Chapter 165 – Battle at the Gate of Lurien
That morning, the sky looked different. Thick mist still blanketed the mountains, creating a gray atmosphere that hung low as if the world itself was holding its breath. At the highest peak of the old castle, Sylvia stood firm, her cloak fluttering gently in the morning breeze. Her crimson eyes were sharp, fixed toward the north toward the Gate of Lurien that was being disturbed by human hands.
Below the castle, the zombie army moved slowly and irregularly, waiting for their queen’s command. Thousands of zombies of varying strength stood silently. Some had intact bodies clad in light armor, while others were mere skeletons with dim green light glowing in their eye sockets. Yet all of them were still, patient, waiting for an order they understood through instinct and the magical bond that tied them to Sylvia.
"I never liked war," Sylvia muttered, softly enough that only the wind heard. "But you brought this upon yourselves."
She took a deep breath, then raised her right hand. The wind paused for a moment, as if waiting for her words.
"Attack."
That simple command instantly set the zombie horde in motion. They surged forward, running toward battle, obeying their queen’s call. They didn’t need complex tactics; one word was enough to drive them into war without fear.
From a nearby balcony, Celes stood still, watching the advancing army with both awe and worry. She knew Sylvia was powerful, but this battle was different. Their opponents this time weren’t just ordinary humans but a group of heroes wielding holy magic that could annihilate hordes of zombie in a single strike.
"Sylvia," Celes said softly, but with meaning. "Are we truly ready for this?"
Sylvia turned slightly, her face calm. "Ready or not, we’ve already moved forward. They want war then we’ll give them a war they won’t forget."
Celes nodded silently and left to join the other zombie commanders waiting in the castle courtyard. She knew her role wasn’t on the front lines today, but to lead the special recon unit that would strike when the enemy was most vulnerable.
Meanwhile, around the grand yet long-forgotten Gate of Lurien, four figures stood firm. They wore radiant white-and-gold robes glowing faintly with protective magic. Arwen, the main hero with golden hair, stood at the front. His three companions focused their energy into a spell to break the seal on the ancient gate.