War Games - Chapter 28

No Attacks of any sort took place overnight. Dawn rose, and the citizens began to walk the streets and take care of daily work. They were cautious of any Unholy attackers, however.

The Order and their friends were waking up and eating breakfast. Some of them by themselves, others with their friends.

Everyone was getting dressed and doing their morning routines.

Isa went downstairs to see Gill and Maya eating some pieces of bread and a cookie, sitting on the stairs.

“Maya, Gill, Hello. Mind if I take a seat with you two?” Isa Asked

“Not a problem, Isa. Have a… stair.” Gill replied. He was going to say ‘seat’, but they were sitting on the stairs.

Maya rolled her eyes, but Isa chuckled. She sat next to Maya, leaving her in the middle.

“So, this ‘Darkest Dungeon’ place…” Isa began

“Hear it’s pretty rough. But I mean, seriously, half our friends are as tough as nails. We can figure something out.” Said Maya

They heard footsteps behind them.

Keyen and Gabriel were walking down the steps when they accidently stepped on to Isa, Maya, and Gill. Keyen tripped and fell all the way down the stairs, while Gabriel tumbled over Isa, but didn’t fall all the way down.

“Ah, Hell!” Shouted Keyen

“Mother of g- Sorry Guys!” Maya apologized.

“Ack… That was my fault. I didn’t see you there.” Said Keyen as he picked himself up.

“Guys, What happened?” Asked Jesse, as he walked in the room.

“Keyen Fell…” Said Gabriel, picking himself up.

“I’m fine.” Keyen insisted

“Let’s get to discussing what we need to do.” Said Gabriel

More people came in.

“How’s your shoulder, Kate?” Asked Jesse

“Stings on occasion… and it’s kind of a daunting thought about the wound but… I think I’m okay for now.” She replied.

“So… some of us should attempt a raid on that Darkest Dungeon place? Do you think we’re capable at this point?” Asked Olivia

“I should think so. You have the proper supplies and experience, do you not?” Asked Alexsi

“We have done a lot with you guys, I mean, all those adventures in the past, right?” Axel pointed out

“I know we’re strong enough, but I’m not sure if we have the proper equipment. Does Corruption have some kind of weakness that we don’t know about?” Asked Petra

“I Think We would’ve found it by now. We were out there in several places, looking for clues, back when Nethra was alive. We did find a bunch of journal entries, treasures, and trinkets.” Said Vulcan

“Vulcan and Petra have a point. Given the past, we have a good standard of fighting skill, but… I recall in the ruins by the Darkest Dungeon that there was some kind of Item called the ‘Hand of Light’ that I believe could be helpful.” Ivor mentioned

“That does sound like the kind of Item that a demon would detest.” Added Nicolai

“But maybe they already know about it, and hid it away somewhere. Like the Darkest Dungeon.” Jess pointed out

“My sister has a point…” said Jesse

“So if we find what’s spreading this ‘Corruption, it’ll kill off all those monsters, like the ones we fought the other day, and the ones attacking my kingdom?” Asked Isa

“That would make sense, like with PAMA’s core.” Harper said.

Jess nodded in agreement, with her being the one to shut it down.

Harper suddenly gasped.

“Guys! If that corruption got into Isa’s world… Are those things in crown mesa?!?”

Everyone looked at her and knew she had a point.

“We need to get over there. Now.” Said Aiden.

“Harper knows where it is, even without the portal atlas, so… She’ll need to lead the way.” Said Ivor

“One of the Eldritch guys should tag along, so that they might have some knowledge about any corrupt monster or item there.” Said Kate

“I can go with, but we’ll need to be snappy.” Said Stark.

“Let’s go, guys.” Said Aiden

“Be careful out there, Man.” Said Gill

Aiden, Harper, Ivor and Stark got what they needed and made it to the portal network as fast as they could.

“Hope those guys will be alright, but… what should we do…?” Asked Lukas

“I guess we should get a party together to try and explore the Darkest Dungeon… who do you suggest?” Asked Ellegaard

“We’ll need a healer, to begin with. ‘M not happy about going to such a scary place, but, it’s what I have to do.” Said Alexsi.

“How many people would work for a suitable team?” Asked Soren

“I’d say Eight.” Emerald said

“I should go too. I‘m not really scared of that much, and I’m pretty damn strong.” Said Keyen.

