Chapter 178: Chaotic Battlefield (1/2)
Seeing the horizon stripped with the white armor of the Iliosian army, Arthur gritted his teeth. His heart was full of frustration for the tactics deployed by the Iliosian empire.
Their troops being here could be explained by using the teleportation circles when they started chasing Mistletoe, but there was nothing to explain the existence of such a large number of them.
'It seems the dragon is their target now.' Arthur looked back with worry at the giant monster that was flapping its wings majestically in the sky. The motives of the Ilios Empire didn't matter in times of crisis, so their obvious preparation in terms of troops was overlooked.
The runes master from Runera didn't come empty-handed, but riding runic humanoid machinery, Runic Mechas. They were purely constructed using runes and they were a lot more durable than Magic Technology Mechas or Electronic Mechas.
'Runera is staying neutral, after all.' Arthur sighed inwardly. He knew that Runera didn't want to cause wars between the countries. However, they were no focusing on the more disastrous thing at hand. A dragon has been found next to the city, so it must take it down to guarantee safety.
The air was filled with tension that threatened felt like a charged static blanket. Arthur looked at the Ilios Army but dared not to approach them.
'I need to flee, regardless.' Arthur used his Teleport rune and his body was enveloped by mana. However, the moment that his rune was about to teleport him, a giant doom covered the battlefield. Arthur cursed his luck as he felt the space-locking rune do its job.
”You have nowhere to flee, puny thief.” A voice cut across the battlefield despite the world-shaking collision of mana above in the sky. Arthur looked at the source and saw an armored knight riding a giant armored white tiger.
Arthur looked at the thousands of soldiers that surrounded the battlefield. As he was about to answer, a heaven-shaking roar almost tore through his ears. He looked up in a hurry to find the Dragon surrounded by many awakeners that tried to take it down.
'Mother…' The Elusive Dragon's voice was heartbreaking, and it resonated deeply in Arthur's mind. After they had established a bond, Arthur shared the feelings of the young dragon.
'I need to flee; she's buying time for me.' Arthur knew the method that he used earlier in the arena could disturb the space-locking runes for a short moment. He could also use his insignia, but he didn't want to reveal that the outsider was still alive.
As for using the power of his Art, Arthur knew his body couldn't handle it. After all, he had used it once and made his body a mess, even now. If he had a state for his lifeforce, he was sure it was below fifty-percent now.
Another use means death. He looked at the thousands of soldiers and mechas standing in front of him. Fighting them also meant death. However, what other options did he have? Wait for the Astra-ranker to flatten him with a slap?
'I'll try to break through their formation to escape. If that doesn't work, I can only gamble using my Art.' Arthur took a deep breath and his internal organs ached, each crying and begging for some rest. 'Bear it, weak body of mine.' Arthur snapped his eyes open as golden light enveloped him.
With a single step, Arthur appeared like a ghost in front of a soldier. The infantry, normal soldiers, were all at the rei-rank. The riders were at the Vetus-rank and they were also the captains. As for the Deme-rankers, they were the Commanders.
Astra-rankers were Generals if they served the army. That's why the dragon was helpless against so many Astra-rankers attacking it, one of them being Ilia Perli that accompanied the royals this time.
Arthur could perceive the panicked eyes of the soldier that stood before him. However, he wasn't about to show mercy. His mana circulated as he punched. Like a cannonball destroying a wall, the line of defense was blasted through as soldiers flew apart.
”Stop him!” The captain roared as he charged forward. Arthur used his protection rune to block incoming attacks.
As he felt the incoming presence of the Vetus-ranker, Arthur gritted his teeth and braced himself. He used his protection rune to block the sword of the captain.
The moment the sword came in contact with the barrier, it tore through it easily. Arthur had to use Shadow Swap at the last moment to fall into the shadows and dodge.
'I can't survive this way,' Arthur grew desperate as he looked at the thousand more soldiers blocking him. Among them were many Vetus-rankers that stayed behind because they weren't useful in their battle against the dragon. 'I have to use my Art.' Arthur braced himself as he took a deep breath.