The adventurers traveled for two days and nights before they could see Mount Ujun from afar. Jeane explained that, while the peaks of the mountain went into the clouds, the fortress was much closer to the base of the mountain than the peak. The fortress, built into the mountain itself, was said to be the second most impenetrable location only to be bested by the kingdom capital. The fortress was known as the Cleric Fortress because Clerics of all levels would study there at one point in their lives. Many powerful Clerics like Isylte and those serving the court graduated from the fortress.

As soon as they could see the mountain, Jeane suggested a break. Everyone ate an early lunch by a river and filled up their waterskin. Once everyone was refreshed and ready, Jeane triggered her teleport crystal. Dreu watched as a bright light engulfed everyone. Unlike the Illuminate spell he had experienced a few times, the light from the crystal wasn’t blinding. It just swallowed everything and he didn’t have to close his eyes. During the teleportation, Dreu rehearsed the instructions Jeane provided them regarding the etiquette within the fortress. Given that this was his first time at Ujun, he needed to show his proper respects.

“Hold off the demons!”

“More are teleporting in!”

Dreu raised the shield he took from one of the possessed knights he slain. When the teleportation was complete, he raised his shield in time to block some arrows. Moments later, he felt a surge of strength within him. He looked back to see a nod from Jeane. Then, he drew his blade and advanced towards the nearest demon. The demon, too preoccupied with the humans on the walls, was hacked in half by Dreu.

Watch out for the boulder!

Dreu looked up in time to get out of the way. He thanked Rohese for the warning and resumed combat with the only demon to have survived the boulder. After slaying the demon, Dreu could see no demons in his immediate vicinity. He turned around to check on his party. Sadon stood guard while Gaenor and Rohese picked off demons on the stairs. He searched around until he caught sight of Jeane busy healing a human soldier. Bayard towered over her as he fended off three demon soldiers with ease.

“The demons are headed into the inner sanctum!” shouted someone atop the walls.

“Stop them!”

Dreu looked between Bayard and the main gate.

I can handle things from here, said Bayard. You should head inside to aid those defending the inner sanctum!

Dreu nodded and ran inside where he was immediately greeted by numerous human and demon corpses. Ignoring the carnage, he made his way deeper into the fortress until he arrived at a large chamber. A demon stood near the center of the chamber surrounded by a dozen human casters.

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“Amusing,” said the demon as a dark aura emanated from it.

Dreu watched as a dark pool appeared beneath the demon. Then, tendrils shot out from the pool towards the dozen casters. Despite the humans putting up barriers, the tendrils easily penetrated through the casters’ defenses. Moments after the tendrils made contact and disappeared into the humans, the casters turned their attention to Dreu. Instinctively, Dreu raised his shield.

“There’s the demoness! Stop her!”

Dreu heard footsteps behind him but he dared not look away from the possessed casters. As he gauged the distance between him and the casters, the young man noticed a tendril heading straight for him. By the time his brain registered it, the tendril had already reached him. Darkness immediately engulfed him, paralyzing his entire body. He couldn’t summon any strength to fight the darkness but he kept at it until he heard a voice.

Hello, descendant of Emperor Gavienus Tobias! I’m Eglallin. It’s a pleasure to meet you! This was not the location I expected to meet you though. I honestly would prefer a more peaceful time so we can chat properly. May I know your name please?

Dreu fought to calm his beating heart first.

My name is Dreu. Dreu Guillotin.

Dreu was unsure why he responded back to the demoness. He wondered if the spell casted on him was the reason.

Dreu, do you know what the enormous crystal is?

When Dreu first entered the large chamber, he briefly noticed the crystal in the center before turning his attention to the demoness and the casters. There were many questions going through his head but he prioritized the demoness.

No, the crystal holds no significance to me. You, on the other hand, have plans for it.

Eglallin laughed in response.

This crystal represents everything Emperor Tobias stood against. You will learn that in time. For now, I will merely share with you its name and purpose. The crystal is known as an Amplifier. The Amplifier makes the Purificator several magnitudes stronger. A Purificator with an amplifier can wipe out all non-humans on the continent. Now you see why the humans try so desperately to protect it? Regardless, I enjoyed our little talk. We will meet again!

The darkness suddenly dissipated. Dreu found himself on his knees and drowning in a warm light. He looked back to see someone matching the description of a Holy Knight walk towards him. The man smiled with confidence as he raised his sword into the air.

“Demoness, this is where you will die today!” announced the Holy Knight. "Don't think that, by destroying this crystal, you have achieved victory!"

Dreu turned towards the demoness but his eyes were first drawn to the shattered crystal at her feet. He then studied the demoness’ face and found no fear. She was smiling and, following a quick bow, vanished before them. Hearing more footsteps, he turned to see his party arriving at the large chamber. Despite his efforts, Dreu couldn’t stand back up.

“Stay down,” said the Holy Knight. “You are fortunate the curse didn’t outright kill you. We’ll get an experienced cleric to assist you once we deal with all the demons.”