A profound sadness, a heavy silence, enveloped me as I gazed upon my mother and sister, both lost in a perpetual, unresponsive slumber.
The doctor had found no physical diseases, no tangible anomaly.
Their affliction, a shared mystery, mirrored the inexplicable comas plaguing countless others in the aftermath of the decades war between human and monster.
Only the Miracle Potion, a desperate hope, offered a chance at salvation for my family.
This super important potion driving me to the dangerous undertaking of invading the Abandoned Tower Dungeon alone.
My mastery of the new summoning spells, Zephyr and Aizel, had built adequate confidence for me in facing the threat of Legendary Sorcerer within the Abandoned Tower Dungeon.
Yet, a nagging doubt persisted.
I feel there's a crucial piece missing from the puzzle before I decide to go toward the Abandoned Tower Dungeon.
The missing puzzle I think of is a vital link to obtaining the miracle cure.
While I understand, to some extent, that go to the Abandoned Tower Dungeon can help me find the Miracle Potion, I feel there's something I requires to have that kind of access or way to reach that legendary item.
Unfortunately, I haven't yet find any clue for it.
This uncertainty weighed heavily on my mind as I settled between my loved ones, accessing the System's menu.
A fresh notification blinked from the Magician Gear Store, demanding my attention.
> The Gravity Rune*
Enable Return to Earth Spell, requires 200.000 Monster Diamond
> Last Resort*
Automatically activated when Health Power reached 5%, requires 500.000 Monster Diamond
Fantastic!
Two new gear to the system's shop!
While the Last Resort item is undeniably crucial for conquering the dangerous Abandoned Tower Dungeon, its damn expensive cost currently presents a significant obstacle for me to buy it.
I decide to prioritize the Gravity Rune for growing my magician power.
I shall acquire the necessary Monster Diamonds for the Last Resort item at a later juncture.
>200.000 Monster Diamond spent
>The Gravity Rune successfully Attuned!
>You get new Magician Spell: Return to Earth!
*Cast a high pressure gravity in certain area at short range
>Active Skill:
Lightning Bolt
Gaia Endowment
Divine Thunder
Fire Storm
Lightning Spark
Blade of Fire
Quicksand
Ice Javelin
Frost Bite
Return to Earth
>Passive Skill:
Magic Barrier
Mana Regeneration
Health Regeneration
The Eye of Sorcerer
Zephyr
Aizel
Functionally, the "Return to Earth" spell mirrors the "Quicksand" spell in its capacity to immobilize foes.
However, while less potent in trapping enemies, it boasts superior area-of-effect coverage, faster casting time, and significantly lower mana consumption.
Its ideal application lies in preemptively countering the swift, close-quarters assaults of highly mobile adversaries.
A worthwhile investment, indeed!
The Monster Diamond was money well spent!
Closing the system menu, I rose to my feet.
Beside my family, another visit awaited me at this hospital.
I proceeded to an executive suite, where I found my friend Avyanna, lying down in the bed with pale face.
Following our difficult battle with the Arcanist Elf, exhaustion had landed many of our team in this place.
Avyanna is one of them.
"Alstair!" Avyanna's surprised exclamation was tinged with a blush as she self-consciously adjusted her hair.
But my attention was immediately drawn to the imposing figure seated beside her: Aldwin, a Knight Association executive and Avyanna's father.
"Excellent timing," Aldwin declared, cutting me off before I could even greet her.
"Avyanna, rest. I require a private discussion with this young man." He abruptly ushered me away, brooking no dissent.
"Father! What are you doing? Why are you preventing Alstair from visiting me?" Avyanna protested, but her objections were silenced by the abrupt closure of the door.
Alone with Aldwin outside Avyanna's room, a sardonic question escaped my lips: "Another Scolding season? In here? In the hospital?"
Aldwin's gaze remained fixed on me, unyielding.
The initial gravity of the situation unexpectedly yielded to a long pause, culminating in a profound bow. "I apologize for my previous accusations regarding your involvement with the Shadow Hunters. My suspicions were entirely unfounded, a grave error in judgment."
His sincere apologize genuinely startled me.
