《Emancipation - An Isekai Story》


 Chapter 1 - The Necromancers Tide and Ritual

    In a Land far far away, worlds apart ¡­


    Within Mount Wilanro, far away from civilized lands and within the badlands themselves, was a collective of the mightest necromancers ever known in history. They have toppled great empires and killed the greatest of mortal warriors. It was through their efforts that all sapient nation of the world gathered and created The Great Alliance. The first of its like in recorded history. Never before, not even when the Demon King had invaded, did a threat challenge the existence of mortal kind as they; barely on the fringes, they receive no attention from the true power brokers on the world. Now, after decades of silence and a lack of action from them, that cause mass panic within the circle of the alliance, their whereabouts have been uncovered.


    The Goddess of Light sent down a dream to her prophetess; vivid like none before. Within it, she spoke of a danger even the primordial dragon kings of old would shy away from. She showed them gathering and from their gathering darkness would reign supreme unless every nation came together and sent their most powerful to halt their plan - or at the least delay it for a time. They planned to summon a most heinous being into this world. One the primordial dragons had fought when this world was but a babe, and even then they lacked the power to end him. So they choose to banish him from the world and into the void; a mistake they knew would one day cost them. They, the necromancers, planned to summon their god - Zenki¡¯l - he of chaos, he of darkness, he of absolute death.


    Now their plans might find the light of day, and the world will end ever so soon


    ~~~


    I am Velenos Revesis. A Powerful and mighty ¡®Necromancer¡¯. The leader of the Dark Guild Immortus Livenous; the most powerful among the twelve. The greatest of my kind. Yet, my people and I have little hope. We are those shunned and disgraced by society for our dark deeds. Hunted and prosecuted for all our actions. Our existence is considered an abomination of life. Today is a turning point for us. Either we succeed and thrive or die a most horrific death. We stand here, all two hundred and seven of us, committed to finishing this ritual (Our last glimmering particles of Hope) at all costs no matter the consequences. Even though, we are still afraid, uncertain, and hesitant in our actions. For at our door stand tens of thousands of soldiers looking for our demise.


    They of all nations east of our home in this forgotten land, they of Elves, Humans, Centaur, DragonKin, the tribal Beastkin, and Dwarves from the Mountain Range Califis. They do not understand the glory we seek to bring upon these dead lands. For the blind cannot see without experiencing sight first. We only seek to bring salvation to our fellow people, no matter their race. All we seek is to summon our Dark God Zenki¡¯l and build around him a most glorious kingdom encompassing all of Nervanis. We would bring equality to all! Women would be treated equally, slavery abolished, and the destitute will be destitute no longer. The poor would finally have enough to spend for luxury, rather than living day to day wondering when they would not have enough for a meal. It is our greatest goal, and the thing our god would achieve.


    Our logistician Master Frank Abdicult, master summoner of dark and vengeful spirits, a short and very slimy fellow - always wearing his yellow robes - had somehow predicted this reaction from the neighboring nations. How he did this without a clairvoyance spell is still beyond me. He had argued for many years to prepare a defensive effort to delay any resistance to the holy tide of darkness. But, we found his fanciful tales of the Dragonkin participating, in any event, a bit unrealistic at the time. Thankfully he had somehow convinced me.


    Imagining that cold delicacy, he called Ice A¡¯ Creme left Velenos drooling and wishing he still had a cup left filled ready to be devoured.


    ¡°Velenos¡­¡± Frank called in his nasal ways while looking at a hologram of the defenses placed all around the labyrinth, ¡°all self-mobilizing defenses have been set up. I still think we should have a few of the weaker students raise a few skeletons to assist in the defensive effort. Those golems won''t hold forever.¡± He turned around to stare at me, his eyes sparkling like they did when he convinced me the first time. But, I am a man of fortitude and will not falter.


    ¡°They will hold long enough Master Frank of Dark and Vengeful Spirits. We only need one hour and forty-five minutes to complete the ritual. We also cannot waste any personal mana on anything, we need every last drop to succeed. Now, go find Master Sybolis of Ancient Rituals, Archived Spells, and Dark Summonings. And don¡¯t forget decorum! Master Frank of dark and vengeful spirits! We must not forget our achievements, for they make us unique,¡± said Velenos, indignation oozing out of every word he said.


    ¡°Bah! What is the point for these long-winded names when they won¡¯t mean anything in a few hours? Our god will abolish the root cause of evil within the people¡­¡± After a heavy pause, Master Frank uttered one word that caused all surrounding members to heave and Gag, ¡°Individualism¡±


    Hearing that most accursed word, Velenos heaved like the others.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°Master Frank, watch what you speak!¡±


    As Velenos berated Frank, Master Sybolis finally appeared. Sybolis was an Elf with an unusually robust build considering his lineage as a High Elf. At roughly five foot eleven and almost four feet wide from shoulder to shoulder. He was not known for much, but what he was known for, he was unparalleled at. His only weakness was his lack of communication skills.


    ¡°Ah ¡­ Master Sybolis of Ancient Rituals, Archived Spells, and Dark Summonings. Its good of you to finally show up.¡± said Velenos in one long breath. In answer to Velenos, Sybolis simply Grunted.


    Undeterred by his colleague''s lack of speech, he kept speaking without pause extolling his own many titles and praising any part of this ritual he even accidentally looked at. That is until Sybolis actually spoke with the gruffest voice imaginable. One would believe he was related to a swamp Creles on its final legs, preparing to either shut down or simply explode.


    ¡°Velenos,¡± he said with a long pause, breathing in roughly for no apparent reason. ¡°Preparations are complete. Nothing left to.... do except¡­ to begin,¡±  Having spoken more than he normally would speak for a day, he simply pointed to his assistant and walked away towards another group, leaving a fuming Velenos screaming.


    ¡°Does no one have any decorum. No respect for others greatness! I demand to be acknowledged!¡±


    ¡°Umm Master Velenos, Mighty Guild Leader, Greatest of his kind, Master of all arts Necromantic, Master of Shadow Mana, Lead Researcher on his holiness The Dark God, and soon to be the lead ritual point in our greatest achievement to date!¡± Spoke a voice filled with veneration and admiration. Velenos turned around with an enormous grin and his chest puffed out like a peacock. In front of him was a short kid with a dirty brown hair resembling a mop more than anything else. A freckled face and chubby cheeks put the final touches and he was wearing the students attire given out a few years ago; a blue robe with black stripes running down the middle of their chests.


    ¡°Yes child, what do you want?¡± answered Velenos, not capable of keeping a large smile on his face.


    ¡°Umm. Well, you see. I am Master Sybolis¡¯s of Ancient Rituals, Archived Spells, and Dark Summonings assistant, Lead Assistant Krev Lornum Student of Archived Spells and Crazed Zombie Manipulation.¡±


    ¡°He got an assistant? When? Well no matter, as long as we don¡¯t have to hear that voice again, I am willing to overlook his lack of manners. So why are you here now?¡± asked Velenos, hoping that his thoughts were not made true. Sybolis had a tendency to write. While on normal occasions that would be a blessing, but when you consider his tiny handwriting and his over explanative style, well you could imagine the difficulty. A page would suddenly turn into fifty.


    ¡°I have master¡¯s final writings of the ritual, outlining the ritual set up, who stands where and who does what. And most importantly what to watch out for. He made sure to write an entire five hundred eighty-seven pages and a half on that alone and considering his super tiny and neat handwriting, well you could imagine how much we have to make sure we are perfect.¡± answered Krev, oblivious to Velenos¡¯s inner thoughts.


    Velenos was of the belief he was too important to deal with this, so he would throw the responsibility to someone else. But as he was about to leave and send Krev to Master Frank he heard that most horrendous voice again


    ¡°This¡­ is extremely important¡­ we must not let a virgin¡­ male of twenty summers die¡­ within the ritual space or we will¡­ all die. Our life forces sucked up¡­ somewhere¡­ has not been recorded¡­ before. Velenos¡­ no skipping¡­ or delegating this! Read it all!¡±


    Exaggeratedly sighing again. Velenos roughly grabbed the book and began reading. Only after a very boring five hours of reading and getting everyone into position, they were finally ready to begin the ritual. The only thing they needed was the sacrifices! As they waited for the armies outside to finally begin their assault, Velenos was having a discussion with Master Frank.


    Velenos said ¡°I can¡¯t believe he made me read that entire book! He actually believes that their might actually be a single man who not only a virgin but twenty years old in this day and age but actually has to be 1/10th satyr!¡±


    ¡°Velenos ¡­ you can¡¯t blame him for wanting to be extra safe. Even though that likelihood is so small this might as well turn out to be an interplanar transportation spell grabbing a random child from another dimension¡­¡± replied Frank checking off flag after flag and laughing it off without being any wiser. With a sudden flashing of light, the magical wards within the entrance of their labyrinth had been set off.


    Velenos and Frank separated running into position within the massive ritual circle with all two hundred and five others. It was time to begin. The sacrifices have come themselves to the slaughterhouse they made.


    ¡°Let us begin!¡± Hollered Velenos, gathering his internal mana and connecting a tendril to the connection source, a massive mana stone unlike any other, that linked all the participants¡¯ mana pools together.

 Chapter 2 - The Alliance Has Come Knocking!

    Not again!


    Screamed Cassius, today was not his day. Three different battles today, and every time he was covered in filth. How other soldiers keep themselves clean was beyond him. He would probably go wallow in his tent from his lack of cleanliness, but right now all his thoughts were about his poor sabatons and armor.


    Oh, gods and goddesses! How I hate cleaning this armor!


    After two months of marching from the High Elven city Uls Aronusic, his armor did not have a spot that he did not clean out hundreds of times already. Especially considering that they were marching within the Desolate lands. Filled with dust and dust and more dust and let us not forget the hordes of monsters that seem to ooze filth and slime too.


    Having just gutted a Crewlark; a horrendous looking beast. Twenty feet long, this was a centipede-like creature with useless wings and a face resembling a dog. It had a brown carapace that split with its segmented body and two jaws separate from its mouth ready to snap shut around anything that comes in its path; one could not find a more perfect horror tale monster. Not considering Cassius¡¯s distaste towards such ugly beasts, it had vomited all over his boots in its death throes. Now he will have to spend hours just trying to get this horrible reek off his poor metal sabatons! He already had enough work with his duties as a paladin attendant.


    I always thought Paladin Teacher Lena was a sadistic monster, forcing us to clean out armors by the wagon load. Daily! But it has made it much easier on me now thankfully.


    As he reminisced on past memories and torturous trainings, he still did not quite wrap his head around why they had to use tiny brushes and clover leaves to clean those full plate armors. She did some crazy things whenever she had a class. It almost seemed as though she enjoyed the painful groan and cries of distress.


    Thankfully, she retired before we could have started on her gauntlet of death. I did not hear good things about them at all.


    Shivers ran down his back as he remembered how broken the paladins who ran her gauntlet looked. They were never the same after that. As he continued to daydream about the grueling lessons he used to have with Paladin Teacher Lena, High Paladin Zakir Azlif, cuffed him on the head with a gauntleted hand. Zakir was a tall man, close to six feet six inches in height, with broad shoulders, dirty blonde hair, and a beard so well combed and oiled that it blinded any who dared to stare at its majestic luster for too long. He was also never caught outside of his tent without his special made armor. Pure white with golden inlays, and the insignia of a High Paladin of the Goddess of Light.


