A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 1499: They Were All Around Us

Ashoka waited for the attack as her amber eyes scanned their surroundings, only for a blur to pass by, and another soldier was dragged into the fog. This made her heart race, but she reacted instantly.

She vaulted over the crumbling shield wall, her senses razor-sharp. Just as her boots touched the ground, a flicker of movement caught her eye, a shadowy figure lunging from the darkness.

With the skill of a seasoned predator, she pivoted, her twin blades flashing in a deadly arc. The attackerʼs guttural snarl was cut short as her swords sliced through sinew and bone, felling the creature in an instant.

As it collapsed in a lifeless heap, the Tigress crouched beside it, her piercing gaze narrowing. The fallen foe was no ordinary assailant; it was a Ghoul, exuding an unnatural, pulsating aura that seemed to writhe in the air like a living thing.

The strange energy sent a chill down her spine, hinting at a force far greater than a mere ambush. Before she could investigate further, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the night, followed by the unmistakable clash of steel and cries of chaos.

Ashoke sprang to her feet, her heart pounding as she scanned the battlefield. Reports came swiftly, carried by a breathless scout: more soldiers had been struck down in the fray, bringing their numbers down to sixteen.

The weight of the losses pressed heavily on her, but there was no time for hesitation as she didnʼt want to lose anymore to these creepy creatures. Ashokaʼs commanding voice rang out. ʼʼBack to the fortress!ʼʼ she bellowed, her tone brooking no argument.

Everyone rallied at her command, their footsteps pounding against the earth as they retreated toward the safety of the stronghold, the eerie glow of the Ghoulʼs aura lingering in her mind like a dark omen of what was yet to come.

She led the sixteen soldiers back to the fortress and the safety of Archer, but something descended upon them from above. Ashoka sensed the creature and crouched down before flying into the air.

The Tigress spun and sliced straight through a horrifying bird monster that crashed into the ground as she smoothly landed. When the Draconians saw this, they cheered, but the young woman turned to them.

ʼʼGet moving now! More are coming!ʼʼ she shouted.

Just then, hundreds of terrifying noises echoed from above, causing everyone to glance up as a swarm of the same creatures closed in on them. Ashokaʼs heart dropped only for her amber eyes to widen in shock.

She watched as Archer descended from the clouds in his dragon form, but smaller, and started killing the monsters alongside a horde of Wyverns. The two sides clashed in an epic battle in the sky as claws met teeth.

ʼʼGet to the fortress!ʼʼ her husbandʼs voice echoed across the land. ʼʼAn undead swarm is closing in on you!ʼʼ

When Ashoka heard this, she composed herself before giving out her orders. ʼʼRun to the fortress! The emperor and his monsters are covering us.ʼʼ

Following that, they sprinted down the winding dirt road as bodies dropped from the sky, crashing all around them. She looked at a downed Wyvern as a violet wave washed over it, only for it to be fully healed within seconds.

The creature took off as she thought in amazement. ʼHeʼs fighting and healing his forces at the same time. Extraordinary.ʼ

She continued running as they managed to reach the fortress while being protected by Broodmaws in the shadows. The mantis-like creatures tore into the zombies like a storm as blood and limbs flew everywhere.

After an exhausting, heart-pounding escape that stretched across hours of pursuit, the weary group finally glimpsed the towering gates, their silhouettes stark against the flickering glow of the intensifying battle behind them.

The clash of claws and the guttural roars of their enemies echoed in the distance, growing louder with every passing moment, urging them to press forward despite their aching limbs and ragged breaths.

Ashoka took the lead, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. With unwavering determination, she ensured every member of the group reached the safety of the fortified gates.

As their pursuers closed in, their menacing shouts cutting through the night air, she watched as Archer raised his hand, summoning a blazing wall of violet flames that erupted from the ground with a deafening roar.

