The aftermath of the battle at Morrath's Bastion brought little rest for the defenders. Though the Dominion had retreated, the tension in the air lingered as the castle bustled with activity. Morrath stood atop the ramparts, his crimson eyes fixed on the horizon, his mind already calculating their next move.
The system chimed in his mind, cutting through his thoughts.
[Milestone Questline Unlocked: Dominion's Fall.]
[Objective: Liberate the Village of Greythorn from Commander Harken.]
[Initial Rank Progression: 5%. Reward: Enhanced Spell: Shadow Tendrils.]
Morrath frowned slightly, the weight of the new quest settling on him. "So, this is how it begins," he murmured, his voice low. The challenge was clear: this wasn't just another skirmish—it was the start of a long campaign.
Kaela approached quietly, leaning on her glowing staff as she joined him at the ramparts. She studied his expression, her eyes narrowing with concern. "Frank," she said softly, her voice breaking the stillness. "You've got that look again—the one that says you're about to do something reckless."
Morrath glanced at her, his hardened expression softening slightly. "The Dominion isn't done," he replied, his voice steady. "And neither are we."
Kaela tilted her head, searching his face for answers. "What's next?" she asked, her tone cautious. "Another battle?"
He gestured toward the horizon, where the faint outline of Greythorn lay beyond the forest. "We're heading there," he said. "The Dominion's supply lines run through that village. If we take it, we cut off their reinforcements."
…Vivienne's arrival was marked by the sharp click of her boots against the stone as she joined them. She carried a rolled map in one hand, her other resting lightly on her hip. "The scouts are back," she said briskly, offering the map to Morrath. "Dominion forces are regrouping at Greythorn, with Commander Harken leading them."
Morrath turned to her, his focus sharpening. "How many?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.
Vivienne unrolled the map across a nearby table, her sharp nails tapping specific points as she spoke. "Two platoons, reinforced with elites," she said, leaning forward slightly to mark key positions. "They've fortified the main square and secured supply depots."
As she leaned closer, the top button of her uniform came undone, revealing more of her collarbone and the faint curve of her neckline. It might have seemed accidental, but her deliberate movements suggested otherwise.
Morrath's crimson eyes flicked downward for the briefest moment before he quickly turned his gaze to the map. His jaw tightened, and he cleared his throat, forcing his focus back to the discussion. "They've positioned themselves well," he said, his voice steady despite the flicker of distraction.
Vivienne's lips curved into a faint smirk as she straightened. "They're confident," she said smoothly. "But confidence can be broken." Her tone carried a subtle playfulness, as though she'd noticed his reaction.
Kaela, standing a few steps behind Morrath, caught the entire exchange. Her grip on her staff tightened as her sharp gaze moved between Vivienne and Morrath. The faintest crease appeared in her brow, though she said nothing—yet.
Klara's voice interrupted the tension, her tone light but filled with excitement. "A fortified square, huh?" she said as she approached, her twin blades resting lazily on her shoulders. "Sounds like my kind of party."
Morrath smirked faintly, appreciating her enthusiasm. "We'll divide their forces," he said, outlining the plan. "Klara, take half the group and create a distraction on the north side. I'll handle the commander."
Vivienne crossed her arms, her gaze flicking to Kaela briefly before landing back on Morrath. "And where do I fit into this plan?" she asked, her voice calm but carrying a faint edge.
"You'll coordinate the archers," Morrath replied. "Target their supply wagons and keep their reinforcements pinned down. This will only work if their lines stay scattered."
Kaela's lips pressed into a thin line as she watched Vivienne lean closer again, pointing out key supply routes on the map. The scout commander's composure and subtle provocations only deepened Kaela's unease. She cleared her throat, drawing Morrath's attention away from the map.
"Frank," Kaela said, her voice firm. "You'll need my wards for this mission. Let me come with you."
Morrath turned to her, his crimson eyes meeting hers. "Your magic is keeping the castle fortified," he said, his tone steady. "I need you here, Kaela."
Kaela frowned, her gaze flicking toward Vivienne for a brief moment. "You can't do this alone," she said softly. "Promise me you'll come back."
Morrath hesitated before nodding. "I will," he said. "Trust me."
…The journey to Greythorn was swift and silent, the dense forest enveloping them as they moved. Shadow Veil cloaked their movements, ensuring they bypassed Dominion scouts undetected. Morrath's group moved with precision, each step bringing them closer to their objective.
The system chimed softly in his mind as the village's outline came into view.
