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Chapter 203: The Last Gate and the Rising Storm
Chapter 203: The Last Gate and the Rising Storm
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The sanctum trembled faintly as the last Rift Gate closed, its energy sealing with a final pulse of light.
The Aetherial Core, now dim and inert, rested on the pedestal, its immense power spent. Calvin collapsed to his knees, the exhaustion of channeling the Core’s energy evident in his labored breaths.
Loira leaned heavily on her staff, her hands trembling from the strain. Her voice was hoarse, but it carried a sense of triumph. "It’s done. All the gates… they’re closed."
Despite their victory in closing the main gate, half of the Voidlords’ vanguard and harbinger army had already crossed through before the final collapse.
The capital city, once a beacon of hope and prosperity, was now at the risk of becoming the battlefield.
The sanctum’s glowing runes flickered briefly before fading, the room settling into an almost eerie silence. Raghnall approached the pedestal, his expression grim but resolute.
"We’ve bought ourselves some time, but this isn’t over."
Outside the sanctum, the horizon was a grim sight. Smoke billowed into the sky as the Voidlords’ forces continued preparing for the war.
Despite the closing of the Rift Gates, the vanguard and harbinger army had already crossed over in massive numbers.
From their makeshift base outside the capital, the Voidlords army the vanguard and harvengier’s had begun constructing fortifications.
Twisted spires of black stone rose from the ground, their designs pulsating with corrupt Rift energy. War machines, powered by the remnants of the Rift, churned forward, preparing for the assault on the city.
Loira stared at the distant chaos, her heart sinking. "Even with the gates closed, they’re still here. And they’ve already fortified their position."
Calvin stood, his voice steadier now. "We’ve cut off their reinforcements. That’s the first step. Now, we prepare for what’s next."
The group made their way back to the capital city, the journey somber and heavy with tension. Along the way, they passed remnants of people abandoned in haste, their inhabitants having fled to the safe place inner city.
(Note:When Capital city face a attack, the earth mages create a inner wall for defence.)
When they reached the inner city gates, the scene was one of organized chaos.
The city’s inner walls were lined with defenders Sovereign Guards, local militia, and even civilians armed with whatever they could find.
The air buzzed with activity as soldiers reinforced barricades, mages erected protective wards, and messengers carried reports between command posts.
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Aldric Valorin, said let’s go inside, his expression softening slightly.
Calvin nodded. "Yes, we have to hold a Saint Council meeting. The enemy established a base just outside the city."
Aldric’s jaw tightened, and he turned to one of his lieutenants. "Double the patrols on the outer walls. I want every soldier ready for battle."
Inside the war council chamber, the atmosphere was tense. A large map of the city and surrounding lands was spread across the table, marked with symbols indicating the Voidlords’ encampments and known troop movements.
Aldric addressed the assembled leaders commanders of the Sovereign Guard, influential mages, and representatives of the civilian defense forces.
"The Voidlords’ army is vast, but it’s disorganized," he began. "Their forces rely heavily on the momentum provided by the Rift Gates. Now that the gates are closed, their command structure is in disarray."
Loira stepped forward, pointing to the map. "Their encampments are here, outside the western perimeter. If we can hold the city’s walls and disrupt their supplies, we might slow their advance."
Dabi leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. "Slowing them down won’t stop them. What about the Voidlords themselves? They won’t just sit back while we pick apart their army."
Aldric’s gaze darkened. "The Voidlords are a different challenge. They’ll reveal themselves only when the battle is at its peak. But we’ll be ready."
As preparations continued, Calvin and Loira walked through the city, witnessing firsthand the determination of its people.
Calvin had many questions about dimension gates and Gatekeeper’s.
That’s why he asked Loira for a walk. Who knows if he will be able to made it through the battle with the Voidlords.
They saw, Blacksmiths worked tirelessly to forge weapons, while healers set up makeshift infirmaries. Children ran supplies to soldiers, their small faces filled with a mix of fear and courage.
An elderly woman approached Calvin, her hands clasping his tightly. "Thank you," she said, her voice trembling. "For closing those gates. For giving us a chance."
To boost public morale the council shared the information that saint Calvin close all the gates. They only need to defeat the army now.
Calvin didn’t know how to respond, but he nodded, the weight of responsibility pressing heavier on his shoulders.
Loira watched silently, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
"They’re counting on us, Calvin said quietly. "We can’t let them down."
Far outside the city, the Voidlords’ encampment was a stark contrast to the organized chaos of the capital.
Towering spires of black stone loomed over the landscape, their surfaces pulsing with crimson light.
Harbingers moved among the ranks, barking orders to the vanguard soldiers as they prepared for the coming siege.
At the heart of the camp, Five Voidlords stood in a circle, their forms obscured by swirling shadows. Their voices were low and guttural, their language ancient and menacing.
"They’ve closed the gates," one Voidlord growled, its crimson eyes glowing with fury.
"Impressive," another replied, its voice laced with amusement. "But it changes nothing. Our forces are already here. The city will fall."
’We will find what we are looking for.’
The third Voidlord stepped forward, its armor crackling with energy. "Let them prepare. It will make their defeat all the sweeter. Begin the march at dawn."
As night fell over the capital, the city’s defenders took what rest they could. Fires burned in the courtyards, and the sound of hammers striking steel echoed into the night.
Dabi and Loira stood atop the inner wall, overlooking the western horizon where the Voidlords’ encampment glowed faintly in the distance.
"They’re coming," Loira said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Dabi nodded. "But so are we. We’ve faced impossible odds before, and we’ve survived. We’ll do it again."
Behind them, Aldric approached, his golden armor gleaming faintly in the moonlight.
"Rest while you can," he advised. "Tomorrow will be the fight of our lives."
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