They entered the city with utmost caution, each of them on high alert, uncertain if any remnants of the Xerxecian threat lingered.

Everess took center stage as everyone covered her left and right and front sides while being shielded by Glaivel, who diligently watched her flanks.

The city streets were a maze of debris and destruction, with corpses silently bearing witness to the tragedy that had unfolded. Blood painted the urban canvas, amplifying the fear that permeated the air more palpably than they dared to admit.

As they advanced, she couldn’t shake the relentless thudding of her heart, a constant reminder of the imminent danger lurking in every shadow. Her eyes darted ceaselessly, scanning for potential threats amidst the chaotic symphony of battle outside and the relentless downpour. Sevidon, his shield raised, and Ravaen, spear in hand, assumed the role of leaders guiding the group through the urban wasteland.

Glaivel, sensing a momentary respite, lowered his bow and declared, “It seems the coast is clear.” The tension in the air, however, lingered, so they maintained their vigilance, refusing to let their guard down.

Graveloth, surveying the aftermath left by Tamiron, voiced the collective disbelief, “This... This is madness. Are we certain he is still here, in the city?” His question echoed the doubts that silently clouded their minds.

“Reports suggest so,” Sevidon replied, leading them into a partially intact house. Though the floor creaked and dampness pervaded, it would serve as their temporary refuge.

Ravaen unfolded the city map, shedding light on their next move. “There’s a high chance Tamiron is at the city center,” he pointed to the Governor’s Palace. “It’s the only place comfortable enough for him to establish a base amidst this ruin.”

She examined the map, her eyes drawn to the expansive courtyard within the palace. The gravity of the impending confrontation weighed on her as they prepared to confront the chaos that awaited.

“It seems like an open field,” Kaira observed, noting the expanse of the Governor’s palace courtyard on the map.

Graveloth chimed in, a touch of excitement in his voice. “That means he’s going to be out in the open. Should be easy, right?”

Glaivel, however, shook his head with a disapproving click of his tongue. “That also means we’re out in the open. We can’t hide or take cover from him.” He glanced at the rest of the group, emphasizing the challenges they were about to face.

Feeling a need to contribute more to the group, she examined the map herself. An unsettling feeling crept over her all of a sudden, and she heard the wind whistling outside. She surveyed their surroundings, her heart racing inexplicably. The hairs on her neck stood on end, and a shiver ran down her spine. The wind’s eerie whistle intensified until it drowned out all other sounds, leaving only an ear-piercing, chilling hum.

In a split second, her instincts kicked in. She raised her hands, and hastily conjured a protective bubble shield around them just as everything exploded. Their makeshift shelter crumbled, and her comrades were thrown off their feet. She felt the sheer raw strength of the power she was up against. Her hands began to stiffen, and her arms weak. Fortunately, the shield held, and she stood firm, anchored to the ground, shielding everyone from the onslaught.

The once-standing shelter disintegrated before their eyes as if a hurricane had passed through. The group stood in stunned silence, grasping the gravity of the situation.

As the remnants of the attack dissipated, she dropped to the ground, her legs trembling from the impact. She couldn’t believe that she was able to hold. It was almost inconceivable that she had managed to withstand the sheer force and intensity of Tamiron’s assault.

As the echoes of destruction faded away, a cleared path emerged before them, and at the end of it, there he stood, Tamiron.

The rain, interrupted by the outburst, resumed its descent, creating an eerie ambiance. Still shaken, she found herself at the center of attention, weapons drawn by her comrades as they formed a protective barrier around her.

Slowly, the group advanced, with Kaira offering a helping hand to lift Everess. “This won’t be easy,” Kaira whispered, capturing the collective sentiment.

Maintaining distance, they positioned themselves strategically. Glaivel lingered behind, checking on Everess. “How did you know he already attacked?” he inquired; his concern evident.

Her gaze fixed on Tamiron, whose eyes glowed red from a distance, reminiscent of the blood-red moon she had witnessed in her nightmares. Fear struck her in her very heart. “I don’t know,” she admitted as her voice trembled. “I just felt it and reacted.”

