Chapter 623: Deep Winter War: The Avatars (two) (1/2)

Nix bent low over the Arctic Slayer's back as it dodged through the raptors that fell from the sky like rain. Smoke and ash filled the sky while thousands of arrows were shot into the blood raptors. The battle for the air above Lake Bachoni was heating up.

/Dagger: Nix: Shit... Watch out for friendly fire!

Khione stood next to her General, her long white staff held in one hand as she met the gaze of her enemy. She sent a quick communication to her Haven Operative and stood her ground. ”We are losing the air battle; move to stage three.”

”Right away, Goddess.”

[Shapeshifter Vorn has shared his bloodline: Ice Arachni]

The thousands of dead raptors that littered the frozen lake suddenly vanished while their comrades that were still airborne glided safely to the ground before morphing into their new form.

/Alpha: Semmi: FAJII!

Nix looked up at the shouted warning; the Scorched Earth Mage had been flying overhead when she was completely enveloped by a shooting web. Immediately Del changed directions and closed on Fajii.

/Inferno: Nix: Careful! They can use their webbing to ground fliers!

/Dagger: Semmi: Get to the ground now.

Nix leaped free of Del and caught Fajii before she slammed into the ground, the force of her weight causing him to drop to his knees. The webbing that bound her melted away at his touch. ”You okay?”

Fajii hugged him close for a moment before releasing her grip. ”I think so; thank you, Nix.”

Nix supported her until she had her feet under her again and then promptly headed toward their target. Still holding hands with Fajii, he skidded to a stop when something large and white loomed in his path. Pushing her behind him, he equipped his bone hilts and pushed emerald fury blades into them. Then, without pausing, he struck.

[Double Thrust][Air Burst]

Combination Successful.

The ice arachnid screech when Nix's blades sunk hilt deep into the middle set of its eyes. A moment later, its head exploded apart, sending blood, bones, and brain in all directions.

An ice arachnid has been slain.

”Gross...” Nix spit out a mouthful of brain matter, scowling at Pon, who didn't bother to hid his amusement.

”Keep your mouth closed, noob.” Pon looked like his face might split in half from his wide grin. Then, an instant later, he collapsed to the ice, completely wrapped in webbing.

Seeing a white blur close on its captive, Nix did the only thing he could think of. He kicked the old man out of the way and slashed with his blades. The webbed figured was tossed into the air and landed near Del and Semmi, who immediately lent a hand.

/Dagger: Semmi: We'll free him. Kill that thing.

[First Strike][Execution: Advanced]

Combination Successful.

Nix has landed a Significant Strike.

Nix has landed a Critical Strike.

An Ice Arachnid has been stunned.

[Dual Chain][Air Express][Multi-Shot]

Ronnie has followed up Nix's Attack with a Significant Strike.

Ronnie has landed a Critical Strike.

Ronnie has landed a Mortal Strike.

Arrows wrapped in miniature wind tunnels slammed into the Ice Arachnid, blowing huge holes into the spider's body as it was tossed backward by the power of the Dark Archer's bow.

An Ice Arachnid has been slain.

Ronnie was floating gently a few meters off the ground, benefiting from her bond with Wilo, an enhanced Air Elemental. She favored Nix and Fajii with a smile. ”The three of us work well together.”

Fajii nodded in agreement before.

[Whisper: Nix to Fajii] You and Ronnie are friends?

[Whisper: Fajii to Nix] Yes. She is fascinating.

Nix laughed and took a quick account of the battlefield. The spiders were hard to deal with. Both the Titans and the Inferno Air Forces were susceptible to their web attacks. In addition, an army of CC creatures was formidable.

/Dagger: Nix: Continue toward our objective while I summon my friends.

Nix dropped his Rubicon on the ice while Del moved closer to guard him.

Nix has cast [Rat Army].

An endless stream of rats flowed out of the Rubicon; the skittering of sharp claws on ice filled the air as the brown-furred rodents quickly moved into three large formations. Then, three larger rats moved to the front of the formations, completely ignoring the vicious fighting that surrounded them. When the rats were finally done leaving the Rubicon, a singular rat exited, and Nix stored the Rubicon.

”Orders?” General, Pon the Magnificent saluted crisply. The rat stood upright, perhaps four feet tall. He summoned a protective sphere that immediately encircled him and rose into the air.

”These ice spiders are creating problems for us. Deal with them.” Nix watched as his General nodded and then floated away; he could hear that the rat leader was already barking orders.

********************

Zeryn searched the bodies of her former house members. As the strongest in the Greater House of Aquarion, they had been no match for her when she attacked without warning. Her left eye had grown inexplicably cold before turning crystal blue, the signal for her to escape imprisonment.