《Garden of Thorns *Lit RPG*》V2 Chapter 36: The Hunt.
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Just moving deeper into the woods, Alec had shot the head of a Witch Hunter. Seeing the helmet fly off to reveal humans with sharpened fangs and bloodied eyes. Krieg went close as he kicked the Witch Hunter down, seeing the body parts banish away as he readied the shotgun to blast a shot straight through the head.
"Fucking Chimeraed Humans. This can't be the work of a human." Mitchell complained as he crushed a Witch Hunter beneath his shoe. The end of the forest was near, they had taken down maybe a few dozen of these Witch Hunter. Silas had to rely on his own abilities since most of his magic was locked out. Even the Rose Knights were not spared from it. Making their way out of the forest. Seeing battalions of before him, they were armed with crossbows, bows, swords and all of the weapons one would find in a medieval setting.
"Krieg, how many?"
"Give or take half a million. We're not as strong as the others. This might not be our fight Lord." Krieg answered.
"You're not confident in me?"
"No, he's not talking about you, Lord. He's talking about us. We haven't exactly grown much in that department.. We're not like the others that can fight an army. Sorry." Mitchell said, sounded a little sad at that notion.
"Clerk."
Yes, Avatar of Seasons?
"I was wondering if I could upgrade their abilities."
Certainly.
They have attained enough experience to increase their powers.
It's just... You never asked.
"I thought upgrades were only by evolution. Sorry."
Confirming.
Krieg may evolve into the following Hellion Gunmaster or Abyssmal Gunner or ????
Alec and Mitchell may evolve into True Vampires or Vampire Overlord or ????
"Seems like you guys can evolve too. It's your pick. Three options." Silas said as status windows appeared to Krieg, Alec and Mitchell.
"Lord... Is it wise to allow us to choose?"
"It's your way of fighting. Not mine." The three of them nodded.
Confirmed.
Krieg has chosen ???
Alec and Mitchell have chosen ???
A bright light was emitted to the three of them, Krieg's outfit was something that was futuristic. Neon lines, the gas mask he had on his face had changed into something that came out of a sci-fi novel. Sleek in design.The weapons were no longer lever action or bolt action rifles. A rail gun, an energy sniper rifle. A laser rifle. A laser revolver? Even his boots had barrels by the tip.
Alec and Mitchell were now donning cloaks that covered their bodies, both of them were wielding scythes. Wearing masks of vampire skulls over their faces, letting the mouth be seen.
"Whoa." Silas said.
Krieg is now Hellion Warmaster.
Alec is now Hofniel's Emissary.
Alec is Vequaniel's Emissary.
New skills Krieg.
Cowboy Gun Mastery has upgraded to
Mastery of ranged Weapons. Krieg is able to use any sort of firearm regardless of generation.
Increased weapon damage and critical hit chance.
True Hellion. True Hellion.
Raises havoc with explosives and just chaos in the battlefield.
Explosions from Krieg will now cause chain explosions.
Alec and Mitchell
Hofniel's Grace/ Vequaniel's Grace Increases dodge against attacks by 10 times. Good luck hitting Them. Hofniel's Scythe./Vequaniel's Scythe Able to cut through even the most powerful Vampiric Armors. Hofniel's Gun/Vequaniel's Gun Along with its unique logic of using any caliber you pick out.
Guns that have the complete blessing of the two angels.
The two angels that serve Supreme Goddess Venitia.
It is safe to say that its power exceeds that even the blessed weapons and Grief Weapon set you once equipped.
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"Nice... This somewhat feels good, Lord. Think we can even the odds with this power." Alec said as he took a glance to the pistol. Seeing it in pure silver with a much more ornate design. The statue at the bottom was removed. Mitchell's pistol was clad in a deep navy blue.
The words engraved on the slide 'For My Blessings Go with the Vampires who sought to save humans, when Angels had failed.' Krieg was now carrying a large cannon of sorts.
"What is that?"
