I created my own system

Chapter 391 - chapter 391: Vassal

"Never underestimate an enemy you haven't seen. You are bound to get hurt if you ignore my warning."

The cloaked man advised, but the general was not happy with his answer. That wasn't the one he wanted to hear. Frustrated, he dismissed the man and instead urged one of their mechanics to activate one of the airship's powerful weapons.

The mechanic, hearing the command from his communication orb, immediately obeyed. He lifted a lever, and within seconds, a ringing sound was heard. The old and hunchbacked artisan felt excitement as the gears turned and a massive opening emerged. Without wasting another second, the gap was filled with chunks of metal that transformed into a circular tube.

The surrounding mana was suddenly pulled into the device. Runes ignited. Another second went by, and the force brewing within burst through and fell from the sky. A pillar of fiery light cascaded like a treacherous waterfall, descending without stopping. It struck the dome, and the protective barrier shook as it tried to absorb the attack.

Apollo saw it all in one of his panels but didn't feel nervous. The capital could hold on—unless it was one of Aileen's top warriors, there was no need to worry.

"I need to settle this first," he muttered as he looked at the demon warrior in front of him.

[Creator, those strangers are on the move.]

The boy nodded, acknowledging the report. His eyes returned to the dark figure. Its scaled body became even more prominent, more lifelike—almost like a living being.

"It's not ready yet."

[But they are coming.]

Apollo maintained his calm expression, as if he wasn't bothered by the new variable that had arrived.

"Jeremiah, there is no need to worry." His voice flowed like calm water, unwavering despite the waves.

The artificial intelligence was momentarily confused—until the system displayed something.

[This is—]

A smirk formed on Apollo's lips as he became aware of the sudden changes.

"Let's watch for now. After all, our champion is not ready yet," he added.

And so the screen blinked with new light, showing another view that shook the flow of the fight.

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.

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"What is going on!?" Salas roared, rage shaking the control room. Right in front of them, live footage was transmitted showing an army marching rapidly toward the seven territories.

"How can this happen!?" His eyes went bloodshot as he glanced at his lieutenants, his expression demanding answers.

One brave soldier stepped forward and reported, "Sir… the space lock—it was broken. Someone destroyed it."

Panic trembled in his voice, but Salas was more enraged than afraid. He didn't want this outcome, but before he could voice his dissatisfaction, another general took over.

"Inform our men on the field. Make sure they use this to finally breach the barrier," a cold, commanding voice said as the silhouette of a woman came into view.

"They need to be careful. It seems we are in the presence of a very powerful enemy," she added. Her words made the atmosphere colder.

"Salas, we are at war. Underestimating your enemy will be your downfall," another general said, filling the air with a heavy aura.

"If circumstances are like this, we must prepare at least one of us to fight this being. Not just the capital—tonight, even the pillars should drown."

The four generals made their decision, and immediately the surrounding soldiers felt exhausted simply being in their presence.

Both Apollo and the enemy were wary of each other, though neither had yet revealed their hand.

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.

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"Everyone head inside the barrier!" A voice screamed, urging the soldiers of Olympia to take shelter. A second later, a loud crash followed. A falling meteor slammed into the shield, shaking it tremendously.

Desperation breathed into life as fear crept like silent killers into their hearts. The remaining capable men of the east rushed for shelter from the bloodthirsty enemy.

The ground vibrated as it welcomed new fighters from the enemy line. Giant creatures with bodies covered in ashen, armored scales marched forward alongside beings more advanced than the first wave of monsters.

"What are these…?" muttered one of the guards who managed to seek shelter beneath the barrier's might.

The enemies may have been fewer than the previous horde, but the sheer aura they possessed was enough to break the spirits of the Lionheart soldiers. Weakened by cold and pain, the overwhelming presence of the incoming enemies made them feel suffocated and helpless. Their will to fight was almost nonexistent.

Seconds passed, yet the ground continued to shake as the tremors drew closer. The heavy force looming around them became invisible hands choking the breath from those barely able to stand.

The surrounding mana vibrated as a magic circle lit up the dark, fiery evening.

Eros stood atop the tallest watchtower, and from there he saw the scale of the magic that will soon to descend upon them. Fifteen powerful rings adorned the spell, glowing in five dazzling colors that represented its elements.

Witnessing its might, he clenched his bloodied, torn hands. His lone figure—though exhausted—remained determined to defend his home, his people, and his family, a word that he couldn't feel at the moment.

He stood alone at the heart of the battlefield, screams surrounding him as his wounds burned his skin. His body ached, yet his mind was unusually calm despite the flooding enemies. Even under such pressure, something within him whispered for him to calm down—that everything would be alright.

He didn't know whether it was hallucination or influence, but if the whispers brought him peace, he would accept the chains that slowly control him.

Taking a long, deep breath, Eros collected himself. His mind solidified. Every instinct told him to eliminate the enemy, and without question, he would.

"Liam," he called.

A figure immediately emerged from among the soldiers.

"Yes, young master."

"Bring me the sacred staff's replica."

The order was clear, but there was a problem. With Eros's influence diminished due to his previous incident at the academy, he could no longer access parts of the Lionheart armory and treasury. Without those resources, their situation would only worsen.

"You have five minutes, Liam. Ask the butler—he might still have access. Take out several weapons from the armory and treasury. We need them if we're to deal with these new enemies."

His aide and several guards rushed toward the main house while the rest remained at the watchtower.

"Young master," the vice-captain called. He was the only one left after the duke led the main fighting force to the capital.

"Linas, have the mages gathered?"

The guard nodded, weary but resolute.

Eros continued watching the magic circle above, knowing exactly what it would unleash.

The surrounding mana shifted again as a sudden force enveloped the area, restraining anyone who tried to interfere with the spell's activation.

Eros gave the signal. At his command, dazzling lights rose from the ground, forming a dome that added another layer to the barrier.

"It's coming," Eros muttered as he signaled again. A soldier reacted instantly. A faint hum echoed, like whispered singing. From the ground, streams of aura rose and flowed into every structure comprising the city's fortifications.

The defenses were in place.

A second later, time seemed to stop.

And something massive collided with them.

The air vibrated. The ground braced itself.

The sky split.

Something fell.

From the clouds above, a colossal magic circle unfurled like a second sun. It burned its way downward, crashing into the city's barrier. The surrounding landscape was torn apart as a pillar of blazing flame erupted in crimson and gold.

As it struck the dome, another circle formed. Fifteen radiant rings appeared, each sigil humming as if welcoming the destruction it was about to unleash upon Lioness.

Two energies clashed—one standing firm to protect, the other surging like a tsunami intent on devouring everything. Mana condensed into a singular, unstoppable descent, sending shockwaves that rattled the dome.

The tremors intensified, though no cracks appeared. The combined power of the mages' spells and the natural barrier bought them time—time they desperately needed until Liam's return.

Eros held the army together, refusing to let their formation break. They had to stand and survive until reinforcements arrived, however slim the hope.

Another second passed. Then another.

"Young master! The second circle is activating!"

The guard cried as the fifteen rings ignited once more. The spell evolved, merging elements into a singular ray of destruction. Divine flames roared, brighter and more violent than before.

The pressure increased tenfold, forcing Eros to activate the city's final barriers.

"Hold it!" he commanded.

Desperation invaded their minds, pushing their bodies beyond their limits.

If they wanted to live.

If they wanted their families to survive.

They had to hold on.

They had to endure.

For everything would be lost the moment they gave up.