Chapter 39 - The Battle of Gaspless

The battle of the Fortress City, Gaspless, was one that would be told for ages to come. So far, Dario, the Lord Disciple had slain the treacherous, Master Tasuman of the Arcadian Empire. Parsifal had his bout with the hidden Judge hiding amongst the Arcadian Aura Champions. Unfortunately, Judge Atoru had fled the scene and teleported to a secret place that was impossible to track. Notwithstanding, the battle had yet to be won to claim Gaspless.

However, the Blossom Sword Saint and the hidden Grandmaster were defeated, it was a guarantee that the Omen Sect would win this day. Without a leader strong enough to contest against, Dario, Tenebrae, and Parsifal, Master Class Knights who lead their respective regiments of soldiers were next in line to rule.

Effectively, there were 3 Master Knights in the Fortress City excluding Count Hugo. Their names were Gorgus, Seymour, and Barbariant, the Master Class Knights who have served Emperor Doel for many years. Just outside of the gates of Gaspless, Gorgus, Commander of the Heavy Infantry was locked in the middle of a battle against Marquis Saix.

“Do you hear your comrades dying?” Marquis Saix posed a question to the Master Knight, Gorgus. The Death Noble was mocking how quickly the forces of the Imperial Ranpossa had dwindled while the sun was still set in the sky.

Gorgus is one of the largest warriors ever seen with a red armor set that’s actually an Artifact. Amongst the 3 Master Knights, Gorgus is equipped with the most Artifacts: his brown metallic cape and red helmet. He wields the same weapon and shield as the rest of the Imperial Heavy Infantry.

Marquis Saix and his poleaxe were in a stalemate with Gorgus’ large shield, “Cocky little shit!” The large red armored warrior pushed Saix with incredible force. He boasts great defense. Marquis Saix sensed the energies of the Master Knights and analyzed that the heavily armored individual would be the last to die. I’m afraid that’s it. The Marquis was an intellectual warrior that was able to deduce the power level of the ones he fights or sensed in his surroundings.

“Let’s see if your armor can take this!” Marquis Saix pointed his poleaxe, Ukonvasara, and imbued the blue flames that he’s known for. My battle in Orkis showed a new path. What the Death Noble was referring to was the ability that the Dual Sword Saint, Gerald Killeway, showed in his battle against Demon Lord Malgas. It was the ability to infuse Aura with an elemental property, and, he performed it quite easily. This was the level that Marquis Saix was trying to enter with his blue flames.

“Purgatory Flame Chaos Origin Demonic Art.”

Poleaxe Techniques: [Skill - Purgatory Flame Chaos Origin Demonic Art] Purgatory Cross - An extreme-speed thrust attack inspired by the Sith Lord, Dario’s “Heavenly Stinger.” Breaks parry. Rank: EX Proficiency: 113%

Marquis Saix looked like a gray flame blazing its way through the battlefield and the extreme heat disintegrated some enemies in close proximity. When the double-bladed poleaxe, Ukonvasara, made contact with its pointed end with the red armor of the Master Knight, it had pierced right through the Artifact and stabbed Gorgus in the heart.

“Kurgh!!” The condensed Aura that was infused with the blue flames exploded alongside Gorgus. KABOOM!! Pieces of the Master Knight could be seen flying high in the sky looking like a shiny red glimmer.

Ptoot!!

Marquis Saix spat blood from his mouth. That gray flame took most of my energy. The unconventional attack was the newly found power that the Marquis had successfully performed.

Initially, there were 5 familiars that Parsifal was capable of reviving. Saix was the third familiar during Parsifal’s evolution as a Death Knight. So on, when Dario had become stronger and crossed to the Divine Realm was when the window of becoming a Death Noble had opened up. In his old life, he was a Knight who had aspirations of becoming a Master. Now, he was on a level comparable to High Rankers.

“Let’s see about those other two,” the Marquis scanned the entire battlefield and saw that Dario and Tenebrae were stationary, meaning, they had completed what they needed to do. The Officers appointed to the 20,000 Undead troops brought to Gaspless were solely Marquis Saix and Ptolemaeus.

Saix saw that Ptolemy was fighting far from the gates and was intercepting 2 Master Knights. An Archmage against two Masters… The Marquis was uninterested in the fight due to the overwhelming difference between a spell-caster with 7 Arcane Rings would do against a Master Knight. It looks like he’s toying with them. Sigh. Saix sighed at the belittling play that his fellow Officer was currently doing. Flying around like a fool and toying with them with 4th Class spells. Saix questioned why they weren’t vanquished by now. Make sure you don’t completely destroy their vessel. The Marquis relayed a telepathic message to the Elder Lich.

You worry too much. My enemies don’t blow up to pieces like yours. Kuku. Ptolemy was the fourth familiar that was resurrected by Parsifal and was a Skeleton Apprentice. He was a 4th Circle Mage officially trained in a Tower a long time ago. I’m the last, is it? Let’s not keep the Sith Lord waiting. Ptolemy looked at Seymour and Barbariant from the sky. Insects who can’t even fly should be stepped on! A great spell emerged as the magic circle manifested with Dragon Language writings.

