Ex rank talent Awakening: 100\% Dodge rate-Chapter 191 - : DEMON WAVE III

"You have the guts to show up here, don't you, traitor?" General Harold snarled, his hostility as clear as the midday sun.

He had been informed moments ago by one of his knights, who had spotted Brian, Elizabeth, and Stagnant Water on the castle wall—of all places—preparing to defend the Grey Empire against the approaching demon wave.

Brian met General Harold's gaze in silence. He said nothing. Instead, he closed his eyes for a breath, focusing inwardly, preparing himself for the chaos to come. It was madness, defending the very empire that had declared him a criminal and placed a bounty on his head.

Originally, Brian had intended to pledge himself to another kingdom, one that hadn't turned on him. But then the system sent a notification—those unaffiliated with any kingdom were to be concentrated on by the demon wave. With limitless stamina and a hunger to prove himself, it was the perfect opportunity. And what better place to do it than the Grey Empire, where the concentration of demons would be thickest? For him, it wasn't about loyalty anymore—it was about contribution, power, and standing out.

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[The demon wave begins! Protect the castle you are assigned to. Your gifts depend on your contribution during the event.]

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The event had finally begun.

"Archers! Magicians! Be ready to unleash the first wave of damage!" one of the commanders bellowed, his voice ringing through the air like a war drum. "Healers, stay back and prepare for injuries! Swordsmen and knights, once the long-range assault is launched, the gates will open—you'll be our vanguard. Tankers! Shield them well!"

There was no room for error. No hesitation. The battlefield demanded unity.

"I see them!" a player with a scouting skill shouted from atop the battlements.

"Good! Long rangers, prepare yourselves!" the commander roared, his voice as thunderous as the clouds above.

The first wave of demons rushed forth, a stampede of monstrous creatures—twisted, grotesque hybrids of beasts and shadow, with scattered low-tier demons riding behind them.

"Ready! Fire!"

The sky filled with light and flame—arrows, fireballs, spears of ice—all arcing overhead like comets. They descended with brutal precision, carving through the front lines of the demonic charge. Howls and screeches erupted across the battlefield.

"Again!" the commander barked. Another volley followed. The air shimmered with elemental force, tearing into the advancing horde.

"Commander, they're too close!" the assistant commander warned, tension thick in his voice. "They'll damage the wall at this rate!"

"I can see that," the commander replied coolly, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield, calculating the risks.

"Vanguards! Time to earn your glory!" he ordered, voice firm and unwavering. "Open the gates!"

The massive castle gates creaked, then flung open with a heavy groan. The vanguard poured out—swords gleaming, shields raised—rushing to meet the enemy in a thunderous charge.

Brian, Elizabeth, and Stagnant Water were among them.

Brian stood out like a whirlwind in the chaos, moving with deadly grace. He struck down demonic creatures effortlessly, each kill a display of fluid precision. His blades danced through the air, cutting down monstrosities without hesitation.

Stagnant Water and Elizabeth held their own as well. While not as refined or efficient as Brian, their teamwork and coordination made them formidable on the battlefield.

Brian sidestepped a lunging demon, its talons grazing the wind. In a flash, he drove his sword deep into its skull and pulled it free without pause, already eyeing the next target.

"That's the last one," he muttered, planting his blade into a dying demon's skull, silencing its screech.

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[First wave complete! Prepare for the second wave!]

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Far from the battlefield, Zert, the demon general, seethed with irritation. First, he'd been ordered to conquer the continent alone—his forces stretched thin—while acting as the central powerhouse of the invasion. And now, the Supreme Will had turned the battle into a regulated event, stripping away his advantage of exhaustion and attrition tactics.

Everything seemed rigged to thwart him. But Zert didn't care. He would still succeed.

He concentrated the bulk of his forces on the Grey Empire, determined to crush the strongest kingdom first. Once they fell, the rest of the continent would collapse like dominoes. Personally overseeing the attack on the Grey Empire, he left the smaller kingdoms to the demon barons under his command.

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[Second wave begins now!]

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"The second wave is approaching! Long rangers, same tactics!" the commander yelled.

The players followed the command like a well-trained battalion.

"Ready! Release!" Another flurry of magical and physical projectiles soared across the battlefield. This time, the results were less devastating—the demons had adjusted.

"Ready! Release!" Another barrage followed. Still, the enemy pushed forward.

"Short rangers, it's your turn again!" the commander called out. "Long rangers will cover you. Go out and clean those vermin off our land!"

The gates groaned open once more. The second clash commenced.

From the ramparts above, Emperor Augustus watched Brian's movements with a stony expression, his thoughts unreadable. General Harold stood beside him, barely containing his fury. To see a man condemned by the Empire fight so freely—so effectively—beside their troops stung like salt on an open wound. It felt like a scar on his pride, a blemish he couldn't erase.

"Ice spears!" Elizabeth cried out, casting her spell. Sharp icicles shot forward and skewered a demon that had snuck behind Stagnant Water. He turned and gave her a thumbs-up, grateful for the timely save.

Elizabeth had always been quick to protect others. Her spells were precise, her timing flawless. The players nearby were moved by her courage. Confidence swelled among them, tempered with a dose of caution.

The imperial knights, however, wore conflicted expressions. They all knew the official stance—Elizabeth had been branded a traitor for aiding in a prison break and allegedly participating in Commander Joshua's death.

And yet, here she was. Fighting tooth and nail to protect them.

Rumors had begun to spread, whispered in taverns and quiet corners—tales of Joshua's corruption, of innocent knights imprisoned by his hand. Some said Elizabeth had only helped the just. The higher-ups were doing their best to suppress these stories, but truth had a way of leaking through cracks.

Now, seeing her risk her life to defend the very people who condemned her... some knights began to doubt the Empire's narrative. And in the face of her unwavering commitment, their hatred wavered—just a little.