Chapter 25 - The Rising (Special, Extended)(F1)

======> Forest Rising <======

Forest’s body was frozen in shock. He was looking at the unfolding events and the terror, that held him in its inexorable grasp, was becoming stronger and stronger. He watched as Audentia, who turned out to be the killer that made him have the nightmares, suddenly rose from the ground. Her movements abrupt and inhuman.

-” What… “ Hamon exclaimed in surprise.

-” Enghou, I have grown weary of this farce. “ Audentia’s voice was changed, it was high and guttural - almost like if she was both shrieking and growling.

Forest couldn’t concentrate on the words that were being exchanged, because he was hypnotized by Audentia’s unearthly movements, which were like if she was possessed, hanging on the invisible strings that just couldn’t keep her still. He noticed a faint red glow emerging in her eyes.

Suddenly, Audentia was close to him, her maddening, deceptive movements easily flowed past Hamon’s and Wolga’s efforts to stop her. He didn’t know what happened, but a sudden voice made him snap out of his stupor. -”Run, Forest! Run! “

So he ran.

He turned and ran with abandon. He didn’t think about anything, just ran, like there was nothing else in the world. His breath become even and his heart began to beat with mechanical precision. His world narrowed, focused only on the clockwork beat of his heart, on piston like movement of his feet and the bellows of his lungs that brought in the catalyst to fuel his steps.

Before long he was alone in the mist. There was nothing around so he stopped. He looked around, noticing the oppressive grey vapour and barren ground covered with lifeless grass. He was alone. -’ Alone. Just like the grass that fruitlessly strives to live in this desolate land. ‘ He was struck by depressing thought and how hollow everything seemed…

He looked back, to where his friends were, and felt the anxious uncertainty of what happened to them. He was safe, but his friends were not. -’ I can’t leave them! ‘ He could almost feel his heart withering, just like the grass, at the thought of his friends dying for him. -” I can’t leave them! It was me, who was supposed to protect them! “ He steeled his resolve and turned back, he had decided that he would rather die with his friends than survive alone.

Forest was surprised by how far away he ran, he feared that he had gotten lost, but then he noticed that the ground changed. -’ Those cobblestones! I must be close. ‘ He sped up and soon ran past the icicle pillar, which held the undead.

Suddenly the mist parted, and he saw Audentia and Wolga before him. The scene froze Forest to his very core. Wolga laid defeated on the ground, while Audentia stood over her. He wanted to rush in, to help Wolga. But couldn’t.

Demonic visage of the girl that stood before him paralyzed both his muscles and his will. He was startled, by the tears of blood and the glowing red veins on Audentia’s face. But what really drained all of his willpower were the eyes, which shone with a crimson light, and the lunatic laughter, that brimmed with a dark glee. All of those coupled into a maddening, inhuman visage of joyous killing intent. Forest’s fighting spirit plummeted, the merest thought about resistance seemed futile and out of place.

Audentia, or rather Almisha, as the red letters informed him, seemed to fall down. But it only turned into another unearthly step of hers, it was accompanied by a sharp, shiiiiing sound. The sudden sound, which seemed similar to the knife being sharpened, urged Forest to do something, as he realized that Almisha was almost close enough to strike at Wolga with the axe she had.

Without thinking he rushed in and faced the demonic opponent. Blazing, red eyes and wide smile were almost enough to break him down and make him whimper in terror on the ground.

-” Do what you want with me! But leave my friends alone! “ Those were the hardest words Forest ever uttered and he felt a sliver of pride, but that pride disappeared in an instant.

Almisha’s lunatic smile became even wider and she lifted her arm. An arm that bent at impossible angle, and the girl just laughed aloud, as if amused. She looked at Forest, at her arm and then at the axe, as if she was curious of something. Then there was a sudden movement.

Forest thought that she was going to kill him and closed his eyes and waited in anxious anticipation, but the blow never came. Instead there was a clang of the axe on the ground.

