I lifted the core in my hand, sacrificing and pouring in the last of the dungeon into it. I abandoned everything, pulling away and losing lore at every step so that I could maximize the amount of energy for this final attack. This was our only chance at keeping the dungeon from merging with Twilight. It was the only way to stop what was to come.

As for my death, I had thought about it long and hard. I knew my death would be devastating to the girls, but Twilight was even more devastating. They needed time to prepare. They needed the time that only I could provide them. I had tried the other options, but from the moment this dungeon battle began I was outmatched on every level. Destroying King Diorite’s god soul was the only way to strand it down there. It would still inevitably escape, but it would buy some time. It was anyone’s guess how much, but it was exactly for that reason I had to go all out.

“Master, is that the weapon?”

“It is… we just have to ignite it.” I nodded to myself. “Is everyone on board?”

“They are…”

“I’m using the last of the mobs to hold him off in the room beyond, but he’ll be here in a minute. Wait in the drill and close the door. The last second, I’ll jump through with a portal.”

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“Yes… I understand, Master.” Terra nodded.

Her voice sounded slightly off, but I was focused on the bombs. As soon as she closed the door, I’d ignite it. However, she didn’t move from her spot.

“What is-“

Just as I went to turn, something as hard as a rock hit me in the back of the head. I quickly regained consciousness, but I realized I was in another spot. I sat up, quickly noticing a bunch of dwarves looking down at me with worried looks on their faces. Sapphire stepped forward.

“Master… Terra, she’s been acting weird, and…”

“Terra?” I moved to my feet, shaking off the headache.

Terra had knocked me unconscious? Why would she do that? I needed to set the bomb off. There wasn’t time for any of this. Wait. The bomb! I ran to the door leading into the boss’s room. I tried to open the door, but the latch wouldn’t budge. I could see into the Boss room though. I could see Terra standing at the door, and in her hand was the orb.

“Terra, what are you doing?” I demanded, trying to force the door open again.

That’s when I realized that the door wasn’t just jammed. It had been sealed shut. She had used her ability to mold the door into the drill.

“I’m sorry, Master. I know you too well.” Terra smiled.

“Know me… I need to detonate the bomb! What are you doing?”

“You were going to give your life, weren’t you?” Terra asked.

“N-” Looking into her eyes, I realized I couldn’t lie. “We can still talk about this.”

“There is no time. You said so yourself.” Terra shrugged. “The bomb needs a trigger. However, I am your guardian. I am your protector. So, I will be the one who detonates it!”