"You think you can just waltz in here and ruin everything I've worked for?" Drogath whispered under his breath, rising from his chair. "I have been planning this for years, and you two dare to stand in my way?"

John and Lirien exchanged a quick glance before assuming battle stances. They knew that Drogath was not one to be trifled with, but they had a job to do.

As Drogath raised his hand, a bright light engulfed the room, blinding John and Lirien. But they were quick to react. John used his Warlord pathway skill, Knight Charge, to escape the blinding light, while Lirien used her highly advanced Assassin move called Shadow Step to disappear from the light's reach.

Despite their quick thinking, John and Lirien felt a slow sensation creeping through their veins, as if their bodies were being weighed down. Lirien used skill called Assassin whisper to inform John that Drogath had used the Echanter pathway skill, Siren Screech, to slow them down.

A fierce battle broke out between the three, with John and Lirien struggling to fight back against Drogath's powerful spells and attacks. But after some time, Drogath found himself cornered and disadvantaged.

"You may have outsmarted me for now, but you two are nothing compared to my power," Drogath hissed, as he drew out a small crimson crystal from under his robes. "I will not let you stand in my way any longer."

With a fierce determination, Drogath crushed the crystal in his hand, causing a giant explosion that enveloped the council room. The force of the blast was enough to alarm the surrounding guards and the dwarven Prince Holymir, who was waiting outside the room.

Thankfully, the room's sturdy construction withstood the explosion, and John and Lirien were able to survive the blast. But when the dust settled, they found that Drogath had disappeared without a trace.

"He won't get away with this," John said, clenching his left fists in anger. "We'll find him and put an end to his plans once and for all."

Lirien walked over to John, clutching her side in pain. "We have to find him," she said, her voice strained.

John nodded, his mind racing. "He must have gone to the King's chamber," he said, a sense of urgency in his tone. "We have to stop him."

Just then, the heavy doors of the council room burst open and Prince Holymir walked in with a catious pace, followed by a group of armed guards. "What in the name of the All-Father?" he asked his question not really being a question but more shock and amazement, his eyes scanning the scene.

John and Lirien exchanged a quick glance before John stepped forward. "Your Highness, we were attacked by Drogath," he explained calmly, making sure to keep in mind the surrounding guards "He used some kind of explosive device and managed to escape."

Holymir looked at them his gaze still wandering, but his eyes lingered on the scorch marks and rubble scattered across the room. "I see," he said finally, nodding his head. "And where is Drogath now?"

"We believe he's headed for the King's chamber," Lirien interjected, wincing in pain.

Holymir's eyes widened slightly at this revelation. "I see," he said again, his voice low. "Very well. You two come with me. We'll find Drogath together."

The guards hesitated for a moment, but Holymir waved them off. "Stand down," he ordered firmly. "These two are under my protection. We need them if we're going to catch Drogath."

Without further hesitation, John and Lirien followed Holymir out of the council room and into the winding corridors of the dwarven palace. They moved quickly, their hearts pounding in their chests as they raced towards the King's chamber.

As they approached the chamber, they could hear the sounds of a struggle coming from inside. Holymir motioned for them to stay back as John and Lirien took charge forward, swords drawn.

John and Lirien rushed in the king's chamber, they heard a commotion from within. Bursting through the doors, they were met with the sight of King Tholmir locked in combat with Drogath. The room was in disarray, with debris scattered all around and the walls bearing the scars of powerful attacks.

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King Tholmir fought valiantly, using all of his strength and skills to fend off Drogath's onslaught. But even with the initial upper hand, the king's weakened state and fragile body could not hold up against Drogath's ferocity.

As Drogath landed a devastating blow on the king, sending him crashing to the ground, a look of betrayal crossed the king's face. "Drogath, how could you?" he gasped.

Drogath sneered down at the king. "Your weakness and naivety led to your downfall, Tholmir. You thought you could take me in and raise me as your own, but you never truly understood the nature of power."

