Episode 76: Deep Within the Fortress
In the depths of the fortress, Elahar and his two companions were already locked in a brutal battle. At the very center lay a massive magic circle, guarded fiercely by the paladins and dark priests of the Oath of Light. The entire chamber was drenched in a foreboding aura, where holy radiance clashed with shadowy energies, creating an atmosphere thick with dread.
Elahar: "We cannot yield! If we let them finish this, the Ancient God will rise! All these sacrifices will have been in vain!"
Brakka: "Trying to drown us in numbers? Hah, they've underestimated us too much!"
Brakka's axe cleaved down with terrifying force, shattering a massive paladin's shield clean in half. The shockwave from his blow sent several enemies flying. Yet, no matter how many they cut down, the endless tide wore them down. Sweat streamed down Brakka's face, his breathing growing heavier with each swing.
Karon alternated between telekinesis and shadowcraft, desperately pushing back. Still, the mounting pressure told him one truth—something greater was needed.
Karon: "Elahar, Brakka, we don't have much time! We can't cut through all of them. But… I still have one last card to play. It might buy us time."
Elahar and Brakka turned toward him, reading the grim determination in his eyes.
Elahar: "We'll follow your lead. If it means holding this place, do it."
Karon drew upon his final reserves. Silver light pulsed from the Etherion sigils etched across his skin, his expression tightening with grim resolve.
Karon: "This power… it may take everything from me. But if it gives us even a chance to win, it's enough."
Elahar met his gaze. "Then we'll all play our part. I trust you."
Before Karon could unleash his hidden strength, a thunderous blast shook the fortress. From the entrance came a storm of fire and steel. Through the haze, a familiar figure emerged—Rian and his companions.
Rian: "Elahar! We've come to aid you! Let's finish this here and now!"
Elahar allowed a faint smile. "So be it. You came at the right time. If this ritual completes, everything ends."
Rian charged, his greatsword cutting through enemy lines like a storm. Serin raised walls of water to shield the weary Elahar and his companions. Together, the tide of battle shifted.
Amidst the chaos, Karon raised his hand high. His Etherion markings blazed brilliantly, pulling the surrounding darkness into himself.
Karon: "Everyone, fall back!"
Obeying instinct, Elahar, Brakka, Rian, and the others retreated just as a blinding silver shockwave erupted from Karon. Paladins and priests were hurled aside like leaves in a storm. For the moment, the battlefield belonged to them.
**
Episode 77: Alliance and Sacrifice
United at last, Elahar fought alongside Rian's party at the heart of the fortress. Their cooperation was seamless—Rian's greatsword split shields, while Elahar's swift blade slipped through the openings. Brakka's axe tore through armored foes, and Karon's sorcery deflected shadow bolts before they could land.
Elahar thought as he cut down another paladin: Just a little further. If we push harder, this can end here.
Rian: "One last push! Don't falter now!"
The battle surged in their favor—until suddenly, the paladins and priests began withdrawing. Their formation loosened. Their expressions were strange—a blend of fear and grim determination.
Paladin A: "Our mission is complete… Now the will of God shall be fulfilled."
Elahar's stomach tightened. "No… they're preparing something worse!"
At the altar, the priests slit their wrists and raised their hands. Blood spilled onto the runes, and a low chant spread through the fortress.
Elahar (shouting): "Stop them! They're sacrificing themselves!"
But it was too late. One by one, paladins and priests offered their lives willingly. Blood and soul fused into the circle, shaking the fortress to its very core.
A column of blinding light erupted upward, and within it, a colossal silhouette began to take form—the incomplete but overwhelming body of the Ancient God. The fortress seemed to breathe, walls shuddering with every pulse of energy.
Rian gritted his teeth, raising his sword. "This power… it's beyond anything we imagined."
Elahar met his fear with cold resolve. "Then we stop it. Before the ritual completes, no matter what it takes."
Brakka lifted his axe, roaring: "Then let's show them the bite of steel one last time!"
Karon, silver fire dancing across his fingertips, gave a grim smile. "Whatever the end, it will be ours to choose."
At the center of the collapsing fortress, the two groups—united by desperation—braced themselves for the arrival of a god.
Elahar: "Whatever lies at the end of this battle… we face it together. We will not yield."
**
Episode 78: The Ancient God's Demise
The incomplete form of the Ancient God revealed itself at the fortress's core. Its colossal body shook the earth as if nature itself were howling in fury. Though its shape was unstable, the overwhelming aura alone was enough to crush everything around it. Slowly, its massive eyes opened—and fixed upon Rian.
Ancient God: "So, you carry the taint of Titan's power. The age of Titans has already ended, yet their foul strength lingers still."
