Chapter 1715: First Encounter
Chapter 1715: First Encounter
"To get to the Black Star Domain, we must travel westward through the Worm Desert and the Howling Mountains," Uncle Drew said, keeping a calm expression.
"The Worm Desert is filled with sand-type beasts, ones said to rival some of the most dangerous immortals and demigods in the universe. According to my report, there are three overlords in the Worm Desert.
If we want to get through that place, the report says we can pass through the Domain Millipede’s territory. It is the most easy-going domain beast in all of the Worm Desert.
Luckily for us, we have steeds, so traversing that place will be easy, especially if we travel at night. However, it is after we cross the Worm Desert that the real problem starts.
That place is the domain of a sole alpha wolf called the Eternal Moon Wolf. It is one of the strongest demigods here, and as you all are aware, we cannot pass through without a battle, so we should be ready for a grave fight.
That said, when we get to the Worm Desert, we should also be ready for battle. None of you should slack off since this is our first official mission. If we fail, it will damage our reputation, so we should bring our best game and be ready to fight grave battles."
His teammates nodded.
They have a vast stretch of land to cover, so leaving now sounds like the best choice.
If the map they bought was real, they would reach the Worm Desert in three days’ time. This meant that if they didn’t encounter any trouble along the way, they would meet the first obstacle in three days once they got to the Worm Desert, where even the sand is dangerous.
So they set off, and as Night Riders, when the sun dipped and night arrived, they would move much faster. But even during the day, they were moving at a speed that defied normal four-legged steeds.
Meanwhile, back on the moon, a couple of hours after Uncle Drew and his team passed through, ten demigods and twenty-five Immortal Lords, each oozing the power of death, arrived, immediately drawing attention.
The moment they arrived, everyone familiar with the Zahki Clan recognized them as the 5th Death Team. They are a formidable team.
Because of how much influence the Zahki Clan had in this side of the universe, their appearance caused many to become alert.
Today, most had witnessed the killing of a high-ranking member of the Zahki Clan. So, with a team of deadly warriors arriving, it was clear their mission was to ensure the people who had killed their clansman were punished with death.
Without even glancing at anyone, they stepped into the portal and vanished into the Dead World, where, using their extensive knowledge of that treacherous place, they would hunt down the six riders who claimed to be Night Riders.
Three hours after they entered, three figures, moving like shadows, appeared and, without paying attention to the new person in charge of collecting the fees, entered the portal.
If Uncle Drew and his team made people tremble, then the presence of these three individuals made them pale with terror.
"To think that Death Paradise had also sent representatives after those Night Riders. Looks like a good show will soon take place in the Dead World and even here. I’d better leave before I get swallowed up in whatever is coming."
Many left, but the few who clearly wanted to see everything remained—the daring ones even paid the fees and followed behind the three teams.
***
[Two Days Later]
Uncle Drew raised his hand to stop his team just as they were drawing closer to the Worm Desert. They halted, and he jumped down from his hell horse and landed heavily on the ground, placing his right palm against the earth.
After a few seconds, he stood up and turned to Nara, giving her a simple nod.
She nodded back and commanded her hell horse to move. A few seconds later, Saden followed. Then Vargus followed after him. Soon, Lene and Eryndor also left the scene, leaving only Uncle Drew behind.
After they were gone, Uncle Drew took a deep breath and then turned to his left.
"One thing I hate is people who think they can sneak up on me. It usually doesn’t end well for them, so why don’t you reveal yourself so we can have a civilized conversation?"
Nobody said anything for a few seconds. Suddenly, the ground split open, and a figure clad in stone armor emerged, a large broadsword resting on his shoulder.
Judging by the dents on his armor and the fact that his left arm was injured, it was clear he had recently been in battle. Perhaps that battle had nearly claimed his life.
The man examined Uncle Drew for a few more seconds before smirking.
"Stupid of you to let your teammates go. What, were you hoping to send a message that you alone are enough, or that you’re no threat, so I should let you go?"
Uncle Drew smiled and replied, "The former. I alone can take you on. And no, I sent them away because the beasts chasing after you are coming our way, so they must hold them back."
"Oh, so you’re a group of idiots, huh? I guess killing you will allow me to absorb your blood and heal my injuries. I have plans, you see, and you, my friend, happen to have just the right dose of blood I need."
Uncle Drew shook his head, almost as if he pitied the man.
"Such a pity. I actually expected you to ask for help rather than try to take it. However, since you’ve made your decision, allow me to open your eyes."
Uncle Drew extended his hand, and his hell horse vanished. Then his clothing changed, taking the form of red-and-black armor made from a very durable cloak.
In his grip, two identical swords appeared, their blades completely black and decorated with white and red runes.
Uncle Drew himself is a handsome man who appears to be in his early 30s. He possesses short dark hair with a few red strands falling on the left side of his face. His green pupils make him appear regal and, at the same time, dangerous.
The man grinned and lowered his broadsword, thinking he had found prey.
Then, with heavy steps, he advanced, his sword dragging behind him. Uncle Drew shook his head again and started walking forward. His steps soon grew faster, and before long, he was running as well.
In no time, they met, and with both hands gripping the hilt of his broadsword, the man swung hard, the veins on his arms bulging as a deadly pressure descended upon Uncle Drew.
However, when the sword came at him, Uncle Drew planted his left foot into the ground and used the sword in his right hand to block the attack. The ground split open, revealing the immense force behind the strike.
However, before the man could pull back, Uncle Drew lowered his arm, causing the broadsword to drop closer to his shoulder. Then, using his left hand, he swung his other sword at the man’s rib.
This forced the man to pull his sword back to block the attack aimed at his side.
However, by pulling his sword back, he inadvertently gave up his only advantage, which had been keeping Uncle Drew’s right hand occupied. As a dual wielder, each hand was akin to a deadly weapon.
So while the man realized his side was exposed and attempted to defend himself, Uncle Drew’s right hand moved, and the next second, a large hand still gripping a broadsword came tumbling to the ground.