A Journey That Changed The World. - Chapter 1525 - 1525: Thank You For Everything
Archer woke up only to find Embera lying on half of his body, putting a smile on his face. He just lay there looking at the ceiling as the rain battered it. The sound was peaceful, but Ashoka’s voice echoed in his mind.
‘Husband, the area around the fortress has gone quiet and is creepy,’ she said. ‘Can you come check it out? The soldiers are nervous.’
‘Alright,’ he responded while climbing out of bed. ‘I’ll be there soon.’
Just then, Embera woke up, yawning. ”Good morning, handsome, where are you off to?”
He glanced at the orange-haired beauty and greeted her with a charming smile. ”Morning, Em, I have to go check out Pluoria for Ashoke and the others. She said the land has grown quiet, scaring the soldiers as the undead are up to something.”
As the Fire Elf absorbed his words, her yellow eyes softened, and she tilted her head, a smile playing on her lips. ”Would you mind taking me back to Duskfire?”
Archer met her gaze, nodding. ”Of course, let’s gather our things, and we’ll head out together.”
Following that, the duo got ready after he cast Cleanse on them. Once they were prepared to go, he grabbed her hand and teleported to the Duskfire Palace, where the dup appeared in the older woman’s bedroom.
Embera beamed as she suddenly hugged him while cheerfully speaking. ”Thank you for everything, make sure to see me when you get some free time?”
He agreed with a nod and kissed the Fire Elf, making her shiver in delight before returning the gesture. Moments later, they separated as she commented. ”I have to go and run a kingdom. I’ll see you soon, Arch.”
”Talk soon, Em,” he said, just as he vanished in a shimmer of light bound for Pluoria.
Seconds later, he materialized beside Ashoka, who let out a soft laugh. ”You don’t scare me anymore,” she teased, a playful glint in her eyes. ”I’ve gotten used to your surprise entrances.”
Following that, Archer turned toward the fog-covered land, narrowing his eyes as he sensed nothing out of the ordinary. He turned toward the Tigress and commented. ”I’ll go scout out the area. Double the guards and make sure they’re on alert.”
She nodded in agreement as his white wings unfurled, catching the dim light. With a powerful beat, he soared into the air, gliding over the eerie, shadow-streaked landscape below.
The wind whispered past his ears as he soared high above the land, slicing through the thick, twilight air. Below, the terrain stretched out like a scar, jagged rocks, dead trees, and the ash-colored soil of the borderlands beyond the fortress.
Even from above, the land felt wrong. When feeling this, he narrowed his eyes. Moments later, a cold prickling ran down his spine, like frost brushing against skin that should’ve been warm.
The unnatural stillness in the air suddenly cracked, just beneath the surface, a pulse of energy thrummed like a second heartbeat as he spotted a horde of undead heading straight for the fortress.
Archer angled his wings, cutting into a wide arc. He hovered for a breath, eyes scanning the horizon. Without hesitation, he veered sharply and dove toward them, wings folded tight to his sides.
The wind howled in his ears, drowning out all else as the earth surged upward to meet him. His heart pounded, adrenaline coursing through his veins, sharpening his senses to a razor’s edge.
He extended his hand, fingers splayed, and unleashed a torrent of Mana Blasts into the seething horde below. The air crackled thanks to the mana as brilliant explosions tore through the ranks of the undead.
The blasts detonated, sending grotesque, flying through the air, limbs flailing as they were hurled in every direction. The ground trembled beneath the onslaught, littered with the shattered remnants of the enemy.
Archer let out a wry chuckle, his lips curling into a grin as he pressed his attack. He unleashed a barrage of Mana Blasts, each one streaking through the air like comets, illuminating the battlefield.
The horde of undead crumbled under the onslaught. One by one, the creatures were obliterated, their decayed bodies disintegrating into ash and bone as the explosions ripped through their ranks.
As the last of the horde fell, a shift rippled through the air, the strange, oppressive aura that had hung over the battlefield like a shroud dissipated, leaving only an eerie silence in its wake.
