Chapter 37: Breaking Point (1/2)

*Clang! Clang! Clang!...

Boom!

The constant sounds of metal striking metal resounded in the plains by the outskirts of the Darknar forest alongside the occasional BOOM. Albert watched closely as Tyler and the Gray-War troll called Kadiz went at it. Most of the group around him seemed to be getting restless and Liz became more uncomfortable the longer this fight went on. To be honest, he had underestimated this troll as he was caught off guard when it had suddenly went berserk and used an unfamiliar ability that granted it the means to use spells and skills.

Trolls were similar to ogres in the sense that they were unable to use spells and most of them couldn't even use skills, relying mostly on their inherit strength and racial regenerative ability. Which was why everyone had been in shock when they saw this massive troll being able to use both. Azar, having been saved by Tyler and no longer possessing a weapon, received a long sword from Albert as the group organized themselves to defend against the trolls that had already surrounded them.

While Kadiz may had promised them that his men wouldn't interfere, the group wasn't that naive, they knew better than to trust in the words of a troll. Albert was still watching the fight intently as he thought he had finally realize what Tyler's intentions in this fight were. Having already been informed by Tyler of his previous hiatus from action for a couple hundred years now, he figured Tyler was now trying shake of his rust from such a long break.

Although Albert hadn't witness Tyler's fight with the Tier 6 magic beasts back at the town personally, and had only heard the details from the guards, he could still speculate. Still, there wasn't much he could tell from hearing alone, he still knew that Tyler wouldn't have had the mindset of learning in that situation with the lives of so many people on the line.

Albert thought Tyler may be trying to get back to his peak due to the fact that he was now returning back to the demon king's castle in such numbers, which had a higher chance of attracting attention. Perhaps this was also a way to accelerate his plans. Heading to the Demon king's castle was indeed dangerous and may even cause an uproar all through out the demon continent, putting them in the eye of a very dangerous storm.

However, for the residents of the settlement, this was their best option and a way to show their saviors gratitude. It wasn't like they had any other better alternatives, heading anywhere in the demon continent with such numbers and so little fighting force was practically a death sentence. Whilst this way they had the protection of someone like Tyler and Liz.

Whereas for Albert this was much more. He wasn't exactly a vengeful person but he wouldn't miss an opportunity if he was ever given the chance. Although he wouldn't do anything against his new master's wishes he still felt like being in the center of the major events about to unfold in the demon continent would give him the best chance at avenging his family and everyone that had been under him. Maybe even finding a way to solve Erin's current predicament.

•••••••••••

|Smog of Darkness|

Another glyph on Kadiz chest flashed red and he activated a new spell. The black smoke like aura his body exuded gusted out of him like an explosion, creating a thick smog, covering more than a 15 meter radius. The smog was a dense layer of smoke that seemed to have the attribute of absorbing all the lights within, making the inside of the smog void of light therefore becoming as dark as night. It was actually interfering with all Tyler's senses.

Albert's team retreated with the arrival of the smog as they could feel the immerse danger emanating from it, even the trolls around them seem to become apprehensive and hesitant, with the less equipped ones even taking steps back ignoring the their group.

Tyler instantly lost track of the Gray-War troll that was in front of him only a moment ago, he was now unable to tell where this cunning beast had gone. The smog drained away his sense of awareness little by little and it slowly started to feel like he was in the vacuum of space. Tyler held his breathe as his intuition told him not to breathe in the contaminated air or he might be corrupted.

This smog felt a little like the aura he exuded when he had used the spell 'Wave of Despair' although this contained a lot less negative energy. Tyler felt himself being trapped within this empty void, slowly losing awareness of his senses, feeling isolated from the world outside the smog.

He also felt the smog try to invade his mind but was resisted, not sure what to do next Tyler readied himself for an attack. He doubted this was all there was to such a powerful spell and as if on cue he barely felt something headed towards him rapidly. Tyler swung his weapon and a loud clang was heard. He barely felt the presence of the troll before it disperse again, merging perfectly into the smog.

Tyler had just barely stabilized himself when another attack hit him in the back. Well, it aimed for his back but was quickly deflected by the cracked greatsword. Tyler was now sweating a bit, he was pushing his senses to the limit and yet was only barely able to sense such simple attacks. 'I really should've learnt magic sense.'

Magic sense was a Tier 3 spell, so Tyler couldn't have learnt it back then even if he wanted to, however, that didn't stop him from complaining. Still, even after quicky striking back at the space the attack originated from, he was unable to feel any contact.

After finally adjusting a little, he could now sense everything around him within a 3 meter radius but was unable to locate the troll again. Several attacks aimed at Tyler's blindspots, flew at him from different locations making him think the Gray-War troll was everywhere at once, or maybe it had really merged himself into the smog.