"According to my understanding. It's a Long Range Laser Artillery System. With a lockon inbuilt to it. You'll have to designate my targets. Chain explosions in the center might be nice for starters."
"Mitchell?"
"I am not used to long winded battles such as these. I will strive to do my best." Mitchell took out a magazine, loading his pistol with magnum rounds. Silas designated the targets with just his thought, seeing Krieg ready the artillery cannon. Seeing the barrel open up into 20 smaller barrels.
"Let's get this started." The launch of the lasers came thundering down, creating chains of explosions that were like fireworks. Setting one after another, with that one attack. 200 thousand Witch Hunters had perished. Alec whistled as Mitchell smacked his back.
"Earn our keep, brother."
"I know. I know, just gotta admire the fireworks at least." The pair raced through the battlefield, wielding their scythes and guns. Whatever attacks the Witch Hunters used? It would miss entirely, like they were transparent. A spear would go through, but a pistol would be at the spearman's head. Blowing the entire body into nothing but blood while leaving the armor untouched.
"Whoa? Don't remember my gun doing this." Alec looked at the pistol as a dozen Witch Hunters swung their blades at him, only to watch the blades just phase through Alec's body. Mitchell came to his brother's side, slashing through the dozen with ease.
"What is this? Baker's dozen? Or is it corpse dozen?"
"If you got time to gawk at our weapons. Try using the scythe. Seems like we don't need to use too much of our powers after all. Then again there's this." Mitchell tapped his heels to the ground twice, and all the blood began to gather into a gigantic sphere above them.
"Blood Wave." Mitchell said as the blood became a torrent against the remaining Witch Hunter army, absorbing their blood as their own. Turning their own blood as a prison of sorts. Silas turned to Krieg who was fiddling with his other weapons.
"Lord, if the army is as large as this. We'll have to find the remaining Witches at once. Lure them to an all out fortress battle. If they could have an army of half a million waiting for us. They may have more." Krieg was right in that sense.
"The Hellion is right, my lord." Silas turned to Iacus.
"Your thoughts?"
"The Auric Rose Knight is here along with an army that could rival yours. It is not a Garden of Thorns... But it's another foe that will be haunting you. A counter to the Lord of Thorns. One that will be challenging. The Overlord of the 7th Hell... A fire that can burn the flames of Gardens. He's hunted the Gardens for all of his life. He's taken a number of Garden of Thorns but he has yet to quell a Lord. If I were to say the past, present and future. He's beaten at least 70 Garden of Thorns."
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"A being that transcends through time and space. Not an Avatar?"
"No, the Overlord of the 7th Hell is a God who wishes to see the might of what we can do. The current situation at hand is far too dangerous if we were to proceed with our forces. The Overlord of the 7th Hell.. Their foot soldiers alone are Demon Lords. An army that may reach the millions. Iacus, inform 151 to the Hunter's Association. If we fail to stop this dungeon here, then the Overlord of the 7th Hell will try to break into our world."
"Why would he?" Krieg asked.
"It's because he wishes to wreak havoc in the current world. It's the best setting for them."
"I'll find the Witches and bring them to a good location. Iacus."
"As you command, Lord." Silas vanished, as Iacus leaped into the forest, where he found 151 working with the Hunters.
"Ah, Chancellor! What is the word?"
"We'll be moving to another location. The portal shall be moved as well. This will be a tough fight, 151. Might be our hardest yet." 151 gave a nod to Iacus's remark.
"I feel a tense, uneasiness and a lot of anger. It is very unlike me, is this what they call... Finding my True Foe?"
"Yes, 151. The Overlord of 7th Hell... Kaglar's younger brother."
"Ho? he's still alive. Seems to me he's doing well if he became such a powerful foe." Kaglar appeared as he stretched his neck.
"Then we really have a 'All hands on deck' situation eh? This will be amusing." Kaglar said as he snapped his fingers, bringing the Hunters along with the portal elsewhere. They were brought to Midnight Wind, where the original Mulligan was.
