Final day:

When light filled the realm, the color of the sky changed from orange to wine red.

Many of them expected to sit behind the safety of tall walls as they bombarded the enemy without worries. Unfortunately, their expectations do not reflect on the truth shown in front of their eyes. Spectators helplessly watched the enemy claimed ninety percent of the city. Its main road was crowded with heads of Shadowed creatures. The smaller districts and alleyways were flooded with endless demons pouring out from crammed streets.

Worse, the Saint activated the tower’s blessing to force the Hero’s retreat a day earlier than planned. By midnight, its effects faded which enabled Lesser Demons and shades to fill the enemy ranks.

Unlike the other checkpoints, the last defensive hold was a fortress to behold. A tall wall surrounded the base of the tower with plenty of space to house evacuees and volunteers fighting alongside guards to defend the Tower.

“Don’t fret! We’ve done well holding against them for these past four days! The final day is today!”

“Don’t let them near the Tower!”

“If you haven’t been giving it your all, now’s the time to start! Crush as many of them as you can!”

A Spellcaster wreathed the weapons of her allies in magical fire, and projectiles they launched incinerated batches of enemies. A Defender forced himself to the front of the group after a Greater Shadow climbed up the walls to take its aggression off his allies.

“I need some help!”

“Leave it to me!”

On cue, the Defender performed a perfect parry which resulted the Greater Shadow losing its balance. The moment its arms flew into the air, two swords skewered at its side. Alam, dual wielding swords, lifted it up then hurled the Greater Shadowed down the wall and brought any enemies scaling the side on the way down.

“Behemoths approaching!”

“I’ll buy time for our cannons to load. Hand me something heavy to throw!” Alam stretched out his hand.

“We have iron casted balls and heavy bolts.”

“I’ll take anything.”

In the hands of a Giant, a heavy bolt was like a war dart while casted iron cannonballs were the size of a children’s toy ball. Alam first pitched a boulder to test his strength against a Behemoth. Once it was proven his muscles had the capability to stagger them, he hoisted a heavy dart and filled his lungs with fresh air.

“Hup!”

With a warring cry, he hurled the dart at a line of Behemoths. The heavy bolt pierced five large enemies before coming to a full stop. Though it did stop the enemy temporarily, he was disappointed he wasn’t able to hit any cores. He was more of a close ranged fighter than an accurate sharpshooter like Carmyn anyways.

“Don’t stop attacking the ones below! I’ll keep slowing down the big ones!”

This time he launched a cannonball. The ball of cast iron arced down sooner than he expected but he managed to hit two targets. Their hoofed feet were pulverized by the impact before soundly crushing a group of smaller enemies moving below.

“They’re loaded! Plug your ears!”

A volley of gunshots erupted, and thousands of shrapnel shred the approaching Behemoths from double to single digits. Their bodies collapsed to the floor where a large muck formed where they fell. The casualties merged into Screechers.

But Alam saw where the surviving cores were located. He grabbed whatever throwable object in his reach and rained projectiles at his foes. His accuracy was abysmal but luckily managed to destroy one of the three Screechers before they fully manifested.

“Get some barriers up and quickly load explosive cannonballs! We need to take out the Screechers out before they overwhelm us!”

“Where’s the guildmaster? He can take em out!”

“He’s gone up north to do some cleaning. We’ll have to do our best until he comes back.”

“Move it, people! Hannah coming through!”

A little girl’s voice pierced through the crowd as she pushed towards Alam. Her two [Ribbons] carried two large parcels as she carefully set them down and wiped the sweat sliding off her forehead.

“Delivery complete! Saintess said Mister Smiley Scars will need them.”

“Thanks Hannah. What are they?”

“Hannah thinks they’re scrolls. Saintess told Hannah to face them outside the wall and magic will happen.”

“Magic scrolls. And there’s a lot.” Alam rummaged the bag to test one against the screechers. “Let’s go with this one.”

