In this verdant expanse, brimming with the essence of life, lies a forest shrouded in impenetrable mist, where even the sun's rays dare not penetrate. There, thick fog envelops the landscape, concealing countless swamps and perilous creatures. Yet today, this mist-laden forest is poised for transformation.
The valiant warrior Caesar leads his expedition into the depths of this shadowy wilderness, their target an ancient dragon—"Barn." This primordial beast, which has unleashed countless calamities, is now destined to face its judgment.
The battle unfolds at the heart of the forest. Sharp blades slice through the air as Caesar wields his sword of valor, striking fiercely at Barn's chest. The blade pierces through the dragon's formidable scales, leaving behind a profound wound. Barn emits a bone-chilling roar as dark blood seeps from the injury, pooling upon the earth.
The dragon's eyes flicker with rage and anguish, its massive form trembling under the force of the blows. Ultimately, it collapses before the hero with a thunderous crash, its immense body crushing the surrounding trees and sending a shower of mud and dust into the air.
Upon witnessing Barn's colossal fall, a spark of ecstasy ignites in Caesar's gaze. He slowly raises his bloodied sword to the sky, exclaiming with triumphant fervor, "We have won! The Dark Overlord Barn has finally been defeated!"
Caesar's proclamation reverberates like thunder, shaking the very foundations of the battlefield. His victorious voice echoes through the air, stirring the hearts of all present. The creatures engaged in battle with the brave company momentarily freeze, their movements halting as they turn to gaze upon Caesar.
As their eyes fall upon the immense form of the fallen Barn, dread swiftly spreads among them. The death of their overlord signifies the collapse of their most formidable barrier. In a state of panic, the horde of monsters begins to scatter in all directions.
"Caesar has triumphed!" roars the mighty warrior Takis, his voice rich with boundless joy and tinged with relief.
"At last, it is over! We can return home!" exclaims the sorceress Nana, eagerly stowing away her wand and racing towards Caesar, her face radiant with joy.
From a distance, the sage Nia observes, a smile of contentment gracing his features. He slowly tilts his head toward the sky, deeply reflecting on the conclusion of a protracted and brutal conflict. In that moment, it feels as though a tremendous weight has been lifted from his heart.
The elf Arnold quietly sheaths her holy sword and gracefully approaches Caesar. Her steps are measured, and her gaze conveys a sense of tranquil comfort, as if peace is finally set to return.
Yet, in this brief moment of tranquility, a deep, resentful voice resounds across the battlefield: "Damn it... Has the valiant Caesar grown so powerful that even Barn cannot contend with him? I never imagined Barn would perish at his hands... at least..."
Before the words can fade, a nearby creature, thought to be lifeless, suddenly springs back to life. With a swift motion, it hurls a gleaming dagger toward Caesar. The sudden assault leaves Caesar no time to react, and the dagger plunges into his left chest, blood gushing forth like a fountain.
Upon witnessing the scene, Arnold's eyes widened with a mixture of shock and fury as she swiftly unsheathed her blade, striking toward the creature that had launched the surprise attack. However, the sword merely cleaved through the air; the creature transformed into a wisp of black smoke and vanished before her eyes.
Echoing in the atmosphere, the creature's voice reverberated around them: "Ha ha ha... Though Barn has fallen today, we have not truly lost. At least... I have slain Caesar! Let you all languish for a few more years!"
Caesar clutched his left chest, blood continually spilling from the corner of his mouth, his strength waning as he gradually sank to the ground. Nana and Nia hurried to his side, their faces etched with fear and urgency.
"No... it cannot end like this! You must hold on!" Nana's voice trembled, tears cascading down her cheeks. "We still need to return to hold our wedding; you promised... that after this war, you would marry me..."
Caesar's breaths grew shallower, a faint smile gracing his lips as he spoke: "Nana, I... I might be failing you, ha ha... Please, don't cry; you don't look good when you weep..."
