The march had begun, and the atmosphere was charged with tension. Thousands of demonic soldiers advanced through the grounds of the Scarlet Kingdom, their steps echoing in the ground marked by the roots of the World Tree. The shadow of the Tree spread like a dark cloak over them, and each of their movements seemed to be watched over by Lyrian's constant presence and the chaos that flowed from him.
However, not all soldiers shared the determination of their leader. Some, moved by fear or uncertainty, tried to escape, quietly leaving the formation or searching for hidden paths to flee from the control of the World Tree. But the fugitives did not go far.
The roots of the Tree, alive and ruthless, reacted immediately. Emerging from the ground with unrelenting speed, they wrapped around the deserters' bodies and lifted them up into the air, crushing them hard, or traversing them directly. The soldiers' drowned screams escaped before their bodies were completely devoured by the roots.
The other soldiers, witnessing this, were paralyzed. "There is no escape," they murmured among themselves, as their faces filled with terror. "The Tree sees everything. If we don't keep going, we'll be dead. "
From the top of the horse, Lyrian watched the scene with absolute calm. He made no gesture or uttered words. He simply allowed the Tree to act on its own, ensuring that no one broke the order it had established.
Azara, sitting across from Lyrian, looked at the events with her eyes wide open, unable to look away. His body trembled as he watched the roots move as if they were alive, mercilessly punishing those who tried to flee. He turned his head slightly towards Lyrian, looking for some explanation. "Why are you allowing this?" he asked quietly, trying to keep control over his voice.
Lyrian looked down at her, her eyes glowing brightly. "This is not a matter of allowing it," he said in a cold but calculated tone. "The Tree is part of me, of this kingdom. Its roots ensure that those who are not loyal do not take place here. Chaos does not tolerate treason. "
The Scarlet Kingdom army continued its march, its ranks advancing with precision and fear towards the Human Kingdom. The roots of the World Tree continued to spread, moving alongside them like a dark guardian who oversaw every step. As the horizon revealed the forest where the Tree was located, the tension increased among the ranks of the soldiers. Some avoided looking directly into the shadows of the forest, others whispered among themselves, uneasy about the presence of the colossal tree.
From the top of the black horse, Lyrian watched the landscape calmly, his gaze fixed on the forest as the army slowly approached. Azara, sitting across from him in her maid uniform, seemed increasingly nervous. Although she tried to maintain her firm posture, the visual impact of the World Tree was too overwhelming for her. "That Tree ... is terrifying," he thought, as his mind filled with questions.
When they reached the edge of the forest, Lyrian raised his voice, his tone resonating with overwhelming authority.
"Listen well, soldiers!" he said, letting his voice dominate space. "From this moment, access to this forest is absolutely prohibited. Neither humans, nor demons, nor any other creature has permission to enter here. The Tree of Judgment and I decided who can cross its roots and breathe its air. Disobeying this order is a direct sentence of death. "
The ranks of the army stopped for an instant, processing their words. The murmurs intensified, but no one dared to challenge the order. The roots of the Tree, as if responding to Lyrian's command, began to move more intensely, writhing like living serpents marking the perimeter of the forest.
Azara, unable to contain her curiosity, slightly turned her head towards Lyrian. "Why are you protecting this place so much?" asked quietly. "It's just a forest, isn't it? Or is there something else? "
Lyrian let out a slight laugh, though there was no humor in her. "A simple forest?" he repeated, his tone loaded with contempt. "No, little one. This Tree is not just nature. It is much more than that. It is the very essence of what will change this world. This forest is not here for the weak or the curious. He's here because I claimed it, and because chaos needs it. "
The Scarlet Kingdom army continued its march, its ranks advanced with precision and fear towards the Human Kingdom. The roots of the World Tree continued to spread, moving alongside them like a dark guardian who oversaw every step. As the horizon revealed the forest where the Tree was located, the tension increased among the ranks of the soldiers. Some avoided looking directly into the shadows of the forest, others whispered among themselves, uncomfortable with the presence of the colossal tree.
