The echoes of battle became less and less as the golems found their targets and defeated them. The giant earth ants from this colony had been the main colony before the split. That meant that the queen ants that left took a substantial number from their ranks. This had not only made this battle easier for them but also meant that they were able to harvest monster materials from more mature ants.
The ice that had been created from Walker''s skill lived up to what the system said and was melting quickly. The temperature was also radically returning. This made Remey stop using her skills before she had to take a knee to breathe. The strain on her body in her moment of enlightenment had been heavy because she had been fueled by adrenaline. She forgot her limits and battles next to the strong and powerful king of the deep caves.
"If anyone doesn''t say this to you after witnessing your battle then I do not know what this world ising to. You''ve got fires hotter than any forge in your soul. You are a dwarven warrior if I ever saw one." This was very high praiseing from the king of the deep caves. Many of the dwarven soldiers around also went to say these things to Remey. Fire and dwarves was a perfectbination and seeing Remey use them in a fist to fist fight was right up their alley.
"Remey, do you have any potions left? Walker and Midnight need something to help ease their pain." Su could feel that this wasn''t anything bad happening but it was clear that Walker and Midnight were ufortable.
"We will be fine, save the potion for those who really need them. I just…had a breakthrough. Midnight too." Walker could read the system through his sickness and was overjoyed to see that boosting his bond with Midnight was making them both stronger. However, he worried that he had been in the improper situation for this to happen. He had no idea this was a possibility and therefore didn''t know that he could end uppletely incapacitated like this during the battle.
"I know, I can feel that much. But I want to make sure you both are fine before I go and help others." Su was more than stubborn but she eventually walked away to help a dwarf that had met the headbutt of a soldier ant. Many of the dwarves and golems were broken or cut. The pincers of the soldier ants had been sharp and their hard shells were tough enough to break bones. But the wounds were nothing that stopped them from moving. It was all due to the high level of experience when dealing with these monsters. Not many people would have been able to do the same without the knowledge.
The mechanical marching was the third wave moving in to clear away the tunnels attached to the main tunnels. The dwarves still needed to check every potential space for leftover eggs. They were very thorough with their search and Walker knew it wouldst a week in the least. Then the archeologists and others interested in the ancient ruins where the ants had made their home woulde looking. "Now, my fellow kings should be halfway by now. We were the lucky ones. I will personally go and harvest the queen ant''s shell and meat. They will be very nutritious and perfect for certain armors."
Running footsteps soon came in to hearing range before Gil and Alice arrived with a few more soldiers to begin breaking down the remaining ants. "Walker!" Alice ran to him as soon as she saw that he was in pain. Just before she was going to start singing he put his hand on her lips.
"I''m fine. So is Midnight. We just awakened a little more of our bind and our bodies are a little unsteady. Just give us some resting time and I will walk you back outside." Midnight grumbled softly like she was saying that she would never stand again. It was very unusual for her to feel sick since dragons were not a species to get sick. Even in their old age they boasted an amazing resistance to any illness.<sub> </sub>
"So, Walker looks like he had a very bad meal. The caves are frozen, and Remey is quiet. What happened?" Gil was a little put off by the results. Su started to tell him what transpired as they had gotten in the chambers. Once they were done catching up, Gil hefted Walker on to his shoulder. "Don''t say I never did anything for my family. Let''s get you to the crevice camp sight. Midnight cane with Su. I''m sure a golem will help carry her out." One of the nearby dwarves started up their golem as soon as Gil spoke. He had been waiting for a chance to help the party since the golem was partially damaged and needed to return anyway.
The end of the battle felt both underwhelming since the queen was so weak but also cleared their minds. They had beaten a threat before it grew and bothered every nearby kingdom. It was due to the knowledge the dwarves had and none of the party would n to steal away the rewards that the dwarves harvested. They were already promised some ant meat which, unfortunately, Walker and Midnight were not at all interested in.
But there were benefits that came with the different strategies they had used. Walker began to think about sneak attacks he could do in the future. The ability to change terrain, and even more potential skills that he and Midnight could unlock together with their bond. Their potential was still unknown. It would take a lot of time and bonding to find their next path. For now, they would all rest easy.
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