~~~Angelica~~~
A lone street in Witzlarn was soon disturbed by a strong gust followed by a violet glow.
"What's that light?" [Jody]
"It can't be..." [Angelica]
From afar our hero-ine spots four silhouettes with the reflection of the moonlight. She then noticed a large group of humanoids quickly homing in on the four, crawling and jumping from one roof to another and shuffling from street to street are ghouls, they were like ants drawn to a pile of sugar.
"Could they be people like us? Quick, we need to warn them!" [Spencer]
"There's no need." [Angelica]
"What do you mean Angelica?" [Spencer]
"They're trouble." [Matthew]
"They will be if we don't do something soon!" [Jody]
Judging from Matthews reaction he may have come to the same conclusion as me. How were they able to track us so quickly?
"It's too late, they're already too deep." [Angelica]
All of the places they can to teleport to, it has to be the center of the god damn town. Well, it's not like we're going to help them anyway.
"But..." [Jody]
"I know what you feel Jody, what I am more concerned about is our safety. What if those ghouls caught sight of what we're doing?" [Angelica]
Jody lowered her head when she understood what I was trying to say, at least a part of it was true.
"There, they come," I muttered as I stared at the ghouls that were amassing towards the Empire Corps.
From the looks of it, I estimate the ghouls to number three-hundred or more since the town is quite big, also... from those wagons that the people left behind...
Gee, five of them are already troublesome let alone a hundred. I could manage maybe 9-14 if I were alone and not worrying about protecting others, or maybe more if I had the gang with me. But... at the sight of those numbers, it gives me goosebumps...
If you were caught by those number of ghouls it will most likely lead to a grueling death. In the worst case scenario, there will probably be nothing left of you when they are done...
I'll gauge their strength on how they fare against the ghoul's and if they could wipe out more than half of them without issue, we will get out of here while they are still busy dealing with the rest.
~~~Lionel~~~
"We have arrived." [Lynnette]
It has been so long since I've stepped foot in this forsaken place.
"Something... feels strangely off..." Says Artemis, as she scans for her surroundings.
"Yeah, I don't see any people." [Grant]
"It is also completely silent." [Hughes]
"Ready your weapons." [Lionel]
"Lionel?" [Artemis]
"What's wrong Lionel?" [Hughes]
"I could sense a familiar magic that was used nearby." [Lynnette]
"Something is approaching us swiftly, could it be her?" [Artemis]
"Did she plan on fighting us?" [Grant]
I'm certain that each of us has the ability to take her down, she would be suicidal to rush at out numbers... ... ... ...
"It's not her! Everyone, create a perimeter!" [Lionel]
I thought that I had already ended things here.
"Prepare for engagement!" [Lionel]
As I finished, multiple ghouls flew down at us from the roof using it as a trampoline.
"Where the did these ghouls come from?!" [Lynnette]
I saw more swarming us from all sides, had I left one alive? I made sure to exterminate all of them before I left. I never imagined that they would get this many in this short time, it had only just been four months since the extermination.
(Swish!)
Artemis shoots the ghouls in the air, simultaneously flipping them around as her arrows struck their skulls with deadly accuracy.
"Lynnette! Our weapons!" [Grant]
"Ah, alright! Open Dimensional Storage!!" [Lynnette]
A violet void manifests at our center. At the same time, we inserted our hands and clutched at the objects inside, pulling out our weapons except for Artemis who always had her mythril bow slung on her back.
Hughes had a tower shield made of mythril. Grant, a bladed mythril mace. Lynnette with her magical tome and I with my sword.
Grant bashes a ghouls head in and decapitates another that has attempted to bite him.
"Gravity Crush!!" [Lynnette]
Violet light encircled the ghouls and soon after they fell on the ground as if some unseen force is pinning them. The force itself is so great that the limbs and bones of the ghouls began to crack under pressure, the audible cracks resemble those of firewood crackling... there are also miniature craters being created underneath them. Lynnette used her personal spell which held a group of them in an area.
Hughes slammed his shield against four oncoming ghouls which sent them flying to a wall crushing their bodies. Artemis kept sniping those from afar and occasionally shoots those who manage to breach through our defenses.
