The sun sets on the horizon, ushering in the arrival of night. Darkness encroaches on the land, but one place defies the shadows—the **Ring of Flames**. Its fiery glow beats like a living heart, casting a second sun's light across the landscape.
"....."
Ethan and the Bone Guard exchange glances, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and wariness. Trouble seems to follow them wherever they go, and this time is no different.
Ethan grips the hilt of his katana, ready to use his skills if necessary. But before he can act, the towering figure of the undead hoplite steps forward.
"Move away, youngling,"
the hoplite commands, his voice deep and authoritative. He pushes Ethan aside with his shield, his burning armor radiating heat and power.
"Leave it to us."
The hoplite stomps his spear into the ground, the impact sending a shockwave through the area.
BANG
"COME AT ME, FOUL CREATURE!"
he roars, his voice echoing like thunder.
The metallic creature eyes the hoplite with contempt, its hollow gaze gleaming with greed. But it's wary, approaching slowly, cautiously.
The hoplite doesn't wait.
"HAHHHHHHHH!"
He leaps across the battlefield, his movements swift and precise. The countless skeletons follow, forming a disciplined phalanx that surrounds the creature.
The creature tries to back away, but the hoplite blocks its path, his spear gleaming with the souls of the dead.
"Never have I seen such a decrepit and ugly creature"
the hoplite says, his tone dripping with disdain.
"I must have been harsh on Medusa."
AHOOOHHHHH!
The creature roars, its mouth widening into a grotesque maw. It lunges forward, but the hoplite is ready.
"Pathetic"
the hoplite mutters. He calmly walks toward the creature, then suddenly speeds up.
BANG
He stomps on the creature's face, its grin twisting into an unhappy grimace. Its eyes bleed a copper-like substance, the smell metallic and foul.
The hoplite continues his assault.
BANG
A shield bash to the face.
BANG
A reverse bash, each strike pushing the creature back.
"AHHHHHHHHH!"
The hoplite thrusts his spear forward, the weapon glowing with fiery energy. The creature tries to dodge, but the phalanx of skeletons forces it back.
CREKKKKK
The spear connects, the creature's hard exterior barely protecting it. The force sends it flying into the waiting phalanx, where the skeletons immediately push it back toward the hoplite.
The hoplite twists his body, delivering a powerful kick.
WACK
The creature stumbles, its frame now a twisted mess.
"I should stop playing around"
he hoplite says, his voice calm but menacing. He raises his spear, ready to deliver the final blow.
But then, something unexpected happens.
"What?"
the hoplite mutters, his eyes narrowing.
The creature's body begins to compress, its form shifting and contorting. Its face morphs into that of a crying clown, its expression grotesque and unsettling.
WHAAAAAAAA!
The creature lets out a deafening wail, the sound forcing everyone to cover their ears. In the chaos, it scurries away, burrowing into the ground and disappearing from sight.
".... Slimly bastard"
The hoplite mutters, lowering his spear.
Ethan watches the scene unfold, his mind racing. *What the hell is this guy made of?*
he wonders, his eyes fixed on the undead hoplite. He recognizes the old hoplite armor as belonging to one of the undead legions, but he doesn't recall this particular warrior.
"....Am tired"
Ethan slumps down feeling a bit lost
The hoplite approaches Ethan, his burning armor casting an eerie glow. Ethan remains wary, his hand tightening on the hilt of his katana.
"HAHHAHAH! You did a good job holding it off, little one"
the hoplite says, his voice booming with laughter. He pats Ethan on the shoulder, the force of the gesture nearly knocking him off balance.
Ethan blinks, confused by the undead's cordial behavior. He wasn't expecting a pat on the back from a towering, flaming skeleton.
The hoplite then turns to the Bone Guard, his fiery gaze lingering on the shield it carries.
"And you...."
he says, his tone shifting to one of authority.
"When you get back to your legion and tell them what happened. We'll drop you off there, Legionnaire."
The Bone Guard looks confused, its jaw clicking softly. Ethan quickly signals with a subtle nod: *Play along.*
The Bone Guard nods in response, its purple eyes flickering with understanding.
"ALRIGHT, LET'S MOVE ON!"
the hoplite shouts, his voice commanding.
AHOOO
AHOOO
AHOOO
The skeletons chant in unison, their voices echoing through the night as they fall into formation.
Ethan and the Bone Guard exchange a glance, silently agreeing to go along with the situation—for now.
Ethan looks on over the Forest, for him the world seemed to get more foreign to him than he remembered
"I guess there's a reason for my arrival...."
He keeps keeps his hand to his beating heart
"There's a long road ahead"
He's steels himself for it would not be the last of that