Ancient Pasts - Tbate

The Beast Horde

Noah Nyx Pov

"Did the scouts get any new information?" I asked, staring at the detailed map.

"No, Captain Noah. All we know is that the mutated beasts are moving at the same pace and that there are at least a dozen S-class mana beasts." One of the heads replied.

After the two retainers were defeated, the Alacryan troops became more aggressive, ambushing our troops rather than maintaining their positions. While we had more powerhouses, the Alacryans possed far superior numbers.

This attack, however, was quite different. There were barely any Alacryan troops, but hundreds of mana beasts were marching towards us. All of those mana beasts would usually attack each other, but the Alacryans somehow put them under their control and started marching them towards the wall.

"Any news on the reinforcements?" I looked at one of the heads.

"We've received words that General Arthur will arrive soon to help us deal with the mutated beasts attacking the wall," George reported.

"Good." I smiled.

"Prepare the troops to march, and I'll scout ahead. We'll need more information before General Arthur arrives." I ordered.

"Yes, sir." The heads saluted before walking out.

Taking a deep breath, I picked up my great sword, a weapon that I learned to use when the war started. Usually, this sword would be inefficient for me, but once we learned of the so-called shields, it was efficient to pack that little bit of extra force.

I walked outside with only my armor and sword. I'd have to do this alone, with no backup at all, but we needed that information about the mana beasts. I quickly hid my presence and mana signature to scout ahead.

After the incident on Xyrus, Aya and I have spent a lot of time together, training and going on dates, and we fell in love. There weren't many rumors about the subject since Aya knew how to hide her mana signature and presence, and she taught me how to do it as well.

***

I studied the mana beasts marching in perfect sync, all of them ignoring each other. Some Alacryan soldiers rode mana beasts and created shields whenever our conjurers attacked the beast horde, but they didn't counterattack.

I couldn't sense any of their cores, and I spotted one of the Alacryans chanting something with his eyes closed. Despite the hundreds of sickly grey mana beasts, my eyes stuck to that Alacryan, as if there was something special about him.

I realized what was different too late as he locked eyes with me, his red eyes piercing through my soul. My eyes stared at the two horns that grew out from his temple and thrust forward like a bull's.

I quickly bolted up to report the presence of the Vritra to General Arthur, but before I could even take another step forward, I came face to face with the Vritra.

He was around my height but with broad shoulders that made him look taller and more menacing than he was. Unlike the retainers I saw at the announcement, his skin was pale to the point it almost made him look like a ghost.

"Where do you think you're going?" The Vritra tilted its head.

"I was just about to walk away, so bye." I slowly stepped back.

"That won't happen. You're the leader, aren't you?" He pointed towards the wall.

"Somewhat," I confessed.

"Good. You will be useful for the sovereigns." He grinned, conjuring a black sword.

"Shame. I wanted to avoid this fight." I quipped, ignoring the fear growing inside me. His aura was strong enough to squeeze the air out of my lungs, a mid silver augmenter.