Chapter 416: Jormungandr’s return
As the last of the Leviathans fell and the battle for Kuro Mountain came to an end, a profound silence settled over the battlefield. Exhausted beyond measure, the human troops began to collapse where they stood, their bodies finally succumbing to the overwhelming fatigue that had been kept at bay by sheer willpower and determination.
No matter if they were seasoned generals or simple foot soldiers, all shared the same exhaustion. The moment their minds processed the fact that the fight was over, their willpower and fighting spirit finally gave in.
Black blood, thick and viscous, coated the landscape, and millions of Leviathan corpses were strewn across the mountain and its surroundings. There was much work to be done—disposing of the Leviathan bodies to prevent contamination, tending to the wounded, and fortifying their position—but at that moment, the only thing that everybody could do was simply rest.
Grand Marshal Anglius, Major General Theodoro, and King Viserin surveyed the weary faces of their soldiers. They knew the importance of dealing with the aftermath promptly, but they also understood the limits of human endurance. The same fatigue that assailed their troops weighed heavily upon them as well. Exchanging resigned glances, the trio allowed themselves to sit down, laying aside their weapons and armor. The cool ground provided a welcome respite to their aching bodies.
However, even as they rested, the strongest warriors remained alert, their senses honed for any sign of danger. They knew that the aftermath of battle could often be as perilous as the fight itself. It was this vigilance that caused them to tense when they noticed a figure flying toward them from the horizon.
Grand Marshal Anglius, Freya, and Ouroboros immediately reached into their space rings, retrieving powerful alchemical drugs that would restore their strength and energy. Though they knew the backlash from such potent stimulants would be severe, they were prepared to endure it if necessary. Their eyes narrowed, muscles coiling as they prepared for a potential new threat.
As the figure drew closer, details became clearer. The tension in their bodies began to ease when they recognized the familiar form. It was none other than Jormungandr, the Depravita of Gluttony. The small yellow cat moved gracefully across the sky, flaming wings unfurled behind him. Although the purity and density of his energy pool allowed him to fly unaided, the flaming wings enhanced his speed and maneuverability.
Vlad’s eyes narrowed as he observed Jormungandr’s approach. He could see wounds on the small cat’s body—signs of broken bones and torn skin—that indicated the battle with the Divine Leviathan had been fierce and had not ended simply when they were blasted into the distance. Despite the severity of his injuries, Vlad noted that they were mostly superficial. There were no signs of internal organ damage, and he knew that with Jormungandr’s robust constitution and Depravita Heritage, he would heal in a matter of hours, so there was nothing to worry about.
The small yellow cat reached Kuro Mountain and descended next to Vlad. All eyes were on him, a mix of concern and curiosity reflected in their gazes. They were eager to hear what had transpired after Jormungandr and the Divine Leviathan had disappeared over the horizon.