Sevidon took the vanguard, approaching cautiously with his shield raised. His former student, Tamiron, once an apprentice, now stood as a formidable adversary.

“This is not the reunion I was hoping for, Tamiron!” Sevidon shouted, with disappointment all over the tone of his voice. He held his shield defiantly.

“It’s good to see you again, Teacher,” Tamiron replied in a husky voice, offering a bow.

He cut straight to the point, urgency in his voice, “Tamiron, wake up! This is not who you are.”

Tamiron chuckled dismissively. “What makes you think that? I can see clearly now. I know what I must do to achieve my goal.”

His grip tightened on his sword, and shield as he began to brace. His heart raced in a beat. “And what is that? Your goal?” he asked as the cold rain poured all over.

Tamiron assumed a stance unfamiliar to his adversary. “A better world.”

In an almost imperceptible blink, Tamiron lunged forward. Startled, he jumped backward, hastily raising his shield to deflect Tamiron’s punch. The others managed to get away as he held the shield against Tamiron. The impact reverberated, creating waves that showcased the punch’s formidable force, even in the rain.

The punch was overpowering, and lethal to an ordinary person. He realized he couldn’t allow anyone else near Tamiron but the chosen few.

“Everess, limit the battle here! We don’t want this spreading!” he commanded. Everess rose, her eyes and hands glowing pink, hovering above to defend the perimeter. If anyone could contain Tamiron, it was her.

“Aderon, Ravaen, attack from above! Seize any opening, but be mindful of each other,” he directed, and they immediately soared outward. Tamiron stood confidently, still grinning.

“Glaivel, aim for his arms or armor! Weaken him until we can break through!” Another command followed as he positioned himself, shooting arrows at Tamiron. Tamiron evaded, finally free of the previous attack, one that could have instantly killed.

“Graveloth and Kaira weaken him! Keep him occupied and disrupt his focus. We can’t allow him to take out one of us!” he said as he approached, ready to launch his assault.

“Everess,” he turned to her. “We’ll create an opening for you! Take it!”

“I will, gladly,” Everess responded, initiating the first strike. “Magnos’tries!” Red lightning struck Tamiron, and the ground erupted in a cloud of dust, smoke, and rain. He scrutinized, but Tamiron dodged the strike.

Taking a deep breath, he charged at Tamiron, and bashed him with his shield, pushing him further and creating an opening. Sword strikes followed, deflected and dodged by Tamiron. He then threw his shield, to which Tamiron deflected.

Stolen story; please report.

To his surprise, Kaira seized the moment, landing several strikes and a kick that nearly removed Tamiron’s helmet.

Focused on Tamiron’s joints, she aimed to immobilize him, recalling her training with him. He always aimed for her legs and arms. She felt confident that could do the same. She launched several attacks as she used her speed against him.

Tamiron attempted a blow, but she executed a series of acrobatic flips. Then she lunged once more to deliver a strike to his stomach, throwing him away.

Tamiron tried to balance himself and stand up when Aderon suddenly appeared, punching Tamiron in the face.

He unleashed a barrage of punches on Tamiron, seizing him by the neck and dragging him across the ground. The onslaught continued until he drew his sword, poised for a killing blow. Tamiron swiftly retaliated upon seeing the blade, quickly turning the tables on him, dragging him across the ground and delivering relentless strikes.

In the midst of Tamiron’s impending lethal strike, Ravaen intervened, and landed in front of them with a well-placed kick, diverting Tamiron’s attention as he was thrown several feet away. He pursued Tamiron, launching repeated attacks, yet Tamiron skillfully dodged each assault.

As expected, he was still able to dodge his attacks. It frustrated him as he gritted his teeth, yet he held a grin as he acknowledged that Tamiron hadn’t dulled in all those years.

“Everess, now!” came the urgent command from him.

Tamiron, was caught off guard and faced ethereal tentacles that sprang from the ground, ensnaring his arms and legs. Everess struggled, her movements stiffening once more. She glanced at her hands and her eyes widened as her skin took on an unsettling dark purple hue. Amidst the fading rain, whispers echoed around her, unsettling her senses.

