The Phoenix King #1 Bed of Ashes

Chapter 20 Waters of Shame

In the heart of the dense forest on the outskirts of Corivam, Lycanth's form emerged once again from the depths of his cloak. The forest was alive with the sounds of creatures and the rustling of leaves, a stark contrast to the chaos he had left behind in the city. Lycanth's eyes gleamed with a mix of frustration and determination, his fingers curling into tight fists.

The encounter with the dragon king had been a risky gambit, a bold attempt to strike at the heart of the city's defenses. While he hadn't achieved his intended victory, Lycanth was far from defeated. He knew that his powers and resources were vast, and he was prepared to use every advantage he possessed to achieve his goals.

As Lycanth stood amidst the towering trees, a low growl rumbled in his throat. He was not one to be thwarted easily, and his desire for power and domination burned within him like a relentless fire. The forest seemed to echo his determination, the shadows lengthening as if in anticipation of the darkness that still lay ahead.

With a flick of his wrist, Lycanth summoned his cloak to swirl around him, its shimmering folds wrapping him in an impenetrable shroud. The forest seemed to react to his presence, the air growing heavy with an ominous energy.

Lycanth's lips curled into a sinister smile as he gazed back at the city of Corivam, the distant glow of flames still visible in the night sky. He might have retreated for now, but the battle was far from over. The cloak whispered promises of power and triumph in his ear, and Lycanth knew that he would stop at nothing to claim the kingdom that he believed was rightfully his.

If I'm there to help the sea spawn, we'll force the dragon king to enter the battlefield, Lycanth thought, his mind calculating the next move in this dangerous game. then even if he manages to come out on top, he'll lose everything.

Just as Lycanth took his first step, a bubbling and gurgling voice beckoned him, "You did good, Lycanth," Nohokai began, his voice carrying an undercurrent of satisfaction, "Corivam is in a state of disrepair, and their citizens are being slaughtered as we speak."

Lycanth turned, his cloak swirling around him as he faced down his master shaped from the water in the earth. The air seemed to grow colder as the entity's influence permeated the surroundings. Nohokai's appearance in the aqueous form was enigmatic, his figure partially obscured by the shimmering liquid from which he emerged.

With long, dark hair that flowed like rivulets of ink, Nohokai's image exuded an aura of intrigue. His dull red eyes glowed with a subdued intensity, fixed on Lycanth with an unsettling focus. As if formed from the depths of a hidden spring, his features were both fluid and distinct, lending an air of unpredictability to his manifestation.

Nohokai's attire appeared to be woven from the very currents that comprised his form. The liquid garment clung to him, refracting the ambient light, and casting an otherworldly glow upon his figure. Droplets of water clung to his form, catching the light, and casting prismatic reflections that danced like fireflies in the night.

This aqueous form seemed so real, so tangible, that Lycanth could almost feel the moisture in the air, a sensation that heightened the eerie connection between them. His eyes glinted with a mixture of reverence and greed as he addressed the mysterious entity that had orchestrated his recent actions.

"Yes, my lord," Lycanth responded, his voice carrying a blend of obedience and anticipation. "The city is crumbling under the weight of chaos. The dragon king is close to defeat, and the sea spawn are causing further mayhem. It's only a matter of time before Aurum Spire falls into our hands."