As soon as he opened the scroll, facing the enemy, a blast of silver flames vaporized foes from the bottom of the wall and past three districts. The Screechers wailed in agonizing pain as they were doused by fire poisonous to their kind. The cone of flames lasted for a few seconds, but it was enough to clear the vicinity.

“Woah! Aren’t these the magic the Oracle uses?”

“Amazing! Why didn’t we use these at the start?”

“There’s only so much the Saintess can make. We should save these and use them when the situation demands it.”

Soldiers and Adventurers began splitting the scrolls amongst themselves, entrusting those who specialize in magic to hold onto them.

“Thanks Hannah. With these, we’ll be sure to hold this side. Are you making more deliveries?”

“Angel sis said it’s dangerous to stay on the walls but Hannah wants to help. Hannah finished delivering so Hannah is going back. Does Mister Smiley Scar have something that needs delivering?”

“I just want to know how Kihet’s holding up. Ask him if he’s still up to hit the bar after this is over.”

“Hannah doesn’t get why Kihet is going to punch a bar, but Hannah will tell Kihet.”

Perhaps Hannah somehow mistranslated what she heard, but the little girl nodded and took off.

The crowd parted ways again and watched the girl skip down the stairs. There were comments among female adventurers wanting to hug Hannah, but the most they could do were to give her high fives as she passed by them. Hannah gladly reciprocated their encouragement and smiled bright as she carefully climbed downstairs.

Before they knew it, the tense atmosphere from a while ago was vanquished by the passing girl’s presence. Refreshed, the defenders quickly joined up at the edge of the wall in preparation for the next waves closing onto them.

----------------------------------------

“Kihet, Kihet! Hannah has a message from Mister Smiley Scars!” She found Kihet speaking with a group of armed soldiers. She broke out a brilliant smile and went running to his side.

Hannah shook the hemp of his clothing, trying to get his attention. It only got Kihet to give her hair a good ruffle to acknowledge her presence. Moments later, a soldier from the group noticed her pouting and pointed at Hannah to divert Kihet’s attention to her.

“Mm?” Kihet looked at the little girl. “What’s wrong?”

“Hannah feels lonely being ignored. Hannah hates it.”

“You know I’m working right now.”

“Hannah is too! Hannah has a message from Mister Smiley Scars to deliver to Kihet.”

“Who’s Mister Scars?”

“Mister Smiley Scars.”

“That doesn’t help.”

Hannah frowned, but then she imitated a bulky body. She lifted herself on her tippy toes and drew a line with her finger over her nose. “Tall, buffed, scar on nose and always smiles.”

“Oh. That’s Alam.” He muttered to himself. “What did he say?”

“Mister Smiley said, umm. Kihet is going to fight a bard?”

“A bard? Why?”

“That’s all Hannah was told.”

“I think something got changed.” He knelt down. “You’ve been running around the entire day. Do you want to take a nap?”

“Hannah is one hundred percent A okay! Hannah is taking a break and wants to follow Kihet around until Hannah is needed to make more deliveries.”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“Are you sure? I’m heading to the north gate. We’ll be walking a lot more.”

“If Hannah gets tired, Kihet will carry Hannah.” She then opened her arms and leaped onto him. “Hannah is tired now. Carry Hannah.”

“You little-.” With a sigh, Kihet scooped up Hannah and she placed her arms around his neck. Kihet then turned to the soldiers with a ‘What?’

“We were wondering what bard had guts to make it so the Oracle is going to fight them.”

“It’d be you guys if you don’t drop it and go to your assigned posts.”

The soldiers snickered as they waved goodbye to Hannah to which she responded in kind as Kihet moved away.

“Kihet made friends!”

“Acquaintances. They’re not like Alam and the others, but I am indebted for their help. The least I can do is exchange a few words.”

“Friends!”

“You never changed, did you?”

“Hannah will always be cute. That way, Sorah and Kihet will always pamper Hannah.”

“Wow. You’re honest to boot.”

