The Skeleton Soldier Failed to Defend the Dungeon

Gith-Za-Rai's words eluded my understanding, her meaning beyond my grasp. The sight before me proved equally incomprehensible—utterly beyond belief. Inside the pit, the most astonishing scene unfolded. Bones of ogres, trolls, orcs, and humans formed an army of thousands of skeletons. They clattered and surged toward the emperor's carriage and the imperial guards like waves. Their numbers were so overwhelming that annihilation felt inadequate to describe it. White bones filled the massive pit, reducing the emperor's procession to a mere speck within it. Gith-Za-Rai’s army hadn't followed her—they had arrived long ago and had been eagerly waiting.

Most striking of all were the headless knights, cloaked in black mist, emitting streams of pitch-black energy. Though faceless, they expressed themselves by swinging their swords.

One of the black knights shouted, "Receive the sword of Ser Gilaut!"

His voice came from his throat— an empty, severed throat spewing dark miasma that enveloped him.

They called themselves "Ser" and not "Sir," a term used by knights over two centuries ago. The headless black knights moved swiftly among the white bones. They reached the front lines with explosive momentum and slashed at the guards.

The guards, however, didn't simply stand by. Each was a masterful warrior trained to protect the emperor under any circumstances. They swung their swords, glowing with a faint blue aura. There were even two wizards from Azure accompanying them.

First of all, the ground had collapsed suddenly, shocking everyone. Even the most disciplined knights lost their balance as they plunged downward. Second, as the knights fell, countless weapons impaled them. Third, for the Dullahans and Skeleton Knights, this moment marked their long-awaited opportunity. The imperial guards, however, faced a completely unforeseen disaster.

Lastly, a massive mandala was drawn on the ground below. I wanted to ask what it meant, but there was no time. Gith-Za-Rai was walking down into the pit.

Whoosh!

A spear flew toward Gith-Za-Rai from inside the pit. Even though the skeletons were being smashed to pieces, they regenerated endlessly. Thus, throwing a spear at Gith-Za-Rai had been a calculated decision. The spear, crafted entirely of steel, glowed with a faint, pale blue energy, and its razor-sharp tip gleamed.