Dancing on the golden ashes

While Seong-hoon was occupied with carrying Gaon to safety, the others swiftly shifted into action, coordinating the defense efforts. The tension was palpable, but no one hesitated. Kang Eun-woo, the steadfast protector of the group, stepped forward, his resolve clear in every movement. The responsibility of leadership now fell to him, and his heart burned with the certainty that this was the only way forward.

"Ready the cannons!" Eun-woo's voice rang out, authoritative and unwavering, like the sound of a drum signaling the beginning of battle. "If that monster even dares to come within a kilometer of us, shoot! No matter how much spiritual energy you need to refill, don't let those cannons run dry! The empress filled them with her power, but it's not endless!" His words carried the weight of the city's last hope, and they pierced through the fear that was starting to overtake them. His presence alone was like a beacon of light cutting through the darkness.@@novelbin@@

Standing tall in his armor, which shimmered with the radiance of his soul energy, Eun-woo looked every bit the part of a leader, a protector. His aura was otherworldly—stronger than ever before. He had fought alongside Gaon, had seen her power grow, and now, the demon commanders, all of them, stood at the peak of their strength. The heavenly soul stage had unlocked their potential in ways the system could never have predicted. They were no longer bound by its limitations.

With a deep breath, Eun-woo focused, pushing back the pressure that weighed heavily on him. He had been thrust into this role, and while he knew the weight of the responsibility, he didn't let it deter him. He understood the magnitude of what was coming. But in his heart, he thought of Gaon, of all she had done for them, and how, through everything, she had carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. Now, it was their turn to bear that weight.

"Eun-woo," one of the commanders asked, his voice tense but determined. "What should we do exactly?"

Eun-woo's eyes flickered to the horizon, the approaching threat growing ever closer. The pressure he felt was nearly suffocating, but he knew, deep down, that this was the moment that would define them all. His jaw tightened, and he nodded, the decision clear in his mind.

"We hold the line," he said firmly, his voice unshakable. "We hold it for as long as we need to. No matter what happens, we don't let that monster breach the city. We protect our home, and we protect Gaon."

For a moment, silence fell over the group. They knew the battle ahead would be fierce, but Eun-woo's words steeled them. They would fight—not just for survival, but for the one who had led them through every trial, who had never wavered, even in the face of insurmountable odds.

As Eun-woo took his place at the forefront, ready to lead them into battle, he couldn't help but think of how Gaon had always been the one to carry them forward. And now, they would carry her, just as she had carried them. The weight was heavy, but it was a weight they would bear together. Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire

"I will stand at the front," Eun-woo declared, his voice steady but commanding. "Make sure to always hide behind my shield if the monster sends a powerful attack that can't be blocked. My shield will be able to protect us." He tightened his grip on the massive shield strapped to his arm, the weight of his words settling into the hearts of his comrades. "But we need to be strategic. Attack its legs first, no matter what. A tall target always has a weak spot there. If we can get it on its knees, we'll have a chance to bring it down."

His eyes scanned his companions, determination reflected in every gaze. The battle ahead would be their hardest, but Eun-woo was resolute—failure was not an option. He would see them through this, just as he always had.

"Brother Seong-hoon will be on the front lines with me in close combat when he rejoins us, and brother Min-jae as well. Will you be able to hold your own against that creature?" He asked the question with no pretense, no sugarcoating. The reality was that they might not all make it out alive, but they had no choice but to fight.

Kim Min-jae's violet hair whipped in the wind as he stood tall, his sword trembling in his hand, a reflection of the fear gnawing at him. He had never imagined that a day like this would come, when he'd stand so close to death. But despite the fear, there was no hesitation in his eyes.

"Don't worry, brother Eun-woo," Min-jae said, his voice firm. "I will slice that monster into pieces. I can slip in and out of the void, and if it attacks me, I can dodge. I won't let you down." His fist struck his chest, an unspoken vow of loyalty and resolve. He would give his life if necessary. The weight of his promise hung heavily in the air, but there was no doubt in his heart. He was ready. They were all ready.

"Good, brother Ji-hoon as well," Eun-woo continued, his voice steady and commanding. "I hope you can do a lot of damage from the shadows, but please be careful. We don't know how strong the defenses of that creature are."

Ji-hoon, cloaked in shadow, gave a sharp nod, his eyes cold and focused. He would do his part, from the darkness where he thrived, and his silence was enough to convey the resolve in his heart.

"Good, very good," Eun-woo nodded approvingly, glancing around at his comrades. "This will be our front line. Now, Sister Min-jeong, with your plant powers, and Malrang, you'll be in the middle. Your job will be crowd control. Make sure that monster can't move freely, make it difficult for it to reach the ones behind you. This will give Sister Seo-yeon and little sis Jieun the room they need to attack from afar, without fear of retaliation. You two are our main powerhouses, and I know you'll be able to deal heavy damage."

Min-jeong nodded, her eyes full of purpose, her plants already swaying in anticipation. Malrang stood by her side, her cute yet powerful form ready for action. Their bond was unspoken but powerful, and they knew what had to be done.

"As for everyone else in the city," Eun-woo went on, his voice unwavering, "they will be spending their soul energy on the cannons, firing nonstop. The more damage, the better."

A deep silence fell over the group as the strategy was solidified. Each person knew their role, and the weight of what they were about to do hung heavy in the air. They had each made their vow—to fight, to protect, and to die if necessary.