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***
The meeting went... better than I expected.
The first part was that the shard bearers met in a small company, where I laid out my plan of action to them. Some of them already had a connection to the Overlords, and some of them had only now learnt about the source of their powers. But in the end, I got their support, and they got the weave of the system from me.
And just like that, through them, I passed the system to their guilds, which consisted of many strong hunters. Thus, my influence grew, given that I had a lot of power over the system I had created and could regulate its functioning. Just don't forget how the Architect screwed up on this one. A skilled enough mage would be able to override the control of the weave and cut me off from the spell. That's something to keep in mind. However, most hunters aren't even close to being skilled mages, even those with a mage class. And eventually, soon most of them will die anyway. After which those hunters will join the ranks of my shadows. I didn't even hide it, at least not from the Overlord avatars. They, realising the situation, didn't object. After all, there was a serious threat to all of humanity.
And then there was a meeting with the heads of other powerful guilds and representatives of several countries, where we laid out this information in a somewhat reduced form. After that, the time of emergency pumping of hunters who received for themselves the weave of the system began. We also started discussing a mass evacuation programme, in which I promised to take part and open a gateway to a safe world where people could wait out the invasion. But I also said I couldn't maintain that many gates for too long. Afterwards, I was invited to the office of the American Association.
- We didn't have a strong enough magic class hunter to hand over this rune. - The vice local chairman sighed. - Honestly, we originally wanted to offer it to you....
- In exchange for my loyalty and a change of citizenship. - I chuckled.
- But now the situation has changed. We'll need all the strength we can get.
I was led to a special underground room around which the association's office was based. It was here that the remains of the dragon Kamish were kept, and the rune that was left of him, which contained great power.
I was interested in both.
- Rise. - I said, looking at the remains of the dragon.
At the same time, an impressively sized rune stone was broken in my hand. The power flowed into my aura, creating a new construct of active skill and simultaneously crashing into my very soul, feeding it with the power of the dead dragon.
- The Shadow King himself summoned me..." A voice vibrating with power rang through the room.
Shadows separated from the dragon's bones, merging into one huge figure. The dragon was about ten times the size of a wyvern and truly awe-inspiring in appearance. I expected it to be difficult to lift. Especially remembering how it happened in the comic. But contrary to those expectations, it was fine. Yes, pulling out the dragon soul was harder than any other shadow I've lifted before, but, I did it. Kamish was willingly reaching out to me, ready to serve me, only to return to this world again. I might have had trouble before due to my lack of strength, but I had no such problems now.
- Kamish. - I nodded.
I'll have a new car.
The dragon, on the other hand, jumped up at that moment, noticing the people behind the viewing glass who didn't dare to be present in the room while the dragon was being raised.
- Grrr...
- Calm down. - I precipitated the dragon ready to attack the humans.
And the monster immediately calmed down.
Stepping forward, it lowered its head to look at me. And then its tail began to sway from side to side like a pesel.
- It is an honour to serve the Lord of Shadows. - The dragon said solemnly.
- Aha... I see... - I continued to follow the movement of his tail in surprise.
Thus, I immediately got a new marshal in my army. The Kamish was a very powerful creature, and became even more powerful after being raised.
That was the end of my business in America. It was time to return home, but so were the other hunters who were also flying back to their homelands to continue preparations for the invasion in their own countries. I myself no longer used conventional transport, but simply opened the gate. And in the process, I encountered more monsters and replenished my troops.
- My Lord! - Aesil cheered up.
After clearing the new gate, her knight lance had acquired demonic warhorses, and now the demon knights were no longer just foot soldiers. Fighting on horseback was more familiar to them.
- Glad you like it. - I hummed.
And in the meantime, I had an interesting idea, which I decided to implement as soon as possible.
I was depressed by the need to run around the countries and open gates to evacuate people in the near future. Doing it all alone would be a bit burdensome. Even with the Lords helping us.
So I turned to the Architect's magic again.
Together with him, we concocted a gate spell that could be used as a skill. And later, through the system, many hunters received this ability so that they could evacuate people in their countries. The skill itself was not a full-fledged gate creation, but used the already created corridor between the worlds. Hunters could not change the coordinates of the world. And thus, guilds could also prepare in advance for evacuation not only on this side, but also on the other world.
However, the increased activity of the hunters' association around the world, as well as the gathering of shard carriers clearly made the Monarchs worried. So they made their move.
Their first attack was successful.
Too fast and too many possible points of impact for me to keep track of them all.
In the end, one of the shard carriers was killed...
- The Overlord. - His shadow came to me after he died.
- Who was it?
- The Monarch of Beasts, Kerehsha and the Beast.
Three Monarchs at once. They're the ones who've been working for sure!
Moreover, they also used magic to transport the hunter to the interworld and lock him there while killing him. Because of that, I couldn't track them down. But this kind of thing was quite expected, so I didn't even put weak shadows on these guys for observation. The monarchs would just destroy them, I'd get nothing, and the enemy would find out about me. Well, they already know about me, but they're not sure who my loyalty belongs to yet.
