Arriving at a large clearing which Dante recognized as one of the spawning grounds for the ent’s he was astounded to find a few of the furry beaver people going about daily lives wandering from one small hut to another occasionally looking over at the newcomers but otherwise paying them no heed.
“I thought you killed anything on sight that was not made of root and bark?” Dante asked trying to sound as respectful as possible.
“We live in harmony with the people of the forest as the tree people asked us to. Humans having overly hunted and destroying much of these woods when the adventurers left we closed off the woods to anyone who was not close to the forest and its ecosystem” Elder Alder responded simply.
Understanding Dante and his group followed silently until they reached a large campfire in the center of the makeshift hut town where a large boar was roasting accompanied by tubers and other such vegetable.
Laurina spoke in surprised “I never knew your people hunted!”
Elder Alder let out a laugh. “We do have meat eaters among us but for the most part we make sure to not over hunt or let the creatures of the woods overtake the woods. It all comes down to balance amongst chaos.” Saying the last bit as it turned towards Dante who shivered for an odd reason at the words. “Once we knew you were here we wanted to be ready for your arrival as well,” he continued “and though most of us do not mind shedding some fruits and berries we know where you will have to go next and that you will need all the strength the forest has to offer for what you face.”
“How,” Erchik asked “how did you know we were here?”
Pointing a leafy branch at Dante’s chest Elder Alder said “We could feel the resonance of the Plated Chest piece of the Sprite Queen even though it seems to have merged with this young man's armor in a new and rather interesting way.” Letting out an intrigued sigh before saying “Our people would feel its presence from miles away. If our lady Thamnor’s words are to be taken literally ‘When we felt the presence of our distant relatives in our woods we were to be ready to aid the ones who bore it to us and direct them to the lair of the Demon King.’ Which meant that we knew what to do before you even entered the caves and we knew you were hiding out along the mountainside as you made your way there.”
Hearing that cause the group to cringe knowing that they had done so poorly at hiding which only caused Elder Alder to laugh again “Nothing you could have done about it then or now. I am just glad we knew to be prepared and we didn’t attack you while you did the work of the Gods.”
Dante Alexander: Knight Mage
Level: 40.62
Attack Power:226
Defense Power:427
Health:1932/1932
Mana:1344/1344
Stamina:1335/1335
Attack Speed +5
Casting Speed +5
Critical Hit +5
Movement Speed +5
Gear:
Main Hand
+14 Blade of Chaos
Off Hand
+14 Short Sword of Chaos
Helm
+19 Hidden Circlet of Chaos +150 HP
Armor
+25 Leather Breastplate of Chaos +250 HP and +30% Damage Reduction
Gloves
+17 Leather Gloves of Chaos +250 Mana/Stamina, +22 to evasion
Shoes
+18 Leather Shoes of Chaos +250 stamina, +87 to evasion
Set effects:
2 pieces: + 1 to casting/ attacking speed
3 Pieces: +1 to critical hit
Full set: +1 to movement speed, and +40 to Attack
L Earring slot +20 Earring of the Enchantress +50 Mana/Energy, +20 Attack, +20 Accuracy
R Earring slot +20 Earring of the Enchantress +50 Mana/Energy, +20 Attack, +20 Accuracy
L Ring slot Ring of Attack +1 to attack speed
R Ring slot +10 Ring of Stamina +25 Stamina, +8 Attack, +10 Evasion
Necklace slot +12 Assassins Necklace +10 Attack, +6 Defense, +6 Evasion
Belt slot +13 Snakeskin Belt +14 Attack, +10 Accuracy
Skills:
Basic Attack
Swift Strike
Cascading Blades
Scatter Blades
Chaotic Shield
Hidden Power
Cycle of Fate
Chaos Hold
Shadows of Chaos
Intertwined Fates
Chaos Dash
Plight of Chaos
Chaotic Blast
Chaotic Subterfuge
Light of Chaos
Dominion of Chaos
Core Attack: Annihilation
Chaotic Flow
Evasive Blade Stance
Lashing Chaos
Burst of Chaotic Blades
Leap of Chaos
Companions:
Terrance Walsh: Warrior
Level:36.71
Attack Power:189
Defense Power:372
Health:2341/2341
Stamina:1356/1356
Attack Speed +5
Casting Speed +2
Critical Hit +5
Movement Speed +5
Erchik: Crossbowman
Level:37.44
Attack Power:206
Defense Power:301
Health:1700/1700
Stamina:1099/1099
Attack Speed +5
Casting Speed +0
Critical Hit +3
Movement Speed +4
Laurina: Healer
Level:36.12
Attack Power:212
Defense Power:330
Health:1514/1514
Mana: 1117/1117
Stamina: 707/707
Attack Speed +1
Casting Speed +5
Critical Hit +5
Movement Speed +4
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Evening came and went as the party relaxed and ate their fill. Knowing that the Gods themselves were aiding them in their own way strengthened their resolve to see the task to its end. Making friends with the creatures of the woods and listening with vigor as Elder Alder told them the path to take in detail to reach the Sanctuary of the Demon King. Sounds of fighting could be heard in the distance as night fell and the Shade Knights and Shaman attempted to retrieve the key from the ones who stole it but the ent’s and woodland creatures proved to be more than a match for them and the fighting ended without much loss on the side of the forests residence.
