Chapter 173: The Sacred Orb Incarnation [8]
Arthur"s rage mounted, his fury reaching new heights. But before he could utter a word, a blinding flash tore through the dark sky as Hydra unleashed a torrent of lightning toward Adrian"s Circle. However, Adrian"s Magic Circle swiftly retaliated, emitting a brilliant light that engulfed everything in sight, forcing all present to shield their eyes.
As if the time slowed down, the Hydra"s eyes widened in terror as an enormous pillar of lightning surged forth from Adrian"s Magic Circle, consuming its bolts before ultimately engulfing the creature"s monstrous form.
—BOOM!!
The thunderous explosion reverberated throughout the entire forest, shaking the ground violently. The impact caused the earth to convulse and heave, while shockwaves rippled through the air, creating a tempestuous gust of wind that swept through the surroundings.
Instinctively, Arthur pulled his sons close, wrapping his arms around them protectively. Just before they could be swept away by it, a transparent barrier encased them, shielding them from harm.
In an instant, they were propelled backward, careening and somersaulting through the air like leaves in a tempest. The ferocious wind whipped around them, hurtling them towards random objects, each impact sending pain coursing through their bodies.
Time seemed to stretch endlessly as they were tossed and buffeted, until finally, the whirlwind started to lose its intensity and threw them to the ground. Disoriented and battered, they lay amidst the aftermath of the cyclone, where the once serene forest now lay in ruins.
The surroundings were a scene of utter devastation. Debris, uprooted trees, and shattered remnants were haphazardly scattered across the desolate terrain, while people inside the barriers and fallen soldiers lay strewn amidst the wreckage.
In the distance, a ma.s.sive and deep crater formed on the ground, resembling the fallout of a meteor strike. Regaining their consciousness, the monsters scurried away into the depths of the forest. Then, without warning, a gentle drizzle descended, gradually transforming into a heavy downpour.
As the protective shield that enveloped them slowly gradually dissipated, the soldiers were greeted by the wailing of the wounded, compelling them to rise and a.s.sist their allies.
Arthur lay on his back, completely drenched, with Nathaniel and Adrian on top of him. Letting go of his embrace, Arthur inquired, "Are you okay?"
Lifting his head, Nathaniel swiftly responded, "Yes, I"m all right." He promptly moved away from his father"s body, but his attention immediately shifted to his brother, who lay motionless. "Ian?" Regrettably, there was no response.
Concern, Arthur quickly sat and carefully eased Adrian"s limp body into his arms, only to be met with a horrifying sight. Blood trickled from Adrian"s nose and mouth, and his vacant eyes stared blankly ahead, causing them to gasp in shock.
Arthur lightly tapped Adrian"s cheek, desperately trying to rouse him. "Adrian? Adrian, did you hear me?" Yet, the result remained unchanged. Panicking, Arthur urgently shouted, "Physician! Physician! We need help!"
Reacting swiftly, Nathaniel retrieved an Elixir from his Magical Sphere. With trembling hands, he carefully administered the elixir to Adrian, praying for a miracle. But instead of relief, Adrian suddenly coughed out blood, his body convulsing with pain, intensifying their fear and helplessness.
Adrian, caught between consciousness and unconsciousness, felt a faint tap on his cheek. Through his hazy vision, he could make out the figures of Nathaniel and Arthur. However, the sounds around him were distorted, making it difficult to comprehend.
"As expected from harnessing raw lightning, the pain surpa.s.sed that of dispelling the Hydra"s Magic Circle." Every inch of him throbbed with pain, and his weary eyelids struggled against the heaviness that threatened to plunge him into darkness.
Nevertheless, a flicker of relief washed over Adrian, knowing that everyone else seemed to be safe, even if he couldn"t be.
And then, darkness swallowed him whole.
"No, no, no! Ian, open your eyes!" Nathaniel"s voice trembled with desperation as he shook Adrian"s lifeless body. "Physician! Physician!" he screamed, his voice cracking with anguish. In the end, Nathaniel couldn"t help but blame himself, "It"s... my fault... I should have stopped him."
Arthur reached out to Nathaniel and stroked his hair, "No, it"s not. You believed in Adrian, and he acted within his capabilities. There was no way he would have done something beyond his limits. Don"t blame yourself, he will be okay."
"But—" Nathaniel"s voice quivered as he tried to protest, but Arthur silenced him with a solemn shake of his head. "Sob…" Nathaniel hung his head in guilt and worry, tears streamed down Nathaniel"s face, mingling with the raindrops.
"Your Majesty!"
Nathaniel and Arthur turned their heads, their eyes meeting a group of Paladins, accompanied by the Princes and Princesses, rushing towards them. Hope flickered within Nathaniel"s heart, realizing that help might be at hand.
As Sylvina caught sight of Adrian lying in Arthur"s arms, she immediately dropped to her knees beside him. "Your Majesty, please allow me to examine His Highness Prince Adrian."
With Adrian"s hand in hers, Sylvina began to chant, but when she just started, her body jolted in surprise, her face turning pale and tears streamed down her cheeks. "Ah…" Fear gripped her heart, and she struggled to find the words.
Arthur"s gaze bore into Sylvina"s; he knew something was terribly wrong. "How is it?" he asked, his voice barely concealing his growing panic.
Sylvina"s heart raced as her gaze met the Emperor"s intense eyes. Swallowing back her sobs, she spoke with a choked-up voice, struggling to find the right words. "Your Majesty..."
"RROOOAARRR!!"
Before she could finish, a deafening roar echoed through the air, causing everyone to freeze in terror. All eyes turned toward the sound, and they beheld a colossal Magic Circle forming in the sky, crackling with energy.
"YOU LOWLY MORTALS!! I SHALL INCINERATE ALL OF YOU!!"
In an instant, the world around them bathed in a fiery orange glow the moment an enormous fireball surged forth from the Magic Circle, hurtling toward them with terrifying velocity.
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A/N:
The fireball struck them and they all died, emerging victorious, the Hydra then conquered the whole world. The End. Lmao.