Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2662: 1264: Truths of the Past (Part 2)
“At the distant end, a colossal statue loomed, towering as vast as a minor fortress. Its outlines blurred and unclear, yet it instantly stirred a wave of discomfort and terror in all who beheld it.”
“The moment the eagle commander averted his eyes from the chilling statue, Waters had already dropped to his knees in front of the vague colossal figure, once more spouting his wild nonsense, as though reciting an incantation.”
“With Waters’ tone turning ever more wild and obsessive, the whole chamber started trembling fiercely.”
“Just as the rest sensed the grave peril and moved to intervene and halt him, an odd black glow enveloped Waters and his devotees. As the glow faded, Waters along with his allies collapsed in a gruesome heap of blood, like they’d been torn apart by a savage creature, utterly stripped of any breath.”
“Stunned, before the remaining alliance chiefs and powerhouses could respond, the walls adorned with carvings of Black Robed Mages ignited in dark radiance, and soon after, hordes of Black Robed Mages burst forth from the walls, casting off their hoods to expose withered, cadaverous, sinister visages with eyes blazing crimson.”
Hearing this, Sina, filled with shock, couldn’t resist inquiring, “So, those Black Robed Mages were truly roused Witch Demons? And Waters’ earlier deeds resembled a ritual offering?”
“Precisely, it was only then that the eagle commander grasped those Witch Demons weren’t mere wall etchings, but had concealed themselves within using the walls as cover, for after stirring, human-like silhouettes lingered on the walls like embedded carvings.”
Old Gary gave a firm nod, replying, “And the events that followed were plain to see: the Witch Demons assaulted with malevolent grins, transforming the chamber into a hellish realm. Solely the eagle commander managed a narrow flight amid the cries and fiendish cackles.”
“I never imagined it would unfold like this.”
At these words, Loris drew in a sharp breath, his leonine features etched with gravity and intensity.
Confronted by a sudden onslaught from more than ten thousand Witch Demons, the hopelessness gripping the Broken Valley Alliance’s mighty warriors back then was clear, since even the lowliest Witch Demon held at least Tier 5 power, and all wielded the most dreaded Taboo Skills to boot.
“In the end, Waters’ craving for strength drove him to unleash the forbidden arcane chest under their sway. I fault myself too for abandoning Waters there and especially for placing him in command.”
Old Gary’s tone brimmed with grief and regret, as he let out a deep sigh, “Regarding the aftermath, it’s needless to say.”
“By the time I returned at the head of the crack troops, not just the full Ancient Relics and the sealed nearby barracks, but even the close villages had fallen, all now playgrounds for the Witch Demons to wreak havoc freely.”
“Those frightful and malevolent entities, akin to plagues wielding necromancy, stripped lands bare and scattered devastation, converting every soul they encountered into undead thralls.”
“Though the vanguard force under my lead gained an early edge, we suffered defeat in the end, for the slain warriors rose as undead, wielding blades against the very brothers they’d battled beside moments before.”
As Old Gary reached this point, Leo Ray gave a subtle nod, echoing the emotion.
He recalled witnessing that nightmarish sight in his clash with the Nightmare Knight at Cyan Town.
When soldiers witness their fresh allies morph into Skeleton Warriors and savagely direct arms against them, it delivers a massive mental and strategic shock to the ranks.
One can picture how those myriad Witch Demons, in their initial surge, refused to waste any corpse, lacking restraint over the undead they spawned.
“To the finish, I fell back steadily, my key commanders and fellow heirs perishing one after another, nearly handing the whole alliance to their grasp, save for the Underground City erected beneath the capital.”
Old Gary’s words carried the weight of years and woe, his voice quieting as he gazed at the Stone Spirit nearby, “During the Underground City’s building, I unwittingly employed the family heirloom ‘Key of Truth’ to unlock the ‘Gate of Truth’ housing Youyou, and in time, claimed Youyou as my kin.”
These revelations stirred the hearts of all assembled.
Though the veteran chief downplayed it, his account revealed that after his son Waters perished, in the midst of withdrawal, he failed to safeguard his realm and lost his remaining offspring, plunging him into total despair. Youyou’s emergence offered the sole comfort to this fading elder.
“No need for such pity; I’ve brought this fate upon myself.”
Old Gary attempted a bitter grin, his jawbone shifting up and down, before adding, “Yet I carry deep remorse for the folk and fighters of the Broken Valley Alliance. As their guiding head, I personally planted the roots of ruin and proved helpless against the calamity that bloomed.”
“Chief, it’s no fault of yours; we stand ready to battle beside you until the end, as we swore before, and as we do this very moment!”
With Old Gary’s words, the other Broken Valley Alliance powerhouses advanced, voicing their pledge together.
Witnessing this, Leo Ray and his companions felt another surge of emotion.
Clearly, this elder chief commanded true devotion and honor; alas, the Witch Demons proved overwhelmingly potent and ruthless, or else the Broken Valley Alliance would stand as a formidable power today.
As thoughts lingered on this, Old Gary softly touched the shoulder bones of the encircling Broken Valley Alliance warriors and resumed his tale.
“To be frank, in selecting Youyou for the Secret Spell, we’d hit rock bottom, so I poured everything in, desperate to unearth even the faintest spark of triumph, however faint.”
“Through numerous trials, I chose decisively to infuse Holy Engraving into myself; should we crumble and rise as foe-controlled undead, we’d strike a lethal stroke when the adversaries least expected it!”
Old Gary’s steadfast declaration echoed for all to hear, “As for the rest, you’re aware. Though the scheme shifted slightly and our awakening delayed, encountering you now confirms every struggle bore fruit.”
“You honor us, elder chief. Learning this legendary saga and uncovering the secrets of those days has made our voyage truly rewarding.”
Leo Ray nodded earnestly, then puzzlement crossed his expression as he questioned, “On that note, pardon my directness, elder chief, since Waters was lured into rousing the Witch Demons, who precisely ensnared him?”
While Leo Ray inquired, Sina and Loris directed intrigued looks as well, this topping their urgent curiosities.
“I’ll conceal nothing from the Human Sovereign; this puzzled me most in those times too. Per the eagle commander’s account, the Witch Demons did stir post Waters’ offering.”
Old Gary pondered with a nod, “Thus, I surmise that amid our relic delving, one Witch Demon inside may have stirred, then ensnaring Waters to unleash the disaster.”
“However, elder chief, Witch Demons apparently lack such enchanting might.”
Loris creased his brow faintly, compelled to interject.
“I shared that view, prompting me to ponder an alternative.”
Leo Ray picked up the thread, his forehead wrinkling further, “Recall the hazy colossal statue the eagle commander described?”