Ex rank talent Awakening: 100\% Dodge rate-Chapter 192 - : DEMON WAVE IV

The Emperor observed the battle calmly, with most of his attention on Brian and Elizabeth. He had noticed the change in the knights' attitude toward his daughter. At first, they all treated her like an enemy, giving her the eyes of a traitor. But the dynamics soon shifted—from seeing her as a traitor to someone they respected and trusted.

"Have you discovered who's spreading those rumours?" Emperor Augustus asked.

"No, my lord. The man behind it is skilled at covering his tracks. We have been unable to capture him despite all our efforts," General Harold explained, shame on his face for the disappointing result.

"We need to put a stop to it, or the knights will slowly start believing it, tying our hands in capturing the traitors," Emperor Augustus said. His face remained calm, so neutral you'd think he wasn't discussing a pressing matter.

"Yes, my lord," General Harold replied, silently swearing to himself to bring results.

Marquis Alexander, in his armor and standing atop the castle wall, wore a pleased smile on his face.

I believe the queen's mate will be pleased with how well I'm executing his plan. I must thank the ice princess, though—her presence here made my job all the easier, Marquis Alexander thought to himself, proud of his accomplishment.

---

[Second demon wave over]

[Prepare for the third demon wave]

"Hah, this is beginning to take a toll on me. I think I'm getting tired," Stagnant Water said, his breathing no longer as rhythmic as when he'd started. Everyone was slowly wearing out after just the second wave—magicians downing magic potions, knights and warriors chugging regeneration brews.

"Tsk, wish I could be like you," Stagnant Water said to Brian, who showed not a single sign of fatigue.

"Harold, tell the commander in charge to have the knights around Brian pull back and attack demons in other locations. I want the traitor to face more enemies," the Emperor instructed, having noticed the lack of exhaustion on Brian's face—not even heavy breathing.

"Yes, my lord," Commander Harold bowed his head and moved toward the commander to relay the Emperor's instructions.

---

[The third demon wave begins now]

The third demon wave finally began—but it was unlike the first and second waves. Unlike the previous swarms of mostly mindless, instinct-driven demonic beasts, this wave consisted of level twenty demons and players within the level 20–30 range.

They attacked with tactics and coordination. Long-range attacks did little damage as tankers protected their lines. Once more, the short-range fighters pushed through the gate to stop the demons from reaching the castle walls.

But unlike the previous waves—with few casualties and injuries—this wave proved significantly harder. Players and knights fell under the calculated strikes of demon-aligned players and monsters. The wounded were dragged back by their comrades to receive treatment inside the castle.

"Healers! Quickly! Attend to him!"

"Who's helping this guy?! He's bleeding out!"

"Where are the healers?! Are there no healers around?!"

The healing unit fell into disarray. The number of injured far exceeded the available healers, leaving them critically understaffed.

Brian fought bravely—one of the few easing the general burden for everyone else. He drew attention and enemies toward himself, giving others a chance to breathe. Yet despite all of that, he remained untouched. No demon or player managed to land a single blow. It felt as though he knew every move before it happened.

He blocked claws, cut, stabbed, and dodged with minimal effort. With his boundless stamina, there was no fear of exhaustion or fatigue clouding his judgment. He fought with the same unwavering intensity he had from the beginning, while everyone else was already running out of steam.

---

[Third demon wave completed!]

[Prepare for the fourth one]

"What are the numbers looking like?" the commander asked.

"We've lost 10% of our forces during this wave. Ten percent of our long-rangers can no longer shoot arrows or cast spells. Some of the magicians have already run out of mana and mana regeneration potions. As for the short-rangers, 30% of them have fallen back from fatigue and are temporarily unable to continue," his vice-commander said grimly, delivering the bad news.

The commander clenched his fists. Whatever the report, it was grim.

"How many waves are left? Just how long can we hold on?" he asked himself, the thought of failure one he dared not imagine.

"General Harold," the vice-commander said, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Commander, I wish to speak with you," General Harold said, offering a courteous greeting. The war commander returned the gesture.

"What brings you here, General?" the commander asked. "If it's to join the battle, then I must plead for your patience. We can still hold out. I want you and the others fresh for when you are truly needed."

"No, I didn't come for that. I trust your strategy, Commander, and will wait until my assistance is requested. I came to relay the Emperor's command," Commander Harold said, briefly glancing at the vice-commander.

The vice-commander, understanding the message in that look, excused himself and left them to talk in private.

"So, Commander Harold, what is it you wish to relay?" the war commander asked, curious to hear the Emperor's latest order.

"The Emperor wants you to keep your knights and short-rangers from leaving the castle wall this time. Let only the foreigners partake in the next wave. The ice princess should also be prevented from leaving—but in a way that she doesn't notice, nor the foreigners sticking with her," Commander Harold explained.

The war commander's eyes widened in disbelief. The Emperor's order shook him to the core.

"Commander Harold, are you sure this is what the Emperor wishes? This could lead to great losses. If I follow through with this, our empire might fall to the demons," he said seriously. freēwēbnovel.com

"Indeed, it is the Emperor's decision. The blame will not fall upon you," Commander Harold nodded, reaffirming his words.

"Very well then. I will obey the Emperor's demand," the war commander said at last, prompting a smile to appear on Commander Harold's face.