Part 4 –
The cries of an infant were the horrid ambience that scraped against the stone walls of their only place of solace. Hundreds of terrified souls huddled with their loved ones, others with strangers for comfort as the wails of the damned sept through the cracked walls and burrowed deep into their hearts.
No shred of light was able to penetrate through the storm of despair that endlessly brewed, spun by the demented forms only separated by inches of stone. Harrowing demises stared them all in the eyes, convincing them that survival was but a fruitless endeavour.
The healers made as many passes as they could, operating between all 5 floors of the tower. But their numbers were painfully small compared to the amount of injured that laid in wait for their aid, most of which ranged from major lacerations to bones that had been shattered into multiple fragments. The worse were those who had been amputated because of a limb becoming afflicted with the Undead curse. Up to 3 men were required to maintain pressure on the stub as they were wrapped in what little spare cloth was available.
These people were unfortunately not doctors, and the healers present were unable to perform [Healing] magic beyond the [Second Tier]. The capable ones had already perished long ago, either by the flames or were among the Undead that scratched on their walls.
The Undead certainly had the strength to tear them down. Whatever had killed the 15 Greater Knights were of a class of terror that none of them could even begin to imagine, save for Khalis who had seen the 8 monstrosities firsthand. Remembering their human faces caused his blood to freeze all over, a hand drawn to his chest as he desperately sought to renew his resolve as he stood at the highest floor of the broken tower.
Heat of an unimaginable scale blew by them constantly as if they were trapped within the bowels of a monsoon. His armour deflected most of the heat, as did the men who stood bravely beside him. Their purpose here was to observe the progress of the flames that spread through Palvel like a hellish wildfire. It had grown spectacularly over the course of 6 uninterrupted hours, now nearly consuming the greater half of the city as fleeting embers and burning ash swashed through the air almost like rain.
The change was gradual at first 6 hours prior, finally growing to this hell storm that threatened to extinguish the very air they breathed. If the Undead could not kill them, then this certainly would. He watched onward from his roofless position, beholding the spectacle that only his sister would openly adore.
But she was too begrudged to join him in their task.
The question now was what exactly was their task?
It was simple. To wait for the firestorm to grow into an unstoppable inferno. That way the Undead would be cut down significantly and allow them to finally seek for any survivors.
That was if any remained.
Judging by the sprawling number of Undead and now the firestorm that swept through the entire city like a tsunami, leaving nothing but charcoaled ruins and clouds of smoke in its wake – they very well could be the last handful left alive.
Terrifyingly enough, the raging firestorm was headed their way from the northeast.
But this was a good sign, believe it or not. Anoma’s plan revolved around the very moment that this firestorm had passed – a plan in the make for over 6 hours now. During this time most had gotten their well-deserved rest, patiently waiting for their time to leave the tower and rescue all that they could…
… All in the hopes of this calamity also blowing over.
“Sir… will we survive this?” A young woman asked with obvious doubt in her voice.
“Our mages have not been depleted yet. A number of combined [Physical Barrier] will hold it off. Our fort is made of stone as well, so we have an additional advantage. We will not be killed.” He spoke with absolute conviction, nodding to the woman who could only stare out past the debris with uncertainty.
“I can’t believe it. You don’t think anyone else is alive out there, do you? We don’t have to save anyone –”
“That is our resolve. We did not become Greater Knights for our own self-interest. We have no means of winning anymore. The least we could do to a city we had damned is to save what’s left of them. Agh… Let’s not forget our people. Our brothers. Our sisters. They’re still fighting out there for their lives while we’re – we’re here merely waiting.” Khalis’ voice broke down to a gruelling tone towards the end, causing audible gulps to sound around him. “I do not expect the ill in combat to aid us. You’re more than welcome to stay here. There is no shame in fearing death.”
“Our conviction is difficult to be matched we’re afraid.” A Greater Black Knight added, already beginning to descend through the staircase. They had seen enough to know that the time was nigh. Lingering any more than they had was a waste of much needed energy for what was to come. “I shall report to our Commander. A shame that this will be the last time we can formally address her as such.”
“A shame indeed.” Khalis grumbled. “Head down. The mages need to prepare, as do I.”
“Not sure if we’ll be of any help.” A man said half-jokingly.
“Every help counts. [First Tiered] magic or [Seventh Tiered] magic means nothing if it isn’t used.” Khalis affirmed. “Do what you can to help with the [Barrier]. This is an order.”
