[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ember-dragon":3,"chapter-ember-dragon-ember-dragon-chapter-534":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Ember Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1162656,1504,"Chapter 534: Brutality","ember-dragon-chapter-534",534,"\u003Cp>Chapter 534: Brutality\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ashen Dragonflight! Encircle that demon!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roar—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Imperial officer’s command, over a hundred wyverns shrieked and flapped their wings furiously, attacking the Balor from all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Die! You dare insult my master!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White Dragon Tiniya flew among the wyverns, her frost-white wings spread wide as she pounced with claws bared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Foolish reptiles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo merely growled, looking at the encroaching dragons with disdain as he slowly opened his maw, from which white smoke and flames spewed forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twisted whispers, despairing wails, and frenzied screams surged forth simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These chaotic voices echoed across the sky, sending shudders down the spines of all who heard them—this was the Abyssal Murmur, the blasphemous whisper of the damned!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blasphemous Speech!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, hundreds of wyverns threw their heads back, shaking violently as they howled in agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They flailed their wings erratically, desperately trying to stay airborne, but under the influence of this terrifying voice, many lost consciousness and plummeted from the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, what... what is this?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiniya wobbled in the air, her expression twisted in pain, her fangs clenched so tightly they nearly cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, she too lost control, her massive body crashing into a nearby hillside, sending debris flying in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Charge! Dragon Roar Charge!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several Crimson Scaled Conquerors spiraled through the sky, cutting through the tempest as they dove toward the Balor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Crimson Scaled Conquerors?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"More annoying flies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive demon merely lifted his gaze slightly before raising his crackling storm greatsword and swinging it casually downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thick, arm-sized lightning bolts crashed down from the heavens, their blinding radiance consuming the wyvern riders in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, charred, smoking husks tumbled from the sky, their forms fused together beyond recognition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Monster Immobilization!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Purification Arrow!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Crown of Stars!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of Imperial spellcasters raised their staves simultaneously, unleashing a barrage of anti-demon spells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brilliant magical light flooded the sky—globes of light, radiant beams, holy flames, and chains, hundreds of spells streaking toward the Balor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, magical targeting beacons illuminated the demon’s position, allowing the Imperial artillery corps to lock onto him for bombardment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whistle—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a shrill cry, armor-piercing shells, high-explosive rounds, and thermobaric bombs rained down in a terrifying volley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their trajectories crisscrossed in the sky, forming a lethal convergence point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom! Boom! Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Explosions erupted skyward, fire and magical light intertwining into a radiant inferno.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive mushroom cloud billowed upward, searing winds scouring the battlefield, while shockwaves shook the earth, thick smoke obscuring the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imperial soldiers, officers, and spellcasters gazed upward anxiously at the rolling clouds of smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it dead?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it over?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, it has to be! No creature could survive an explosion like that!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By Cassius... a monster like that shouldn’t even exist.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imperial warriors remained shaken, many still feeling their knees weaken beneath them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the Balor’s oppressive presence had been suffocating. The Empire’s proud war machines had seemed utterly powerless before this nightmare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just a few short minutes, the Balor had inflicted tens of thousands of casualties, destroyed a dozen steam tanks, and slain several land drakes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lonely as Snow gazed at the sky-blackening smoke, mumbling, \"Something’s not right... According to the ’no corpse, no kill’ rule...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, a low chuckle echoed from above, growing louder and louder until it became a full-blown manic laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahahahaha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pathetic spells, laughable toys—is this the best you can do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smoke swirled violently, and a massive black shadow emerged, revealing itself—crimson skin, a towering infernal body, twisted horns—the Balor stood unscathed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pitch-black aura coated his form, turbulent Abyssal energy coursing over its surface, effortlessly nullifying all magic and explosions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo continued laughing wildly, his massive wings sending waves of heat rolling across the battlefield as he hovered above, gazing down at the Imperial forces, reveling in his power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you see?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the might of the Abyss! And you—are not worthy to stand against me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Death—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a thunderous bellow, the Balor flapped his wings and swung his storm greatsword skyward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunder rumbled across the wasteland as a raging lightning storm consumed the heavens, instantly vaporizing over a hundred wyverns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Destruction—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He roared again, slashing his flaming whip across the battlefield, carving deep, jagged chasms into the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flood of Abyssal fire erupted across the land, incinerating thousands of Imperial soldiers and Starfall players alike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Balor continued his advance, explosions and flames trailing his path, obliterating everything before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raising his weapons high, he entwined his fire whip around his storm greatsword, gathering immense power in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Vengeance—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Balor roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this devastating strike landed, the Empire’s Wall could very well be annihilated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahahahaha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These mortals are finished!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We will slaughter them all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon horde cheered wildly, eyes filled with either zeal, envy, or resentment as they watched their infernal champion above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Power—absolute power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Abyss, it was the only thing that mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demons surged forward relentlessly, launching another all-out assault. They could already see the walls crumbling, the cities reduced to rubble, blood painting the streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was their paradise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Dragon Lord reigns above all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dragon-Oath Paladins, the time to prove your loyalty is now! Hold back this blasphemous demon!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thunderous battle cry rang out, followed by the synchronized marching of disciplined warriors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clad in crimson-gold armor, wielding massive shields, the paladins stepped forth to confront the Balor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo looked down at the steadfast paladins, his hoarse voice rasping from his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh heh... Dragon-Oath Paladins, the loyal hounds of that red dragon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo still remembered—years ago, when he was still a mortal, it was these very subordinates of the accursed dragon that annihilated the Lionheart Knights, the foundation of his pride and power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Balor’s eyes burned with profound hatred, fury erupting from his murky pupils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But who gave you the audacity—to stand before me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flapped his massive wings, raising his storm greatsword high, descending with a terrifying, bone-chilling pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anthony gripped his lance tightly, its banner fluttering, raising his greatshield high as he shouted, \"Dragonblood Chains! Hold the line!