Chapter 178 Darius's Dead!!
The battlefield had descended into something that no longer resembled structure or command, as the clash of metal against metal rang without pause and bodies collided in a relentless surge that refused to slow.
Fernando moved at the center of the chaos, his breathing steady though heavier now, his arm rising to block a strike before he twisted his body and drove his weapon forward into his opponent’s side, forcing the man down. His jaw was tight, his eyes sharp as they scanned for the next threat without hesitation.
“Do not fall back,” he called, his voice cutting through the noise with authority that demanded to be obeyed.
A guard near him staggered slightly, blood trailing from his shoulder, yet he straightened and nodded.
“We are holding.”
Lucia stood a few steps ahead, her posture firm despite the pressure closing in around them. She moved with precision, her hand catching an incoming blade and redirecting it before she struck her opponent across the chest, sending him back.
“They are pushing harder from the left,” she said, her voice steady even as she turned to face another attacker.
Rowan stepped in beside her, his arm lifting to intercept a strike meant for her before he forced the attacker back with a strong counter.
“They are trying to break the line.”
Fernando did not hesitate.
“Then we do not give them that chance.”
The battle pressed tighter, the distance between allies shrinking as they fought to maintain ground. The sound of steel striking steel echoed continuously, sharp and unforgiving, while the ground beneath them bore the weight of the fallen.
Alberto moved through the fight with urgency, his body reacting quickly as he ducked beneath a swing and drove his fist into an opponent’s ribs before following with a second strike that sent him down. His breathing had grown heavier, his chest rising as he pushed forward, his gaze searching constantly.
“Fernando,” he called, his voice strained but clear.
“I am here,” Fernando answered, stepping closer as he struck another attacker aside.
Their movements aligned instinctively, each covering the other without needing instruction as they faced the incoming wave together.
“You are not hurt?” Alberto asked, his eyes flicking toward Fernando’s face briefly.
Fernando shook his head once.
“I am fine.”
Lucia stepped closer, her eyes scanning both of them quickly before returning to the fight.
“This is not slowing.”
Rowan exhaled through clenched teeth as he blocked another strike.
“They are not here to test us.”
Fernando’s grip tightened around his weapon.
“They are here to end this.”
The opposing force surged again, stronger than before, their movements more aggressive as they pushed forward with clear intent. Weapons clashed harder, faster, the sound carrying across the battlefield in sharp bursts.
A guard fell near Alberto, his body hitting the ground with force, and Alberto’s expression tightened briefly before he stepped forward again, refusing to let the moment slow him.
“We cannot let them through,” he said, his voice low but firm.
Lucia nodded.
“They will not pass.”
Rowan stepped forward, his movements sharp as he drove an attacker back.
“Stay close.”
Fernando’s eyes moved across the field, calculating, watching, never still.
“Do not let the gaps widen.”
The battlefield had turned into a storm of movement and sound, where every step carried risk and every hesitation could cost a life. The air felt heavy, thick with effort and strain as both sides continued to clash without retreat.
Further back, Darius stood among the shadows of the advancing force, his posture calm in a way that did not match the chaos surrounding him. His eyes remained fixed on the fight, watching carefully, observing every movement.
His gaze settled on Alberto.
“There you are,” he murmured, his voice barely audible beneath the noise.
He began to move.
His steps were measured, controlled, his body slipping through the edges of the battle where attention was thin. The chaos worked in his favor, masking his approach as he closed the distance slowly.
Ahead, Alberto remained focused, unaware of the presence drawing closer behind him.
Fernando struck down another opponent, his chest rising as he took a brief breath before moving again. His eyes scanned the field, sharp and alert.
His gaze shifted instinctively, searching, moving across the chaos until it landed on a figure that did not belong where it stood.
Darius.
Fernando’s expression hardened.
“What are you doing?” he muttered under his breath.
Darius continued forward, his attention fixed entirely on Alberto, his hand tightening around the weapon he carried.
Alberto stepped forward, striking another attacker before turning slightly, his back momentarily exposed as he shifted his stance.
Darius moved.
His arm rose, the motion swift and deliberate as he prepared to strike.
Fernando saw it clearly.
“Alberto,” he shouted, his voice sharp with urgency.
Alberto began to turn, confusion flashing briefly across his face as he reacted to the call.
Darius’s strike came down.
Fernando did not hesitate.
His hand reached for the nearest object, his fingers closing around a piece of iron lying among the scattered weapons. In one motion, he drew back and threw it with all the force he could gather.
The iron cut through the air.
Darius did not see it coming.
The metal struck him at the neck with a sharp impact that stopped his movement instantly.
His body jerked.
The weapon fell from his hand as his strength gave way.
For a brief moment, he stood there, his eyes wide, his breath catching as though he had tried to speak but could not.
Then his body collapsed.
Alberto stared, his chest rising sharply as the reality of what had just happened settled in.
Fernando stepped closer, his gaze fixed on Darius, his expression hard.
“You did not see him.”
Alberto shook his head slowly.
“No.”
Lucia moved toward them, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked down.
“He was going to kill you.”
Rowan joined them, his jaw tight.
“That was no mistake.”
The battle did not pause for them.
Around them, the clash continued, louder, harsher, more desperate as both sides fought on without restraint. The ground had become a reflection of the cost, marked by blood and broken weapons, yet no one stepped away.
Fernando lifted his gaze, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment.
“We are not done.”
Alberto’s expression hardened as he looked away from Darius and back toward the fight.
“I know until Maleek fell this isn't ending soon.”
Lucia turned, already moving back into the chaos.
“Then fight.”
Rowan followed without hesitation.
Fernando stepped forward again, his posture firm as he rejoined the battle.
Alberto moved beside him, his focus sharp, his movements precise as they faced the next wave together.
The war did not slow.
It only grew more brutal as both sides pushed forward, unwilling to yield, as the sound of metal and struggle filled the air without end.