Ascension of the Mortal God

Chapter 31: The Thunderborn Approaches

The dawn before battle was unnervingly quiet. A thick mist clung to Shadowpass Gorge, shrouding the towering cliffs and jagged rock formations that loomed over the narrow pathway. The rebels moved like shadows, setting up their traps—oil-soaked logs, hidden pits, and boulders waiting to be unleashed.

Kael stood atop a ledge, his sharp eyes scanning the distant road. Oric, the Thunderborn and his hundred divine warriors would be here soon. This battle would decide whether the rebellion lived or died.

Darius cracked his knuckles. "If this works, we'll cut their forces in half before they even realize they're under attack."

Selene, crouched nearby, adjusted the fletching on her arrows. "And if it doesn't, we'll be facing divine warriors head-on."

Varian emerged from the shadows, his expression unreadable. "They're coming."

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The Arrival of the Gods' Forces

The sound of armored footsteps echoed through the gorge as the enemy forces arrived. One hundred divine warriors, each clad in silver-plated armor inscribed with celestial runes. Their presence alone seemed to charge the air with divine energy.

Leading them was Oric, the Thunderborn.

He was a towering figure, nearly seven feet tall, his body wreathed in flickering arcs of lightning. His armor bore the scars of countless battles, and his massive warhammer crackled with divine power.

Kael narrowed his eyes. This was no ordinary foe.

Oric's booming voice carried through the gorge. "Come out, rebels. Face your judgment."

His warriors advanced, shields raised, marching with disciplined precision. They didn't fear an ambush—they expected one.

But they didn't know where it would come from.

Kael raised his hand. The signal was given.

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The Ambush

The gorge exploded into chaos.

Boulders tumbled down from above, crushing divine warriors beneath tons of stone. Arrows rained from the cliffs, piercing through the weak spots in their armor. Fires erupted, engulfing the narrow path in flames.

Screams of pain echoed as the divine warriors broke formation, struggling to fight back against an enemy they couldn't see.

Darius roared, leading the charge from the side. His warhammer slammed into a stunned warrior, sending him crashing into another. The rebels followed, striking swiftly and retreating before the enemy could react.

Selene loosed arrow after arrow, picking off targets with deadly precision.

Varian moved like a ghost, cutting throats before slipping back into the shadows.

The gods' forces were falling apart.

Then, the air shook with a thunderous roar.

Lightning flashed, and a surge of divine energy tore through the battlefield.

Oric had joined the fight.

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The Wrath of a Champion

Kael barely had time to react before a bolt of lightning struck the ground before him, sending him tumbling backward. He rolled to his feet just in time to see Oric charging straight at him.

The divine champion moved like a storm, his warhammer leaving trails of lightning with every swing. Kael dodged the first strike, but the second sent a shockwave through the ground, knocking him back.

"You thought an ambush would be enough?" Oric growled, his voice like rolling thunder. "I am the gods' fury made flesh. You will kneel."

Kael spat blood and raised his sword. "I don't kneel."

Oric smirked. "Then you die."

With a roar, he brought his warhammer down.

Kael raised his blade to meet the strike, knowing this battle had only just begun.

To be continued…