In the aftermath of the intense battle, Gorlion stood atop the city walls, his breath heavy with the exhaustion that had enveloped him throughout the conflict. The situation had been dire; Gorlion had taken charge of the city's defense against the formidable orc forces commanded by Joearai and the S-rank party, Phoenix Requiem, which had been enlisted to support their cause. He was acutely aware of his capability to triumph over them, yet he couldn't ignore the harsh reality that the battle ahead would likely stretch on for days. However, the cost of such an extended battle would inevitably lead the enemy to breach the city's protective walls wards or not, resulting in a heart-wrenching massacre of innocent lives. Such a tragedy was something Gorlion's unyielding heroic nature couldn't allow to occur.
Over the past month, the land had been ravaged by the unrelenting fury of a war initiated by orc hordes, surging beyond borders in an unstoppable tide. A significant event that had occurred earlier involved a girl riding upon an owlbear, her approach to the city thwarted when a masterful S-rank mage archer named Tayatha managed to bring her down. While the owlbear had crashed, the girl had managed to shield them from the impact, clinging to survival. This girl, Valicar, possessed a distinctive appearance with her striking red and blue hair, marking her as an exceptionally skilled mage. Her renown had been forged upon the battlegrounds of the Helm Hold games, with her remarkable feats now immortalized through crystals sold in magical shops. Gorlion's astute wager on her potential during those games had yielded significant rewards as her prowess evolved from an A-rank contender to a figure on the cusp of S-rank. While he had once keenly followed her promising career, the current state of affairs had precipitated a shift. The news of united orc tribes had spread, evoking a stark realization that either the dwarfs or the elves would be the initial targets. Despite this grim backdrop, the Adventurers' Guild upheld its longstanding neutral stance, allowing members the freedom to forge their paths, albeit within certain boundaries. Thus, Gorlion found himself positioned on the opposing side of the battlefield.
During the recent battle against Joearai and Phenox Requiem, Gorlion had made his entry in the grandest of styles, aimed at inspiring and galvanizing the beleaguered defenders amidst the chaos. His foremost concern remained the preservation of Valicar's life. As he bore witness to her experiences teetering on the brink of death, a complex mixture of admiration and concern welled up within him, especially when she formed what was unmistakably a Demonic Oath. Amidst these tumultuous moments, he had decisively intervened, thwarting a colossal axe aimed at her head, a decisive act that saved her head from being split open.
However, as the battle's ferocity escalated, a startling revelation emerged, shattering Gorlion's understanding of the situation. The owlbear that had been downed earlier, had been a girl he now knew was Altheack. She had been subjected to a sudden and violent assault, leaving her grievously wounded.
In the wake of Valicar's friend's fall, a whirlwind of emotions overcame her, propelling her into a relentless frenzy of rage. Amidst her fury, she pleaded with Gorlion to rescue Altheack. Guided by his innate heroic instincts seized this opportunity, capitalizing on the diversion to hasten toward the fallen girl. However, as he neared the scene, a shocking revelation awaited him—the girl was none other than the bastard offspring of the elven chieftain. With a heavy heart, Gorlion recognized the pivotal role he had to play in securing Altheack's safety.
Vaulting to the relative sanctuary offered by the city walls, Gorlion's retreat was not without opposition. Lorianth relentlessly pursued him, while the city's defenders unleashed a volley of projectiles upon him, compelling him to retreat and withdraw from the pursuit. Amidst this chaotic turmoil, Valicar's abilities had evolved once more, now incorporating both demonic and holy magic. The adept mastery of such a dual magical system was known to only one individual—Easton Von White of the Royal Navy. Even though the blood and gore that splattered her from head to toe, Valicar bore an unsettling grin, a sinister expression that cast an eerie shadow upon her. For a fleeting instant, a glimmer of recognition seemed to traverse her features before she regained her composure, rallying herself for a final stand. She sprinted and leaped towards the wall, extending a triumphant wave before succumbing to the demands of her exhausted body, collapsing to the ground.
Valicar's astounding feats in the recent battle spread like wildfire among those on the city walls. The tale carried a mix of fear and awe, a testament to her display of potent demonic power. The story swiftly traversed through the ranks, capturing the attention and imagination of those who heard it. While not outright banned, the use of such powers was still considered forbidden, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
As the news echoed through the city, the ruling figure, Qunaria, made her presence known. Her mandate was clear, as she commanded the immediate restraint of Valicar. The order was unambiguous – chains and the dungeons awaited her. The eerie necromantic aura emanating from Valicar's blade had not gone unnoticed, and it was a force that demanded reckoning.