“Angel sis said it’s Hannah’s special trait.” Hannah rubbed her head on his shoulders. “But Kihet, Hannah misses Sorah. Hannah wants to see Sorah.”

“I haven’t found her yet. Sorry, Hannah. I promise I will.”

“And everyone else?”

“And everyone else. I’ll ask Elenora if there’s a way to let you see them.”

“Pinky promise.”

Kihet wrapped his pinky around her’s and listened to a reminiscent verse they would sing when making promises. While Hannah would be the only one to sing, Kihet tilted his head side to side to follow the rhythm. He didn’t have a great singing voice to begin with.

“What are we betting this time?”

“If Kihet breaks the promise, Kihet must get sweets for Hannah!”

Although the terms were one sided, Kihet nodded in agreement, accepting her promise. Even if he wasn’t asked, he was going to find the others no matter what.

“Do I get something if I managed to find them?”

“Of course! Hannah will make Kihet sweets, but Hannah will eat most of it. Kihet can only have a bit.”

“Wow. You’re very generous.”

As soon as his face relaxed, his lips curled up, slightly. Hannah’s tiny hands smacked his cheeks and stretched his mouth. He was about to ask, but it was hard to move when the corners of his mouth were pulled very far apart.

“Freeze! Hannah thinks Hannah caught Kihet smiling.”

“Waff far fu thothing favout?”

“No. Hannah really saw Kihet smiled. Smile again!”

“I fan’t if vuu veep shreshing my mouth.”

Hannah moved her arms back around his shoulder looking expectantly at him. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation like a child waiting for a pet to do the same trick they recently learned again. Unfortunately, it must’ve been a fluke as the smile she expected wasn’t genuine but forced.

“Kihet’s smile is… scary.”

“Maybe that’s what you saw.”

“No, Hannah saw a nice smile! Not this one. Too gloomy.”

“Well sorry.”

They passed by many volunteers returning from the battlefield were rushed to the tower with their fallen comrades where Elenora casted Aima magic bringing fallen souls back. Of course, those who were revived didn’t immediately head back to battle and needed rest to clear the traumatizing experience of death a few moments ago.

Sounding explosions filled the air and a column of smoke rose. In the middle of their walk, a boulder flew above the wall and was aimed at a crowd.

“Kihet, look!”

“Right. Hold tight. I’ll toss it back out.”

Kihet armed his stiletto with [Kerse Armament: Quagmire Sphere] and launched his [Chain] at it. As if he speared a fish underwater, the boulder’s descent gradually slowed and floated high above the crowd’s head. Though his assistance wasn’t needed as adventurers below were prepared to intercept it, he wanted to show off in front of Hannah.

He swung the boulder overhead like a flail and easily lobbed it over the walls into the enemy’s direction.

Hannah gasped. She created two [Ribbons] and compared them to the one Kihet summoned. “Why is Kihet’s different than Hannah’s. Hannah knows when something hits Hannah’s, they drop whatever Hannah is holding. But Kihet’s doesn’t break.”

“I protected mine with magic.”

“Kihet can use magic?! Hannah thought Kihet can’t use any!”

“Well, I never tried until now. Lemi said I’m ahead of you so, you better study hard if you want to cast spells like me.”

“Hannah will!” She energetically nodded. “Hannah will study so hard Hannah will even be a better spellcaster than Book Worm!”

“Good luck beating Elius on that. Alright, we’re here.”

When they arrived at the north gate, Kihet set Hannah down as she pouted. Though she protested, Hannah became silent at the scene put in front of her. The gate was heavily sealed by strips of metal desperately holding the gate in place.

“Hannah, can I ask you to deliver a message back to Alam for me?”

“Leave it to Hannah!”

Kihet passed her a letter as he watched as Hannah disappeared into the crowd of moving people. After he was certain Hannah wasn’t secretly following him, Kihet climbed up the wall where he met the Elder and Kridas observing the battlefield from the edge.

