Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 400

Chapter 400: Fight

The team moved out, their approach swift and silent. Myne scouted ahead, her shadowy form blending seamlessly with the darkness. Dren covered the rear, his dual blades at the ready.

As they neared the fortress, Aiden felt a familiar, oppressive energy. His instincts screamed danger, and he signaled for the team to halt.

“What is it?” Myne whispered, her eyes scanning the shadows.

Aiden’s grip on his sword tightened. “They’re here.”

A figure emerged from the darkness, clad in Abyssal armor that radiated power. His crimson eyes locked onto Aiden, a predatory smile spreading across his face.

“Well, well,” the figure said, his voice like gravel. “The famous Aiden. I’ve been looking forward to this.”

Aiden stepped forward, his Golden Sword blazing to life. “Then let’s not keep you waiting.”

The Abyssal commander’s grin widened as he drew his weapon—a jagged, black greatsword that seemed to pulse with dark energy. Shadows coiled around him, forming an aura of malice that made the air thick and suffocating.

“Aiden,” Myne said, her voice low but sharp. “That sword… it’s a Soul Devourer. Be careful.”

The commander chuckled, his voice dripping with amusement. “Ah, you recognize it. Good. That means you understand the pain it’s about to bring you.”

Without warning, the commander lunged, moving with a speed that belied his massive frame. Aiden barely raised his Golden Sword in time to parry the strike, the clash of their blades sending shockwaves through the air. The ground beneath them cracked, and the nearby trees splintered from the sheer force.

The rest of the team sprang into action. Myne melted into the shadows, her daggers flashing as she targeted the commander’s blind spots. Dren charged from the side, his twin blades a blur of motion.

But the commander was no ordinary opponent. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a wave of dark energy that forced Myne and Dren to retreat. His laughter echoed through the battlefield.

“Is this the best the resistance has to offer? Pathetic!”

Aiden’s eyes narrowed, and his Martial Spirits flared to life. The Death Dragon of Infinite Darkness coiled behind him, its massive form exuding an aura of destruction. The Destiny Thread of Million Miracles shimmered, weaving around him like a protective barrier.

“Don’t underestimate us,” Aiden said, his voice calm but laced with determination.

He unleashed a powerful slash, the golden energy of his sword tearing through the air toward the commander. The Abyssal warrior countered with his greatsword, the two attacks colliding in a blinding explosion of light and shadow.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Myne reappeared behind the commander, her daggers aiming for the gaps in his armor. One of her blades struck true, piercing his side. The commander roared in pain and spun around, a backhanded strike sending Myne flying into a tree.

“Myne!” Dren shouted, rushing to her side.

Aiden pressed the attack, his strikes relentless. The battlefield became a blur of flashing swords and bursts of energy. The commander was strong, but Aiden’s Martial Spirits gave him an edge. The Golden Sword clashed against the dark greatsword, the Death Dragon’s shadowy breath forcing the commander to constantly stay on the defensive.

But as the fight dragged on, it became clear that the commander was holding back. He smirked, his crimson eyes glowing with a sinister light.

“Impressive, Aiden. You’re stronger than I expected. But let’s see how you handle this.”

The commander raised his greatsword high, and dark tendrils erupted from the ground, snaking toward Aiden and the others. The tendrils were fast and unpredictable, forcing the team to scatter. One of them wrapped around Dren’s leg, slamming him into the ground before he could react.

Aiden’s eyes burned with determination. He called upon the Reaper Scythe, its ominous energy combining with the Golden Sword. With a single, sweeping motion, he severed the tendrils reaching for him.

“Myne, Dren, regroup!” he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Myne, clutching her side, rejoined the fight, her shadowmancy neutralizing some of the tendrils. Dren, bloodied but determined, flanked the commander again, his blades seeking weak points in the Abyssal armor.

“Enough games,” Aiden said, his aura surging. The Destiny Thread of Million Miracles shimmered brighter, its energy intertwining with the Reaper Scythe and the Golden Sword.

The commander frowned, sensing the shift in power. “What… What are you doing?”

Aiden didn’t answer. He unleashed a devastating attack, a combination of light and shadow that struck the commander head-on. The explosion rocked the battlefield, sending shockwaves that flattened the surrounding trees.

When the dust settled, the commander was on one knee, his armor cracked and his weapon trembling in his hand. He looked up at Aiden, his expression a mix of rage and disbelief.

“You… How is this possible?”

Aiden stepped forward, his sword glowing with golden light. “This is just the beginning. Tell your Abyssal masters that we’re not afraid of them.”

The commander snarled, his form flickering as if he was about to retreat. But before he could escape, Myne appeared behind him, her daggers crossing at his throat.

“You’re not going anywhere,” she said, her voice cold.

Dren joined her, his blades ready to strike. “Surrender, or we’ll finish this right now.”

The commander’s crimson eyes darted between them, calculating his odds. Finally, he let out a low growl and dropped his weapon.

Aiden nodded, his expression unreadable. “Good choice. Now, you’re going to tell us everything you know about Malakar’s plans.”

The team stood together, battered but victorious. This was only one battle in a much larger war, but it was a step forward. And Aiden knew that every step brought them closer to reclaiming their world.

The commander sneered but remained silent as Myne and Dren restrained him with enchanted chains. Aiden stared down at him, his expression calm but commanding.

“Start talking,” Aiden said. His voice carried the weight of authority, leaving no room for defiance. “What’s Malakar planning? Why did he send you to guard this sector?”

The commander laughed, a guttural sound that was more mocking than amused. “You think you’ve won because you’ve beaten me? You don’t even know what you’re up against. Malakar doesn’t plan—he conquers. And when he’s done with your precious resistance, there won’t even be ashes left.”