“O-of course! I-I didn’t mean it like that! I was just… sorry.” The man sheepishly lowered their head in shame, slowly disappearing through the dilapidated staircase. Given the state of the stair’s integrity, it would not be a surprise if it collapsed at any movement.
This was why only one person was allowed to descend at a time out of the 12 that were present. Khalis was the last to leave. It was difficult to pry his gaze away from the all-consuming orb that hovered hundreds of metres above the centre of Palvel. The unknown object was without a doubt the eye of this maelstrom. Its purpose a subject only to their speculations as he heard its agonised whispers; the voices of countless beings assaulting his ears the longer he gazed into the abyss.
“What have we been herded here for, oh Overlord of Desire? For 20 years you have been rising through the ranks all for this one moment. It is sad that not even you can understand what you were handling, my friend.” These words were directed to Anoma, but she was destined to never hear them.
He was alarmingly aware of Anoma’s situation, though at the same time it was impossible to shift the blame away from her. In the end, it was her who sent them here against all their near flawless judgement. Khalis knew better than to attack an Undead infestation without pre-emptive strikes. But in hindsight of this; how many more would he have left to perish in the flames bellowed by his own two hands?
Palvel was a city of Di-Lock. A relatively normal city now that he realised it. It was different from the fortress settlements that littered the frontlines of the Great Plains of the north specifically, all now left as abandoned ruins. Mercenaries certainly existed here, as did troublesome folk – but from the structures that resembled nothing but markets, homes, inns, and taverns; Palvel had more civil life than most of Di-Lock’s settlements.
Its proximity to Truebirth and its innumerable number of Adventurers perhaps influenced it, although the armed forces in Palvel were not especially friendly to new faces. What was strange now that he realised it was that there were no guards, mercenaries, knights – not even a single Adventurer. Everyone that remained were all civilians in one way or another.
“An audience… one that cannot fight back. What a twisted turn of fate. My Gods…”
Ultimately – this was all the doing of the Overlord of Desire. Additionally, and if his hunch was correct – then the overwhelming amount of despair that he easily breathed was an omen to Despair’s presence. He would not be surprised if the orb was the very gateway to Despair herself.
He could only pray that Hope was on their side.
After descending the tower, passing through each floor where wicked wails of agony resounded infinitely, he eventually made it to the first floor where most were gathered. A ring of the only remaining 25 Greater Knights including Anoma and Calin formed in the centre with a single spot reserved for his presence.
Once he had joined with the group, his eyes wandered onto his once trusted friend.
“So, on with the plan then. We have 30 minutes before the firestorm reaches us.”
Anoma swiftly sprawled out a massive parchment of paper before them. It sat upon several hay bales which had been arranged into a crude table. Hardly stable but it was plenty satisfactory for the time being. The paper itself was comprised of several more, forming a giant collage containing an overhead map their surroundings.
At least 200 metres in all directions were illustrated with varying amount of detail, mostly due to the smoke and the rubble that made it difficult to accurately record certain landmarks. Additionally, most of the map was drawn by memory and the aid of Palvel’s citizens. Large, gaping voids were left in places where they had absolutely no knowledge on.
Such places were the channels that cut between the minor streets. They sprawled like the city’s very own circulatory system, made true with the crimson coloration of the water.
While it was possible to send out a scout during these 6 hours, Anoma ultimately decided against it. The risk significantly outweighed the mere prospect of gaining information. This was why it was unanimously decided to act after the firestorm passed by. That way they would have more freedom to search without being overrun by the Undead.
Anoma relayed these points one by one with intricate detail, eventually placing a single bundle of hay on the tower they garrisoned.
“To no one’s surprise the Undead remain as our greatest obstacle. They number us a thousand to one. Regretfully more if we include the rest of the city. Our enemies are fatigueless. We cannot fight them on a front of attrition.”
Anoma announced, moving a finger to the northeast.
“Once the firestorm passes, we’ll have free reign for an unknown amount of time. Keep your visors on. Your eyes will burn if the embers fall into them. But you lot aren’t morons, so my faith is placed on good shoulders. We have two primary objectives. To save as many lives as possible; and to protect the tower at all costs – and I mean it in its fullest sense. I cannot state enough that this tower will be our only lifeline once the firestorm passes.”
