Chapter 1257 - 566: Traitors Must Die!

Chapter 1257: Chapter 566: Traitors Must Die!

"What’s that creature?"

Tata tilted her head, muttering softly to herself, her voice so faint only she could hear it.

Although she was a demigod, she was extremely specialized, only adept at using force, and hardly developed any other abilities.

However, years of experience as a Holy Tree Guardian granted her a unique talent to detect approaching malice.

More accurately, her soul could smell the scent of some "thing" coming.

A deeply obscure, yet bone-chillingly cold and ominously dangerous aura was slowly and steadily penetrating the mist, steadily approaching the heart of Elda Territory.

This aura was cold, heavy, carrying a metallic stench and the solemn executioner’s air of ancient ghosts, clashing with the vibrant natural energy of the land.

Something bad is here!

Tata, who prides herself as the "Guardian," was disdainful of the uninvited guests lurking maliciously in the shadows.

Their strength is not weak, estimated to have the power of a Legendary Peak, but not quite Epic; a mere punch in front of her would settle it.

Oh, wait, except for that special fellow.

That white-haired fellow might not die from one punch; truly fighting him might require many punches...

Tata wasn’t sure of Herbert’s capabilities nor was she interested in probing them.

Compared to him, she was actually more curious about that red-haired one’s real strength—she hadn’t even restored her true form, clearly not using her full power yet.

If she truly returned to her true form, Tata estimated she could enjoy a good fight for a while.

Unfortunately, after determining they’re companion, that fellow had no intention of fighting; all she did every day was eat... just eating!

That Hungry Dragon’s "harmless" appearance had bored Tata, who wandered idly through Elda Territory—then being petted by daring priestesses all over, dressed up like a plaything.

Tata would climb trees just to avoid those overly enthusiastic folks.

And now, finally, she had a chance to stretch her muscles.

She absolutely hated those who only sneak around.

So annoying!

Like pesky insects!

They should just be brave and charge at her for a punch, so she could give them quick relief.

"Hoo-roo!"

She snorted irritably, getting ready to leap down and punch that fellow, smashing him into the ground.

Daring to interrupt my holiday!

Don’t you know the Holy Tree Guardian is resting here now?

Humph, let me give you a punch!

However, despite her displeasure, Tata was not surprised by the approaching malice, even thinking this was fitting.

Indeed, surface peace was merely a temporary ceasefire; relentless crises were the true visage of the Mist Mountain Range.

Tata’s body lowered slightly, muscles starting to tense, pupils narrowing into thin lines, claws silently extending from her pads.

Just as the demigod energy in Tata began surging silently, she prepared to leap from the treetop for an enthusiastic "Guardian Iron Fist" to that intruder, but her movement suddenly halted.

"Hoo-roo?"

She blinked, looking at Elda who seemed completely unaware.

Tata acutely sensed minute yet significant changes occurring in the land beneath her feet.

No alarm sounded, no shouting, no ounce of panic.

But she could sense the entire Elda seamlessly shifting into a different mode in the face of impending threat.

As if a slumbering giant beast hadn’t fully opened its eyes, merely the scales on its body silently lifting upright, muscles tensing, readying itself into a high-efficiency hunting state.

Neither unprepared, nor unaware.

"Tsk..."

Tata pursed her lips, relaxed her body again, yet her gaze was still locked in the direction of the mist, pouting and snorting:

"Hoo-roo, quick action, doesn’t give anyone a chance to show off."

Although she wasn’t adept at dealing with relationships, she knew now wasn’t the time for her to intervene.

Or rather, nowhere near the time for her to act.

The territorial defense system had already seamlessly transferred from "routine" mode to "engage enemy" mode.

And commanding all this wasn’t that special white-haired Lord Herbert, but someone else.

Tata’s gaze shifted to the center of the territory, to a building initially constructed to be the City Lord’s Mansion, but ultimately modified into a command center.

"Miser, how’s the situation?"

Deep within the command center, Centaur Sofia stood quietly before a huge sand table constructed of luminous filaments and pure crystals.

The Devil Merchant controlled his "puppet" and shrugged: "As you see, debugging is complete, and this test had no issues."

That special sand table differed from the shoddy mortal items used by common folks, and unlike the meticulously crafted whetstones by mages.

This sand table was alive.

Those various colored filaments perfectly recreated the miniature landscape of Elda Territory and surrounding areas; personnel above even changed positions dynamically, updating changes in real time.

Sofia’s human body wore light yet sturdy leather armor, outlining her agile and power-filled physique, while her horse body was draped with a layer of battle armor.

Her expression was calm as though coated with the icy peaks of snow-covered mountains; her light-colored eyes held no emotional fluctuations, only pure rationality.

"The target has entered the ’fungal carpet’ perimeter zone three."