It was close to noon with a nearly cloudless sky. Yet something wasn't right. Could it be the fact that smoke rose above the tree crowns, or rather that Lamb has been walking for a day straight and still haven't found any sign of that purple snake. Skeleton thought that this demon would've left far more destruction behind him, but for now his only plan was to follow the smoke, and then maybe he would've found anything. During his stroll to the smoke, Lamb had plenty of time to appreciate his surroundings.
This forest was way more pleasant to look at, compared to anything that was in Hell. It's not like he completely hated his home, but it could use some green. Another thing he had a chance to notice was that he was being followed. While he couldn't blame them since it was rare for him to be on Earth, it still was annoying.
- Damn it tree spirits, I mean no harm to your forest so go harass someone else!- he screamed at the humanoid like creatures made of branches. Most of them backed off at the angry tone of the demon. While spirits weren't the brightest creatures, even they've known to better not get under demon's skin. Or bones in this case.
Lamb, pleased with their reaction, continued his stroll through the woods. He should be at his destination in less than an hour, of course if nothing out of the ordinary happens. Yet demons were known to attract many weird things, so Lamb couldn't let his guard down for even a second. And that's what saved him from having his skull pierced by an arrow. It barely missed his head, hitting a nearby tree.
- Oh, and where could our little archer hide?- Lamb slowly turned around taking a cautious glance at his surroundings. At first he didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. Then he saw a pair of yellow eyes glaring back at him. After that he saw an outline of his attacker. Due to its green and brown scales it was kinda hard to see what it was, but after a while Lamb was sure that it was a lizardman. It wasn't rare to get attacked by lizardmen since they were pretty territorial creatures. It could've been said about all beastmen, truth to be told. What was rare to meet them anywhere but the deepest parts of the biggest forests. Pretty much every kind of beastmen prefered to stay as far from humans as possible, especially the lizardmen who were said to be the most intelligent of them all. A smart idea if the demon was being honest, but they still were dumb enough to attack something beyond their league.
Demon then saw as its scaly hand reached for another arrow. Lamb put his hand on the shadow on the ground. When an arrow was pointed at him and the lizardman started to loosen his grip, the skeleton pulled the shadow creating a wall made of darkness, which blocked the arrow. Beastman started to back off, but Lamb raised his hand and said:
- Now, now, I think that you should learn your place, don't you agree?- demon's fingers started to cover in black mass. Soon the mass turned into shadow like strings. Each of the strings leaped at the lizardman, piercing through his head. When its body went limp, Lamb let the body fall flat onto the ground.
- Now that I think about it, I could've used your help. Well, it matters not, I'm sure that I will find something more useful in this forest- with that, the demon continued his march to the smoke. About a good half an hour later he started to feel as the temperature raised around him and saw smoke blocking the sunshine. When he arrived at a place filled with smoke, Lamb noticed the cause of the fire. It was a simple bonfire, now more akin to a wildfire.
- But of course he would've left a wildfire. At least it seems to be new, so he can't be more than two days away- the demon muttered to himself. Yet something was odd. He guessed that it was either spring or early summer. So why were there orange leaves on the ground? It made no sense, not only that, but those leaves also formed some sort of a rectangle as if some kind of building once stood in their place.
Lamb then felt something in the air. A fair scent of curse. No, no curse, but an enchant. And a strong one. While the scent was weak, it could potentially lead him to the Phantom and the rest.
- Heh, and I thought that this couldn't get easier- the demon then started following the scent.
It was long past noon when Lamb found a guard tower with many mangled corpses around it. Only three of them were somehow recognizable, two of them had stab wounds, the last one a sign of a fireball hitting the chest.
- Well, too bad you're dead, but at least I know where they might've gone- the demon said as he was checking if corpses had anything valuable with them. Other than a few golden and many silver coins, there wasn't anything useful- Or I might actually have some use of you
Lamb then made a pile of corpses in such a way that they casted a rather big shadow on the ground. Skeleton then went closer to it and kneeled. He summoned his war axe made of black lead, then he started a chant.