    ¡°Foolish boy!¡± shouted Zakir with an awkward drawl ¡°Stop daydreaming, we are in the desolate lands near mount Wilanro! Without paying attention to your surroundings you will die in mere moments. We have faced Crewlarks, tribes of crazed Cyclopes, and those pesky Griffins. Yet here you are dawdling on the battlefield! I had chosen you as my personal paladin attendant for your attentiveness. Do not let my faith in you waver so. ¡°


    Keeping his face as straight and as impassive as possible - in hopes that its traitorous tendencies did not get out of hand - mayhap he ends up with latrine duty again. Too many times he had frowned or smiled at the wrong times and they all resulted in latrine duty. Thankfully, High Paladin Zakir loved to see clean armor or he would have had to do them all with his armor on.


    Why have the gods cursed me with such a cruel fate! Why must I have fallen into this brute¡¯s hands?! Why not with the lovely High Paladin Relaki? Oh ¡­ How I wish it was her! With her perfect face! Dazzling smile! And most wonderous womanly curves she could never hide, even under full body plate armor. I wish she and I could-


    While Cassius continued his fanciful dreams of High Paladin Relaki, High Paladin Zakir had not lost any steam at all. He continued to scream at the top of his lungs berating Cassius on a multitude of things and mentioning the goddess of light with every breath.


    ¡°We are less than three hours away from the greatest of darkness! The goddess of light has ordained to her most holy Prophetess that the vilest of rituals will be taking place here within the caves of Mount Sals. Be prepared to fight against the foulest and most unholy abominations; for Necromancers and their ilk exist here,¡± said Zakir, as passionate as ever.


    ¡°Zakir! Enough with your rambling! We have heard this a million times already. Are you trying to deafen us before the battle with your most obnoxious voice!¡± said a beastkin as he walked towards the two. Walking up with a black as midnight leather armor - with no designs or flares of any kind - and a scimitar on either side of his hips, dangling down almost touching the ground. He, like his armor, had black and dark purplish fur that covered his entire body. An obvious sign that he was a Pantheiol, but putting it all together and one would end up with a single person in mind. Even the most unlearned peasant knew of General Tomusir Pavei - a legend among the Alliance and representative of the Beastkin Tribes. Yet, the one thing that popped into Cassius¡¯s mind was not of the accolades and stories told of the other man. No, it was how thankful he was that he had saved from another few hours of Zakir¡¯s continuous ranting.


    Tomusir Pavei was tall and with lean muscles, making all his movements seem like a dance rather than a simple stroll. He also had a face one would consider feminine if not for the three jagged claw marks crossing from one side to the other. It was said that many years ago he had battled a Wyvern and had somehow come out victorious, but with many injuries. Unlike all the others he had received, only one set on his face was considered impossible to remove due to its magical property. Even with the powerful backing of his clan and the best priests of Brunra the goddess of healing one could hire, that specific injury was deemed as a lost cause and a waste of time and resources to attempt to heal. The best they could have done was speed up the process of it scarring.


    ¡°Tomusir! The remembrance of the goddess of light is not rambling! Oh, goddess of light, show him the way! The only path to salvation, the way of light!¡± said Zakir in response, but before he could continue Tomusir interrupted him.


    ¡°I follow the way of the sword, Zakir! And right now, I could not care less about the goddess of light with your most demented shouting. Stop torturing the boy and speak normally for once,¡± he said with a heavy sigh. As Tomusir and Zakir were bickering, a messenger with a stoic expression came in full speed upon a horse that almost looked dead from exhaustion. With a croaky voice, he said, ¡°General! General! The Vanguards have met heavy resistance, but completely unlike what we have prepared for¡±


    Handing the scroll to Tomsuir, the messenger waited in perfect form - hands to the side, feet shoulder width apart and face not looking directly at the general but past him - for further commands from his superior.


    ¡°Hmm, go and rest. Eat and drink something, wash your horse and let the stables master know you need another one prepared at any second for departure to the front lines, then return. We should have finished deciding what to do by then.¡± said Tomusir with a confused look, while the messenger gave a sharp salute and a stomp of his foot, then proceeded to bait the exhausted horse away from them.


    Having given the messenger his commands, Tomusir quickly read the scroll then turned back to the other two. With a meaningful look towards Zakir, he walked with a quick pace towards the command tent. All the other representatives and leaders within the army would need to hear this.


    He pointed at a soldier standing guard around him and said ¡°Soldier, let all Commanders know that we have information from the Vanguards. And to arrive within five minutes. No exceptions.¡±


    ¡°Tomusir,¡± Zakir¡¯s voice was suddenly filled with a serious and solemn tone ¡°How could they find anything other than the dead walking, given life by these necromancers?¡±


    ¡°I do not know, let us hope it is not as bad as it seems,¡± Tomusir said as they hurried towards the tent. Pushing the tent flap out of the way, a large interior came into view. Though it was enormous in size, it was packed with different tables on which lay important maps all connected to each other. But most important of them all was a map towards the center on the most orient table possible to carry with an army traveling this far. The map was of the magical variety. Made to give a 3D image of the surrounds, and all that is mapped on other maps connected to this one.


    After a short wait as they sat down while the other representatives hurried to the meeting, Cassius could not stop fidgeting and squirming on his chair. He never felt like he belonged among the titans that would discuss the movements of the army. No matter their origin, they were some of the best their respective nations could provide.


    The first to walk in was the shortest of them all, a dwarf. Agnar Hallbjorn was four feet three inches tall and half that wide at the shoulders. His massive frame carried dwarven steel plate that shined silver in the light everywhere he went. Like most dwarves, he had a magnificent beard that spilled out of his helm. Black with natural linings of red in between, it was braided into multiple levels, each denoting something different. But most important of them all was the single red braid in the middle of his beard. Thickest of them all, it let the world know he wasn''t just a high noble from the dwarven mountain city Akruhel within the Mountain Ranges of Califs, but was one of the twelve princes vying for the throne after their father''s soon to be death. He commanded seven thousand Shield and WarHammer wielders, and three thousand Axemen with the infamous Dark Steel axes. Their axes were double-bladed and had long point connecting them on the top giving them the ability to not only fight on the front line with slashing techniques but also use those points to stab, making them a spear unit as well. Together, both groups were by far the best at holding the line under massive strain.


    Next came in a group of two bickering Elves and one other that seemed to have a migraine from having to listen to them both. The first two were High Elf and Wood Elf respectively, the high elf came in an astonishing high of six foot eight inches, he had golden hair with silver stripes coming down from it. Wearing a long expensive Spider Silk robe and carrying a staff taller than he was made it obvious he was a mage. Under his leadership come a most astonishing one thousand mages and two thousand Double Blade users. Unlike most common soldiers, the double blade user carried two sabers of White Levitus, giving them the ability to channel magical energy with the blade. This made them some of the most dangerous fighting forces to meet one on one.


    The wood elf was much shorter than the high elf coming at a good five foot nine inches. With brown hair that was cut short. She wore a brown leather armor that matched it to protect her body and carried around a massive metal bow and a short sword for any close confrontations. Under her came in the archers unit, with six thousand soldiers carrying bows and two thousand more trained in swords to protect the archers.


    Last of the Elves that walked in was a dark elf. Similar to the wood elf he was also around five feet nine inches but had a dark grey skin tone. He sported a silver cropped buzzcut and unlike the other two, he carried two short swords and a multitude of knives hidden all over his body. He commanded about seven hundred and fifty assassins and rogues specialized in assassinations and finding and disarming all various kinds of traps. Though their number was small, they were the best trained due to their affiliation with the Assassins guild on the Delific Isles. The Assassins guild was known to not hold back any resources in order to train their operatives. Their ideology was that the more skilled their assassins were, the larger the income they could bring.


    After the elves came in the largest of the commanders. A Centaur named Gregorim. He was about six feet tall from hoof to where his horse like body met his more human part. Sporting a long wispy beard and a long black ponytail, he came out as a striking figure. He wore some of the heaviest armor between the group due to his incredible strength. Under his command was a heavy cavalry of three thousand soldiers and light cavalry of two thousand five hundred. Wearing full-body plate armor, and long lances, they were the most frightening forces to face in the open fields.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.Last of the commanders, was by far the greatest of them. Azelverouns the Dark was a dragonkin of middling height but was by far the most capable due to his hardened scales that were said to be are stronger than steel. He also possessed uncanny speed and an unbelievably large internal mana pool at his disposal. But most important of them all was that he was considered as a Greater Noble within the draconian empire. A noble within the draconian empire is one with a strong bloodline that can be traced back to their Dragon ancestors. Due to this, they had the ability to transform into actual dragons for limited periods of time.


    Unlike the nobles, a Greater noble had the bloodline of specific dragons; dragons known as the First of The Many Flames. They were five dragons that were the progenitors of the nine families. The Blue Flames, The Syvlus, The Leviathans, The Golden Dragons, and greatest of them all The Honored Ones. All but the honored ones had split into two separate families. Their lineage gave them special characteristics that made them much more powerful than their more ordinary counterparts. But of them all, the honored ones were the greatest. They were the embodiment of mana; the physical forms of the primordial dragon kings. With the ability to use the purest of mana forms, they had gained the knowledge of how to transform that pure mana into any element of their choice. Fortunately for all inhabitants of Nervanis, they were a very wise and passive race. Their only recorded action was over seven thousand years ago against a demon invasion from Hellevian; The Plains of Pain and Suffering. They had sent three representatives to battle the three Demon Lords that had appeared and they came out with an astounding victory.


    Azelverouns was from the family of the golden dragons making him stand out due to his shining golden scales. The golden dragons were known for their incredible speed and fire that burns hotter than all except those of the blue flames. Under his command is two representatives of all greater noble families except the for the Honored ones, twenty-five noble dragonkin, and two hundred dragonkin of common birth - without the ability to transform into dragons.


    ¡°I ¡®erd some disturbin news, Tomusir,¡± Said Agnar in this baritone voice .¡°I ¡®erd the Vanguards met tough resistance in there.¡±


    The dark elf, while all would call him Vori, none knew his real name, spoke with sarcasm ¡°Heavy resistance? That cannot be! I did not think the necromancers would put up any defenses at all! They would just lay down and wait for the swift dagger of doom to plunge into their hearts. Then again we just brought tens of thousand soldiers just for show.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, you b¡¯er listen ¡®ere little boy. Tomusir, why don¡¯t ya let ¡®im know ¡®ow wrong ¡®e is!¡±


    ¡°Well, Agnar does have a legitimate concern, especially since the dwarves do hold the front lines of the vanguards. Well anyway, the concern here is not that they have put up a strong defensive front rather what they used on that front. The report came in saying that a tight passageway, fitting only seven soldiers shoulder to shoulder, was melded and reinforced with earth mana making it extremely difficult to widen. And then the tunnels and caverns came with a massive number of traps that even some of the dark elves missed a few rock slides and pit traps. But worst of it all was, in fact, the lack of undead.¡±


    Zakir spoke with a bit of confusion and surprise tinged in his voice, ¡°Lack of undead? Expound, please. Because I find it hard to believe there has been no undead within the caverns of those abominations.¡±


    ¡°Like I already said, there were no undead to speak of or so says the report. What makes me worry is the fact that they only found Stone and metal golems.¡± Tomusir took a pause to let his words sink in. This much unpredictability in any battle is a cause for great concern. Without knowing what your opponent will do, you open yourself to a multitude of opportunities to be completely annihilated.


