A surge of divine essence enveloped Aksel’s hand, causing the flowing blood to solidify into an ugly, dark red scar, mirroring the ones now adorning his head, shoulder and arms. “That’s all I can do. I haven’t repaired any of the damage done under the skin; I’ve just stopped the bleeding,” Miya informed. She was already low on holy energy, yet she was still willing to provide what little she had to fix him up. “Once we get you up to Hera, she’ll be able to do a better job.”

“Right, thanks,” he said, doing his best not to clench his teeth through the pain. While his wounds felt marginally better than a few minutes ago, the healing he received did little to dull the persistent ache. Suddenly, Miya shot to her feet, retrieving her sword and silently peering into the dark wooded area nearby. “Is something wrong?” Aksel tried asking, only to receive a very sharp hand gesture that could only translate as “Shut up.” Taking the advice, he joined the knight in staring into the darkness, the tension in the air slowly building. Together, they both watched, and waited, and waited, and—

“Oath to Humanity, First’s Shield!” Miya shouted, her voice carrying the full authority of a knight. A barrier of golden-white light began forming in front of them, just in time to intercept a bolt of blackish-red energy that came hurtling out of the forest. Aksel covered his eyes as a cacophony of colours and sparks threatened to overload his sight. Miya, digging in her heels, gritted her teeth, struggling to hold back whatever was striking at her protective shield.

A concussive boom enveloped the area as the bolt dissipated into little more than black smoke. There was no time for Miya to savour her victory; instead, she extended her arms to the sides, stretching the barrier over and around them both, creating a protective semi-circle.

What is it this time? Aksel’s thoughts raced as another came hurtling towards them. Catching it quickly, Miya focused her shield to block the incoming attack. The energies collided once more, engaging in a fierce contest for supremacy and illuminating the previously darkened area with their intense struggle.

One of Miya’s hands moved rapidly, conjuring another smaller barrier just to Aksel’s left, slightly further beyond the already establish barrier. It wasn’t a moment too soon, as a third bolt, smaller than the others, slammed into it. Audible sounds of strain leaked from the wounded knight’s mouth as she held on long enough for the bolts to explode into smoke once more. Massive cracks had formed on her divine shield, and the second barrier disappeared to reinforce and repair the first. Sweat formed on her brow as the knight remained alert, watching for the next attack.

The distant sound of crunching leaves reached Aksel’s ears amid the slight humming of the barrier as a figure cloaked in black came into view. Miya shifted into a more battle-ready stance at the sight of the enemy. Aksel did his best to get back to his feet, though for some reason, his legs just couldn’t stop trembling.

“It seems you weren’t nearly has hurt as I was led to believe. I just used at least a full two goblins’ worth of attacks on you just now,” the cloaked figure spoke vaguely, her accent foreign and unfamiliar. “Heh, not that they are good from much else.” Miya, however, contorted her face in anger.

“Show yourself, Elf!” Miya demanded of the figure.

“Ah, you could tell, could you? I’m surprised a primitive like you figured it out from just a few words. No matter, though, this village will die tonight,” the elf intoned, removing the hood from her head to reveal a beautiful woman with luscious, straight silver hair, and shining silver eyes. Paired with her unusually pale skin, she stood bathed in the light of the divine barrier. Miya gripped her blade tightly upon seeing her features.

“You wretched monster, are you responsible for all this?! Did—” Miya paused, a realisation striking her “—did you send the Megabear too? Did you kill August?!” A faint golden aura radiated from Miya’s form, a brilliant divine light peering from her eyes as the rapid cycling of essence began from within her.

“Was that the other knight? Good, that means the bear wasn’t a total waste, at least. I suppose I’ll have to pick up where it left off.”

“You’ve sealed your own fate by coming here, mage! Once I’m finished with you and your little underlings, I’ll make sure the Faith burns your kingdom to the ground! I’m sure they’ll love the part about the enchanted items you’re using for this little operation. Let me guess, necromancy for the bear? Perhaps mind control for the goblins? And then there’s the wand or staff with a modified version of the magic missile. It must have cost you a king’s ransom just for this little outing alone.”

The knights’ accusations seemed more than amusing to the elf, an evil smile crossing her face. “You self-righteous cattle think you have everything figured out, but you and your god have no idea the destruction soon to be wrought upon you.” A dim reddish light began to glow on the elf’s left shoulder, summoning forth a thick black miasma that moved and consolidated around her hands. The two watched with trepidation as a long spear and a large round shield materialized in her grasp. They were jet black, boasting an intimidating design with sharp spikes. Miya’s eyes widened at the sight; surprise evident in her expression.