- Spirits trapped in eternal Limbo, I command thee to rise and serve your new master, Arts of puppeteer; master of shadows!- after he said that, shadow casted by the pile started screeching and twisting. It started to gurgle and something was trying to rise. Soon from the shadow a shape of a massive gargoyle has risen. Lamb stood up and the beast kneeled before its master. Demon hooped on the shadow and ordered the monster to follow after the scent of the enchant.
After a good few hours Lamb saw another smoke cloud. At first he wondered if they weren't going in a circle, but the scent was fresher so it wasn't the case. Not only that, but he also felt another, much more familiar energy. Close to him was a place on which portal to Hell was opened, mixed with a little bit of Andras's aura.
- Just why would they open a portal? Neither of them had a reason to come back, unless those idiots wants to let every angel know where they are
Gargoyle then continued its march through the tundra. While the chilling winds weren't anything near pleasant for both demon and shadow, at least the lack of trees made it much easier for the massive beast to move around.
It was already evening when Lamb saw what was causing the smoke this time. Or rather what was left. An entire town ablaze. Truly the work of the ninth tier of magic. But that was where the scent ended. It was clear that they burned this town, but where they went after that was rather hard to guess.
- Damn it, if I will have to chase after him to the end of the world I swear the I will make sure that he'll break a wing or two- demon said clenching his fists- why can't you just burn a path were your ass is
Then the demon felt another familiar aura. At first he thought he imagined it, but the scent of certain succubus was rather strong in this area.
- Oh? Lord Lucifer will be glad that I found a trace of a deserter, don't you agree my little shadow?- skeleton then chuckled. Lamb ordered the gargoyle to move slightly further from the burning town and decided to rest for a while, thinking where he should go next. Lamb found it interesting that the scent of the enchant just ended there as if it just vanished. Or maybe, just maybe...no, that's rather impossible. But what if the demon just went underground? This thought has been bothering him. Even if they went underground then why? How was out of question due to lack of any mines or anything of that sort in this area.
Could it be that Phantasm has known that Lord Lucifer would send someone after him. No, he isn't smart enough to think about, let alone plan about anything that isn't related to combat. But what about his team? They could've been slightly smarter than he is, so that isn't impossible.
For now he decided to rest for a while and then march forward. After all, he will eventually find that demon, right? Lamb tried to use stars to determine where he was, but to his luck, the night sky was covered by clouds. Yet he saw a single light. But why was it closing in? And what's with that metallic sound that grew louder and louder?
It didn't take him long to know what was closing. If the angels were there then maybe the snake was also somewhere close, but for now he needed to prepare for eventual combat.
- Damn holy cows, I just want to fulfill my mission in peace- the demon muttered as he was trying to take cover by the nearby rocks.
Meanwhile in the village of St. Peter, two men were busy cleaning in the church when a rather unexpected person entered the building. The man that just went in had armor in the color of copper on himself. When Victor noticed him, he quickly bowed.
- Champion Rose, why are you gracing us with your presence?- father Simon asked, taking a quick look at the champion's damaged shoulder.
- Demon! Silesia is under attack! I saw smoke!- Igor was talking with a slightly shaky voice.
- Demon? What did he look like?- captain asked.
- Quite big, and purple. Blue eyes and massive bat-like wings, why are you asking?
- That's the same bastard that destroyed Baszta!
- What do you mean destroyed? And why haven't I heard of that!? All I have heard was that some demons attacked Baszta, but they were killed. Who was stupid enough to lie about it, huh?- champion was shaking from anger.
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- Champion Rose, that isn't important now. What is important, is that the authorities should get informed about this situation as soon as it is possible
- Then what are we waiting for? Open the portal to Fehu, since that monster is probably still in Otto, king Leopold should be aware of it and deal with it
- Sounds good, but doesn't king Leopold have a meeting with king Vladislav? I doubt that they will let anyone enter just like that
- Fuck that, we have a dangerous monster on the loose so political meetings can wait. Beside the more kings will know about that, the more soldiers will come to our help
- I hope you're right. Father Simon please open the portal- captain pleaded to the priest. Old man started a chant and after a while in the middle of the church stood a yellow, circular portal. The air around it seemed to be sucked in, but it did not harm anything around it. Both men went inside.
