753 Desperate Times (1)
The battleground was tense as Ashton and Astaroth, armed with a scythe and Raphael, respectively, closed in on Kro'Han. They aimed to capitalise on Kro'Han's momentary vulnerability, denying him any chance to recover by engaging him in a constant assault.
"I have had ENOUGH!"
However, before they could close the distance, Kro'Han unleashed a guttural scream that knocked the two away. But that wasn't it, as the scream reverberated across the entire planet. The sheer force of Kro'Han's scream sent shockwaves through the planet, causing temporary chaos. Sea levels rose, and animals instinctively sought shelter, reacting to the seismic waves that emanated from Kro'Han's roar.
It was the scream of a deity, a being of god-like power, and the repercussions were felt on a global scale. The ongoing war outside the Eastern Palace ground to a sudden halt. Soldiers on both sides were perplexed, sensing that something terrible had occurred, something decidedly adverse. Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
Nirvana and Vania were no exception, as they felt the ominous energy shrouded the planet. Even though they had their hands filled with Precrusor robots, they couldn't help but wonder what was happening on the other side of Earth.
"I hope Ashton and Anna are fine..." Irina mumbled before attacking and tearing another robot to pieces.
"You know him," Verina shook her head. "Nothing can defeat him, so stop worrying about him and focus on the battle!"
Back inside the Eastern Palace, the fight had taken yet another turn for the worse. While Ashton and Astaroth struggled to get back on their feet, Kro'Han's human facade began to morph, revealing the true form of a Precursor. "Here we go," Astaroth mumbled. "Well, I wasn't expecting him to go all out since the beginning." Surprised by Kro'Han's new form, Ashton and Astaroth gripped their weapons tightly for support, bracing themselves for the escalating confrontation.
Intent on finishing the fight, Kro'Han attempted to stomp on Astaroth's head, but the nimble Xyran rolled away just in time. But that wasn't all he did. Swiftly recovering, Astaroth retaliated by stabbing Kro'Han's knee, forcing the god-like being to kneel as his leg gave away. Ashton, nursing his wounds, realised it was his turn to act and hastily drank a bunch of healing potions to numb his pain and hasten his healing.
Once the potions began to take effect, Ashton moved to engage Kro'Han. The Precursor, on his knees, didn't expect an attack from behind as Ashton rushed at him, slamming his knees into the back of Kro'Han's head. "Astaroth, do it now!" Ashton yelled as he wrapped his arms around Kro'Han to restrain him. "On it!"
Astaroth seized the moment to unleash the soul-killer. The air crackled with energy as Astaroth sought to end the battle decisively.
"Eat this!"
Yet, in a sudden twist, Kro'Han managed to shrug off Ashton and grabbed Astaroth's hand before crushing it. The small Soul-Killer device embedded in his hand was destroyed in the process. "I've had enough of your petty tricks!" Kro'Han exclaimed as he grabbed Astaroth by his head and began to squeeze it. Astaroth's primal screams filled the chamber as he struggled in vain to free himself. Ashton, desperate to save his brother, moved to intervene, only to have Kro'Han use Astaroth as a cannonball. Astaroth was hurled towards Ashton, and the two brothers were catapulted out of the Eastern Palace, landing amidst the ongoing war.
Their sudden appearance surprised both allies and foes alike. Mazton and others rushed towards their leader to help him. But then they were surprised as both Astaroth and Ashton looked injured. Before anyone could comprehend the situation, Kro'Han emerged from the Eastern Palace, his imposing form casting a shadow over the battlefield.
"What the-" Mazton mumbled, recognising the Precursor.
"You fought well," Kro'Han acknowledged, his voice echoing across the war-torn landscape. "But it was in vain, and now... you shall know what it means to oppose me."
Kro'Han's aura intensified, becoming an oppressive force that left everyone on their knees, gasping for breath. Ordinary soldiers succumbed to the overwhelming pressure, losing consciousness as they pleaded for Ashton's help. Helpless, Ashton could only watch as his allies fell to the ground like wilted flowers, unable to offer assistance.