The Monster King's Legacy

Chapter 210: The Source of Chaos

From the command post, the major leaders of the allied races observed the unfolding battle.

By now the god-blessed of all races except for the mysterious one had joined the fight, and several elite troops did the same, going for an all out attack rather than being conservative with soldiers to guard the back lines.

Because of this proactive decision, it didn't take long before the battlefield was littered with the remains of shattered bones and charred bodies.

Standing at the forefront of the monster kingdom's formation, Rynne raised her sword high. "We've turned the tide," she said, her voice steady. "But this is far from over. Stay vigilant!"

The allied forces rallied, their morale bolstered by the overwhelming power displayed by the elite troops and god-blessed champions, several tired and wounded.

A couple minutes went by, and then suddenly, a chilling wind swept across the battlefield, carrying with it an unnatural energy that prickled the skin of every warrior, except a few. The piles of defeated undead began to stir. Bones reassembled, shattered corpses merging back together, their hollow eyes glowing with a sinister light.

Gasps and cries of disbelief rippled through the coalition ranks. "They're getting back up!" a soldier shouted, his voice tinged with panic.

The undead army, now reformed, stood larger and more imposing than before, the fallen from the coalition side joining them.

Seeing the strange event, Lance was convinced that the person responsible was within one of the flying ships. Ithil then closed his eyes, his hands glowing faintly as he sensed the battlefield. "I can feel it," he said, his voice hinting at faint concern. "Some kind of dark magic is binding them together. Now, it's not their own, it's coming from somewhere else."

The Demon Lord, his crimson eyes glowing faintly, nodded. "It's necromantic energy, but… enhanced. Something or someone is fueling this army actively… more accurately, they're watching closely and making changes, if not before, then now. If we don't stop the source, they'll keep rising."

King Aldric stepped forward, a smile on his sword gleaming with divine energy. "Then we'll hold the line until you find it. Lance, take command of the army. Let us leaders show these creatures the meaning of true power."

As the undead surged forward once more, the coalition armies stepped back, forming defensive lines under Lance's command. The leaders' advanced, their presence alone sending a wave of confidence through their troops.

At the forefront, Aldric's sheer strength was seemingly unmatched. With one near-casual swing of his massive sword, a wave of energy cut through hundreds of undead, leaving nothing but dust in its wake. With a second swing, he cleaved through thousands, his attacks creating a glowing scar across the battlefield.

While the leaders tore through the undead with devastating efficiency, the Demon Lord and Ithil remained at the rear, their focus on the strange magic that animated the army.

The Demon Lord extended his hands, dark tendrils of energy snaking out as he probed the battlefield. "It's coming from beyond the ships," he said. "There's a nexus of power there, a focal point for this magic."

Despite the destruction wrought by the coalition leaders, the undead showed no signs of stopping. The strange magic fueling their resurrection continued to pulsate across the battlefield, a constant reminder of the unseen threat.

Without much hesitation, the leaders wasted no time. Aelyndra transformed back into her dragon form, her massive wings spreading wide as she prepared for flight. Beside her, the Wyvern King lowered himself to the ground, allowing the others to climb aboard.

Aldric, Throrin, Ithil, and the Demon Lord joined Lance and Aelyndra, their expressions calm but resolute.

"Speed is of the essence," Ithil said, weaving a spell of acceleration around the group. A faint, shimmering light enveloped them, enhancing the wyverns' and Aelyndra's flight capabilities.

The Wyvern King roared, signaling their departure. With powerful beats of their wings, they soared into the sky, their speed blurring the landscape below.

Back on the battlefield, the coalition army watched their leaders depart, their confidence bolstered by the display of strength they had just witnessed.

Rynne, now in command, barked orders to the monster kingdom's forces. "Form up! We hold this ground no matter what comes!"

The human lords, dwarven commanders, and elven captains rallied their troops, preparing for the inevitable resurgence of the undead.

…

The leaders flew across the vast ocean at speeds that defied logic, being propelled forward with incredible force.

In mere minutes, the distant continent came into view, a sprawling landmass shrouded in mist and mystery. The shores were jagged and foreboding, with massive cliffs rising from the sea.

