novelraw Chapter 157: Going to The Forest
Chapter 157: Going to The Forest
Drakina and Ophelia set out towards the forest adjacent to the Death Land. The purpose of their journey was clear – to gather more forces for their growing army.
The Death Land, with its abundance of skeletons, wasn’t suitable for their needs this time. Drakina required more than just skeletons for her army, and Ophelia, with her particular preferences, sought more specific recruits.
As they walked, the contrast between the two was evident. Ophelia moved with a confident stride, her eyes scanning the surroundings for potential recruits.
Her expression was focused, a slight smirk on her lips indicating her excitement for the task ahead. Drakina followed quietly, her movements graceful yet precise, her face expressionless but her eyes alert.
Ophelia glanced at Drakina, breaking the silence. "We need to find beings that can match your strength," she said, her voice calm but authoritative. "Skeletons won’t do for someone of your caliber."
Drakina simply nodded in response, her silence unbroken. Yet, the slight tilt of her head suggested she was considering Ophelia’s words.
As they delved deeper into the forest, Ophelia’s demeanor shifted to one of keen observation. She carefully examined each potential recruit they encountered, her standards high. "We’re not just gathering numbers. We’re building an elite force," she remarked, her tone a mix of determination and pride.
Drakina’s presence, though silent, was commanding. Her dragon heritage was evident in her posture and the subtle glint in her eyes. She observed each creature they came across, assessing their potential to serve under her command.
The forest provided a stark contrast to the barren landscape of the Death Land. The vibrant greenery and the sounds of wildlife created an almost serene backdrop to their mission. Yet, the intent of their journey was anything but peaceful – they were there to recruit and expand their dominion.
Ophelia, with a sense of purpose, led the way through the lush forest. She glanced back at Drakina, her expression exuding a blend of calm and assurance. "Let me demonstrate how we summon soldiers," she said, her voice clear and commanding. As she spoke, she gestured with her hands, emphasizing the importance of the process.
Blackie, the shadow wolf zombie, trailed close behind. Ophelia turned to address him directly. "Blackie, your wolf zombie army stands at thirty, doesn’t it?" she asked, her tone firm yet respectful.
The shadow wolf zombie nodded in response, giving a confident woof. His tail wagged, showing his attentiveness and understanding of Ophelia’s words. His bright eyes locked onto hers, waiting for further instructions.
Ophelia’s next statement outlined their mission. "We need to fill the remaining seventy slots in your unit," she declared, a strategic edge to her voice. "The forest should provide us with suitable recruits."
Blackie nodded again, his posture shifting to one of readiness. He stepped forward, his nose twitching as he began to pick up scents, already scanning the forest for potential additions to their ranks.
Ophelia then turned to Drakina, her eyes inviting the silent general to join in the task. "Drakina, come with us. The forest is rich with possibilities," she encouraged, her hand sweeping over the expanse of greenery. Her movements were fluid and purposeful, reflecting her experience in such endeavors.
Drakina, still maintaining her quiet and expressionless demeanor, followed Ophelia’s lead. Her steps were deliberate and composed, and though she remained silent, her eyes were alert and observant, taking in every detail of their surroundings and Ophelia’s methodical approach.
As they delved further into the dense forest, Drakina, Ophelia, and Blackie encountered a pack of grey wolves. Drakina, reacting instinctively, poised herself for combat. Her movements were graceful yet charged with intensity, ready to leap into action at any moment. However, Ophelia’s quick intervention halted her advance. Raising her hand authoritatively, Ophelia stepped in front of Drakina, effectively blocking her path.
Drakina turned towards Ophelia, a flicker of surprise crossing her otherwise stoic face. "Why did you block me?" she asked, her voice even but laced with curiosity. Her posture, though relaxed, still held a readiness to act.
Ophelia met Drakina’s gaze, her eyes sharp with tactical acumen. "These wolves are only tier 2," she explained, her voice firm yet instructive. "It’s more strategic to let our soldiers engage them. We need to conserve our strength for more significant threats." Her stance was confident, exuding the air of a seasoned strategist.
Drakina considered Ophelia’s words, and a slow nod of understanding followed. The realization that her role was to tackle formidable foes, not waste energy on lesser threats, settled in. She stepped back, her body language easing as she prepared to observe the battle.
Ophelia’s lips curved into a small smile of approval at Drakina’s quick comprehension. "Watch the strength of our army in action," she said, her tone imbued with a sense of pride and anticipation.
She then turned to Blackie, who had been attentively following their exchange. "Blackie, it’s your turn. Show them the might of your pack," Ophelia commanded, her voice echoing command and authority.
Blackie, standing at the forefront of the wolf zombies, responded to Ophelia’s command with an affirmative bark. His body language shifted, muscles tensing as he prepared for the impending skirmish.
His eyes, previously calm, now sparkled with a fierce determination and intelligence that bespoke his role as a sergeant. His posture was that of a natural-born leader, exuding confidence and readiness to guide his troops into battle.
Raising his head, Blackie let out a deep, commanding roar that echoed through the forest. The sound was not just a call to arms but also an activation of his alpha command ability. As he roared, an almost tangible energy seemed to radiate from him, enveloping the thirty wolf zombies under his command.
The effect of Blackie’s ability on the wolf zombies was immediate and striking. Their previously subdued demeanor transformed in an instant. They grew visibly more robust and aggressive, their bodies expanding slightly, their fur bristling with energy. Their eyes, now gleaming with a mix of aggression and excitement, were fixed on the pack of grey wolves ahead.
Empowered by Blackie’s leadership and the surge of strength from his ability, the wolf zombies adopted a battle-ready stance. Their ears perked up, tails stiffened, and teeth bared, they exuded a primal ferocity.
With a final, resonant roar from Blackie, the wolf zombies surged forward in a coordinated assault. Their movements were a blend of natural wolf instincts and the strategic training they had received under Blackie’s guidance. The unity and precision of their attack were a testament to their training and Blackie’s leadership skills.
Drakina, standing beside Ophelia, watched the scene unfold with keen interest. Her face remained expressionless, but her eyes followed every move of the wolf zombies. She analyzed their tactics, gauging their efficiency and effectiveness under Blackie’s command. Her silent observation was thorough, absorbing every detail of the battle.