From the top of the black horse, Lyrian watched the landscape calmly, his gaze fixed on the forest as the army slowly approached. Azara, sitting across from him in her maid uniform, seemed increasingly nervous. Although she tried to maintain her firm posture, the visual impact of the World Tree was too overwhelming for her. "That Tree ... is terrifying," he thought, as his mind filled with questions.
When they reached the edge of the forest, Lyrian raised his voice, his tone echoing with overwhelming authority.
"Listen well, soldiers!" he said, letting his voice dominate space. "From this moment, access to this forest is absolutely prohibited. Neither humans nor demons nor any other creature has permission to enter here. The Tree of Judgment and I decided who can cross its roots and breathe its air. Disobeying this order is a direct death sentence. "
The ranks of the army stopped for an instant, processing their words. The murmurs intensified, but no one dared to defy order. The roots of the Tree, as if responding to Lyrian's order, began to move more intensely, writhing like living serpents marking the perimeter of the forest.
Azara, unable to contain her curiosity, turned her head slightly towards Lyrian. "Why are you protecting this place so much?" asked quietly. "It's just a forest, isn't it? Or is there something else? "
Lyrian let out a slight laugh, though there was no humor in her. "A simple forest?" he repeated, his tone loaded with contempt. "No, little one. This tree is not just nature. It is much more than that. It is the very essence of what will change this world. This forest is not here for the weak or the curious. He is here because I claimed him, and because chaos needs him. "
The leaders looked at each other, some with disbelief, others with despair. One of the nobles murmured:
"Then what hope do we have if even the goddesses are confused? How do we face something we don't understand?"
Arden, hearing this, turned to the Saint.
"And what can we do then? Can we even hold them back? We must have something, some resource, some way to confront them."
The Saint, though visibly worried, replied with firmness:
"The goddesses have given me their blessing to protect the kingdom and our troops. My power remains intact, but it won't be enough on its own. We need to work together, using our strength and strategy to resist. If we fall into the chaos this leader is bringing, we are lost."
At the border, the human paladins were beginning to organize. Under Arden's direct command, the ranks of the kingdom's most powerful warriors prepared to face the threat. Armed with enchanted swords, blessed shields, and divine abilities granted by the Saint and the goddesses, they were the first line of defense against the demon army.
Arden walked among them, his imposing figure and resolute gaze inspiring the troops.
"This enemy is different," he said as he surveyed them.
"But remember, we are the protectors of this kingdom. We cannot fail. If chaos wants to reach us, we'll face it here and now. Strengthen your spirit, because this battle will be the hardest we've faced."
The paladins nodded, though some couldn't hide the fear in their eyes. They knew they were facing something beyond the human realm, something even the goddesses couldn't fully comprehend.
Meanwhile, in the demon army, Lyrian continued leading the march from atop his black horse, with Azara seated in front of him. The girl still struggled to make sense of what was happening, though her fear was now mingling with a growing curiosity about the World Tree and Lyrian's true purpose.
As they passed near the forest, Lyrian spoke again, his voice powerful:
"Remember what I told you. This forest is not for you, nor for the humans, nor for anyone who is not worthy. Only I and the Tree decide who crosses its roots. To try means death."
The demon soldiers looked at the forest with fear, some recalling what they had witnessed when the roots moved against deserters. No one dared question Lyrian's command.
Azara, unable to hold back her thoughts, asked quietly:
"And if someone truly tries to cross? What will happen to them?"
Lyrian stared at her, his eyes gleaming intensely.
"They won't live to tell the tale," he said simply.
"This Tree is not just a symbol of power. It is a judge, an executioner. And as chaos advances, only those who understand it will have a place in this world."
Azara lowered her gaze, feeling even smaller under Lyrian's overwhelming presence.
"And me?" she thought silently.
"What place do I have in all this?"
The two forces were about to meet. On the Human Kingdom's borders, the human soldiers and paladins were aligned, with Arden and the Saint at the forefront, ready to face the demon army advancing like a dark storm. The roots of the World Tree crept closer and closer, and its pulsating energy made the air feel heavy and suffocating.
