343 Chapter 342: Forge ahead
A ripple of unease spread through the ranks of the Auris as they swiftly reacted to my presence, their previously fierce assault abruptly ceasing. Descending from the skies, they cast glances of both awe and devotion in my direction, their fanaticism palpable. The sudden change in their demeanor sent a wave of unease through the ranks of the Humans and Mindweavers. Their eyes darted between my imposing figure and the prostrating Auris, uncertainty evident in their expressions.
The mortal soldiers and Mindweavers hesitated, their minds consumed by contemplation as they pondered the best course of action. Should they seize the opportunity to attack while their adversaries were momentarily disoriented, or would it be wiser to hold their ground and assess the situation further? My imposing presence and the aura that emanated from me subtly influenced their decision-making, making it difficult for them to take immediate action.
In the shadow of my towering stature, the presence of the three minor deities paled in comparison. Their divine auras seemed to dim slightly in my presence, further adding to the confusion and speculation among the mortals. Whispers and murmurs swirled through the crowd, their hushed voices betraying their uncertainty and curiosity.
As the heavens roared with thunder, its echoes reverberating through the sky, I stood illuminated amidst the darkened battlefield. Casting my gaze upon the hushed multitude below, a silence descended, anticipation hanging in the air like a heavy cloak.
"Put an end to this futile conflict," my voice resonated with authority, carried by the rumbling thunder. Another flash of lightning arced across the heavens, emphasizing my words. "The realm writhes in anguish, its mana twisted into chaos. Yet here you stand, locked in battle. I have come to mend what is broken, so let these senseless clashes cease."
As my resonant words echoed through the expanse, an air of uneasy stillness swept over the battlefield. It felt as though a stern parent had reprimanded two mischievous children, halting their playful antics with a single admonition. The silence that followed hung heavy with a sense of awkwardness, as both sides paused, unsure of how to react.
"Well, that's one way to handle things," Breta's playful voice echoed within my mind, attempting to distract me from the gravity of the situation. Ignoring her lightheartedness, I remained focused, my gaze unwavering as I surveyed the scene below. I could sense the contemplation and hesitation that gripped both sides, their eyes shifting between me and their adversaries. It was a crucial moment, a juncture where decisions would shape the future.
As the tension lingered, a gradual realization washed over the warriors. The futility of their battle, the weight of my words, and the aura I unconsciously emanated began to influence their actions. The Auris, who had seemed to hold the advantage until now, were the first to yield. The command to retreat spread through their ranks, like a ripple through water, causing the once-unified force to disengage.
Their gazes remained fixed on my colossal figure, filled with a mixture of awe, reverence, and uncertainty. To my surprise, they didn't disperse entirely. Instead, they chose to establish a camp at a safe distance, their intent clear—to observe and await the unfolding of events.
The human forces and Mindweavers, too, found themselves caught in a web of indecision. While they had been holding their ground, valiantly defending the fortress, my appearance had thrown their plans into disarray. Their knights stood tall, armor gleaming, but their weapons were lowered, the tension in their bodies easing. It was as if the realization of the futility of their current strife dawned upon them.
The battlefield had transformed into a tableau frozen in time—a delicate balance between uncertainty and hope. Mortals on both sides exchanged uncertain glances, their minds racing with contemplation and questions. Would they seize the opportunity to negotiate peace? Or would the truce be temporary, a respite before the storm of conflict reignited?
Only time would reveal the outcome of this encounter, as the mana storm crackled overhead, a constant reminder of the imminent chaos that awaited if the realm's wounds were left unhealed.
I slowly nodded, my gaze shifting towards Serenia, Breta, and the other minor deities. Their presence was crucial in safeguarding the land from the impending aftermath that could be even more severe than before. With a firm voice, I instructed them, "Summon your shields, and protect the land. The consequences of this disturbance could be far worse than what we have encountered previously."
Responding swiftly to my command, Breta and her divine counterparts sprang into action. Their ethereal forms shimmered, radiating an otherworldly brilliance as their powers manifested. Divine shields materialized around me, encasing my towering figure from all sides. The luminescent barriers were an emblem of their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the realm.
As the deities positioned themselves, forming a protective circle around me, the mortals' awe-struck gazes remained fixed upon us. Their whispers grew in intensity, a symphony of hushed voices filled with curiosity, reverence, and a hint of fear. It was a moment that inspired both wonder and trepidation, as the mortal onlookers recognized the celestial intervention unfolding before their eyes.
Yet, I paid little heed to their reactions, knowing that now was not the time for such distractions. The fate of the land hung in the balance, and I remained resolute in my purpose. The murmurs of the mortals washed over me like a distant echo, overshadowed by the weight of responsibility that rested upon my shoulders.
The divine shields emitted a steady, pulsating glow, casting an ethereal aura around me. It was a tangible manifestation of the protective barrier they had created. As the shields shimmered with a divine light, they stood as a symbol of fortitude, and collective strength of the deities present.
The battlefield, once consumed by conflict, now witnessed a momentary pause. The opposing forces, stood suspended in time, their attention drawn to the divine spectacle unfolding before them. The aura of anticipation hung heavy in the air, as mortals and divine gods alike held their breaths, awaiting the next chapter of this unfolding saga.
Turning my gaze to the mana storm, I mentally prepared myself before I flapped my wings and shot into the eye of the storm.
As I forged ahead, drawing closer to the heart of the chaos, the omnipresent lightning element crackled and surged with renewed intensity. Bolts of electrifying energy lashed out towards me, their blazing tendrils colliding with my scales. The impact briefly jolted me, causing me to pause for a fleeting moment as I weathered the assault. With resilience in my being, I shook off the effects and pressed forward, undeterred by the formidable barrage.
With each step taken towards the epicenter of the entangled elements, the onslaught of lightning strikes grew in frequency and intensity. It was as if the storm itself recognized my intent and fought back with a relentless fury. Yet, I forged ahead, undaunted by the tempest raging around me.
