The sorcerer and sorceress of Fayspell continued to carry the large body of their headmaster back to the village with the children. Yet she found it far too heavy to carry for so long. They themselves didn’t think they were more physically capable than Nicholai. Let alone tall and muscular woman they had to carry to safety. She continued to bleed out, with some of them finding the woman’s blood running down their heads.

“Dammit. We can’t carry her!” A sorcerer complained.

“We should leave her here to die.” Another sorcerer suggested.

“Are you insane!?”

“She led us out here to die for people we don’t even know or care about! Why should we ever trust her as our overseer?”

“Did you see what she just did. No matter how you look at it. None of us come close to what she is capable of.”

“Like that matters! She was the one who sent us to potentially die. What do you think our children would do if that happened? What? Would we leave them in the care of those barbarians and that boy with the red hair!?”

“She just fought for every single one of us! Can’t you see that!?”

The group argued back about leaving the large woman or continuing on. As they did, another figure started to approach the loud group. He kept in their direction, coming close to noticing Irene lying on the floor. He stepped from the trees and everyone went silent. Behind him came a black hose with bright shining eyes. Everyone took notice off his all black outfit and large sword on his back. But most importantly, the crest on his robe that reminded them of Ezra.

“What do you want?”

“That woman needs help. There’s a village nearby. You don't seem like you're able to carry her.” The man spoke. He turned to his horse and sent him over to the woman. “I’m sure you're headed for the village nearby. Here. My horse will carry her. You all just make sure she receives some medical attention.” The man lifted Irene up onto the horse. The others found him too frightening to try and stop him.

“Umm...thank you.” A sorceress thanked him. He nodded back.

“Theodore. You know where to find me.” Those were the man’s last words before he disappeared back into the trees and continued walking.

The entire warzone caught a glimpse of Grimm’s reaper. The figure horrified nearly everyone. Yet Grimm wasn’t focusing his intentions on any of them. He knew his own strength, and even Virion’s. The man he once knew as a friend was dead. By his hand. Grimm fell to his knees.

For the other, they signalled this as their chance to continue fighting. The Serx and Hulion warriors raged on. Seeing the strong warrior completely paying them no mind. Each side still had an objective, rather the same one.

Katreena and Granius continued to climb the pillar of ice made by Grimm. Kal abandoned his objective, angered by his superior’s demise. Grimm let his scythe lay next to him, he knelt before the man’s body and endlessly thought of Virions confession.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Hey.” Grimm called to his reaper. It appeared behind him smaller and around the same size of the man.

“Already on it.” The reaper stepped before the deceased man. He tapped the top of Virions head with his scythe. A blue aura surrounded his body, as well as Grimm’s. Grimm closed his eye. He then felt the reapers power working. Meaning that all Virion needed to say hadn’t been said. “I thought you hated doing this.”

“I do. I just need to know what else he wanted to say. Tons of people die before they can say everything.” Grimm said to the reaper.

“How do you know he had anything left to say?” The reaper asked.

“Because what he did say was in a moment of anger. Unlike you I know how humans work.” Grimm scolded the reaper. He kept his eye closed as the reapers powers settled in. When successful, he would be able to speak with Virion one last time. Hopefully not just to get information. But to really speak with his friend one last time.

“It’s ready.” The reaper said in confirmation. Grimm hesitated at first. He then slowly opened his eyes. Right before him sat a projection of Virion.

“I never expected to use this on you.” Grimm started.

“Well. Something was bound to happen with me and your little friend.” Virion spoke immediately. Not waiting to think about anything. He knew why Grimm brought him here. If Virion finished his final deed before truly being sent away. He would have a peaceful afterlife. “I can’t believe I lied to her.”

“Lied to who.” Grimm asked.

“Who do you think, idiot?” Virion replied, turning to the living man. “I like how you didn’t even hesitate. I don’t know what I expected.” The spirit began to cry.

“Virion. I still….cared about you. All of my success means nothing…..if there was no one for me to be around.” Grimm somberly said to his friend. “I had to be strong. Because it was all I knew.”

“Well now I hope you know more.” Virion said looking away. He stared off to the ongoing battle. “Look at them. I just died and not a single one has cared. Some captain I was.”

The two sat in silence. Awaiting the next one’s right word to either continue or end the conversation. Both instead sat back and remembered the times before this. The training, the sneaking around, the sparring matches Grimm would mostly win.

“Hey. Let’s wrap this up. Neither of us have the time to spare.” Virion said standing up. Grimm did the same.

“I-” Grimm started.

“Don’t man. I’m already dead, don’t make my death any more tragic than it already is. Just listen to what I have to say. So hopefully i’m given some sort of peace.” Virion stopped Grimm from trying to prolong the event. The captain then looked to the sky one last time, and this time didn’t think about Grimm. He taught of his beloved. And how he would never see her again for a long time. After letting his mind roam on her. He returned to Grimm. “All I have to say is something I know you need.”

“What is it?” Grimm nervously awaited.

“Your son is still alive.” Virion said as clearly as he could. As soon as the words were spoken, his form started to dissipate. Leaving Grimm to think of his last words once again.

Katreena and Granius reached the top of the ice pillar and found themselves underneath the cannon. The ice pillar was actually far too close for them to stand up. They would have to complete their objective. The cannon needed to be lifted upward and aimed at the mountain in the distance. The two were able to look down to the battlefield. The two armies were still clashing, even though all of their best fighters had fallen.

“Think we can do this?” Katreena asked.

“No point in worrying about that. We already climbed the damn thing.” Granius responded. The man removed his golden chestplate and dropped it from the pillar. Revealing his muscles and various tattoos. “Now i’m sure i don’t need to tell you this. Don’t just Surge your Force into your arms only. Put it into your whole body. But put the minimum in your feet, unless you wanna destroy the pillar and make us fall.”

“You got it old man.” Katreena responded.

“Hey! I’m not that old!” Granius retaliated. His reaction made Katreena chuckle and cover her mouth.

“Woah! Katreena! Did you just laugh?” The two looked up to find Ezra looking down to them. Katreena blushed and turned away, while Granius let out a hearty laugh.

“Get down here boy and help us lift this cannon!” Granius ordered. Ezra jumped down to join them.

“Okay since this might be a big dick measuring contest. I may as well join. Sorry for leaving you out like that Katreena. I know you don’t have a….okay.” Ezra said. He followed in Granius’ footsteps and also removed his robe and undershirt. Revealing his chest. Katreena blushed even more, but took her mind off it as the two males were preparing themselves.

“Alright. Let’s go!” Granius signalled. Together they all released their Force throughout their bodies. Increasing their strength immensely. However they soon heard the cannon channeling its power. “Shit we need to hurry!”

They all placed both hands on the cannon above and pushed up with all their strength. All of them felt the immense weight of the large weapon, sweat was already forming on them as they continued in their effort. It took a small bit of time, but they were able to me enough. The cannon started to slowly move. Each second it inched higher and higher. And the three were able to stand more and more.

Grimm and Nicholai watched from below as the cannon aimed away from them, and was directed to it’s new target. Mount Culion.