[BL] Guardians of Fate
Chapter 64 - 18: Curses and Sacrifices [4]

Chapter 64: Chapter 18: Curses and Sacrifices [4]

How did it come to this? Mathias wondered grimly.

It had all begun much earlier, starting with the explosion from the sea.

The seven of them stood on the edge of the city and watched in horror as the demonic being rose from the waters. It came up ever so slowly, as if walking towards them step by step. Dark water flowed down its gruesome form, dripping from its horn and gaping mouth which revealed sharp teeth.

"I—It’s coming!" Ansel exclaimed in fear as he took a trembling step back.

Clay’s lips were set in a grim line. "Don’t let your guard down. All of you!" he warned, immediately going into a defensive stance.

"G—Got it," Gideon said, swallowing visibly. He took a deep breath before kneeling with his hands on the ground, palms pressed against the cold pavement. He had to time this just right.

Elyana was finding it difficult to breathe. At this time, the pressure in the air intensified, bringing with it an underlying malevolence. The sinister energy made her entire body freeze in place and her mind unable to think straight.

Just like three years ago, she stiffened in fear, hands trembling as she forgot that she was no longer that same girl back then. That she was stronger now.

The Calamity’s jaw stretched wide, and it let out a loud, resounding roar that made the wind hit their bodies hard from the impact. Mathias instinctively covered his face with his arms in a defensive posture, glaring through the gap with one eye.

The demonic creature raised its arm, the waters churning violently with the movement. Its hand rose from the sea, revealing several claw-like roots for fingers.

It was as though the world suddenly moved in slow motion.

Voss’ eyes widened as he realized what was about to happen. "Watch out!" he yelled.

The moment he did, everything shifted.

Things happened so fast that it was almost like a blur.

The Calamity drew its arm back, and then the claws extended forward, shooting out towards them.

Right in Evan’s direction.

Elyana watched in horror and alarm as the root-like claws charged like lightning, heading straight for the prince. Evan stood in the same position, eyes closed and hands clasped as the holy energy around him grew thicker and stronger.

But before it could reach him, Voss was already there, slicing through the appendages like butter. In his hand was a sleek sword that was the color of obsidian, the edge sharp and the blade glowing with an orange aura.

"It sure didn’t waste any time," he remarked.

"Look out!" Mathias reached out and enlarged his fist to a huge size, just large enough to grab the limb completely before it could pierce Voss’ stomach. He effortlessly crushed it in his iron grip, shattering the root into pieces.

"That was close," he breathed out.

Voss sent him a grateful glance. "Thanks."

Mathias nodded. "We need to look out for each other."

Meanwhile, beside them, Clay closed his eyes, dark shadows swirling around him. Within seconds, every part of his body changed. His smooth skin turned to brown fur, his nails grew into sharp claws, and his body and face tripled in size.

When he opened his eyes, they glowed a bright yellow, and then his mouth opened to let out an earth-shattering roar.

"Be careful!" Mathias yelled as Clay charged headfirst into the field, brutally slashing at the first claw-like root that came his way. He grabbed a large handful of the roots and crushed them all before ripping them off from their owner.

"Let’s go!" Voss said, rushing over to help Clay, the blade gleaming dangerously in his grip. Mathias nodded and watched both their backs, enlarging his fists and tearing off any root that came close.

Meanwhile, Gideon slammed his fists into the cracked asphalt, magical sigils appearing on the ground and shimmering dangerously. Then the earth rose from beneath, forming a solid barrier around Evan. Elyana positioned herself beside him, tense as she prepared for any attacks that might come their way.

At that moment, several more limbs shot out from the Calamity’s arms, many of them stretching as far as the town square. Elyana watched in horror as the large tendrils destroyed their city, easily reducing the beautiful houses to rubble.

No! she cried in her head.

"Ely!" Gideon shouted, instantly catching Elyana’s attention.

As she turned to face forward, she saw a swirling appendage rushing directly at her.

Damn it! she cursed, having only an instant to react. I got careless!

Before she could raise her arms in instinctive defense, the roots were suddenly sliced in half before her eyes.

"What?" she said aloud in surprise.

"Hey! It’s me, big sis Ely," a disembodied voice said. "I’m here with you."

Elyana immediately breathed a sigh of relief. "It’s you, Ansel."

Even though she couldn’t see the familiar figure of the boy, she knew now that he was there.

Ansel’s invisibility magic had a special ability. As long as he was the only one using it and as long as he had enough magic, he could pass through anything solid, like a ghost. He could also turn his weapons as well as his own aura invisible, which was very helpful during battles.

"All right. It’s my turn!" Elyana took a deep breath and stretched out her hand, her open palm emitting a bright orange glow. Almost instantly, shards of pink crystals appeared, encircling her form and aiming dangerously at the Calamity’s tentacle-like roots. The large crystals glowed dangerously, looking like giant needles.

She waved her hand sideways, and then the crystals shot forward, piercing the Calamity’s roots and taking down several of them.

However, more of the appendages flew past Mathias, Voss, and Clay’s defenses, heading straight for the earthen shield. At this point, it was clear that the Calamity had sensed its greatest danger early on, and it was the Summoner who was about to seal it away.

Elyana was about to conjure more crystals when she was abruptly stopped by intense flames that rapidly burned each root to ashes.

"Whew!" she exclaimed, turning to Blade who had his hand outstretched in front of him, the palm glowing a bright orange. "Quick as always, Blade."

Blade nodded at her. "We’ll do most of the fighting. Just make sure Gideon and his barrier stay intact."

Elyana nodded. "Got it. Stay safe."

Blade positioned himself at a distance where he could survey everything. When he was satisfied, he extended his arms and shot flames at any root arm that came near.

We can do this as long as Evan manages to finish merging the Spirits in time, Elyana thought worriedly as she continued to cast her magic. I hope he’ll be okay. We’re all depending on him now.

The Calamity was still far away, but its root arms were so troublesome. Not only were they able to multiply and regenerate, but each one of them also had great strength and durability. If this continued, their magic would be exhausted by the time Evan finished the incantation.

Speaking of which...

She turned back to the earthen barrier, feeling her heart sink at not being able to see her fiancé anymore. She knew that he was inside there, also fighting for his life. Summoning the Final Spirit was no easy task, after all.

Once the Calamity is sealed, the first hard part will be over. Her chest tightened at the mere thought. We’ll have to endure—

Suddenly, she heard a startled shout from nearby. As she turned her head, a massive appendage slammed directly into Blade. He had no chance to escape, but he reflexively grabbed the root as the force hurled him backwards, right past the buildings and then into the town square.

"Blade!" Elyana yelled, eyes wide.