**Farewell to the Village**

Several days had passed since Alex and Thrain had been staying in Elandor's home village. The time spent there had been healing for both of them, providing a sense of closure and a connection to their fallen friend. However, the journey to Aeloria awaited them, and it was time to move on.

As they prepared to leave, the villagers gathered to bid them farewell. The village elder, an old elf with kind eyes, placed a hand on Alex's shoulder. "Thank you for honoring Elandor's memory. He would be proud of you."

Alex nodded, his heart heavy yet hopeful. "We'll carry his memory with us, always."

Thrain added, "And thank you for your hospitality. We hope to return someday."

With heartfelt farewells, Alex and Thrain began their journey back to Jonest, the path familiar yet always filled with new experiences.

**Back in Jonest**

Upon arriving in Jonest, Alex and Thrain headed straight for the tavern. The familiar atmosphere and the smell of ale and hearty food greeted them as they entered. They found a quiet corner and ordered some drinks, settling in for a much-needed rest.

"So, what do you think the future holds for us, Thrain?" Alex asked, taking a sip of his drink.

Thrain shrugged, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and wisdom. "Who knows, Alex? The world is full of possibilities. We'll face whatever comes our way together."

Alex nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie. "I wonder what kind of quests we'll find next. Maybe something that pays well."

Thrain chuckled. "Aye, a little coin wouldn't hurt. But remember, it's not just about the money. It's about the adventure, the experiences, and the people we help along the way."

**Adventurers in Need**

Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion at the entrance of the tavern. A group of adventurers burst in, their faces pale and filled with panic. "Help! Someone, please help us!"

Alex immediately stood up and rushed over to them. "What's wrong? What happened?"

One of the adventurers, a young man with a blood-stained tunic, spoke urgently. "We lost two of our friends in a dungeon. We barely escaped, but they're still in there. We need help getting them back."

Alex's heart skipped a beat as memories of Elandor's death flooded back. "A dungeon? What kind of danger are we talking about?"

The adventurer's eyes widened with fear. "An evil god resides in the dungeon. We went there because we heard a legend about the evil god Shona. He was kicked out of the heavens and has resided in the dungeon since the great gods and mortal war."

Thrain, who had joined Alex, frowned. "The great gods and mortal war? That was over 3,000 years ago."

Another adventurer, a woman with a bandaged arm, nodded. "Yes, it's said that Shona was banished during that war. There are stories of realm travelers, but we don't know much."

Alex felt a strange chill run down his spine. "Realm travelers... Could this have something to do with how I came to this world?" He shook off the thought and focused on the immediate issue. "I've never fought a god before, but I will now. We'll help you."

Thrain placed a hand on Alex's shoulder, his expression serious. "This could mean death, Alex. Are you sure?"

Alex nodded firmly. "I'm sure. They need our help. I won't let what happened to Elandor happen to them as well."

The adventurers looked relieved, and the young man spoke again. "Thank you. We'll help you plan tomorrow. We're staying at the inn near the guild."

**Preparing for the Quest**

Alex and Thrain returned to their seats, their drinks forgotten. The weight of the upcoming quest hung heavily in the air.

"Are you really sure about this, Alex?" Thrain asked quietly. "Fighting a god is no small feat."

Alex looked into Thrain's eyes, his determination clear. "I'm sure. We've faced so much already, and I can't stand by while others are in danger. We need to do this."

Thrain nodded, respect and concern mingling in his gaze. "Then we'll face it together. We'll plan carefully and make sure we're prepared."

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

The next morning, they met the adventurers at the inn. The group, consisting of the young man named Kael, the woman named Mira, and two others, were visibly anxious but determined.

"We've scouted the entrance of the dungeon," Kael explained, spreading a map on the table. "It's heavily guarded by creatures loyal to Shona. We barely made it out alive."

Mira added, "Our friends are trapped deeper inside. We heard them screaming as we escaped. We have to get them out."

Alex studied the map, his mind racing with strategies. "We'll need to be quick and efficient. Thrain, can you use your magic to create a diversion at the entrance?"

Thrain nodded. "I can handle that. It should give us enough time to slip past the guards."

Kael looked at Alex, hope shining in his eyes. "Thank you for helping us. We owe you our lives."

Alex smiled reassuringly. "We're all in this together. Let's get your friends back."

**Entering the Dungeon**

With their plan in place, the group set out for the dungeon. The entrance loomed ahead, dark and foreboding. Thrain raised his staff, chanting softly, and a brilliant light erupted, blinding the guards and creating chaos.

"Now!" Alex shouted, leading the group into the dungeon.

They moved swiftly and silently through the dark corridors, the air thick with the scent of damp stone and fear. The sounds of distant growls and echoing footsteps filled the space, adding to the tension.

