Book 7, Chapter 83 - Extermination (1/2)

Book 7, Chapter 83 - Extermination

A thousand years ago a great catastrophe destroyed ninety-five percent of the planet. Since then, outside of the Elysian lands, it was practically unheard of to see a forest.

Emerald Star was quite the opposite. A sea of green stretched out as far as you could see in any direction. The air was warm and moist, perfect to nourish the plants and animals that called this place home. Food and water were abundant, easily enough to sustain the surging population. Once the dangerous creatures were gone this would be a fine place to call home.

The Green Alliance soldiers brought a cache of Source with them, as well as a fully functional psionic tower. Furthermore, they set up defensive towers on the camp’s perimeter to prevent any attacks. Source was a variable resource that would power their efforts, even if they were cut off from the Southern Capital. Awakened could use it to make any tools or services they needed, so shortages were not a concern.

As Azura looked out at the scene she felt her heart grow heavy. What did it mean that her mentor was sending everyone here? The threat of the gods was too great, and although Cloudhawk was strong he had to prepare for the worst. She didn’t know what the war to come would look like. There was a pang of regret that she wouldn’t have a chance to find out.

“Form up! Let’s go, ranks!” Azura called her troops to attention.

Pigblossom, being the chatterbox that he was, couldn’t keep his mouth shut. “This place looks amazing. Look at the food! Delicious! So many trees, too. Whatever’s out there won’t be any problem for us.”

“Will you shut your mouth,” Azura said with a warning look. “We aren’t here to play around. One mistake and you could get yourself killed. Since you agreed to help build a better Alliance I am not giving you permission to die.”

Ironspike chimed in. “Boss Azura’s right!”

There were cliques everywhere, and Greenland Institute was no different. Azura, Pigblossom, and Ironspike were part of a close-knit group. The latter two were mutants with exceeding talent who, after only two years, had shown great promise. They would be great companions for Azura in the future.

Their progress was incredible, no doubt, but compared to Azura they were miles behind. Her development was similar to Selene’s when she was young, probably even faster. If she kept it up she would certainly be a Master Demonhunter of the next generation.

Thousands of Greenland troops were gathered and ready to go. Genetically modified, armed and armored, their equipment was the best of Elysian craftsmanship. They could charge into a hail of gunfire without concern.

In addition to the soldiers, several artillery cannons were deployed as well. Gabriel, Barb and a handful of other stronger fighters were there as backup. The academy students were support.

Eboncrys weapons were mighty in their own right. Under concentrated fire even a Master Demonhunter would be shot to pieces. However, it was important to remember that these soldiers were individuals, and if things got out of hand there was a risk of them breaking.

Not many Institute students had their own relics, but they did have the standard equipment; mornshield and mornarrow rings, for instance. The former protected them in combat and the latter gave them some punching power. Plenty good enough to act as support for the regular troops. Right now they were in range of the psionic tower, and with their new pendents they were significantly empowered.

As everyone was preparing to move out, a group of figures appeared before them. Azura looked the strangers over and was immediately struck by their power. She could feel it pouring off of them.