Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1654 -

Rein noticed the presence of numerous tall Elf elders amidst the Empire's high command, with the formidable Druid Grand Elder of the Elf Clan, Auburn Moonblade, at the forefront. It was evident the Elves were present to offer their support. Meanwhile, Goddess Matilda remained concealed in the distance, a strategic reserve.

"It appears the energy gained from devouring life previously has been depleted. This time, it needs to expand its reach further," Rein observed, a frown creasing his brow. He had previously acquired a comprehensive understanding of the Fiend Demon's combat methods through Goddess Matilda. The Fiend Demon's cultivation level was exceptionally high; even Goddess Matilda, a True God on par with the Sun God Throne, could not entirely annihilate the core of its malevolent Qi. As long as this core persisted, the evil Qi would gradually revive and intensify.

The sole solution lay in utilizing the second key of the Divine Artifact, the Time Key, to consume the evil Qi core. This was the very strategy Goddess Matilda had employed, expending her own lifespan to power the second key in consuming the evil Qi before sealing the remaining Fiend Demon. Consequently, despite achieving victory, Goddess Matilda's immense lifespan was significantly diminished.

Beyond the Fiend Demon's core, creatures afflicted by evil Qi could be dealt with depending on the concentration of the malevolent energy. Generally, Legendary Level creatures infected by evil Qi would suffer severe injuries when confronted with equivalent Fire Element energy. Epic-level Fire Element energy, however, could completely eradicate such afflictions. Yet, if the adversary presented as an Epic-level Fiend Demon with high-concentration evil Qi, the situation became exceedingly problematic. It seemed only Rein possessed the ability to resolve such a threat with ease. Even a wizard at the Dawn Late Stage would find it incredibly challenging to completely eliminate the corrupted Qi. This difficulty underscored why battles against Fiend Demons were so perilous; a single misstep leading to injury could render one highly susceptible to infection, and complete eradication was a daunting task...

Rein’s form shifted, reappearing beside the Red Queen Menia. "I have arrived," he stated. Upon Rein's appearance, a collective sigh of relief swept through everyone, from the Imperial Guardians to the elite soldiers aboard the Armed Airships. Their Demigod had finally made his presence known! The enemy was overwhelmingly powerful and terrifying, its colossal height of several hundred meters alone capable of instilling despair. Compared to it, even the mighty 'Red Dragon King' Straz appeared like a toddler next to an adult; the disparity was simply immense.

"Rein, the Fiend Demon's aura feels stronger this time," Menia remarked, her delicate brows knitting together. "Indeed, each time, it draws energy from the infected creatures."

"Speaking of which, hasn't the Floating City been repaired yet?"

"Not entirely, and even if it were fully repaired, it might not be suitable for engaging the Fiend Demon in battle."

"Oh?"

"Beneath the Floating City, another Fiend Demon is sealed. I harbor concerns..." Rein conveyed with gravity. In truth, neither Goddess Matilda nor he had fully discerned the connection between the airborne Fiend Demon and the one at Cologne Cathedral. Were they merely different manifestations of the same being, or distinct entities? Ancient, incomplete records suggested these malevolent beings were creations of a void overlord, entering this world at various intervals. A clear indicator was the nearly twenty-thousand-year temporal gap between the era of the Ancient Goblins and that of Goddess Matilda. Therefore, Rein leaned towards the belief that they were separate Fiend Demon entities.

However, the critical issue was their apparent ability to split, merge, and recombine at will. This implied that if an unforeseen circumstance enabled the two Fiend Demons to unite, Rein himself might be incapable of managing such a catastrophic event. Consequently, the Floating City continued to hover above the Shirendil Plateau, drawing upon abundant resources and the extensive workforce of the Mechanical Association for its ongoing repairs.

"I understand; that approach is certainly safer," Menia acknowledged with a nod. Suddenly, a powerful roar shattered their conversation.

"Roar!!!"

The Fiend Demon above Cologne Cathedral unleashed a deafening roar, a terrifying infernal sound that radiated outwards. Under its command, the infected creatures howled and shrieked towards the human alliance, seemingly preparing to launch an assault! Confronting the Fiend Demon's restless intentions, Menia first nodded to Rein, then utilized sound transmission witchcraft to issue orders: "I am Menia Dragon. Before me stands an army composed of the Empire, the Federation, and even the Elves, united against the Fiend Demon's invasion!"

"This scene is so familiar!"

"Just like ten thousand years ago, when Goddess Matilda led humanity and the various races against the Fiend Demon and the Evil God—it is remarkably similar."

"Fellow humans, we are all in this together. Faced with the cruel and heartless Fiend Demons, it's natural to feel fear."

"However, if you choose to turn and run now, you might escape by luck. But will you one day regret this cowardice?"

"Conversely, if you choose to stand your ground, even if you fall in battle, you can proudly declare that you fought bravely to protect your homes and loved ones! You can let the Fiend Demons know that we humans never surrender!"

"My friends, honor is on our side! I stand with you!!"

Menia's rousing speech before the battle was potent, striking every mind like a form of mental witchcraft, both overwhelming and invigorating.

Thousands, whether airborne or on the ground, irrespective of their standing or cultivation, pushed past their fear. They raised their weapons to the sky, roaring in unison:

"Honor is on our side!"

"Honor is on our side!"

...

Yet, the unified roar from the alliance only served to enrage the Fiend Demons even further!

The flying subordinates, with infected Giant Dragons at their core, plunged down like a torrent of darkness, surging towards the aerial forces of the alliance!

Meanwhile, on the ground, countless infected swarmed the alliance's ground fortifications, akin to a zombie horde. The intense battle commenced without delay!

...