Chapter 247: Demons All Out Attacks 1
Five months had passed since the great invasion was initially carried out by the Demonic Alliance, and a little under four months had passed since the start of the counter-invasion by the forces from the Desert Red Star.
Word had already begun spreading about a continental recall for many powerful sects, clans, and organizations to join the main battlefield over the ocean in their fight against the enemy powers from Purple Starmist. The leader of the coalition on the Red Star continent's side was the Red Star Empire. From Purple Starmist it was the Purple Star Heavens Empire.
Across most dimensional gateways and pocket dimensions many groups slowly began to pull back and regroup, preparing for the conscription orders that would soon arrive for the major war across the sea. Survival would likely be even harder there than in the battles fought so far. This could not be helped. It also gave many races dwelling in such places like the Natives' of a certain Pocket Dimension a chance to gain momentum for a large comeback.
The Demonic Alliance was also affected by the early stages of recall. Although not yet mandatory, their expert leaders realized they were running out of time. Soon news erupted about a certain incident…
One of the fortified bases established by people of the Desert Red Star had been breached and almost wiped out, with many demons and allied experts at the helm. A full retreat was forced as scattered survivors fled the area.
A week later another fortified location overseen by Desert Red Star experts was breached in nearly the same manner. Only a fraction managed to survive, and again demons were mostly involved.
Another week and a half passed. During that span three separate fortified territories were completely wiped out. This time the victims changed. Two were Native strongholds, but the third was actually one of the largest Demon Alliance strongholds inside the Pocket Dimension. A portion of their strongest experts had temporarily left, leading to a tactical ambush that ended in a shocking massacre.
By this time it had become clear that the entire balance had shifted. The far more powerful experts of each faction were finally on the move.
Some days later within a region of neatly arranged makeshift buildings created with magic and decorated by symbols of red starry eyes, Christian sat cross-legged inside her room on a mat. Across from her was a realistic projection of a woman who looked nearly identical to her. It was none other than her daughter Christina. The atmosphere was calm, though Christian wore a trace of worry.
"So Tina, how is Chris now? Has her movement improved at all?" Christian asked with concern.
"Ah don't worry Mom. She's actually doing just fine. In fact these past three days she suddenly seems like her normal self again. Just watching over her has given me so much insight into awakening the deeper levels of my own Aka Boshi no Tengan. Though I doubt I will ever reach the same level as my Chris! Hehe." Christina said with a bright, loving smile full of excitement.
Hearing this, Christian felt a warm surge of relief. She exhaled softly. "Then that's good…"
"Mom, you should try coming here too if possible. Chris said that she can even help you with your path."
"Help me? Hahaha I doubt she can help me much. My path has already been set, and I am already at the peak of the Middle Stage Mortal Lord."
"According to her it's possible with her Kokon Tengan and her blood energy."
"Hmm?"
Christian hesitated as Christina continued to explain and encourage her, until finally she could not help but ask the obvious question.
"This won't negatively affect her in any way, will it?"
Christina smiled gently, though she clearly was not entirely certain either. "From how she explained it, it shouldn't. She even claimed that she already tested the method on her swordmaid Shia and a few others. The catalyst is her Kokon Tengan. She even joked about trying it on Elton once he's available."
"This little girl… Fine. I will listen to you all this time." Christian said with a tired but affectionate sigh.
"Great! I can't wait to see our results Mom. See you soon."
"Alright, Tina. Take care of yourself."
Christina's projection faded as the connection dissolved. Christian sat in silence, deep in thought, before finally adjusting her breathing to prepare for cultivation.
Suddenly an emergency transmission erupted from a slip that flew out of her spatial bag.
"The White Star Radiance Alliance base is being attacked by a massive army of Demonic Alliance experts! Multiple armies bypassed them and are targeting the four terrains where the Red Flounder race, the Daemonorcs, the Fishmen, and the Serpent Shark race are all stationed, along with many backup experts including members of our Aka Boshi no Tengan clan! On top of that, the demonic beasts from the Forbidden Zone are on the move, though they mostly seem to be attacking the enemy forces!"
The message ended. Christian went pale with horror as she burst from her room and immediately called for all top-ranked clan experts stationed nearby. Every person she met wore an equally grim expression as they assembled before rushing out.
War recall or not, the clan came first. Too many young geniuses of their clan were caught up in the region that was now under massive attack.
"Damnit! Please let us make it on time!!" Christian howled as she sent a desperate transmission to Christina.
