Parallel Vol. 3 [LEGACY EDITION]

Chapter 35: Set Sail to Jerxas

Merriheim's Left Claw.

Under the pale moonlight, the crashing of waves against the shore punctuated the back and forth pacing of an irritated figure on the hard earth, periodically cursing under his breath. At least a thousand men in black armor stood silently in formation between him and the river, posture so rigid they could easily be mistaken for statues.

The figure's steps paused, flaming red eyes revealing an inpatient spark as they gazed toward the horizon where several silhouettes appeared on an overlooking hill. The sparks cooled somewhat as a sultry figure wrapped her arms around him from behind.

"These fools were hesitating for so long," Larsial commented with a slight smirk, purple eyes drawn to narrow slits as she peered at the approaching army, "but the second the [Pillar of Creation] shows up, they rush forward so gleefully."

Ruse snorted, arms folded. "Hmph, human greed remains the greatest motivator." A slight smile played on his lips as he considered the irony of this situation, "I owe that stupid daeben a debt. Without him, it would have taken longer to unite this forsaken land. After all, we cannot indiscriminately kill anymore."

"The last generation had all the fun," Larsial pouted as she rubbed her cheeks against Ruse's. "Our generation's relying too much on subterfuge and tricks."

Ruse chuckled, his mood clearly lifted. "Funny you would say that. Is it not precisely because of our paradigm shift that you have swiftly climbed the ranks? If I had not become a primate just before the war ended, I would have stalled like all major combat-related professions right now."

"Hehe," Larsial chuckled, though the laughter did not reach her eyes which were peeled at the approaching figures which had become much clearer. Sheri Orthana led the nearly three-four-thousand strong army, a provoking glint in her gaze. Unfortunately, her army heavily paled in comparison to the thousand-strong army behind Ruse, resembling more a band of mercenaries than the well-drilled, machine-like structure of the men behind the Primate.

Ruse did not pay any attention to the approaching halben, her desire to show off her prowess an utterly repulsive sight for someone with true power like himself. "Speaking of subterfuge, what have you gathered on the daeben?" Ruse's demanding tone displayed his complete belief in her abilities.

Larsial, who recognized this, grinned as she released her hold around his neck and stood to his side. "My friends witnessed the birth of the weapon. It seemed to be a bow containing tremendous power. Unfortunately, he has not used it in real combat yet, so I cannot guess their properties."

"Any changes to the walls?"

"No changes," Larsial confirmed. "There does not seem to be anything special about them aside from being extremely thick. It would take a lot for a normal army to break through." She cast an admiring gaze at the Primate. "A normal army of course."

"And his companions?" Ruse asked, her face darkening as he remembered the blue haired beauty who pushed his clone to its death.

Larsial's eyes narrowed. "The songstress has been assisting the construction workers with her songs. The blood mage, electric healer, assassin and swordswoman have been clearing out the monsters in the middle ring with help from Asha's army."

"Asha?" Ruse's brow rose slightly. "She is still with them? Don't tell me she is actually joining his side?" He frowned, considering the consequences of such a possibility. "I knew this daeben was strong, but it seems we have to reevaluate him. He seems to possess leadership qualities too. Even more than strong individuals, it is leaders we need to fear the most."

Larsial still had some choice words, but she had to keep them to herself as their guests had finally arrived within hearing distance. Even though there was still over fifty meters between them, Larsial was well aware of the opposite halben's sharp senses.