The former was initially a self-imposed plan, or a death sentence for Anoma depending on how one saw it. It was the only way Anoma could currently atone for leading them into this slaughter so blindly. Her final punishment would be held at Truebirth; the punishment itself left to be decided by the King himself.
However, even though it was not necessary for their survival – the Greater Knights could not ignore the desperate pleas of the innocent. Their brothers, sisters and Palvel’s citizens were out there, fighting for their lives in a world of darkness.
They would be no better than the monsters that plague this city if they were to ignore their desperate cries. It was their code – their duty – and their honour to protect the innocent.
Even if they did come from a nation at war with theirs.
These were the Greater Knights, the strongest in not solely strength, but morality. It was their greatest weapon of all, able to cut through the very fabric of darkness itself.
This was the key difference between the regular knights and their Greater counter parts.
As for the latter plan – it was the key to their survival. The tower must remain at all costs, else they would all perish to not only the swarm, but any subsequent firestorms and the blazing heat that starved Palvel of its air.
“It’s the only thing we can do anyway.” Calin spoke through clenched teeth, pained that there was little else they could do. “Their master is hiding somewhere in this city. If you knew you’d tell us. But I want to ask you regardless… do you know where the necromancer is?”
“Our best guess is the orb itself.” Anoma, to her surprise, answered. “But we have nothing to fight with. All of our airships won’t respond to any smoke stick. We don’t even know if we can damage it. The tragic event saw us lose one in the process… Tch. We can only pray that our remaining airships don’t suffer the same fate.”
Her words were partially strained, though sounded cold to those that listened afar.
As a result – a woman suddenly barked at her from behind.
“Is that all you can say!? After you backstabbed us all you can say is it’s a tragedy!? Look what’s happened to us!” She screeched, clutching at her heart as others quickly attempted to restrain her.
“Please just be quiet. Don’t say anything right now mom.” A young man, presumably her son, pleaded.
Her sudden outburst was not the first, the last, or the only one for that matter. The overwhelming hatred towards who was now considered their ‘former’ Queen was nearly unanimous amongst all, save the Greater Knights and the citizens of Palvel. The harrowing truth of what was supposed to be a holy endeavour had led them to their untimely demise.
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It was not unwarranted. No matter how many had risen against her, Anoma completely turned her backs towards them, only ever acknowledging them with chilling silence.
Her actions were the last remaining medium to convey her heart. Any word spoken to them would be weaponised against her.
“What about the priestess!? Our priestess is up there, and you couldn’t give a single shit about her! You murderer!” The woman, despite being restrained by multiple hands, was able to hurl a stone at Anoma.
She sensed it. Anoma had an unnatural sense of movement, honed by her dangerous upbringing and the countless assassination attempts in Katho. In spite of this – Anoma did not move. She did not even flinch.
A hand swiftly caught the rock before it could smash against the back of her head. The black gauntlet belonged to the glorious king of Pathfist. His reflexes were in line with a man a quarter of his age with matching strength. The rock crumbled in his grasp as he glared at the perpetrator, instantly silencing her as she retreated on an instinctual level.
“Your squealing is getting annoying. We are at the brink of our deaths and all you can do is blame. Offset that hatred and point it towards the Undead. Anoma is due for her punishment, but she has not finished serving under our banner just yet. Unless you can offer a better alternative?”
The woman could not utter another word, deeply embarrassed by King Ectarod’s words.
“As I thought. The fate of our priestess is unconfirmed. But the airship still functions like it is properly manned. Else it would have crashed into the [Barrier] trapping the city.” He calmly explained.
“Talia is alive.” Anoma exhaled, almost in an effort to convince herself that she was fine. “She won’t die in here. She won’t. Neither will we. This fort is all we will have left. Everyone that is able to form [Barriers] will assemble near the top of the tower. We need every man, every woman, and every child capable of lending a hand. Afterwards – we’ll split ourselves into a couple groups for the recovery operation. Everyone else will stay here and defend the tower in case anything happens. Set up a perimeter and use the debris to set up a blockade if possible.”
Anoma drew on the map with her hands, pointing to the five main streets that converged on the tower.
“Smaller groups will work once the Undead numbers quell. Whatever you do – please bring anyone you find back here.” She firmly slammed her finger onto the tower again, the thud echoing in the room as the Greater Knights stared down with approval.