…
The region under the White Star Radiance Alliance's jurisdiction had become violently chaotic due to the massive assault. Infiltrated enslaved Natives triggered an explosion that opened a hole in one section of the walls. A wave of demons poured through and slaughtered numerous people before being put down after a fierce fight.
Immediately afterward thousands upon thousands of demons and demonic cultivators unleashed explosive bombardments as they charged like madmen toward the walls. Experts responded with counterattacks just as six powerful auras burst forth with violent force.
Five of them belonged to Middle Stage Mortal Lord demons who roared with killing intent. Among them was the demon who had once attempted to kill the transformed Zoro before suffering injuries from the fanged elf royal and the crimson-eyed pair.
Six Middle Stage Mortal Lords from the White Star Radiance Alliance suddenly emerged leaping into the skies before landing on the walls, unleashing their attacks toward the charging demons.
The sixth demon was a Late Stage Mortal Lord. With a single casual wave he released an explosive ball of magic crashing toward the walls, nearly destroying them and many of the surrounding weapons and defenders.
Skrrriiinnnng!!
The air distorted as a dense sword aura sliced through the magic from three directions, redirecting the force right back toward the demon and the troops behind him.
The demon lifted his hand once more, effortlessly dissolving the redirected magic. He gazed forward with narrowed eyes.
"Greetings, distinguished lord. It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Daburanatti. And yourself?"
A man with long unkempt hair, a reclusive presence, and three swords floating before him exhaled as if this were an annoying chore. "Haaahh… Must we do this? Well whatever. My name is Shikakage. Please leave now."
"Hahaha my apologies friend Shi-ka-ka-ge." Daburanatti spoke each syllable of his name deliberately as a heavy cursed energy wrapped around Shikakage. "But I must wipe this place out and also capture the 'Key,' Daoist Blue Heavens Sword. Please die for me, sir."
The curse tightened, spreading like chains. Shikakage sighed as he reached for one of his floating swords. Beneath his breath he muttered a short chant.
"Hahaha Sir Shikakage, remain here for now. I will be back to deal with you in a moment." Daburanatti said politely with a bow before turning his attention toward the war behind him.
Just as he was about to unleash a terrifying attack, a sharp rupture sounded as an enormous magic power burst outward. Shikakage stepped forward, dust flaking from his shoulders, his tone even more annoyed.
"Seriously, I am sort of a pacifist you know? I would rather not kill you or the idiots behind you… Ugh, and there are even more coming."
Daburanatti's expression sharpened. "Yes, we certainly made the right call coming here with much preparation… and the fact that 'He' has not appeared yet can only mean two things."
Without further words the two launched into an epic battle that shook the land.
…
"Fuck! Since it's like this then it's about time to finally kill you idiots off for good! Hehehe." Ramiro barked with an intense smile as he deactivated the magical restraints of the weighted garbs on his body and freed himself completely.
His body began to glow with brilliant power as he roared into the air. His frame swelled with force as the grand image of a lion overlapped him. What stood out most was that the lion possessed both the scales and wings of a dragon.
—Celestial Spirit of León—
"Tch that bastard!!! I knew it! He devoured that core to evolve himself after killing Mortal Lord Dwarwamari!" A demon roared furiously.
"And it perfectly fits with his aura… Is he really not a Demonic beast?" Another demon said with gritted teeth.
"Die you bastards!" Ramiro yelled as he charged forward without hesitation.
…
In the skies a short distance away from the raging battlefield below, a demon wearing a dark martial gi stood firmly atop a circular shield-like artifact beneath his feet. His black gauntlets gleamed faintly with demonic ki as a sharp killing intent radiated from him.
Across from him stood a beautiful woman with a heroic aura. A staff rested on her back and a sword was sheathed at her side. Her expression was slightly easygoing, yet an unmistakably cold and deadly blade aura seeped from her presence. She was none other than Rukia. Beneath her feet hovered a large Sword Bird essence beast with vibrant yellow feathers tinged with golden patterns and a white underbelly.
The demon glared at her with murderous intent as he spoke. "...What a mighty expert you are. My job is simply to keep you from being a hindrance."
Rukia raised her brows before letting out a small chuckle with a shake of her head. "You want to keep me locked down here? You alone won't be enough."
"It's best you do not underestimate me. Regardless, I have backup that will arrive at any moment." The demon responded while preparing his attack. His aura surged beyond the Peak Late Stage Mortal Lord Realm, reaching into the Pristine Soul tier.
Rukia's power erupted in turn as her presence shot straight into the Pristine Soul tier before continuing even further. Within moments her cultivation solidified at the Aethereal Soul Tier. The demon's eyes narrowed sharply as he focused on the incredibly difficult battle that was about to begin.