    ¡°Golems?¡± Azelverouns finally found the discussion worthy of his dignified voice, ¡°I have lived for thousands of years, yet I have never heard of Necromancers using golems instead of their most prized tier three undead. It is concerning, but it gives us an opportunity if they only used stone and metal golems.¡±


    The high elf Westriu choose that moment to step in, with a high pitched voice unbecoming of him he said, ¡°Tell us what happened to the soldiers, their lack of preparation must have caused some casualties¡± If one focused on his face they would notice the beads of sweat from anxiety and worry slowly dribbled down camouflaged by his light skin color. He had direct commands to bring back as many High elves alive as possible, if he failed to meet his quota he will find himself confronted with great consequences.


    ¡°Yes, tell us of the situation the vanguards are in. My archers do not do well against golems.¡± Agreed Melfica, the wood elf said in a husky voice. She may seem like a flower, but a snake would define her relationship abilities.


    ¡°Out of the three thousand seven hundred to enter, one thousand four hundred perished due to a well placed first ambush. They had to eliminate nine hundred golems during that attack. Thankfully Redonus the Human, commander of the vanguard salvaged the situation and somehow coordinated the forces in a pincer move within a large cavern, eliminating all nine hundred golems.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± all generals screamed at once.


    Azelverouns spoke first unbelieving of the vast amount of golems only in the first large cavern. If anything this was an indication of how many defenses they had placed and how long they have been working on it. ¡°Nine hundred? How? They must have been preparing for decades! Why have we not known of this? Should not the gathering of vast quantities of earth mana be noticeable to the elves who live so close.¡± His arrogance and despise towards the elves was visible to all as he spoke. He might act in proper decorum, but his grudge against the elves of all races was ever burning.


    With snark, Melfica replied ¡°What? If the high and might dragons could not sense this accumulation of mana, then how could you expect us mere elves to notice it¡±


    As Azelverouns growled, preparing to reply to her insult, but Zakir stepped in with authority. ¡°Enough! We need to find a solution before we are caught on defending within these caverns. We cannot allow the darkness to triumph against the light due to our bickering! No, we must come together and solve this problem.¡±


    ¡°I think I have a solution,¡± said a slow and aged voice. As everyone swiveled their heads to look at the only other commander yet to speak, Gregorim he continued to talk. ¡°We should gather a strike force to exploit the Golems greatest weakness, their lack of speed, and strike the necromancers during their most vulnerable time; that is during their ritual. Either forcing them to delay it by canceling, giving us time to prevent it or the strike force could kill a vital member to make their attempt to summon their dark god void and null.¡±


    Everyone found this idea to be reasonable, even more so considering they had begun to argue among themselves. ¡°A wise idea from a wise centaur. Please explain what you mean?¡± said Tomusir.


    ¡°Well, in the Frodren Highlands,¡± Gregorim began his voice slow and steady. ¡°We face golems every now and then; created from the gatherings of pure elemental mana. Other than their Manastones, the only weakness they have is their speed and dexterity. Unable to quickly turn to face a threat from multiple sides. Or stop a passing threat after they have been occupied by our forces. We should use this by creating a distraction. Made to simply grab the attention of the golems, while the assigned strike force continues towards the necromancers¡¯ ritual. Unfortunately, my soldiers cannot complete this task due to their sheer size, but we can help with creating a distraction for the strike force.¡±


    As Gergorim finished speaking, the elves gathered together and began whispering to each other. Agnar was rubbing his beard; deep in thought. Azelverouns began communicating telepathically to his subordinates, while Zakir and Tomusir started to discuss what they could provide.


    Zakir started, he had full authority over the forces provided under his command. ¡°I can bring to the table one hundred paladins and twenty priests. Though they might not be the strongest since I will choose those who have chosen to focus on their speed rather than their strength.¡±


    ¡°That is well, though I suggest not sending priests because they are infamously known for their lack of stamina and the fact that they will not stop to set up a defensive line will prevent them from taking advantage of the priests¡¯ abilities. I will send with the strike force seventy-five Wolfkin and thirty Merwins,¡± said Tomusir, his offer was one that would be greatly appreciated in any battle no matter the size.


    The Merwin clan was made up of a few different families of the Catkin people. The most famous of them are the Lionesses. They were known as some of the strongest and fastest beastkin that had ever picked up a sword.


    ¡°Ah, so the Merwin finally enter the fray¡± Exclaimed Gergeorim with raised eyebrows and a small smile. As Tomusir was about to reply, the elves finally finished their long private discussion and came to a decision.


    The high elf, Westriu, answered the unasked question by stating, ¡°We have decided to send one hundred Dark Elf rogues, one hundred Wood Elf archers, and one hundred High Elf double sword wielders. We cannot send any mages due to the emphasis on speed and stamina; which we certainly lack.¡±


    ¡°I ¡®ave decided to send ¡®undred Axemen. That ¡®s all. Hopefully, their sacrifice is not in vain.¡± As Agnar finished speaking with his eyes half-closed and head lowered in respect for the souls that were about to sacrifice themselves for the rest of humanity, all commanders turned to look towards Azelerouns knowing that he can provide the strongest soldiers.


    Under the collective stare, Azelerouns finally opened his eyes, taking a deep and shaky breath - one that caused much speculation among the others - he said, ¡°We have decided to send two golden dragons, two Syvlus, and five dragonkin. Make sure their lives are spent well.¡±


    Tomusir seeing that he could not get any more soldiers out of this for the mission came to his final point. They needed to choose a commander to lead this expedition.


    ¡°Thank you, their lives will not be lost in vain. All we need to do is choose someone to lead them throughout this mission. Someone who knows what the plan is as much as we do. Someone who is known for his abilities.¡± As the silence continued and everyone coming up with candidates, with unnatural synchronicity, they all turned to look at the only person in the tent that was not a commander. The only person who knew the plan as well as they all do and was lauded for his abilities.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Cassius exclaimed, as he continued to think of viable commanders. Of course, the first person to come to his mind was High Paladin Relaki, but then again this was a suicide mission. So he chose to suggest someone else, but the longer the silence continued he felt an uneasy feeling cascade down his back giving him shivers. When he looked up, he found that everyone had suddenly turned to stare at him. ¡°Uh, why is everyone looking at me. Wait, No, no, no! Not me. I can¡¯t lead the strike force. I am not a good candidate at all. Haha, you guys cannot be serious.¡±


    ¡°Make us proud Cassius, I know I had chosen you as my attendant because of your great aptitude! Falter not!¡± screamed Zakir in Cassius¡¯s ear while slamming his gauntleted hands on his back.


    ¡°¡¯e is a good choice,¡± remarked Agnar, nodding his head like the other commanders.


    ¡°Agreed,¡± All the other commanders voiced. Their decision made final.


    ¡°Well, then it¡¯s decided! Cassius, we are giving you the great honor of leading this expedition into Mount Wilanro. Towards the Necromancers¡¯ ritual to either delay them or completely derail their plans for Nervanis,¡± said Tomusir in a voice Cassius could not argue with. His decision was final, and it would stand.


    Turning pale Cassius could only think of one thing the entire time.


    No! Not me! This is a suicide mission! I- I can¡¯t! I am still a virgin!

 Chapter 3 - Poor Lovers and Their Misunderstandings

    Cassius¡¯s face was pale, his hands shook a bit, and his eyes seemed to unfocus. He was stricken with fear. Noticing this Tomusir chose to console him in hopes he could gain what little courage possible. ¡°Worry not, your courage shall help you overcome this. True bravery and courage can only come when you are afraid. Come to my camp before the assault today, Cassius. I have something that will help you, hopefully.¡± He looked at Cassius with a warm expression. No person should ever enter such a decisive battle without confidence in their actions. But, they knew he was up to the task - he was always.


    On the other hand, Zakir chose to speak with an unreadable expression. His stoic or passionate facades slowly falling away. ¡°Pray today! Pray to the goddess of light to open your path, let there be no obstacle in your way! That you reach the heart of this dark ritual!¡± said Zakir. His words echoing, making it clear he had used a skill he was known for. Once every seven years, he was given a single answered prayer from the goddess, and he had just used it.


    All the while, Cassius was oblivious to this. His minds in turmoil and his heart barely able to take it all. He had yet to confess, and a single night probably would not change that. If he died, Relaki would forever be lost from him, and into the hands of another. Something he could not allow but was too weak to prevent.


    Why me! Why me! He screamed in his mind, it would not have been proper to do so among such esteemed people. He had not heard anything from the words of those around him, all long lost to his anxiety and fear. Then again, High Paladin Zakir¡¯s prayers and screams were like a dull hum in the background. They somehow resonated with his mind. A prayer, that was what it was.


    ¡°Aye, little one! Fear not, ¡®f ya make ¡®t back, ¡®ll buy ya a mug of our strongest dwarven BEER! Hahahaha ¡­ Go now and prepare ¡®our mind for this, boy. We donna need and a wussy leading me warriors. Haha!¡± said Agnar in his usually boisterous ways. Laughing a deep belly laugh he pounded his thigh as though he had told the funniest thing ever heard.


    Westiur chose this moment to speak as he stared at the eccentric dwarf next to him,  ¡°Our mages will give out blessings to the warriors before the fight. I suggest all other mage groups and priests do so as well.¡± Saying this, all members of leadership nodded along. The strike force would need all help possible if they hoped to succeed.


    ¡°I agree. It makes an enormous difference, having those blessings do. I will make sure the three groups of priests and mage guild give out their blessings to the strike force. But, I will have something special prepared for Cassius as the commander of this force,¡± said Zakir in response.


    ¡°Good. Well, this concludes our meeting, return to your camps and begin preparation. Our assault will start at sunrise tomorrow! Be prepared, no exceptions will be made. Anywho miss the agreed time will be seen as defectors and will be executed without trial.¡± Tomusir spoke with a certainty and a cold glint in his eyes. He was deadly serious of his threat and would carry it out himself.


    As the commanders got up to leave the command tent, Zakir had to pull Cassius out with him. He knew what it meant to go on your first mission of great importance as the commander. And especially how hard it was to cope with such stress. All that separates the most celebrated commanders, and the dead is how they handled it. Cassius would need to get through this himself, no help would get him out of this, well except one. Smiling, Zakir couldn''t but help think to himself.


    The two are perfect for each other. It pains me much to see them be so clumsy when they are around each other, all the while not seeing the love the other has for them. If anyone can get Cassius out of this miserable state, it would definitely be her.


    Continuing on this train of thought, Zakir pulled out a large gem, the size of his hand from his robe. The gem-filled his hand entirely. It was utterly black - absorbing the light around it - with a middle made of a pure white mineral to counteract the blackness that was on the outside. Separate, the two were worthless, but together - the process to get them to fuse was almost impossible - they gave way to the most potent blessing the goddess could provide, The Benediction of Greater Light.


    Though this will cause a great outcry, I cannot with good conscience let him go without it. Luckily, the prophetess had agreed when I asked for it.


    The Benediction of Greater Light was considered as the most powerful blessing the goddess of light can provide. Needing fifty-nine high paladins to enact the ritual and two large mana stones; it made the price was exorbitant. Though the outcry would not be about the price rather what it does to the recipient. The last time it was used, it made the recipients connection with the goddess so strong they were considered at the level of the prophetess herself; only under the command of the goddess and no one else.


    ¡°Come on Cassius, snap out of it! The goddess will provide, for she has a plan for everything! Just make sure to pray extra tonight okay.¡± Zakir nudged him as they neared Cassius¡¯s tent.


    ¡°O- Okay,¡± Cassius replied dully and without emotion.


