[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ember-dragon":3,"chapter-ember-dragon-ember-dragon-chapter-576":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},1162785,1504,"Chapter 576: The Dragon’s Disruption","ember-dragon-chapter-576",576,"\u003Cp>Chapter 576: The Dragon’s Disruption\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From hundreds of paces away, orc cavalry threw javelins and fired arrows at the heavy \"iron cans.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clang! Clang! Clang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crisp metallic sounds rang out as arrows bounced harmlessly off the dwarves’ fine armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were the Highland Kingdom’s elite cavalry—even their goats wore thick armor. Ordinary arrows couldn’t penetrate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarven heavy cavalry did not retaliate. They silently gripped their warhammers, heads down, charging—waiting for close combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the dwarven steel tide collided with the wild surge of orc warg riders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Crush these dwarves!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Slaughter these tusked freaks!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orc cavalry wore light leather armor for scouting—some even bare-chested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But dwarves wore heavy iron armor and wielded warhammers, their impact far surpassing that of the orcs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With one clash, hundreds of orc riders were smashed by leaping goats, their wargs trampled beneath iron hooves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarves, like a steel wall, pushed forward, crushing all orcs before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Crush them!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd raised his warhammer and brought it crashing down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground quaked, blood and shattered armor flew, and orcs and wargs howled as they were flung back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Orcs!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve picked the wrong enemy! We shield dwarves of the Highland Kingdom—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd swung his warhammer again, drawing arcs through the air. A powerful gale surged, whipping up dust into a fearsome sandstorm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Help!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By Gruumsh, what is this?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of orcs and wargs were swept into the air, screaming and struggling, unable to escape the storm’s grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their broken armor, loose scimitars, and javelins flew about in the whirlwind, cutting through orc flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We willneverbow to filthy orcs! Never!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd roared, slamming down his warhammer. Everything suspended—orc, warg, and debris—plummeted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sharp stones rained like swords, pinning the orcs to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarven heavy cavalry pressed like a great hammer, smashing a massive gap in the orc formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there were only five hundred dwarves, while orc warg riders numbered nearly ten thousand, not to mention the countless irregular forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the dwarves’ charge slowed; their goats tired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Often dozens of orcs surrounded a few dwarves. Though they fought fiercely, the odds were overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the finest gear and strength faltered under such numbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Horns blared, wargs howled. Orc cavalry harassed from all directions, splitting and surrounding the dwarves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Filthy tuskers... there’s just too many! Which way is the Avenderdan wall? Damn this dust—I can’t see!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dwarf held his warhammer, gritting his teeth, eyes scanning frantically. His goat skittered nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wargs ran circles in the dust, black shadows weaving through the storm, confusing the dwarves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a great shadow descended. The dwarf couldn’t even turn in time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Swish—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bloodstained double-headed axe flashed. The dwarf felt a chill—his head flew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His goat cried in panic and tried to flee but was cleaved in half by the whirling axe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The goat dragged its front half, wailing, its severed torso spilling guts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dwarven heavy cavalry... is that all?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk opened his hand, and the axe spun back, landing neatly in his grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His black warg licked up the warm blood, growling with pleasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another tremor shook the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk turned toward the sound, face darkening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dwarf wielded a warhammer—dozens of orcs flew, smashed into paste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Edd Clyne, ruler of the Highland Kingdom, King of the shield dwarves. A troublesome foe. But—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk’s voice was low, but a wild smile stretched his tusked face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s worthy. His head will be my perfect offering to Father.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gruumsh, god of endless war and conquest—his followers lived by his will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orcs had no word for \"peace\"—only a guttural curse meaning \"temporary ceasefire.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dwarf! I will take your head and offer it to Gruumsh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk laughed madly, charging atop his black warg, his lone eye glowing red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd noticed the orc champion, turning solemn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As king, he knew of Gruumsh’s favored—a deadly kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s... Gruumsh’s Eye.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd didn’t move rashly. He tightened his grip on the hammer, ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Awooo—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warg howled and leapt; Monk raised his axe overhead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd stared calmly as the axe fell and lifted his warhammer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rocks burst upward—sharp spikes impaled the warg, blood and guts spilling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd’s hammer blocked the axe with a sharp clang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dwarf! Your fortress will fall! Your kingdom will be ours! Your people will be our slaves!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk’s eye burned crimson. He rained axe strikes like a storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even gods won’t save you! This is Gruumsh’s power!