“Aksel, run to the church,” Miya ordered calmly.

“W-what?” Aksel stuttered at the sudden command.

“Whatever magic she’s using, there’s no way I can combat it with you here. Get to the church and stay out of the way. Hera will protect you so long as you stay inside her domain.”

“But, But, Miya—"

“JUST DO IT!” Miya snapped at him, “You’re unarmed, injured, and way out of your league, now get moving!”

Out of my league, he grimaced at the harsh but true words. He could barely take down a goblin on his own, so what was he going to do here? He couldn’t do anything; he was just someone who thought he could be a hero.

I may be out of my league, but I’m not entirely useless! Aksel grabbed the goblin’s dagger and sprinted towards the town.

“Aksel!” Miya called out just as a barrier of light formed beside him, shielding him from a dark energy bolt shot his way the moment he took off running. Stumbling only for a moment, he raced towards the burning village.

Vine, you’re the strongest person here. We need you.

---

As Aksel descended the hill, the horrifying reality of the devastation in Carnifex became apparent. The village resembled something he’d see in his nightmares, with shattered doors and windows, fires spreading through the settlement and bodies—genuine, human corpses—scattered across the streets. It was evident that some of the villagers had tried to seek refuge in the church, but those who hadn’t succumbed to multiple stab wounds had been burnt to a crisp.

This must have been that elf.

In contrast, the number of dead goblins was far too few for this to be considered a battle. These villagers weren’t fighters; they posed no threat to anyone or anything. They were simply peaceful people living their daily lives, sleeping happily after a day of celebration. However, that very revelry likely aided the invaders in their ruthless rampage. Gazing in the direction of the inn, Aksel moved through the village, muttering curses under his breath at the sheer injustice. This shouldn’t be happening; this wasn’t right. An angel had to be on the way, right? This was the kind of atrocity they would swoop in to stop, wasn’t it?

He pressed on through the winding streets and narrow alleys, lit by careless fires and the light of the moons. Although he anticipated encountering a goblin or three, he never spotted a single one, not even once. That wasn’t to say they weren’t around, however. The unmistakeable sounds of their presence echoed from inside the houses—laughter, arguments, and barking exchanged in their incomprehensible language. It seemed they were content to ransack the places they invaded rather than check if any survivors were roaming the streets.

Lucky me, he grimaced, trying to make his way to the inn as fast as he could.

Eventually, he emerged onto the main road near the inn, clinging to the hope of finding Vine and Theo still together. The approach to the inn, however, was swarming with invaders, not just goblins but hobgoblins, and, from the looks of things, an orc as well.

There must be a back door, maybe I can get in that way.

However, it was too late, as the Orc kicked in the door. His heart sank as he peered out from the corner, hearing the orc’s shouts from a distance. He gripped the dagger tightly in his hand, weighing his next move and his chances of survival. After his last encounter with a goblin, just the idea of fighting for his life again made his hands tremble, and his injuries flare.

What am I supposed to do, fight my way to the inn? Dright! What do I do here?

His thoughts were interrupted when a green mass of muscles came flying out the same door he entered from, as Vine appeared, standing tall in front of the horde of creatures with her sword in hand. Her clothes were soaked in blood, and her eyes seemed to have a vibrant shine that he recognised from once before, in her fight with the megabear. Were he not trying to stay hidden, he would have pumped his fist in celebration.

“Oh, you’s one of dem knights, ain’t ya? I bet you got tons of dose circley dings. Well, I’d love to play wich ya, but I dink I’ll just skip to da end,” the orc said as he removed his eyepatch. A cone of green zapped into existence for only the briefest of moments before fading, covering Vine in its path. Then, only moments later, she fell to her knees.

“HAHAHAHA, I love dis little jigarit. One look and ya blood’ll turn ta poison,” the orc chucked, slipping his eyepatch back on. “Oh, I don’t get ta use it too much, can’t exactly charge it yet, but I do love when I get da chance.”

What?! Vine! NO! She can’t be dead! He didn’t even touch her! What was that thing?! Aksel thoughts raged inside him as he couldn’t tear his gaze away from his companion. His heart brimmed with fear and dread, witnessing the most powerful person he had ever seen dying in front of him.

I need to—!

His legs locked up, his body defying his commands. His hand and shoulder burned at the thought of meeting their crude weapons, of seeing their sadistic smiles, of being that powerless and in pain yet again. He could feel his heart racing, his body running cold.