    ¡°Let us get you to your tent. I will send a few paladin attendants to bring you a newer and stronger set of armor to wear. Through her light¡­¡± Waiting for his reply, Zakir herded him into his tent., pushing the tent flap out of the way, he helped Cassius sit down on his make-shift bed. A cozy affair made of thick blankets and even thicker pillows.


    ¡°Sh-She Pr-Provides,¡± said Cassius without a second thought. Those words were ingrained into his mind. He did not need cognitive functions to say those words. Hours and hours of grueling training could not be forgotten even in the toughest of times.


    Leaving Zakir simply nodded, not knowing what to make of Cassius¡¯s impassive face and dull replies. Hopefully, he was controlling his emotions rather than the emotions controlling him. Walking out of the tent he intended to find High Paladin Relaki. He needed her assistance greatly. As he continued to walk towards her tent, he saw her a bit away talking to her attendant as he cleaned her armor for her


    ¡°¡­ killed it with a mace. Made a big mess, thankfully I have you, Festifu! Thank you so much!¡± Acting prettily, Relaki had Festifu completely head over heels about her. A ring around her tiny finger only, while Festifu would just nod with a giant grin on his face.


    ¡°Relaki,¡± Zakir called out. ¡°Have you heard the news?¡± he asked, there would have been something wrong if she heard Cassius was apart of the strike force and was not bawling somewhere.


    ¡°Other than there will be a strike team to force their way into the caves, no,¡± She shook her head, long, luscious, and black hair swaying with her. ¡°I feel pity for those chosen to do this suicidal mission. We can only pray that their deaths are not in vain,¡± she said in a solemn tone.


    ¡°Yes. Well, I know how you feel infatuated by Cassius,¡± Saying this Festifu looked up with a dangerous glim in his eye. Completely oblivious, Relaki replied with an irritated voice.


    ¡°Out with it, Zakir! What is the meaning of this shrouded speech! Tell me outright or forever hold your peace because I know you will not be quiet after you have started.¡±


    Sighing greatly, Zakir shook his head with a small smile adorning his face. She caught his ploy before he could even get started, then again his star pupil knew him better than anyone else.


    ¡°Cassius will be heading this strike force. It is meant to begin at sunrise thirteen hours from now. Just wanted to let you know so that you may pray for him.¡±


    Eyes wide, mouth dry, and face pale, Relaki looked to be lost. It took a while, but she finally came out of her trance, tears began to flow down her cheeks as she screamed with a croaky voice.


    ¡°No! Zakir! No, don¡¯t make him do this, please. He has a great future ahead of him. I- I- I care for him greatly! Reconsider this, please. Let the other commanders know he is not well or something. Make something up, but please don¡¯t make him go, especially as the commander!¡± she bawled, grabbing the top part of his breastplate, she gripped it until her knuckles turned white. Looking away, Zakir could not bear to watch her in such agony, but for her sake and Cassius¡¯s she needed to get his confidence back up; it was the only way.


    ¡°I am sorry Relaki. There is nothing I can do about this now. The decision has already been made. I believe he will survive. Just make sure to pray to the goddess for her protection. I, umm, also came to let you know that I think he should get our goddess¡¯s blessing.¡±


    ¡°Blessing! What blessing could possibly bring him out alive!¡± Relaki screamed, disbelief at Zakir¡¯s words clear in her face.


    ¡°The Benediction of Greater Light,¡± he said slowly and deliberately.


    ¡°What? Are you mad, Zakir? This has not been done in the last two thousand years! We need, not only the Grand Popes blessing but also two-thirds of the Council and the Prophetess¡¯s approval. It would take months if not years for them to stop bickering and make this decision.¡± Walking away, she took a seat on a chair that had been conveniently left outside her tent. Putting her head into her hands, she began crying, ¡°Oh! My poor Cassius. Sent to your death so soon.¡±


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    Smirking, Zakir said, ¡°Women control yourself. You forget how well prepared, I like to be. I had gained the approval of all needed parties a week before our march from Uls Aronusic. Though it was difficult convincing them over a communication stone, after speaking with the prophetess, she ordered the rest to agree because the goddess ordained we were going to need it.¡± Patting his shoulder, he watched as Relaki stopped crying and looked up with a tear-stained face and hope filling her eyes.


    ¡°Yes! There is still a chance! Leave me for now, I need to pray to the goddess then speak with Cassius before he leaves. He must be tearing out his hair in fear and frustration.¡± she said, as she got up in a hurry. Pushing the two men away from her tent. She was a woman with a mission.


    ~~~


    Cassius laid down on his bed thinking of his most dire situation. Despair and fear welled up in his soul. Unable to fathom how he had gotten to this point. He felt the world was submerged in water, his limbs heavy and breathing even more so. Falling to his back, he could not believe his bad luck. He always knew that being with them in that tent would only bring him even more trouble than he could handle. And now he was proven right.


    Why me?! Why is it always me?!


    Sitting up from his previous position, he straightened his back and slapped his face three times trying to wake himself up from his stupor. Sighing with dejection, he thought to himself,


    I need to get out of this funk! I can¡¯t let my final moments be the tale of a coward. I need to be seen as brave. Maybe I can meet Mom in heaven with a smile, letting her know that her son was a hero! Killed the all-powerful necromancers with a single swing of his sword! Or maybe not, she probably would meet me with her trust sandal demanding why I am bothering her in the afterlife as well.


    His eyes suddenly became dreamy. His thoughts moving to more mature things.


    Then again, if I actually make it back, maybe High Paladin Relaki will finally notice me.


    As he continued motivating himself with dreams of grandeur and Relaki, a voice filled with pure hate, jealousy, and anger sounded out from in front of his tent. A voice he was quite familiar with for the duration of this march.


    ¡°Cassius! Come out here you bastard! Come out here and hear my piece then I will be as far away from your horrific stench as possible!¡± Screamed Festifu, his voice as loud as he could humanly muster. Getting up from his seated position, Cassius looked extremely confused.


    I don¡¯t smell that bad. Do I?


    Smelling himself, he got up from his seated position and walked to the tent flap. Stepping out he grabbed his sword just in case this devolved into a confrontation. Looking outside his tent, he found Festifu with a very dangerous looking sword raised up to the heavens as he swung it wildly over his head.


    ¡°Come out here and face my wrath!¡± he screamed again as he noticed Cassius step out of the tent. Cassius, trying to keep as much space between himself and Festifu, came out of the tent with his back directly touching the tent flap. He started moving slowly towards the left for more space if a confrontation happened. Holding his sheathed swords pummel, he replied,


    ¡°Umm, what do you want Festifu. I don¡¯t have time for your weird antics.¡±


    For some random reason, Festifu had always been aggressive and sometimes even combative towards Cassius since they began their march. Yet, he did not know why. He tried asking him, but that somehow just made the situation even worse. Festifu was actually a decent guy towards him until he became High Paladin Relaki¡¯s attendant,


    Hmm, now that I think about it. Everyone from my own division and the previous generation who served with Releki¡¯s as attendants or sword bearers had an undue amount of hate towards me. I wonder why.


    ¡°Listen here, chump! You better come back alive from your mission! Or- or- I will kill you!¡± Having said his piece and leaving Cassius, in what he believed as a quivering mess, he went without looking back once.


    Cassius stared at the disappearing back of Festifu with an extreme amount of confusion written on his face. Why would anyone say that to him? It made no sense at all.


    Umm, how is he supposed to kill me if I am dead? And why would he say something so weird?!


    Looking away with a shake of his head, Cassius froze in his spot like prey caught by a predator. Coming towards him was Relaki. Cassius watched as she sashayed her way towards him, her soft and pure skin glistening in the afternoon, and her mane of luscious hair swinging behind her. Heart thumping a million times per second, he felt his knees weaken, and hands become clammy in anxiety.


    RELAKI IS COMING TOWARDS ME!!!


    He shrieked in his mind. What was he supposed to say?! Should he say hi, no that doesn''t work, he needed to impress her. Thinking of a million things, he found himself without any idea of what to start out with so he decided to keep it simple.


    What¡¯s up? Yes, that¡¯s perfect. Simple but cool.


    Somehow, Cassius had overlooked that Relaki was walking towards him with a weird look on her face. As she passed every eye was on her, wishing to be the recipient of her attention and cursing who was. Finally, after what felt like hours of watching her sashay about in ways in had dreamed, she made it to the tent where he stood. Both started, trying to speak first trying and break the tension that had built up.


    ¡°H ¡­¡±


    ¡°Wafts Ub?!¡±


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ I mean ¡­ Waz up! Sorry, haha!¡±


    With a dazzling smile and a giggle that sounded like the bells of The Light Church of Broveclus to Cassius, but was actually a very nervous laugh, Relaki said,


    ¡°Cassius calm down. I came too umm, talk to you.¡± With another nervous laugh and a grimace she began fidgeting and making circles with her hair, she continued, ¡°I, umm, just wanted to say that I kind of lov¡­ I mean to let you know that High Paladin Zakir wants to use the Greater Blessing of Light on you! Yea, that¡¯s what I wanted to say.¡± Scratching the back of her head, she looked down at her feet then back up to Cassius¡¯s face, just to notice the most incredulous face Cassius could have probably given her. Completely crushing her confidence in confessing.


    ¡°What? Why? That¡¯s just too much. How did he get the approval of those peacocks on the council? Why me? Do we have enough Mana? I can¡¯t be on the same level as the Prophetess! I won¡¯t survive the pressure, not to mention all those nobles and their political theatre. Goddess, how I hate speaking to those stuck up nobles!¡± On and on Cassius went, until Relaki¡¯s left eye began to twitch in irritation.


    ¡°Cassius!¡± she could not take any more of it, ¡°Stop! Stop for the sake of the goddess of light, you are going to burst my ears from your endless questions and complaints. Do not worry yourself with all that yet. We will get to that later after we leave this hellhole. Hopefully, this should all be done by tomorrow at dusk,¡± she suggested to him.


    Having been persuaded by Relaki¡¯s glamorous giggles and smiles rather than what she said. Cassius hurriedly nodded his head.


    ¡°Of course, of course! Yea, we should meet up after this, to umm, you know work out these issues. Haha. Not anything else, hahaha hahaha!¡±


    ¡°Y¡­Yea. Be ready by Dawn. Right before the attack starts.¡± Said Relaki, as she quickly left with a sad face at Cassius¡¯s last comment of meeting for no reason except to solve political issues, Relaki hurried away towards Zakir.


    Once Zakir noticed her speeding her way towards him, an enormous smile blossoms on his face. Spreading his arms out, he waited until she was close enough then said,


    ¡°Have you and him come to an agreement?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Finally noticing her sad face, he became worried about his star pupil.


    ¡°What happened? Did you not go to confess your undying love to him?¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t! I was so nervous! I broke down and instead told him about the ritual.¡±


    Zakir sighed and began to massage his forehead ¡°Oh, poor Relaki. Never to confess to her true love! Even though his desire and love for her can be seen from miles away. Just look at him, he still carries that far away look from before. Probably imagining his entire life with you¡± Zakir could not help himself, he cared greatly for Relaki, but he had to pick on her until she did what she needed to do without breaking down.


    As Zakir continued to poke Relaki with his words, Cassius was in his own dreamland actually fantasizing about his entire life with Relaki until old age.


    I have to make it back! Maybe, just maybe, I have a chance!

