Ashen Dragon

Ed finally came to his senses, staring in shock at the Lord God in front of him, then turned his gaze to Monk, his eyes blazing with raging fury.

"Filthy Orc!

Your despicable tricks have no effect in front of the Dwarf! Go meet Gush!"

The Dwarf King swung his Warhammer with all his might, aiming straight for the Orc's heart, but Monk, using the power of "Gush's Eye," predicted his attacks several times.

Ed's Heavy Hammer surged in a frenzy, and although Monk was not as strong as the Dwarf, he was able to dodge back and forth, blocking the attacks, causing a stalemate for a while.

But with a "crack" sound, the Orc's Double-headed Axe finally couldn't bear the burden and shattered under the continuous Heavy Strikes from the Warhammer, sending shards flying everywhere.

Ed seized the opportunity to leap high into the air, swinging his hammer down, causing several rock spikes to rise around, blocking all of Monk's escape routes.

"Boom!"

The ground shook, and the sound was thunderous.

Ed's hammer pierced directly through Monk's chest, shattering his heart that pumped with Frenzy blood.

Monk lay flat in the center of the crater, breathing weakly without uttering a scream; his broken body bore shocking wounds.

At that bloody ceremony, he had silently gouged out his own eyes, and now, even with a shattered heart, he made no sound.

Monk Broken Body was about to die.

Ed pulled out the Heavy Hammer embedded in the ground, staring intently at Monk's remaining eye and said solemnly, "Orc, this hammer strike is for my people."

Even as life was slipping away, Monk suddenly let out a laugh, which turned into a dry cough.

"Ha ha ha ha, ahem... Dwarf, you are a formidable opponent.

But... do you truly believe, that your High Mountain Kingdom can win this war?"

Ed's expression changed abruptly, his gaze eagerly sweeping his surroundings.

He saw his elite Dwarf Heavy Cavalry dwindling under the relentless encirclement of the Beastman Army, and despite their valiant fighting, they could not alter the course of the battle.

The Orcs crowded once more in front of the walls, setting up ladders, climbing up like swarms of ants, gnawing at the Dwarf fortress.

At that moment, the Orc's vanguard had already reached the top of the walls, engaging in fierce combat with the stationed Dwarf Guards.

So this was Monk's plan! To sacrifice his life to stall this mighty "Master of High Mountains," buying time for the Beastman Army to advance.

"No, no... Aivendel shall not fall!"

Ed suddenly turned pale, sweat beading on his forehead, muttering to himself.

"I shall... obtain eternal life in the realm of the Father God! And you, Dwarf, you and your people will become slaves of the Orcs, forever and ever!"

Monk scoffed behind him, using his last breath, his voice hoarse as he shouted, then breathed his last.

Ed clenched his teeth, raised the Warhammer in his hand, and the rubble around him gathered into a massive boulder, floating in mid-air.

There was still a chance!

As long as he poured all his effort, he could definitely turn the tide and crush the Beastman Army!

"Grovel, fear, tremble in front of the Eternal Watcher..."

Just then, a low, hoarse voice arose, and several Beastman Shamans encircled him, continuously chanting Spells.

From those stark white Bone Staffs, a dense black fog emitted, gradually forming dozens of chains, wrapping around Ed at the center, rendering him motionless.

"Again Gush..."

Ed was drenched in sweat, trembling all over, Gush's visage reappearing before his eyes, vividly clear.

The Dwarf King nearly crushed his teeth, fresh blood oozing from his mouth, he raised his head, struggling to maintain his sanity.

"Moradin...

Could it be that the thousand-year foundation of the High Mountain Kingdom, the millennia of glory of the Shield Dwarves, will end with me?"

The sky was overcast, blocking out the sunlight, terrifying scenes continuously flashed before him.

And in the distance, more and more Orcs climbed onto the walls, Dwarf Guards fell one after another, even Ed, who always had iron-willed resolve, felt somewhat desperate in the face of this scene.

Who could save them now?

Just then, a loud roar came from the horizon echoing across the mountains, instantly drowning out all other noises.

"Roar——"

On the battlefield, Orcs and Dwarfs alike lifted their heads, only to see an enormous golden dragon, its body covered in gleaming scales, appear in the horizon.

The giant beast flapped its wings in a unique wave-like motion, almost as if swimming through the air, with flames surging from its open jaw.

Accompanied by the crackling sounds, a brilliant, blazing fire burst forth, tearing through the overcast sky.

Was that... Gold Dragon?

Seeing the sinuous form of the golden dragon, Ed's face lit up with joy, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes.