm on it," Jack replied, his tone grim. "Keep me updated."

Breaking Through

At the base of the Ridge, Jack and the Shadow Vanguards reached the first corruption node—a massive, pulsating mass of dark energy surrounded by lesser demons. The air around it was thick with malevolence, making it difficult to breathe.

"Set the charges," Jack ordered, covering his squad as they planted mana-detonators around the node. Demons swarmed toward them, but the Vanguards held their ground, their weapons cutting them down with ruthless efficiency.

Eryndra's voice crackled over the comm. "We're engaging the second node. Don't take too long, Jack."

Jack smirked, his blade cutting through another demon. "Wouldn't dream of it."

The charges detonated, and the corruption node erupted in a blinding explosion of light. The demonic creatures around it writhed in agony before disintegrating, their connection to the node severed.

"One down," Jack muttered, his focus shifting to the next target.

Eryndra's Stand

On the eastern flank, Eryndra led her Rangers in a desperate battle against a horde of winged demons. Her arrows struck true, each shot imbued with mana that exploded on impact. Despite the overwhelming odds, her commands were calm and precise, her presence steadying her troops.

As the second corruption node came into view, Eryndra noticed a massive demon guarding it—a creature twice her size, its body covered in jagged, obsidian-like armor. She signaled her Rangers to fall back, her voice steady. "Hold the line. I'll handle this."

"Are you insane?" one of her lieutenants shouted. "That thing will tear you apart!"

Eryndra smirked, drawing a glowing arrow from her quiver. "Not if I tear it apart first."

The battle that followed was nothing short of brutal. The demon's strength was overwhelming, but Eryndra's agility and precision allowed her to stay one step ahead. She ducked and weaved, her arrows finding cracks in its armor. Finally, with a roar of defiance, she loosed an arrow directly into its chest, the resulting explosion shattering the corruption node behind it.

Eryndra staggered as the demon fell, her body bruised and bloodied. But she stood tall, her gaze fierce. "That's two."

The Final Push

As the last corruption node came into view, Jack and Eryndra converged with their forces, the demons fighting with a desperation born of knowing they were losing. The final node was surrounded by a massive demon—a Dread Overlord, its body pulsating with dark energy.

Jack and Eryndra exchanged a glance, their shared determination evident. "Together?" she asked, her voice steady despite the exhaustion in her eyes.

"Together," Jack replied, his blade glowing brighter as he stepped forward.

The battle was fierce, the Dread Overlord's power overwhelming. It unleashed waves of dark energy that sent soldiers flying and shattered the ground beneath them. But Jack and Eryndra fought with unyielding resolve, their movements perfectly synchronized.

Jack's blade struck true, carving into the demon's legs and forcing it to kneel. Eryndra seized the opening, her glowing arrow piercing its chest and shattering the final node behind it. The resulting explosion lit up the battlefield, the remaining demons disintegrating as their connection to the nodes was severed.

Victory and Reflection

As the dust settled, the soldiers let out a cheer, their cries of victory echoing across the Ridge. Jack stood amidst the ruins, his blade still glowing faintly. Eryndra approached him, her body battered but her spirit unbroken.

"You did it," she said, her voice soft but proud.

"We did it," Jack corrected, meeting her gaze. For a moment, the weight of the war seemed to lift, replaced by a quiet sense of accomplishment.

Eryndra stepped closer, her hand brushing against his arm. "You're blushing again, Commander."

Jack looked away, his voice gruff. "It's just the heat of battle."

Eryndra laughed softly, her silver eyes warm. "Sure it is."

End of Chapter 142