Dragon Language: [Lightning Hell] -Warlock-exclusive spell that engulfs a wide area with infernal flames and lightning storms. Destroys large-scale environments after the duration of the spell. One of the best spells in the 8th Class with two elemental attributes combined into one spell. Rank: 8th-Tier Proficiency: 100%

The battlefield on which they were fighting turned into an environment of pillars of fire and lightning storms thundering the skies. Along with it, the Master Knight Seymour and Master Warrior Barbariant were waning precipitously as time went on. Eventually, they could do nothing as the environmental spell on the level of an Archmage had easily consumed the HP of both Master Class fighters. Both of their bodies were charred from the temperature of the infernal flames and the constant small specks of lightning hitting them.

Insignificant worms that only know how to blast Aura. Fools can’t even hit their mark. Scoffing at the abilities of physical fighters like a Master Knight, Ptolemy was infuriated that there was no one who was worthy of challenging a 7th Class Archmage. When an individual who has cultivated 7 Arcane Rings is called an Archmage have the right to act in such a way. After all, Archmages could easily do away with Master Knights with a single spell. Damn. I was too excited that I burned all my mana… Considering all that has happened until now, Ptolemy thought that the spell he cast was a good experiment to see how far he could take his powers. I can see how far it would take to reach “Super-Tier” spells.

As the battle for Gaspless became much clearer, the Undead Horde composed of Death Knights, Mounted Skeleton Knights, Death Archers, Skeleton Apprentices, and Liches were dealing massive damage towards the Imperial Heavy Infantry, Imperial Heavy Mounted Bannermen, Arcadian Aura Champions, and Imperial Heavy Longbowmen. The environment of sand and earth was rumbling loudly, but soon, they would succumb to the Undead Horde. It was too much for them to go against such a quality of an army with 3 Grandmasters and an Archmage. Not to mention, the Death Champions cultivated by Parsifal were the M.V.P. of the Battle of Gaspless. With their two-way mastery in both archery and two-handed spear proficiency, their name as the Death Champions emerged as the most-talked-about regiment in the Omen Sect and neighboring continents.

***

Everything had gone according to plan. Dario was free to return to secondary tasks necessary for the Omen Sect to compete at an international level. With the knowledge granted to him by Jinn about warfare and strategy, the focus would be for the living members of the Demonic people to officially fill the vacant spots in the 10 Demonic Masters, 36 Experts, and The 50 Omens. This was the old criteria that had led the Omen Nation to become the only “superpower” in the entire world. With Asura Courtwell, The God of War and 1st Demonic Master, he stood unchallenged as the most powerful person to rule the world.

“View current rankings, Veda,” Dario ordered the faithful butler to display the total fighting force of the Omen Sect.

“Very wise, young master,” Veda replied.

[10 Demonic Masters] 1 - King Oghren, “The Red Berserker,” “Fire King” 2 - Prince Reflos, “Dark Heaven,” “Reverse Dual Axe Saint” 3 - Kongol Gigas, “The Giant Demonic Disciple” 4 - Nocturne Mallory, “World Thief,” Virtu Guildmaster 5 - Bostwick, “The Demonic Chef of Gluttony” 6 - Count Cillian, “1st Wing Apostle Knight” Vampire Lord Candidate 7 - Elwen, “Legendary Hero” Theater Rankor Guildmaster 8 - Kain, “Saint,” Pope of the Priesthood Guild, Metanoia 9 - Curtis, “The Ancient Fire,” Void Guildmaster, 7th Class Archmage 10 - Ptolemaeus, “The Draconic Archmage” (temporary)

This should be enough. My Undead and familiars will handle the rest. Dario made up his mind that he would not postpone the Dragon Campaign any longer, “Please show the current standings of the 50 Omens and 36 Experts.”

The Lord Disciple saw that the list was mostly filled with living members. Good, some Undead took spots. It’s all coming together. A devious smile as wide as the devil’s grin made Dario’s face evil.

“The new generation will make their debut. I heard that this time around, many talented stars have emerged from The Omen Trials,” Dario mentioned the work that had been in the works since their banishment from Odessa.

“Indeed, young master. They have begun to deploy to where they need to be.”

“We’ll proceed to the next phase of the war,” Dario clasped his hands. Knock! Knock! The door opened in the war council room inside the military base of Gaspless.

“You’re taking a break?” Tenebrae opened the door.

“The fastest does not always win the race,” Dario spoke as the Lord Disciple and invoked a parable.

“Indeed? Pray tell.” King Albion spoke in his kingly tone.

“I have rebuilt the pillars which sustain the Omen Sect. All that is left is for the next generation to take their place in this world,” Dario’s reasoning was clear.

“How would you achieve that when your focus is on your Undead?” The rightful King of Serdio spoke an observant remark.

“Precisely,” Dario stood from the decorated war council chair. “Veda, if you could display the total fighting force of my Undead Legion.”