Shaking off the struggle, she seized the opportunity. She let out a scream, and her eyes glowed, as she lost all senses. The tentacles vanished, leaving Tamiron to plummet.

Before his impact, Graveloth intervened, unleashing a tornado that struck Tamiron’s chest and enshrouded him mid-air.

Blow after blow followed, a tempest of blade-like winds assaulted Tamiron. Suddenly, Tamiron regained control, clutching his arms, dispelling the winds, and delivering a forceful kick that sent him sprawling.

“Enough of this!” Tamiron bellowed mid-fall. His gauntlets expanded thrice their size, glowing from white to red. He raised his arms as he slammed to the ground. The ensuing impact created a crater, throwing and incapacitating almost everyone.

After a few moments, one by one, each of them gradually got to their feet.

“What was that?” Kaira exclaimed in shock as he coughed, trying to catch her breath.

Sevidon, attempting to stand, cautioned, “That was his strongest punch. Do not let it hit you.”

Tamiron, enraged, shouted when suddenly, his glowing red stone was repeatedly struck by arrows, causing it to crack. Scanning for the assailant, Tamiron was met with a flurry of arrows, each whistling dangerously close. Positioned atop the remnants of a tower, Glaivel had his aim true.

“Got you,” he whispered with a sly smile. His aim was directed at Tamiron’s throat.

He released the killing arrow and much to his shock, he was able to dodge it. “This is ridiculous! How could he have dodged that?” he shouted out of anger.

Tamiron was already in full charge against him. He quickly retaliated with arrows infused with wind, creating a symphony of whistles and powerful gusts. Evading in a zigzag, Tamiron leaped again, only to be confronted by Sevidon. His shield hit Tamiron’s face as he patiently awaited his approach. Tamiron was thrown several feet away.

“Give up! This isn’t you!” he called out to his former student. But Tamiron only lunged into another attack. Tamiron’s powerful blows struck his shield, causing it to crack and splinter under the force.

Tamiron’s iron fist was right at his face and was about to hit. He swiftly summoned a sword to his left hand and countered, slashing Tamiron’s right arm.

A cry of pain escaped Tamiron as he grappled with the injury, retaliating by seizing him by the leg and hurling him away. The moment he turned towards the others, he already found himself to be surrounded by them. A relentless onslaught of attacks from the group ensued.

Overwhelmed, he fought them all with waning strength. His punches landed, but they were not enough to incapacitate his attackers. All he met with was relentless assault from every direction.

Despite his furious efforts, a collective onslaught of strikes left him battered and weary. Infuriated and struggling, he unleashed another battle cry. The glow of his gauntlets intensified to a blinding white before he slammed them into the ground, unleashing a strong force, rendering everyone unconscious.

Focusing on Glaivel, who was poised to strike, Tamiron leaped with unparalleled agility and speed, reaching him in a heartbeat. Grasping Glaivel by the neck, Tamiron turned his attention to the bow, promptly snapping it with an icy stare. As he tightened his grip, Glaivel’s struggled to breathe and struggled to get out. He was frantically kicking him but it was no use. Glaivel was fading, slowly as he struggled to be free. Ready to end Glaivel’s life, Tamiron enlarged his gauntlets slowly when an unseen force intervened, pulling him away and slamming him to the ground.

Dazed and disoriented, Tamiron tried to discern his unseen assailant. A tentacle had wrapped around his legs but finally released him. As he leaped upward, a horrifying ghost, cloaked in black and purple, descended upon him.

He surged forward once again, relentlessly launching a barrage of attacks at the ethereal tentacles flung in his direction by the ghost. In response, the ghost conjured a barrage of purple-hued lightning, aiming to engulf him.

Despite the overwhelming assault, he managed to shield himself with his right arm, gritting his teeth against the relentless force. As he successfully deflected the spectral lightning, he seized the moment to counterattack, landing a powerful punch on an incoming orb. The orb detonated upon impact, sending shockwaves that propelled him several feet away.