As they delved deeper, they encountered creatures twisted by Shona's dark magic. Alex's katana flashed in the dim light, cutting down the enemies with precision. Thrain's spells provided crucial support, shielding them from harm and striking down foes.

They finally reached a large chamber where the adventurers' friends were being held captive. The sight of their terrified faces spurred Alex into action. "There they are! Let's get them out of here!"

**The Legend of Shona**

As they freed the captives, a booming voice echoed through the chamber. "Who dares to enter my domain?"

A towering figure emerged from the shadows, its eyes glowing with malevolent light. Shona, the banished god, stood before them, exuding an aura of immense power.

Kael trembled, his voice barely a whisper. "That's him. That's Shona."

Alex stepped forward, his grip tightening on his katana. "We're here to stop you, Shona. Release these people and return to whatever hell you came from."

Shona laughed, the sound reverberating through the chamber. "Foolish mortals. You cannot defeat a god."

Mira spoke up, her voice filled with defiance. "We've heard the legends. You were banished during the great gods and mortal war. Why are you here?"

Shona sneered. "I was cast out by the heavens and took refuge in this dungeon. The war was indeed 3,000 years ago, and realm travelers like you brought ruin to my plans."

Alex's heart raced. "Realm travelers... What do you know about them?"

Shona's eyes narrowed. "They were the key to my downfall. But no matter. You will all perish here."

**A Battle with a God**

The battle erupted with terrifying intensity. Shona's power was overwhelming, his attacks relentless. Alex fought with all his might, his katana slicing through the air in a desperate attempt to land a blow.

Thrain's magic shielded them from Shona's devastating attacks, but the strain was evident on his face. "We have to find a way to weaken him!"

Mira and Kael's friends joined the fight, their combined efforts creating a glimmer of hope. Alex focused on Shona, his mind racing for a strategy. He remembered the tales of the great gods and mortal war, the stories of how teamwork and unity had brought down powerful foes.

"Everyone, focus your attacks on his left side!" Alex shouted. "Thrain, create a distraction on the right!"

The coordinated effort caught Shona off guard. The combined force of their attacks pushed him back, and for a moment, it seemed they might succeed.

Shona roared in fury, summoning dark energy that threatened to overwhelm them. Alex felt the weight of the battle pressing down on him, but he refused to give up.

"We can do this!" he yelled, his voice filled with determination. "For Elandor, for everyone we've lost!"

**Tragedy Strikes**

But Shona's rage grew more powerful, his dark energy becoming unbearable. In a moment of fury, he unleashed a devastating attack that tore through the chamber, striking down everyone in its path. Alex watched in horror as his comrades fell, their screams echoing in his ears.

"No!" Alex screamed, rushing to their aid, but it was too late. Shona's power was too great.

Shona turned his gaze to Alex, his eyes burning with hatred. "You dared to challenge me, mortal. Now you will join your friends in death."

With a swift, merciless strike, Shona's power enveloped Alex, and he fell to the ground, lifeless.

Thrain, in shock and despair, grabbed Alex's body and fled the dungeon. "You can't die like Elandor," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

**A Desperate Decision**

Thrain ran as fast as he could, putting as much distance as possible between them and the dungeon. He knew what he had to do, even if it meant sacrificing a part of his own life.

He found a secluded spot in the forest, laying Alex down gently. "I've never used this spell before," Thrain said, his voice trembling. "It will take ten years off my life, but it's worth it. You have to make it, Alex. You have to see Lyra again."

With a deep breath, Thrain began chanting the ancient incantation, a spell of immense power and sacrifice. The air around them crackled with energy as Thrain's life force flowed into Alex.

**The Spell of Sacrifice**

Thrain's body trembled with the effort, his strength waning as the spell continued. He could feel his life slipping away, each second bringing him closer to the edge of death. But he didn't stop. He couldn't stop.

"For you, Alex," he whispered. "For Lyra. For Elandor."

The spell reached its climax, and a brilliant light enveloped Alex's body. Thrain collapsed, his energy spent, but he was still conscious, his eyes fixed on Alex.

Alex's eyes fluttered open, his body healing as the spell took effect. He looked at Thrain, who lay beside him, aged and exhausted. "Thrain, what have you done?"

Thrain's eyes opened weakly, a faint smile on his lips. "You're alive, Alex. That's all that matters."

Alex grasped Thrain's hand, his heart aching with gratitude and sorrow. "Thank you, Thrain. I'll make sure your sacrifice wasn't in vain."

Thrain, though weakened and visibly older, nodded. "We still have much to do, Alex. Let's get you back on your feet."

With Thrain's life force sustaining him, Alex knew he had been given a second chance. He would honor Thrain's sacrifice, fight for his friends, and one day, return to Lyra. The journey ahead would be filled with challenges, but he was ready to face them, knowing he was not alone.