Chapter 370: Back to the Monsoon Continent
The Lords of Horror gazed ahead, their eyes sharp as they watched the few remaining drones scurrying away. These fleeing creatures were inconsequential; their demise would not alter the grand scheme of things, nor would killing them prevent the hive mind from learning what had transpired here. So, instead of wasting their time or exposing themselves to unknown danger, they simply let them go, turning their attention back to the battlefield.
Now that the mission was over and there was no need to continue fighting, they allowed their bodies to relax. The combusting blood within them settled into a peaceful state as the magic matrices glowing across their armor dimmed and eventually turned off, recharging their energy reserves. Of course, they did not simply turn around and leave the area. Instead, they began carefully collecting the broken corpses of the Leviathan insect-humanoid warriors. These remains were invaluable to Ouroboros; the flesh and blood could help the Depravita of Greed enhance his body, increasing the might of one of the sharpest spears in the Xaos Kingdom’s war force.
After gathering dozens of corpses, the Lords of Horror removed their helmets and commenced consuming the scorched carcasses of the fallen aerial drones. While the meat of these creatures was toxic to humans, they were beyond such limitations. Having obtained the Genetic Template that pushed them closer to the Depravita race, diseases and toxins were no longer concerns for them. The shells of the aerial drones were hard, and the meat was rubbery, but the Lords of Horror’s teeth easily tore through them. Consuming the drones helped them recover some of their energy and replenish the alchemical materials they had burned during the battle.
Just like in combat, the Lords of Horror were extremely fast and efficient in their consumption, taking no more than ten minutes to finish their meals. Once done, they donned their helmets again and began moving toward the Asani side of the Molted Range. Ned led the white giants, their steps firm and their auras imposing. As they advanced, he noticed the awe, wonder, and admiration in the eyes of the soldiers who watched them. A strange light flickered in his eyes; such gazes would have filled him with pride and joy just a few months ago. But now, his mind automatically regulated those emotions, not allowing anything that could disrupt his focus.
The Captain of the Lords of Horror understood that this was one of the side effects of his evolution. Yet, there was no regret in his heart. The power he now wielded was phenomenal, allowing him to impact the war in ways he could never have dreamed of before.
It didn’t take long for Ned to reach Grand Marshal Anglius and Freya. His eyes were sharp as he looked at the duo, clasping his hands in greeting.
"Grand Marshal Anglius, Lady Freya," he said, his voice steady and devoid of emotion.
The duo exchanged glances, a bit unsure of how to address him. They didn’t really know what military rank the Captain of the Lords of Horror held, but given his might and the respect they felt for him and his troops, they chose to treat him as an equal.
"Captain Ned," they both replied in unison.