They held mixed emotions as they pondered about the enemy’s next move. Curious, he too looked out the wall to find the enemy fortified themselves at the edge of the plaza.

“Lookie here. Unexpected reinforcement has arrived.”

“Young Kihet, is it safe for you to stand here?”

“I know how to take care of myself. How’s it looking out there?”

“Try this.” Kridas handed Kihet a spyglass, a telescopic instrument that allowed him to see far away.

He peeked at the enemy’s barricade erected between the entrance leading down the main road. It was raised clumsily of debris of the checkpoints allies abandoned and held together with black muck using their numbers. The wall was capable of dampening the impact of cannonballs shot at it, but it was no taller than five meters.

Occasionally, it opened its gates and swarms of monsters rushed towards the wall.

Kihet was informed the enemy on this side were led by a tactician. He noticed how evenly their forces were spread to avoid being wiped out all at once. However, they were never unable to touch the north wall under the Elder’s watch.

A storm of ice and lightning struck down the attackers. The gripping ice quickly froze them in place as thousand of lightning bolts rained down on them. Though the Elder’s grand magic dismissed the attempt of breaching the north gate, Kihet quickly learned the enemy was merely searching for an opening.

“What about Shiba?”

“The Vice Guildmaster had to step away for a moment while I watch this sector in his stead.” The Elder answered. “Depending on the council’s risk assessment of this situation, we may need to send a sortie and swiftly defeat the tactician.”

“That at most would buy us some time. We would’ve called Kaeth but the south might risk collapsing if the Knight returns.” Kridas added.

“Should I look for Shibata?”

“No need. I’ve steadied myself.”

Cladded in scarred golden armor, Shibata marched right next to them and gestured to be given the spyglass. He peeked through it momentarily before handing it back to Kihet and pointed in the general direction of a target between the line of Behemoths.

Kihet looked through it again and this time noticed a silhouette similar to Shibata’s kind. A veil of black mist cloaked the figure, but he could identify it as a Devil Folk sitting grandly on its throne. Moreover, Kihet recognized its shape and after realizing it was the Tyrant Emperor, was a little shaken.

“Hey, isn’t that-. But that was before the apocalypse, wasn’t it? Have they assimilated souls from that long ago?”

“This one is the only known case. I’m uncertain how many more but at the present he is dangerous for conducting the enemy’s movements. He must be swiftly disposed of.” Shibata’s words were merciless cold and spoken with no hesitation to antagonize his parent which Kihet thought to be saddening to hear.

“I can agree but,” Kridas pointed at the wall. “There’s no way it’ll just wattle out of its base.”

“Are you guys planning to launch a sortie out there?” Kihet looked doubtful. “I wouldn’t recommend that.”

“The Saint’s council decides that though the situation does not allow it.” The Elder answered. “Numbers from the East and West gates are gathering here. They know the north gate is vulnerable.”

“The fate of the Tower hinges on the next hour. Guildmaster, with permission granted by the Saint, I’ve rallied all available arms without hindering the defense of other gates. I will need to brief them on the inevitable calamity we’ll face.”

“There’s no use in me standing here looking useless. I’ll help out too.” Kridas followed Shibata down the stairs.

The Elder waited until Shibata and Kridas descended halfway down the stairs before slowly turned towards the outside. “Young Kihet, one moment. I wish to speak with you. Very rarely do I get this chance, but I fear the worst happening.”

“That won’t happen. So, what do you want to talk about?”

“I’ve longed to apologize. My heart stirs with agonizing grief unable to prevent you from being exiled. And at such a small age.”

“Why are you apologizing for that? You did your best to lower my sentence. If anything, the villagers pressures you to send me away, not you.”

“Thank you for your kind words. Young Kihet, do you loathe the Creator for everything that has happened to you?”

“I can’t blame em seeing how many pieces the Creator is in right now. If I looked at the decision in a positive light, I wasn’t executed.”

