After the distribution of the newly forged sentient weapons, Aengus, Bella, and his formidable subordinates began their journey toward Bella’s territory: the imposing Fortress City.
Aengus was aware that Dark Valley, while a good starting point, was far too small for his growing ambitions. To truly gain power and influence, he needed to expand his reach, and Fortress City presented the perfect opportunity.
The new Baron of Dark Valley had been appointed temporarily, as Aengus wanted to make sure that his first stronghold was well-maintained. Though he had spent little time there, Dark Valley held significance—it was where he had first established his rule. The decision for a permanent replacement would come in time, and it would be a critical one.
The journey to Fortress City, however, posed a small challenge. At their current pace, it would take one day to travel, and that was only if they matched the speed of the slowest member of the group. This was hardly a viable option for Aengus, who preferred efficiency and speed. It was not like the previous time thay they would just fly alone.
He pondered ways to quicken the journey, knowing that every moment spent traveling was a moment wasted.
Bella, walking beside him, noticed his contemplative expression. “Darling, you’re thinking too hard again,” she teased, lightly nudging him with her elbow. “Why don’t we fly ahead? We can make it there in half the time while the others catch up.”
Aengus looked at her, considering her suggestion. Flying would certainly be faster, but his mind formed a better idea.
Nearby, he looked toward a small mountain, approximately 100 meters in height.
Bella, along with a few others, followed his gaze, curious about what was on his mind.
With swift speed, he arrived at the base of the mountain and took Aegis out of his spatial ring.
Bella, Sen, Sienna, Vespera, and Butler Yu followed, while ordering the army to stay on standby.
“Mistress, what’s he trying to do?” Vespera asked, leaning closer as they watched him preparing for something in front of the mountain.
Bella smiled, “Who knows? Maybe we’ll get to see something spectacular once again.”
Vespera slapped her forehead. Who was she even asking? Her graceful, regal queen-like mistress had now become a lovestruck fool.
Aengus held the sword and began feeding it power.
With nearly 1,200 points of raw strength, and in his Doomscale Dragonification form increasing it twentyfold, his raw strength soared to 24,000. Combined with the sword’s stats, it became 25,000. (AN: It consumes 100 Mana per second)
Rumble, Rumble!
With such strength, even the ground began to tremble, causing Vespera and the others to be scared out of their wits.
“Fu*k! So powerful!” Sienna cursed, expressing everyone’s thoughts.
Bella looked amazed, watching his Dragonoid form, and licked her lips. She had expected his abilities to be powerful, but this was on a whole new level.
However, she remained confident in her own abilities and the bloodline powers of the Eternal Phoenix, which she had yet to reveal. Combined with her Succubus and Phoenix powers, she was a force to be reckoned with.
Aengus held the blade in a stretched arc, preparing to strike.
“Venomous Flash Strike.”
Slash… Shiiin
To everyone’s astonishment, the mountain before them was sliced cleanly in half with precision, as if it were cut by a fine thread.
As the spectators remained stunned, Aengus activated Elemental Graviton Surge, reducing the gravity of the severed mountain.
“RUMBLE…!”
With a casual wave of his hand, the mountain began to float in the air, then flipped over, revealing the perfectly cut ground beneath.
Wow!
Demons and humans alike watched in awe, their eyes fixed on the dramatic display. The massive floating mountain cast a wide shadow over the army of 4,000, leaving them in utter amazement.
“GET UP!”
On the ground, Aengus commanded, effortlessly maintaining the floating mountain, though it was costing him a considerable amount of energy.
Vespera and the others stood with their mouths agape—they had never witnessed such power in their lives.
Hearing his command, they snapped out of their daze and leaped onto the floating platform, their admiration for Aengus growing with each passing second.
Bella smirked and followed, gracefully unfurling her wings as she soared up to join Aengus.
At the very front, Aengus stood beside Bella.
Aengus adjusted the gravity, increasing the speed of the mountain’s movement.
“Darling, let me help you,” Bella said, before using her bright, shimmering Phoenix fire manipulation to propel the mountain forward, like a powerful engine of flame.
Aengus glanced at her with approval, appreciating the assistance.
“Thanks!” he said, breaking his silence.
Bella took the opportunity to grasp his hand.
“I told you, I’ll always be by your side. No need for thanks between us.”
Aengus looked straight ahead, avoiding her gaze, which only served to annoy Bella.
Their journey continued unhindered, largely due to the sheer intimidation caused by the massive floating mountain.
Although there were a few encounters with demonic birds, the soldiers dealt with them swiftly and efficiently.
Aengus sat down leisurely, gazing at the horizon, lost in thought.
Suddenly, his mind drifted to Aria’s face. Was she really dead? It had only been two weeks since everything had happened. How could he forget those memories so easily?
Growl
His peaceful view was suddenly obstructed by a Malefic Gargoyle, looming before him and breaking his tranquil reverie. Aengus’s annoyance flared.
“All-Seeing Sovereign.”
His eyes glowed with a golden hue, and in an instant, the Gargoyle burst like a fragile bubble.
As his eyes returned to normal, Aengus turned his attention back to the horizon, once again intoxicated by the view. The flashing, blackened barren lands held a strange, magnetic pull that calmed his restless heart.
Bella witnessed everything he had done, but said nothing else. She sometimes wished she could see what’s going with his mind and heart to understand him better.
Perhaps, that way she could understand what had made him so emotionless.
“Was that was done by the darkness core? Then how should I fix it?” Bella’s thoughts churnned seated gracefully a little away from him.
“Lord and Mistress, we have arrived!” Suddenly Vespera arrived and announced, bringing the duo back from their dazed state.
