The narrow road leading up to Ironcrest Watchtower was bordered by shattered trenches and walls of fractured stone.
Smoke drifted across the slope in uneven waves. Farther below, humans and demons continued tearing into one another, while explosions from the artifact cannons caused the ground to tremble beneath Simon's feet. Above them, Ironcrest Watchtower remained protected by its four formation pillars and layers of silver light.
The seven Demon Slayers stood between Assault Core Seventeen and the path upward.
Simon's gaze moved across them once.
The six D-ranks ranged from Level 30 to Level 49.
The strongest among them was a broad-shouldered man at Level 49. He carried a rectangular shield almost as tall as he was, and dense Aether had gathered beneath his skin and full armour. His stance was rooted, with most of his weight pressed into his rear leg.
Simon narrowed his eyes slightly.
'Hmm... A Guardian Blessing, most likely.'