From my last meeting with him, I'd envisioned Aldwin as an arrogant, self-important elitist, incapable of admitting fault.
Yet, his remorse felt undeniably authentic, a stark contrast to his earlier threatening demeanor.
"I witnessed your exceptional valor during the Arcanist Elf conflict. As such, I deem it my honor to bestow this upon you."
From his sleeve, he produced a talisman – a scroll of yellow parchment crisscrossed with crimson lines. Its outward appearance was unremarkable, yet a potent magical aura emanated from it.
Intrigued, I asked, "What is that?"
Aldwin responded, "This is a Talisman Map, an exceptionally rare artifact typically discovered within S-Rank Dungeons. It provides crucial guidance and direction within the Monster Realm, aiding in your search."
His gaze sharpened.
"I understand your desperate quest to restore your mother and sister from their inexplicable comatose state. This map will help you locate the Miracle Potion—the very elixir you need. Knowing your unwavering devotion to your family, I trust the Talisman will lead you true. Use it wisely." He gently placed the map in my hand.
Overwhelmed with relief, I was speechless.
A wave of hope surged through me!
While I understand the Talisman Map might not lead me directly to the Miracle Potion, but I believe it will lead me to the missing puzzle I searching!
"Thank you," I breathed, "I will."
Aldwin glanced at his smartwatch, a frown etching itself onto his brow.
"An urgent executive meeting has unexpectedly arisen. My apologies for this abrupt departure, but please convey my regards to my daughter. Tell her I had to leave early and will visit tomorrow." He excused himself.
"Certainly," I replied.
He paused, turning back.
"Remember, the Shadow Hunters remain active, lurking within the Dungeons, camouflaging themselves amongst guilds and low-rank Knights to manipulate their victims. While I believe you're not one of them, you could easily become prey. Exercise extreme caution on your mission." He finally departed.
His last message remind me about Winstein, one of Shadow Hunters that almost killed me and Avyanna in previous dungeon.
Ever since Winstein's defeat, I had feeling being observed, stalked by the ominous presence of the Shadow Hunters – a certainty, given Winstein's affiliation on such criminal guild.
Their vengeful nature filled me with foreboding; an ambush in the next Dungeon felt imminent.
However, there's not yet their act on hunting me.
Whatever their planning, I definitely will crush them without doubt.
Dismissing these disturbing thoughts, I returned to Avyanna's hospital room.
She looked startled at my arrival.
"Alstair! Where is Father? He hasn't done anything to you, has he?" she stammered, anxiety etched on her face.
"No, just a casual conversation," I reassured her, casually displaying the Talisman.
Avyanna's jaw dropped.
She was dumbfounded.
"That's an incredibly rare item! I never anticipated Father would entrust you with something so valuable!" Astonishment radiated from her.
"Pretty amazing, right?" I replied, settling into a chair beside her bed. "How are you feeling?"
"I… I'm improving, Alstair! I even believe we can resume our quest! Look, I can—"
With a determined effort, she attempted to stand, but her weakened body betrayed her, sending her tumbling.
Instinctively, I caught her before she hit the floor.
She was safe, but her skin burned to the touch, and her cheeks flushed crimson.
A fever?
A troubling thought pierced my mind.
Avyanna strangely evasive, averted her gaze and retreated beneath her blankets.
An unnerving silence descended, her reluctance to continue palpable.
After long pause, I spoke gently, "Rest is necessary. You need it."
Her voice, frail with fever, barely a whisper, betrayed her urgency.
"But… we're so close to guild advancement! Crystallice Guild is the fastest-growing newcomer, Alstair! The two-week evaluation is crucial; we must secure those points! We have a real chance to impress the Knight Association!"
I understood her anxieties.
Crystallice Guild required three B-rank missions to qualify for the Knight Association's ranking evaluation.
A higher ranking—ideally within the top fifty globally—would unlock access to lucrative missions, missions vital to my own pursuits.
Yet, Avyanna's current illness presented a formidable obstacle.
Her insistence on participation will significantly disturbed both her well-being and mission success.