“But our numbers are still too small. Our armour makes it too difficult to move quickly. But even so – I commend you all for your bravery. This will be my final commendation. Afterwards, it’ll just be the praise from your former Queen. Hah… no one will listen to the ramblings of a prisoner afterwards. A shame. But – don’t let my words distract you from the task at hand.”
“You’re lucky if it’s just prison.” Ectarod remarked.
“I thought so as well.” Anoma slumped slightly. “There’s only 25 of us. At least half must stay here. At best we can rotate ourselves in and out… 3 groups are the absolute maximum I am willing to allow to set foot out there with our current numbers.”
“… is your sense of morality finally returning?” Calin bit her tongue.
“I don’t want anyone else to die. I’ve sacrificed enough. A pity that I’ve come to foolishly realise that it might be all for naught. We don’t know what will happen afterwards. If there’ll be a future for Truebirth or Pathfist. I’ve lost all faith in our Gods. Everything that was promised has yet to come true.”
“Anoma… was it only the safety of our kingdoms?” Khalis needed to ask.
“There was more to it. But that’s all gone to waste now. It doesn’t matter anymore. All we can do now is survive.” She answered, not delving into the details too deeply. Just the mere mention of it greatly pained her, like a glowing knife was twisted into her sternum, cracking her ribs with agonising progress.
“Whether anyone will listen – or heed my call – I am going to ask one last favour from you all.” She directed her attention to everyone in the room, her voice loud enough to be heard several floors above. Understandably, most watched on with mixed expressions, their faces already answering in advanced.
But this did not dissuade her. Regardless of her unredeemable actions, Anoma allowed herself to be scrutinised down to the movements of her brows.
“Will anyone join us? Will anyone rise to come save the lives of those suffering?”
Murmurs began to spread. Expressions soured, morphing into ones of fear as eyes suddenly fell away from her, some in terror, and others in regret that they could hardly muster the courage to lift even a single finger to offer their aid. Most froze where they stood, unable to offer anything but their breaths.
Anoma could not force them to join them. Neither could the Greater Knights. Their fear was deeply understood. Regrettable, but there was no point in bringing along those that hardly carried an ounce of resolve. The Undead were ferocious in physical battle as they were in corroding one’s mind.
She shut her eyes, allowing only a silent sigh to leave her lips as she slowly moved her hand to several more bundles of hay.
But then –
“I can help!”
A voice of a young man suddenly dominated the room. Surprise instantly filled her, for she recognised this voice. When she looked towards the direction, she saw the 17 or so year old man standing with an arm held high above his head like a pointed arrow.
It was Haiyoto.
Of all people to offer themselves, the last on her mind were the reluctant Heroes. Her mouth parted immediately on their own accord as she was about to reject him on the spot.
However –
“Me too! I can run wherever you need!” Another man exclaimed, rising from a bale of hay.
“I-I don’t know how much help I’ll be – but –! I can’t… I can’t forgive myself if I stand here doing nothing about this!” A girl added, fighting through her reluctance as she raised a hand, pushing through the small crowd as she weaved towards the front.
Anoma was shocked.
“What the hell… fuck it. If I’m going to die, then I’ll die alongside the Hero.”
“I’m small enough to fit anywhere, so I think I can lend some help!”
“For the people out there waiting to be rescued… I’ll do it. Just as I hope someone else would for me.”
One by one, several people rose to the occasion. While their numbers were still considerably small with only 15 offering their aid, it was enough to inspire renewed hope in everyone present. Together there were 40 people who surrounded the hay-table, each greatly welcomed underneath the wings of the Greater Knights who could not be prouder of these men and women.
“… I see. Haiyoto. Is this your resolve?” Anoma simply asked.
“It is.” He said with unbreakable conviction, despite how his body covertly reacted. The stench of terror was pungent, but even so – Anoma did not question it. They were desperate, and in fairness, given that the future of their kingdoms remained uncertain – it would be a miserable waste to underuse their Heroes.
Haiyoto could not forget what was taken away from him by this conflict. His friend Lizen was crushed to death before his very eyes, as did hundreds of others. And all he could do was watch, cry – and run.
He wanted to change. He desperately needed to change even if it meant throwing himself into the dragon’s den. Amy would be looked after well here, so he reasoned that it would be fine to leave her sleeping side.
As much as that also pained him.
“Khalis. Look after him well.”