The first battle between chaos and resistance was about to begin.
The demon army's advance toward the human borders was unstoppable. The ground trembled with each step of the giants and dark creatures filling the ranks. The roots of the World Tree continued moving alongside them, like a living torrent marking the path of chaos. From the watchtowers, the human soldiers could clearly see the vastness of the approaching army, and fear was evident on their faces.
In the human lines, tension was palpable. Soldiers stood in formation, their armor gleaming under the sunlight, while the paladins remained at the forefront, their blessed shields and divine weapons ready for battle. Arden walked among them, his gaze firm but heavy with a worry he could not openly show. He knew this enemy was unlike any before.
"This is not just an army," he thought.
"It's a symbol of something far greater, something we are not fully prepared to face."
The Saint, standing alongside the paladins, gazed at the horizon with deep concern. While her powers remained intact and the blessings of the goddesses still accompanied her, there was an emptiness in her heart she could not ignore.
"The goddesses have no answers," she thought. "And that frightens me more than any army."
Murmurs among the soldiers grew louder when Lyrian's figure came into view, leading the demon army from atop his black horse. His commanding presence and the aura of chaos surrounding him were enough to send chills even through the bravest. Beside him sat Azara, the little servant now caught in the heart of this conflict. Her black-and-white uniform stood out among the sea of dark figures, and though her face showed worry, there was a growing curiosity in her eyes.
"It's huge," Azara murmured as she looked at the human army lined up before them.
"I never imagined humans could organize so well."
Lyrian smiled at her words, his gaze fixed on the human lines.
"Organization means nothing against chaos," he replied, his tone calm yet carrying an ominous edge.
"What they are about to face is much more than an army. It is the force of change."
The human leaders were in constant motion. Arden and the Saint directed the preparations from the center of the lines, while commanders coordinated strategies to confront the demonic advance.
A military commander, his face marked by worry, approached Arden.
"They're approaching quickly. Their numbers are greater, and those roots… they're invading our territory. How do we stop this?"
Arden met the commander's gaze with determination.
"We can't stop the roots, but we can face the army. Strengthen the lines. The paladins will take the front, and I'll lead the first charge. The Saint will remain here to protect our troops with her blessing."
The Saint, hearing her name, turned toward them. Though her face remained calm, there was a spark of fear in her eyes.
"This battle will be different," she said quietly.
"We cannot face their leader directly. His powers are beyond our understanding. For now, we must focus on protecting our troops and holding formation."
One of the advisors raised his voice from the rear lines.
"And what if we fail? What if we cannot hold? We can't evacuate the entire region in time."
The Saint closed her eyes for a moment, seeking strength from the goddesses.
"We won't fail," she said with conviction.
"As long as we stand united, as long as we have faith, we can resist."
The demon army and the Human Kingdom finally met on the battlefield. The two forces stood face-to-face, separated by a vast space that would soon be filled with chaos and blood. The roots of the World Tree began moving more aggressively, spreading toward human lands and pulsating with dark energy that made the air feel heavy and suffocating.
Lyrian, from his position, observed the human lines with a cold smile. Leaning slightly toward Azara, his voice low but firm, he said:
"Look closely, little one. This is not just a battle. This is the beginning of a new world. And you are here to witness it."
Azara, though nervous, did not take her eyes off the battlefield.
"What are you planning to do with this world?" she asked softly, her tone a mixture of curiosity and fear.
Lyrian let out a faint laugh.
"What I've always wanted to do. Change it, shape it. And destroy anything that opposes chaos."
The march of the demon army toward the Human Kingdom had reached its critical point, and the first battle was about to begin. Chaos was ready to face resistance.
Lyrian slowly descended from his horse, his cape billowing gently in the wind. With deliberate calm, he extended his hand to Azara, who hesitated for a moment before accepting his help to dismount. Her small figure, clad in the servant's uniform, stood in sharp contrast to the elf's imposing presence.
