Shattered Line

Chapter 44: Death March

Isla concentrated on her recent visit to Elysium—specifically—the transition point. Still, the task was a mental conundrum with three Underworld generals and their King, breathing down her neck.

She relaxed, liberating her muscles of their tautness. Shutting her eyes, she let the soothing waves of aura sweep across her skin. She ignored the light touches on her armor and hair, instead, she focused on layering the magic.

Each added sheet swelled to a bursting point. One lapse, one distraction and she would lose control. The vibrations tingling her skin strengthened with each passing minute. But she knew, the aura was not enough. If she failed the materialization, the consequences would be massive. No, not massive, 'life as she knew it' ending. She would kill the King of Demons herself. Not a pretty sight.

Despite her reservations, she relinquished her doubts and cast the spell.

A pressure pushed against her, compressing her body. The force persisted, unstoppable and dangerous. Her body cried, her constitution's separation caving without sufficient space.

Yet, a second later, the air shifted and a cool wind soothed her aching self. Sulfur no longer clouded her airways, but receded as a memory. She made it.

"Kill them!" roared a furious voice.

Isla's eyes snapped open, widening. Gods surrounded them. Instinctively, she stepped back, her back brushing the outer balcony's banister.

She materialized Calimitrin and his generals into a defensive ring of Gods. Dammit, they were prepared.

The Demons rushed before her, swords drawn. The two sides launched themselves at one another's throats. Metal clanged, mixing with the grunts of battle. First blood went to the Nobles, their ruthless and powerful attacks knocking their foes backwards.

Only four warriors, but they stood strong, towering over their enemies. The Gods wavered, terror bleaching their faces, stripping their composure.

Instantly, the Demons launched lethal blows, slicing through platinum coated armor and body. Death came swift, but for the unlucky few, pain-filled screams permeated the air.

"Fire!" the enemy commander ordered.

On queue, flaming magical arrows shot from a second row of soldiers. They arched and dropped surrounding Calimitrin's position before her.

She watched as the arrows congregated and rebounded, raining their creators. The attack charred flesh on impact, smoke streaming from their blackened carcasses.

Without delay, their leader roared, "Surround them!" His sword pointed to an opening behind the Demons.

Isla unsheathed her weapon and rushed the spot. She intercepted two enemies head-on, both charged her, slashing. She raised her weapon, blocking their blows, but her knees staggered beneath the weight.

The left one grinned, pushing harder with his wide frame. Isla gritted her teeth and her arms burned.

She crumpled to her knees, sweat dripping down her face. The other God sidestepped, relieving her burden, but prepared to finish her. One moment more, and she poured aura around herself. As his weapon descended, she released her raw magic without an image. With her as the focal point, the shockwave expanded.

The blast pushed both Gods back. Still, they remained steadfast and upright. Giving no pause, they hurried towards her.

Isla pooled aura upon her weapon. The sword hummed and glowed blue.

Mid-motion the Gods slowed, but momentum rung them forward. She defended against their weakened blows. However, resistance disintegrated as their blades severed into two. The free half flew off, nicking her face.