The girl ran away.

Struck by a rush of relief, Forest lost all of his strength and sat on the ground. He looked into the mist in disbelief, his eyes empty. He was so shocked that he just wasn’t able to register what was happening.

Abruptly, a hand on his shoulder made him remember about his friends. He quickly turned and was rewarded with Lysanthir’s pained grunt.

-” Easy there, my shoulder’s broken. “ Lysanthir spoke in a calm and understanding voice, though his face was showing that he was in pain. -” Are you well enough? We need to recover quickly. “

Forest nodded, as the words just couldn’t get past his dry throat, he rose from the ground and coughed to clear his throat. -” Could you go next to Wolga? I will try to drag Hamon closer, that way I should be able to heal all of you. “

Lysanthir nodded wordlessly and headed to where Wolga was lying. Forest dragged Hamon’s big body across the cobblestones and set him close to shallowly breathing Wolga.

-” Try to stay still. I will heal the injuries. “ Forest said, and concentrated on the beat of the world around him. It was thwarted by the deathly mist, but even here the life tried to thrive. He could feel the persistence of life, in the grass, in the hidden seeds waiting for a time to sprout with life and in the occasional insect that burrowed deep within the earth. He could also feel the heartbeats of his companions, relentlessly pumping the lifeblood, though Wolga’s and Hamon’s were weak. Urged by the state of his friends, Forest focused on the ritual which was shown to him by the old man.

-” What was once whole, let the whole become. By the ancient pledge, let me grant the gift of life, so the nature's servants can right the wrongs. What’s mine, let it be theirs, so they may assist in the World’s quest, and put the abominations to rest. “ Forest exclaimed in a loud voice and he could feel that everything was coming together. Earth, sky, grass, seeds, insects, animals and the lives of his companions, all coupled into one inexorable beat that even the mist couldn’t thwart.

The green aura surrounded them and the mist parted, pushed away by the nature’s energy that responded to Forest’s call. Forest could feel the strength leaving him and flowing into his companions and the surroundings, joining everything together with a deep beat that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at once. Green energy flowed from the ground, from Forest and from his companions. Forest could feel the wounds of his companions and how they mended, following the relentless beat of the world's heart.

Even cursed, unnatural mist couldn’t do anything but give way to such inexorable power, Forest could feel his strength and purpose returning - to become a vessel to the nature’s wrath, as he promised the old man. Eventually the beat grew weaker and the communion ended. Forest could feel his tears flowing as the contact waned and he was left alone, no longer joined with joyous and exhilarating stream of life.

-” Pfff, that was really something. I will never get used to that. “ Hamon exclaimed vigorously and stood up briskly. -” Thanks lad, well done. “

Forest smiled in response to Hamon’s earnest praise.

-” Anyway what happened when I was out? “ Hamon asked.

-” The girl was preparing to finish us off when Forest suddenly rushed in and faced her. “ Lysanthir responded while shaking his head. -” I don’t know why, but she suddenly stopped and ran away. By the way, that was really stupid of you Forest, but I guess that we all owe you one. “ Forest’s heart swelled with pride as such a high praise was nigh impossible to hear from Lysanthir’s mouth.

-” Yhe, well done lad. I thought we were all done for. That girl is really something else, we better leave soon. “ Hamon shook his head, as if in disbelief. -” Though, we shouldn’t expect anything less from Player Killer, those types usually play with devilish skill. What do you think Lysanthir? “

-” We are lucky to be alive. I had a drop on her and still couldn’t land a hit. “ Lysanthir looked over the group as if he was wanting to apologize, but he suddenly turned to address Wolga instead. -” Wolga, what’s up with you? “

Everyone’s attention turned to Wolga, who had tears streaming down her cheeks. -” Why did it happen? Why couldn’t we go together? “ She looked around as if startled. -” Hamon, Lysanthir, Forest, why couldn’t we just start anew, together? “ Wolga’s accusing and naively stubborn question made everyone uneasy.