“You don’t need to tell me.” Khalis said, placing a hand onto Haiyoto’s shoulder. “Haiyoto – lend us your strength.”
“I will. I absolutely will.” He affirmed.
“And Calin –”
“No. No – I’m not going to fucking sit here and babysit your Hero. This guy Gruggur, the healers – or anyone else can!” Calin instantly cut her off, knowing well of what was about to be asked. Her heart belonged to the battlefield, not to a nursery.
Anoma didn’t break her gaze away from Calin’s furious eyes. It seemed that at any moment she would reach out and clasp at her throat, perhaps this time slitting it for good.
But Calin was, at heart, a kind person. Perhaps too kind for her own good.
“Stop… why me!? You know who the fuck I am! I have the best chance of surviving out there in the scorching heat! So stop – fucking looking at me like I care!” She erupted in a frenzied fit, her tied back hair suddenly bursting into a hazy mess.
“Calin.” Anoma calmly began, causing the woman to suddenly summon a ball of flames in her palm. “I’m asking you this because you’re the only one I know who can sit by her side.”
“Anyone can! Don’t… don’t think you have any authority to tell me shit anymore!”
“Please Calin.” Anoma closed her eyes for what felt like the final time. When they opened, Calin’s heart suddenly sunk as if she knew what was going to be said next. “This is my last request as ‘Anoma’.”
It happened in an instant. Anoma was lifted off her feet by the collar of her armour, left dangling before the woman who could hardly even look up at her anymore.
“Don’t…. don’t you dare… Don’t you dare! How could you? How can you say that so nonchalantly… Anoma… ANOMA!” She nearly ripped her vocal cords with her agonising scream. Tears instantly flooded down her face as she could no longer look at the woman whom she had given this name to so long ago.
“… you finally said my name again.”
“Of course I would. I can’t… I couldn’t hate you like that… not you. I just wished you had told me… because I know you. You do everything alone. I was by your side the whole time, wasn’t I!?” Calin hoarsely cried, eventually placing Anoma down. “Your name… will always be Anoma. I don’t give a fuck what you, him –” She pointed at Ectarod. “Or anyone else says! Truebirth won’t fall so… you can keep your name. Please keep your name, Anoma.”
Anoma warmly smiled from the bottom of her heart and gently nodded.
“I… I will so long as our home is safe.”
“Tch –” And without warning, the mellow mood instantly shattered as soon a Calin unexpectedly reeled her head back before smashing it straight into Anoma’s. An unbelievable thud, which easily tricked many into believing the walls were about to be breached, echoed from their collision.
Anoma wore a disgruntled face for what appeared to be the first time as she clutched her head in agony.
“I’ll do it. That’s my parting gift. For now. If you get thrown into exile, then I’m coming too. If you’re thrown into prison, then I’ll take a cell across yours. And if you get hanged… then at least give me the honours of cutting you out. Yeah, you heard me Ectarod – treason or not – you also have no fucking authority here!”
“Mind you, this is indeed a battlefield so say what you will. I’ve heard far worse before.” Ectarod deeply sighed, just as Calin seemed to wind down.
“All of you better return. And especially you Haiyoto. Don’t make me have to explain to Amy why the fuck you didn’t return. Lizen’s death was bad enough.”
Haiyoto could only reply with a soundless ‘of course’, knowing well of the tragedy Amy will face if he were to die as well. It was the underlaying motivation that prevented him from completely drowning in his fears, alongside…
… his family that remained in Truebirth, patiently expecting him to return home. But his story was not unique in any way. He was but one in a thousand.
A human, just like everyone else.
“The same applies to everyone present as well.” Anoma wiped the wretched pain away, quickly splitting a single spool of hay into fifths. “Of the 25 Greater Knights 15 will remain. The remainder of us will separate into groups of 5. Two Greater Knights will always accompany each one.”
Each fifth was neatly placed along a major street, allowing them to effectively survey their immediate area for survivors with little to no back tracking.
“15 will defend the tower. The remaining 25 will leave for the hunt. Maintain this ratio. If you’re tired, then speak up. Someone will be ready to swap with you.” Anoma concluded as the Greater Knights arranged themselves without uttering a single word, communicating through only their gazes and sudden nods.
However, there was but one thing they could not extinguish from their mind. It was the beast that had slain 15 Greater Knights in one fell swoop. Khalis revealed that 8 of these malevolent being existed, raising the hairs of even the sturdiest of Greater Knights.