No… I can’t, I can’t do this.

Theo told him as much. He wasn’t strong, he wasn’t tough, and he certainly wasn’t a skilled fighter. His survival until now was down to sheer luck, even making it to this point must have been due to some divine interference. So, what did that make him? Just a man, clutching a makeshift metal dagger, always dreaming too big.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

I’m not strong enough, for this… for anything.

An endless parade of nightmares marched through his mind, revealing death, after death, after death. There was a part of himself that truly believed facing the real thing wouldn’t faze him anymore, that he’d be able to use those experiences to carve out something meaningful for himself. Yet, all he ended up doing was contributing more fuel for his future night terrors. In desperation, he turned his gaze back to Vine, hoping something, anything would happen to save her—like Miya, or an angel, or by Nith, he’d even be happy to see the Heretica riding in at this point. But, there was nothing, just Vine writhing on the ground, her condition only growing worse.

Damn it, I’m sorry Vine. He averted his eyes, shutting them tightly, unable to watch her torment any longer. I-I have to get to the church, back to Hera now, before it’s—

“AAAAAAAH!” His thoughts were abruptly cut off as Vine’s cries of pain pierced the air. Unable to resist, he opened his eyes, compelled to look upon the face of his companion—no, his friend.

“V-Vine,” he whispered. Amidst the darkness and the goblins, for a fleeting moment, it seemed as though he could see her with perfect clarity. Her eyes and mouth dripped with poison, her hands clutching at her heart, but most disturbing of all was her expression. Her neutral stare, the mask he’d only ever seen broken once in the entire time he’d known her, was gone, replaced by one of fear and pain beyond anything she could endure. She fought to suppress further screams of agony. Witnessing it hit him harder than anything he’d ever seen in his life, the kind soul searching to find her sister and home, the person whom he owed so much, dying in such agony while he cowered in the shadows. That simply wouldn’t do.

“Vine!” He shouted it like a battle cry, his legs not only unlocking, but propelling him towards the horde of monsters before any of them even knew what was happening. The goblins turned towards the human charging their lines, and more than a few of them panicked at the sudden surprise attack from behind. Despite the churning in his stomach as he got closer to the little green monsters, he wouldn’t stop. The same drive that threw him into danger time and time again was alive and well once more, and he wouldn’t be cowed again.

“Out of my way!” Aksel roared at the goblin raising its weapon in his path, along with the others around it. Then, Aksel jumped, shoving his foot into the pointy-nosed creature’s face and using it into a living steppingstone to vault over their lines. With a new crook in its nose, the goblin fell to the ground as Aksel only slightly fumbled his landing, rushing to his friend’s side as soon as he was on his feet. The other monsters were about to pursue, but the orc threw out a hand with a laugh, ordering them to halt and allowing Aksel to reach her.

“Vine? Vine! Stay with me, speak to me!” Aksel panicked as he stared into her eyes, but there was no response. He ripped one of his hands away from her when he felt the sensation of a hundred wasps stinging him at once, discovering a few drops of the poison sliding down his skin.

Bloodfalls! This stuff’s inside her?!

“…A…Ak-sel?” Vine recognised him, barely managing to say his name as the poison flowed through her veins.

“Best not touch ‘er, human. Da poison’ll kill ye if it gets inside ya! HAHA. Oh, I love dis part,” the orc gloated with glee.

He ignored the orc, putting his arms under her shoulders and dragging her into the battle-scarred inn, laying her down on the ground. He looked up at the orc briefly and saw the biggest grin the thing could possibly manage spread across its face.

The bastard’s just enjoying this!

“Aksel, you’re back!” Theo ran over to his side. “Where have you been all this time? What’s happening to them?”

“Them?” Aksel questioned.

“Over there,” Theo pointed out the other man, a merchant from the trade caravan with the same symptoms as Vine. “Are they poisoned or something?”

“That orc keeps saying it’s poison. Crap, how are we supposed to treat this?”

“AAAAAH!” Vine screamed in agony once more, the pain too much to bear without release. He quickly grabbed her hand, and immediately felt it being crushed under her strength. He bore with it, however, he needed to.

“It’s okay, Vine, it’s going to be okay!” he reassured her quickly. Spotting the bag on her person, he grabbed it. Using his teeth, he loosened its string and stuck his hand inside, oblivious to the stares of those around him who witnessed his arm disappear into the space much too small to contain it. The layer of rocks on the top cut into his arm, many falling out of the sack as he continued his search, mentally promising to get Vine all the rocks she wanted if she would just stay with him.

