-10-
[https://i.imgur.com/LoYByv0.png]
Just as quickly as the first attack, the Terror Demon struck again in a wild second assault. Its other arm came down with blinding speed, but was blocked in a shower of sparks as Julius' shield came up to meet it.
The force of the impact sent Julius flying backwards, tumbling into Alistaire. The two of them faded from view into the mist…
"Guardians to the front, secure our flanks! Dodge its attacks, do not try to block. Rangers, fire at will!—cripple its arms if you can!"
The words escaped my mouth without registering what I was saying. Pure fury had taken over my senses and I was shouting orders.
"Hit that demon with everything you’ve got!"
I still had my party interface up when Soren took the initial blow. I had watched in disbelief as his health plummeted into the black.
My soldiers rushed forward, despite the grim fate of the three men who had been ahead of them. Arrows rained down on the gargantuan demon. The broadheads ripped into its flesh, damaging muscle and tendon.
The quick succession of the barrage caused the demon to stumble briefly, giving an opening to the charging soldiers.
"Airis…?"
Hailey's voice was meek. I glanced at her, and saw that she also had a party interface in view. Her eyes were locked to the three darkened lines that listed the names of our friends.
"We can’t do anything about that right now."
"..."
I couldn't leave her here in this state—but time was not on our side. Every moment that passed could be another soldier's death. The guardians engaging the demon were doing well holding the aggression while casters and rangers rained down fire from afar. I had a little time to get her back into the fight.
There had to be a way to snap her out of the shock. I took her hand and lifted her head. Her eyes trembled as tears cascaded down her cheeks. My chest tightened.
"...Hails, I need you to focus."
"I don't want to lose you!" She blurted out in response.
Her confession left me weak in the knees. I was flushed, and had to try hard to keep my own emotions in check.
“It might feel like it,” I brushed away a stream of tears from her cheek, “but it wouldn’t be the end of the world. We all die, sooner or later. It’s just a facet of life.”
“I know—”
“There are worse things.”
“... I know.”
“And we don’t have a choice.”
“It just frightens me so much. How can you act so calm?”
I pressed my forehead against hers and squeezed her hands. We stood there silently for a few seconds before I gave her a final squeeze and pulled back.
“Because this is my consequence. I wanted to save our people, and that decision brought us here. I made my choice… and you made yours to follow me, that’s all there is to it. I don’t think we chose wrong.”
She was silent, but it looked like her mood had improved.
"Watch my back, okay?”
She nodded and while wiping away her tears, she steadied herself against the dread, "Okay."
I turned to the behemoth in the center of the hall and swiped over on my interface.
Time to see what we’re up against.
TARGET
STATISTICS
VALUES
ASTERYITH
ARCHDEMON
HEALTH
STAMINA
MAGICKA
24213 / 25000
752 / 800
2560 / 2800
My mouth was open wide in disbelief. The stat points of this monster were incredible. I looked back at Hailey, just to check that she was still with me. She was—though not so resolute as she was moments ago.
"Well, this could take a while." I nervously chuckled and readied my blade for combat.
----------------------------------------
"Aaarrrgghh"
I growled in frustration as my WILD STRIKE was swatted away by Asteryith’s heavy arm.
“—channel the goodwill of your power and deliver them from harm. Healing Grace!”
Hailey’s voice wavered loudly nearby as golden light washed over me, the sharp pain from the last parried attack soothed to a dull ache.
She had been casting a healing spell after almost every attack, just to keep me from getting injured. Even a simple parry would drop nearly half of my health.
This monster’s power was like nothing we had ever faced. Nothing in the Academy could have trained us for this.
A streak of green blitzed past my right side, impacting the Archdemon's left shoulder just as it was raising its arm to strike. I glanced back to see Mei powering up another shot.
Her timed shots were interrupting the heavier attacks; after that first two-hit combo… She had been doing her best to protect our front liners.
Beside her, Luke’s shadowy figure danced in the shadows. A glint of metal blinked and a small knife soared through the air.
