Chereads / The Enigma of the V / Chapter 52 - It's not the end of the world...

Chapter 52 - It's not the end of the world...

Before Zeldrys and Demona had arrived at the well in the fake town of Salvation, the sky was clear, and the day was sunny. Birds were in the trees. The wind was gently blowing, giving plants and animals a soothing touch. Nature seemed to have been just going about its routine. When they arrived, Demona placed the three weapons of the arsenal of darkness around the well. There was no need for an incantation... the one Merlin had uttered before was still in effect. Demona made water appear to fill back up the well, then called upon Adramellech's name, and a bright light seared from within the depths of the well till the top of the sky. Dark clouds came to hide the sun from sight despite the light show. The birds stopped singing. The wind was no longer blowing, and there was no sound other than that of the sizzling light being shot through the sky, piercing the firmament. It was as if the Arkana had begun mourning because it knew he was coming.

Meg: It's too late... He will come and destroy everything...

Richard: There must be something we can do! Should we stand here and accept destruction?

Nimrod: I don't know about you guys... But I think we ought to make a break for it! This doesn't look good!

In all but an instant, Legend had an ethereal experience. Relm used his power to take Legend into a lighter version of the Nightmare dimension (let's call it the Dream dimension) because he needed to ask him something. Things got a little complicated there, but Legend managed to return to the Arkana.

Legend: Guys... I'm here too. I won't let you face this alone!

Meg somehow realized that Legend had gone through something. Even though he didn't have much hope in this situation, he flew toward Legend and landed on his shoulder to tell him something.

Meg: Looks like you've had an exciting trip...

Legend: I can never figure out how you know these things... Sometimes it creeps me out, you know?

Meg: I don't believe we've got the time for that conversation... I just want you to remember that we're all counting on you and Rachel... The Sword of Light and the Staff of Zoe are the only weapons that could hurt Adramellech. I believe in you, Legend!

Legend: I'm pretty much terrified right now... But I will fight! I will do my best to stop the end of the world!

Rachel: As will I!

Richard: Count on me for whatever it's worth!

Nimrod: Aw, man! I guess peer pressure wins... I've got your back!

The sizzling light that pierced through the sky was a stable stream. A figure could be seen emerging from the light. When it did, there was a loud noise of something breaking. A crack. The sound of a barrier between dimensions shattering and allowing the most dangerous threat in... Adramellech was in the Arkana.

His appearance was not what one would have expected for a demon that wanted to destroy the world. He had a long robe, light armor, and wings as black as night. He didn't look frightening... But his presence induced disheartening fear.

Zeldrys knelt before him.

Zeldrys: Master. We welcome you to this dimension. Please, do as you will.

Demona walked up to him and knelt as well.

Demona: We are your humble servants, oh great Lord of destruction.

Adramellech looked at them both with what appeared to be kindness.

Adramellech: Well done, my children. Now it is time for me to finally fulfill my destiny.

Rachel: Not if we stop you first!

Rachel and Legend were standing not too far away from the well. Richard and Nimrod were behind them, and Meg was flying nearby.

Adramellech didn't even look in their direction. Zeldrys stood up and unsheathed his Masamune blade.

Nimrod: Look out! He's gonna paralyze you!

Zeldrys immediately yelled, "Seigen," paralyzing Legend in the process, but Rachel was somehow unaffected.

Rachel: Sacred power born from the rivers of light; I beg you... Hear my call! Reverse the status that ails my friend! Heal!

Upon casting the spell, Legend's movements were restored. Rachel then stood back while she channeled for another spell. Legend swung the blade of light, shooting a light beam in Zeldrys' direction. While Zeldrys stared as he saw the beam of light heading straight for him, Demona appeared in front of Zeldrys and deflected the beam creating air pressure with her hand. The beam went upward and dissipated in the distance as Legend stared in disbelief. Demona seemed to have a sore wrist after that.

Demona: Why don't you children run along now? There is no point in your interference now that our Master is here.

Rachel: Offensive Light Spheres! – Rachel shot spheres like bubbles that flew rapidly and hit both Zeldrys and Demona, but they didn't hurt Demona. The bubbles exploded upon hitting Zeldrys, though. After the impact, his face was all burnt up, but he didn't seem to react to the burns.