Standing there was Chairwoman Maya, Leon, Jun, Lady and Klaudia. Along with the many Hunters that were present, a familiar face was seen. One that surprised even Silas. The original Joshua Gates was present. Iacus, 151, Donovan, Lugasa along with Feru ran towards him. Hugging Joshua tighty.
"Whoa?!Easy there guys!" Joshua said. The other Hunters were puzzled, but then before them were the Venerators. Chairman Hargrave and the other S-Ranks made through the portal. The other Familiars took the time to run at Joshua giving him a hug. It was odd.
"Who are you?" Chairman Hargrave asked.
"Us? We're the equivalent of Hunters. We're Venerators." Chairwoman Maya introduced, then seeing Silas appear before them with the few hundred Witches that remained. Silas looked at Joshua with confusion.
"Didn't you want to rest?" Silas asked where Joshua nodded, only for Joshua to close in for a hug.
"I am resting. I won't be fighting this time. I came here to say my goodbye and thanks to the others. It's your fight. I was done with my own. And thanks to whatever that you did. Jordan's here too." Jordan was waving at Joshua.
"I will always be a part of you, just as you have always been a part of me too." Joshua said as he turned into petals. Silas turned to the Familiars.
"It's nice to see him, even if it was a brief moment." 151 said.
"We greet the Avatar of Seasons." The Venerators knelt before Silas, while the Hunters were in a state of confusion. 151 explained the situation to the Hunters.
"You can't be serious! We're going to go up against an army of millions with just us?! You're all crazy!" Jenny shouted as other Hunters followed in their protests.
"Enough!" Bayran roared to the Hunters, bringing the A-Ranks and lower to their knees. The S-Ranks were fine but they were still on edge, trying to understand the situation.
"If you're all that spineless I should have just slaughtered you wholesale." Asim concurred as he grabbed his sword. Silas raised his hand, stopping them from saying anything further.
"My apologies, Lord." The two Ancients spoke, Silas turned to the Lions that descended from the skies.
"Heya, Gates. How we doin?" Blackjack asked.
"A large scale war. Much larger than our war in Entente. Might be a short fight. Commander Shane?" Silas called out as they see more soldiers appearing, the HDF's entire regiment along with the Entente's Legion.
"We greet the Lord of Thorns." The Crimson Reapers, Void Dancers, Daemon Punishers had made their appearance along with the 13 Seraphs.
"To think you'd gather all of us here, what is it Lord?" One Winged Seraph asked as he fluttered about throwing flowers at Final Judgement who was reading a scroll. A futile attempt to annoy the brother.
"The Ensemble is here as well, Lord." Black Waltz and the other Ensemble were present, with Alpha, Omega, Silver Cross, Silver Gun and Coffin Dancer. Iacus explained everything as Kaglar appeared, looking at the other demon familiars who seemed uneasy at his pressence. Some were revering him like he was a legend but Kaglar did not seem bothered as he yawned.
Seijuro made his appearance,standing tall behind Silas.
"I don't think I have the money for this one, Seijuro."
"I'll do this for free. I too wish to enjoy the many drinks the world we live in have to offer." Fitz appeared with his Servants.
"Bigby, Alex, Jensen." Jensen had the Zodiacs of the Keepers by his side along with his companion, Umbra. Alex had Faye by her side with a few other Summon Spirits while Bigby had various Divine Beasts just nuzzling with him. Zerx, Zyx and Yrvad. Asim walked on over to Zerx.
"Brother. It has been some time.I am not as strong as you yet, my brother. I apologize if I look a bit weak." Asim shook his head, then patting his brother's shoulder.
'It is good to see you. Do take this battle to prove yourself." Yrvad went over to Bayran who was in his dragon form, sitting on Bayran's head.
"It is good to see you, my descendant. I'm sure it must have been lonely not being able to join your master in a fight." Yrvad yipped with that remark, flying over to Silas. Perched on his head. Zyx laid its head down for Lopt to pet.
