Sovereign of the Ashes

Chapter 656: Centaurs

In terms of individual strength, Maya was on par with the Bamboo Leaf Dragonfly.

Maya was not an exceptionally powerful centaur.

Her constitution as a female creature meant that she did not possess the brute strength of her male demigod counterparts.

However, Maya excelled in flexibility and agility.

With her hooves treading lightly in the sky, her ethereal fighting style shone through every time she raised her longbow.

The Bamboo Leaf Dragonfly opposing her was the most vital and youthful of the demigods in the current generation of the Bamboo Leaf Dragonfly Clan because this generation had produced only one such individual, highlighting its exceptional talent and abilities.

Emerald, another demigod-level Bamboo Leaf Dragonfly nearing the end of its lifespan belonged to the previous generation.

The lifespan of a demigod-level Bamboo Leaf Dragonfly Clan was about two thousand years, further showcasing the rarity and gifted nature of those who achieve this status.

By contrast, the demigods of Magus World could live for around ten thousand years.

Their longevity provided more opportunities for these knights and mages to reach Rank Four, contributing to a vast base of demigod-level powerhouses.

This, in turn, resulted in Magus World’s divine towers and knightly orders numbering in the tens of thousands.

Magus World also boasted many demigods younger than two thousand years, far surpassing the solitary example in the Bamboo Leaf Dragonfly Clan.

These younger demigods, especially those of less than two thousand or even a thousand years old, were highly valued by the major divine towers and orders of the knights.

In fact, any knights or mages that could achieve the demigod status at a few hundred years old qualified for special support funds from the Magus Alliance.

Breaking through to demigod in less than a thousand years—with Magus World's heritage and advanced evolution system—almost guaranteed a promotion to Rank Four or beyond!

Sein, who advanced to Rank Two at less than a hundred years old, was also expected to reach demigod status within a thousand years.

At that point, his mentor, Lorianne, would likely apply for special support funding for him.

This funding was grant-based, requiring no repayment or interest.

Magus World had never been stingy with its investments in the brightest talents and top geniuses.

This policy was enacted by the Magus Alliance Conference in its early years and had been meticulously refined over multiple conferences to its current form.

This demigod-level Bamboo Leaf Dragonfly was considered the strongest combatant among this world’s dominant species.

However, it was only on par with the demigod centaur, Maya.

In the sky, the golden longbow in Maya’s hands created a meteor shower of golden arrows.

The demigod-level Bamboo Leaf Dragonfly managed to block Maya’s attacks but was unable to protect its clansmen.

Lacking a “divine weapon”, the apparent parity in power was merely temporary.

This demigod-level Bamboo Leaf Dragonfly, although well-trained, was akin to a flower raised in a greenhouse. Naturally, it could not match a seasoned warrior like Maya.

Despite being female, Maya had participated in numerous wars. Her extensive combat experience potentially tipped the scales in her favor for upcoming battles.

The fact that Lantz could temporarily match Maya might also stem from the suppressive laws of Verdant Leaf World, which affected Maya and her comrades.

Upon entering this world, Sein felt a constriction in his chest and struggled to adapt.

The ratio of air and elemental composition in this world was significantly different from that of Magus World, not to mention the other environmental disparities.

After briefly observing Maya’s battle, Sein’s gaze quickly shifted to the Rank Two centaur nearby.

Luna, a direct descendant of the royal centaur tribe and the future matriarch, was well-protected upon her arrival in Verdant Leaf World.

Positioned at the central rear of the centaur army, she was guarded by numerous centaurs and minotaurlings.

Ironically, the dense cluster of centaurs around her attracted a concentrated attack from Verdant Leaf World’s native creatures.

Tens of thousands of insect creatures from Verdant Leaf World surged toward her and scattered her guards.

At this moment, only about twenty centaurs remained around Luna within a hundred-meter radius, providing her with protection.

The relentless barrage of long-distance attacks had not ceased since Sein and the others entered this world.

The plant giants cultiavated by Lorianne that sprouted from the ground around them still required time to mature.

For now, Sein and his allies were left to endure the hostility from Verdant Leaf World’s native creatures.

Without hesitation, Sein flew straight toward Luna.

Recognizing her significant status and the role she played in uniting her people, Sein could not simply stand by and watch her fall.

Alongside him was Yuri, Sein’s loyal companion who never left his side, regardless of the circumstances.

As the swarms of indigenous creatures intensified, Gould and the others found themselves increasingly far away from Sein.

Yet, Yuri’s gaze remained fixed on Sein the entire time. Even after the mecha she piloted had sustained three consecutive hits from durians and pine needles, she made sure to stay close to him.

To her, Sein's life was even more important than her own.

Although she was foolish for thinking that way, Sein was extremely impressed by her unwavering loyalty.

Upon reaching Luna, Sein found the Rank Two centaur poised for battle. The scepter she usually carried was now secured at her waist, while a silver bow was in her hands.

She bore a striking resemblance to her grandmother, Maya, though she lacked Maya’s mature charm and radiated a youthful innocence and vigor.

Her archery technique closely mirrored Maya’s, revealing her admiration and learning from her grandmother.

Sein's arrival brought immense relief to Maya and the others.

Lacking magic shields, the centaurs relied solely on their physical resilience to withstand the relentless assaults.

Hence, the centaurs and minotaurlings at the forefront suffered terribly, bearing the brunt of the native creatures’ ruthless attacks.

Not many of their remains were left intact—they were either crushed into pulp or riddled with holes.

With his elemental body, Sein acted as a magic shield for Luna and her guards.

Maya’s guards consisted entirely of female centaurs. In a world where male-dominated clans were the norm, only a few tribes managed to assemble elite units made up of these formidable female warriors.

“Elemental support from outside this world will be here soon, hold on a little longer!” Sein told Luna.