"Great Wall!!" [Hughes]
Hughes made a wall of light with his shield which protected him while simultaneously preventing others from entering his space.
"Onslaught!!" [Grant]
A self-buff of Grant which increases his attack power depending on the number of enemies he has killed for a short duration. A very useful buff but we dislike the fact that you needed to kill to increase its effect...
"Quad Strafe!!" [Artemis]
Artemis fired four arrows at four targets simultaneously hitting their mark.
"Aim for their heads!" I shouted as I disposed of the ghouls beside me.
"Flash Step!!" [Lionel]
In an instant, I appeared behind the ghouls using my immense speed which made them startled, who knew the undead also has that kind of expression.
~~~Angelica~~~
These guys are total monsters! They have already defeated a ton of ghouls in a short time and they are still kicking butt?!
Around the corner of my eye, I saw something shiny shuffling about, they were moving at a swift pace, due to the reflection you could see them clearly even at this distance. Were they also ghouls perhaps? This should be interesting to watch.
~~~Lionel~~~
(Clank-clank-clank!)
"Our soldiers were here too?!" [Lynnette]
A different kind of ghoul emerged among the others with armor dangling on them, as evident from the bloodied insignias on their armor they were the second platoon of soldiers that we recently sent in to check... so they too have fallen...
I was right that something happened to the first because they still hadn't come back to report the situation.
From what my eyes can see, the buildings all around us are covered by ghouls some with armor, some weren't, they were like a mass of ants moving steadily to overpower their prey.
"There's no end to them!" [Grant]
"Kyah?!" [Lynnette]
Lynnette screamed as she was dragged by a ghoul by her cape. It rose up underground and had grabbed her.
"Lynnette!!" [Grant]
Grant tries to go after her, but was boxed in by the ghouls.
"Hahh!." [Hughes]
Hughes used the edge of his shield and dropped it on the ghouls head turning it into green mush.
"T-thank you Hughes..." [Lynnette]
"Curve Shot!!" [Artemis]
Artemis's arrow deviates from a straight line and passed by Hughes' shoulder hitting the ghoul behind him.
"Don't slack off! Focus on the ones that are targeting Lynn!" [Artemis]
Despite raising her tone it is just Artemis' way of saying she was just worried about the group.
"Lynnette your spell!" [Lionel]
"Y-yes! Please buy me some time!" [Lynnette]
The undead knew whom to attack first that's why they are after Lynnette. Artemis and I kept close to her to ensure that she can cast her spells without worrying about being harmed.
The ghouls are exhibiting a different behavior from what I'm used to. It's like something is controlling them...
"?! Everyone! Be vigilant if you spot a high-level undead!" [Lionel]
"Roger" [Grant/Artemis/Hughes]
A high-level undead has the ability to control and direct the lower leveled ones, apart from those being another threat themselves they are somewhat difficult to kill.
"Arrgh!! Shit!" [Grant]
Two ghouls emerged from the ground and bound Grant's arms, then another two sets of hands pierced the floor just below him, they were tugging at his leg bringing his body deeper underground.
"Grant!!" [Lynnette]
"Lynnette! Don't stop casting!" [Artemis]
"B-but!" [Lynnette]
(Whizz!)
Artemis fires the two remaining arrows in her quiver which hit the ghouls holding Grant's arms killing them.
"Lionel, I'll be going close combat." [Artemis]
I nodded and Artemis draws the two huge mythril arrows from her back then uses it as a sword to cut down the ghouls who were closing in on Grant.
"Earth Splitter!!" [Hughes]
Hughes bashed his shield against the ground next to Grant which made a small cavity, soon after the ghouls who were pulling Grant lost their grip. The damage may not be noticeable on the surface but below it is a different story.
(Crack...)
"?! Everyone get awa-" [Artemis]
At that instant, the ground gave way and we've sunk down into a sinkhole.
"Ah..."
I heard a whimper and saw Lynnette on her back clutching her leg.
"Lynnette?!" [Lionel]
"Lionel my foot..." [Lynnette]
Her foot got stuck in a boulder... I checked and attempted to remove it to no avail...