Once on the ground, both turned their gaze toward the human army stretching before them. The human ranks were impressive—organized and vast, easily surpassing one and a half million soldiers. Arden had gathered the best the Human Kingdom had to offer: well-trained troops, mages stationed in the rear ready to unleash their power, and paladins forming the frontline with their blessed weapons and resplendent shields.
Lyrian narrowed his eyes as he carefully assessed the size and composition of the army. Though their organization was impeccable and their numbers overwhelming, his faint smile reflected a complete lack of concern. With a casual gesture, he snapped his fingers.
The roots of the World Tree, which had invaded the terrain during the march, began to disappear. They sank quickly into the ground, leaving the earth untouched as if they had never been there. The human soldiers watched this in confusion, their murmurs filling the air. Some thought it was a retreat, a sign of weakness, while others knew something far more sinister was unfolding.
Arden and the Saint, positioned at the center of the human lines, watched with heightened intensity. Their hearts raced as their eyes locked onto Lyrian. Though the elf's figure didn't appear overtly threatening at first glance, there was something profoundly unsettling about his presence.
"He's no ordinary elf," Arden thought, clenching his fists.
"He's something else—something that shouldn't be here."
The Saint, connected to divine power, felt a shiver run down her spine.
"He doesn't belong to this world," she murmured, her hands clutching her staff tightly.
"Not even the goddesses know what's happening... How can we stop him if we don't understand him?"
Before the humans could react or move, a powerful voice echoed throughout the kingdom, filling the air with its unmistakable presence.
"Greetings, humans," Lyrian said, his tone cold and commanding. His voice, amplified by the chaos surrounding him, reached every corner of the battlefield and beyond.
"I am Lyrian, and today marks the beginning of chaos in your kingdom. This absurd war that you've prolonged for centuries will come to an end—not because of your victory, but because I will transform your world into something completely different. Prepare yourselves for destruction, because that is all that awaits you."
The human soldiers froze upon hearing this, some unable to contain their fear. Even the mages and paladins, trained to face the worst threats, exchanged glances filled with uncertainty.
Arden, however, stepped forward, his sword drawn and ready.
"We will not be intimidated!" he shouted, his voice firm as he tried to restore morale among his troops.
"It doesn't matter who or what you are. This kingdom will not fall without a fight."
The Saint, though frightened, joined Arden, raising her staff to invoke a blessing upon the human ranks.
"May the goddesses guide us and protect us," she said clearly, though fear still lingered in her eyes.
Lyrian watched the act with interest, but not concern. His smile widened slightly as he observed the humans attempt to gather their strength.
"Interesting," he murmured to himself.
"Let's see how long they can resist."
The tension on the battlefield reached its peak. The two forces stood face-to-face, and though the humans struggled to maintain their resolve, Lyrian's presence and the threat of the chaos surrounding him weighed upon them like an unstoppable shadow.
Lyrian, with calm authority, surveyed the immense human army before him. The organized formation of human soldiers, along with the mages and paladins stationed in the rear, was a display of strength and discipline that had been built over centuries. Yet in Lyrian's eyes, it was all irrelevant.
With a slow motion, he raised his arm, and his voice boomed like thunder, reverberating through every corner of the battlefield.
"Advance!" he commanded, his tone charged with authority and chaos. His voice wasn't just heard by his soldiers; it seemed to vibrate through the ground itself, signaling the beginning of an act that would alter the Human Kingdom's destiny forever.
The giants, positioned at the forefront of the demon army, obeyed the order and began moving with overwhelming force. Their colossal size made each of their steps cause small tremors in the earth. With surprising coordination, two of the giants approached a massive rocky formation and, using their monstrous strength, tore a gigantic boulder from the ground.
The humans, seeing this, began shouting orders, attempting to reorganize their ranks and raise magical barriers. However, before they could complete their preparations, the boulder was hurled with devastating force toward the human army. The impact was disastrous. The soldiers in the center of the formation were decimated by the gigantic rock, creating a fissure in the earth and leaving the humans in a state of chaos. The ground quaked, and screams filled the air.