Archer glanced around before descending toward the ground. His boots touched the scorched earth lightly, the residual hum of magic still tingling in his fingertips. He cast a wary glance around, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any lingering threats.
The landscape was desolate, littered with the remains of the undead and the faint glow of dissipating mana. Satisfied that none remained, he turned on his heel and began the trek back to the fortress.
An hour later, he caught sight of the fortress looming in the distance, its towering walls aglow with flickering torchlight that illuminated the surrounding landscape. The defenses stood firm, repelling the last of the undead as they futilely clawed at the steep ditches below.
A low chuckle escaped his lips at the sight. ”Foolish creatures,”’ he muttered under his breath, amused by their doomed efforts.
With a casual wave of his hand, he summoned a trio of Broodmaws. The monstrous creatures lumbered forward, their guttural roars echoing as they descended upon the remaining undead, tearing through them.
Archer watched, a faint smirk playing on his lips, as the last of the horde was reduced to lifeless husks. He watched as his monsters slaughtered the enemies until none were left, prompting him to send the creatures back to the Domain.
Following that, he flew up to the wall where Ashoka and Inara were waiting. As the warmth of their embraces lingered, he stepped back, his expression softening with relief as he loved seeing the women’s smiles.
”It’s done,” he said. ”The undead, they’re all gone. I cleared them out.”
The two women exchanged glances, their smiles fading into expressions of awe and gratitude, as the weight of his words settled over the quiet moment. Afterward, he stepped back as a charming smile crossed his face.
”I’m going to check on Colestah and Malakia on Avidia,” he informed the duo. ”I want to see how their lands are holding up since joining Draconia.”
Inara nodded before stepping forward and kissing him, sending a shiver down his spine as she broke apart and whispered. ”Be careful out there, husband, we don’t want you getting in trouble.”
After bidding farewell, Archer opened a shimmering Gate to the Goldenmane Palace, where Malakia awaited. Stepping through, he was greeted by the soothing scent of wildflowers wafting down the corridor, instantly easing the tension in his shoulders.
The fragrant air, vibrant with notes of lavender and honeysuckle, wrapped around him like a gentle embrace as he made his way forward.
Archer strode through the sunlit corridors of the Goldenmane Palace, the scent of wildflowers guiding his steps toward Malakia’s chambers. The polished marble floors gleamed underfoot, reflecting the golden rays streaming through tall windows.
His heart quickened with anticipation, knowing she was near. As he rounded a corner, he spotted her, a vision of beauty with rich brown skin glowing in the soft light, her dark grey hair cascading in waves over her shoulders.
Malakia’s big blue eyes sparkled with warmth as they met his. Before he could speak, she rushed forward, her flowing gown trailing behind her, and enveloped him in a sudden, heartfelt hug.
Her arms wrapped tightly around him, her cheek pressed against his chest, and for a moment, the world fell away, leaving only the comfort of her embrace and the faint floral scent clinging to her hair.
”Arch,” she murmured, her voice muffled but brimming with relief. ”You’re back.”
He smiled, resting his chin gently atop her head. ”I told you I would be,” he replied softly, his hands steady on her back as he savored the moment.
Malakia’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she gently tugged Archer down the corridor, her hand warm in his. They emerged onto a spacious balcony overlooking the sprawling city below, its golden spires glinting under the midday sun.
A soft breeze carried the distant hum of life from the streets. She gestured toward a cushioned seat by a small, carved table, smiling. ”Take a seat, handsome. I’ll get us some tea.”
Archer chuckled, settling into the chair as he admired the view. Malakia disappeared briefly, her footsteps echoing lightly, leaving him to soak in the peaceful moment. He leaned back and relaxed, closing his eyes to check on his daughters.
He leaned back, his gaze softening as he took in the peaceful scene. The four babies lay fast asleep in their cribs, tiny chests rising and falling with gentle breaths. Nearby, Ella and Olivia reclined on plush cushions, each cradling their rounded stomachs, their faces lit with the glow of impending motherhood.