It struck a small crease in the demon’s back-bent knees, causing the monster to flinch ever so slightly. The simple trick did little damage to the beast as a whole, but the delay in movement allowed a small group of exhausted warriors to fall back.
His voice called out to the retreating unit,
“Group Three switch out with Four! Two, you’re next in rotation.”
More runes appeared above Luke’s location. They wavered in the air, seemingly fading in and out.
“YOUR EFFORTS ARE FOOLISH.”
The booming voice struck from inside my head as usual, but this time it was noticeably less debilitating.
“Flames that burn beyond the veil, gather by my will, Fireball!”
A fiery blast from a Divisional Mage hit Asteryith near the neck. The explosive energy enveloped its face in a swirl of flames and smoke.
I leapt forward and swung with all the strength I could muster. My blade made contact with its left arm and BLADE SLASH dug deep into the flesh.
I prayed for a critical strike.
If I could get a critical hit, SOULFIRE might just overwhelm the Archdemon.
Flames raced over its pale skin, dealing burning damage in a wide area of effect as they etched deeply—but no critical effect.
Two runic sigils flashed in front of me, fading away quickly.
“I CANNOT BE STOPPED.”
A deep throaty roar shook the room as Asteryith wailed. The sound was drastically different than the rumbling voice that spoke inside our minds. The roar from the demon felt more primeval. The sound of a terrifying beast from the dawn of creation.
Asteryith swung its arm down towards me—another bolt of green struck hard against its shoulder. Expecting the attack to be interrupted, I was taken by surprise when its giant clawed hand continued to bear down on me. I rolled out of the way, barely avoiding the hit.
Dark violet energy rippled across the demon's skin down to its claws.
"Get back, evade!—"
My order didn't come fast enough...
The demon spun in a vicious whirlwind attack. The strike sent the seven soldiers of Group Three flying back into the air. They fell in a crash of steel onto the stone below, lying motionless.
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"Celestials…"
Its wild spinning left the demon stopped within an arm’s reach of Mei. Luke burst forth from his stealthed position to launch a surprise attack.
His short blade trailed behind him in a faint green light. He thrust the sword in two horizontal slashes, and blades of light rushed forward ahead of him. Luke jumped up and brought his sword down in a final swing that intersected the light, striking at the apex of the monster's chest.
The downward swing cut cleanly through the tough hide of the demon. Both blades of light flared as Luke's sword passed through them, expanding outwards and burning the demon's exposed tissue, causing a roar in response.
Asteryith raised its arm in a quick jerk motion to counterattack, striking one of the large stone pillars as it clawed downwards at Luke. The impact with the pillar knocked the attack off course, allowing Luke to disengage to safety.
In a rage, the beast's other arm swiped in from the right, aimed directly for Luke. He raised an arm to block, but ducked down at the last moment, attempting a feint.
“Shadows protect me, Evasion!”
His body twisted away, leaving behind only a small silver runic sigil traced in the air. He gracefully missed the razor sharp claws—but when the fist impacted the floor beneath him, Luke lost his footing. He fell backwards on a twisted leg.
The loud pop and painful cry indicated a worst possible outcome. I confirmed in my party interface, Luke was suffering from an impairment effect.
Asteryith lifted both arms high into the air with a giant leap. Its towering body impacted the pillar once more, causing a large chunk to break loose. The rounded stone crashed down like a felled redwood tree. A deep groan filled the air as the aging roof buckled under the lost support.
Stone arches and wooden beams rained down above Luke and Mei's position. Mei rolled and dodged the falling debris with elvish grace—but Luke was not so agile. He was limping with an injured ankle in my direction with a small group of soldiers who had rushed in to grab him.
An earsplitting snap overhead was followed by a large timber beam crashing down just behind them. Ceramic roof tiles fluttered down, fracturing on impact and turning the scene into a fragmentation hazard.