Arden, positioned in the rear, observed the devastation and shouted with all his might:
"Hold the lines! Don't retreat!" His voice, though powerful, carried urgency as he ran toward the front to reorganize the troops.
The Saint, nearby, began invoking blessings upon the soldiers, her staff radiating divine light that healed the wounded and fortified the magical barriers. Though she was doing everything she could to protect the humans, her gaze drifted toward Lyrian, and her breathing quickened as she noticed the elf hadn't moved. His presence, calm yet dominant, was a threat even her blessings couldn't counteract.
"He's not like any other enemy," she thought, feeling a chill run down her spine.
"He doesn't belong to this world… and not even the goddesses know what to do with him."
Before the humans could fully recover their formation following the impact, two enormous earthworms emerged from the ground, their thunderous roars echoing like storms. These creatures, elongated and colossal, had thick, rough skin marked by years spent beneath the earth. Their movements were swift despite their size, and the ground around them crumbled as they emerged.
The human soldiers screamed in horror as the worms moved toward them. Some ranks attempted to attack with enchanted arrows and magical spells, but the worms' tough skin rendered most attacks futile. One of the worms charged directly at the mage line, causing chaos as its massive maw devoured the ground and collapsed their positions.
"Watch the worms!" Arden shouted, raising his blessed sword as he ran toward one of them. With an agile leap, he managed to strike a vulnerable spot on the creature, though the impact barely slowed its advance.
"We can't hold them for long!" one of the paladins shouted, his shield on the brink of shattering as he tried to protect the nearby mages.
The Saint, seeing the dire situation, invoked a powerful spell, raising a barrier of light around the human lines. The barrier temporarily halted the worms, giving the soldiers time to reposition themselves. However, the effort was draining her energy, and her face showed the strain she was under.
Lyrian, meanwhile, watched everything from his position, a look of satisfaction on his face. He leaned slightly toward Azara, who remained motionless beside him, her face full of fear and awe.
"Look closely, little one," he said calmly but with meaning.
"This is what chaos brings to this world. And we're only just beginning."
The battlefield was in absolute chaos. The humans fought desperately against Lyrian's demon army, facing the overwhelming force of the giants, earthworms, and the pulsating roots of the World Tree beneath their feet. Arden, sword in hand, led the human lines, while the Saint, exhausted yet resolute, maintained her divine barrier to protect the troops. Yet both knew the Human Kingdom was on the verge of collapse.
When all seemed lost, something unexpected occurred. The skies, dark and oppressive under the presence of chaos, began to part. A golden radiance illuminated the battlefield, and a celestial wind swept across the land, bringing with it a shimmer of hope for the humans.
The goddesses had descended, accompanied by a celestial army of golden figures. Each radiant soldier donned gleaming armor that shone like the sun and wielded weapons forged from divine energy. Their arrival was awe-inspiring, each step seeming to fill the humans with renewed strength, while the demons watched with a mix of bewilderment and defiance.
At the center of this celestial army stood a goddess of overwhelming presence. Her hair flowed like golden flames dancing with the wind, and her gaze radiated fury and determination. Upon seeing Lyrian, her eyes locked directly onto him, as though chaos itself was a personal enemy she was determined to eradicate.
Arden, witnessing the descent of the goddesses, felt a spark of hope ignite within him.
"They have answered," he thought as he raised his sword, looking toward the goddess.
"Perhaps not all is lost."
The Saint, however, was deeply unsettled. Though the goddesses had finally appeared, their lack of understanding about the true nature of the World Tree and Lyrian remained an alarming void.
"This shouldn't be happening," she thought as her gaze alternated between the celestial troops and the elf, who remained unmoving.
"Not even they know exactly what he is… and that terrifies me."
Lyrian, observing the descent of the celestial army, remained entirely calm. A smile slowly formed on his face as he watched the goddess, fury blazing in her eyes. Everything had unfolded exactly as he had planned.
"So they've finally decided to show themselves," he murmured to himself, his voice laden with satisfaction.
