Chapter 37 - 37: Soul Gem Array Formation (1/2)
Thick dark clouds shroud the starless, moonless sky. The night is bringing in a chilly, biting cold atmosphere.
Seven years have passed. This once peaceful Ever Forest experience attacks and skirmishes from unknown assailants. The Oracle Clan has struggled to keep up defending their territory.
Meanwhile hidden in the shadows, a person in a gray cloak and white mask is patiently waiting for the events to unfold.
It seems time itself, is in a standstill. No creature has dared to make noise that night as if an indication of calmness before the storm.
Not long, the Shadows shattered the deafening silence. Their eerie growls echo throughout the once solemn Ever Forest as they try to breach the Oracles' barriers.
Swarm of shadows appeared in overwhelming numbers. Thankfully, the heavy fortification of the Village has easily broken their advancements.
The sound of gong has alerted every Oracle in the Village. Everyone gathered in the Cardinal Hall while the Casters assemble the Soul Gem Formation.
They have mastered this defensive formation for seven years. Its efficiency is outstanding thanks to Elder Levi and Little Eu's continuous enhancements.
Grand Elder Enoch stands at the center. The Supports are the Elders, and the Main Casters are the younger, gifted Oracles among their ranks.
Elder Levi is in charge of supervising everyone. He ensures everything is in order while hoping that they will manage to surpass this predicament once and for all.
The High Council silently observes them and commends their efforts. They don't truly support using this formation, but they can't deny its effectiveness.
One can't handle the burden, and everyone must work together to surpass this threat. All they have to do is to cooperate and make this work.
Meanwhile, outside the Village, a man in gray cloak smiles as he watches the formation takes form. He carefully observes each wall rise, take shape, and being fortified by its builders.
This Soul Gem Formation is indeed astonishing and brilliant. He is amazed by the carefully, interwoven spells cast by the builders. Watching it from afar is simply a marvel.
The Main Casters has built a magnificent layer of defense while the Elders enhances it. Grand Elder Enoch ensures the spell is cast correctly to prevent any mishaps.
Not long, the Shadows have breached their first line of defense. They continue to advance into the newly built Soul Gem Formation and fall into the enchantment.
As they enter the first layer, they find themselves in a treacherous labyrinth. The Shadows quickly depletes in numbers. They slowly disintegrated as they got lost inside the enchantment.
Meanwhile, the man in black garbs stops and raises his hand. He noticed their numbers are not enough to subdue their enemies. He decided to change his strategy as he calls forth a much terrifying force than this shadow army.
There was silence once again until the rampaging beasts have broken the quiet night. They are charging in overwhelming numbers and in hoards together with the shadow army.
The most ferocious group of creatures they can imagine starts attacking the barriers. Their raw and immense power is simply terrifying. The Oracles highly doubt they will survive this onslaught once they manage to breakthrough.
Their sharp claws create a shrieking sound as they scratch barrier. Their sharp teeth can almost penetrate and tear it apart.
The Oracles didn't completely anticipate this kind of assault. Elder Levi quickly switches out the Main Casters and adjusts to their circ.u.mstances.
The newly appointed builders created another layer to entrap the beasts and obliterate them. They use sheer force, different from the shadows, who uses another set of skills.
Meanwhile, their leader is amused. Despite their declining numbers, he can't help commend their efforts to obstruct him and his men.
He wasn't expecting to witness such complex and elaborate formation. He can only guess that a single caster can't possibly do all the fortifications.
”I can't believe I underestimated you once again. I commend such tenacity facing me like this.” he chuckles.
His lips curve into a much more sinister smile as his golden-amber eyes glimmer into the darkness. The shadows and beasts became more aggressive as they continue to overwhelm the formation.
The Oracle Clan Village is enveloped in darkness and barely holds its ground. The assailant decided to attack them in every direction as they slowly lose focus.
”Focus! They are trying to intimidate us.” Grand Elder Enoch shouted, breaking the silence.
His powerful voice resonated in the room. The enemy's numbers are overwhelming, but they can't just surrender without even trying to fight back.
He doesn't want all their efforts to end up in vain. He won't accept defeat so easily as well.
Much to everyone's surprise, the High Council cast a spell. They are powerful casters, and they prove their presence is beneficial.
Bright light quickly obliterated the darkness that overwhelms them. Still, more shadows and beasts continue their assault, even how futile their efforts might have seemed.
”How many more of these beasts are there? We can't possibly last forever trying to fend off these creatures.” One of the Elders asked.
”Shall we switch to offensive?” One inquired.
”It's not yet time. We need to hold on more.” Another said as he fortifies the spell.
The High Council remained silent as they continue to observe everyone. They agree that there is no reason to rush and be on the offensive. The enemy is still testing waters with them.