The fire surged, its otherworldly color casting a glow across the battlefield, forcing their enemies to skid to a halt. Searing heat and crackling energy of the flames held the pursuers at bay, buying the group precious time to slip through the gates.

Ashoka let out a sigh of relief as she staggered to a stop beside the human-sized entrance carved into the massive gate. Her body trembled from exhaustion as she sank to the ground, her chest heaving with each labored breath.

Around her, the others collapsed in a heap. The cool stone beneath them offered a fleeting moment of respite, a stark contrast to the chaos they had just escaped. For now, they were safe, shielded by the towering walls.

***

Archer flew around the battlefield, raking his massive claws through dozens of the monsters, causing blood to fly everywhere. The ground was painted black with the blood of the undead.

His Wyverns rushed around slaughtering the remaining enemies before returning to the castle once the Tigress was safe. When he got close, he returned to his normal size and landed with a thud.

A pair of amber eyes landed on him as Ashokaʼs exotic voice reached his ears. ʼʼThanks for coming, my love, they were all around us.ʼʼ

ʼʼI know, Iʼve killed hundreds already, but the continent is full of millions of undead,ʼʼ he revealed as the Wyverns returned to the Domain alongside the others.

Archer shook his head as he surveyed the chaotic scene beyond the gates. The distant clamor of the ongoing battle reverberated through the air, a constant reminder of the peril they faced.

Turning to Inara and Maeve, his trusted wives, before speaking. ʼʼMove more soldiers to the walls. Have them bring up the Thunderthrowers and every war machine we have. We need to hold this line at all costs.ʼʼ

Inara, her grey hair whipping in the wind, gave a sharp nod, her expression resolute as she absorbed the gravity of the task and rushed off. Maeve turned on her heels and sprinted toward the barracks, her boots pounding against the cobblestone path.

Their departure sent a ripple of purpose through the nearby soldiers, who began to rally with renewed vigor. As the din of preparation swelled around him. Archerʼs attention shifted to the Tigress, the fierce yet exhausted demi-human who had fought tirelessly.

Her eyes, though weary, softened as they met his. Without a word, he stepped forward and enveloped her in a warm, protective embrace, his arms a fleeting haven amidst the storm of war.

The Tigress, her powerful frame relaxing for the first time in hours, melted into his arms, her tension easing as she leaned against him. A gentle smile spread across her face, her sharp canines glinting faintly in the torchlight.

For a brief moment, the world beyond their embrace faded, the battle, the danger, the weight of their responsibilities, all giving way to the quiet strength they drew from one another.

Following that, Archer made sure no soldiers left the fortress, apart from building a second shorter wall to slow down the never-ending zombies that poured out from every corner of the landscape.

He stayed another week, fortifying the area, and now sat on the balcony of a tower heʼd built days earlier for the women. Archer gazed out as a steady stream of refugees flowed toward the newly erected wall, where Drakeguards efficiently organized them.

They were separating the people into fenced-off areas and were being checked by the Healers. Moments later, he spotted Maeve and Ashoka among the crowd, surrounded by ten Oathkeepers.

ʼIʼll bring more once I return to Draconia,ʼ he mused while drinking a fruit drink he found in a nearby village.

When Archer rescued them, they vowed to craft more for him upon reaching safety. Finishing his drink, he rose and headed back to the palace, eager to reunite with his four girls, whom heʼd missed dearly.

After returning to the palace, he roamed its grand halls, his heart light with anticipation of seeing his four beloved girls. His footsteps echoed softly as he searched, a fond smile tugging at his lips.

Drawn by the faint sound of laughter, he followed the joyful noise to his lavish bathroom, curiosity and warmth into his chest, urging him closer. After a short five-minute walk through the sprawling corridors, he gently pushed open the door and stepped inside.

A wave of adorable giggles greeted him, instantly melting his heart and putting a smile on his face. The scene before him was one of pure, heartwarming chaos. There, at the edge of the enormous, bubble-filled bath, sat Hecate, Leira, and Sia.