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, blazing Dragonblood Chains linked the hundred Dragon-Oath Paladins together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames imbued with the Red Dragon’s power surged through the chains, a fiery aura enveloping them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that moment, they stood like a fortress of crimson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every Dragon-Oath Paladin raised their greatshields, standing their ground, ready to face the Balor’s devastating impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunder roared across the battlefield, wrist-thick lightning bolts crashing from the sky, striking the raised greatshields.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arcs of electricity crackled between them, yet the Dragon-Oath Paladins gritted their teeth and held their ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, the Balor swung his nearly ten-meter-long storm greatsword downward, unleashing a slash infused with boundless lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For the Dragon Lord!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anthony braced himself at the forefront, his Dragonblood Chains radiating with intense flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the storm slash made contact, Anthony and the elite paladins beside him were sent flying backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ferocious lightning storm erupted around them, blinding arcs dancing across the armor of the Dragon-Oath Paladins, leaving deep scorch marks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, by sharing the burden of the impact, all one hundred and fifty warriors had miraculously withstood the devastating strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Impossible?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Balor was momentarily stunned—how could mere mortals withstand his blade?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Leo quickly sneered, raising his right hand. The fire whip cracked against the ground, its sharp snap echoing through the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Crack!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lucky, but pitiful fools. You survived one strike—can you survive a second?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anthony drew the longsword that symbolized the authority of the Dragon-Oath Hall, his voice hoarse with fury as crimson dragon scales emerged on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With iron will, we uphold order—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Dragon Lord above all—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For the Ember King!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every Dragon-Oath Paladin raised their weapons high, shouting the vows they once swore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath their heavy helmets, their eyes gleamed with unwavering faith, bordering on fanaticism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roar—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep, ancient roar echoed across the wasteland, reverberating through the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above the formation, swirling flames gathered, coalescing into the shape of a dragon. Its ethereal wings spread wide, its golden eyes gazing down upon the Balor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the Dragon Lord Descended!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leo lifted his head, his grotesque face momentarily contorted with fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cassius...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, that wasn’t right! It was only an illusion! Did they think a mere projection of that wretched lizard could intimidate him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damnable mortals!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Balor shook his head violently, snapping out of it before bellowing in furious rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anthony lifted his flaming greatsword high, channeling the will of the Dragon-Oath Paladins, his voice steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Attack! The Dragon Lord has granted us invincible power!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blazing dragon projection let out a deafening roar, flapping its massive wings, surging toward the demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think—this will stop me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll destroy this pathetic mirage first, then I’ll slay its true body!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Balor roared, charging forward with his storm greatsword and fire whip, unleashing a storm of searing flames and crackling lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Red Dragon’s projection let out a thunderous bellow, its maw acting like a vortex, absorbing all the fire and lightning into itself, its form growing larger and more solid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It exhaled black smoke, purging the Abyssal impurities from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Dragon Lord Descended]—the Red Dragon Avatar inherited part of the Ember Emperor’s power, functioning as his embodiment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the master of the elements, both lightning and fire only strengthened it further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Balor’s face twisted in fury as he shot into the air, swinging his storm greatsword toward the Red Dragon Avatar’s throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Avatar swiftly beat its wings, retreating several meters in an instant, easily evading the strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roar!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, it dived down, raking its burning claws into the Balor’s shoulders, locking into a fierce aerial grapple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Balor struggled violently, flapping his wings and swinging his weapons, eventually breaking free from the melee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damnable mortals!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll slaughter you all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Leo changed tactics—he bypassed the Red Dragon Avatar and targeted its summoners directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a roar of thunder, the Balor dove from the skies, storm greatsword raised high, surging toward the Dragon-Oath Paladin formation, its blade gleaming with lethal lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could slay these troublesome mortals and destroy the Red Dragon’s army, all his obstacles would vanish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his ambitions were shattered once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roar—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blast of frost shot toward him, instantly freezing half of his wing solid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A towering silver dragon soared from the horizon, its massive wings slicing through the sky, its maw exhaling an intensely frigid breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Balor ignited his flames, melting the frost, stabilizing himself midair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the next moment, spatial ripples flared—behind him, a massive ogre mage materialized, gripping a mithril staff, aiming it directly at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Langpu wasted no time, casting the spell he had long prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greater Demon Binding!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crimson ray shot from his staff, striking the Balor, intricate runes forming an imprisoning cage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glowing chains erupted from the ground, snaking around the Balor’s massive frame, locking him in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Balor was immobilized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—The Empire’s spellcasters had been waiting for this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Langpu urgently shouted, \"Now! This demon is too powerful—I can’t hold him for long!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames crackled, fire portals ripping open in the sky. Several Dragonbound Sorcerers emerged, their golden eyes gleaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misha locked eyes on the restrained Balor, her golden irises burning with searing hatred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragonbound Sorcerers chanted in unison, channeling their energies into her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leo Bosk...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You serve the Vengeance Demons—then prepare—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fiery dragon wings unfurled from Misha’s back, her crimson hair dancing wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To face my vengeance!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She raised her palm, gathering blinding radiance as brilliant as the sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom—\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1926,"2026-06-03T12:47:13.304Z","2026-06-03T12:47:20.796Z",1,"novelbin.me","0bb00a71e6e3945b002dcc41ed406458edfa117f34df7f535b1d2a54f046a74b","ember-dragon-chapter-535","ember-dragon-chapter-533",603,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fember-dragon-cover.jpg"]