In the wake of Altheack's departure, the echoes of Valicar's legendary exploits reverberated throughout the realms. Whispers carried tales of her daring face-off with the Pillar of the East, averting the destruction of the last human kingdom Aldria. News followed of their conquest of that same country after the kings death, their triumph in overthrowing Duke Aerion Skyborne the king's brother, and their subsequent clash with the Pillar of the South. The latter encounter marked the tragic end of Easton Von White, a formidable naval captain and former templar wielding the forces of both demon and holy magic.
The confrontation with Ignial, the colossal red dragon of legend, solidified their place in stories told across lands. Yet, their vanishing act during the battle and the following imperial civil war left a haunting void, a silent vacuum in the face of chaos.
As the Templars' scourge marred the world, Valicar emerged twice to shield the eastern territories from annihilation. In the shadow of chaos, Eldora, besieged by the ruthless orc chieftain Joearai, found an unexpected savior in Gorlion. The South lay ravaged, yet a glimmer of hope flickered among scattered allies. Meanwhile, the relentless Pillar of the West battered the republic, but pockets of resistance persisted.
Amidst the tranquil floating islands of Minerva, under the setting sun's golden embrace, the former Duke's grand palace stood as a beacon. Spellweaver's authoritative presence resonated as he stepped forth. "I can orchestrate the island's teleportation," his voice echoed with assuredness, commanding attention across opulent halls.
Flanking Spellweaver, Altheack, and Gorlion seized the conversation having set aside their differences for the time being, directing it to the pivotal issue – relieving the siege on the Western Republic. Altheack's gaze held a resolute gleam, embodying newfound prowess in manipulating the floating islands. "With our means to move, our focus must shift to alleviating the siege in the west," her voice resonated, urgency lacing her resolve.
Amid charged deliberation, Gorlion, ever the strategist, dove into the intricate details of their strategy. "Our paramount concern lies in exploiting weaknesses, catching our adversaries unprepared. Valicar's triumph in singular combat against the Pillar of the East stands as a testament; the unified might of our alliance can rescue the West," he affirmed, his words infused with strategic depth and conviction.
The imposing figure of the mighty Beast King roared his approval at the prospect of their westward journey. His resounding bellow reverberated through the assembly, echoing the unity and unwavering resolve of their formidable alliance. Leading forces from the east, Gorlion rallied valiantly alongside the alliances forged by Valicar, uniting Elf Cities, Dwarfs, Humans, the Beast Kingdom, and the Orc horde. This coalition, fortified by Eldoria's salvation and Joearai's defeat, found its strength in the formidable floating fortress of Minerva, its armies garrisoned in mass. Under Altheack's command, reigning over Aldria and its armies, their combined force, bolstered by the Archmage and Gorlion, posed a significant threat.
Valicar, now known as Aldria's Scarlet Scourge after her incredible battle with the Pillar of the East, had unearthed a mesmerizing yet fearsome new form of magic. Its touch seemed to corrupt the very essence of the land, establishing her as both a savior and a formidable force of terror. Through her actions, alliances long dormant were rekindled, drawing attention even from the Pillar of the North, the apex of strength among the Pillars.
Meanwhile, raging at the Pillar of the South's defeat by Ignial, the Pillar of the North set his plans in motion for the empire. Departing from the human capital, he engaged in a colossal battle against the Great Red Dragon, culminating in an intense stalemate. His overwhelming power and divine aura within the human realm made confrontation with Gorlion's forces an invitation for certain annihilation. Aware of this danger, Gorlion strategically pivoted westward, signifying a pivotal shift in their overarching campaign.
In a searing burst of radiant light, the alliance Dragon Tooth materialized in the heart of the Western Republic's capital. The once-grand Senate House now served as the ominous battleground where the Pillar of the West and his army awaited their challenge. As the armies descended from the floating islands with the aid of magic, the whispers of Helm Hold's arcane might echoed through the air, an ethereal symphony resonating with raw magical power.
Gorlion surged forward with unyielding determination, the ground quaking beneath his every step as earth magic enveloped him in a swirling tempest. His voice reverberated across the chaotic battlefield as he issued his challenge to the Pillar of the West. "Face me, Pillar of the West! I challenge you to single combat!" The resonance of his declaration cut through the clamor of battle, a call to destiny.
The Pillar, clad in resplendent golden armor, met Gorlion's challenge with a smug nod, arrogance radiating from every inch of their being. "You dare challenge me? Very well, let's see what the hero of the East is truly made of!" Their voice thundered through the courtyard, an air of superiority accompanying each uttered word.
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A shimmering cascade of magic erupted as Gorlion fired a volley of gems of ruby and diamonds that clashed against the Pillar of the West's golden defenses. Each infused shard surged forth, a dazzling display of arcane energy aimed at the Pillar's seemingly impenetrable armor. But the Pillar's radiant shield held firm, absorbing the onslaught with a divine resilience that sent bursts of blinding light scattering across the battlefield. The clash created an awe-inspiring spectacle, painting the courtyard in vibrant colors and crackling with the raw intensity of magical forces in conflict.