"I can't move it... can you still cast your gravity magic?" [Lionel]
"I will try..." [Lynnette]
I gave her two greater healing potions. Due to our fall, there may have been some internal damage to her body. I told her to drink the first one to heal any immediate injuries she has and the other when she removes the boulder. I stood by her and protected her from the few stray ghouls.
"Artemis! Hughes! Grant!" [Lionel]
"I'm okay!" [Artemis]
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I saw Artemis on the highest peak of the debris engaging with a group of ghouls. When she finished she jumped down to where we were.
"Are you alright Lynn?" [Artemis]
"Yes, somewhat..." [Lynnette]
"Wheres Grant and Hughes?" [Artemis]
When Artemis finished her sentence we saw some rocks being flung.
"Gross! Get off me, Hughes!" [Grant]
Hughes raised his shield and chucked the rocks aside while Grant drinks a healing potion.
"Damn ghouls, they pulled so hard it dislocated my knees." [Grant]
"Not even a single thanks for protecting you from the rubble?" [Hughes]
"Shut it, softie!" [Grant]
He looks around and sees me, Artemis and then Lynnette.
"Lynnette!" [Grant]
When Grant saw Lynnette, he hurriedly ran and sat next to her checking her condition.
"How are you, Hughes?" [Lionel]
"My arms feel quite sore." [Hughes]
"Just give it a good massage." [Lionel]
He heads over to me while complaining about his arm holding the tower shield. Based on his answer he sounded fine.
"Zero Gravity!!" [Lynnette]
Lynnette finished casting and the boulders around her began to float and with a light tap of her finger, the boulder that was on her leg slowly rolled away in the air. Grant inspected her and saw that the bone was broken.
(Gulp... gulp...)
After drinking the greater healing potion, Lynnette was bathed in a greenish light. With our own eyes, we saw the damaged bone repair itself as it slowly closed the wound.
For some reason, the ghouls halted their assault which made us worried. We looked around and to our horror, we saw holes...
There were human claw marks on the holes which the ghouls may have dug out these past few months. After realizing that the ghouls appeared from each hole. They were like water gushing out of the drain. Staring up from the pit the ghouls on top began to crawl down from the walls.
"?! On top of the house!" [Lionel]
"Isn't that a reaper?!" [Grant]
Reaper... a floating undead spirit. They wield an enormous scythe and wore a dark cape hence their nickname, normal attacks wouldn't work as they just pass harmlessly through them. They're also very agile which makes the possibility of hitting them with non-homing spells close to nil.
So that's the reason why the ghouls were after Lynnette...
My sword would be able to damage it, but it's too far away and if I leave there would be a gap in our formation. Even if I did manage to engage it I would become surrounded by ghouls and everything will fall...
"Lynnette!" [Lionel]
"Yes! Wind Seeker!!" [Lynnette]
Lynnette fires a •Wind Seeker• it is a homing type wind magic that follows its target whenever it goes and dices them.
(Slash!)
"It had cut the spell with its scythe?!" [Hughes]
"Artemis! Ready your mythril arrow!" [Lionel]
"Okay!" [Artemis]
I threw her a greater healing potion and she splashed it all over her arrow before shooting it at the reaper.
"Piercing Arrow!!" [Artemis]
"Hgya?!" [Reaper]
The mythril arrow laden with healing properties hit the reaper dead center. When it swung the scythe at it, it underestimated its power and when it made contact with the scythe it broke the bladed tip shattering it to pieces.
The reaper gripped the mythril arrow with both of its bony hands attempting to pull it out.
"Artemis, fire another shot at the arrow!" [Lionel]
There was no time to douse the second arrow with a potion instead, I instructed Artemis to target the first one so that if it hits it can push it right through the reaper.
"Snipe!!" [Artemis]
Artemis used her skill which focuses her attention on a single target. This skill enables her to hit even a walnut-sized target for about a kilometer away.
Before the second arrow hits its mark the reaper got hold the arrow impaling it and used it to deflect the second arrow. Artemis' second arrow flew back only inches of me.
The reaper glared at us with the flames in its eye sockets as it threw the mythril arrow aside. Its bony hands smoking from what I guess is from the effect of the healing potion. There was a white hole from where the arrow had hit earlier. It pointed its finger at us before melding itself on its surrounding and the rest of the ghouls simultaneously attacked.
