Chapter 229: Ramiro and the Lion's Spearhearts 2
Two days passed, with the previous day and night filled with skirmishes and sneak attacks from both sides. Reinforcements steadily arrived for both armies, keeping every combatant on high alert. On the third day since this demon army appeared, their numbers swelled greatly as additional demonic forces merged with them like a storm of tenacity.
When Ramiro's allied leaders saw this, they had to convince him that falling back to their old camp before expanding the campaign further was the best course of action. Ramiro grumbled heavily but ultimately agreed. The moment the demon alliance realized the retreat was happening, they rejoiced with bloodthirsty intent before their leaders reined them in to prevent reckless blunders. No matter how they viewed it, the White Star Radiance sect's Lion's Spearhearts and their allies were extremely troublesome to deal with head on.
Five days passed since the start of this war. The demon alliance learned the hard way that their caution had been justified. Traps, explosive devices, magical aircrafts, and weaponized magical vehicles ravaged their forces. They suffered repeated losses while still struggling through constant skirmishes. Even native Pocket Dimension forces on both sides were stunned. Military style tactics, combined with cultivator strength, were far beyond what they were used to. Powerful sects typically focused on formations, personal strength, and mysticism. Only kingdoms and nations relied heavily on weapons that allowed ordinary soldiers to threaten powerful experts.
This created a major dilemma for the demon alliance as they kept pushing forward while being shredded by tactics they had never seen. Eventually Ramiro's forces reached the old fortified camp where preparations were far superior. Even more alarming for the demons, one sixth of the Crimson Vampiric Subdivision had arrived. Their killing aura alone caused many demons and demonic cultivators to shudder in disbelief.
"Cheh! Enough of this! Golden Lord Umbrawllak, we have to make them pay for this torment! I refuse to keep playing it safe. Let's go!" shouted a Golden Lord Demon among the army. His rage infected many behind him as they broke into a full charge.
Golden Lord Umbrawllak cursed loudly when he saw the impatient mass rushing ahead like fools. Meanwhile the enemies before them unleashed devastating, well coordinated attacks.
"Damnit! Fine then. If you idiots want to make this difficult, what do I care!" Umbrawllak snarled.
His gaze locked with Ramiro's across the battlefield. Ramiro's own gaze hardened as if accepting the challenge. With a brutal smile Umbrawllak bellowed, "Attack without mercy. Kill kill KILL!"
"KILL THE ENEMIES!" countless demons, demonic cultivators, and corrupted natives roared as they charged forward with thunderous steps.
Flying demonic beasts and essence beasts dove from above. A rain of deadly attacks blasted toward the camp as the demon side defended and countered with both Ki and Magic.
Umbrawllak launched himself forward with a massive leap that tore through the air. Dark demonic power poured from his body as he descended toward the fortified camp.
Ramiro sneered as a thunderous aura erupted from him. He leapt forward with his spear in hand, blazing thunder flame coiling around his body and weapon.
"Haaaaaaa!"
"Graaaaah!"
Both Ramiro and Umbrawllak roared as their power surged to frightening levels. Ramiro's —Lionhearts Cry— activated instantly, igniting the fighting spirit and killing intent of his allies while crushing the enemies beneath its pressure.
BOOOOOOOM!
Ramiro struck midair with his burning spear. Umbrawllak met him with his long mace overflowing with demonic Ki. Their clash created an explosive shockwave across the skies.
"Hahaha, so you finally decided to seriously attack us ahhh?!" Ramiro snarled with towering might in his eyes.
"Guwahahaha! What of it? I am going to kill you now, Dragon Spear Hero of Leon, is that right?" Umbrawllak answered with his own sneer.
The two continued clashing in midair as they hurtled toward the ground before Ramiro suddenly roared:
—Trueno Carmesí—
With a heavy thrust a red blaze of lightning wrapped around Ramiro's spear as it smashed toward Umbrawllak. The demon barely managed to parry the strike downward in time to avoid serious injury, yet he was still blasted backward. A flaming red crater erupted where Ramiro's attack landed, sending a shockwave that knocked away every demon alliance expert within seven feet. Burning smoke filled the area.
"Heh, let us get this party started then. I am gonna kill all of you!" Ramiro declared as his aura erupted with even more force.
Umbrawllak frowned for a brief moment before a crazed smile twisted across his face. "Then let us go!"
…
Back in the inner sect lands of the White Star Radiance sect, Shia was reporting to Christy about the most recent developments in the war. The topic had shifted to the massive demon army currently battling Ramiro's Lion's Spearhearts, the other divisions, and their allied forces.
"Looks like it was inevitable in the end. With this our sect's location will certainly be discovered, and even bigger fish will come lurking in our direction. Gege is still in seclusion, but I hope he is able to finish gaining more mastery and control of that Treasured Orb for the sake of our sect soon," Christy muttered in thought.
"I am certain that Sir Elton will succeed soon enough," Shia replied with a gentle smile and a bow. Her former veil had been replaced with a White Star Radiance mask variant that covered the bottom half of her face, revealing more of her previously concealed beauty.
"I believe that too. Big Brother Ramiro and the others will be able to handle themselves," Christy said with confidence, though a faint hint of worry remained in her eyes.
…
Princess Helga moved swiftly, flanked by experts of the Brawlmanica Royal Family and several warriors with ties to the Great Brawlman sect. Their primary duty was to protect the Princess with their lives.
Helga's sword tore through the flanks of four Silver tier demons in rapid succession. She paused only long enough to draw the bowstring attached to her blade. Three Ki-forged arrows shaped like swords formed instantly before she released them, cutting down a demon and two demonic cultivators.
More demons charged wildly only to be repelled by the Princess Guard, who unleashed vicious attacks. A mix of Gold tier and Silver tier experts fought tirelessly to maintain the formation's integrity.
"Hmph! Cursed demon people, begone from here!" Helga shouted through clenched teeth as she released another volley of sword arrows.
Not far away, Willowna and Sakurana fought in perfect tandem with a mixed squad of elves and humans at their backs. Their short spears flashed like lightning as nature magic burst from each strike, clashing against three Gold tier two demons. Their formation-based teamwork was the only thing preventing them from being overwhelmed. Ki blasts and magics from both sides filled the air.
Across another section of the battlefield a large contingent moved with coordination as they launched explosive attacks using layered formations. At their head stood Seralily, her focus locked entirely on Ramiro and the surrounding enemies. She was the unquestioned second-in-command of the Lion's Spearhearts. No, in truth she was the one who had built their faction through unwavering loyalty to Ramiro.
Beneath her boot lay a demonic beast with catastrophic injuries. It trembled in fury as thick tree roots dug into its flesh, siphoning its vitality.
Behind her White Star Radiance mask her expression was cruel and cold. She raised her hand and spoke through magic, giving crisp orders without emotion.
"Sophia, magic bombardment incoming at ten o'clock. Have the cannons strike that location along with defensive spells. Also prepare Rain Nightmare within thirty seconds."
Her tone and presence made her resemblance to her older cousin Seraphiel unmistakable as she scanned the battlefield.
(Reminder to the readers that Seraphiel is Aeloria's trusted knight)
A firm voice answered through the transmission with a single word.
"Understood."