“As you command, young master,” Veda popped a light blue screen.

[Sith Familiars]

1 - Parsifal

- Revenant

- Exion (formerly)

- Marquis Saix

- Ptolemaeus

- Baron Hal

2 - Azad

3 - Eldar Calamor

- Overlord Exion

4 - Quasar 5 - Kensei

6 - Emir Sarjace

- Marquis Bismark

7 - Calavera 8 - Claudio Valeth 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - [Undead Legion] Skeleton Knight - 58,902 Skeleton Apprentice - 1348 Lich - 98 Death Knight - 20,051 Death Archer - 26,832 Death Lancer - 14,013 Death Champion - 4347 Elder Lich - 1 Death Noble - 3 Death Emperor - 1 Doom Knight - 1 Doom Lord - 1 Overlord - 2 Total - 125,585

“It’s an impressive Undead Horde that could almost match the military might of large countries, however, the Imperial Ranpossa and Arcadian Empire have hundreds of thousands of troops,” King Albion praised the quality of the Undead Legion with an equal amount of critique. “How do you plan to match the size of their armies?”

“Kuku,” Dario chuckled. “We will cease the resurrection of low-tier Undead, Skeleton Knight, with the exception of the Skeleton Apprentice.” The Lord Disciple began to give orders to Veda.

?

Tenebrae found the Lord Diciple to be enigmatic, sometimes, King Albion had felt that Dario was wise beyond his years. I see. Tenebrae grasped what Dario was trying to do, and, he would do so by action. Show and don’t tell, is it? Kuku.

Dario continued, “Our focus will be the foundation of the Necropolis.”

“Then you are headed to Hollow World?” Tenebrae was versed in history, remembering instantly that there had once existed a society of Necromancers.

“Come and find out,” Dario opened a portal.

***

“I want everything,” Jinn said. “I’ll do it myself.”

In the void of space, The Regalia was parked where the glory of life could be seen. Inside the lavish spaceship were the Androids, Hades, Elder Cheonsa, and Elder Sarutobi.

“Your will be done, Lord,” Hades replied. Being the highest ranking in the Omen Sect right below the Lord Vicegerent, the “brain” and strategist, he would work to fulfill his solemn duty. However, from deep under his noble face, darkness was lying hidden in the subconscious. It was a darkness that wanted to come out to the world.

“But, sir,” the holographic Veda popped into view. “It will hurt their development.”

“My bloodthirst is brimming to the core. We can direct the flames of war everywhere.”

Gulp. The butler gulped.

Jinn could feel a similar feeling with his servants, they all felt bloodthirsty and wished to fight, “I’ll at least cut you guys loose.”

!!

The sudden increase of their heart rate sky-rocketed. Excitement and adrenaline filled their emotions, “Lord?” Hades was concerned about his Lord’s take first above all else.

“I’ll take place where I am needed,” Lord Vicegerent stood from the luxurious throne bejeweled with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and many more precious gems cut with precision accuracy. Their glint elevated the room’s ambiance fit for the gods.

“And that is right now,” Jinn fazed through the crystal-clear window and flew towards the planet, Soa.

!!

The crew inside the spaceship were startled, “Be at ease,” Veda quelled their surprise. The Regalia began to proceed at top speed to catch up. No sound is produced in the void of space, however, the spaceship was barely catching up to Jinn’s speed.

“He was always the fastest,” Veda admitted defeat that not even the ship he invented could keep up with Jinn.

“Should the servant not be the side of their Master?” Hades questioned with a grin as wide as the devil. In a quick sequence, Hades quantized his body through dark energy and made his entire body transform into dark light particles and fazed through the spaceship. He changed back into his physical form and began to catch up with his Lord.

Took you long enough. Jinn telegraphed his thoughts to Hades. His words were jokingly said.

Forgive me, Lord, I did not know this is what you meant about testing out my theory on Quantamization. Hades replied jokingly as well.

You surprise me even more. I don’t care to learn about quantum physics. As the three objects in space move at the speed of light, the planet, Soa, was coming into view. Jinn began to slow down and stood in stasis.

Lord? Hades projected his thoughts to the Lord Vicegerent.

Jinn fazed back into The Regalia. Hades quantized into dark matter and fazed into the ship as well. Jinn said some words after the sudden change of scenery, “I had wanted to see this Great Orc Invasion up close.”

Hades and Veda who was in the room could feel the sudden change in temperature. It had begun to feel cold, “This battle will reward them with massive experience points for Glenn’s party.” Jinn was referring to Glenn Courtwell, the Lord Apprentice, Claudio Valeth, Quasar, Emir Sarjace, Calavera, and Marquis Bismark.

The Lord Vicegerent ended with this remark for the future of the Omen Sect, “When Marquis Bismark ascends to a Duke, and the rest of the Martial Gods reach level 150 is when the eastern continent, Erebus, will be conquered.”

A foreshadowing for the world to come. The real question is if it is good or evil.