While Byakuya focused on the demon Kurumit, he was also keeping an eye on Li Jiayi.
Unfortunately, neither of them appeared, but...
Rimuru had arrived!
A violent roar suddenly erupted on the battlefield, followed by a nearly transparent, colossal energy shield that enveloped a large area.
Then...
Boom!
Within the massive shield, a thunderous explosion occurred, and terrifying black flames detonated.
In an instant, swathes of pig-headed monsters were engulfed and incinerated by the black flames!
They had no power to resist!
"Who are you?"
Some pig-headed monsters looked back in terror. From the lingering smoke, figures slowly emerged.
"Hey, hey, hey, that really hurts my feelings. Didn't you devour our village? And now you say you don't recognize me."
Benimaru said as he walked out of the smoke, black ghost flames reappearing in his open palm.
"Those demon horns... are they survivors of the Ogre tribe? Why have they become like this? Have they evolved?"
"Who knows?"
Facing the pig-headed monsters' bewilderment, Benimaru threw the ghost flames in his hand forward again.
Boom!
Another explosive sound, and the colossal energy shield once again covered the battlefield. Immediately, black flames burned fiercely, instantly engulfing the pig-headed monsters.
On the other side, the other Oni also made their moves.
The elder Shiro leaped forward, his figure flashing to appear behind a dozen pig-headed monsters. Intersecting sword lights flashed, and those pig-headed monsters were all cut into pieces.
Shion charged forward, shouting loudly, then leaped high, smashing her greatsword downwards.
Clang!
The ground shattered, and a tremendous shockwave formed, spreading outwards in layers, sending the pig-headed monsters flying.
"Hmm?" Byakuya raised an eyebrow. "They've gotten stronger again."
Byakuya wasn't entirely sure about Benimaru and Shiro's strength, but he had more dealings with Shion and was clear about her power. When she was with him, Shion didn't have this much strength. While she could take down a dozen pig-headed monsters, she certainly couldn't do it with a single sword.
"As expected, Jura Great Forest and the Monster Country, this area has considerable potential for development."
Byakuya murmured, then looked into the distance.
Since the six capable generals under Rimuru, the Oni, had appeared, Rimuru should be here, right?
At the same time...
At the edge of the forest, the demon Kurumit stared at the crystal ball, his anger evident.
Because the crystal ball showed the scene of this great battle, and with the chosen ones and the Oni joining the fray, the pig-headed monsters began to retreat.
Then...
Suddenly, black tornadoes swept across the battlefield. Each tornado connected the heavens and the earth, incredibly terrifying. In an instant, they completely annihilated the surrounding pig-headed monsters!
Black Tempest Storm!
A wolf's howl echoed from the center of the battlefield.
Ranga, Rimuru's mount, roared upwards, his body then enveloped in radiance. His size instantly became even more immense, and his single horn on his forehead transformed into two!
Evolved!
With the battle, Ranga evolved into a Black Tempest Star Wolf!
This was the straw that broke the camel's back. The Black Tempest Star Wolf's control over wind currents was too terrifying. The dozen black tornadoes that rose from the ground were unstoppable, and thousands of pig-headed monsters were instantly annihilated.
"Damn it!"
Kurumit angrily threw the crystal ball to the ground, shattering it.
"This can't go on!" Kurumit said anxiously. "If this continues and the plan fails, that lord won't forgive me, absolutely not!"
Kurumit gritted his teeth, then shot up into the sky, transforming into a red light that ascended into the clouds.
Byakuya squatted on a low mountain, watching the spectacle.
Because the Pig-headed Emperor had arrived!
The Pig-headed Emperor was taller than any other pig-headed monster, wearing a helmet inlaid with jewels and wielding a cleaver.
In appearance, apart from being taller and more robust, the Pig-headed Emperor looked no different from an ordinary pig-headed monster.
But...
"Pig-headed Emperor!"
When enemies meet, their eyes burn with hatred!
Shion roared in fury and charged towards the Pig-headed Emperor, leaping high and bringing her greatsword down.
However...
Clang!
That seemingly imposing sword had no effect whatsoever before the Pig-headed Emperor. With a casual wave of his cleaver, he knocked Shion's greatsword aside, and the immense force sent Shion flying.
Shiro, one of the Oni, intervened at this moment, leaping forward and passing by the Pig-headed Emperor in an instant.
Silver sword light erupted in the air, and then...
Clang!
The Pig-headed Emperor stood there unmoving, while Shiro looked at his short sword in horror. It had broken into several pieces.
"As expected..." Byakuya murmured. "This guy is probably meant for Rimuru to deal with!"
Just then...
A red meteor streaked across the sky, drawing everyone's attention.
Boom!
The meteor that crossed the sky shattered a black tornado with a deafening roar, then plummeted downwards.
Rumble!
Upon impact, a second explosion occurred. The ground was smashed into a deep pit, and layers of shockwaves pushed outwards like a passing typhoon, forcing everyone nearby to instinctively raise their hands to shield themselves.
After a moment, Kurumit emerged from the dust, looking furious, and shouted around.
"You damned bastards, why did you ruin my plan?" Kurumit yelled, raising his staff. "All of you die and become food for the Pig-headed Emperor..."
The staff suddenly emitted a red glow.
"Today, I'll let you witness the might of a high-ranking demon," Kurumit shouted. "No one can stop the birth of a new Demon Lord!"
The red light suddenly exploded, transforming into countless red magic bullets that shot forward, precisely targeting Shion, who had been knocked down earlier.
Fear flashed in Shion's eyes, and she reached out to her side, only to find nothing. Her greatsword had been knocked away earlier!
As the magic bullets were about to fall...
Suddenly...
A figure descended from the sky!
Boom!
Accompanied by silver sword light, a terrifying blade slashed downwards. The moment the thunderous roar occurred, the magic bullets were instantly shattered!
Byakuya grinned, shouldering his sword and turning towards Shion.
The next instant, Byakuya smiled and said, "I will fight for those who cannot fight!"