-” Khem. “ Hamon coughed in awkward silence. -” Wolga, you need to understand that what you wish for wouldn’t happen, it would… “

-” But why? “ Tearful question asked by Wolga seemed to break everyone’s heart.

Hamon had a look full of anxiety on his face, like if a child asked him why the mommy is not coming back. -” You see… “

Hamon’s hesitant answer was interrupted abruptly, Forest could swear that he glimpsed a momentary relief appearing on his companion’s face.

-” NOOOOOO! The treasure is lost! GONE! “ Everyone’s attention turned to the rapidly thrashing undead that let out a whispering cry of utter anguish. -” Must get it back! The link is still fresh! ARGHHRGHHH! “ A guttural shout was accompanied by the sharp sound of cracking ice.

With sudden outburst of power the pillar shattered, sending a cascade of icy shrapnel in all directions. Forest watched in surprise as a glistening wave of sharp projectiles rushed past him.  Stabbing pain that ice shards brought forced him out of the stupor and made him focus on the undead that was already charging at him. On reflex, he rolled to the side, barely in time to dodge the sweeping claws.

Forest  immediately stood up and turned to face the undead, which was few feet away and wheezing in rage. Forest readjusted the grip on his sword, he noticed that his companions were already raising from the ground to join the fight, so he took on a defensive pose.

-” Ghiiiiuu! “ The undead made another hateful sound and jumped at Forest, who reacted just as Gerhard taught him - he took a step back while making a downward swing from over his left shoulder.

A crescent slash caught the undead mid stride, cutting across its chest and forcing it the side, where it rolled, still carried by the momentum. Forest didn’t let down his guard and rushed after the undead with another downward strike. To his surprise undead suddenly stomped the ground and twisted its body, stopping the roll and lashing at him with a backhand blow.

Forest tried to parry, but the strike had such an overwhelming force to it that his blade was easily swept away and the blow landed on his shoulder, knocking him off balance. Like in slow motion, Forest watched helplessly as undead continued its spinning movement and extended the other hand to bury its claws into his chest.

In that moment Wolga’s hit landed on the undead’s head and thrown it few yards away, where Hamon already waited with his axe at the ready. A downward blow cut across the arms which the undead raised to defend itself, to Forest’s surprise the axe wasn’t able to cleave through the thin arms, instead it only cut half an inch into them.

The undead flailed its arms, knocking the axe out of Hamon’s grasp, and pounced at the bearded man when he was off guard. Lysanthir’s spear appeared from behind Hamon and pierced the undead’s chest, a horizontal bar behind the spear’s blade prevented the undead from skewering itself and thus advancing close enough to shred Hamon, the claws flew mere inches away from the man’s face.

Wolga and Forest weren’t wasting time and rushed in, cutting and bashing across the undead’s back. The undead shrieked and erupted into frenzy of activity, flailing around with its outstretched arms. Though it was for naught, as Lysanthir skillfully manipulated his spear and prevented the undead from moving closer or getting free of the blade. Hamon retreated to retrieve his axe while Wolga and Forest unleashed merciless rain of blows on the undead’s back. The undead’s toughness was downward inhuman and even when they managed to make a deep wound it closed almost immediately after they inflicted it, leaving only shallow cut or abrasion as the only sign of their efforts.

-’ Will this thing ever die? ‘ Forest despaired. -’ Our blows are barely harming it! ‘

Abruptly the undead stopped its frenzied movements and looked at Lysanthir with calm and hateful gaze. Without warning it grabbed the spear and shattered it in the iron grasp. The undead tried to follow up with a pounce at the elf, but Lysnathir took a step back and stopped it again with the shaft of the spear.

