Merlin continued chanting in an unknown language. This time the purpose was to dim the barriers between dimensions and open the gateway so his master could enter the Arkana. The ritual was a hybrid of Dimensional and Dark magic that had been forbidden and forgotten a very long time ago. According to legends that magic scholars had discovered, the first demons that terrorized the world were only able to enter the Arkana due to this ritual performed by power-hungry mages that had no notion of caution.
Dimensional magic usually dealt with transporting objects from other dimensions in order to use them in magical battles. At times Dimensional mages could manipulate space up to some extent, shortening great distances within one dimension. But to transport a person from one dimension to another was forbidden. Not just that... it was also extremely dangerous. Both for the person being transported as well as for the dimensions in question. No one knew exactly what would happen, but all the books on Dimensional magic issued stern warnings for mages to never attempt such forbidden practice. It was common knowledge for mages of all disciplines.
Zeldrys was on the lookout, making sure no one attempted to interrupt the ritual. As always, he was the embodiment of perfect focus.
The Woman was there as well... But she positioned herself up in the sky... sitting on a dragon. The dragon was a large dark green creature. It flapped its wings and remained steady, hovering in the same spot in the air with a fierce lookout for anyone that could be a threat to the ritual that was being performed.
As Merlin continued chanting, the markings on the walls all over the tower started glowing. These markings were a text that was all around the inside of the tower. As they lit up, a light started shining from inside the well and the markings on the walls began moving around the tower.
From within the well in the middle of the tower, light shot itself in a column that pierced the sky. This column of light dispersed the clouds and greatly illuminated the sky. It was actually a beautiful spectacle to see.
Woman: It's working... It's working! Merlin did it! On the other side of that light is the Dark dimension... And Adramellech should be about to enter the Arkana. Our lord will finally avenge us all! - she said with excitement and a tearful eye.
The ritual was successful so far. That column of light was like a door and the Tower of god a corridor. The essence of divinity was needed to stabilize the corridor in order to maintain the integrity of both dimensions once the demon pierced through the veil. Without the essence of divinity to provide stability to the corridor, something really bad could happen. No one really knew what exactly that really bad thing was... all mages feared and respected the rules of magic. And that ritual that was being performed by Merlin was all extremely forbidden and dangerous magic.
The seemingly infinite tower of light was blazing through the skies, and the Cabal waited eagerly for Adramellech to come through. They watched and waited, but he didn't show up.
The tower of light was suddenly extinguished. The markings on the walls of the tower vanished. The water from the well returned to its place. The ritual turned out to be a failure. The woman got off the dragon and went down next to the well where Zeldrys and Merlin were, looking really upset...
Woman: What happened? Why didn't it work??!!
Merlin: I... I don't understand... I did everything right! - Merlin was clearly confused as to what had gone wrong. He was certain to have done everything the way he was supposed to. The woman had her doubts, though.
Woman: You clearly didn't! Where is the destroyer, Adramellech? Do you see him anywhere around??!!
Zeldrys: Let us think this through. Perhaps that way we will be able to understand what happened. When we identify the problem we simply repeat the process with the necessary corrections.
Merlin: It's no use... It was all for nothing... All a massive and pointless waste of time! Damn it!!!!
???: DO NOT LOSE FAITH, MY CHILDREN.
The voice speaking was other-worldly. It kind of sounded like a distant echo coming from far away. That voice happened to be from Adramellech himself, directly from the Dark Dimension.
Merlin, Zeldrys, and the woman knelt right there in their places.
Merlin: Master! Forgive us! Despair almost took hold of us because of our failure.
Adramellech: YOU DID FAIL ME. BUT YOUR WORK WAS NOT IN VAIN. THE SEAL THAT IMPRISONED ME IS TOO POWERFUL. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GO THROUGH THE GATEWAY. HOWEVER, I AM NOW ABLE TO SPEAK TO YOU FREELY FROM WITHIN THE VEIL.
Woman: Then what should we do, Master? How do we break a seal so powerful?
Elsewhere on the Western Continent
Richard was in a tavern. He was with his eyes half-opened, half-closed. An empty mug of ale was in front of him. He had a fully grown beard and mustache. He was the image of a defeated man if there ever was one. He had on his armor and a cloak that he probably hadn't washed in months. His gaze was so deeply lost in thought that it felt as if he was somewhere else entirely.
Richard: {Useless. So useless. So utterly… completely… absolutely… and bloody useless! Why did I let her go alone? She was not alone, but... It was my responsibility as the elder brother... No... My duty as a Holy Knight of Dalmacia... And I was useless! I do not even know what happened. No sign of Nimrod... No sign of her... Town's people pointed me to the temple... They saw her and sent her to the mountains. Went there, but all I found was an empty cabin with a strange-looking doll… What is the point of being called an elite swordsman if I am not even able to keep my only sister safe?! It is all my fault... because I am so... bloody useless...}
Barkeeper: Buddy... We're about to lock up shop for the night... How about you come back again tomorrow?
Richard didn't hear the man speak. He was completely taken away by his thoughts. Wallowing in self-pity. Consumed by the guilt of having lost his sister Rachel again... Of not being able to do anything to help her.
Young woman: What's wrong with him?
Barkeeper: Don't know. He's obviously a knight. Judging by that, it must have been something awful that happened to him. All he does is come in here every night, sit in that same spot, order 3 mugs of ale, and stare into the abyss. I'm positive he doesn't get drunk with those three mugs... Maybe you could uhmm... cheer him up?
The girl made use of her charm and attributes to attempt to get Richard's attention. She spoke with a very sexy voice, standing behind him and even putting her arms around him as she spoke.
Young woman: Hey, handsome... I'm a little lonely tonight. I'd love it if you'd keep me company...
Richard was completely oblivious to his surroundings. He wasn't even blinking.
Young woman: Now that's rude... He won't even look at me! - She wasn't accustomed to being ignored. It aggravated her greatly.
Barkeeper: Best just leave him be, love...
In the fake town Salvation
Back at the Tower of god, Adramellech of destruction had made contact with the Cabal.
Adramellech: THERE IS ONE WAY FOR YOU TO FREE ME FROM THE DARK DIMENSION. IN ORDER TO DO THAT, YOU WILL NEED TO COLLECT THE WEAPONS OF THE ARSENAL OF DARKNESS.