"I'll go alone," I declared resolutely, "as Crystallice Guild's representative."
"No!" Her protest, sharp despite her weakness, echoed my own concerns. B-rank missions often contains dangerous or secret dungeons with powerful bosses, elevating the inherent risk. Her worry was justified.
"I can handle it," I reassured her, my confidence unwavering.
My magical prowess was considerable to tackle those threat alone as Sorcerer.
"Alstair, you don't understand! It's not just monsters; it's the Knights! Many of my viewers like you during our streaming, but among the Knights, their perspective is less favorable. Your life could be in grave danger without me on the team!" Her stiff breaths punctuated her desperate request.
With a gentle hand, I stroked her hair, settling her back against the pillows.
"Rest. Leave this to me, Avyanna."
"But, Alstair—"
"I'll succeed. I'll bring good news. Stay here."
Our gazes locked, a silent exchange heavy with unspoken emotion.
Despite her struggle, she ultimately yielded to the necessity of her rest.
Finally, her face burning, she whispered, "Return safely, Alstair."
The softness of her voice surprised me.
This vulnerability, this reliance, was unexpected from the strong, independent woman from a prominent family like her.
"I will," I promised, bidding her a heartfelt farewell.
***
For a month, Dawn City, famed for its breathtaking sunrises, has been besieged by a relentless horde of Undead Monsters.
Its beauty has been utterly ravaged, transforming it into a nightmarish hellscape.
Of course The Knight Association had an serious attempt to take back Dawn City from those Undead Monsters.
However, they overwhelmed by high-priority missions, so they had to dispatched only A-rank and lower knights to reclaim the city.
Now those Knights who assigned to this mission perpetually shrouded in an unnatural, oppressive aura all around the city and darkness of the sky on Dawn City.
It can be said, the city itself seems to exist in a separate and malevolent realm from human world.
Despite those horror condition, the Talisman of Maps had direct me to this life-threatening city, which I had to go through it for the sake of missing puzzle of Miracle Potion.
Approaching the city gates, I encountered a substantial contingent of knights assembled for the impending assault.
I'm fully aware no one in there likes me, just as Avyanna said, but I have privilege as Crystallice Guild's representative.
Despite I'm being blacklisted from most guilds, my affiliation with the Crystallice Guild granted me immediate entry into this raid mission.
The mission itself is categorized as a full-scale raid due to its scale and the diverse guilds participating.
Arrived at the gate, a young man with short black hair, clad in the expensive, wearing a high-quality armor of a high-ranking A-rank knight – reminiscent of Avyanna's – stood before me.
His gaze is intense to me.
The sun medal pinned to his tunic immediately caught my eye; a symbol of elite graduate of training at the prestigious Knight Academy.
As far as I remember, The Knight Academy's rise is directly tied to the power shift from military to knights, following battles between human and extradimensional monsters for decades.
Knights, especially those of high rank, wield influence rivaling that of celebrities, military, or political leaders, attracting ambitious and talented individuals to participate as a Knights despite the inherent dangers of their profession.
This young man's arrogance, evident in his bearing, is therefore unsurprising for me.
This is Lance, a youngest A-rank Knight, whose strength and rank are comparable to Winstein's, though his age are far younger.
Lance's voice, flat and frigid, cut through the air.
"So, you've joined this raid, have you?"
"Yes," I replied shortly.
His arrogance oozed like venom. "The hundred-strong knight contingent is already assembled. I'm the chosen leader, in case that detail escaped your notice."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over me with undisguised contempt.
"My primary concern is identifying and eliminating weak links that I know will made the mission failed. And you, Alstair, are a prime candidate for betrayal." His words hung heavy with disdain.
I understood the unspoken accusation.
He despised me.
He, and the hundred knights he controlled, loathed my presence.
"You're a liability, a manipulative mage who deceive Avyanna into abandoning her prestigious guild for your fledgling enterprise," he spat.
His disgust is shown on his face.
"It was an appalling display of naivete on her part. She was embarrassment.", Lance added his disgust toward Avyanna.
"Your concern for Avyanna is... touching," I remarked, my tone even.