 Chapter 4 - The Rituals and an Unexpected Occurrence

    Cassius was fidgeting in place, gauntleted hands drumming against each other''s fingers. Butterflies were making themselves home in his stomach as he waited outside of Tomusir¡¯s tent. Looking up, Cassius noticed a few guards farther out eyeing him with both parts of awe and confusion. ¡°Maybe, I shouldn''t have accepted this armor from High Paladin Zakir,¡± said Cassius as he looked down at his pink suit of armor. It was hot pink with turquoise inlays, and large shoulder additions were bulging out. A Wyvern skull was molded into the chest area to give it a menacing look and adding the hard cutting designs, it made for a supreme overlord look - if it wasn''t pink.


    Sighing, he looked at where the group of guards were murmuring to each other. As his and their eyes connected, you could see them visibly flinch, quickly the murmuring got louder as they dispersed into smaller groups. Shaking his head, Cassius was definitely regretting wearing this suit of armor. It was more trouble than its worth.


    ¡°Come In!¡± said Tomusir from inside the tent. Hearing this, Cassius looked himself over once more and cleared his throat. ¡°Okay, let''s do this,¡± he whispered to himself as he walked towards the tent flap. Pushing it out of the way, he was slammed into a wall of burning incense. A hundred different smells and tastes assaulted him without remorse, quickly dispatching him and any form of mental defense he had created. Coughing, he tried to suck in as much air, but only found the incense to inhale. It took a while, but with effort, he was finally able to get past the suffocating wall.


    ¡°Stop being shy. Get in here,¡± said Tomusir in a voice filled with mirth. He was standing on the other side of the tent leaning against a massive chest that made the air around it waver. It was either packed with magic or magical items. Wearing a black leather armor, and his signature scimitars in black sheaths, it was hard to stare directly at him - or find him - in the darkness. Luckily for both of them, there were a few torches that made everything in the room visible.


    ¡°You look wonderful. Did Zakir choose that for you?¡± He asked as he tried to hide his smile. Who would have thought someone would actually wear the pink armor of demise. Cassius, who was completely oblivious to Tomusirs attempt at a joke, replied with a serious look and a quick nod, ¡°Yes, sir. High Paladin Zakir gave me the privilege of wearing this suit of armor. Though I fear it may look too nice. The guards and some of the more elite warriors have constantly been eyeing me as I walk by. I do not enjoy having so much attention, even more so when it is because of something I have not achieved.¡±


    Laughing, Tomusir shook his head. While Cassius was a rising star among rising stars, he was oblivious to many things an average person would be quite aware of. Having waited for a while, and Tomusir not forthcoming in this discussion, Cassius took it upon himself to get it moving in the right direction. The ritual itself was only an hour away, and staying here past that would get both in big trouble. ¡°You wanted to see me, sir?¡± he asked with a neutral voice.


    ¡°Hmm, yes, I did want to see you. But, I am facing a conundrum. Which should I give you, the first or the second? Of course, the second is close to my heart, and it would pain me terribly to lose it today.¡± said Tomusir, his voice thoughtful but undecided. Rubbing his chin, he walked away from the chest he had been at, and towards a brown table, that seemed to have been made with an ancient tree considering it had too many rings on its surface, with two chairs he had set up beforehand. Gesturing at it, he said, ¡°Take a seat, Cassius. No need to be so worked up. We have a good hour before the ritual.¡± Sitting down with a creek from the chair, Cassius drummed his fingers on the table waiting for Tomuisr to continue.


    Yet, unbeknownst to him, Tomusir was testing his fortitude by merely looking him in the eyes. Most people would be too afraid of looking others - especially those of great power - in the eyes. They would look away, trying to find anything else to occupy their sights. Seconds passed, but their eyes never disconnected. Surprised at the result, Tomusir began to chuckle lightly. Shaking his head, he said, ¡°No wonder Zakir keeps bringing you into the meetings. Good, you won''t be eaten alive leading, the soon to be, strongest mortals alive.¡±


    Cassius tilted his in confusion, ¡°What do you mean?¡± Tomusir was more confusing than usual, a task Cassius believed was impossible. ¡°Nothing, Nothing at all,¡± said Tomusir with a giant smile that showed large canines in a set of perfectly white teeth.


    Reaching into a pocket hidden within his leather armor, Tomusir pulled out a silver chain. ¡° I want to give you this amulet. I should be much-needed help you will need to get there unscathed,¡± he said as he laid out the amulet on the table. It shined in the dark and flickering light of the torches. Silver, at the bottom it had a triangular shield perfectly unmarred by any design. ¡°Really? That tiny thing will keep me alive through all the bombardment we are expecting to receive?¡± asked Cassius skeptically. How would that small trinket stop a massive fireball? Or a Warhammer?


    ¡°Yes,¡± said tomusir overenthusiastically, ¡°This is one of a kind. A relic of a time long gone and a treasure of my family. Passed down from generation to generation by my fathers and those before them. It is called The Amulet of Protection. It will create a barrier of pure mana, that for a long time should hold out. If I am right, only in the last few seconds would you find yourself without its protection.¡± Cassius watch as Tomusir eyes seemed to glaze, reminiscing a past he did not know of.


    ¡°That powerful, I don''t think I have enough mana within me to charge something like that,¡± he said, cautiously, he did not want to break something that important. ¡°Do not worry about that. It is fully charged and holds within it a massive mana stone that slowly gathers ambient mana from the surroundings,¡± replied Tomusir as he began to rub the amulet, a painful past haunting his eyes. ¡°I understand,¡± said Cassius, he did not want to break Tomusir out of his reverie. Moments of remembrance and pain are necessary to overcome wounds that have lasted for long periods. Cassius, being the recipient of great sorrows and struggles, empathized with those emotions greatly.


    ¡°This is the amulet I used to when I fought the wyvern,¡± Tomusir closed his eyes, but with a sudden intensity, he opened them, staring Cassius with a burning gaze.


    ¡°Listen to my final advice. The men will test you before the attack. They will look you in the eyes and demand your attention. Do not look away no matter what unless they do so first. If you lose once, you will lose control of the entire strike force. You are unproven, and to others, you are a product of connections and nothing more. You got into the Church of Light because Zakir owed your mother a favor when he was saved by her. Then she died, and you left in the slums of Grantua, so he took care of you, and made you his personal attendant. Not even a few months later you were chosen to lead one of the most important assaults, if not the most important in recorded history, just because had a connection to Zakir.¡± said Tomusir, the burning light slowly dimming, but he continued on interrupting Cassius before he could speak.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°What? I wo-¡±


    ¡°I know that, and so do the other leaders, but they don''t know that, do they?¡± he questioned, his eyes narrowing as he waited for Cassius¡¯s reply.


    ¡°N-No.¡±


    ¡°Good, we expect great things from you, Cassius. Don''t fail us by dying out there.¡± a hint of warmth sounded out in between the massive expectations placed on Cassius''s shoulders. Taking a deep breath Cassius exhaled slowly, the pressure kept increasing every moment leading up to the ritual. It was almost unbearable, but he was going to make it, he had too.


    ¡°Cassius! Tomusir! The ritual is about to begin. Hurry up!¡± Zakir¡¯s voice boomed from outside the tent, signaling the end of their long moment of silence. Looking at each other, Cassius finally nodded at Tomusir as they got up from the chairs they sat on. Leaving the tent, the found Zakir standing a bit away near a few other guards. ¡°Hurry, we need to make it in time,¡± he said as he grabbed Cassius above the elbow and lead him off. Being late to such a distinguished gathering was not a good sign for any of the three or the guards that escorted them there.


    <hr>


    Relaki was waiting with her stationed group for a while when she finally saw Cassius, Zakir, and Tomusir as they were escorted by guards towards the ritual center. Having been assigned as the rear guard commander, she was too far away for Cassius to pinpoint from his position. But, he was easy to spot from such distances. Wearing a bright pink armor, he stood out like a ball of light in a dark room. It was difficult to look away at the incredulous sight before her. Giggling to herself, she knew he probably didn''t understand the meaning of wearing such color to an important battle like this.


    ¡°He looks almost as beautiful as you do,¡± said Luna, a close friend of Relaki, in a sarcastic tone. ¡°Pink fits him perfectly.¡± She was a tall lady, more handsome than beautiful, and with pitch black hair.


    ¡°Oh, be quiet, Luna. He is perfect the way he is,¡± replied Relaki with a dreamy sigh at the end. One day she knew she would build up enough courage to confess her undying love for him, but until then she would make sure to keep all hussies and unwanted competitors away from her man.


    It took a while, but everyone was eventually in place. Those receiving the blessings were standing shoulder to shoulder in a perfect phalanx formation; twenty-five in every line. Around them in a full circle were all that were poised to give out blessings - except those of the Church of Light - each spaced equidistantly from the other. Ten representatives from each group were going to give their races unique blessing.


    The Dwarves started with a deep baritone chant, hands raised above their heads. Slowly the speed of the chanting increased until the words began to jumble up into an incoherent mess; challenging to parse through. With a sudden flash of dark brown and a metallic silver, you could see the strike force grit their teeth as the blessing tore its way through them - marking them with its runes. After that came the three groups of elves, although there were many different ethnicities among the elven heritage, there were only three with a recognized sovereign government.


    Because the significant similarities between the ritual words and execution of them, they would begin at the same time, but one by one finish based upon length - forest elves, dark elves, and then the lengthy ritual of the high elves. Starting out, all thirty of them spoke with a single voice, closer to the whistling winds of a storm than words spoken by mortal beings.


    Longer and longer it went, until the ten forest elves stepped forward, making their difference in language clear - though the base structure had the same origin between them all. Their words sound closer to the rustling of branches than anything else. A glow of light brown and green, intermingling between each other, began to shine on their hands. And with a final holler of words, they threw the gathered blessing at the strike force.


    Then came the dark elves who, different from all others, began a slow dance in their positions as they continued in the same language they had started with. Shadows began to gather from the surroundings of the dark night, and with a sudden frightful scream of terror from them, struck each person from the strike force.


    The high elves, knowing the need for haste, stepped into theirs without a second delay. Similar to the dark elves, they spoke with the same language as they had started. But they did not move from their spots, standing rigidly in position. As their chant continued, a sphere of light blue pure mana grew larger and larger in the middle of their circle; above the heads of the strike force. With a sudden popping sound, the ball collapsed downwards, and the elves took a step back. Splashing on top of the strike force, you could see them shivering from the inherent cold it brought.


    One by one, the rest of the races stepped forward. Each completing theirs in ways unique to them. By the end of it all, a beautiful aurora covered the sky, right under the heavy clouds that had mysteriously moved in. Yet, there was one more blessing to be given, The Benediction of Greater Light. Unlike the others, they had over fifty participants circling all the others. This would be the first time in millennia, recorded or otherwise for such a blessing to be given; fit for the circumstance they had found themselves in.


    A deep humming voice began the last ritual, as mysterious yet feminine voices began to sing words forgotten. Light tore from the ground, the shadows dispersing in its presence. Louder and louder it became, the mana from over fifty participants and many large mana stones was drained. Cassius was pushed to the front with shaky legs; the previous rituals taking their toll. Until finally with a horrific tear in the fabric of reality, the chanting stopped. Confusion filled the air as nothing seemed to take place after the terrifying sound.


    While, farther away, Relaki felt her heart catch. Something was wrong with this, and Cassius was right in the middle of it. ¡°No, no, no,¡± she whispered to herself. Relaki began to move forward, but her hand was caught by something. Looking back, she saw Luna shaking her head and eyes serious. ¡°Something is wrong,¡± said Relaki in a harsh whisper. ¡°Where is the tunnel of light? The singing voices? Or¡­ or trumpets? There''s nothing!¡± She continued, trying to pull away from Luna. But Luna''s grip did not falter, she knew that interfering with the ritual was grounds for execution without trial.