The king struggled to sit up, his body trembling with the effort. "Your father, Duke Druin Drogath, would be ashamed of what you've become. I took you in as a son, and this is how you repay me?"

Drogath laughed coldly. "My father was a fool, just like you. He squandered his power and left nothing for his son. But I won't make the same mistake. I'll take what I deserve."

John rushed forward with a fierce determination, fueled by the knowledge of what Drogath was planning to do. He had to act quickly, or else King Tholmir would be lost forever. As he charged, he could see Drogath's hand reaching towards the Death Crystal, intent on using it to turn the king into a necromancer.

John knew he had to act fast. He switched his focus from Knight Charge to the Lightning Charm, a powerful charm he had bought at the market previously. As he cast the charm, a bolt of lightning shot through his body, filling him with an incredible burst of speed.

In the midst of casting the necromancy spell, Drogath was too focused on the incantation and the manipulation of dark magic as well as being influenced by the dark energy of the crystal to notice John's sudden acceleration. By the time Drogath realized what was happening, it was too late for him to counter John's Knight Charge.

With lightning-fast reflexes, John lunged forward and swung his sword with all his might, slicing off Drogath's head cleanly before he could complete his dark ritual. The Death Crystal rolling across the floor.

The room was filled with a stunned silence as everyone processed what had just happened. John stood there, panting heavily from the exertion, his heart racing with adrenaline and the lightning coursing through him. King Tholmir was in shock, staring at Drogath's lifeless body on the ground. Drogath expression being one of shock and apprehension.

After a few moments, the dwarven king composed himself enough to speak. He turned to John, his eyes filled with gratitude and admiration. "You have saved me and my kingdom," he said, his voice filled with chaotic emotions. "I can never repay you for what you've done."

He then turned his attention to Drogath's body, and a look of deep sorrow etched on his face. "Drogath was like a son to me," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I took him in when his father, Duke Druin Drogath, was killed in battle. I thought I could save him from his father's passing by filling that void, but I failed."

King Tholmir was on the floor, his body shaking as he let out heart-wrenching sobs. John and Lirien stood at a distance, their heads hung low in shame, while Prince Holymir and the other guards watched on in solemn silence.

The room was quiet, except for the sounds of the king's cries. John could feel his stomach sinking with a sense of guilt. He couldn't help but feel responsible for what had happened, for not being able to prevent Drogath from reaching the king and attempting to turn him into a necromancer.

Lirien stood beside him, her expression in a rare instance looking equally pained as John. Seeing him in such a state was almost unbearable. They both wished they could undo what had been done, to turn back time and make things right. But reality is often difficult.

As they waited in silence, the guilt and sorrow weighing heavy on their hearts, they couldn't help but feel a bit desolate.

As the king's sobs subsided, a heavy silence hung in the air, enveloping the room. King Tholmir slowly raised his head, his eyes red and weary from the emotional turmoil. With a trembling voice, he began to recount his reservations about Drogath, the trusted advisor who had now revealed his true colors.

Tholmir spoke of his initial doubts, the nagging suspicion that had gnawed at him, suggesting that Drogath had succumbed to the seductive allure of greed and power. The king's disappointment was palpable as he revealed how Drogath had been plotting to overthrow him, seizing the throne for himself and plunging the kingdom into chaos.

The weight of Tholmir's words settled heavily upon the listeners—John, Lirien, and the others who had stood by the king's side throughout this arduous journey. They understood the significance of the moment and the enormity of what they had accomplished. Their actions had not only saved the dwarven kingdom from impending doom, but they had also unveiled a traitor in their midst.

Finally, Prince Holymir stepped forward and broke the silence. "Father, what shall we do with the Death Crystal?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

King Tholmir turned to him, his eyes hardening with resolve. "Destroy it," he said firmly. "I never want to see anything like this again. We must move forward, and rebuild our kingdom with honesty and integrity."

With those words, the king rose to his feet with the help of the guards arround them. John knew that there was still much work to be done, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He had saved the Dwarven kingdom, and he would continue to fight for the greater good, no matter what.