“Your parent ought to be proud of what you’ve accomplished. You’ve done well to grow into such a fine young man. I was worried if you were going turn into a delinquent but thank the creator, I was wrong!”

“If I turned into one, you can be sure Elius, Lemi and Sorah would beat me on the right track. Especially Sorah.”

“True. But then there are other troublemakers like Young Vol and Young Megith. Thankfully, all of you are well behaved.” The Elder smiled. “That aside, when I first heard you were the Oracle, I was shocked. You would always volunteer to be the sidekick when you played Hero with the others. Why was that?”

“Honestly, I think the Hero has too many responsibilities and raises the bar of everyone’s expectations of you.” Kihet scratched his head. “I’m only as strong as those around make me.”

The Elder smacked Kihet’s shoulder then put his hands back on his cane. “Yes, as I was elected to be chief of the Enuis, I experienced the weight of the responsibility. In that case, I often asked myself what could only I do? Not, why is it me? So, Young Kihet. What could you and not others do as the Oracle?”

“If you suddenly throw it out like that, it’s hard to give an answer right now.”

“Think about it when you have time. This is my last assignment for you.”

“You’ve even assigned me homework in a situation like this…”

“It’s tough love!” The Elder cackled. “It’s about time. You better get going then.”

Activity picked up as guards around them noticed unusual about the enemy. The bell rung, and the living wall lifted like curtains suddenly revealing the enemy army of thousands encroached towards their location. There were so many Kihet couldn’t see the paved road and the rest of the city looked like as if a swamp had risen from underneath.

“Here they come! Get to your posts, everyone!” A captain shouted.

“I will prepare-.”

The Elder went to cast a spell to thin the numbers when suddenly the magic circle he summoned shattered. Every spell being casted at the same moment was wiped away by an unknown force like the Oracle’s dispelling ability worked against them.

“My spell! What’s going on?”

“What’s that sparkling object over there?”

“Is that lightning?”

Kihet immediately raised the telescope and observed the object hanging in the sky in horror. It was a spear floating on its own wreathed in lightning. In an instant, he lost sight of it, but a heavy thump shook the walls as thick metal strips barricading the gate bent inward from the impact.

The wine colored spear pried itself off the ground and flew back to its owner. The owner of the cruel weapon stepped on an invisible platform over the Shadowed Army and twirled it every so gently. It wore a large droopy pointed hat and clothing so thin you would think she was bare naked under the cloak of miasma.

Those who laid eyes on it beheld its robust figure in awe, charmed by its silhouette. However, shivers crawled down Kihet’s spine.

It was an Acolyte. The Shadowed wizard who killed Shibata, Kridas, Alam and Lemi back when they were escaping from Rozzosea.

In an instant, the sky was filled with its magic.

“Incoming!”

“Get off the walls now!” Kihet grabbed the Elder and threw themselves off the ledge.

Almost everyone leapt off down when the sky fell. The literal sky dropped on them with dangerous level pressures of wind and clouds pressed down on reinforced stone wall that was reduced it to mere sand. The north gate was breach without much effort by an Acolyte.

Before the defenders had time to understand the situation, the army of shadows was seen charging at them.

“Elder, get up! Can you cast another spell?” Kihet pulled the Elder onto his feet.

“I lost my connection with the Elemental Spirits! I will need some time to reestablish it!”

Kihet glared at the Wizard and gripped his sword in frustration. His attention quickly snapped back to the Shadowed army coming at him.

Another tremble shook the earth when a burst of translucent crystals burst out of the west gate. The appearance was the same as the one encasing the Tower in Sanctuary. Two large gloves made of stone decorated in runic patterns hammered Lemi’s barriers by the East side. More pillars of darkness erupted at the south.

“Oracle, I bear a message from the Saint! You must withdraw! The enemy sent four Acolytes to assault us from all sides!” A messenger warned.

“Four…? No, I can’t…! Hannah’s still at the west gate!”