The undead tried to grab the wooden pole again, but this time Lysanthir was on guard. He moved swiftly, striking, sidestepping and prodding to seal the undead’s movements and maintaining the distance. To Forest it seemed like a dance like display of skill, one that continued in an effortless grace that never gave the undead a chance to react.

-” Forest, Wolga. “ Hamon’s commanding voice resounded. -” Keep this thing still, I will try to behead it for good. “

-” You cannot kill Yiris! “ To everyone’s surprise the undead abruptly stopped and shouldered the blows while speaking coherently. -” Yiris is immortal! “ Sudden outburst of red energy radiated from the undead and it rushed at Hamon with abandon.

Lysanthir’s pole tried to stop it, but the unfeeling undead just forced the elf’s weapon away with brute strength. Wolga grasped the undead from behind and thrown it to the side immediately, as the things absurd strength would no doubt break her hold. Forest used that moment to take a position in front of Hamon as the undead was already on its feet and charging.

-” Urgyaaa! “ Forest screamed and channeled all of his strength into a horizontal blow. -” You shall not pass! “

The undead didn’t even try to dodge and the sword cut at least two inches into its neck. The force of the blow made it tumble over, but, in a blink, it was back on its feet and charging at him. Forest made a downward, crescent slash that hit the undead in the chest, but didn’t stop its charge this time.

-” I will not let you pass! “ Forest declared with utter conviction. -” This nature’s servant will stand against you! “

The undead swung its clawed hand and made a deep gash on his chest, but Forest barely registered it. He already gave way to the power coursing in his veins and focused solely on fighting the enemy in front of him. Forest responded with a blow of his own, cutting the undead across the face and getting a hit on the shoulder in return.

Power swelled within Forest, travelling across his body, revitalizing it. His muscles bulged with strength and endurance, his pain was nothing compared to the overwhelming, exhilarating rush of the moment.

The exchange continued in reckless abandon, claw marks appeared on Forest’s body while deep cuts marked the undead’s. Both stood strong, one was basked in a red aura, and impervious to wounds, while the other was basked in a green power, with the wounds healing at an astonishing rate.

Suddenly Wolga jumped at the undead and forced it to the ground, Hamon used that moment to swing his axe and cut the undead across the neck with all of his might. Forest barely registered that the undead was no longer standing in front of him, still, he had enough clarity of mind to stop his blade in midair, hair’s breadth from Wolga’s neck.

An abrupt movement almost thrown Wolga off the undead, Forest barely had time to retract his sword as not to harm her.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

-” Hold it down! “ Hamon exclaimed immediately and raised the axe above his head. Then he swung it down, but the undead still tried to force itself free. Hamon struck again. And again. And again… And again.

Finally the axe managed to cut all the way through and buried itself in the ground.

An awkward silence fell upon the area, as everyone was too shocked and too worn out to celebrate. Only sound of galloping horses could be heard…

Suddenly a brown horse appeared out of the mist, its rider was already in midair before anyone could get their bearings. In two swift tumbles the leather clad rider stopped all of his momentum and looked around inquisitively.

He was clad in brown leather armor and had a shoulder length, black hair gathered in a low ponytail. His features were sharp, almost hawk like, coupled with his slit eyed look and his abrupt movements he gave out an aura that was both authoritative and dangerous.

-” Have you seen a mage here? “ Slit eyed individual asked in insistent tone, his threatening gaze traveling from one person to another.

Hamon coughed and responded. -” Khem. No, we were getting to it, but...well, things happened… “

-” It didn’t have an artifact with it? “ The man continued the interrogation and indicated the corpse.

-” None that we know of. “ Hamon responded nervously.

-” Darn it! We are out of time. “ The man suddenly exploded in anger and looked around with intense look on his face, as if trying to find some sort of lead.