As Gorlion advanced, unleashing the might of his earth magic, the battlefield transformed into a scene of elemental chaos. Earthquakes rippled through the ground, creating chasms that threatened to swallow the Pillar whole. Earth spikes erupted from the ground, reaching skyward like the wrathful fingers of an ancient titan, a testament to Gorlion's indomitable spirit and mastery over the forces of the earth, sending the Pillar ping-ponging around the battlefield, yet he remained unharmed. The armies were sent to the fringes, avoiding the clash of titans.
However, it became evident that Gorlion would not emerge victorious on his own. Despite his resilient assaults, he started to show signs of wear and tear from the divine lances and beams of light the Pillar skillfully hurled at him.
Amidst the tumult, at a critical moment, Arch Mage Alaric Spellweaver materialized with a roar of unbridled rage. The Pillar of the West, the very one who had laid waste to Helm Town and Helm Hold, killing many of Spellweaver's friends, would now face the full force of the Arch Mage's wrath. A primal howl, reminiscent of a wolf's cry, echoed through the battlefield as Spellweaver unleashed his magical might, now fully restored after teleporting the school.
The air crackled with arcane energy as Spellweaver's eyes blazed with vengeful fury. "Your reckoning has come, Pillar! Helm Hold will be avenged!" he roared, his words carrying the weight of countless lost lives.
In a tumultuous spectacle of cosmic forces, Gorlion engaged in a blistering melee with the Pillar of the West, wielding his sword and shield with relentless determination. Each strike of his blade clashed against the Pillar's golden defenses, the clash resonating across the battlefield as the earth quaked beneath their feet. Gorlion's attacks were relentless, but the Pillar's holy magic proved a formidable barrier.
Meanwhile, Arch Mage Alaric Spellweaver, fueled by a potent mix of fury and vengeance, unleashed devastating spells from afar. Fire and lightning erupted from his fingertips, converging with the battlefield's elemental chaos. Each arcane assault crashed into the Pillar's defenses, a cacophony of elemental fury colliding with the celestial power wielded by the Pillar.
The battleground transformed into a chaotic symphony of destruction and radiance, a breathtaking display of mortal valor pitted against divine supremacy. Gorlion's relentless melee assaults combined with Spellweaver's ranged onslaught created an explosive and intricate dance of magic and might, challenging the very limits of reality in their quest to bring down the seemingly invincible Pillar.
"His defenses are impenetrable! We need to crack that armor!" Gorlion shouted over the raging tempest of magic.
"Large-scale attacks will harm our own!" Spellweaver's voice cut through the maelstrom, his eyes ablaze with determination.
Spellweaver unleashed a tempest of wind and fire, encasing the Pillar in a swirling inferno. As the flames surged, Altheack, Gorlion's second-in-command, was signaled and initiated a strategic retreat.
"I'll send him high, then release your might!" Gorlion's command was met with a resolute nod from Spellweaver.
Their forces tactically withdrew to the floating islands, meticulously luring the Pillar and his army toward the epicenter of their plan. The islands, obedient to Altheack's commands, began to ascend, pulling away from the battleground while maintaining a steady trajectory.
Amidst this orchestrated retreat, Gorlion bellowed a incantation, his voice resounding with raw power. "Mou Vun Fades!" The Pillar, an imposing figure amidst the swirling inferno, turned his attention to Gorlion. With a forceful surge of magic, The Pillar was catapulted skyward as the ground beneath him surged upwards, sculpting a miniature mountain peak beneath his feet.
In that suspended moment, the sky darkened, eclipsed by an ominous shadow. Day turned to twilight as a celestial threat descended—the same meteor spell that the Pillar had barely escaped before at Helm Hold. Now, he faced this colossal attack head-on.
Summoning his strength, the Pillar roared with defiance, conjuring a colossal column of golden light that collided with the meteorite in a cataclysmic explosion. Depleted of his magical reserves, he braced for the inevitable impact of the now weakened attack, shards of celestial debris raining down around him, claiming the lives of thousands of his Templar army.
Yet, as the dust settled, the land continued to rise beneath him. The Pillar's eyes widened in awe and apprehension. Through the fractured remains of the shattered meteor, he beheld a second and then a third meteor hurtling toward him and his men. The attack crashed into the mountain's peak, shattering his once-impenetrable celestial shield. Heaven and Earth collided in an onslaught akin to a colossal hammer meeting an anvil. The battleground quivered with the clash of these cosmic forces, imprinting an indelible mark on the landscape.
In the aftermath of the battle, the Pillar of the West lay mortally wounded, saved by his lieutenant, as the remnants of his army were forced to retreat from the western continent, fleeing back to the empire. Liberation came at a great cost; the land lay ravaged, and many lives lost. Yet, this victory was a resounding testament to the alliance and a significant setback for the empire.
Amidst the devastation, a flame of revenge ignited among the survivors. They vowed to rebuild, joining forces with the alliance to make the empire and the church pay for their atrocities. Valicar's absence lingered, and the time to challenge the empire on their own territory drew near. The resolve was firm—despite the scars and losses, they would stand united to confront the might of the empire.