Thump-Thump Thump Thump
“Master, Something big is approaching us at high speed.” No.300 alerted Anon.
“I know. Fall back and prepare yourselves.” Anon commanded with unwavering composure.
“What’s that sound? It’s like something is—” Before Queen Derein could finish her sentence, a colossal abomination emerged from the depths of the forest.
In the midst of the desolate battlefield, a monstrous abomination emerged from the nightmare forest—a zombie Chimera of unfathomable horror. This twisted creation bore the fusion of a Troll and an Armoured Bear, a grotesque melding that defied the laws of nature. Towering over the forsaken landscape, its massive form cast an ominous shadow over all in its path.
The zombie Chimera’s appearance was the stuff of nightmares. A twisted, decaying zombie face protruded from its chest, its vacant milky eyes instilling terror in any who dared meet its gaze. Blue veins snaked across its monstrous form, pulsating with unnatural energy—a stark reminder of its unholy origins.
Metal plating covered almost 70% of the zombie Chimera’s body, a result of twisted experiments and dark sorcery. This armored hide rendered it nearly impervious to conventional attacks, transforming it into a formidable foe. The clanging of metal plates echoed with each movement, amplifying the creature’s terrifying presence, making it an overwhelming sight.
Despite its massive and imposing figure, the zombie Chimera defied expectations. Its agility was astonishing, moving with an unsettling grace that contradicted its grotesque appearance. In a fluid motion, it closed the gap between itself and its prey, striking with deadly precision and unyielding force.
Clutched in its immense, rotting hands was a massive axe, a weapon forged in the depths of darkness itself. The blade was stained with the blood of countless victims, a chilling testament to the destruction it had wrought. The sight of its wicked weapon sent shivers down the spines of those unfortunate enough to witness it.
Inside the tent, astonishment gripped everyone as they beheld this Abomination.
“What the hell is that?” Grok questioned as he stepped out of the tent, sensing the fear emitted by the soldiers at the sight of the mutated zombie chimera.
“I-I want to go home,” one of the female soldiers expressed.
“Me too,” another added.
“Can we kill it? Or even get close to it?” A soldier wondered aloud, his face grim.
“That guy, he’s still standing there. Look.” One of the soldiers pointed at Anon.
Derein stepped out of the tent and spoke decisively, “If he dies fighting that thing, it’s to our advantage. And if that thing dies, I bet he’ll be exhausted. We can take him down easily.”
“Wait, you plan to ambush him on the battlefield?” Grok asked in surprise.
“Yes, and I intend to finish him off in one blow,” Derein replied, a smile playing on her lips.
Grok’s suspicion grew, and he questioned, “Derein, do you remember that incident with King Freddie in the valleys of the west?”
“Hmmm, oh yes, that incident. That was quite thrilling,” Derein responded.
Grok leveled his sword at Derein, his anger evident. “What are you doing, Grok ? Have you gone insane ? Did you hit your head somewhere on the field ?” Derein asked, taken aback.
“Who the hell are you ? Answer at once or you will face dire consequences, i promise you.” Grok demanded, his expression furious.
“What? I am Queen Derein Grok—” Derein tried to speak but was abruptly interrupted by grok.
“Don’t say her name, you imposter. Queen Derein would never agree to something she never did. There was no guy named Freddie in our lives, and we never went to the valleys of the west together. So, who are you?” Grok interjected with a more angry Expression on his face as he brings his sword’s tip closer to Derein’s neck.
“I also had my suspicions for the past three hours. Your decision-making process has changed. Queen Derein never executed anything without consulting another king or queen. Yet, for the past three hours, you’ve been giving absolute commands, and your demeanor is too calm for a queen whose lover is lying half-dead on a bed. My suspicions were confirmed when you thought of the plan to kill Anon—the guy who saved your people from those zombies.
Queen Derein would never do something like that. She never forgets a kindness or a grudge. She wouldn’t kill someone who helped her in this dire situation, let alone ambush him. You’ve broken character.” Grad asserted, stepping out of the camp, surrounded by many knights.
“Well, since I’m caught. Why not indulge in some bloodshed?” Derein’s clone taunted as she gestured toward the knights of her continent.
The knights immediately attacked the knights from the other continents.
“Don’t underestimate me, imposter.” Grad declared as he activated his skill.
<Imperial Judgment>
[Imperial Judgment, a skill veiled in both awe and dread, bestowed upon its wielder the power of divine arbitration. With this ability, the user could pass the verdict of life and death upon others, bearing the weight of ultimate judgment in their hands. Upon mastering this skill, a mark of judgment would be emblazoned upon the chosen targets, signifying their fate was now tethered to the host’s discernment.
When activated, the user’s eyes would gleam with an otherworldly radiance, exuding an aura of profound authority. The chosen targets would find themselves branded with the mark, a symbol that bore the gravity of their fate. From that moment on, their lives were irrevocably entwined with the whims of the host’s judgment.
But with great power came an even greater risk, for the burden of Imperial Judgment rested not just on those marked but also upon the host. As an arbiter of life and death, the user carried the immense responsibility of deciphering the truth. Should they be deceived or misled in their verdict, the consequences would be dire. If the accused were proven innocent, the host would bear the brunt of their own judgment. A dark curse would befall them, a punishment commensurate with the gravity of their mistake.]