"Touching? I pity her! Her judgment so utterly compromised by your deceitful charm! It's miraculous the Knight Executives haven't already condemned you! Despite all of that, Avyanna still give you unwavering support?! You're a remarkably fortunate scoundrel!" he sneered.
"Regardless of your assessment, I am capable to do this mission as a Crystallice Guild's representative," I declared, my voice firm.
A sneering smile twisted his lips, rapidly replaced by a flush of fury.
With blinding speed, he leveled his spear at my neck.
The weapon's sharpened point emanated a palpable threat, a tangible aura of power.
Even at his age, his A-rank knight prowess was undeniable.
"Ah, there's your true nature, you conceited fool!" he roared, his voice echoing across the assembled knights.
"You believe you can single-handedly vanquish the three monstrous bosses guarding Dawn City? I relish the prospect of watching you meet your demise at their claws, you fraudster!" I paused for a while.
Not because of his yapping, but he mention the three monster bosses, which is resonated with the path of the miracle from Talisman of Map.
I had already planned this expedition would be undertaken alone, yet my conviction remained unshaken.
So far, I can say I'm on the right track.
Then, abruptly, Lance barked an order.
"Bring forth that imbecile!" Several knights dragged a obese man, clad in a threadbare knight's uniform, his gear overflowing his shoulders.
The man was roughly dumped at my feet.
The air vibrated with Lance's sneering laughter, a coarse harsh that scraped against my ears.
"Here, bring this thing," he barked, shoving the portly knight towards me.
The fat man's jowls quivered, his eyes pleading.
Lance's team roared with amusement, a wave of contempt washing over me.
"The weakling and the problematic magician," Lance drawled, his gaze cutting like a shard of ice.
"A perfect recipe for disaster!" His words were punctuated by the eruption of more laughter, a mocking chorus that echoed off the Dawn City walls.
"Look at them, the problematic and the weak knight! Such a ideal combination to getting destroyed in this mission!"
"Hahahaha! The hallucinated magician said he can solve this mission only by himself?! What a joke!"
"He even must bring the dumb fat man as his only partner! It's pretty dumb but funny at the same time!" The taunts continued, piercing my resolve.
My fingers twitched, as the urge to unleash a Frost Bite spell to all these clown for shutting these damn mouth.
But it would be wasting my time and energy for me to do it.
With a contemptuous flick of his wrist, the youthful, overconfident Lance dismissed his legion – a hundred knights strong – with a roar.
"The playing times are over! To the battlefield!" he bellowed, his voice echoing across those Knights.
Lance and his raid team immediately strive through the Dawn City.
Their weapons gleamed as they sprang into action, a tide of steel surging towards the conflict.
Their advance was so swift, they were mere blurs, vanishing into the fray.
Soon, only the dissonance of steel on monstrous hide and the agonized cries of the Undead Monsters reached my ears, a evidence to their brutal efficiency.
Lance and his strike force, it appeared, intended a swift, decisive victory over the three monster bosses before exhaustion claimed them.
Silence descended as they stormed Dawn City, leaving only the fat man and myself at the deserted gates.
"Sir Alstair!" the fat knight suddenly gasped, struggling to his feet, his body wracked with pain.
The livid bruises, marring his flesh were a disturbing anomaly suggesting a brutal preemptive assault.
My suspicion solidified: Lance and his knights were bullying him harshly.
"Forgive the interruption, sir," he wheezed, his breath coming in ragged gasps, "but I beg you, let me accompany you! I'll safeguard your equipment, your precious Monster Diamonds—trust me!" he begged desperately.
"The Dawn City currently filled with horde of undead," I cautioned, "this mission far too dangerous for you. You can try a different and better mission."
"No! Please, I beg you! No knight want me to join, and I'm desperate for money!"
"As I said before, other mission might have better safety and enough payment for you," I stated firmly. "But the Dawn City mission is a death sentence. Don't throw your life on a meaningless act."
The fat knight collapsed to his knees, tears streaming down his face.
"I beg you, Sir Alstair! Please! My little sister is gravely ill, and I'm her sole provider. Our parents are gone, and I must cover her expensive medical expenses!" His sincerity was undeniable.