"The Overlord of 7th Hells is here." Silas said as they felt heat from maybe 10 to 20 kilometers away. The ground was rumbling, the voices of soldiers that began to speak of praising the Overlord was heard repeatedly. Like a broken radio.
"These flames!" The heat was strong enough that Silas could see the A-Ranks falling to their knees but the S-Ranks seemed to just sweat a lot more. The Venerators on the other hand? They really seemed to not give a shit. Like they were all bored out of their minds or something. Leon was more annoyed that he can't smoke cigars. A pistol in a Venerator's leg went off, it went through their leg. The Venerator just stuck a tampon in it and took out the magazines from his bullets. The other Venerators watched as a sword began to melt. Ahead of them they see tornadoes of flames beginning to appear.
"Well. Damn. A fiery tornado. What's next?" A Venerator asked.
"Any particular reason why you guys don't feel the heat?"
"Might have to do with the fact that the Venerators here just fought a dungeon boss in a volcano. Armors lined with ice. Some of us brought the wrong guns. So you just going to leave the Hunters to this heat?" Jun asked.
"You're in my house, Overlord of 7th Hells... It's best if you show some respect!" Silas roared as the seasons rolled in to quell the heat, a gentle breeze of spring. Kindness in snow of winter. The lovely fallen leaves of fall and the gentle heat of Summer. The Hunters felt relief from it.
A loud laugh was heard.
"To think I'd find the Lord of Thorns here... You dragged all of us here for some witches. I can't wait to see what play you will make." The Overlord spoke with a sinister deep voice. The kind that could bring out ominous prophecies of demise at hand. Yet, Silas was just thinking.
"You sound like a god damn villain in those video games where humans get toyed by a God. Word for word."
Another laughter was heard.
"A Lord of Thorns who hasn't squirmed? Truly interesting."
"Hey, stop making it mad!" Hardin was saying to Silas, but SIlas brushed it off.
"I take it you have the Auric Rose Knight?" Silas's question was met with silence as he sharpened his vision to see the Auric Rose Knight being hung upside down. A sight that greatly angered him.
"Oh, you do feel anger. Good.. Let that blind you in our fight."
"Lord?" His familiars turned to him.
"My Familiars, My Servants of Thorns, My Ancients... This fight. I remove all the restrictions that bind you to the logic of the world we were in with the Hunters. 151, take command of the Familiars. All Familiars that are present are to heed your order. Leon, lead the Servants of Thorns. Chairwoman Maya, the Venerators are yours. Chairman Hargrave, the Hunters must follow your command." Chairman Hargrave and Chairwoman Maya stood beside Silas, with power radiating before them. They watched as Chairwoman Maya Lee, the Berserker of Thorns unveil her full armor with her conjoined claymores in hand. Chairman Hargrave was going to bring out his usual pistol, only to see Leon offering him a heavy revolver.
Hargrave took it, seeing how it absorbed some of his mana into the chambers.
"An interesting weapon. Is this a loan?"
"Think of it as a gift for you to use in your upcoming fights. These guns are a bit special. This'll be useful for you compared to that pistol. Besides, seeing most of your rookies? It just reminds me that I need to bring out my best to make sure people survive." Leon said as Hargrave called for the Hunters to come and pick out their gear. Julie was looking at a rifle but she seemed to have reservations on what she should pick.
"A battle rifle might be a better choice. You're used to the AR-15 types right? I got a rifle you can use." Julie grabbed the rifle that Leon had given her, something about it felt otherworldly. The material itself was something at Phantasm rarity but she was trying to get a better understanding as she took her aim at a target. Fiddling with the scope at the top, then loading a 30 round magazine into it. The weight was perfect and the trigger suited her. Light and balanced, the travel for the trigger to reset was near instantaneous.
"It's a rifle set to semi-auto only for a reason. You can run that trigger as fast as you want the bolt will just keep sending. I tried making it fully auto, but it kept jamming every 5 shots. You can imbue mana into it, so you can fire shots of different elements if you got them. It's compatible with the other elemental bullets if you got them. If it gets too hot from firing the heat rounds, just slap a magazine of cryo rounds to cool it off." Leon gave advice to all the other Hunters using firearms.