Were trapped...
"Lionel!" [Grant]
"Lionel what are we going to do?!" [Artemis]
"Leader..." [Lynnette]
"Your orders, captain?" [Hughes]
I've miscalculated...
But...
If we are going to perish here... We will not go down without a fight!
"We will fight to the death!!!" [Lionel]
"To death!!!" [Artemis/Grant/Hughes/Lynnette]
My shout was soon followed by theirs as if they had understood what I wanted to say, they've already prepared themselves for this...
~~~Angelica~~~
Seems like they are being overrun, good riddance, that's one less problem off our tail.
"Hahahaha! Serves them rig-" [Matthew]
"Shhh... Matt." [Angelica]
I covered Matthews mouth with my hand, he should really learn to keep things to himself...
Aside from Spencer and Jody being unaware that we're being tracked by the Empire, it is also in bad taste to ridicule someone who is about to be killed.
"Those people are struggling..." [Jody]
"There is nothing we can do for them, we had barely escaped with our own lives." [Spencer]
"What's that floating thing on top of the house?" [Matthew]
Matthew sees something and I took a look at it.
"Let's go before the ghouls find their way here." [Angelica]
We walked to the wagon and I turned back to look at them one last time...
~~~Lionel~~~
Seeing my comrades desperately fight with all they can from this endless wave... with death upon the horizon, I wondered if those two had already perished at this place before we got here? If so, then we have accomplished our task at tracking them...
All of us began to fall on the ground one by one as we are overpowered... scratched... bitten... slashed... it was like all our efforts are for naught...
Just when I thought that everything would fall apart. Blades of wind cut through the ghouls.
We were all dumbstruck for a moment but used this chance to finish off the remaining undead.
Soon, a great wall of wind leveled a part of the town launching dust and debris all around. After, a house fell down the pit which created a bridge of rubble leading up.
At the same time, we saw the reaper staggering nearby.
"Lynnette, your spell!" [Lionel]
"Venom Sting!!" [Lynnette]
The reaper managed to dodge her poison magic, but I won't let it escape!
"Hughes, shield!" [Lionel]
"Captain." [Hughes]
"Now" [Lionel]
Using the shield as a springboard. I was launched by Hughes at the reaper.
"Energy Slash!!" [Lionel]
Upon the mention of the skill, my sword gave a yellow-green glow. The reaper attempts to block it with its hands but fails.
I slashed it from top to bottom and it jerked uncontrollably before tearing itself into pieces and disappearing.
I looked back from where the wall of wind came and saw someone at the mountain, walking towards a carriage.
"Everyone! Push through the wreckage!" [Lionel]
With haste, we moved up the bridge while dispatching the ghouls blocking the path.
"Stampede!!" [Hughes]
Using his shield Hughes rams groups upon groups of ghouls some of which were sent flying. Hughes, despite being very strong is a gentle giant.
"Levitation!!" [Lynnette]
Making use of the wagons that are on the street, Lynnette swings them at an arc to clear the left side of the bridge of ghouls.
"Mighty Swing!!" [Grant]
Grant's special skill where it amplifies the strike of his weapon and delivers extensive damage whilst ignoring the armors toughness.
"Sword Cannon!!"
I shot a ball of energy with my sword that knocked off the ghouls who were on the right side of the bridge.
"Maximum Draw!!" [Artemis]
Artemis crouches and draws her bow up to a V-shape, would it not have been made up of mythril it would've already broken into tiny pieces. She fired her mythril arrow which managed to pierce through most of the ghouls that were after us before losing its power. I once advised her that instead of taking different arrows along with her; she could bring as many mythril arrows that she wanted, but she just told me that it would be a waste of resources.
When the reaper was taken care of, dispatching the ghouls became much much easier. The ghouls just randomly attack anyone within their vicinity which let us concentrate on defense.
