BXBX NOVEL Chapter 347 346: Occupying Goron (2)
Raised above her was the Legion\'s banner, held high by the Wolfkin woman that had almost become Adelina\'s shadow.
Nearby, Nirinia stood awkwardly as she looked between her childhood friend and the enemy, unsure of what to prioritize in the here and now.
"Marquess! Could I be so bold as to ask you and Lady Jahi to take that mansion settled inside the rock garden?"
Seeing Adelina turning around to ask Mom a question, I waited for her to answer, turning instead to investigate the mansion Adelina wanted us to lay under siege.
This entire district screamed unneeded, undeserved opulence, and the mansion she pointed out was just another blemish upon the land.
Situated inside a giant field of stones and boulders, I sighed as I saw the ore laden rocks that the owner used as decorations around their premises, all while the mansion itself was built out of lavish materials.
Gold trimmed the windows and doors, while the walls were chiseled out of a dark granite that pulsed with a latent Earth Mana.
Roughly three stories tall, the mansion was well over 100 feet long and 50 feet deep, and the back right corner of the building was adorned with a towering spire that was double the height of the mansion itself.
Shaking my head at the contingent of soldiers out front, I glanced at Mom as she said "Very well then. Come on everyone; let\'s take care of this first for the Commander."
Peering over my shoulder, I nodded to my squad before setting off towards the Rock Estate, taking point as I erected a Light Barrier.
Keeping it thin and malleable, I set a quick pace as I protected us from the desperate attacks of the various Praetors that occupied the Noble District, wanting to reach the mansion quickly to conserve my mana.
The Oni woman joined me, erecting a singular wall in front of us from her Water Mana, shouldering the burden alongside me.
Observing the woman from the corner of my eye, I took in her muscled arms, sharp features, dark blue skin, and curvy figure, growing curious about the woman that Mom had taken an interest in.
I knew that it wouldn\'t become anything serious, but I felt the need to keep an eye on both Mom and this woman for Mother, so as to cover my own ass at the very least should Mom stray...
Turning back towards the mansion, I pursed my lips as the squads of Praetors unleashed another barrage of spells, trying desperately to penetrate the barrier and cut us down before we reached the home of their masters.
Each bolt, lance, arrow, or explosion that thundered against my barrier made me wince, another droplet of the golden mana inside my Core sent whirling through my veins to keep the shield powered, and I frowned at the raw amount I had used today.
It was rare for me to expend this much mana in a normal trip down into Zhu\'Rong Caverns, so...
This was a new experience for me, and I had to admit that it wasn\'t a good feeling, running low on mana.
Thankfully, although the District was large, the pathway leading up towards the Rock Estate was straightforwards and short.
Finding ourselves in front of the Praetors quickly, Mom barked "Traga and Uniak, cut them down! Polit, keep them buffed. Wezcka, reinforce Traga and Uniak where and when they need it!"
Her squad shouted their affirmations before following her orders, and the Oni beside me surged forwards, her swords in hand as she leapt into the Praetors, a wide grin on her face.
"Anput, with me! Leone, put down their support! Liga, focus the archers! Iaso, support everyone!"
Not wanting to be outdone, I barked my own orders and dropped my barrier, charging forwards to join the other two in close quarters combat, Anput speeding to reach my side.
Her skin was once again coated in metal, and two short, single edged swords danced in her hands as she flew into the Praetors, spinning around and stabbing and slashing with great precision and flourish.
Unlike her, I hoisted my great sword and began to swing, using its long, keen edge to slice through my enemies with raw power instead of finesse.
Blood sprayed everyone as I barreled into the crowd, limbs flying as my blade rose and fell into the humans.
Forgoing defense, I allowed Iaso\'s Water Cloak to absorb the blows and heal whatever came through, pushing forwards further into the wall of flesh as I tore the Praetors apart.
Uncaring of the light wounds that scratched into my arms, I growled softly as I kept my sword moving, wanting to end this quicker.
Whatever was inside this mansion might be more satisfying to kill, either because of its skill or how much it deserves to die.
But first, I needed to cut down the chaff before me, and I did so with brute force.
There was no technique nor beauty in my movements, only the swift arcs of a dual metal blade that sung in my hands, like it weighed nothing.
Comparatively, Anput fought with grace and flourish, her every movement part of an intricate dance that was pleasing to the eye.
For awhile now the Jackalkin had been experimenting with her style, and it seems like she found what she wishes to specialize in...
Sighing, I cleaved a Praetor in half before flaring my mana for a moment, clearing off the blood from my body as I approached the door, preparing to head inside and clear the mansion out.