Rachel: {He didn't even flinch after that exploded in his face?}

Zeldrys: We have fulfilled our duty as servants of our Lord. All things shall now be according to his will.

Nimrod: If your idea of the way how things ought to be is a lifeless, scorched world, I'd have to disagree with ya there, pal...

Legend: It doesn't matter what you say... We won't allow you monsters to destroy this world!

Adramellech reacted to the heroes for the first time upon hearing what Legend had just said. He looked at Legend after he said those words with curiosity.

The Lord of Destruction walked toward him and stood right before him. Legend was trying his best not to show how afraid he was. Everyone thought he would attack him, but instead, he began speaking.

Adramellech: I understand your position, mortal. Believe me, I genuinely do. I would have done the same if I had been in your situation. But my coming was inevitable. I am here to bring justice. The just are unable to understand this for some reason, which is why I was imprisoned for about ten thousand years.

It was foretold. Humanity is the root of all evil. It is the reason why your world is dying. And I do not speak of the Arkana.

Legend: Huh?

Adramellech: I can tell that you are not from here originally. And there is something within you that makes me believe you deserve respect. You are not like most of your kind.

Legend turned his head to look at the others, confused. Nimrod shrugged in Legend's direction.

Legend: {This is not the way I saw this going... is he some sort of philosopher?}

Adramellech: My mission is a righteous one, child. The One created wondrous worlds... but they were corrupted wherever humans appeared. If The One were here, I believe he would agree with my mission. Do you not understand the futility of opposing me? It is not me whom you should be attempting to risk your lives to stop. It is humanity.

Meg: Tell me, Adramellech! How is it justice if you intend to destroy all of humanity? The innocent and the guilty!? How do you justify your quest? Not all humans are evil!

Adramellech: What a peculiar creature... I can see the truth of who you are, even if your allies cannot.

Meg seemed surprised after hearing that...

Adramellech: The truth is that I failed. I hoped to rid this world of humanity before they were allowed to cause so much pain, suffering, and destruction... From my imprisonment, I was able to see it all... Wars... Injustice... Betrayal... Fear... The Guardians stood idly by and did nothing! All they did was watch as humanity caused more pain and suffering. I am here to put an end to all of it. I will purge creation from all of them. Every last one!

Nimrod: You know what...? The guy kinda has a point, you know? With all the bad people around this world kinda sucks.

Richard: Nimrod, I would not have expected to hear that even from you! Who gives him the right to be the judge of humanity? And what about the innocents? Do they also deserve to be purged? I do not buy into this nonsense! A Fiend with a so-called grandiose cause is still a fiend!

Zeldrys: How dare you!?

Zeldrys took out his double-edged sword and fired his "Piercing Blast" at Richard, but Legend covered him, blocking it with the Sword of Light.

Adramellech: There is no need for unanimous accord for me to carry out my purpose. Whether you like it or not... No matter if you are blind to reality or if you are able to see the truth... It shall be as I have decided! Humanity is a sickness in all dimensions... I will heal creation by getting rid of them all.

Demona: What do you mean, Master?

Adramellech: I originally intended to destroy all humans... But now I intend to end all living things throughout all dimensions! It is because of them that it has all been corrupted... warped from its original intent. Now they must all die.

Everyone was in shock after hearing these words. Zeldrys and Demona were mostly indifferent.

Legend: Rachel... Nimrod... I want to try something reckless, but I need your help to pull it off.

Rachel: What's the plan?

Legend: If Nimrod can help me get high enough to be out of Zeldrys' reach, I can shoot a Dive-bomb beam of light that should at least hurt that fiend...

Nimrod: That's a terrible idea. It'll never work!

Rachel: We will make it work. I can cover you with my Wall spell for extra protection.

Nimrod: I'm with a gang of suicidal maniacs! Anyway... I've got your back, kid!

Richard: I will distract them to take their attention away from you. This should buy you more time to land your attack, Legend.

Legend: Thanks, Richard!

Rachel: We can do this!

Richard: We will!

Nimrod: Just don't die, right? No big deal, right? 

Legend: Let's go!