Right now, I've assigned two of my strongest mages, the Architect and Annatar, to Gu Hee a Andre. They will be able to break the confined space and contact me.
And the next blow...
Came at Chairman Goo Hee. But this time, I got there just in time.
The architect did everything right and when the artificial dimension shattered, bringing the Monarch and Chairman back to the real world, I was right there.
- W-what-" The Ice Monarch staggered back.
A tall elderly man with dead-blue skin and white hair. The Monarch's influence had distorted the vessel that was formerly human. Basically, they need avatars too, just like Overlords. Only the Monarchs subjugate the host bodies to themselves, when the Overlords only share their power.
- There you are..." I grinned.
- You... in time... - Gu Hee grinned crookedly, holding onto the wound on his shoulder.
But, it's okay, he'll live.
- Ashbourne. - The Monarch exhaled. - Whose side are you on?
He was scared, but he was in no hurry to attack. I took advantage of the monster's hesitation to get closer to him. Grandpa had already realised that he had to retreat, but it was too late. By now, I was already much stronger than a normal Monarch.Here he was trying to step back, concentrating mana to open the gate.....
But the next moment, my hand clutched his throat, and the pressure of my strength nearly crushed him. The monarch had to use all his strength to resist my power and prevent my influence from turning his body into a compressed lump of flesh.
- Y-you... traitor..." the old man wheezed through the force.
- That's funny coming from you.
I lifted my hand and made the Monarch hang limply from the ground.
- You've always been a coward, haven't you? You know, I'll even keep you alive if you swear to serve me.
- Y-yes... all right..." the Monarch moaned.
But there was no sincerity in his words. Only fear and restrained hatred.
Nevertheless, my grip weakened, and the Ice Monarch fell to the floor, immediately collapsing to his knees. At the same moment, my strongest fighters emerge from the shadows nearby, but not the holders of the hearts. I didn't want to reveal this trump card ahead of time. So now Igris as well as Ber and his daughters have appeared here.
- Even he is here-" The Blood Monarch stared dumbfoundedly at the Blood Monarch.
- Chairman. - I turned to Gu Hee. - It's time to strike back.
The old man blinked in surprise when he saw the system's message.
Attention!
Emergency mission!
Raid on the Monarchs.
Targets:
Beast 0\1
Kerehsha 0\1
Monarch of the Beasts - 0\1
Yogumund - 0\1
You will be transported to the dungeon in 59:58 to complete the quest.
All national level hunters and a few of the strongest S-rank hunters were given this task. They were given an hour to prepare, after which I was going to attack our enemies. Antares hadn't come to this world yet, but the weaker Monarchs had already gained their avatars. They are already in this world and can be killed. Besides, they don't expect such an attack right now. I, on the other hand, was prepared enough.
The time is almost here.
Gu Hee had time to prepare. But he didn't need any equipment. He was too strong for ordinary items. Armour and weapons that could be a treasure for ordinary hunters were useless to him.
And then, finally...
- My old friend. - I sighed, turning my attention back to the Ice Monarch. - The beast betrayed me, stabbed me in the back... it was time to pay for my betrayal. Summon him. And the others, too. Everyone must see this judgement carried out.
- So you--" The Monarch was stunned. - Whose side are you on, Ashborn?
The Greatest Particle of Light materialises in my hand, its blade almost touching the Monarch's neck. And the mighty monster turned pale with horror as he felt the power held back by the magical weapon. He felt that fierce light and realised that one blow would be enough to cut off his life.
- What is this... unnatural thing... where did you get this?
- None of your business. Do as I say.
- Y-yes.
Overwhelmed by fear, the Monarch complied.
And soon all the Monarchs on Earth were summoned for a meeting. They were surprisingly carefree. So confident in their powers and not expecting an attack....
- Huh?" The Monarch of Monsters looked at the strange gate that appeared in the centre of the cave in surprise.
These guys had chosen a rather amusing place for their meetings. A damp cave, how could it not be a perfect meeting place for evil creeps? And so, the gathered Monarchs watch in surprise as my strongest shadows emerge from the portal in a steady line.
A few more portals open and the hunters enter the scene.
- Beast... - Grinning, I step out to meet them as well.
- Y-you...
The monarch of the demonic beasts contorted in his face. Shock and panic flashed in his eyes. And the other Monarchs trembled as well, seeing the Ice Monarch's head in my hands. Naturally, I wasn't going to let him live.....
- You promised! - That frost grandfather shouted in panic as I ripped his heart out of his chest with my power.
The greatest shard was burning furiously in my hands.
- Ha... you know, I just wanted to see your face at that moment.