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However, Gorlion, a voice of reason, pleaded on Valicar's behalf. "She fought valiantly for the city. Surely, she is an ally we cannot afford to lose, especially in the face of the looming barbarian threat," he implored the elven chieftain, Altheack's mother, Qunaria. His words carried a weight of conviction.
Responding with an undertone of indignation, she addressed the legality of the situation. "The law stands firm – necromancy is categorically forbidden in Lavias. Even your esteemed guild aligns with this stance."
Gorlion's empathy for Valicar was unmistakable, underscoring his plea. "She is newly bound by her demonic oath, likely unaware of the full scope of the power she now wields!"
However, the guards stood firm in their duty. Valicar was apprehended still unconscious, her movements restricted by chains, and she was led away. The presence of medics and magical healers was swift, tending to her wounds.
As the drama unfolded, the ruling chieftain signaled for Gorlion to step back, a graceful gesture that marked her desire for a private conversation. "Leave us, Gorlion. There are matters I must discuss with my daughter, matters that concern the company she has chosen to keep," she declared with an air of regal poise.
As Gorlion observed the scene, he couldn't help but notice the power dynamic at play. The ruling chieftain possessed renowned healing magic, capable of mending even the gravest wounds, yet she had refrained from aiding Valicar. On the other hand, Altheack's wounds seemed to heal instantaneously, a revelation that didn't escape Gorlion's attention. His focus, however, shifted as the door to the medic hall closed, his gaze locked onto Altheack's shocked expression upon seeing her mother for the first time in a decade.
Gorlion's thoughts traced back to the scandal that had haunted the chieftain for nearly two decades. The love affair with the prince now king of the last free human kingdom, their forbidden love resulting in Altheack's birth. The elven king's ultimatum had forced a difficult decision – relinquish her authority over the city or banish her child. She had chosen the latter, and Altheack's birth had marked her subsequent banishment. The details of Altheack's interactions with her mother during her years of exile remained shrouded in mystery.
Contemplating these intricacies, Gorlion shifted his attention to the tower from which he typically oversaw the city's defenses. The urgency of the situation outweighed Altheack's or Valicar's current predicament. As he issued orders to the defenders and marshaled the magical core composed of B and C-rank mages, Gorlion focused on fortifying the city's defenses. The priority was to secure the city against the looming threat. Valicar's freedom, while significant, needed to be addressed once the immediate danger was contained.
Gorlion's strategic command bore fruit as reports filtered in – the enemy forces were retreating, licking their wounds after suffering substantial losses, largely due to Valicar's f rampage. The battlefield's dynamics were shifting, and Gorlion's attention remained steadfast on restoring stability and ensuring the city's safety as the sol S rank in the city.
As the weeks progressed, Altheack's growing frustration became increasingly evident, causing a notable disturbance among the nobility when denied access to see her friend. The city's defense remained the foremost concern, and another assault was launched by the enemy forces against the walls. In response, Gorlion summoned his immense power, unleashing a devastating earthquake that inflicted massive casualties among the attackers. The powerful upheaval forced the S-rank enemies to redirect their efforts from taking lives to saving them, creating yet another stalemate in the ongoing conflict. The toll was heavy on both sides, as the battle claimed the lives of many brave soldiers.
Despite the intensity of the enemy's assault, the city's fortifications held strong. The ancient enchantments woven by skilled elven mages of the past lent formidable strength to the walls. These enchantments not only bolstered the morale of the defenders but also enhanced their physical prowess, ensuring that they were on par with the attacking orcs. This balance was a remarkable feat, considering elves were typically at a disadvantage in close combat. Through the enchantments, they bridged the gap, enabling them to face their opponents on equal footing.
Meanwhile, Valicar remained unconscious for several days, her fiery spirit seemingly undiminished even in her slumber. Her discontent was palpable when she finally awoke, and her vocal protests echoed through the halls where she was confined. The insults she hurled at the ruling chieftain would ordinarily result in severe consequences, even death. However, her strategic value to the kingdom overshadowed immediate retribution. Gorlion recognized that she held a pivotal role in the city's survival, her promise to him ringing in his ears – she would save them if he managed to rescue Altheack.
Gorlion's belief in Valicar's potential was unwavering, and he understood that her necromantic actions, albeit disturbing, were driven by necessity. The situation demanded making tough choices, and he knew that dealing with the necromantic aspect could be deferred until the immediate threat was eliminated. After all, her actions had been aimed at disgusting creatures like orcs, minimizing the harm done to more civilized races.
As the battle continued to wage on, Gorlion's focus remained steadfast on the larger objective – securing the city's safety and defending against the relentless enemy assaults.