The third line of defense, the mountain barrier on the flank.
A jade-green figure, swift as a forest spirit, leapt and twisted through the terrain, evading crimson magic beams that swept wildly across the mountains. From time to time, she glanced back, drew her bow, and sent arrows flying, piercing the core-hearts of pursuing humanoid combat units and pinning them to rock faces and tree stumps.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Amid the ear-splitting sounds of trees snapping in the distance, three Colossal Gods pushed half their massive bodies out from the forested slope, swinging their arms forward and hurling the light spears in their hands.
The resulting shockwaves blasted outward, igniting flames across the area. Wood chips and soil filled the air, while shards of shattered rock screamed as they tore through the sky.
Atalanta twisted sharply in midair, doing everything she could to evade. Her movements were as nimble as a wildcat's, allowing her to avoid the bombardment zone, but the sheer destructive force of the Colossal Gods left her drained. When her momentum finally ran out and she drifted down, there were barely any trees or rocks left nearby for her to vault off.
With no better option, the huntress rolled across the ground and sprang diagonally backward, continuing to draw the attention of the scouting enemy force.
"Hiss, hiss, hiss!"
At the same time, two demonic hounds burst out from both sides. Their necks were ringed with spiked collars, and their silver-gray fur was hard as metal. They lunged explosively toward Atalanta.
Atalanta's eyes sharpened. She planted her feet and steadied herself, her fingers hooking toward the quiver at her waist.
The empty sensation between her fingers made her expression stiffen.
Too many enemies had come.
Her arrows were gone.
"Roaaar!"
Just as the demonic hounds opened their jaws to tear into her, an enraged roar erupted from the bushes behind Atalanta. A towering, ferocious figure with a white V-shaped mark on its chest burst out, smashing through a tree thick enough to take two men to embrace. Amid flying leaves and splinters, it grabbed the two hounds by the backs of their necks and hurled them against two protruding rock walls.
Crash!
Dust and debris exploded outward. Bones shattered, tendons snapped, and the two demonic hounds were reduced to mangled heaps of flesh.
Under the cold moonlight, a violent brown bear dropped the severed heads of the hounds and bared its fangs at the surroundings in a show of dominance.
Yet these mutated creatures were not only numerous, they knew no fear. In the blink of an eye, they surged in like a tide from all directions. The bushes and tall grass rustled relentlessly, closing in.
The movement from every side made Atalanta's heart sink. She frowned, drew the bronze dagger from her waist, and took up a defensive stance.
Hum!
At the same moment, the Colossal God at the front raised its hand and clenched the air. As the ether vibrated, a new light spear condensed, ready to be thrown.
Boom!
In that instant, a golden streak of light tore across the sky like a massive serpent snatching its prey, brutally drilling through and pulverizing the Colossal God.
As it struck, golden arcs of light exploded outward, sending a strange, disorienting distortion rippling backward.
Crack!
Amid a teeth-grating metallic tremor, the remaining two Colossal Gods froze in place. From the waist up, their bodies slowly slid apart and crashed heavily to the ground, kicking up clouds of dust.
The two pairs of legs left standing in the forest, severed cleanly at the waist, were a horrifying sight.
Whoosh!
At the same time, a radiant silver arrow streaked down, tearing through the air and embedding itself in the ground before Atalanta. Wild, vibrant green ripples spread outward. Grass and trees exploded into rapid growth, the forest creaking and groaning as vines and branches intertwined, binding the nearby mutated monsters before piercing and shredding them.
The entire forest seemed to come alive, devouring the tide of monsters. The soft rustling of leaves mixed with the dull sounds of bodies being torn apart, inspiring instinctive awe.
Reinforcements… have arrived!
Atalanta looked up toward the goddess standing on a tree branch, bathed in moonlight, silver hair cascading over her shoulders. She sheathed her dagger and let out a quiet breath.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Immediately, the sharp beat of wings rang out.
Battle nymphs carrying bows and pegasus knights gripping javelins swept across the sky, advancing in parallel along the foot of the mountains. Any monsters that had infiltrated the forest along their path were precisely eliminated.
Seeing that the situation was under control, Atalanta entrusted the pursuit and cleanup of the remaining enemies to her allies. She leaned against a tree trunk and allowed herself a brief moment of rest.
The huntress licked her dry lips, reached into her clothes, and took out a golden-skinned apple that looked irresistibly tempting. She raised it to her nose, breathed in its fragrance, then hid it away again with quiet satisfaction.
"That's not for smelling. It's for eating."
The sudden voice behind her startled Atalanta. Like a frightened feline, her back went stiff and her body tensed, but she quickly relaxed and turned around, looking at Samael as he emerged from the shadows of the forest. She gave a displeased snort.
"Why aren't you out there clearing the stragglers? What are you doing here?"
"Just worried about you. Besides, that kind of small fry doesn't need me personally."
Samael shrugged, then smiled as he crouched beside the now docile brown bear resting in the grass and greeted it.
He recognized her. She was Big Sister's foster mother from Arcadia. He had not expected her to be caught up in the Titan War and end up on the Third Line of Defense.
"Big Sister, that golden apple is meant especially for you. Carrying it around isn't convenient, so remember to eat it."
As the sounds of clearing out the remaining enemies gradually faded, Samael stood up and glanced at Atalanta's chest, reminding her again with good intentions.
"Can't I just keep it as a collection?"
Atalanta lowered her head to look at the unnatural bulge on her chest. Her face flushed with embarrassment, and she turned away with a light snort.
"But only by eating it can it reach its full effect. The immortality inside will help you a lot. Once the real battle begins, I won't be able to stay by your side."
Samael spoke with helpless concern.
Atalanta broke into a bright, heroic smile and gave her little brother a light pat on the shoulder.
"Alright. I'll take care of my own safety. Don't forget, I'm the one who brought you up."
"But—"
"For me, its very existence is far more important than immortality. After all, this is something you…"
She stopped mid-sentence, glanced to the side, and a trace of impatience surfaced on her face.
"Anyway, I have my own plans. The decisive battle is coming. Just take care of yourself and stop worrying about me. I'm not some delicate cat you're raising."
Samael knew there was no arguing with Atalanta. He sighed, shook his head, and walked past her.
At the instant they brushed by each other, the Ancient Serpent moved with lightning speed. From a magic formation, he took out a second golden fruit, crushed it between his fingers, and pressed his hand over Atalanta's lips.
In an instant, the huntress felt a stream of fragrant, sweet liquid flow down her throat and into her stomach, bringing with it a surging vitality.
"How old are you now? Do you really need me to feed you?"
"You…"
"Alright, I know you're reluctant to part with that one. This is another one. A free bonus, that's fine, right?"
Samael clapped his hands and replied irritably, though his teasing smile carried a hint of satisfied relief.
Such sincere concern made Atalanta press her lips tightly together. Unable to hold back, she wrapped her arms around the man in front of her, clinging to him like a housecat reluctant to leave its nest, burying her head deep against his chest and remaining silent for a long time.
The Ancient Serpent stroked her fluffy ears and smooth long hair, his hand sliding down to her back as he gently patted and soothed her. Only after indulging himself did he lift the corners of his mouth, look toward a certain spot in the forest, and speak quietly.
"I'd say, after watching for so long, it's about time you came out, don't you think?"