    ¡°It''s too late, Relaki,¡± said Luna.


    ¡°Please, let me just get a better look,¡± begged Relaki, she needed to see this up close. Maybe, she could stop anything wayward from happening.


    With a sharp nod, Luna said, ¡°Okay, but I will come along to stop any foolish ideas you might have.¡±


    As they moved past confused soldiers and some not understanding why everyone was confused, a tearing noise that made everyone flinch sounded out again. Everyone looked into the sky as sudden blasts of light began flickering fast and faster. Until the light became a small circle high in the sky, pulsing so quickly it was impossible to distinguish one from another.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Thrice the booming sound, explosions that had the entire army stepping back with wide eyes and some even with fear. But, that didn''t matter to Relaki, her heart kept beating faster and her gut demanding she stops this before it got too far. But, she didn''t, she stayed in her spot. Rooted by eyes wide with fear and limbs that felt too heavy to move.


    Up above, where the pulsing light had solidified into one single dot in the sky, a hole had begun to tear itself in the fabric of reality. Clawed hands were wrapped around the edges of the hole pushing, pulling, and expanding it. With a deep breath that sounded from every direction possible, a voice sighed. ¡°Must you call me so soon?¡± A voice that grated on the ears demanded.


    Stepping through the widened tear in the fabric of space, a being with long claws - half as the length of its long arms, they reaching below its feet - and Angel like wings on its back. Its face had no features a perfectly smooth and silvery face of metal. It wore white armor with black and dark purple lining its breastplate.


    ¡°Had, I, not given you my blessing not even three thousand years ago. Oh, how demanding you ants can be.¡±

 Chapter 5 - Zenama - He Of Chaos and Order

    The condensation the voice uttered its words were like an explosion to the build-up before it. Screams of terror began to sound out from every direction in the army. Some walking back and others barring their swords. So many in fact, their unsheathing reached the ears of the being from so far away. Slowly, it began floating down towards where Cassius stood. A large space, greater than what had been allocated to the ritual itself grew as the soldiers quickly backed away. Only Tomusir, Zakir, Azelenous the Dark, and Cassius stood their positions - Cassius out of oblivious curiosity.


    ¡°Put away your toys, Short Lived mortals. I might accidentally wave my hand in your direction. We wouldn''t want, do we?¡± Snared the pseudo-angel at those surrounding him. Its voice causing many to look around confused, and others covering their ears - faces scrunched up in pain - they fell to their knees. Unable to take the pressure exerted by the being. Stopping right above the ground, it floated there. Spinning counterclockwise, its non-existent eyes stared at everyone, until it finally fell on Cassius.


    Its face began to morph into different expressions. Parodies of what is commonly shown in great emotion. An insult to the mortals, and a nightmare to those that thought they could find solace in the night. The being began groaning and making a rumbling sound, its body shaking and hands flailing. ¡°Your blood stinks, Satyr! Debaucherous, unclean, filth-stained mongrel!¡± It roared in outrage, the more time passed, the louder the rumbling in the surroundings became. ¡°Even covered by layer over layer of those poor excuses of blessings mortals had created, your blood still reek. Staining the heavens and the Lands! Go back from whence you had com-¡± With a sudden pop, silence reigned supreme. The change left everyone disoriented. While the being floated up, staring at the mountain, where the entrance to the labyrinth of the necromancers was made.


    Long seconds passed as the being just floated there watching something afar. ¡°Hmm,¡± it said as it raised a clawed limb and seemingly rested its chin on the edge. The perfectly smooth face it had begun to morph once again, but this time it was not of faces filled with disgust and hatred. It changed to that of surprise and even some admiration. ¡°Now that is a ritual,¡± said the being in a way of compliment. ¡°Edgy Zenki''l is finally going to have revenge on that envious harlot of light my sister is. I guess these mortal ants are good for something,¡± he said as he looked at the army with a malicious gleam. Oh, the thousands were perfect for the ritual.


    But then it clicked for it. Its face changing rapidly into hundreds of expressions, until it finally fell on to one. A maniacal smile, sharp razor thin teeth gleamed in the moonlight, that reached one side of its face to the other. It stared at Cassius then back to the ritual, over and over again. Slowly a bubbling laugh that had many from the army fainting erupted from behind its teeth. Bending its back, it clutched its stomach as it roared in laughter. ¡°Yes! Yes! This is the most intriguing it has been in ages!¡± Screamed the being.


    It swopped down in front of Cassius. Caressing his check, Cassius shuddering absolute fear, it left a thin trail of blood on his chin. Jumping back, it swiveled its head, numbers coming out of its mouth, jumbling up with those stated after. For a few minutes, it continued until it raised both of its arms above its head. ¡°There is enough ants! Another will be brought! And I will have them!¡± It spoke to Cassius from afar.


    ¡°I bet she doesn''t even know! She thought she could mooch off me! But I will get my due! I will get it! I will get it!¡± It continued to laugh at a joke only it understood. Slowly, it regained its senses and simply began to stare at Cassius with its maniacal smile adorning its face. Being the only recipient of its attention, Cassius fidgeted in place, pink armor reflecting of the light of the moon. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    The being raised its hand, pointing a claw at Cassius. Its face began to shift back into its previously flawless and smooth plate of metal. ¡°Your collective prays will be answered. I, have deemed you worthy of my blessing.¡± It said, voice reverberating more so than before. Causing an actual effect in the physical realm. Waiting for everything calm down once again, it began to speak with a majestic voice, unlike the grating one it had just used.


    ¡°I, First-Born of Hudural and Femana, Brother of Mendural of The EverFire, Brother of Heumdiral of The Ocean, and Brother of Sendiral of The Eclipsing Light, Zenama of Chaos and Order, give to thee, Cassius Wenif, son of Julius Wenif and Cassandra Wenif, he who is one-tenth Satyr, one-tenth Orc, and eight-tenths Human, The Benediction of Greater Light. Otherwise known as The Blessing of Absolute Chaos¡­ blah blah blah.. Take my blessing and do my will,¡± said the being in one breath.


    Raising the claw it pointed at Cassius with, it raised it above its head and towards the sky. With a zipping sound, a flash of golden light ripped its way from the tip of the claw to the center of the sky, far above. More of the golden light began to accumulate until a massive ball sat in the sky, unaffected by the law of physics or gravity. Quickly, the being clapped his hand thrice, and the ball split open, like an egg, from top to bottom. I side it was another ball of purple lightning. It seemed to be stuck in a barrier it wanted to break its way out of. Every time one crashed onto the barrier, a roaring thunder erupted.


    ¡°Accept my blessing with open arms!¡± Demanded the being from Cassius, who was stepping backward. He was doing his best to get away but was not fast enough. Gesturing like he threw a ball, the ball of lightning erupted into a line heading towards Cassius at the speed of light; impossible to dodge. Putting his arms in front of his face, head looking away, and eyes shut closed instinctively, he was not prepared for the extreme pain that shot through his entire body.


    Screaming in a shrill voice, he was raised up from the ground. Body bend, as though he was stretching. Flashes of bright purple and golden light highlighted the extreme pain he was being put through. Relaki''s scream of terror was like a dull beat in the background. But with a wave of the hands of the being, all screaming became muted, his power collapsing any traveling noise. Cassius had to face the pure agony alone, his screams unheard by the world or anyone within it.


    ¡°Annoying pests, did you not call me here? Just one could have spoken, just one, and I would have been bound by laws greater than us all! Why must you shriek so irritatingly? Emotions? Bah, you don''t even know what you feel most of the time.¡± Said Zanama in a voice filled with irritation and a hideously morphed face. Slowly, the lightning became less and Cassius brought down to the ground.


    His charred armor - no longer pink, but a mix between its old color and black - smoking as his knees touched the ground. Falling forward, it seemed like he would fall to his face unconsciously, but he caught himself with his hands. Head lowered, he stayed in that position for a while. Groaning, he raised his head to look at those surrounding him. Mirroring Zemana''s crazed smile, his eyes were golden - irises purple and black.


    ¡°Rise and fulfill your final duty,¡± commanded Zemana, his face once more showing its needle-like teeth in a warped smile. Getting up, Cassius stood up straighter than before. Stretching, it seemed like he had just woken up instead of having been electrocuted alive. Jumping up and down, he felt his body, trying to get used to it.


    ¡°I feel wonderful,¡± said Cassius with an exaggerated sigh. All the while, Relaki could be found farther about, tears streaming down her face, but too afraid to let out any sound. At that moment, she knew something that broke her. Looking into Cassius''s eyes, she did not notice the man she had fallen in love with. He was nothing but a stranger to her, and it was all because she did nothing.

 Chapter 6 - The Small Mistakes Bring Large Troubles

    Taking a deep breath, Cassius enjoyed the distinct smell that came from the entrance of the labyrinth. The wind was blowing strong, and a light rain had begun to fall after the ritual, but to his enhanced senses, they were only minute abstructions. Easily overcome by his new abilities. The entrance had a very stale and earthy smell that was very unlike the rot and death everyone had expected. A welcome sight for Cassius, who had suddenly felt a connection to the hidden order with the chaos this whole farce of a situation had become. Someone had planned well, but entirely against their own nature. For that he was ever grateful; this gave him a source of power he could take advantage of.


    Opening himself to it, he let the white, black, and gray energies hidden from sight into himself. His smile grew even more maniacal, and a clipped burst of laughter escaped his mouth. The power he had received from the god, and those now available to him because of the connection. ¡°S-Sir,¡± called a short dwarf with a massive double-bladed axe and a long beard that flowed out of his full-plate armor. ¡°Crap,¡± the dwarf mutter under his voice, but still loud enough for everyone to hear, as Cassius swiveled his head around, a fiery aura escaping him. Gritting his teeth, he stared at the incompetent dwarf who shook under the pressure.


    ¡°I-I mean your G-Gracefully Enhanced and Chaotic O-Orderness,¡± said the dwarf as he fought to keep standing. His voice stuttering as a result. For a while, Cassius did not relent until he felt he had driven his point into the thick skull of the dwarf and hopefully anyone else that approached him. Then again, how much could he expect from such lower life forms? ¡°Yes, incompetent dwarf, what is so important that you need to interrupt me from my meditation?¡± Said Cassius, his voice and tone oddly reminiscent of Zenama. Maybe, even too much so.


    Clearing his throat, the dwarf looked over his shoulder to where the strike force had gathered to watch intently as their elected representative spoke to their commander. ¡°Well, you see,¡± started the dwarf, but quickly stopped as he watched Cassius''s right eye began to twitch in irritation. ¡°Damn, I forgot again,¡± muttered the dwarf again in his not so whispered whisper. Waiting for another outburst, he shut his eyes and lowered his stance, he did not want to embarrass himself by falling over. Yet, nothing happened, cracking his closed eyes just a bit, he saw Cassius with balled up fists and taking deep breaths all the while mutter different curses that left him blushing.


    Gulping, he looked back at the group that was watching intently then again towards the impatient Cassius. ¡°Your Gracefully Enhanced and Chaotic Orderness, the, umm, the commanders have been waiting for our assault to begin for the past few hours, and umm, they are getting a bit¡­ mind you, just a bit, upset,¡± said the dwarf with a nervous chuckle as he scratched the top of his helmet with gauntleted fingers. Releasing a bit more of his aura, Cassius began taking deep breaths to calm himself down. He wanted just one, intelligent subordinated, was that too much to ask for.