"Just as I expected."
Azara, standing beside him, stared in awe at the golden figures illuminating the battlefield. Though fear still gripped her heart, she couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity.
"Are they the ones who will face the chaos?" she wondered, inching closer to Lyrian, seeking protection from his presence despite her fear of him.
Lyrian noticed her movement, and without turning, spoke calmly:
"Do not worry, little one. They may appear powerful, but their light cannot undo the shadow I've brought. Stay close to me, and you'll see for yourself."
Azara swallowed hard, her thoughts a whirlwind as she tried to comprehend everything unfolding around her.
"How can he be so confident?" she thought, watching as the goddess in the sky raised her hand, pointing directly at Lyrian.
Panic overtook the demons on the battlefield as they watched the goddesses and their resplendent golden army descend. The celestial light bathed the terrain, revealing the magnitude of the divine forces. The golden armor of the soldiers radiated immense energy, and the glow of their weapons seemed to burn the eyes of anyone who dared face them. Chaos seemed to pause for a moment as the demons struggled to process what they were witnessing.
Some began to retreat, their movements clumsy and driven by fear. Murmurs within their ranks grew frantic, some searching for ways to flee the battlefield. However, at that very moment, their eyes met Lyrian's.
Lyrian's gaze was more terrifying than the very presence of the goddesses. His eyes, glowing with profound chaos, seemed to peer directly into the souls of the demons attempting to escape. His cold, calculating stare required no words to deliver a clear message: disobedience would not be tolerated.
The demons froze instantly. Any thoughts of retreat vanished, replaced by a fear greater than what they felt toward the golden army. Almost instinctively, they resumed their positions in the battle, their bodies rigid yet resolved. Lyrian's figure, imposing and dominant, ensured that none dared challenge him.
On the other side of the battlefield, the leader of the golden army stood at the center of the chaos, eliminating demons with devastating precision and force. Her name echoed among the human and celestial soldiers: Auriel, the Bearer of Eternal Light.
Auriel was an unstoppable force. Every swing of her celestial sword decimated dozens of demons, and her light burned even the deepest shadows. Her presence was a beacon of hope for the humans, who fought with renewed determination thanks to her. Yet despite her focus on the battle, she never took her eyes off Lyrian. Her fixed gaze on him reflected both fury and a need to understand the threat he represented.
"Lyrian," she murmured to herself as her sword cut through a group of orcs attempting to regroup.
"You are not like the demons you lead. You are unlike anyone in this world. What are you really?"
Auriel, though causing devastating damage to the demon ranks, knew the true battle would not be only against the army she faced. The real battle would be against chaos itself—against Lyrian and the World Tree, which seemed to permeate the air with its presence.
As the battle intensified, Lyrian remained watching, his smile growing slightly as everything unfolded according to his plans. He leaned toward Azara, who stood beside him, her small figure instinctively moving closer to him for protection.
"Do you see what's happening, little one?" Lyrian said in a calm yet deep voice, resonating even amidst the battlefield's noise.
"This is chaos in its purest form. Not even the goddesses can completely stop it. Even they will have to face something they never foresaw."
Azara looked toward Auriel, seeing the goddess mercilessly eliminate the demons, her light shining like the sun itself. Though her fear of Lyrian persisted, a part of her wondered how he could remain so calm in the face of such an overwhelming force.
Auriel, seeing Lyrian's tranquility, clenched her teeth and raised her sword toward the sky.
"Today, I will end your chaos," she declared powerfully, letting her divine energy expand across the battlefield. The golden light began enveloping her army, strengthening the soldiers and sending a clear message: resistance would not be easily defeated.
Lyrian, observing this, simply tilted his head toward her, as if inviting her to approach. His smile showed neither fear nor worry, but a confidence that seemed unshakeable.
"Then come, Auriel," he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible but laden with meaning.
"Let's see if your light is enough to face the shadow of chaos."