[Objective Update: Liberate the Village of Greythorn. Enemy Forces: Medium Threat. Strategy Recommendation: Divide and Conquer.]
Morrath raised his hand, signaling for the group to halt. His crimson eyes swept over the Dominion banners that fluttered in the breeze. "They've fortified the square," he muttered, his voice low. "No surprises there."
Klara leaned in, her grin wide. "Let me guess," she said teasingly. "I get the fun job?"
"You're creating the distraction," Morrath replied, smirking. "North side. Hit them hard and fast. Make it loud."
Klara's grin widened as she adjusted her blades. "You always know how to keep me entertained," she said, winking at him before disappearing into the shadows. Vivienne lingered for a moment, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly.
"Don't get yourself killed out there," Vivienne said, her voice softer than usual. "We need you."
Morrath tilted his head, his tone even. "I'll be fine," he said simply. "Just make sure the archers hit their marks."
…As Klara's group moved to the north, Morrath activated Minor Illusion, generating the sound of clashing steel near their position. The Dominion guards turned toward the noise, their focus shifting away from the square. Morrath smirked faintly, his voice calm. "And now we strike."
Commander Harken stood at the center of the square, barking orders with a voice that carried over the chaos. His silver armor gleamed, a stark contrast to the grim surroundings. When Morrath stepped into the square, Harken turned, his sneer twisting into something sharper.
"So, the Demon Lord finally shows himself," Harken said, raising his halberd. "Your reign ends here."
Morrath stepped forward. "I think not," he replied, his voice cold.
Their clash echoed through the square, with each strike. Sparks flew as Harken's massive halberd collided with Morrath's Shadow Blade, the sheer force of the strikes sending shockwaves through the air. Harken's brute strength was undeniable; each swing of his weapon carried enough force to shatter stone.
But Morrath was faster, his movements precise and unrelenting. As Harken brought his halberd down in a powerful overhead strike, Morrath sidestepped with ease, and cast Shadow Veil making his form blur. He countered with a swift upward slash, his blade crackling with dark energy that left jagged marks on Harken's gleaming armor.
Harken growled, his frustration mounting. "Fight me head-on, coward!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the square.
Morrath smirked, his crimson eyes glowing faintly as he stepped back. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?" he said, his voice calm but cutting. With a flick of his wrist, he cast Minor Illusion, creating a spectral copy of himself that darted to Harken's left.
The commander turned instinctively, his halberd cleaving through the illusion, only for Morrath to appear on his unguarded right. With fluid precision, Morrath brought his blade down in a diagonal arc, the strike landing hard against Harken's shoulder. The force staggered the commander, and black tendrils of shadow energy seeped into the wound, slowing his movements.
"You rely too much on brute force," Morrath said, his voice cold as he dodged another wild swing of the halberd. "It makes you predictable."
With a flourish, Morrath surged forward, his blade vibrating with power. "Eldritch Blast!" he shouted, unleashing a blast of green flames from his off-hand that struck Harken square in the chest. The force sent the commander stumbling backward, engulfing his silver armor in flames, searing his flesh.
"You fight like a coward!" Harken spat, his face twisted in rage.
Morrath stepped closer, his blade raised, his tone calm and measured. "I fight to win."
With a final, decisive strike, Morrath plunged the Shadow Blade into Harken's chest, piercing through the weakened armor, silencing his cries as the blade sunk deeper. Harken's halberd slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground as he fell to his knees.
…Back at the castle, Kaela paced the war room, her worry mounting with each passing hour. When Morrath returned, her relief was immediate but tempered by the sight of Klara and Vivienne close behind. Both women spoke animatedly about the mission, their praise for Morrath evident.
Kaela hurried to him, ignoring the others. "Frank," she said softly, her voice low but firm. "You're back."
Morrath met her gaze, his exhaustion clear. "Greythorn is secure," he said. "And Harken's forces are scattered."
Kaela glanced briefly at Vivienne, her tone sharp. "You didn't take unnecessary risks, did you?" she asked, her words carrying a faint edge.
Vivienne smirked, catching the tension in Kaela's voice. "Relax," she said smoothly. "He had everything under control."
Morrath stood standing on the ramparts, his allies nearby. The system chimed softly, its message a reminder of the journey ahead.
[Milestone Progress: Dominion's Fall. 15% Completion Achieved.]
[Next Objective: Secure Ridgeway Pass and Eliminate Commander Vael.]
Morrath's crimson eyes glinted in the moonlight as he turned to Kaela. "This is just the beginning," he said, his voice steady.