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veins bulged, breath foul, Monk poured strength into his axe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clash sent a shockwave outward, dust swirling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the hammer held—and Edd did not step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, you’re wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind his mask, Edd’s eyes were ice. His voice, resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even alone, without the gods—we shield dwarves will drive you north!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This I swear to my people!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd shouted, swinging mightily. His small frame exploded with power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk couldn’t react. His axe flew, blood spraying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force traveled through the shaft, knocking him back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midair, Monk saw a vision—himself impaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not good!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He twisted in the air with brute strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stone spikes shot up, grazing his chest instead of piercing his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd followed up, hammer raised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk raised his axe to block.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground quaked, dust filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it cleared—a ten-meter crater. At its center, battle raged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd pressed down with his hammer, yellow light glowing—divine dwarven power!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Filthy orc! You don’t deserve life!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk lay beneath, blood at his lips, face twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hands trembled, axe shaft nearly bent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh... dwarf...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk grinned. \"Look at me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd glanced—red light flared in the lone eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A trap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chaos surged into Edd’s mind, a blood-soaked beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bzzz—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A piercing buzz. He saw hills of dwarf and elf corpses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Atop them—a towering orc, his lone eye gleaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gruumsh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ever-Watchful One—One-Eyed God!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Edd trembled. Fear gripped his soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He faltered—Monk pushed the hammer aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Die!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a mad grin, Monk’s axe streaked toward Edd’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clang—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk froze. The ancestral dwarven helm blocked it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A phantom appeared: a broad-chested male dwarf, stone-like hair and beard, earthy skin, silver flame eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spirit shielded Edd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dumathoin—child of Moradin, god of shield dwarves!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd wore the sacred heirloom armor—Earthvault!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the helm now had a crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd gasped, staring at his god, then at Monk, his eyes blazing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Filthy orc! Your tricks mean nothing to dwarves! Meet Gruumsh in death!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lunged, hammer aimed at Monk’s heart, but Monk predicted every strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hammer clashed again and again. Monk dodged, barely keeping up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Crack!\" Monk’s axe finally shattered, fragments flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd leapt, hammer high, stone spikes rose—trapping Monk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earth shook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd’s hammer crushed Monk’s chest, shattering his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk lay dying, body torn, silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had once gouged his own eye in silence—now he died the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk Broken-Body was dying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd pulled out the hammer, stared into Monk’s eye. \"This strike—for my people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk laughed, coughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha... cough... dwarf, you’re strong. But do you really think you’ll win this war?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd looked around—his heavy cavalry lay dead. The battle had turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orcs swarmed the wall, climbing like ants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They fought the dwarves on the parapets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk’s plan! He stalled Edd to buy time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No! Avenderdan must not fall!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd paled, sweating, muttering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will... live in Father’s kingdom! You and your people—orc slaves forever!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk sneered one last time, shouted, and died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd clenched his hammer. Stones gathered into boulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s still a chance!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he gave his all, he could turn the tide!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cower before the Sleepless One—tremble!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A raspy voice spoke. Shamans surrounded Edd, chanting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White bone staves emitted dark fog, forming chains—binding Edd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gruumsh again...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweat poured from Edd. Gruumsh’s image loomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gritted his teeth until blood seeped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Moradin... Must the Highland Kingdom’s legacy end with me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky darkened, terrifying visions filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orcs surged up the wall, guards fell. Even Edd felt despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who could save them now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—a piercing roar echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roooar—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All looked up. A massive golden dragon appeared on the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It glided through the air like a wave, jaws glowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a crackling blast, flames erupted, tearing through the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gold dragon?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing its golden scales, Edd’s eyes lit up—hope returned.\u003C\u002Fp>",1359,"2026-06-03T12:47:18.890Z","2026-06-03T12:47:22.748Z",1,"novelbin.me","8a279d8975935c18246c9c7ca754fa632bcb14c37b947244314c5017ef51c896","ember-dragon-chapter-577","ember-dragon-chapter-575",603,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fember-dragon-cover.jpg"]