Terrance offered to assist but was politely shot down by Elder Alder who said “We are the masters of these woods and none may pass without our permission. Don’t worry about that fight. Instead rest and prepare for the fight to come for you and your group.”
He didn’t like it but he agreed and after a night of planning and eventually rest on mossy beds the group was roused early the next day ready to set out again. Refilling canteens in a nearby creek, and stowing away provisions provided by the people of the woods they were lead to the start of a trail at the base of the Elven Mountains. Approaching it caused everyone a sense of dread as the dark power of the Demon King exuded from the path ahead. Making their way as directed by Elder Alder the trees began to look more and more twisted and dead as they progressed. Nature itself seemed to die away leaving them without its sounds and instead steeped in an eerie silence.
“This is creepy as hell.” Dante spoke up feeling the need to break the silence.
Nodding Erchik responded “I’d agree with you on that one friend. It is spooky how little noise there is. Not a bird or rodent around to make a peep.”
Roughly an hour later they found themselves at the bottom of a winding staircase that led further up the mountain and out of sight behind thick dark fog. Everyone already on edge unsheathed and pulled out their weapons and carefully made it up the stairs. By the time they reached the top they all were springs ready to uncoil in rapid succession at the slightest hint of movement. In front of them though was large black iron and stone doors with a single claw shaped hole in the center.
Breathing hea
vy from the mental strain Dante pulled out the key and stepped forward “It’s now or never guys. Be ready for anything!” Shoving the key into the hole and giving it a twist as he did so.
Nothing seemed to happen at first as Dante lunged back and got into a fighting stance. Then suddenly there was a loud grinding sounds and the screech that reminded Dante of overly stressed metal as the doors swung open forcing a gust of air outward that smelt of death and decay. Such was the force of the gusting air that it pushed the fog away from the mountainside and if Dante and his group had turned around to look they would be able to see for miles in every direction for a few moments before the fog quickly moved back in to hang on them like an illness not ready to leave a sick body.
Again silence was all that met them, nothing leapt out and attacked, nothing attempted to do them any sort of harm. This only put the group further on edge and worried them. Though their bodies were not being assaulted their minds were fighting away an onslaught of despair and anguish that tried to force them to turn tail and run. Not wanting to show fear Terrance was the first to move taking one step and then another into the endless darkness that was beyond the doors with the others close behind.
With all of them now inside the strange feeling that had tried to mentally push them away subsided to something of a dull ache and the doors they entered slammed shut behind them causing them all to give a slight jump in startlement.
Seeing their path blocked Laurina said “Only way to go is forward. So if we could do so quickly I would appreciate it.” Letting out a shudder as the realization that they were now stuck in the lair of one of the most dreaded legendary beasts.
Armed and ready to pounce on anything that showed signs of ill intent towards them they ventured onward with Laurina’s light orbs just overhead allowing them to see the path on feet in front. Unlike the underground caves where they retrieved the key this place was sealed tight and no light seemed permitted beyond the orbs Laurina cast. No candles were lit nor breezes escaped cracks in the wall to hint at a world beyond the darkness surrounding them. Suffocating and all-encompassing darkness seemed to cover every inch of the world.
Taking only minutes that felt like hours they found their way to the main chamber. Glowing red pulsating at the center of the darkness they could see odd shapes all around the large circular chamber. Not wanting to be left in the dark Laurina cast several orbs of light to light up the room and downed some mana regenerating berries provided by the creatures of the forest before she took note of what she was seeing.
In the center of the room looked to be a statue of the Demon King with a sickly red pulsating crystal heart at its center. Every inch of the room had statues of Shade Knights, Shade Shaman, and Elite Shade Warriors all writhing in dark energies. As she and the rest of the group looked on they noticed first one then another statue twitch and slowly begin to move. At that point they realized their mistake. These were not statues but the army of the Demon King and as the pulsating red light grew more frantic they could hear the sound of a boom heart beating as the once statue in the center drew first one breath followed by another. This was a trap, the Demon King was playing for keeps and he was more prepared than they could have imagined.
Gasps of shock and horror escaped the party as a whole as they watched the scene in front of them unfold. Hundreds of enemy forces blocked their path to the Demon King and in moments hundred were also behind them blocking their path to the exit.
“Fight,” Dante shouted before letting out a maniacal laugh seemingly having lost his mind due to the pressure of the situation “we are stuck between a rock and a hard spot and I will be damned if we are going down without taking them all with us!” Then he jumped into the first group he could find and unleashed one powerful attack after another.