Rian gripped his greatsword and met the god's gaze head-on. The Titan's flame burned within him, once a source of fear, now fully embraced as part of himself.
Rian: "Perhaps this power was born of Titans. But now, it is mine. Ancient God, your time has ended. I'll be the one to finish it."
The Ancient God laughed, its voice shaking the chamber.
Ancient God: "You would stop me? Titans could not, nor could humankind. I will devour you whole!"
Its enormous hand rose, releasing a crimson storm of magic that surged toward Rian and his companions.
Rian: "Everyone, scatter!"
But the blast was too strong, a storm they could not resist. Just as despair closed in, a portal tore open with a resounding crack. From its blue light emerged Ria, Rian's twin sister. She immediately cast a radiant barrier that blunted the Ancient God's devastating strike.
Ria: "Brother! You're alive!"
Relief flickered in Rian's eyes. "Ria! How did you—?"
Still holding the shield spell, she answered between breaths.
Ria: "I came with Elysium's reinforcements. We found a way to seal it—but there's little time!"
Serin: "A way to seal the Ancient God? Tell us, quickly!"
Ria: "Three conditions. First: this space must be bound by the ancient circle. Second: the energy it's absorbed must be torn away. Third: a special blade must be forged, using Titan's power to subdue it. Rian is the one who can craft it."
Ivella: "Then the weapon is possible?"
Ria: "Yes, but not unless we hold it back long enough. If the god keeps striking, we'll never have the time."
The Ancient God's hand loomed again, its might pressing down on them like a mountain.
Elahar: "Not while I still stand!"
He surged forward, blade flashing like lightning, severing the flow of magic in its wrist. The attack faltered, and Ria tightened the barrier.
Ria: "Good, Elahar! Just a little longer!"
Elahar (smiling through strain): "I'll hold it off. Rian, finish your task."
Brakka slammed his axe into the creature's foot, while Karon combined dark sorcery and telekinesis to destabilize its balance. Together, they staggered the god, buying Rian the moments he needed.
Rian drew deep upon the Titan's fire, shaping it into the forging of a blade. Energy coursed through his body, his greatsword blazing with a new light.
Rian: "If I can wield this power as my own… then I will end you!"
Elahar, exhausted but unyielding, blocked another massive strike. His body screamed in protest, yet he refused to fall.
Elahar: "Rian! Hurry! We don't have long!"
At last, the forging was complete. Rian lifted the blazing sword, Titan's will and his comrades' faith etched into the steel.
Rian: "This ends here!"
He drove the blade into the Ancient God's core. At the same moment, Ria unleashed the sealing ritual, weaving ancient glyphs to bind its essence.
Elahar sank to his knees, chest heaving, whispering through ragged breath: "We… did it…"
The age of the Ancient God was over. With its death throes fading into silence, the battlefield grew still. The companions leaned on one another, realizing at last—the world was free.
**
Episode 79: Home, Where Eirina Waits
The end of a journey always carries tangled feelings. Elahar gazed out the airship's window at the Astralium continent below. It had been a land of battles and trials, but now, at last, the time to return home had come. Fingers brushing over the small doll in his pocket, he thought of the long solitude behind him—and the family awaiting his return.
The ship docked at Luminaria's harbor. One by one, he bid farewell to his companions. Brakka nodded curtly, while Karon gave his shoulder a firm pat.
Karon: "Farewell, Elahar. I hope you can finally find some peace."
Elahar (awkward, yet sincere): "Stay safe, both of you. Don't die on me."
Partings between men were always like this—gruff on the surface, heavy with unspoken feeling. They exchanged brief nods before turning to their separate paths.
Elahar walked the familiar stone lanes of his village, heart pounding as he neared the home he had long dreamed of. From beyond the door, he heard laughter—a child's laughter. His hand trembled as he knocked softly.
Knock, knock.
The door opened. Eirina stood there, eyes wide in surprise before breaking into a radiant smile.
Eirina: "Elahar! You're home."
From her arms peeked a small child—a half-elf boy, their son. His curious eyes sparkled as he stared at the man before him.
Elahar smiled awkwardly, tears pricking his eyes. He knelt, pulling the doll from his pocket and offering it.
Elahar: "This… is for you."
The child's eyes lit up as he took the toy, laughter bubbling out as he clutched it. The sound pierced Elahar's heart, washing away years of hardship.
Eirina's voice trembled. "Thank you… for coming back to us."
Elahar embraced her gently. In her tears and smile, he finally understood the meaning of everything he had fought for. Their child nestled against his chest, warmth spreading through the little home.
That night, their table was filled with laughter and tears alike. For the first time in countless battles, Elahar felt no burden—only belonging. His long journey was not an end, but the doorway to a new beginning.