When they got out of the portal, they found themselves before a grand castle. Truly magnificent building, made of gray stone, shaped like a perfect square, guarded by massive towers on each edge. It also was really tall, anyone standing at its top could easily see anything far, far ahead. Castle Gniew, known as a fortress that could withstand anything thrown at it, was a symbol of great strength of Otto and its people.
Victor could only stare in awe at the perfect fortress, but Igor was already at the massive iron gate guarding the castle.
- Let me in by God!- he shouted at the soldier on the other side.
- With all due respect champion, we cannot let anyone in. Order from king himself
- There is a really important matter that the king must hear about. It's a matter of life and death damn it!
- As I said we cannot open the gate. No matter who is pleading
- Listen, while we speak, a dangerous monster is running around and destroying towns
- A monster? So why won't you kill it?
- Because we can't!- Igor was banging on the gate with his fist.
- So what about the angels, huh?
- Completely wiped out by that beast- Victor decided to join the conversation- Victor Sommer from the crest of the bull, captain of the third legion of Ares- captain saluted at the fellow commander.
- What do you mean wiped out?- man's face turned pale and his eyes grew bigger.
- Now you see what we are dealing with? So can you open the gates?- Igor now spoke in a much calmer tone.
- Yes sir. Open the gate!- the massive gates opened with a creak. Champion and captain went inside. While Gniew outside made a stunning impression, inside it looked like any castle. The court was pretty small with a well in the middle.
- Now can you tell us where his majesty may be?- Thorn knight asked.
- His majesty and king Vladislav are now in the council chamber, but they do not want anyone to interfere
- Well too bad 'cause there is something more important right now- champion said as he went inside the hall which led to the chamber. Victor sheepishly followed him. Now tarnishing the red carpet with mud both men made their way to the room. Captain must've admitted that inside Gniew was rather cozy, maybe it was how the candles illuminated the gray walls?
The grand old wooden doors were guarded by two heavy armored spear men.
- Halt!- one of them shouted- No one can enter the chamber. It's a king's decree
- I'm not dealing with this shit again!- Igor tried to force his way through the guards, but he was forcefully pulled back. Both soldiers pointed their spears at the champion. Thorn knight reached for his whip, but before he was able to do anything, he was hit by a shock wave that sent him on his back.
- Don't you dare try to do anything funny champion
- Oh it might just get funny now- Igor's whip wrapped itself around the spear. Champion pulled the spear together with its wielder. Guardsman fell flat to the ground and the thorn knight rushed to the doors, but before he was able to open them, a second guard tackled him, pinning Igor to the ground. Victor decided to help the champion and tried to take the guard of him. Then the first spear man got up from the floor and dragged Victor off.
Meanwhile in the chamber both rulers wondered what was going on outside the room.
- What's that ruckus out there?- king Leopold went closer to the grand doors. He opened them and was not ready for what he saw. His guards and two other men were dragging and bashing each other just like kids playing in the mud.
- Can someone tell me what is going on?- he asked with a stern face. Everyone immediately got down on their knees.
- My lord, those men tried to force their way into the chamber- one of the guardsmen said.
- That's because we have a very important message that can't wait!
- And what that message may be?- Leopold asked, raising his brow.
- Your majesty, can we talk about it inside?- Igor asked.
Leopold was thinking for a while, but then decided to let both men inside the chamber. Inside the room an elderly man dressed in elegant robes and golden crown resting on his grayish hair was taking a curious look at the armored guests.
Igor and Victor joined both rulers at the round table.
- Ah, Champion Rose, it is a pleasure to finally see you in person- king Vladislav said with a smile.
- No your majesty, the pleasure is all mine
- As much as I would like to have a talk with you, there was a certain problem that had to be addressed, right?- Leopold asked.
- Yes my lord, there is a powerful demon raging in the kingdom
King Leopold's face went pale.
- What do you mean by powerful?
- It destroyed Baszta and now is taking care of Silesia all by itself
- Merciful God, if this will continue we all will be damned. All legions will be notified of that immediately, we will need them to be ready to combat at moment notice. Do any of you have an idea from where this beast might have come?
- Lord, this beast came from Hell- Victor spoke.
- Then have you seen its summoner?