One of the soldiers supporting Luke yelped as sharp splinters of hardened clay pierced her back. They almost faltered, but managed to recover from a stumble that would've left them all in a danger zone.
Bright sunlight filled the hall, illuminating the hellscape of gore and sadism. Asteryith roared in rage once more as another beam fell squarely on top of the beast. The blow knocked it forwards into the sun. A high-pitched wail rose up from the demon as it reacted to the light.
It leapt backwards to avoid the bright beam filling the room, leaving a substantial distance between my raid party and itself.
I frantically searched for Mei as the debris rain cleared. Checking her name on my interface showed she had lost a great deal of health, but she was still with us somewhere. I focused on her and called out through runic magick.
"Mei! Are you okay?"
No response.
"Mei! If you can hear me please say something!"
The empty silence stung my ears.
I prayed to the Celestials to steel me against the dread and unease that washed over me. My disarrayed soldiers needed a rallying cry. This was our chance for a last push to take down this cursed creature.
A quick scan gave me hope that it might now be on its last stand.
TARGET
STATISTICS
VALUES
ASTERYITH
ARCHDEMON
HEALTH
STAMINA
MAGICKA
1852 / 25000
237 / 800
2750 / 2800
I frantically searched my mind for the right thing to say. Whatever I said could be my last words. I glanced at Hailey, who was already looking at me. Her presence calmed my racing heart.
The soldiers had gathered around us, looking to the both of us expectantly. My voice was hoarse and my hands shook nervously, but I steeled myself.
"I won’t let our history fade away like we were never here, I refuse to be forgotten! Soldiers of the Republic, rise up and hear your Empress! You are the true descendants of a great Empire. This is the Land of the Light, this monster of darkness cannot be allowed to defile our homeland. We are reborn in the flames of the Vanixian Phoenix. I do not fear Death!"
I thrust my sword into the air, its dark crimson flames surged violently. Hailey came to stand behind me and raised up her staff to meet my blade. The fiery ethereal wings flared brightly, amplified in the light of the sun.
"We are the children of the Light! We defend against the dark abyss because it is our duty! For the Empire, for our Empress, for the Crimson Blade!
Her soft and girlish voice had been stowed away, in its place a stoic tone had risen up. Golden light spilled out of the oval gem-egg atop her staff.
“Shining light, shield us in all directions! In hands divine, embolden our life, Fortitude!”
Her final words, crescendoed loudly, echoing against the stones. The golden light spilled out over every member of the raid.
» YOU ARE AFFECTED BY FORTITUDE
In response the haggard remnants shouted back,
"For the Empire!"
“Fight for the Crimson Blade!”
Steel clashed against steel as the three remaining guardians slapped their swords against their shields in a rhythmic drumming.
BANG. BANG. BANG.
Soldiers formed up behind them in a long V formation.
"Push this darkspawn into the light, let it face the judgment of a mighty empire. Forward into battle! Charge!"
I let out a primal yell and sprinted through the light to meet our foe. The demon screeched a deafening cry in response, shaking the foundation of the castle.
My blade sliced across its legs, forcing it to jump back in defense. As it found its footing, the entire arsenal of our raid came down upon it. Spears struck from behind as swords slashed at its sides.
The gauntlet of weaponry forced it to face me, or risk an attack of opportunity from my fiery blade if it tried to retaliate against my soldiers.
Asteryith’s body lowered, and lunged forwards towards me in a wild charge.
I stepped back just in time to avoid a long arm rip past me. The rush of air nearly knocked me off balance. I brought my sword up quickly, anticipating the other arm which slashed at me a moment later.
Swinging the blade outwards I made contact with the demon’s claws, parrying the attack by deflecting the massive hand away.
The demon jumped back before I could counter with a riposting BLADE SLASH.
Dark purple flames leered at me from across the hall. The looming figure heaved in the shadowy mists.
Its STAMINA must be reaching a critical point.
A high pitched screech cried out from the demon, but I maintained my composure.
No way I’m letting you get the better of me with some cheap tricks.