Come on! I need something that can heal, cancel out the poison, whatever it is you have! A drink, a bandage, a hat, a weapon, dright, even a healing rock would do! Just something! Anything! Aksel’s countless, unspecified requests led a number of items to bash and shift around his grip, not one appearing to be what he needed. Damn it! Healing! medicine! Come on! A glass object suddenly came into his grip. Removing his arm, it carried with it a bottle of red liquid. I hope the bag isn’t lying to me.

“Vine, you need to drink this, quickly.” He freed his hand and tried pushing the bottle to her lips, but her flailing was too wild, almost knocking it from his grip. He attempted to pin her right arm down. “Theo, hold her down!” Soon, Theo was by her left, doing the same, but Vine’s strength was too much for them to overcome. Additionally, poisonous flecks of green kept bombarding Aksel’s skin, causing immense pain every time. When some of it touched Theo’s arms, she yelped in pain and fell onto her back, rolling around.

“Please! Someone! Hold her down so I can give her this!” Aksel pleaded to the small crowd, but none responded. “What are you waiting for?!”

“That bag, what was that just now?” David asked coldly, his mind and goals far from the situation.

“There’s no time for this right now! You have to help us or she’s going to die!” Aksel shouted once more, but his words fell on deaf ears. Instead, David looked over to the traders silently watching their comrade die in much the same manner.

“Forget them, Aksel,” Theo managed to pick herself up, though he could see the tears of pain swelling up in her eyes. “Pass me the bottle and hold her down, I’ll give it to her, okay?” There was little choice. He passed the bottle over to Theo, who hung over Vine’s head waiting for her chance to feed it to her. He tried and tried again to pin Vine, but he simply didn’t have the strength. No matter what he did, he could not restrain her. Until, suddenly, he was? No, that wasn’t right, he still didn’t have enough strength to pin her down on his own. Yet somehow, her left shoulder was pinned, forced to the ground by… something? Aksel didn’t have the time to understand his good fortune, pushing all of his weight down on her right side, his hands sizzling in the drops of poisonous liquid. Vine kicked and screamed, but using her cloak as a shield, Theo pinned her head between her knee and hand and poured the red medicine into her mouth. While some spilled over, most flowed down her throat, caught between coughs and gargles.

The wailing paused, Vine’s body appearing to relax as the medicine did its work. Suddenly, a blue auric glow started emanating around her body, weak at first, but growing brighter by the second. Vine looked to Theo, then to her left, then to Aksel.

“… R-Run… I-I can’t,” her few pained words were all she could communicate, when the sound of cracking glass rang out from underneath her. Aksel knew that sound all too well, and threw himself back from her, gaining as much distance as he could.

“Theo, get back!” He warned her, as she too leaped to her feet and backed away. Vine’s breath turned into pained noises, before returning to screams as the surfaces around her began to be consumed in her shattering web. Before they knew it, Aksel and Theo were separated, isolated from one another by the rapid spread. Aksel by the front door on his own, and Theo at the back with the other survivors.

“Get out, now!” Aksel shouted, knowing what was to come. Last time, Vine managed to regain control just before it turned fatal, a feat she likely wouldn’t be able to replicate.

With her bag still in his grasp, and little other choice, he fled the building, out the front doors and back to the street filled with gawking monsters. He looked back only once during his escape, seeing everyone fleeing through the doors into the kitchen.

The inn was engulfed by Vine’s magic before everyone’s eyes, with the goblins retreating as it spread to the outer wall. Some sought the safety of the rooftops while the orc observed intently as, from corner to corner, the building was consumed in the effect. The air was filled with the heart-wrenching sounds of Vine’s cries of pain. Aksel was only able to watch from a distance as she writhed inside, alone. Then, with the resonance of a thousand windows shattering at once, the building shattered to pieces and collapsed with Vine inside.

Aksel stood there, powerless, horrified, and guilty.

Even after all that, I couldn’t save her.

“HAHAHA! Dose knights are a right riot! Dey’s sure know ‘ow ta put on a good show,” the orc laughed.

Aksel rushed to the ruins, tossing the bag aside as he used his bare hands to start digging through the rubble. It’s true no ordinary person could have survived having a building dropped on them, but this was Vine, she was no ordinary person. She was strong, resilient, and she… she was an Animage. If she could survive getting thrown around by the megabear, this should be nothing for her.