-” Athmael! “ An unconcerned voice, that brimmed with arrogance, resounded from the mist. -” Why’s the rush? We should be close already. Its not like he can leave the place without us knowing. Curse ‘n all. “

-” Barstein… “ Athmael almost spat the word and his fingers gripping the sword’s handle became pale. -” I told you, time and again. Do. Not. Underestimate. Him. ”  

A man rode out of the mist on a white horse. He was clad in a representative uniform of the city guard, it was navy blue and full of golden buttons and chains. The pauldrons on the uniform and a triangular hat, indicated someone of the considerable rank.

The man himself was in his forties, or even fifties. He had a mane of white hair, that reached below his shoulders and a stylish, perfectly trimmed goatee. His face was creased with good natured wrinkles, that almost make him seem like a perfect gentleman. Though that impression was ruined by his pompous voice and arrogant, self important attitude.

-” And I told you to calm down. “ Barstein was unconcerned by his companions threatening attitude. -” With the curse on, one that you assured me he cannot break easily, he can’t shake us. Also, he is probably worn out already, with the things I set in motion. “ A menacing smile of self satisfaction appeared on the man’s face. Forest was almost expecting that the man will start rubbing his hands at any moment.

-” Barstein, I will have your ass if he slips away. “ Athmael’s annoyance seemed to reach the boiling point. -” I hope you are aware of that. “ Forest thought that the man would snap, but instead he just took a deep, calming breath. -” Anyway, you should get into that thick skull of yours that you are not dealing with some third rate magician which you can just wear down with some… “

Suddenly, a mist whirled, as if it was alive, and began to drain in one particular direction.

-” For the freakin’ gods sake! “ Athmael cursed and mounted his horse in an instant. -” Barstein, if I am alive when this is over I will flay you! Inside out! “ He screamed before rushing off in the direction where the mist was going.

Barstein looked over Forest and the others, and the good natured look on the man’s was face was all but gone. One look on Barstein’s calculating gaze made Forest shiver in fear, as he realized that the man was considering whether to kill them…

-” Later… “ Soft words that bore terrible promise reached Forest and Barstein rushed off after his companion.

======> POV: END <======

-” Argh, my mana. My power! “

Someone’s shrill voice woke me, and I immediately regretted being awake. Immense pain from all over my body, and from my right hand especially, assaulted me. I couldn’t comprehend what was happening.

-” You useless meatbag! How could you let him take it? “ Piercing voice kept screaming. -” Stand up! There’s no time to waste! Now! “ The voice added in a commanding tone.

It was so authoritative that, in my confusion and pain, I tried to stand up as commanded. I hoped that the pain would stop if I did as requested, but my only reward was a bone wrenching pain that made me lay back down.

I groaned and the voice continued its chastising speech. -” Move! The thief’s trail is getting cold by the second! We need to give chase now! Its the least you can do after losing decades of my work! “

I decided to ignore the voice and tried to gather my wits. -’ What’s going on… ‘ I realized that I was not at home, or not even in my own body anymore. I couldn’t understand why I would find myself in such strange circumstances. I tried to remember the last thing that happened to me.

Then the realization hit me. -’ Oh, so the mage did what he wanted and left. ‘

-” You useless piece of meat. Are you a planaria or something? Stop dilly dallying and do as you are told! “

-’ The thing that is speaking must be a book. ‘  I concluded and responded. -” Shut up. “ Uttering those words turned out to be rather painful, as my body didn’t take kindly to even such a minor effort.

-” How dare you, a mere slave, address a Master. Repent at once, peasant! “ Agitated voice only gained in vehemence.

I wanted to sigh, but that would only bring me more pain. If I wasn’t making any abrupt movements the pain was settling down to almost bearable level, and I just wanted to go back  to laying down on the ground, unmoving.

But the book wouldn’t have any of it. -” Are you half deaf or just stupid, or both? Answer me! “

I could  bear with the pain, with being wet and with being cold and viciously hungry, but the book’s nonsense annoyed the hell out of me. I opened an eye and turned my head to the side. The grimoire was laying on a withered grass, illuminated by the moonlight.