Asteryith dipped downwards to ready itself for another charge. In a blur, its legs kicked back and jagged claws bore down on me.
I held my blade out in front to brace for impact.
Gripping the long handle with my left hand, and pushing my right palm against the blade, I readied myself for the attack.
The demon's large body slammed into me with terrifying force.
My heels slid back against the blood encrusted stones.
I leaned into my sword, desperate to stay on my feet. I had been pushed a few feet back into the light, now a fair distance from the demon’s reach. It turned away from me, towards one of the flanking groups. I couldn’t let the beast harm my people.
I won’t let this bastard go! I’ll stop you right here.
No more of my soldiers would die to the foul monster.
I lunged forward at the Archdemon, quickly closing the gap between us—but it was ready for me—I had misjudged its attack.
This was a trick… And I fell for it in my blood rage.
A whirlwind of claws slashed through the room, striking me in the side. I was lifted off the ground. The air in my lungs rushed out and a hot sensation spread through my chest.
My body stopped rising abruptly, as the attack’s momentum reached its peak.
I craned my head down. A large claw was protruding from my abdomen. The scythe-like appendage had caused immense damage to my breastplate, cracking the metal plate from the impact.
Unable to gasp for breath, my chest spasmed. I tasted the sourness of blood in the back of my throat.
Shit.
The Archdemon flung its arm out, and I slid free from impalement. My body rag-dolled across the floor. I tumbled over loose stones, finally coming to rest just under a pillar bordering the entryway to the hall.
I tried to lift an arm to push myself over, but shock was starting to set in and my body betrayed me. My muscles were set ablaze in pain.
"No!—Airis!"
Hailey’s voice cracked as she cried out.
The sound of metal clapping hard against stone echoed in my ears as she sprinted towards me.
My body jostled as she lifted me to rest on her lap. Her arm cradled my head against her chest. A stream of tears flooded down her face onto my cheeks.
Sobs shook her body violently.
“N-No, no, no! You have to stay with me. Keep your eyes open, please!”
Her free hand was already building up a tremendous amount of energy around it. She began to cast a healing spell, taking the extra time to use one of its more complex incantations.
“Blessed and divine light, lend me your strength. Through me, channel the goodwill of your power, envelop me in the golden flame and deliver them from harm. Healing Grace!”
The intensity of the golden aura that followed was enough to blind someone if they looked directly at it. Powerful golden waves of healing magick flowed through me.
“The bleeding is stopping. You’ll be okay. You’re going to be okay. You have to be okay.”
I groaned weakly as the excruciating pain abated.
I tried to tell her that I was going to be okay, that she shouldn’t worry—but no words escaped my open mouth.
Hailey gently brushed a hand across my cheek. Her voice trembled as she spoke.
“Don’t try to talk, just rest. Everything is going to be okay.” A choppy sigh escaped from her. “I’m terrified of ending up alone… I-I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose you. So you have to stay with me.”
She brushed the hair away from my face.
[https://i.imgur.com/vLRhxlT.png]
Unsteady and out of focus, I could see her panicked expression. The corners of her lips twitched as she fought back the urge to break down.
My adrenaline was crashing, lightheaded-ness was setting in quickly.
With my every effort I tried to speak, but my voice failed me once more. All I could do was gasp weakly at her. My hand reached up and caressed her face.
My strength gave out, the blood loss had taken its final toll. I watched the monsters’ final points of health drain out on the mist projection. The light flickered as the display reached the black, and the projection faded away.
A piercing screech reached my ears, the final defiant cry of the Archdemon, Asteryith. At the very least, I would take solace in knowing that the demon met its end in these final moments. In death, its hold over this city was shattered.
My people would be safe here. Hailey would lead them. Out of the ashes of a shattered empire, my prayer was for them to be born anew, like the symbol of my family’s empire.
Rise up, my phoenixes.
My eyes closed and I was enveloped in an impenetrable blackness. My body drifted away, and with it: time stopped…