Nana's tears fell like a string of broken pearls, each droplet tumbling down in disarray. She shook her head in panic, exclaiming, "Don't say that! I refuse to accept it! You must return with me!" She turned to Nia, shouting, "Nia, you are the sage! Your restoration magic can surely save Caesar! Hurry! What are you waiting for? Cast the healing spell now!"
Nia gazed silently at Caesar, his hands trembling slightly, the weight of his expression heavy with complexity. He understood that the injury before him was beyond the reach of any restoration magic, yet he remained unable to respond to Nana's desperate plea.
Seeing Nia's hesitation, Nana's tears flowed freely as she shouted in a fit of desperation, "Get away! I don't need you! I'll save Caesar myself!"
With trembling hands, she began to chant the restoration spell, a soft green light slowly enveloping Caesar's body. However, the glow flickered erratically, its power feeble and clearly ineffective.
Caesar managed a faint smile, his voice low and raspy: "Don't waste your energy, Nana... It's too late... Don't blame Nia; this wound... even the strongest restoration magic cannot mend it... We all know that, don't we?"
Nia lowered his head, silent tears streaming down his cheeks... I'm so sorry...
Nana wept uncontrollably, shaking as she struggled to accept the harsh reality before her.
Caesar's gaze shifted toward Arnold and Takis, his voice growing ever fainter: "Arnold... Takis... you must... ensure Nana... Nia... and the rest of the party... return home safely..."
Before he could finish, his chest heaved violently, and then, with a sudden weightiness, Caesar's body slumped as the last flicker of life quietly slipped away. His hand fell limply to the ground, his eyes gently closing, surrendering to eternal slumber.
The battlefield was instantly engulfed in a profound silence, leaving only the sound of Nana's desperate cries resonating in the air.
After a moment of silence, Arnold suddenly spoke, "Nia, I recall you mentioning several months ago the dark forbidden magic of the sage, 'Resurrection of the Dead.' It is said to bring back those who have just passed, is it not? Could you use that magic to save Caesar?"
Nia remained bowed, silent for several seconds before slowly nodding. "Indeed, 'Resurrection of the Dead' can achieve that effect... but..."
"But what?" Nana nearly lost her composure, her voice urgent. "Please, tell us!"
Nia raised her head, her gaze heavy with concern. "'Resurrection of the Dead' is a dark magic, and its principle is quite simple—summoning the Dark Goddess. If successful, she will retrieve Caesar's soul, but if it fails... the caster will be consumed by this dark power, and the success rate... is exceedingly low."
Upon hearing this explanation, those around fell silent, the atmosphere thick with tension as no one dared to make a hasty decision.
"Forget it, death is death... I am willing to take the risk." Nia finally resolved herself, raising her staff and addressing the group before she began softly chanting the ancient incantation. As the spell resonated, an invisible pressure seemed to coalesce in the air. Nia gestured for everyone to step back, creating space for the ritual.
Takis silently supported the still-crying Nana, guiding her aside to give Nia ample room.
Nia began to wave her staff through the air, tracing an enormous dark magic circle. As the magic was invoked, the surrounding atmosphere suddenly grew tumultuous; fierce winds howled as dark energy gathered. Everyone held their breath, anxiously hoping for the success of the ritual.
However, after the recent fierce battle, Nia's magical energy was nearly depleted, and the glow of the magic circle began to flicker, clearly unstable. At that critical moment, Nana did not hesitate; she quickly drew a magic circle on the ground, continuously channeling her own magic into Nia.
Nia felt her magical power surge, astonished as she looked at Nana. "Truly, you are the most powerful mage of our time; this magic... is undeniably potent!"
Tears streaming down her face, Nana choked out, "Nia, I'm so sorry... I shouldn't have blamed you earlier. I only ask you... please, save Caesar..."
Nia nodded silently, saying nothing more, concentrating all her energy into the magic circle. As the power intensified, a blurry figure began to slowly materialize in the center of the magic circle, gradually becoming clearer—it was none other than the Dark Goddess.