The battlefield was at its breaking point. Hours of combat had left both sides in a state of extreme exhaustion. The human army, reinforced by the goddesses' golden army led by Auriel, seemed to be gaining ground, destroying the desperate demon ranks with every strike. The celestial figures shone like a beacon of hope for the humans, while the divine light swept away the shadows that had dominated the land.
Lyrian, watching the devastation among his own ranks, remained unperturbed. Despite seeing his army diminish rapidly, there was not a trace of concern on his face. In his mind, everything was following the course he had planned. With a slight smile, his gaze shifted to Azara, who sat in a chair created by him.
Azara, her small frame sunk into the seat, observed the chaos with a mix of fear and awe. Though the sounds of battle were deafening, to her it seemed an unreal panorama—something she had never imagined witnessing.
"What will he do now?" she wondered, unable to take her eyes off Lyrian.
Lyrian approached Azara slowly, leaning toward her with unsettling calm.
"Little one," he said in a tranquil yet authoritative tone,
"Move a bit farther away. What I'm about to do is not something you'll want to be too close to witness."
"What are you going to do?" Azara asked softly, her tone trembling yet filled with curiosity.
Lyrian let out a faint laugh—a sound that resonated even amidst the chaos of the battlefield.
"I'm going to transform this place," he replied.
"What you're seeing now isn't the true battle. But it's about to begin."
Lyrian raised both hands toward the sky, and a heavy, pulsating dark energy began emanating from him. The air around him grew thicker, and a viscous miasma began spreading from his feet, covering the terrain littered with the scattered bodies of fallen soldiers—both human and demon.
With a resonant and firm voice, he pronounced the spell:
"Iä Shub-Niggurath."
The miasma spread rapidly, enveloping the fallen bodies in a twisted darkness. Those who had died in battle began to be consumed by the substance, twisting and transforming as a dark energy molded them into something new. From the depths of the miasma, the dark sprouts began to emerge—monstrous creatures born from the chaos Lyrian had unleashed.
The dark sprouts were colossal, larger even than the giants in the demon army. Their deformed bodies, covered in tentacles and multiple mouths filled with sharp teeth, moved with terrifying ferocity. Each step of these creatures shook the ground, toppling nearby combatants. Their roars echoed the chaos itself, filling the air with a sound that seemed to come from the depths of another world.
Auriel, seeing the enormous creatures emerge, felt a chill run through her. Though her golden army fought valiantly, the scale and power of the dark sprouts represented an entirely new threat.
"This shouldn't be happening," she thought as she raised her celestial sword.
"These beasts… shouldn't exist."
The goddesses, observing from various points on the battlefield, began concentrating their energies on their respective soldiers. One raised her staff, invoking a barrier of light to protect nearby humans, while another channeled her power toward human mages to strengthen their spells. But even divine light struggled to contain the threat posed by the dark sprouts.
Auriel led a direct attack against one of the dark sprouts. Her sword, radiating celestial light, severed one of the creature's tentacles. However, this only provoked the sprout to roar more ferociously, moving its massive body to crush the ground and send celestial soldiers flying.
Azara, from her safe position, watched the chaos with wide-open eyes.
"Those… those monsters," she thought as her body trembled. Finally, she directed her gaze to Lyrian, who remained calm amidst the destruction he had unleashed.
"How can you do this?" Azara asked quietly, her tone filled with fear and a curiosity she couldn't ignore.
"They're enormous… they'll destroy everything, even your own soldiers."
Lyrian slowly turned his head toward her, his smile reflecting absolute confidence.
"Little one," he said calmly,
"This is chaos in its purest form. Don't think of them as monsters. Think of them as the beginning of a new world. All of this happens according to my will."
Azara didn't respond. Though filled with fear, she couldn't help but wonder what else was yet to come.
"Does he truly believe this is necessary to change the world?"
The battlefield had been completely transformed. The dark sprouts, along with the miasma and roots of the World Tree, were devastating the terrain, challenging even the goddesses and their celestial forces. Auriel, her sword raised, led the counterattack, while Lyrian watched with satisfaction, knowing this was the battle he had always planned.