CHAPTER 324: CLASH

The vast battlefield stretched ominously between the two colossal armies, its barren expanse scarred by countless battles over centuries.

Deep grooves from wagon wheels and siege weapons marked the dusty plains, each one a grim reminder of past conflicts. The air itself seemed heavy, thickened by tension, hatred, and centuries-old grievances.

At the rear of the Lionkin forces, a lavish war chariot, carved from obsidian and adorned with crimson runes, stood imposingly atop a small hill.

Upon it sat the anomaly, his figure tall, lean, yet radiating overwhelming authority. His pale, almost luminescent skin contrasted starkly with the chariot’s dark aesthetic, his cold eyes calmly sweeping across the massive Tigerkin army arrayed opposite him.

Behind him stood ten warriors, similar in appearance, each possessing an intimidating aura that matched his own.

Their expressions were arrogant, eyes gleaming disdainfully at the army below. Each warrior emanated a brutal, primal strength, ready to be unleashed at a mere word from their leader.

To the side of the chariot, subdued and stripped of their pride, stood the Lionkin King and his three most powerful Dukes. Their expressions were bitter, eyes reflecting their suppressed rage and shame.

They were here not by choice but compelled by the ruthless being who had conquered their kingdom and taken their youth hostage.

The anomaly finally broke his contemplative silence, his voice low and chilling, yet infused with unmistakable confidence. "All of you, go forth and fight to your heart’s content. Leave the Tigerkin King to me. That treasure of his... it’s rather troublesome."

His ten underlings exchanged swift, knowing glances, each of their expressions showing eagerness and ferocity. Without hesitation, they leapt from the chariot, landing gracefully upon the blood-soaked earth.

Their confident steps carried them swiftly to the forefront of the army, an unspoken challenge emanating clearly from their arrogant gazes.

Seeing the anomaly’s forces move, the Lionkin King took a deep, shaky breath, forcibly suppressing his anger and bitterness.

He knew that defying the anomaly now meant certain annihilation for his entire race. His only option was to fight and hope for salvation in the chaos.

With a heavy step, the Lionkin King moved to the front of the ranks. His voice thundered out, echoing clearly across the battlefield, imbued with forced pride and strength, "MY SOLDIERS! TOWARDS THE FINAL BATTLE WE MOVE! FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR RACE, WE FIGHT!"

A deafening roar surged from the millions of Lionkin soldiers behind him, their fighting spirits ignited by their king’s powerful declaration.

The entire battlefield vibrated with their united battle cry, the sound reverberating across the desolate plains.

Meanwhile, across the battlefield, the Tigerkin King silently observed his enemy’s movements from his golden war chariot.

He nodded once, solemnly, towards Duke Varian and the two other Dukes by his side. Understanding the unspoken order, they leapt gracefully from the King’s chariot, moving swiftly towards the front of their own army, their faces set with steely resolve.

Varian glanced towards the assembled otherworlders, including Orion and his companions, giving them a respectful nod. His voice, though calm, carried authority, "The hour has come! Fight with valor and strength. Stand united, and let us end this tragedy today!"

Orion and his group calmly joined Varian and the Dukes, their presence adding quiet reassurance and strength to those around them.

Elias cracked his knuckles softly, eyes flashing with anticipation. Arya held her staff firmly, her gentle face set in quiet determination, while Nyss and Sylvia silently radiated confidence.

Felira took a deep breath, steadying herself, and Emilia’s expression hardened, ready for combat as her grip tightened on her spear. Kale stood silently, his gaze sharp and focused.

Standing alongside Orion and his companions were five others from the Thunderpeak Kingdom, their presence clearly equal to Orion’s group, yet their authority seemed lower.

Composed of four men and a single woman, each hailing from prestigious Marquess-tier houses, their stern expressions reflected steely determination, tempered by an underlying apprehension at the scale of the conflict unfolding before them. But each of them was confident in their own strength, as the weakest was Tier 6 while a few were Tier 7.

Beyond them, other groups of outsiders hesitated, their confidence shaken by the overwhelming pressure radiating from both the Tigerkin and Lionkin forces.

Recognizing their limitations, they quietly stepped back, willing to fight against the weaker opponents rather than the top combatants.

Orion took a deep, calming breath, his dual-colored eyes sharpening with intense focus as he gazed across the battlefield.

The enemy’s forces were advancing slowly, led by the ten ominous generals beneath the anomaly’s command, the Lionkin King, and his three powerful Dukes, each emanating oppressive, palpable killing intent.

Duke Varian and the other Tigerkin Dukes also moved forward, meeting their foes’ steely gazes with unyielding resolve.

Feeling the weight of the moment, Duke Varian’s quiet yet commanding voice broke the tense silence, "I’ll handle the Lionkin King personally. The rest of you must engage the others. Beware, the anomaly’s generals are extraordinarily strong."

Orion nodded, understanding the severity behind Varian’s words. His calm gaze met the Duke’s amber eyes, quietly appraising him before gently asking, "How confident are you in defeating the Lionkin King?"

Varian paused momentarily, his expression briefly betraying his uncertainty before he quietly shook his head, voice heavy with realism, "None at all. That is precisely why I need you to finish your fights quickly. I won’t be able to hold him indefinitely."

Orion silently admired Varian’s honesty. In war, truth was rare, yet this honesty gave them clarity. Orion firmly responded, "Understood. We’ll do our best to eliminate our targets swiftly."

Varian’s eyes softened with quiet gratitude before immediately hardening with determination as his gaze locked onto the approaching enemy ranks.

The ten generals suddenly surged forward, their movements explosive and aggressive, like unleashed beasts. Behind them, the Lionkin Dukes and their massive army broke into a furious charge, roaring battle cries shattering the tense stillness.

Not to be intimidated, Varian drew his weapon, a gleaming halberd engraved with tiger motifs, and sprang forward, his roar ringing defiantly, "FOR THE FELIAN KINGDOM! FIGHT WITHOUT FEAR!"

With his rallying cry, the Tigerkin Dukes charged forward beside him, their powerful auras erupting in synchronization.

The ground trembled beneath their feet as both armies hurtled toward each other, closing rapidly, the gap shrinking to mere meters within moments.

Orion’s companions readied themselves instantly. Elias took out his staff, eyes gleaming fiercely with anticipation, whispering quietly, "This is it."

Arya calmly tightened her grip on her ornate staff, murmuring softly, "Stay close and support each other."

Sylvia’s eyes radiated steely composure, her aura calm yet deadly as she unsheathed her sword. Beside her, Nyss stood calmly, her aura gloomy as she focused intently on the nearest general racing towards them with her scythe in her hand.

Emilia and Felira exchanged a quick, reassuring glance, then steadied their weapons, readying themselves for combat. Kale’s expression was tranquil yet alert, his sword glinting sharply in the sunlight.

The group of five Marquess-tier warriors exchanged resolute glances, nodding silently amongst themselves, determined not to disappoint in this pivotal clash.

The instant both armies collided was cataclysmic. A thunderous explosion of sound erupted as steel met steel, magical forces exploded violently, and roars of determination clashed mid-air. Dust surged upward, momentarily blinding many warriors as chaos reigned on the battlefield.

Varian immediately sought out the Lionkin King, their eyes meeting fiercely before their weapons collided violently, sending shockwaves rippling outward.