Beniya and Hofnier were also given a firearm.
"Us too?"
"I can tell the reason why most guns break in your hands is because of your strength. Not all guns can handle the power that you two have. They use 10mm. It should hold out." Leon said as he had another cigar to his lips, then turning to Silas who was putting on his Coat of Crimson, the Garden Gauntlets and carrying the Grieving Thorn katana.
"Klaudia." Silas called as Klaudia put on her Funeral Robes and her Noir Waltz sabers.
"I will wait for you to prepare. I do wish to see how well you will be able to face me."
"Be reminded, Overlord. You are facing an Avatar of Seasons..." The voice was of the Supreme Gods and Goddesses that were waiting above the skies via portals that granted them the chance to gaze in.
"We'd like to watch this feud, Avatar of Seasons."
"Be my guest, that sounds alright to you Overlord of 7th?"
"Then allow me this wager. If I win, you die. If you win. I will be a Servant for you." That revelation had shocked the others as a whole.
"Why is that?"
"I have longed to serve a powerful master and you, being an Avatar of Seasons... It just makes it sound interesting. By defeating my army, you will gain them as your own and beating me. You gain me as a Servant. Wouldn't that sound very interesting?"
"It does, but aren't you somewhat close to being a Chaos God?"
"I would be, but I got bored. I went to hear the many Chaos Gods who seem to be bored out of their minds since all they can do is watch. I'm more of a Demi-God if you wish to use the terminology. So shall we see? Whether an Avatar of Thorns and a Demi-God may face one another in combat?"
"I accept your wager." Silas said as the Hunters and Venerators watched how the elements raged in the center of it all. The Venerators weren't bothered, some of them helped the Hunters to calm down.
"Humans. To feel fear is normal. But in your ranks are those whose powers are legendary. Though my army is large, I dare say that this is a 50/50 chance of survival. The realm's rules are different. You will die, but you will be revived as that is the law the Avatar of Thorns has made. Same goes for my troops. What is needed to survive is will power. If you lose it, then you will truly know death. Reviving after your death, it will leave a strain on your minds. The strain also applies to my demons." The Overlord spoke in a much different tone.
"Ah, so we're using those rules. That okay with you, Lord?"
"Does your brother always speak like this?"
"Yeah, he's my kid brother. He's always been a smart guy. I'm proud to see that my little brother can go this far. I think just seeing what he looks like. He seems to be using my old armor but tuned it to his build. He's a twig but that doesn't mean he can't kick our asses. He's an Ancient Demon like myself. Ancient Demon of White. The Demon Lords you see there are a mix. He beat them all with his magic. I'm a swordsman but he's considered to be the most powerful ice user." Now that took a turn, why is there heat?
"Doesn't explain the heat." Jensen said as he was trying to understand the logic behind it.
"That heat isn't from him, but from the other 6 Overlords. The 7th Overlords refers to the top 7 Demons. Every dimension has them but with each ttheir own numbers. I think the ridiculous ones had up to 700 but they were pretty weak." Kaglar explained.
"My brother. I wish you did not reveal too much before a fight."
"Can you blame me, brother? I can't even call your name because of the fact my master has to earn that right to speak your name. He'll need some information to fight you. Besides, you're already scoping us out. You'd let us prepare to see our equipment thanks to your Beholder's View."
"It seems I can't ever let anything pass by you can I?Tell him everything. I will wait."
Kaglar then began to detail the full extent of Overlord of 7th Hells. The 6 other Overlords of Hell are known for their powers but the Overlord of 7th is the current leader of them all. Ye Qiu made his appearance.
"Ye Qiu."
"Hey brother. Heard about something interesting. So I'd like to see how this one goes." Ye Qiu wielded his spear as he looked at everything before him.
"It'll be a good fight."
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