    ¡°And all of you thought it wise to only tell me now? Hours later?¡± Asked Cassius in a low and harsh whisper in between his deep breaths. ¡°Yes, your Gracefully Enhanced and Chaotic Orderness. We had to, umm, elect a representative to be your second,¡± said the dwarf, grumbling as he said the word elect. Sighing heavily, Cassius began massaging the bridge of his nose.


    ¡°Okay, just get into formation, I am almost done,¡± said Cassius as he turned away from the dwarf. Reaching into the top of his burnt breastplate, he took off the amulet Tomusir had given him. Sneering, he looked at it with disgust. ¡°Damn animal thinks I need its trinkets,¡± said Cassius as he tossed it away from the entrance. Watching it fall, it glistened in the air for the duration until with a clink, it fell off to the flatter areas around the mountain. ¡°Filthy animal,¡± he murmured to himself as he picked up his helm from the ground. Putting it on, he turned towards the strike force that had gotten into formation.


    ¡°Let us show those necromancers what we are capable of¡± he screamed at the top of his lungs. Closer to the entrance, the actual army began moving as well as they saw the strike force gather. Beating drums kept everyone in lockstep, and in the right direction. Waiting for a bit, Cassius watched as the army began rushing in as planned, following the path set up by the Vanguards before them.


    A bright red flash of light, rose in the sky, the sign that it was time for them to advance. Lowering himself, he raised his right hand straight up, then let it fall in the direction of the entrance. The first group of augmented warriors blasted past him, within three seconds of time after, a second and third had already left. Nodding to those around him, he started to run with the fourth group. The first three were meant to clear a path from him, and those behind to keep any unwanted reinforcements from helping the necromancers.


    Quickly, the darkness of the cave eroded any light that had broken past through the storm clouds outside. But, the darkness was not a hindrance to the strike team. Their eyes were sharp enough to pierce the darkness. Eventually, well-placed torches gave way to a flickering light. Introducing the stalactite-filled cave that was narrow but had a ceiling that was very high up. The constant booming of the drums made dust that had gathered shake in place, and even some of the stalactite to shake in their spots.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Pushing on, past turn after turn and bend after bend, they finally made it to a point where the army had widened the tunnels to continue in large numbers. Past those, an opening that shone a bright blue color from inside stood waiting for them. Rushing into the light, they found themselves in a steep area, heading directly into the middle of a massive round room that had hundreds of golems split down the middle by ingenious tactical movement. Cassius had to admire Gregorius for such strategic ability, though begrudgingly.


    Rushing through the middle, most golems were too preoccupied with the army to chase after them. And those that did were quickly dispatched by the army; their switch in attention their demise. Getting to the other side, the ran up another steep incline towards a darkly light tunnel. As they continued running for a good part of an hour and a half, they encountered the same thing, over and over again. The winding paths that were widened as they neared the entrance to a massive circular room. In each place, the situation was all but the same, the golems split down the middle into two groups. They passed almost twenty-seven chambers like this, the effort put into this must have been incredulous, or absolutely fanatical. What crazed mind would work for so long on such an arduous task?


    But eventually, they made it to a room unlike before. In it was nothing but a massive door that had been broken down by the first few waves of the strike force. Slowing down, Cassius felt the entire mountain shake. They needed to hurry, or they would be too late. Getting closer to the door, they heard cries of pain and what seemed to be a great struggle. ¡°Let''s hurry,¡± commanded Cassius as he began moving towards the door. But as they moved closer, a nervous air began to permeate around them. The closer they walked towards the door, the more pressure they felt on their chests.


    By the time they reached the door, some had blood dribbling from their nose. Cassius, being the most powerful felt much less, but it was still a horrible feeling. It was like someone was sitting on his chest. Walking towards the door with gritted teeth, he pushed the massive door a bit wider so they can all pass. In front of him was a scene he had not expected. On the floor, some passed out and others screaming in pain as the clutched their chests, were the first waves of the strike force. Looking down at his feet, he could see a transparent divider that made it clear that they were in the domain of something much more powerful than them.


    ¡°Muhaha,¡± laughed a deep voice from far above. Looking up, Cassius saw a roof that was open to the sky. And above that, in the middle of dark swirling clouds was a black ball of shadows that shot energy all over the place. Connecting to it was countless tunnels of energy from all the necromancers and a few massive mana stones. In a large circle, the necromancers were all placed around the room in equidistantly from one another. They had five circles going around one person in the very middle. The man in the middle and it was a man with a distinctly authoritative voice was the only one covered by a dome of light that seemed to channel all the excess energy escaping from the mana stones and ritual to one point then back up towards the ball of laughing energy. He was screaming in a language unlike any of the origin languages. Something more guttural and wild, not belonging in the realm of the civilized.


    Cassius stepped past the threshold, there he felt a massive increase in pressure on his chest. He felt his knees shake, and bones grinding against each other. At that moment, he felt a fog escape his mind, eyes widening he almost stopped his forward momentum, to turn around and apologize to those he had wrong so greatly. He¡­ He didn''t even feel anything for Relaki in that span of time. That in itself was the most frightening thing he had ever experienced. ¡°We need to get to the person in the middle. He is clearly the most important person,¡± said Cassius as he picked up his pace with a groan of struggle and pain. Biting his lip to keep himself grounded he continued to get closer, but the pressure kept increasing.


    He pushed and pushed himself until he felt something snap in his chest. Pain began to bloom around his heart, but he was determined to stab his sword through the lead necromancer. As he got about ten meters from the man, he looked back only to see the last person from his entire strike force - the dwarf that had spoken to him earlier - falling forward as blood dripped out of his mouth. ¡°Damn it,¡± he muttered to himself as he turned around and pushed against the pain. Screaming, he got to only a few meters from the lead necromancer, just to feel a massive boom of energy push him to his knees.


    ¡°Muhaha! You are too late. My return has been guaranteed!¡± Said the voice from above. Similar to Zenama, the voice seemed to reverberate from everywhere. But unlike him, it was intense and so obviously filled with past wounds. A voice that needed revenge to survive. Crawling forward, Cassius heard a pop in his back... Eyes widening and blood crawling down from his mouth, he made a last ditch effort to push his, soon to be limp, body at the necromancer. But Cassius fell short, over a foot away from him. Extending his hand, it passed through the dome of energy. Hand shaking from the pain, he reached out as far as possible, yet he knew deep down he wouldn''t make it.


    If only he had kept¡­ If he had kept the amulet, Tomusir had given him instead of throwing it away with disgust. Why did he even feel that way? Was it something he got from Zenama; the hate for all beastkin? It didn''t matter anyway, he was going to die. Cassius looked up with great difficulty, groaning as his head felt a million needles run through it. But all he met was a wicked smile from a face that spoke of great evils. Looking up to his shaking hands, a shining ring caught his attention. Silver with gold inlays, and was shaped to look like the skeleton of a snake. The one thing he remembered the day his mother passed. Tears began slowly crawling down his face, his heart rising up to his throat, and anger unbidden passed through him before his head and hand fell, lifeless.

 Chapter 7 - In The End Is Always Suffering

    Zenki''l''s laughter boomed in the night sky. His words heard by all. ¡°Muhaha! You are too late. My return has been guaranteed,¡± he said with confidence. The world in its entirety seemed to answer him. Tortuous winds tore their way in every direction imaginable - keeping even the most sturdy footed of balance. Rain clouds raged, pouring lakes from their gullet, the accompanying lightning burning the ground it touches as its voice shook the rear guard in their positions.


    It was difficult to see past the blowing downpour of rain, more so when the blazers of fire had died in the storm. But their hearing was not wholly impaired, the words spoken by the Dark God clear as day no matter how loud the storm became. ¡°Did Cassius make it? Is he okay?¡± Asked Relaki over the sound of the blowing winds. She covered her head with a thick cloth, but it did nothing from keeping her dry; she was thoroughly soaked, they had not expected such weather in the arid, desolate lands near Mount Welmonu. Especially considering how sudden it had come. One moment, the rear guards were watching the strike force enter, and then the next rain began falling.


    ¡°Relaki, he''s not the only person that entered the labyrinth. Have some shame, and at the very least act like your worried about High Paladin Zakir and the rest of the army,¡± said Luna, berating her friend as she kept her hold of her as tight as possible. Luna feared Relaki would run off to find Cassius at any moment. She might be one of the more beautiful and talent gifted people of the Church, but like all ordinary people she had a flaw; not the infallible woman she is often made to be. Her fault was her undying love for a single man. Why she fell for the droopy smiled and dense Cassius, that she would never know.


    ¡°But¡­ But, you heard the evil voice. It was different than Zenama''s,¡± whispered Relaki, pulling at her friend''s grip. ¡°I just want to get a closer look, nothing more,¡± she tried again. Maybe another tactic was needed to escape her friend. But Luna wasn''t having any of it. Stern-faced and narrowed eyes made it very clear what she thought of her poor excuse to get away. ¡°Goddess knows how long the first tunnel is, not to mention all the bends and curves. How do you expect to see anything? I am not letting you go. You have responsibilities to uphold,¡± said Luna with an irritated voice.


    ¡°Let go, Lu-¡±


    With a sudden gust of wind and an explosive deadening of silence, the rain that had been hurtling downwards ceased to exist. Disoriented, Luna released her grip of Relaki''s hand falling to her bottom. Her eyebrows knitted as she looked around her. Everyone seemed to be looking up into the sky, gasps of awe sounded out, and others began to point up in wonder. Following their lead Luna tilted her head up, only to feel great unease as though she had been drenched with water in frigid temperatures.


    Up above was a beam that crawled its way through the sky. It was made of what seemed to be blackness that sucked the light in its path. No, it was less than even that. It was nothing but the lack of anything and everything. Slowly eating its way through reality and straight towards the ritual. Luna continued to watch, its slow progress until at a point, it froze in position. Then with a sudden concussive force that dispersed the clouds from the sky, and after a moment reached them - pressing down on them - it sped to speeds that could not be conceived. One moment it was still and the next, its tail was the only thing you could see, the lead had gone past the mountain.


    Boom!


    The voice that had proclaimed its victory suddenly cried in pain. Its scream was hoarse and tortuous to the ears. Covering them, Luna looked at Relaki who was mirroring her actions. The events taking place were happening to fast to deal with mentally. As the scream continued, a peal of grating laughter erupted, Zenama''s voice was distinct enough to be recognized from the other one. Both, sounding simultaneous, caused blood to seep from Luna''s ears. A blast of energy pushed past them from the mountain, blowing dirt and wet sand into the air. Lowering their heads, the rear guard covered themselves.


    ¡°What have you done?!¡± Screamed Zenki''l, groaning afterward from another spike of pain. Zenama suddenly stopped laughing, an uncertain air revolved around him, ¡°I-I did nothing!¡± He screamed in denial. His voice was filled with confusion and a bit of fear. What was that black beam? And more importantly, why did Zenki''l seem so distressed? ¡°D-Don''t blame me. Blame my sister, she is the one that sent the satyr!¡± Screamed Zenama in response. Having seen enough, he quickly rumped through his portal and closed it shut. The air it had been occupying returning to its position with a loud slapping sound.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ¡°No! Come back here, help me,¡± said Zenki''l, his last word nothing more than a harsh whisper of pain. Screaming as loud as he could, voice shaking the air and bringing almost everyone within the mountain and out to their knees. A zapping sound that quickly cut Zenki''l''s scream short ripped its way. The cries from the army were all that can be heard. Until, with sudden silence, no words, screams, or anything that dealt with noise existed. The winds stopped entirely, the uprooted grounds of dirt and sand froze in mid-air.