The weight of his despair settled heavily upon me.
A profound sense of déjà vu washed over me. This obese knight's reason mirrored my own wretched past as the weakest Knight, a period marked by relentless harassment, ridicule, and grievous wounds sustained on countless missions.
The crushing irony was inescapable: I was forcing him into a role identical to my own past servitude – the only employment I could secure to meet my meager financial obligations, though it barely provided enough to survive.
"Are you really certain about your request? The likelihood of severe injury at the hands of the undead monster is deeply serious," I pressed the fat knight, seeking clarity.
"Yes, sir! Fear not! A knight accepts the possibility of death in the line of duty! My sister's well-being is my sole motivation!" he declared, his voice brimming with fervent hope, a hope that both impressed and troubled me.
I sensed his unwavering resolve, yet his cavalier acceptance of death really put me on my nerves.
My hand lashed out, a sharp but not injurious blow across his cheek, a stark warning.
"You may join me, but that reckless disregard for your life is unacceptable. Your sister needs you come back alive and safe. I understand your financial desperation, but I refuse to witness you throw your life meaninglessly for miserable amount of money. Do you understand my concern?" I demanded, my tone resolute.
His head bowed in deep regret, "Yes, sir. I apologize..."
The slap seemingly caused him no physical pain; however, I perceived a genuine acceptance of my rebuke, a glimmer of understanding in his humbled demeanor.
"Good. What's your name?", I asked.
"My name is Bain, sir.", he answered.
"Okay, Bain. Come with me."
With Bain trailing, I pressed onward toward Dawn City. Passing through the gateway, a jarring transition plunged me from brilliant midday into the oppressive cloak of night.
It was as if I'd been instantaneously displaced across both space and time, deposited into a realm filled with malevolence.
The darkness itself throbbed with menace; from every shadowed corner, from beneath the crumbling buildings and shattered streets, I sensed the threatening gaze of countless undead horrors fixated upon us.
Retreat was impossible at this point.
Maintaining composure, I conjured Zephyr, my wind spirit.
Three ethereal warriors materialized instantly, their wind-forged blades shimmering, their senses acutely attuned to even the faintest tremor in the darkness.
Bain, oblivious to Zephyr's existence, remained by my side.
The menacing atmosphere, thick with the palpable dread of impending carnage, kept my senses razor-sharp.
The undead legions were inevitable.
Halting my advance, I addressed Bain, my voice low but firm.
"Bain," I warned, drawing the Dragon Scepter from my inventory, "stay close. A stray moment's of careless could prove fatal."
"Y-yes, sir!", Bain immediately shorten his distance with me while his leg shaking in fear.
> Dragon Scepter equipped!
> Mana Power increased 100%!
> Mana Damage increased 100%!
> Magic Barrier defense increased 100%!
It sounds vague at first, but I can sense its incoming.
A howling wind, a banshee scream tearing through the canyons of the city, clawed at my ears from east and west.
It built to a crescendo, a physical pressure, as the wind itself seemed to solidify.
My Warrior of Wind met the onslaught!
The enemy long-range attack incoming!
A crystalline projectile, a drill bit of bright, glacial blue, shattered against the sword's edge with a ringing clang.
Another followed, another incoming after that.
A relentless barrage.
Each strike a violent tremor through the air.
My warrior deflected, each parry a near-miss against my skin.
But the rhythm of impact was growing more frantic.
This wouldn't hold forever.
As soon as I utilize The Eye of Sorcerer, a gift of foresight, I can see far away pierced the howling wind.
Far off, I identified the skeletal silhouettes, currently sitting and aiming, spread around top of buildings in the east and west.
Those are undead archers, humanoids wreathed in tattered black cloaks, horns jutting from their skull-like faces.
Each drew a crystal arrow, their bows strung taut, aiming with chilling precision.
I count there's nine of them.
But there's more, an unique one to be precise.
My gaze sharpened.
Above the others, impossibly tall, a skeletal monstrosity dominated the scene.
Its black cloak, shredded and wind-whipped, billowed around it like a storm.
