Chapter 10 :Efforts against absoulete Power
As the dust settled from Siegfried's overwhelming display of dominance, the battlefield was left in a tense silence. His former allies, those who had plotted against him, lay defeated, unable to even lift their weapons. Siegfried stood tall, his dragon-forged spear resting against his shoulder, his eyes filled with nothing but disdain.
"You betrayed me," he stated coldly, stepping over the fallen warriors. "I don't blame you. After all, the world is survival of the fittest." His gaze darkened as he looked down upon them. "But your fault was thinking you were strong enough. You weren't prepared."
With that, he turned away, his role in this battle complete, leaving the remnants of his so-called allies to wallow in their failure. His respect was never given freely—it had to be earned. And as of now, none of them had done so.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, the duel between Galahad and Ellis raged on. Sparks flew as Galahad's spear clashed against the arrows of Artemis' chosen. Ellis moved with the grace of a huntress, each of her shots precise, unerring, but Galahad's sheer force and unyielding spirit allowed him to deflect them with masterful spearplay.
It was a contest of precision versus power, of divine blessings clashing in a violent dance. Ellis' bow gleamed with an ethereal light, a manifestation of Artemis' will, while Galahad's spear burned with the divine radiance of Archangel Michael.
"Judgment Spear!" Galahad roared, thrusting his weapon forward, a golden light erupting from its tip. The sheer force of his attack shattered the ground beneath him, sending debris flying in all directions.
Ellis narrowed her eyes. "Moonlit Barrage!" she countered, loosing a flurry of arrows infused with lunar energy. Each arrow whistled through the air, forming a constellation of death aimed straight at Galahad.
The two attacks collided, creating a shockwave that sent ripples through the battlefield. Dust and energy clashed in a brilliant explosion, momentarily obscuring both combatants.
Then, from the haze, a third figure emerged.
Marcus.
His arrival was not sudden, nor was it unnoticed. He had been watching, calculating, waiting for the right moment. His steps were measured as he entered the battlefield, his presence undeniable.
Ellis, panting but still standing strong, turned her gaze toward him. "Here to finish me off?" she asked, a smirk playing on her lips despite her exhaustion.
Marcus did not respond immediately. Instead, he looked at Galahad, then back at Ellis, as if weighing something. And then, he spoke.
"Ellis… you're coming with me."
Silence fell between them.
Ellis' smirk faded, replaced by a look of genuine surprise. "What?"
Galahad, too, looked toward Marcus, waiting for an explanation.
Marcus' eyes were unwavering. "I choose you to be part of my faction."
Ellis stared at him, searching his face for any sign of deceit, but found none. Then, she let out a short laugh, shaking her head. "Hah… you really are something else. Fine. But don't think I'll follow you blindly."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Marcus replied.
From afar, atop a mighty griffon, Valen and Lucian watched the scene unfold. The wind ruffled Valen's cloak as he observed Marcus' actions with a faint, unreadable smile.
"Interesting," Valen murmured. "Very interesting."
Lucian, sitting beside him, folded his arms. "Are you going to interfere?"
Valen chuckled. "Not yet. Let's see how our dear Marcus continues to play this game."
The pieces were falling into place, the factions beginning to form. But the true battle was yet to come.