Ashen Dragon

Monk laughed maniacally, riding that huge Black-backed Worg, charging toward Ed's direction, the single eye emitting a blood-red glow once again.

Ed also noticed the Orc vanguard not far away, turning around with a solemn expression.

As the ruler of the High Mountain Kingdom, he had reviewed many reports and knew of such Orcs favored by the One-eyed God.

"This is... Gush's Eye."

The Dwarf King did not act rashly but gripped the Warhammer in his hand, steadying his stance to await an opportunity.

"Howl—"

The Worg let out a fierce howl, leaping forth, and Monk likewise raised his Double-headed Axe on the wolf's back, slashing straight down.

Ed watched with a steady gaze as the ferocious Orc approached, raising the Heavy Hammer just as the axe blade was about to fall.

"Boom!"

Stones shattered, and sharp rocks rose from the ground, piercing through the massive body of the Worg on the spot, causing blood and entrails to spill out.

And that Heavy Hammer stood before Ed, staunchly blocking the Orc's Double-headed Axe, emitting a clear sound.

"Dwarf! Your fortress will soon be overrun! Your Kingdom will soon be conquered! Your subjects will become slaves to Orcs!

Blood surged in Monk's single eye as he swung the Great Axe continuously, its blood-stained blade coming relentlessly like a storm.

"And this time, even the Divine can't save you! This is the might of the Father God Guosh!"

Monk's veins bulged, his expression grotesquely fierce, his mouth exhaling a foul breath, as he swung the Great Axe with all his might.

"Clang!"

A crisp metallic sound rang out, and a powerful shockwave spread rapidly, nearly raising a dust storm.

Yet the steel Warhammer still blocked the attack, and the Dwarf King holding the Warhammer didn't take a single step back.

"No, you are wrong."

Ed's eyes beneath the metal mask glinted coldly, his voice resolute and clear.

"Even if we fight alone, even without the protection of a god, we Shield Dwarves will drive you back to the North!

"This is my—promise to all my subjects!"

Ed shouted angrily, and with a forceful grip, he timed his hit against the double-bladed axe of the Orc, unleashing unimaginable strength from his compact and sturdy body.

"Bang!"

Caught off guard, Monk, along with his Battle Axe, was sent flying.

That strong and solid force transmitted up the handle to his body, making him spew blood, utterly disheveled.

Monk in midair suddenly had a very dangerous premonition, the illusion of Orcs pierced by sharp stones emerged in his single eye.

Not good!

Monk's heart was clear, and relying on his strong physique, he forcefully twisted his body in midair.

Just then, spikes rose sharply from the ground, aiming straight for the Orc's heart, but he twisted in the air, narrowly grazing past his chest.

But Ed followed closely, raising the Warhammer with both hands, exerting all his strength as he slammed it down toward Monk.

Monk hurriedly laid the Double-headed Axe horizontally, bracing it in front of him, ready to hard block the Dwarf's strike.

"Boom!"

The earth trembled once again, and dust filled the sky, enveloping the battlefield, obscuring vision.

When the dust cleared, a crater nearly ten meters in diameter was visible on the ground, and at its center, the battle continued.

Ed, holding the Warhammer, his face showing anger, pressed down relentlessly, a bright yellow glow emanating from the Warhammer—that was the power bestowed by the God of Dwarfs!

"Filthy Orcs, monsters that thrive on slaughter, you simply do not deserve to live in this world!"

And Orc Monk lay on the ground, his teeth clenched, his face twisted, his lips dripping with crimson blood.

His rough hands trembled slightly, the Double-headed Axe's handle almost deforming.

"Cough cough, Dwarf..."

Suddenly, Monk grinned, his voice hoarse as he shouted: "Look at me!"

Ed subconsciously looked over, only to find the murky single eye once again emitting a crimson glow.

Tricked!

The Dwarf King's expression changed dramatically as he felt a wave of chaotic, volatile strength emerge, like a bloodthirsty beast about to devour his mind.

"Buzz—"

A sharp roar sounded in his ears, and Ed saw a vision of mountains of corpses and seas of blood filled with Dwarves and Elves.

And atop that bloody mound, a towering Orc turned around, that lone remaining eye emitting a terrifying gloom.

Guosh!

It was the Everwakeful, One-eyed God Guoshu!

Even Ed, who had always been fearless, now trembled violently, a fear that emanated from the soul weighing on his mind, leaving him gasping for air.

And it was this brief moment of distraction that made his hands relax and gave Monk, pinned beneath him, the chance to knock away the Warhammer.

"Die!"

With the Orc's grim laugh, the blade tore through the air, carrying endless blood light, chopping toward the Dwarf King's head.

"Clang—"

Monk's face showed panic as the helmet passed down through thousands of years in the High Mountain Kingdom finally displayed its might.

A familiar figure appeared in front of Ed: it was a broad-chested male Dwarf with hair and beard carved from gray stone, earth-brown skin, and eyes of silver flame.

It was this ethereal figure that shielded Ed from this fatal attack.

That was Du Masong, progeny of Moradin, the chief god of Shield Dwarves!

And the armor Ed was wearing was Earth's Secret Treasure, a relic passed down for thousands of years among the Shield Dwarves.

But now, after blocking the deadly strike, a crack appeared on the helmet.