The door began to open, strong winds blew from the other side, the clouds darkened instantly with thunder and heavy rain. The light on the other side became increasingly evident. On the other side, a new sun was visible, and new clouds, made of white cotton, floated calmly across the blue sky.
"Is this what you wanted?" Light asked dryly. The lord of the castle walked up to Light, placed his hand on the door, and crossed over, feeling the warm sun on his skin, the gentle breeze, and the fresh air.
"There's another one like this over there. Stay on good terms with me, and I might open it for you." He cast a new look at Light, rethinking the value of the man. He had initially thought of him as merely a replacement for the witch, but now he saw him as something indispensable, someone who must be protected at all costs.
Emerging from his stupor, he finally removed his hood and, with all sincerity, thanked Light. He was so happy that he could barely express his feelings. Light's face, already grim, grew darker upon seeing what was underneath. He had expected another Tiefling, perhaps a demon… but what he saw was a human with common black hair and eyes, a diamond-shaped face, and pale skin.
'There shouldn't be another human here!'
Phantominum ignored the murderous intent and led his soldiers to the other side. Shortly after, Light's group followed.
[Welcome, adventurer! To the wonderful lands of…]
[Unfortunately, these lands have yet to be named or claimed by anyone.]
[However, a group of settlers is trying to take them for themselves.]
[The only problem is the monsters inhabiting the region, trying in every way to expel them.]
[Your objective is to help the settlers resist the invasions!]
"What's the mission?" Triss, standing beside him, questioned.
"Tell him we have to help the settlers" Light replied curtly. The fairy turned and commanded,
"Hey, you ugly, cursed witch, tell your ex-boss that we have to help the settlers."
"Why should I go there? Send the dwarves!" The two began arguing until one of the dwarves volunteered, nerves on edge. Triss turned back to Light and questioned again,
"Are we really going to let an army straight from hell join us in the next challenge?"
"Our goal has always been to recover the relics; if we have an army collaborating, all the better." Triss stood still, analyzing him. She was sure there was something more; possibly, he was waiting for a better opportunity. After all, the further they advanced, the more likely they were to face a deadly challenge.
The area they found themselves in was full of rocks and cliffs. The army moved ahead, looking for what should be a group of settlers, which wasn't difficult. Below them in a depression, a little further ahead, some horse-drawn carts appeared. The mission should be easy with such a group… but of course, fate wasn't like that.
"Everyone, prepare for battle!" Phantominum shouted. He was clearly somewhat sensitive to what he saw—elves, dwarves, and Tieflings. Elves were and always had been nobility and royalty wherever they went, leading the caravan armed. Alongside them, walking on foot, were strong and battle-ready dwarves. As for the Tieflings…
They were inside chained cages, extremely wounded, many women without clothing and with vacant eyes, suggesting something worse. As soon as he saw this, everyone armed themselves and prepared for combat. The battle cry was just a natural response.
The other side had also seen the group full of devils and thought it was a rescue attempt. They were expecting it and began to prepare for the confrontation. While the fools advanced, Light and his group stayed behind, just observing.
"Seems like luck is smiling on me!" His mood finally improving.
"Just a reminder that we still have a witch, a rare human—whatever that is—and a damn fairy. What are the chances of those three becoming captives too?"
"I'd rather bet on killing these bastards in the process!"
"I agree" the witch replied with all her hostility.
"Keep watch, and if the opportunity arises, kill those fools. I have something to do" Light said, running off. No one could open the doors except him. How would they open them if he closed them? Everyone would be trapped together in this hell now!
The battle was tough; the Lord of Dirgrad was no weakling, but the other side's numbers were greater and included many Disciples, just like him. In particular, there was an elf giving them trouble. Why? He was a Guardian. Phantominum might have been close to an Apostle, but this guy was a Guardian!
Light returned calmly while absorbing the fire item he had received.
[Absorption Attempt in Progress]
[Success]
[Mana has already reached its limit!]
[New Ability Being Learned]
[Flame Manipulation 20/10]
[New Ability Learned: Flame Manipulation!]
[Mana Quality 2 -> 3]
[Mana Control 2 -> 3]
"Have you decided whose head you want to chop off?" he asked upon arriving. Triss scolded him, saying they should flee immediately. Pushing her aside, he looked at the witch.
"That damn Phantominum dies by my hand today!" His aura was leaking, causing pressure on everyone nearby.
"Great, you've already picked your target!" Light glanced around a bit until he found who he was looking for. With a whistle, he threw himself down the cliff, ready for battle. The witch followed behind, and Triss, with no choice, followed to help Light, while the others, like the witch, sought revenge.
Several bodies fell around them, the outcome of the battle still uncertain, red blood everywhere. In the eye of the storm was a mage who used the blood of the fallen, standing out—a Disciple, with a large cut running across both his arms.
"Hey, Ekichar, it's been a while!" Immediately, the man returned his gaze. They had already fought against each other, but now, he could never kill him as long as his lord wanted him alive.
"I hope you're not crazy enough to seek revenge for what happened!" he tried to intimidate the man, who continued to approach with slow steps.
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have died" the hatred showing in his eyes. "And Rorik would be alive. If you hadn't stepped onto that battlefield, many would have survived. How can you ask me not to seek revenge?"
His sword began to heat up, flames forming around it.
"I hope you still have the same courage."