"We're out!" [Grant]
"Not from danger we aren't." [Artemis]
"Lynnette, teleport us out of here now!" [Lionel]
"Copy! I'll be using a short-range teleport spell to save time." [Lynnette]
"Alright. Artemis, Grant, Hughes focus only on defense. Lynnette's protection is top priority! If you get injured we'll deal with it after we get out." [Lionel]
"Okay!" [Artemis/Grant/Hughes]
Without any arrows. Artemis resorted to using kicks and bludgeoning with her mythril bow.
"Shared Wounds!!" [Hughes]
Hughes used his personal skill that transfers apart the injuries we sustained onto him lessening the damage we obtained.
Grant, picks his targets accordingly while staying close to Lynnette.
I slashed at anything that tried to harm them whenever I can. Not letting even one ghoul get through us, because if we fail here we'll all die.
"The teleportation magic is ready!" [Lynnette]
"Gather around Lynnette!" [Lionel]
While still engaging the ghouls we slowly walked back to Lynnette who was at the center of the formation.
"Teleport!!" [Lynnette]
A violet magic circle appeared below us and our surroundings went white.
As much as I hate to admit it but we are in her debt... only for this time...
~~~Angelica~~~
Walking back I held the two now broken high-quality magic crystals in my hand because I had used them to their fullest potential. It was a big waste on my part, but I've come to grasp how powerful they were...
I hopped on the carriage and Matthew shot me an angry look by the entrance. I feel like I can hear him saying "Why! Why did you save them, Angelica?! They would of better been off dead!" all in my head.
"I... don't know..." I said to him with an apologetic tone. Then I sat for a minute and gathered my thoughts.
This isn't like me... our problems would've been solved if I had left them to their fates. Just, what the heck was I thinking?
"Angelica?" [Jody]
Jody looked at me to check if I was alright.
"Sorry, let's proceed to the next place..." [Angelica]
"Thank you... for saving them..." [Jody]
I nodded at her and we started moving.
~~~Somewhere~~~
The Capital of Angono at the Blackrock Republic...
"Are you sure about ceding the throne?" [King Alex]
"Yes." [Michelle]
"I know that Angelica's disappearance had an impact on you, but please think of the people." [King Alex]
"I'm not sure if I could handle managing the Kingdom..." [Michelle]
"For sure there would be a time of hardship, but I will assist you in any way that I can. There is also your husband Terrence and also my friends Howard and Jose who will oversee your rule." [King Alex]
As if it was timed Walter suddenly bursts through the throne room door while Michelle was consulting with King Alexis.
"She is not fit for the throne." [Walter]
"Walter... were you listening in on us?" [King Alex]
'Who knows? I would also like to know the reason why I wasn't told that we are going to have this important conversation regarding your succession." [Walter]
"Elaine is a much better ruler than you Walter." [King Alex]
"Better? She is a nobody! Barely anyone could remember her after all these years and yet you expect them to follow her? Are you really that short sighted father?" [Walter]
"Stop it! Walter, why are you doing this?!" [Michelle]
"You... You! And father know too well why I'm doing this!" [Walter]
As Michelle fell silent, King Alexis tried to pacify Walter's anger, but Walter started a heated argument with him.
"If the populace knew the reason of what happened do you still think that they will support you?" [Walter]
"Let it go, Walter. The past is in the past." [King Alex]
"Let it go? Hahahahahahaha!! You must be kidding me!" [Walter]
"It's not worth it Walter." [King Alex]
"Not worth it huh? Do you remember what you said to me before? That I have sent countless men to their deaths during my campaigns." [Walter]
"Walter, please listen to father." [Michelle]
"Listen?! Like what you did sister? You were the sole reason why this all happened!" [Walter]
"Ah..." [Michelle]
Michelle was taken aback when she saw the rage in Walter's eyes as he pointed his finger at her.
"Hmf!" [Walter]
Walter gave Michelle a look of disgust, as she wasn't able to answer back to him.
"..." [King Alex]
"Speak up old man! The number of deaths that I've caused is just a few digits compared to yours! And you're lecturing me about preserving lives!" [Walter]
"My son, I..." [King Alex]
"So... you don't care about what happened to mother... and... Ophelia? You're going to turn your back on them is that it?! Where did that thirst for revenge of yours have gone to?!" [Walter]
"My son I did what I-" [King Alex]
"YOU ARE A SORRY EXCUSE FOR A FATHER!!" [Walter]
"Ugh!" [King Alex]
"Father?!" [Michelle]
"Your Highness!" [Howard]
King Alexis gripped his chest as he stumbled onto the floor. Everyone who is near him went to his aid.
