DEMON CASTLE-Chapter 104

Nearly a week had passed, and during this time, Hazard truly realized that the long journey Mary had mentioned was no joke. They were still hidden in the Death Plains, where the number of these fish with sky-visible holes in their bodies had become so numerous that he lost count after millions. Throughout the journey, he listened to the Queen Mare and the guidelines for surviving in the Abyss. Yet, his mastery was purely theoretical, and upon landing to recharge his magic, he once again got caught inside one of the fish. After freeing himself, a wave of homesickness hit him like a kick, making him long for the castle and the embrace of his mares.

On the other hand, Mary, while recharging her magic, could occasionally sense auras emanating from afar — magical warnings from powerful territorial beings who perceived her as a threat to their domain, simultaneously informing her of their power and authority over the area. In the past, at the height of her power, she would have crushed such challengers. But now, with constant threats looming over her, she chose to turn a blind eye. She neither had the strength for multiple confrontations nor the time. Delivering the envoy of the God of Destruction to the Church of Destruction was crucial, and if she died en route, she knew that regardless of the reason — even if logic supported it — the Army of Destruction's Revenge would not accept her failure. She, who had only managed to suppress a single Legionnaire of the God of Slaughter with minor assistance, had no chance against multiple Legionnaires of the God of Destruction.

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As she resumed flight after recharging her magic, Hazard, who had seen nothing but fish and the Apocalypse Worm along the way, suddenly spotted a massive army camped on the ground. They had set up a camp and were dismembering one of the gigantic fish to roast it. Hazard glanced at Mary, whose expression was far from pleasant.

"Goblins," she muttered.

Hearing that, Hazard took a closer look. These creatures bore little resemblance to the goblins he had seen before. Many possessed at least the power of a Lord, with numerous Masters among them. Even someone as legendary as him couldn't ignore such an army. Such a force could be a decisive factor in the wars among his subordinates. His gaze shifted toward a location with many weaker auras — magical powers so faint that some possessed no magic of their own, only a slight aura in their bellies containing traces of magic. Discovering the absence of epic-level power among them, he decided to approach.

"We don't have time, undead!" Mary warned.

Yet Hazard paid no heed. He felt a force calling to him, as if someone or something were guiding him. As a legendary being, feeling such a pull meant that a powerful entity was drawing him toward something that could either lead to a great advancement or a significant downfall. Regardless, his mind was set, and he began his approach. The massive goblin army, sensing his legendary aura, mobilized like a war machine. Their war engine roared to life, showcasing their battle-hardened coordination. Nevertheless, Hazard chose not to waste his mana on fighting, knowing even he couldn't wipe out such an army alone. Without the System's help, the possibility of defeat was real.

He moved to the front of the army. Even the goblins weren't eager to battle a legendary undead. Their leader, an ancient Arc Shaman of epic power, stepped forward, awaiting the undead's purpose in drawing near.

Hazard landed, but his descent wasn't graceful, as another fish swallowed him whole. Needing to display his strength, Hazard channeled his powerful mana into his claws and tore through the fish's insides, stepping out as his miasma continued to necrotize the creature's body. The ancient goblin, recognizing the sheer toughness of the creature's hide, acknowledged the undead's formidable power, categorizing him as a severe threat to himself and his kin. Had he known the reason behind the undead's presence, he might have chosen his words and actions more carefully.

Standing before the ten-meter-tall demonic undead, the meter-and-a-half-tall goblin shaman seemed insignificant. Yet tens of thousands supported him, while his adversary stood alone — another reason Hazard lacked complete confidence. Above, the Queen Mare observed, conserving her magic for the crucial moment.

Hazard formed a mental thread to speak telepathically with the shaman, knowing he couldn't understand the goblins' tongue and vice versa. Once the connection was made, the ancient shaman spoke:

"What brings the esteemed legendary power to our humble caravan?"

Hazard, realizing the goblin's wariness and lack of trust, knew he held the upper hand. Still, he was surprised by the goblin's etiquette, acknowledging the Abyss's custom of recognizing another's power before addressing them.

"There are carriages," Hazard declared, "and among them lies some of my property."

From the outset, Hazard played his cards aggressively. He knew the goblins' habits, and upon seeing goblins and the women they had captured, he assumed they had enslaved or abducted them. All he had to do was claim the women as his servants or subjects, asserting that their master had come to reclaim his property.

Hearing about carriages, the goblin shaman immediately thought of transported treasures — artifacts and ancient relics. He hesitated, but if sacrificing a few artifacts meant saving thousands of his kin, he would comply. Nodding, he led Hazard toward the jewel-laden carriages deep within the goblin army's ranks.

However, upon seeing only crystal utensils and jewelry, Hazard grew frustrated. His eyes shifted toward another set of carriages — the ones he truly sought. The ancient goblin noticed his gaze and swallowed nervously, guiding him toward the women's carriages, though anxiety gnawed at him.

Did this legendary being mean to claim the women as his subjects? Had they unwittingly stolen his servants? If that were the case, the undead wouldn't leave empty-handed. Worse, the goblin knew they couldn't release too many women without weakening their forces. As the undead grumbled, the shaman whispered orders to his kin, preparing for catastrophe.

"Such weak and low-quality treasures? Do you think my domain is a stable where such trinkets are kept?"

"No, great one! I misunderstood your words!" the shaman stammered.

"Ha! My belongings better be intact!"

The old shaman sweated profusely. Even though they hadn't mistreated the women during their journey, not a single one remained truly unscathed. As they approached the cage-laden carriages, the goblin finally sensed the true might of the undead's aura — a force beyond comprehension.