Chapter 429 - Tamers War - Storm Queen - (2/3)

เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 มี.ค. 2569 07:41

Chapter 429: Chapter 429 - Tamers War - Storm Queen - (2/3) Selphira raised both hands toward the sky, channeling centuries of experience into a construction that would redefine the battlefield. What she created was an enormous ice wall that extended for several kilometers, connecting and absorbing part of the new frontier wall Kharzan had built. The gap that Yino forces had opened during their advance now closed again, and not only that, the walls on the sides had also been "reinforced" with ice structures that rose fifty meters toward the sky. It was a barrier that would effectively divide Kharzan’s army into two separate groups. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂 The construction was a masterwork of magical engineering, each ice crystal precisely placed for maximum structural integrity. Selphira remained somewhat agitated after the effort. She had spent approximately twenty percent of her total energy on this last move, but it was a necessary situation. Dividing Kharzan’s army would surely be useful for those defending the bridge, giving them time to reorganize while the enemy dealt with the logistics of reunifying their forces. Immediately after completing the construction, Selphira merged with the ice itself, using her power to travel through the crystalline structure and move away from the center of the large concentration of enemy soldiers. For Kharzan’s troops who now saw the aftermath, what had just happened was terrible. The environment dropped sharply in temperature, and many soldiers had been trapped within the ice when the enormous structure formed. Those who suffered worst were still embedded partially in the ice before they could escape. Everyone was disoriented and fearful. The psychological impact was as devastating as the physical barrier. Seeing their advance suddenly disrupted by a single individual’s power broke the soldiers’ confidence. It would take considerable time for them to reorganize and decide whether they were going to break the wall or go around it to reunite the separated troops. Time that Yano could use to turn the situation around. After some moments navigating through the ice as if she were part of it, Selphira emerged from the structure through what would be the right flank of the larger half of Kharzan’s army. This place was farthest from most soldiers and closest to the abyss possible. On this side was where Kharzan had had fewer frontier soldiers, and now was practically empty. Unlike the left side, which was still gathering the other half of the patrols, the five thousand soldiers Selphira had managed to separate from the main group. It was time to go straight to the front. But she was somewhat agitated, so she realized that the attack on Goldcrest castle, the wall construction, and the battle amid hundreds of soldiers had cost her more energy than expected. Even with her careful and efficient use of power, she now only had a little more than half her total capacity, and wondered if it would be enough to defeat Kharzan in direct combat. ’There’s no other option,’ she thought while preparing to move at high speed. ’A promise is a promise.’ Selphira headed toward the front at full speed, but keeping somewhat away from the edge of the enemy army. She used the city’s abandoned homes as relative shelter, trying not to be attacked or pursued to conserve the energy she had left for the main confrontation. But enemy flyers wouldn’t leave her in peace. Losing sight of her was unacceptable to them... she was too dangerous to allow to move freely. Under constant aerial surveillance, she ended up being attacked by several Gold-rank beasts during the journey. ♢♢♢♢ ’It seems it won’t be so easy to reach the coward after all,’ Selphira murmured while deflecting an attack from a Pegasus that had descended to intercept her. They had left her no choice but to summon her serpent again to reach the front as quickly as possible. Of the approximately 300 Gold 1 tamers that Yano had in total, the Goldcrests controlled about 60 now. And it seemed they were using them without much reserve against her... she had already defeated about ten beasts of such level during her advance. The attrition was beginning to show. Each encounter, no matter how brief, required energy expenditure. Each defensive maneuver, each counter-attack, each moment of maintaining her serpent’s ice armor, it all added up to a steady drain on her reserves. After dealing with multiple minor encounters during her advance, Selphira finally arrived near the front. But again she found herself with serious opposition: three Gold-rank creatures this time, clearly positioned for an ambush. But this time there was a critical difference: a Gold 2 beast, of the same level as her own serpent. It was Chilong Zhao’s Crimson Royal Cobra, (leader of the family from which Professor Zhao and Feng Zhao, Klein’s friend, came). The serpent was massive, with scales that gleamed like liquid rubies and venom that could melt rock in seconds. A considerably tougher rival, especially supported by the other two Gold 1 flyers flanking the position. "At last we meet, Selphira Ashenway," Chilong’s voice came from his position mounted on the cobra’s head. "Your reputation precedes you." "And your death will follow you if you don’t get out of my way," Selphira responded coldly, directing her serpent toward a combat position. Chilong laughed, he had brought only his two most powerful guards because he wanted the glory of bringing down such an infamous rival when she looked tired. Valdris and Kharzan had suggested great rewards. He wouldn’t back down, especially when he had decided to direct his beast himself. The battle began with speed that defied normal perception. The Crimson Royal Cobra launched itself directly toward Selphira’s White Serpent, its fangs dripping venom that hissed when touching the ground. Selphira responded by creating instant ice armor around her serpent, the angled spikes designed to pierce rather than just defend. But for a creature of the same level, ice wasn’t much more resistant than its scales, and above all didn’t have an elemental disadvantage. The initial clash was spectacular. Both serpents intertwined like lethal dancers, each trying to find an opening in the other’s defenses. The cobra’s venom sparkled against the ice, creating toxic vapor that rose in purple clouds. But Selphira had to deal with more than just the cobra. The two Gold 1 flyers attacked from opposite angles, a Royal Storm Hawk from above and a Shadow Blood Bat from the side. Selphira used her turtle to create ice shields that blocked the hawk’s attack, but the bat managed to get through, its spectral claws breaking the tamer’s armor.

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