Terrance, Laurina, and Erchik couldn’t do anything else but follow his lead and they set off behind him driving forward with all the force and power they could muster. Spells, and arrows flew out and sounds of shield and sword bashing and cutting through the enemy rang through the chamber. Despite their vigor they were overwhelmed quickly and left with little health remaining each member was captured and brought before the Demon King who stood their towering over them laughing.
Cloaked in darkness his red scales, obsidian claws, and tentacle head could be seen clearly as he stood towering over the four beaten and battered companions. His mouth did not move as he spoke but instead his voice was painfully projected into the minds of the group who came to slay him “You have failed child of the other world. Your friends will die, and you will suffer for thinking that you held the power to face the Demon King.”
Unable to fight Dante was forced to watch as the Demon King thrust his clawed hand into each of his friends ending their lives before his eyes. With each death Dante screamed in agony as the party icon for each one dimmed and went gray. Terrance was last and as Dante watched only a moment before the Demon King struck his mouth formed the words “I love you” as his light was snuffed out.
Rage filled Dante as he tried to tap into the power of chaos only to find himself shackled to a wall and stripped of all his items. He was alone, he was naked and powerless amongst enemies who were ready to spend eternity torturing him and tearing his flesh, hopeless and broken at his loss. Only the sounds of the Demon King's laughter could be heard echoing around Dante as he sank deeper and deeper into himself.
Dante Alexander: Knight Mage
Level: 42.00
Attack Power:226
Defense Power:427
Health:2015/2015
Mana:1401/1401
Stamina:1397/1397
Attack Speed +5
Casting Speed +5
Critical Hit +5
Movement Speed +5
Gear:
Main Hand
+14 Blade of Chaos
Off Hand
+14 Short Sword of Chaos
Helm
+19 Hidden Circlet of Chaos +150 HP
Armor
+25 Leather Breastplate of Chaos +250 HP and +30% Damage Reduction
Gloves
+17 Leather Gloves of Chaos +250 Mana/Stamina, +22 to evasion
Shoes
+18 Leather Shoes of Chaos +250 stamina, +87 to evasion
Set effects:
2 pieces: + 1 to casting/ attacking speed
3 Pieces: +1 to critical hit
Full set: +1 to movement speed, and +40 to Attack
L Earring slot +20 Earring of the Enchantress +50 Mana/Energy, +20 Attack, +20 Accuracy
R Earring slot +20 Earring of the Enchantress +50 Mana/Energy, +20 Attack, +20 Accuracy
L Ring slot Ring of Attack +1 to attack speed
R Ring slot +10 Ring of Stamina +25 Stamina, +8 Attack, +10 Evasion
Necklace slot +12 Assassins Necklace +10 Attack, +6 Defense, +6 Evasion
Belt slot +13 Snakeskin Belt +14 Attack, +10 Accuracy
Skills:
Basic Attack
Swift Strike
Cascading Blades
Scatter Blades
Chaotic Shield
Hidden Power
Cycle of Fate
Chaos Hold
Shadows of Chaos
Intertwined Fates
Chaos Dash
Plight of Chaos
Chaotic Blast
Chaotic Subterfuge
Light of Chaos
Dominion of Chaos
Core Attack: Annihilation
Chaotic Flow
Evasive Blade Stance
Lashing Chaos
Burst of Chaotic Blades
Leap of Chaos
Imbalanced Blades
Companions:
Terrance Walsh: Warrior
Level:37.94
Attack Power:189
Defense Power:372
Health:0/2377
Stamina:0/1414
Attack Speed +5
Casting Speed +2
Critical Hit +5
Movement Speed +5
&nbs
p; Erchik: Crossbowman
Level:38.24
Attack Power:206
Defense Power:301
Health:0/1752
Stamina:0/1114
Attack Speed +5
Casting Speed +0
Critical Hit +3
Movement Speed +4
Laurina: Healer
Level:37.03
Attack Power:212
Defense Power:330
Health:0/1571
Mana: 0/1162
Stamina: 0/741
Attack Speed +1
Casting Speed +5
Critical Hit +5
Movement Speed +4
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Dante didn’t feel the pain after a while, deaf to his own scream as the creatures of the darkness did unspeakable things to his body. He didn’t know how long they carried on but somewhere inside he felt them tire of their games for the time being and leave him crumpled and shackled in his cell to heal slowly over time. Always bringing him to the brink of death but never letting him die so he could not escape. It was a cycle of this, days, weeks, months he didn’t know. He only knew the blackness of his mind that was interrupted by the pain and the sound of his own voice screaming.
Laying there in the darkness there was a new and strange sensation. It was something familiar and he was driven to cling to it. Something akin to wet sandpaper was brushing his face. His nose, cheek, and forehead all began to get this treatment. Instinctively he reached out with his broken and bruised arms and cradled what felt like a war pile of fur that kept lapping at his face with the wet sandpaper. Tears streamed down his face as he began to feel, not only the physical but mental wounds fade away and he allowed himself to sob quietly burying his face in the warm fur as it began to let out a soothing rumble.
From the Beginning Page 23