A jagged hole gaped in its forehead, and within it—a malevolent red crystal pulsed with inner light, a single, baleful eye that locked onto mine.
A cold certainty settled in my gut: this was the one of Boss Monsters I had to defeat. The System's notification pinged, confirming my suspicion.
From my vantage point, the fearsome Dreadspire and his spectral archers loomed, a distant but attainable threat.
I immediately prepared Ice Javelin Spell.
Ten Ice Javelin, meticulously crafted and aimed, materialized in my grasp.
With a decisive gesture, I unleashed this volley, each projectile a shard of glacial fury.
The projectiles hurtled towards their targets with lethal precision, pulverizing the undead archers in a single, devastating wave of frozen destruction.
Yet, Dreadspire's formidable magical barrier proved impenetrable; one Ice Javelin shattered against his arcane defenses before it could deliver its icy kiss of death!
Damn!
Well, at least, the incoming shoot of crystal bullet from those Undead Archers stopped for a moment.
I see Bain kneeled with shaking body due to fear behind me.
Around me, there's lot of broken crystal bullet scattered.
If I observe it, it seems those crystal is not a material that come from the earth.
When I recall at one of mission that fight the Undead Monster in the past, those Undead is different with the monster that getting resurrected by Necromancer.
Undead Monster have their own realm and area, which implies those crystal bullet arrow is originally come from Undead Realm.
Amidst my though, a whirlwind of motion erupted as my Wind Warrior intercepted a crystalline arrow mere inches from my skull.
I retreated swiftly, providing the warrior clear passage to deflect a deadly volley from east and west.
Under the eyes of Sorcerer, I detected a fresh wave of Undead Archers, summoned by the ominous Deadspire.
A simple countermeasure presented itself; I conjured ten of Ice Javelins, poised to obliterate the vile archers.
Yet, a subtle shift in the air preceded a far greater threat.
Though nearly inaudible, each footfall resonated with bone-jarring intensity, a strong tremor of malice.
This was no ordinary approach; it radiated an aura of chilling intent, of imminent, overwhelming menace.
My gaze snapped northeastward, where a towering skeletal figure, humanoid yet ghastly, emerged from the shadows.
Clad in a long, black shroud, it held a katana at its hip.
A single, gaping hole in its skull housing two malevolent crimson crystals.
Before my speculation could solidify, the system's notification arrived, revealing the identity of this horrifying specter.
The System's notification confirmed these undead were among my three targets.
Their discovery, however, significantly escalated the challenge.
These elite undead proved formidable adversaries, demanding immediate, decisive action.
Delay was not an option!
I needed to seize the initiative!
Instantly, I hurled an Ice Javelin at the harassing undead archers, obliterating them with a single, precise strike.
My subsequent attempt to pierce the Dreadspire's defenses with the same spell, however, failed; his potent magical barrier deflected the attack.
Undeterred, I prepared my Divine Thunder spell, hoping to breach his formidable shield.
Simultaneously, with the Wind Warrior now free from the crystal arrow barrage, I directed Zephyr to engage the Voidwalker.
To my astonishment, the Voidwalker expertly parried the Wind Warrior's furious assault.
Anticipating this deft counterplay, I knew direct engagement was necessary.
The Voidwalker's agility suggested that a swift Ice Javelin would prove ineffective.
Thus, I opted for a devastating area-of-effect spell – the Fire Storm – guaranteeing its impact.
Leveraging the Eyes of Sorcerer enhancement, I prepare to unleash a triple-spell offensive simultaneously.
Victory remained within reach; I would subdue these powerful foes.
As I invoked the Firestorm Spell, a strange anomaly manifested.
The nocturnal crescent moon hung unusually large in the sky, an unsettling spectacle.
Instantly, a mystical, piercing agony seized my heart, forcing me to kneel and abruptly halting the incantation.
Damn!
What the hell has happened?!
My bewilderment was shattered by a stark system alert, revealing the critical state I now had to face.
>Warning! The Crescent Moonlight Curse had affected your Magician Power!
>Warning! Your Mana power decreased 50%!
