The sound had co, but no figures were visible. Everyone, including Orion, scanned their surroundings.
"What's that noise?"
"Why can't we see anyone?"
As the group murmured in confusion, Prophet Onyx spoke in a low, steady voice.
"The sound is coming from underground. It's our neighbors from the western desert."
Prophet Onyx's tone was polite, his words carefully chosen.
Orion looked down and noticed the subtle, undulating movent of the ground in the distance.
"Ah, so it's you, Onyx of the Obsidian Golem tribe. I could feel the thick earth elent gathering from afar," a voice called out.
"I thought you had died of old age, but it seems you've broken through!"
Thud, thud, thud...
Suddenly, the lush green grass in the distance was torn apart as three massive black scorpions erged from the earth. Each scorpion stood at least 30 feet tall, their bodies long and terrifying, with venomous stingers whipping through the air.
Behind the three giant scorpions, a swarm of smaller scorpions of various sizes burst from the ground, creating a scene so overwhelming that even Orion felt a chill run down his spine. The sheer number of scorpions crawling out of the earth was enough to trigger anyone's fear of swarms.
"High Priestess, it's been many years, but you still look as youthful and radiant as ever," Prophet Onyx said, stepping forward from behind Orion and bowing respectfully.
The High Priestess stood atop the leftmost giant scorpion, her mature figure draped in a green veil that concealed her face. Her eyes, however, were sharp and calculating as they scanned the group.
She glanced at Prophet Onyx briefly before shifting her gaze to Orion and Elder Rendall, her eyes lingering on Orion.
"A giant? And a young one at that!" she remarked, her voice dripping with disdain. "I wonder if he's as foolish as that Clyne from last year, another giant who didn't know her place."
Though her voice was soft, everyone present heard her clearly. It was obvious that the High Priestess had spoken deliberately.
"Damn old bitch! I'll smash her brains out with my cock!" Rendall roared, his temper flaring instantly. His words were crude and filled with rage.
Clyne was Orion's sister, and the High Priestess's mockery of her was a direct insult to the Stoneheart Horde.
Orion raised a hand, stopping Rendall from continuing his outburst.
"Dace!" Orion called out.
Dace, who had been with Orion long enough to understand his intentions, quickly handed him a simple spear.
Without a word, Orion stepped forward and hurled the spear.
Whoosh!
The spear tore through the air with a terrifying whistle, streaking toward the High Priestess like a teor.
Your next chapter awaits on empire
Thud!
The High Priestess's giant scorpion mount reacted swiftly, swinging its massive stinger to intercept the spear.
Boom!
Sizzle...
The scorpion let out a pained screech, its entire body trembling violently. Its stinger, now severed, fell to the ground like a heap of scrap tal.
The shocking display of power silenced the entire area.
"High Priestess, show so respect when speaking of the dead. If you continue to spout nonsense, you will pay the price," Orion said coldly.
To be honest, Orion had no interest in this venomous old woman. From her conversation with Prophet Onyx, he could tell that she had lived for centuries.
After throwing the spear, Orion chose not to press the attack. A full-scale battle would be costly for both sides.
Orion could sense that the other two figures riding the giant scorpions were also Alpha-level warriors.
The Desert Oasis scorpion tribe having three Alpha-level warriors was sothing Orion hadn't anticipated.
Strangely, despite her scorpion being injured, the High Priestess didn't respond. She simply narrowed her eyes, continuing to scrutinize Orion.
Ti seed to stretch on, and just when it seed like the tension might dissipate, Arden suddenly spoke up.
"The High Priestess, scared off by a re threat? The scorpion tribe isn't as fearso as I thought."
His words were like oil thrown onto a smoldering fire. Even Orion's brow furrowed at the blatant provocation.
This damned Arden was trying to stir up trouble between Orion and the High Priestess, fanning the flas of conflict.
Orion's gaze grew colder, and a murderous intent began to brew within him. He was already considering killing Arden.
On the other side, the High Priestess glanced between Orion and Arden, quickly assessing the situation.
Having lived for centuries, the High Priestess was no fool. She saw through Arden's intentions imdiately.
However, since Arden had spoken, she couldn't simply let it slide.
"Jarex, go and test the strength of this giant from the Black Forest," the High Priestess commanded.
Jarex was a male scorpion warrior, though calling him "male" was generous. His lower half was still that of a scorpion.
Despite his appearance, Jarex was an Alpha-level warrior.
Jarex urged his giant scorpion forward, his eyes filled with challenge as he stared at Orion.
"Chieftain, let
handle him!" Rendall said, hefting his spiked club as he prepared to step forward.
But Orion remained silent, not giving his approval.
"Chieftain, allow
to go. I'm more familiar with the scorpion tribe," Onyx suggested.
Orion glanced at the arrogant Jarex before nodding in agreent.
"Prophet, be careful. I'll back you up."
"Haha, don't worry, Chieftain. I won't let them look down on us!" Prophet Onyx replied with a hearty laugh.
With that, Prophet Onyx stepped forward, his massive fra causing both the High Priestess and Jarex to frown.
The High Priestess frowned because she knew the strength and resilience of the Obsidian Golem tribe. Their physical power and durability were terrifying.
Jarex frowned because he had expected to fight Orion, not so other warrior. He felt insulted.
"Jarex, fight with all your strength. Don't underestimate him," the High Priestess warned, her gaze fixed on Prophet Onyx.
Jarex, though hot-tempered, wasn't foolish. He knew the High Priestess's words carried weight.
Raising his battle axe, Jarex urged his giant scorpion forward, charging at Prophet Onyx.
As Jarex charged, Prophet Onyx let out a thunderous roar, raising his massive stone axe high above his head, preparing to bring it down with devastating force.
At the sa ti, Prophet Onyx's skin began to harden, turning to stone, a natural ability of the Obsidian Golem tribe.
Even with his body fully petrified, Prophet Onyx could still move freely, his movents unaffected by the transformation.
Just as Prophet Onyx's stone skin solidified, Jarex's scorpion mount closed the distance, its stinger poised to strike.
Reviews
All reviews (0)