The remnants of the building varied in size, ranging from chunks as large as his head to those the size of his pinkie, much in the way the megabear’s flesh was broken apart. The shattering process left the debris with sharp edges, however. It was as though each piece had been surgically sliced while it stood in place before collapsing. Despite the masonry continuously cutting his hands, he continued to dig, ignoring the pain, ignoring any part of his mind that told him she was already dead—crushed to death or suffocating within the rubble.

No! I’ll find her! I’ll find her! Aksel told himself, refusing to give up.

Throwing handful after handful behind him, he slowly tunnelled into the debris, when a landslide of shattered rubble almost buried him, forcing him to back up. Mocking laughter flared up behind him, underscoring his futile efforts. There was no way he’d ever get to her before whatever time she had left was spent.

“I’m—” Aksel never got the chance to finish his sentence, as the jet-black blade from the uncaring orc sliced cleanly through his back with a single swing, his flesh opening up in a spray of blood. The wound burned hot, like it was being roasted on an open flame, and all the air escaped his lungs in a single pained yelp. His body could do little else than fall forward, crashing into the ground like a sack of meaty potatoes. The burning in his wound began to turn cold, his body losing its warmth with every drop of blood that leaked to the street.

“Grrrr, ‘ow much more blood does dis ding take?” the orc appeared angry, flipping Aksel over onto his back. Aksel’s eyes fell over the bag he so carelessly threw to the side; he was so close too. He reached for the item, hoping his salvation might lay inside.

It was too late, however. His eyes grew heavy, his arms too weak, his body too cold. Even as his fingers brushed against the items rim, it was already over, and when his eyes closed this final time, they did not open again.

---

Miya leaned against her sword, a gash stretching from her nose to her right eye, darkening her vision. She was prepared to make her last stand, when the elf suddenly halted her attacks. With a subtle grin, she planted her black spear into the ground, shifting her gaze towards the village below.

“I was beginning to believe they dug those tunnels for nothing. Those accursed creatures take far too many liberties when all they need to do is slit a few throats,” she remarked, a hint of disdain lacing her words. “At least they’ve served their purpose.”

“What are you talking about, we’re far from finished here,” Miya retorted, doing her best to downplay her injuries while using the brief respite to patch up the worst of her wounds once more.

“Oh, we’re finished. Honestly, this was more like passing the time than anything else,” the invader remarked casually, finding amusement in the situation as her silver hair and pale skin glowed in the moonlight and the flickering fires.

“Don’t insult me.”

“Don’t misunderstand. That little arrow trick had me for a while, but we both know you’ve exhausted your god’s favour long ago,” the elf relished the moment.

“Tsk” Miya clicked her tongue. She wasn’t wrong. Almost everything she had left was tapped out, but she wasn’t completely out of options yet.

I just need one good opening, Miya thought to herself, waiting for her chance.

Miya looked towards the village from the small ridge where the two adversaries stood. She’d witnessed the inn’s collapse just moments ago, though she remained in the dark about how or why it occurred.

“Why are you doing this? What do the elves even gain from attacking this village?” Miya questioned.

“Oh this?” The invader responded nonchalantly. “I’m merely here to perform a simple ritual—one that will transform all of you useless humans into something more useful. I was informed that a smaller version would suffice, but I knew this grander scale would be more effective.”

“A ritual?” Miya sought clarification.

“Oh, a confused human, how original. I bet this is all going to come as quite a shock to you—not that you’ll care, since you’ll soon be consumed and become a part of something far greater.” The elf’s eerie confidence unnerved Miya.

“Y-you’re kidding. You’re summoning something? Here?” Miya stammered in disbelief.

“Very perceptive, got it in one.”

“Ha, even if whatever you’re using does summon anything, it will be cleansed in a sea of holy fire, just like the rest of you spikes.”

“Oh, I don’t think that will be a problem. Even if I was to be struck down tomorrow, it would not save your kingdom from disaster. The first domino is about to fall, and with it, the countdown to the apocalypse will begin.”

“Whatever you think you’re going to do, The Heavens will stop it, just like they always have.”

“Unlikely. Tell me, do you know what a demon is?”

“A what? Is that some low life dungeon-kin?”

“I see,” the elf picked up her spear and hurled it at Miya’s leg, skewering it. The knight roared in pain, forced to kneel. “There, that’s far more appropriate. Now, watch as history is made.” With that, the elf moved to the edge of the ridge and began to chant.

“Hear me, oh demons of the other side!— “ The ominous incantation echoed through the air.