- Yes, it was person clad in samurai armor
- So it is Kohryu doing
- You see brother? I told you to get rid of them from Otto. You give them a finger and they take an entire hand- Vladislav spoke with anger in voice.
- Brother, if this beast truly came from Hell, may I make a one request?
- Worry not, for I shall grant you support from Cracow greatest legions. Unless you want to use him to deal with that monster
- Dear Vladislav, I think your finest angel might be useful in this situation- Leopold turned to Igor and Victor- as for you two, I thank you for warning us about the danger, I will make sure to reward both of you
- It's an honor your majesty- both warriors spoke in unison.
- Now as for you Champion, I would like to ask you to join my forces for this upcoming battle. Of course you won't be the only Champion that will help us with that beast, right brother?- Leopold asked.
- I will make sure that Champion Blacksmith will aid you with his strength
- I'll gladly join your forces your highness- Champion bowed.
- Well then, you two can go now. There are few more problems that need to be addressed, but after that we will begin to prepare the legions and get rid of that fiend
Both soldiers left the chamber, awaiting for the upcoming battle.
Now Lamb was becoming nervous about the sudden appearance of the angel, but he couldn't say that he wasn't expecting that to happen sooner or later. Of course he preferred the second option, but luck seemed to only for finding Phantasm.
However it's not like he needed luck to take care of that angel.
For now he hid himself in the shadows, allowing the gargoyle to attract the divine soldier. When the angel was close to the shadow, the skeleton was able to take a closer look at his opponent. The ophanim or chariot, whatever anyone wanted to call it, was made of many spinning golden rings full of many colored eyes. It also had a core inside all those rings. Demon hoped that there won't be any cherubim anywhere close, since those two types liked to travel in pairs.
While gargoyle tried to fend it off, ophanim started covering itself in blue energy. Soon it looked like a blue sphere. It rammed straight into the shadow, destroying it at a moment's notice. When the chariot was getting close to the shadow in which Lamb was hiding, demon decided to strike. Many shadowy hands started to grab the angel and stopped it from moving. Lamb then emerged from the shadow and hit the angel with his axe, but it bounced off, not doing any noticeable damage to the rings. Chariot freed itself from the hands, and tried to hit Lamb with a massive thunderbolt which came from the sky. While the demon barely dodged the attack, the sheer force that it had was more than enough to send the skeleton a few feet away. Lamb then ordered the shadows to spit out spears. Many of them hit the angels, but only few seemed to affect it.
- Wrath of Gomorrah!- demon shouted as a black magic circle, that showed a cross with four arms going through infinity symbol, appeared under the ophanim. Soon the symbol shot out a massive pillar of black fire that reached high up to the sky. When the spell finished, ophanim still stood, but was greatly damaged. Most of the rings were melted and bent. Some even stopped spinning.
- I thought that you would be durable- Lamb mocked the angel, but quickly retreated his words when the chariot started to repair itself- Dammit! Hell fire!- a stream of crimson fire hit the angel. While it weakened the ophanim much more than it was able to repair itself, it was still standing.
Chariot responded with his own stream made of lighting which sent demon a good few meters away.
And then the sun went down. The entire area was covered by night illuminated only by the burning town.
- Well then, time to finish you. Shadows that cover this world, I command you to devour my enemies, the Eclipse!- when the demon finished the chant, the ground covered itself in black mass as if flooded by darkness. Then many grotesque abominations rose from the mass, each of them attacking the ophanim, tearing it apart. While the angel tried to fight, there were just too many shadows and soon it was swarmed by them. Lamb just stood in the back and observed the massacre.
After a few minutes there was barely anything left from the ophanim. Every shadow creature returned from whence they came and the demon fell exhausted to the ground. Then he observed as the remains of the angel set themselves on a white flame. Then a yellow sphere appeared over them. It's own soul. It stood in place for a while and then flew away. Lamb didn't bother with chasing it down. After all, the ophanim should leave in peace for good. Not only that, it might also lead him straight to the Phantasm. Now he only needed to let his magic aura recharge and then he will be able to continue his mission.
- I hope that Lord Lucifer will reward me greatly after that mission- and with that thought he gazed at the sky.