>Warning! Your Mana damage decreased 50%!
>Warning! Your Magic Barrier Defense decreased 50%!
>Warning! Your Eye of Dullahan Ring effect weakened 50%!
>Warning! Your Accelerator Ring effect weakened 50%!
Damn it!
The debilitating lunar influence emanating from Dawn City is crippling my magical abilities!
This unforeseen weakness forced the cancellation of my planned Divine Thunder and Firestorm – a catastrophic setback.
What now?
Destroy the crescent moons themselves?
No, that would be nonsense.
Those celestial anomalies aren't of this world; they originate from the ghastly Undead Monster Realm.
An elite undead creature within Dawn City is the culprit, the source of this malevolent moonlight.
One thing that captivated me, this accursed lunar blight doesn't affect only me.
I see Bain is gasping, kneeling in agony, a condition that I know will be faced by Lance and his raid squad.
Looking at my Wind Warriors, their movements sluggish and feeble, which eventually made them easier to be slaughtered by the Voidwalkers.
Even my intervention proves ineffective under this curse's oppressive weight.
I must identify the curse's origin, but where?
In this desperate moment, I activate the Talisman of Map, targeting the nearest Voidwalker while noting Dreadspire in the far east, leaving only the southeast unexplored.
I'm certain the third undead elite, responsible for this infernal moonlight, lurks there.
Witnessing the brutal decimation of my Wind Warriors, I can afford no further deliberation.
No time to hesitate!
I'm moving!
I bellowed, "Bain, with me!"
His reluctant body lurched into motion as he scrambled to keep pace. Gasping for air, he stammered, "Sir... southeast, sir?" He added, breathlessly, "From the direction, it appears we're headed for Dawn City's main cathedral, sir!"
"What? How?" I gasped, clutching my aching chest.
"I lived here, sir," Bain replied, "long before the undead hordes descended. I know this place intimately."
A reasonable explanation.
But as we ran, Zephyr's spectral form flickered back to me—my Wind Warrior, vanquished by the Voidwalker.
A wave of oppressive darkness surged from behind, the unmistakable signature of our pursuer.
"Damn!"
The cursed moonlight rendered me powerless against him.
Bain's voice cut through my despair. "Sir... there's an alleyway! We can use it to reach the cathedral!"
Inspiration struck.
"Excellent! Lead the way!"
He darted into the nearest passage, and I followed closely.
The Voidwalker's relentless footfalls and suffocating aura gradually faded, confirming our plan is works.
Clearly, the creature relied solely on auditory cues, which explains that the alley's dampening effect had masked our approach.
Minutes stretched into an eternity as we navigated the labyrinthine alley, when a chilling premonition washed over me.
It wasn't just intuition; it was a visceral certainty of impending doom.
The air crackled with anticipation.
A whistling sound—the keen edge of a spell.
My instincts screamed.
I yanked Bain down just as a devastating magical bolt pierced the buildings flanking us.
The Dreadspire's long-range attack!
Bain's cry of terror echoed amidst the crumbling debris.
Unlike the Voidwalker, the Dreadspire depended entirely on sight, perched atop one of Dawn City's tallest structures, his gaze sweeping across the city.
He had detected us in that maze of alleyways!
Damn!
"Calm yourself! We must reach the sanctuary!" I hauled Bain to his feet, compelling him onward.
Gasping for air, we pressed on, a desperate, breathless sprint toward the looming church.
Inside the hallowed hall, dust motes danced in the dim light, illuminating a horrifying tableau.
Rows of ancient, wood pews, their surfaces thick with the grime of ages, flanked a skeletal monstrosity.
A ghastly parody of a woman, cloaked in a dark, funereal mantle and hooded shadow, knelt in macabre supplication at the altar's foot.
Her gaping maw, a cavernous abyss, revealed a pulsating crimson crystal, an unsettling echo of the Voidwalker and Dreadspire's malevolent gems.
Despite the terrifying visage, a chilling, high-pitched hum emanated from the creature—a spectral choir, a song of the damned.
My scrutiny of this undead abomination was broken by a system notification, cruelly confirming my darkest suspicions.