“Stick to the walls. Falling debris will be the least of your worries. The monsters out there are worse than the Undead we’ve fought. More horrific and deadlier than we could have ever imagined. Avoid them at all costs. There is no God capable of saving you otherwise.”
Her chilling warning caused a few to reconsider their decision. A fate worse than death was hardly an initiative, particularly when there was nothing to gain from saving anyone on the end.
But whether though bravery, foolishness, or stubborn morality – these individuals did not step down, no matter how much their hearts bashed against their chests. They audibly gulped, attempting to digest their fear. The lump in their stomach was not going to go anywhere until they finally saw the light of day.
“Mages. Greater Knights. Knights. Healers. Adventurers… anyone that can lend their hand please follow my lead. We’re due to receive the firestorm minutes from now.” Anoma asked for additional hands for one last time.
No hands were further raised. It appeared that all the capable men and women were already making their way upstairs regardless. This was the beginning of their last stand. And if they could not defend against the blazing inferno – then then they may as well feed themselves to the Undead.
After all, willing death was more merciful than resisting the inevitable.
* * *
Crackling.
The pebble danced along the fissures left by battle and falling debris. They bounced like water dipped into a scaling pan, only ceasing when they leapt into the cracks. Their movement emitted a faint crackling as it grew from all directions with each passing second. Loose dusts were swept into the air in small amounts, joining the reddened haze that began to engulf the atmosphere surrounding the tower.
Once the dust faded, steam soon faintly left the exposed wooden beams of destroy homes, the sizzling joining the symphony of destruction as a wall of flames approached like an all-consuming tidal wave. The moisture was robbed from the very air itself, suffocating what little life existed before the wooden materials suddenly caught alight, as did the Undead once the first embers fell like miniature meteor showers.
[Physical Barriers] ranging from the small 2-metre diameter variants to the ice-blue 30-metre ones were tactically dispersed around the tower, with the largest ones facing towards the wall of flames. The Greater Knights combined their chants and created 4 of these blue, powerful [Fourth Tiered] [Physical Barriers] which were appropriately named [Encased Ice]. The magical circles powering these beautiful [Barriers] were erected around the base of the tower itself, with the structure protruding through the centre as if it were being summoned through.
The smaller [Barriers] lined all holes in the tower itself, sealing the inside from the scorching air that began to incinerate the Undead until their very ashes were swept away. A spectacular burst of misty ice exploded from the [Barriers] once the flames made contact, evaporating the moisture in an instant as pale tendrils of ice chaotically flailed like the tentacles of a dying monster.
The clash of scarlet red and pale blue created for a sight to behold. But there were no such eyes capable to viewing the extraordinary sight, at least not for more than a few seconds. It would be the last thing a person would see before they were spontaneously combusted by the temperatures that neared a conventional blast furnace.
If iron were to be left out it would emit a slight glow, a testament to the heat that their [Barriers] were able to withstand. As humans, and with a few Dwarves in the mix – their magic was well attuned with the elements. Even [Third Tiered] [Physical Barriers] were naturally highly heat and cold resistant, even if it wasn’t their intention to create it as such.
The Dwarves on the other hand were far more impressive. A simple [First Tiered] [Physical Barrier], such as [Lesser Standard Procedure – Heat Mask] could easily withstand temperatures half that of a max-firing charcoal kiln.
With [Stand Procedure – Heat Shield], a [Third Tiered] magic – a firestorm may as well be considered a drizzle. However, the number of Dwarves present were minimal at best with none willing to leave the safety of the tower. Regardless of this, there was no point in retrieving survivors in an environment that was highly likely to kill them.
In any case – the monsoon of embers passed almost as quickly as it arrived. The 30 seconds that elapsed was enough for the flames to incinerate all in its path, save for the stone structures and miraculously, the tower itself.
The [Barriers] did not fall until 10 minutes later, each one slowly dissipating once the temperatures outside became bearable. Although bearable was the most generous way to put it. Stepping into the radiant heat was like walking into an oven. The air was difficult to breathe, tickling their lungs as they took shallow breaths to alleviate the sweltering pain.
But it was survivable, nevertheless.
Once it was confirmed that it was safe to leave the tower, and that there were no Undead within sight –
All 25 of the bravest souls set their heart into rescuing all those that remained.
They could only pray that they weren’t the last ones left.