Warhammer Divine Throne

The Divine Chosen Champion of the Lake Fairy matched evenly with Manfred of Holy Sanctuary’s power, reducing the forest around them to scorched earth.

”Bang!” A clash of blades, Manfred looked grimly at the nick in the Blade of Profanity. As undead energy surged in, the Blade of Profanity was soon restored. He raised his hand again, casting another Nagash’s Gaze. Laine parried the attack, retreated several meters, then roared and tore apart the energy beam.

Unlike the leader of the Castain family, Vlad von Castain, Manfred was more akin to a mage than a warrior. His melee skills were decent, but he was more powerful in mastering all death and undead spells. Against Laine’s constant dispersion of his Summon Undead spells and Laine’s high magic resistance, Manfred felt the frustration of being unable to unleash his strength fully. Unable to summon undead servants, he was forced into a skirmish with Laine, which was exactly what Laine wanted.

”All undead must be purified, and all the dead must be buried in tombs; you’re no exception.” Laine’s stamina was abundant. Despite Manfred’s great strength, giving the Vampire Count some advantage, he couldn’t defeat Laine quickly.

”Eighth Ring Magic, Zeres’ Purple Evil Sun!” Manfred unleashed powerful mana, summoning a ten-meter purple-black sphere appearing out of thin air. Everything within the forest it passed by crystallized, and the magic vortex destroyed everything in its path.

Laine moved sideways, quickly running away and dodging Manfred’s spell with a lateral roll.

Now is the time! The Vampire Count’s summoning spell took effect. A giant zombie dragon flashed from the distant sky. Powerful black magic had seeped into the marrow of these ancient dragon bones. The dead dragon opened its mouth and spewed forth a dragon breath filled with filth and destructive power.

”Spiritual Storm!” Light blue spiritual energy gathered and then sublimated in Laine’s eyes. Several bolts of lightning shot out from him, countering the zombie dragon’s breath. The zombie dragon took the opportunity to glide low, kicking up a cloud of dust.

When Laine dispelled the dust, Manfred was already standing on the dragon’s back: ”Interesting, Holy Grail Knight, Divine Chosen Champion Laine Macado? I remember you. Your little ploy can’t fool me. Until we meet again, next time.”

With that, the zombie dragon spread its decayed wings and flew toward the distant sky.

Laine stood silently, five seconds later, the Emperor’s Guard in golden helmets and armor emerged from the depths of the forest. Two guards wielding Guardian Long Halberds and Sentinel Battle Swords rushed to Laine’s side, surveying the ravaged battlefield: ”Prince Laine?”

”Such a sly guy, I wanted to keep him here,” Laine sheathed his sword upon seeing the Emperor’s Guard. He sighed, ”He must have sensed your approach and withdrew immediately… Also, based on the empire’s history, Manfred is famously cunning. He won’t fall easily into a trap.”

The Emperor’s Guard didn’t have any transportation. Upon receiving Laine’s message, they immediately rushed over. Laine’s original plan was to hold the Vampire Count in check and wait for the Imperial Guard to arrive, but Manfred was indeed too cunning, causing Laine’s plan to fail.

”Forget it, we can’t catch what flies. Let’s retreat.” Laine returned to the large tree, lifting the unconscious Mogiana in his arms: ”Her Highness Mogiana needs treatment. Let’s return to Gene Territory immediately.”

”Laine…?” The Lake God Witch murmured as she came to her senses, feeling herself being lifted.

”I’m sorry for coming late, my Highness,” Laine said softly, feeling pained at Mogiana’s state.

”It’s alright, you came… that’s enough…”