And with a single blow, his head was separated from his body. The sword forged from the Greatest Shard of Light, tempered in the hatred of betrayal, hated deception just as much. It should be, but this blade proved to be remarkably contradictory. I didn't want to kill the Monarch so immediately, I thought of letting him try to stab me in the back so as not to break my word. But the sword, which despised betrayal, seemed to be encouraging me to slaughter the Ice Monarch with a childish delight.
Though I suppose the point was that the blade sensed the Monarch's own insincerity and his willingness to stab me in the back as soon as the opportunity arose. That's why he already thought of him as a traitor. And also, in the end, the blade was imbued with a desire to destroy creatures of chaos.
And so.
- I've finally caught up with you. - I'm grinning as I look at the Beast. - It's been a long time since you ran from me.
And before the battle began...
The Demonic Beast Monarch squeezed his head into his shoulders and gave a sharp jerk as he tried to escape. He was simply terrified of Ashborn. And it is this fear that accounts for one of my 'titles'. The king's fear was transmitted to his vassals as well, making the entire army of chaos beasts vulnerable to me.
In any case, the Beast was unable to run far away.The infernal cavalry emerged from the shadows, delivering a crushing ramming blow. And at the tip of the wedge was Aesil, who pierced the Monarch with a sparkling thunderous spear.
- It's impossible! That's...
- White flame.
- Damn it!
Yogumund also tried to get away.
But the Architect had already blocked that section of space. Even a Monarch would need to put in a lot of effort and take some time to overcome these enchantments. They didn't have that option.
- Let's smash those bastards! - Thomas Andre bellowed.
In a bright golden flash, his body was covered in spiritual armour.
- Goliath... - One of the hunters was impressed.
But the battle had already begun.
I left Yohumund and the hot insect queen to the others as I jerked closer to the Monarch of Beasts.
- Damn you, brat!
Already realising that there was no way to retreat, he decided to engage.
His eyes flashed scarlet, and he tried to dodge my strike so that he could counterattack immediately afterwards. But, I was faster than him, so I used my power to pick him up, preventing him from avoiding the blow. Monarch's power is a very handy ability that also allows you to compensate for the difference in speed, for example, if you are very strong, but not fast enough to catch a fast opponent. But in this case, I used this skill to deliver a more devastating blow.
- No...
And I put all my strength into this attack.
The greatest shard pierced through the Monarch's spiritual armour, which was also famous for its defence, and then the blade of the blade sliced the monster in two. A vertical line of light was drawn exactly in the middle of the Monarch's body.
As his body parts began to disintegrate, I picked up the still beating heart to place it in my inventory. It would come in handy.
But though the fight was short, Yogumund managed to kill one of the hunters in the meantime. And Kerehsha successfully fought off the entire group. Nevertheless, my allies not only held back the Monarchs, but also gradually overwhelmed them. They could have done without my help, perhaps.
- Ashborn!" the Monarch of Change shouted in rage.
Yogumund turned ghost, overcoming his surroundings to launch a suicidal attack on me.
At the last moment, he incarnates for the attack and tries to pierce me with his claws. But, the blades of his fingers, glistening with steel, powerlessly shoot sparks at my armour, which suddenly enveloped my body in a blanket of darkness.
- You shouldn't have done that. - I grab him by the throat.
His body distorts, but he can't escape.
Pulling my enemy closer, I simply thrust my blade at him, piercing through Yogumund's body. The fierce light burns out his very essence and, seconds later, I have only to extract the Monarch's heart, more like a lump of slime that somehow miraculously retains the shape of a pulsating organ. And yet it oozes energy, taking on the appearance of a substance that behaves like both a flame and a liquid.
- Ashborn! Stop... stop... stop... why are you attacking? - Kerehsha screamed in panic.
- Because I'm human. - Calmly giving the answer.
- W-what...
- Kha! - One of the hunters who was trying to hold her back spat blood painfully.
Here I thought I should have attacked her first. She wasn't as strong as the other Monarchs, but her speciality was poison. And now almost half of the hunters that were holding back the insect queen were poisoned and already had one foot in the grave.
- I will serve you! Mercy! - She blurted out.
- Oh, I'm sorry, but that's not part of my plans.
Of course, she's hot as hell, and for a moment I questioned the need to kill her. But, it makes more sense to rip out her poisonous heart and hand it to Behr, who's loyal to me, than to rely on the monster's loyalty. Shadows don't betray.
- No." Kerhache's eyes were filled with horror.
- Die already.
Goliath's powerful blow would have crushed anyone else, but the poisonous Monarch's body was covered in a tough armour of chitin. And yet, she was restrained enough by the battle to allow me to strike in peace.
And another Monarch lost its head.
- Overlord.
Aesil joyfully brought me the Beast's head.
The Demoness was truly happy that she was able to get me such a trophy.
- Umm... well done... - I stroked her head in confusion.
On the helmet, in general, but the girl almost squealed with delight.
So...
Now I have four more hearts to elevate my four shadows.
Poor Antares...
He didn't stand a chance.
***
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