HBWnovel Chapter 157: To War With The Dryads
Chapter 157: To War With The Dryads
"My liege, do you really have to go alone?" Ember’s voice was filled with genuine concern as he stepped forward, his body tense with anticipation, awaiting Akun’s response.
He and the other guardians, along with the guards, stood before the castle, facing Akun. He was already clad in a formidable suit of dark silver armor, his helmet concealing his face, with only his piercing purple eyes visible, glowing brightly.
Akun’s response was serious and carried a sense of gravity. His voice took on a deeper tone, reflecting his resolve as he explained, "Yes, I have to. I can’t take the risk of not knowing what else the Dryads might have planned. I can’t go into battle knowing you’re all at risk."
Ember clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white. With a heavy sigh, he finally spoke, "Okay, my liege. We wish you the best of luck in the battle." He and the others behind him bowed their heads as a sign of respect, showing their support for Akun’s decision.
Beneath his helmet, a confident smile played on Akun’s lips as he responded, "Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it." With that, he turned around, leaped into the air.
The guardians and guards watched in silence as Akun soared into the distance, their eyes filled with hope and faith that their liege would triumph against whatever challenges lay ahead.
As Akun soared through the air, he couldn’t shake off a gnawing feeling of unease. He mused inwardly, "For some reason I couldn’t find Phenor, Memorina, Nadalin, Keleora, or Devon anywhere in the castle. It’s as if they all vanished into thin air." His thoughts raced, searching for answers amidst the uncertainty.
Akun’s thoughts delved deeper into the mystery. "It’s not like I sent them on any missions. Why would I? How could they all be suitable for the same mission? I didn’t find their bodies among the casualties in the castle either. I even tried summoning Phenor, but nothing.
This whole situation leaves me with more questions than answers. Well, whatever it is, once I acquire that skill and travel back in time to prevent Oliver from embarking on his mission, I’m sure I’ll uncover the truth behind their disappearance." His resolve to change the past burned stronger as he sought answers.
Deep within the Dryad tribe, a gathering of their guards had assembled, their weapons at the ready, poised for an assault on the remnants of the ant tribe. Rinalef, the princess of the Dryads, was a commanding presence, adorned in a gleaming, polished black wood armor. She stood before her troops, her figure exuding an air of confidence.
Addressing her soldiers, she delivered a brief but powerful speech, rallying their spirits for the impending mission.
Rinalef was perplexed by his cryptic words. "What do you mean, who are..." Before she could press further, the figure decided to descend. "Why don’t I come down, so that you can recognize me?" Akun suggested, hinting at the revelation that was soon to follow. His enigmatic presence held the entire tribe’s attention.
Suddenly, with astonishing speed, Akun descended from the sky, and upon his landing, a massive crater was gouged into the earth. A colossal dust cloud billowed into the air, and the impact sent shockwaves rippling through the land, creating cracks in its wake. The resounding noise reached the ears of some slumbering Dryads, stirring them from their rest as they emerged from their homes.
Instinctively, the Dryad warriors adopted a defensive formation, lifting up their spears and hoisting their shields. Beads of sweat formed on Princess Rinalef’s brow, a proof of the tension that hung in the air. Her thoughts raced as she contemplated the gravity of the situation.
"This person, whoever they may be, possesses immense power," she thought to herself. "If they are out for blood, my tribe might not survive to see the next day." She clenched her fists, her resolve evident. "No, we must overcome. We still have to end Akun and obtain his core, for the sake of my parents."
As the dust began to settle, the dark silver composing Akun’s helmet flowed down like liquid, melding with the rest of his armor. This transformation revealed his face to all who had gathered, a pivotal moment in this fateful encounter.
With a dead-serious intensity, Akun’s voice rang out, "Now, Princess, do you recognize me?" His tone had reverted to its usual cadence, while his eyes retained their brilliant glow.
As Akun’s features gradually became visible in the moonlight, the princess’s eyes widened with disbelief. She stammered, "No, it can’t be... W-what are you doing here?"
As the princess locked her gaze on Akun, she was momentarily frozen in place. Akun’s words cut through the tension, his tone laden with a mix of challenge and amusement. He taunted her, "What’s up, Princess? Don’t remember me? Or maybe you do, but you’ve simply forgotten my name? Well, it doesn’t matter either way.
Today is the day I wipe your tribe off the face of this forest."
The princess then mused inwardly, "I should calm down. He came alone, without his army, meaning he must have no other choice. The tree sprouted, and so it must have already performed it’s task. Then he must also be weakened. But how did he get here? The tree was supposed to make him weak enough for us to finally subdue him.
There is no way he survived the tree. Or could he have left his people behind to face it alone? Highly unlikely. He treasures his people. He even came personally to retrieve Sir Oliver that time. But I remember hearing a very loud sound earlier.
That might have been an attack from him. Although it might be impossible, with how powerful he still is, he must have defeated the tree. Even if he did, it must have taken a lot of effort. So, no matter how powerful he is, we should be able to easily end him now."