-’ The mist’s gone and the night has came. ‘ I registered idly.

The book was rather small, around the size of a thick, hardbound notebook. The covers were made from solid silver plates, they were heavily decorated with the engravings that showed a swirl of chaotic flames. In the flames depictions of demonic figures could be glimpsed. I quickly realized, after blinking, that the engraving changed each time I wasn’t looking at it and always showed different set of nightmarish creatures and the flames.

-” You are the dumbest slave I ever had! “ The book continued its rant. -” Move! You half bred bitch! “

My patience was already thinned down by the things that happened earlier, and the book’s insults wore what little I had left. -’ We will see who’s the little bitch… ‘ I thought and felt my eyes tearing up a bit, as the quiet rage overcame me. I ignored the agonizing pain and stood up. I noticed that there was something green and covered with letters laying on the ground, I picked it up to read out later.

-” Finally! Now, pick me up and let’s… “ The books obnoxious tone suddenly become alarmed. -” Wait. What’s with you? “

-” You seem to misunderstand the situation. “ I said in a cold, intransigent tone while bending down to pick up the book. -” ...and who’s the master is, you little bitch. “

I took a long look at the book in my hand and wondered what should I do with it now, my  thoughts full of malicious intent.

-” Wait. Can we talk about it? “ The book seemed to pick on my malicious intent as it suddenly taken up a desperate tone. -” I am sorry, it seems that there was some misunderstanding. “ Though it seemed that I was mistaken, it haven’t learned anything at all. -” I should be able to come up with beneficial terms of slave contract for you or even master-servant relationship… “

-’ ...but what can one do to a magic book. ‘ I wondered and a wicked smile twisted my lips…

-” Why are you looking at me like that? Wait! What are you doing? “ The book’s voice was full of alarm. -” Unhand me at once Slave! “ The book suddenly gathered its wits. -” How dare you! Trying to intimidate the great me! It’s useless! No magic or physical force can harm me! Fool! Kneel before your Master or else… “

-” We shall see about that… “ I opened the Beginner’s Pouch and placed the book inside, I was immediately rewarded with a blissful silence. -’ If my line of thought is correct the Pouch stores things in an extradimensional, empty space. ‘ A wicked smile grew even wider. -’I do wonder how it takes up to sensory deprivation. ‘

My  elation was short lived, as my anger waned so did the adrenaline boost and I was assaulted with lightheadedness, hunger and pain. I was barely able to kneel in time as sudden blackout caused by weakness almost made me lose consciousness.

Bent down, with my head on the ground, I took few deep breaths and felt that black cloud started to disappear from my vision. I took few moments to rest, then I tried to establish what state I was in.

I examined my body that looked extremely thin and sunken. -’ Like a kid in one of the hunger stricken countries. ‘ I summarized.

I had almost no wounds, apart from my right hand, which was bruised purple. I was aching all over as every last muscle of mine was sore, and I was so vehemently hungry that it was almost as painful. -’ The mage must have done something as my state is almost miraculously good. ‘ I deducted, but it didn’t make me any happier.

-’ I must eat something fast... ‘

I dreaded the conclusion, but I had no other choice. I removed *Myrnuul’s Rations* and water jug from the Pouch. The bread looked almost appetizing. Without delay I grabbed the stale slice and gnawed at it.

It was the worst torture I could think of. To vehemently gnaw at cardboard quality food and being unable to stop. I ate every last slice, and tears streamed down my cheeks. I gulped last of the water from the jug and fell into uneasy sleep, haunted by the visions of extravagant feasts composed only of rye bread...