"There it is," Aelyndra rumbled, her voice carrying over the wind. "The lands of the Ancient Kingdom… Another continent."

The Wyvern King let out a low growl. "Their magic reeks of decay and power. Be ready for anything."

The group landed on a desolate beach, the air thick with an unnatural energy that made the hairs on their necks stand on end. The ground was dark and lifeless, an eerie feeling.

"This place is cursed," Throrin muttered, gripping his hammer. "I can feel it in me very bones."

The Demon Lord stepped forward, his eyes glowing faintly as he scanned the area. "The source of the magic is deeper inland. We follow the energy."

Aldric unsheathed his sword, its blade gleaming with divine light. "Then let's not waste time. Whatever is behind this must be destroyed."

The leaders began their trek inland, their footsteps echoing across the eerie silence of this Ancient Kingdom. The landscape grew more foreboding with every step, twisted trees devoid of leaves, crumbling ruins that spoke of a once-great civilization, and faint whispers carried on the wind.

The air grew colder, the magic thickening around them. Every leader remained vigilant, their senses honed for any sign of danger.

As they advanced, the magical energy grew stronger, pulling them almost, towards a massive structure that loomed on the horizon. It was a black citadel, its jagged spires piercing the sky, surrounded by swirling clouds of dark energy.

"That's it," the Demon Lord said, his voice a low growl. "The heart of their magic. The anchor."

The leaders exchanged a brief glance, their resolve unshaken.

Lance stepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he stared at the massive structure. "If the source is here, then, whatever the power is, it's been waiting for us."

As if in response to Lance's words, the double doors of the castle creaked open with an agonizing slowness. From the highest balcony above, thirteen figures emerged, each exuding an aura of immense power. At the center of the group stood a tall man draped in regal black and gold robes, his pale skin and glowing red eyes marking him as something far beyond human.

"I indeed have waited. I am The Immortal King," the man said, his voice resonating across the battlefield like a storm even though he spoke in an even tone, certainly a magic of his. "Welcome to the heart of my dominion."

The leaders below remained silent, their gazes fixed on the imposing figure. His presence alone carried an overwhelming weight, his aura enough to suppress even the wills of the strongest soldiers of even the elite forces.

The Immortal King's lips curled into a faint smile as he began to speak, his tone calm but laced with malice.

"Centuries ago, this continent was a land of prosperity and peace. A thriving civilization. But peace breeds complacency, and complacency is weakness. I saw it for what it was, a hollow existence, unworthy of continuation."

His glowing eyes swept over the group below.

"So, I eradicated it. Every man, woman, and child. Their lives, their souls, their bodies, all taken to fuel my vision. I became their king in death, forging an immortal army that would never falter."

Throrin's grip tightened on his hammer. "You slaughtered your own people? You're a monster!"

The Immortal King chuckled softly. "A monster, you say? Perhaps. But I achieved perfection. My only regret was the centuries I spent asleep, awaiting the moment to continue my journey. Now, that time has come."

The Immortal King's gaze shifted to Lance, Aldric, Aelyndra, Ithil, and the Wyvern King. "You five stand apart from the rest," he said, his tone faintly amused. "I can feel your strength, your potential... But do not think for a moment that it will be enough."

Lance remained calm, his eyes meeting the Immortal King's without flinching. "You've underestimated us."

The Immortal King smiled faintly. "I hear that often. It rarely ends well for those who speak it."

The figures flanking the Immortal King stepped forward, their presence no less daunting. Each was clad in unique armor and clothes, giving them a very important and powerful look.

These were his Twelve Generals, legends in their own rights bound to him in undeath, their power unmatched for as long as they had fought under the immortal king.

"They are my vanguard," the Immortal King said, gesturing toward them. "Each of them has claimed countless lives in my name. Their strength rivals your lords and kings, and they exist only to ensure my will is carried out."

The Twelve Generals descended from the balcony, their movements fluid and deliberate. They landed with earth-shaking force, facing the coalition leaders with cold, calculating eyes.

"Let them be the ones to destroy you."