Struggling to regain his breath, he already knew his strength was failing. As he staggered to his feet, a sudden revelation confronted him — a tombstone, erected deliberately by his own command, loomed ominously right in front of him.

An expression of fear etched itself across his face. Urgency flooded him as he hastily rose, only to confront an imminent attack. Casting a quick glance at the tombstone, he made a fateful decision to confront the impending strike head-on.

Crossing his arms to shield the fragile stone on his chest, the attack proved too powerful, slamming him down with a scream of pain.

The ghost, with glowing white eyes and hair flowing like water, appeared almost womanly to him. Behind the specter, a group of glowing orbs emanated an otherworldly energy.

Struggling for breath, he anticipated the impending doom, trying desperately to escape the ethereal grip tightening around his chest, each scream echoing his slow descent into defeat.

The ghost pressed its hands against Tamiron, and an invisible force, replacing the earlier tentacles, bore down on him with even greater weight. An unrelenting agony echoed through his screams as the ethereal pressure intensified.

Raising its other hand high, the ghost manipulated the orbs, causing them to grow and pulsate. With a forceful throw, one by one, the orbs descended upon Tamiron in a relentless barrage. Each impact reverberated through his body, the unending onslaught leaving him in unrelenting pain.

Moments passed, each one stretching agonizingly long. After the final orb struck, silence enveloped Tamiron. Smoke mingled with the rain obscured the scene as it gradually cleared.

Sevidon struggled to rise, witnessing the overwhelming assault unleashed by the ghost upon Tamiron. As he tried to make sense of the situation, his eyes widened. He frantically searched behind them for Everess, but she was nowhere to be found.

“Everess?!” he called out, his voice echoing in the aftermath. No response. A sinking feeling gripped him as he comprehended the truth. Returning his focus to the ethereal being, he realized with dismay that Everess was the one relentlessly attacking Tamiron.

“Everess, no,” he groaned, limping toward them. A few feet closer, he finally saw Tamiron, his armor in tatters, only the chest piece remaining. Everess, with an invisible hand, lifted Tamiron into the air. Emitting an ear-piercing screech, she thrashed him around mercilessly.

“Everess, stop!” he shouted desperately, but she remained unresponsive. “We need him alive!” he pleaded once more, coughing blood, his arm stained from the earlier assault by Tamiron.

As Tamiron’s armor crumbled away, Everess summoned what looked like a spear and hurled it directly at him. The weapon struck his chest, eliciting a scream more agonizing than before, shattering the chest armor and the stone it housed.

Tamiron descended as he fell from a great height, and Everess observed, conflicted by the choices laid before her.

Sevidon saw all of this. He was within earshot of her, prompting Sevidon to implore her to consider Tamiron’s survival.

“Remember what Lyo said!” his voice echoed as Everess hovered over Tamiron. “This is not who you are!” he urged once more; his pleas directed at her.

Contemplation etched across her face as she shifted her gaze between Sevidon and the fallen Tamiron. A sudden internal struggle seized her, a conflict between the mission’s imperative and a screeching, ethereal voice that reverberated in her mind.

“No!” she resisted, attempting to regain control. “This is your true potential! You cannot wrestle control! Not anymore!” the voice persisted, amplifying its demands. Her vision blurred, veiled in shades of purple as if engulfed by an overwhelming void.

In the struggle to break free, she felt herself gradually returning to reality. Limbs regained sensation, and she fought against the force that sought to control her.

“He needs to pay! He had your parents killed!” the voices in her head screamed, accusing Tamiron. Though she harbored resentment toward him, she was determined to uncover the truth on her terms.

Regaining control, she struggled particularly with her left arm, as if it were resisting her efforts. Summoning every ounce of strength she had left, she persisted until, with a final pull, she reclaimed mastery.

As her vision cleared, she found herself in the midst of summoning a devastating strike. Shock coursed through her as she glimpsed Tamiron’s bruised yet conscious face, now adorned with green eyes—the aftermath of her relentless assault.

Unable to halt the impending strike, Everess watched in dismay as it descended with a thunderous explosion, striking Tamiron down.

End of Chapter XXXI