*    *    *

I sat at the head of the table and servants marched with the trays full of delicacies, but every time they came to me there was only rye bread left. I tried to snatch the delicious food, but it turned into rye bread every time. Then I spotted a giant cake, that shone with a golden light that accented all of the cake’s glory. I inadvertently rushed to it, but as I was getting closer the light intensified and when I almost gotten close enough to take a bite my eyes flew open, blinded by the overwhelming light…

I groaned and shielded my eyes, that were blinded by the sun that just rose above the horizon. I turned and tried to stop the shivering that overwhelmed me. Rays of the raising sun did little to warm my soaked and heat deprived body. -’ If I get a cold from this I am going to be soo pissed... ‘

Though my luck held and I hadn’t gotten sick.

I tried to stop myself from shivering, which, paired with soreness, turned into an agonizing form of torture. I quickly gave up as I had no way to warm myself and focused on the message that the mage had left.

I taken out a square piece of green linen, on which the letters were burned, and sighed in annoyance. The piece of linen used for a letter was taken from my cape. I straightened the cloth and started to read.

Almisha,

Thank you for your assistance. Know that I am a man of my word and, before leaving, I have made sure that my debt is paid in full. While your injuries were beyond healing I managed to speed up your recovery using the remains of the mist’s power to cast Mneventh’s Life Cocoon. I strongly advise that you eat something as the spell consumed most of your body’s resources. Also, you shouldn’t use magic until you make a full recovery, as your body lacks the resources needed to sustain a toll of spellcasting.

Regarding the grimoire. As promised, I have put safeguards that prevent it from directly affecting you, but it does not change the fact that it is a shrewd and dangerous thing. You should take extreme caution while negotiating with it as many had fallen prey to its corrupting influence, though I expect that you are not that feeble minded. Just bear in mind that it is not something that can be controlled, at least no mage has found a way to do so thus far.

I hope that we will meet in the future under more favorable circumstances.

Yours sincerely,

Velar

Ps I have moved you away from the teleportation circle’s location so you won’t get apprehended by my pursuers.     Though they are probably scouring the area.

I didn’t learn much from the letter, though I had to admit that betting on the mage’s goodwill turned out rather well. -’ Hopefully. ‘ I added in my thoughts as I remembered about the book.

-’ A night have passed, it’s time to see if my corrective treatment worked... ‘

I reached for the Pouch and I was struck with a sudden thought.

-” Damn it all to hell. I am late! “ I remembered that I was likely late for work and had not time to spare. I started logging out in a hurry.

-’ I still have to return to the city, there’s the book and plenty other stuff. I wish I could just damn the work and pla… “

A darkness descended as I was transported out of the world of ArCiel.

==============================

Hey~, Author’s Here

as you have probably noticed there’s a special every five chapter, and guess what, here we have a fifth special chapter. Hence I decided to do something special. Really special.

I have prepared plenty of goodies.

First off - there’s a new CG that I have made together with Owlbear General, you can see a preview I have put as cover since we are still ironing out the details. Anyway just wait for a full sized version which looks badbass already.

Second, an extension - the Forest is back, and with vengeance. I hope you liked his chapter, which was extra long.

The third thing - I could have released Almisha’s chapter as Chapter 26 later and get some free time that way. But nah, I released it together with chapter 25 :P

Also, I feel it’s a good time to thank everyone for support:

A thank you to those who followed, as a crowd of people is always nice to have.

A Damn Big thank you to all of those who thought that may work deserved to be one of their favorites, that really made me feel something - I don’t know what it was, but it definitely seemed like a great alternative to Blood Magic boost that kept me going (writing).

And last but not least a Great Thank You for comments, as they make me feel that I am not alone, writing before a magic mirror, in the forlorn castle, located in the middle of desolate terrain and surrounded by the armies of monsters… It really gets lonely at times, then I remember that conquering, killing and pillaging is a great way to spend time... :P

...ops I think that’s a wonderful idea!

Cheers,

Mea

Ps1 Don’t worry - invading Earth is hardly appealing.

Ps2 Thanking Owlbear General is useless, he is one of my generals after all and everyone knows that. So I will just say - good work thus far, keep it up or else...

NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter 26 - The Hungering

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