"BASTARD! I'LL KILL YOU!" A resounding feminine voice echoed from within the clouds, hidden from view as she gathered more Vylkr-infested clouds, firing down frightening sky-splitting lightning and thunder on Aegis of the Arctic Deity.

The remnants of her attacks struck against the Primordial energy barrier, tearing the atmosphere around it and causing the ascending territory to slow down even further.

.........

Outside the Vylkr Veil Phenomenon stood 260 individuals divided into 10 squads, each with thirteen members. These squads comprised three distinct races: succubus, incubus, and Orges.

The succubi and the incubi possessed distinct bodies ranging from a muscular yet voluptuous physique with curves accentuated by their toned muscles and sensuality to a leaner, athletic build, with toned muscles and a lean, sinewy frame, muscles defined and well-toned that rippled beneath their skin.

All of them were adorned in revealing armour crafted from sleek leather and gleaming metal, tailored to enhance their seductive appeal while offering protection and freedom of movement.

Meanwhile, the Orges among them, both men and women, boasted massive physiques that spoke volumes about their strength and resilience. Some had bulkier frames, showcasing raw power, while others possessed leaner, more streamlined builds that misrepresented their immense strength.

They were all dressed in armour forged from rugged leather and sturdy metal, designed for maximum protection with thick plates and reinforced padding.

They were the 1st Unit Vanguard Team of the 'Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise' Runaway City. Despite their diverse appearances, they all shared one common feature: thick metal bracelets adorning their wrists. They also wielded massive Gearweaver weapons, with the Gearweaver sword being the most prevalent choice among them.

As others dealt with the relentless Vylkr vines, which seemed to have gained more vigour with the emergence of the Vylkr Vine Phenomenon, encroaching towards their direction, they observed the thick Vylkr Veil Phenomenon before them.

It obscured their vision, preventing them from seeing what was transpiring inside. However, the ear-splitting thunder and lightning tearing the skies above it and the violently trembling ground beneath their feet indicated the intensity of the situation within.

They all wore solemn expressions, sharing an understanding that whatever was happening inside was beyond what they could handle.

Suddenly, a booming voice resonated across the area.

"REMEMBER, EVEN IF WE CAN'T ENTER THE VYLKR VEIL PHENOMENON, MAKE SURE NO ONE FROM THE SLEEPING FOX RUNAWAY CITY GETS THROUGH! IS THAT CLEAR?" shouted a voluptuous, brown-skinned succubus.

She was dressed in seductive leather and metal-plated armour that barely covered her ample cleavage but securely protected her arms and body. She wore a leather-like mini skirt around her waist and a garter belt-like undergarment underneath it.

A Gearweaver spear, about 1.8 meters (5.9 ft) long, was strapped to her back as she scanned her surroundings with a stoic expression, ensuring everyone heard and understood her orders.

"YES, CAPTAIN!" they responded in unison, their voices echoing loudly through the area.

"Alright! Let's start securing the surroundings until the Vykr veil phenomenon dies down. Then we can advance and search for the item!" announced the Captain of the 1st Unit Vanguard team of the Wanderlust Traveling Tortoise Runaway City.

They all nodded and began to spread out, each squad patrolling the border of the Vykr veil phenomenon.

"Captain, I don't know why, but my instincts are screaming at me to get out of here with each passing second," a gruff voice sounded from one of the gods' chosen Ogres beside her.

He had thick green skin and wore heavy leather and metal armour covering his upper body, upper legs, and forearms. His right arm had a full metal-plated shoulder guard. Two well-

groomed tusks protruded from both sides of his lower jaw. His expression was clouded with worry as he awaited the Captain's response.

"It's not just you, Azarok. My instincts are screaming, too, as if urging me to run not as far as I can and not look back. With the recent earth-shaking tremors now subsiding, the deafening thunder above, and the tense air around us, I'm inclined to trust those instincts."

"But we can't leave until we secure the Divine artefact from either Patriarch Rylan or the 2nd Unit Vanguard team Captain of 'The Sleeping Fox Runaway City,' Captain Seig, along with his lieutenant, Evadne. That is, if they haven't turned into corpses by now," the Captain replied, folding her arms to steady her slightly trembling figure. She focused on the Vykr veil phenomenon before returning to Azarok, her lieutenant.

Azarok nodded thoughtfully. "It's impressive they've come this far on their own, considering the challenges and the intel we've gathered," he remarked, his gaze fixed on the Vykr veil phenomenon.

"But it's hard to overlook how 'The Sleeping Fox' Runaway City stupidly lost one of their best gods' chosen due to politics," he added, a hint of disdain in his expression.

"The story surrounding this is quite fascinating," the Captain responded, glancing at the corpses left along their path.

"Surviving this Vykr veil phenomenon would be a feat in itself. If they manage that, I might even offer them the opportunity to join our forces at the Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise Runaway City. I doubt the Queen or the Inner Circle would object. However, we'll have to wait until the Vykr veil phenomenon clears before we can make any decisions," she added, glancing at the immense figure of the Sleeping Fox Runaway City in the distance before returning to their immediate surroundings.

Azarok hummed, nodding in understanding.

............

Village Chief's Compound

Flashes of deafening thunder and lightning continued to pour down against Aegis of the Arctic Deity, accompanied by a downpour of swirling ice hail that appeared out of the Primordial barrier before vanishing into thin air upon contact.

Aegis of the Arctic Deity managed to dodge some of these attacks. Still, it was clear that his recent battle had weakened him significantly, leaving him unable to defend himself adequately or retaliate against his assailant. The Vylkr energy had already consumed half of his body, leaving only his right side and upper right leg intact.

"Isn't there anything we can do?" Orion questioned, clenching his jaws and fists in frustration.