"Get his highnesses to the infirmary! And summon the healing court magicians quickly!!" [Regina]
Multiple knights carried the King on a stretcher and with haste proceeded to the infirmary. Regina glared at Walter before hurrying back to the King's side.
Walking alone in the corridor inspecting the flowers is Alicia.
"Whats..." [Alicia]
She saw a commotion among the knights and saw someone being brought away on the stretcher. Noticing the lying figure Alicia ran towards them.
"Grandfather?!" [Alicia]
"Please move out of the way!" [Knight]
News traveled to Kate so she quickly made her way to meet up with the knights. When she got there she saw Alicia holding up the attendants.
"What happened?! Please tell me that he'll be alright!" [Alicia]
Ignoring Alicia's pleas, Kate directly asked Regina.
"Regina! What happened to his Excellency?!" [Kate]
"Walter..." [Regina]
"My... father? ..." [Alicia]
"Excuse us, princess." [Kate]
"Go, now!" [Regina]
Kate and Regina glanced as they passed Alicia, in turn, she could only look at them as they took King Alexis away. Wanting to know the reason why she ran towards the throne room.
"Brother... why?!" [Michelle]
"Do not stand in my way sister." [Walter]
Walter turned his back at Michelle as her feet gave way.
"Aunt, Elaine?" [Alicia]
At the doorway, Alicia saw Michelle sitting on the floor sobbing.
"Father! What happened to Grandpa?!" [Alicia]
Walter gritted his teeth.
"Father! Please, answer me!" [Alicia]
(Slap!!)
Stunned, Alicia fell on the floor holding her reddened cheek.
"Fa... ther?" [Alicia]
Seeing what Walter had done Michelle rushes to Alicia.
"Why did you slap your own daughter Walter?! She did nothing to you..." [Michelle]
Walter slowly puts down his hand and walks away leaving the two in the cold throne room...
~~~Maria~~~
Journal entry #XXXX
A month has passed since Angelica's...
I became a temporary instructor at Angelica's school alongside Jose and Thelma. I used the knowledge that I've gained through adventuring as I taught the children and students so that they would not meet a disastrous fate like what other people had experienced. I also experimented with new spells that I learned from master Jose and teacher Thelma. Irvine was supposed to be with us, but he was called in by the court of magicians due to an emergency at the capital.
Mooly, took it upon herself to care for and supervise the sisters to help them be independent and have a better future, sometimes she and the sisters got together to train with Evelyn. We also discovered from the guild that Angelica had saved up quite a lot of money to support the sisters which made them thankful yet even sadder...
Having sold all of her inventions, the shop has currently been closed down so Mrs. Helen was hired by Angelica's parents and she now works at the City Hall to earn some money.
The loss of Angelica took a toll on all of us, but Blake took it the hardest...
Blake stayed at her shop and rarely left. Whenever I got the chance to see him, he was either randomly walking somewhere in the city or to places where we have been together with Angelica...
His eyes looked dead... it was like... he has lost it all...
I always check on him because I feel that he may do something reckless while I'm not around. Sometimes I'll cook for him and if I try to converse with him he just answers me incoherently with "Ah... Yes... and Yeah..." I feel really bad that this has to happen to him and not being able to do anything...
The sisters also took care of him whenever he strayed to the sisters building. Cooking, bathing and setting up a place for him to sleep or rest, they knew how painful it is to lose someone precious and they wanted to support Blake by comforting him in whatever way they can like Angelica did for them...
Angelica... you and Blake gave me a chance to change and made me realize the that I could do better...
Thank you... for saving me... I will forever owe my life to you...
End of journal entry #XXXX.
(Sniff... ... ... ... sniff...)
I closed the journal and rested my back on the chair. Staring at the dark sky from the condominium window, wondering what will happen from tomorrow onwards.
Unbeknownst to us, a raging storm is brewing. The one... that will forever change all our lives...