    A sound similar to the creak of a door slowly screeched. And as it finished, a suction force pulled everything it could towards its epicenter. The orb of darkness that had once been Zenki''l was now something far more heinous and destructive. A literal black hole had torn its place into the fabric of space far above the mountain. While the strike force definitely felt the suction force, it was too far away to pull them towards it. Yet, none could utter a word from fear at what they witnessed.


    The mountain itself had begun to break into pieces. Floating up towards a ball of darkness that hurt the eyes to stare at. The massive rocks that floated up seemed to elongate; running circles around it. Screams of horror could be heard from within the mountain, those unlucky enough to not have died on the way up were stretched beyond the limits of even the most flexible body.


    This continued for only minutes, everything happening so fast. Frozen on their feet, Relaki watched the last hopes of the survival of her love vanish, and all that was left was a fog of dust that did not want to disperse. ¡°Cassius, don''t leave me,¡± she whispered to the air. ¡°Ple-ease,¡± her voice broken as tears streamed down her face without end. Getting, her legs shaking, she stumbled her way forward in the storm of swirling dirt and sand. Arm covering her face, she continued walking until - almost falling - she broke past it and into what seemed to be a massive dome the dirt and sand revolved around.


    But that was not important to her. No, what was important was the massive crater that had appeared where the mountain had been. Walking to the edge, she fell to her knees, her body not capable of carrying her. Heart-wrenching sobs broke away from Relaki without her control. Only able to utter a single word, she did so continuously. Screaming Cassius''s name over and over again. While there was an enormous ball of dust in the center of the crater, she knew better than to believe he had survived in such a thing.


    Continuously, she stayed in her position until her eyes became to dry for tears to fall and her mouth to parched for her to speak anymore. Broken she let her body droop down, hands limp on her side. Feeling a hand touch her, she did not flinch - welcoming the prospect of death. Looking over her shoulder, she found Luna with tears in her eyes. ¡°Let''s go, we need to let the world know what happened here,¡± said Luna as she cradled Relaki. A hand on her back and another at the back of her knees.


    Walking away, they did not notice the fog in the crater fade away behind them. Nor did they see a single man wear robes completely stained in different shades of brown, from the dust and other less flattering things. Standing there under a dome of energy was a single man with knees bent, hands stretched out to balance him, and a hand from the wrist up only. The ground under him completely solid and almost completely untouched by the black ball.


    ¡°D-Dark God,¡± said the man in a whisper, his left eye twitching in a constant, but rhythmic beat. ¡°Dark God,¡± he asked again as he fell to his bottom, propping himself up with his hands. Looking around, all the man saw was the fog of dust and a severed hand. Reaching out, he grabbed the hand and brought it closer to himself. Treating it like a pet, he cradled it into the crook of his elbow and began petting it. At that moment, his mind broken as well, he began to sing alone.


    ¡°The Dark God is everlasting,


    His darkness transcending,


    Oh! Little children, be watchful, always,


    Because the Dark God will return one day.¡±

 Arc 1 Status - Finished

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    As promised, this is the Arc status page. Let me know what you want me to add, and what you want me to remove. Hopefully, this keeps you informed. If you have any questions, put them in the comment section and I will answer them here. Of course, they have to pertain to the arc this status page was designated to. Don''t forget to leave a few suggestions and thoughts for me to improve on the next arc! Thanks in advance!Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Arc 1 Status -


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 Chapter 8 - A Broken Heart Finding Its Goal

    Tears slowly crawled down his face. The blurry traffic lights - only their after images remaining - shined brightly on the tracks they had left in their wake. He felt his heart was being held by a cold hand. Slowly clasping on his beating heart. He tightened his, already white-knuckled, grip on the steering wheel. Pressing the gas pedal, his car sped even faster. A rush of adrenaline to keep him going. Because he knew, with absolute certainty, that if he stopped - even for a second of time - he would not live another day.


    The night sky was filled with storm clouds; far far away, swirled a mighty tornado roaring in indignation. Rain poured down, beating the ground - to a slick cover - relentlessly. Lightning brightened the heavens, and thunder adorned it as well. Mirroring the maelstrom of emotion and lack of strength to change anything he felt himself drown in.


    Screaming as loud as he could possibly in his zooming vehicle, he knew that no one would hear his cries. Yet, he made sure to keep his eyes open onto the road. With a jerk of his hands, he tilted the steering wheel all the way to his left; arms crossing over each other. His body affected by the sudden change of direction was almost thrown out of his seat - mind to foggy to remember to put a seatbelt on. The highway was empty this night; everyone home with family and friends. Shaking his head, his eyes blurred even more. Broken sobs of pain stumbled past his perfectly white teeth and cracked lips.


    He needed to think of anything else - anything at all. The hurt was too great, he feared his heart would tear itself to pieces just thinking about it. His hands began to shake, memories of a better time flashed before him. Like a hologram made so perfect, it remained a distance before him in the empty highway. Like dreams they passed, one by one, translucent in nature. They were of broad smiles and crescent eyes. Of giggles and full belly laughter - the kind that hurts your stomach as you roll on the ground. Of times spent together under the reassuring light of the moon. Huddled together making promises of a grander time to come.


    ¡°Why?¡± he cried, voice distorted by the emotions that ran rampant in his body. ¡°Why did you leave me all alone? You promised we would be together forever, ¡± every word he uttered was a painful experience like daggers plunging into his chest.


    Harder, still he pressed the gas pedal. The speedometer rising every second matching his need to get away. As far away as realistically possible from the cause of all his suffering.


    100


    120


    140


    180


    Yet, still, he sped, every turn challenging to make and those shorter, each begging he crashes into them and passes away; maybe the pain would be gone then. As he zoomed under bridge after bridge, past city after city, his surroundings began to lighten. Not from a source, but rather likea fog of light had begun to drift into reality. Not caring for the odd occurrence, and mostly attributing it to his blurred eyes. Farther still he continued, cursing his car for not being able to go any faster. Until before him, only a few meters away, a point of light coalesced. Moving in sync with the car, it flashed to white then to black then white again; a seemingly endless cycle.


    Seeing this, he couldn''t help but scream. ¡°Get away! Whatever you are, leave me alone!¡± He voice sounded more like an echo to his foggy mind. The blasting engine, a dull thrum in the background rather than its overbearing roars - almost matching that of the storm. Swirving his car, he tried to shake the odd light before him. But no matter his efforts it stayed there, unmoved by his desire. Growing every second, it had become a meter wide and double that in length before his car.


    ¡°I just want to be alone,¡± he whispered in a hoarse voice; throat sore from the screaming and cries. Swirving again, the tires of the car slipped on the slick ground. Seconds passed as gravity seemed to lose its meaning. He watched as his car hurried over towards a massive pillar of stone - holding an even more massive bridge up alone. Yet, he could not feel any sense of urgency to get away. No surprise at his apparent fate. Nor anger that it happened this way. He felt content, he was leaving everything that made him suffer and cry. Everything that made his heart beg to stop beating, and chest to burn in flames.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Closing his eyes, he accepted that he was bound with no variations to his future. Darkness consumed his thoughts as his other senses picked up what he lacked in sight. His ears heard the screeching of tires, nose smelt the odd burning smell, and touch feeling the empty air and the other hand on the steering wheel. Yet, the crashing sound of two great forces colliding sounded distant, and the flames that burned in the wreck that remained smelled like incense and a desert of sand. He did not feel the incredible jolt he imagined would take place right before his body slammed onto the pillar outside of his car. Flying out like a movie, and smacking the titan with no effect to it what so ever.


    He felt weightless, completely and utterly without it. It took long seconds for him to open his eyes, but once he did, he wished he could close them again. Try as he might, they would not shut, widening in awe and absolute fear and insanity. He found himself staring at things his mind could not handle. His sanity slipping the longer he looked. Pictures of this can be seen, but the actual thing was beyond the scope of the feeble human mind. Galaxies and massive clusters of gas floated far away each with pulsing lights that seared themselves into his eyes. A soundless scream escaped his lips, heart beating faster then it had ever before and sweat ran out like rivers down a mountain path. A weight beyond anything he could have imagined pressed down onto his very soul.


    But, that was not all that was there. A thing of dark matter seemed to push itself off a painting stuck to a wall; separating itself from the image before him. It had hands, so many hands, and glittering stars and solar systems - in their entire vastness - as eyes flickering. And they too were innumerable. It seemed to take an eternity, but it eventually touched him. How it did so with hands so large, he could not conceive even in the most minute form; it was beyond his tiny mind. But once it did, pain rippled from his eyes; his mouth, parched from the constant screaming, began to leak blood and foam. His irises lost their color and pupils were there no longer; utterly white with no blemish.


    He felt hot fire burning with rage inside his skull and pushing their way down his blood vessels to his heart. The pain increased folds even greater because the fire burned not only his soul but were sped across his entire body by its pumping gait. To his lungs, liver, tearing their way into his stomach and through his intestines. Find any way possible to exit his body. From the eyes, nose, mouth, and other more unsavory places as well. Little even found their way out his very pores, all across his entire body.


    It remained this way for a time he could not understand, eons and epochs passing in a blink of an eye. Until finally his stubborn mind - unwilling to give in - finally broke; the burning blaze of colorless fire consuming him completely. Limp, he floated for a time longer. Until suddenly, his body lurched forward. Speeding across the galaxies, their colors started to become an amalgamation; impossible to separate one from the other.


    Faster and aster he continued to move, with a massive boom a wormhole erupted around him. Sending his body across the galaxy in mere seconds rather than ages of time. To him, reality was glazed with the remanents of the colorless fire that tore him apart. In an undiscernable time, he felt himself enter an area of great resistance. What little he could make out, made it clear he entered a blue world so similar to his home. A barrier of fire surrounded him, its flames licking him at every moment it could. Yet, it did nothing to him, his body had already been introduced to what it deemed as greater.


    The farther he went into the atmosphere, the closer he got to the ground. A comfort his mind began to beg for, to feel a firm floor under his feet holding him up and away from the weightlessness that had introduced the thing. His eyes watched, as they passed passes of colored greens, whites, browns, purples, reds, blues, and finally onto a lonely land of light brownish yellow. All their details were blurred to him, his eyes unable to truly see anything anymore.


    His descent slowed as he finally reached the ground. The earth seemed to have been carved like a bowl for his arrival, a vast swath of earth seemingly moved, leaving only a single pillar in its lonesome; roughly fifteen feet in diameter. Reaching the pillar, his body came to a sudden halt; just inches away from the ground. Slowly, his toes pressed onto the solid ground under him. Like a waterfall, his body begged, even more, to be released to the effects of gravity, but whatever held him put him down slowly; like a mother would set her newborn babe.


    After his toes, he felt his knees support themselves on the pillars sandy ground. A small smile found its way to his face, awkward and as though he had forgotten what it was like to smile; closer to a frown if anyone were to see, but he knew what it truly was. A wave of relief flooded him like a tub of water crashing onto him in the fridged cold. His still heart began to beat again, and his deadly pale body regained a semblance of color. He slumped forward, arms limp beside him as his back bent forward, face almost touching his knees.


    Tears crawled down his face, ¡°Finally,¡± he cried in a whisper meant only for himself. A sob tore its way out of his throat, not one of great sorrow, but of immense relief and joy ¡°Finally, I am all alone.¡±