“He Is.” Added Magnus.

“I’ll go with you, so I can use my Elixir on someone who gets wounded.” Said Kate.

“That would be a decent Idea… Who else would you suggest?” Asked Gabriel

“You would make a good candidate, being the warrior you are.” Said Magnus.

“So Keyen, Magnus, Alexsi, Kate, Gabriel, Who else?” Asked Nicolai

“Well, we still shouldn’t ignore the formless flesh monster either.” T.T. pointed out.

“We should assemble a team to take care of that, too.” Said Sanya

“I can go to the Darkest Dungeon. Why don't you guys use my blueprints and  weapons to think of something?” Asked Vulcan

“I guess I could go to the Darkest dungeon too.” Said

“Alright. Keyen, Alexsi, Maya, Gabriel, Magnus, Kate, Vulcan, And I can go there.” Said Emerald

“I know where to go. But first, we’re going to need some good supplies.” Said Alexsi, as he led the group to another room.

“Oh, Kate, Wait!” Said Soren

“Vulcan and I made you something. Hold on.”

Soren left the room, and came back in with a set of red and blue armor for her.

“Wow… that looks really cool, thanks guys!” Said Kate, in awe.

“Well, go ahead and put it on. We fashioned it from your sword.” Said Vulcan.

It took her minute, but Kate put on her armor, and was all geared up.

“... Much Better.” Said Nicolai, now that Kate had some protection.

“That looks really cool on you, Kate.” Said T.T.

“Thanks… this’ll be a big help.” Kate added

“Oh, Kate, would you mind if wore Nethra’s armor and helmet to the dungeon?” Asked Maya

“No, that’s fine. It’s what she wanted.” Kate said.

“I’ll go get it.” Said Maya

Vulcan, Emerald, Magnus, Gabriel, Alexsi, Keyen, Kate and Maya left the room to prepare.

“So who should go and fight the formless flesh, then?” Asked Kye

“We’ll need at least one healer, So  I need to come along. I’m the only devoted healer we have left available.” Said Rou

“In the end, Every plan relies on a strong arm, and tempered steel. We should have some warriors go along to, like me.” Said Nicolai.

“I’d best come along too, I’ve learned my way around the swine’s maze.” Said Sanya

“I know where the monster is, so I can guide you there.” Said T.T.

“So the five of you can handle it?” Asked Ellegaard

“We think so.” Said Petra

“Why don’t I go with?” Asked Jess

“Six would be a better team, I suppose.” Said Sanya

“Careful out there, Sis.” Said Jesse

“We’ll take it down, so no one needs to worry. Just keep the townspeople safe.” Said Petra

“Got it.” Said Ellegaard.

Sanya, Rou, Nicolai, Jess, Petra and T.T. left to fight the formless flesh once more.

Soren, Ellegaard, Kye, Jesse, Lukas, Gill, Isa, and Axel were the only ones left.

“Is there anything else we can do?” Asked Isa

“I had the blueprints for several ideas, such as the formida-bomb.” Said Soren

“Wouldn’t you need another Super TNT?” Asked Lukas

“True, We could head down there and try to search the place for something we could use to defend against corruption.” Said Jesse

“May the rest of us can head there?” Asked Isa

“At least one of us should defend the town.” Said Ellegaard

“I’ve got it covered. You guys handle it.” Said Kye.

“You sure?” Asked Gill

“I’ve got my wolves and the Iron golems. Plus, the citizens aren’t entirely defenseless.” Kye pointed out.

“Right. We’ll just head to the fortress and get what we need as fast as we can. Be careful, Dude.” Said Axel

“Well, It wouldn’t be safe to try to defend against a horde of things alone. I can stay here and help defend, plus,  I’m not exactly in an exploring mood right now.” Olivia said

“Alright, Be careful, you guys.” Said Lukas

“Got it.” Said Kye, walking out of the room, towards the front door.

“We best get moving.” Said Isa

“There are some horses we can use for faster travel.” Said Lukas

The walked to a stable towards the edge of town. There were some horses still available, so the six of them asked to borrow three horses.

Lukas mounted his horse with sa on the back. Ellegaard rode with Jesse, and Axel rode with Soren.

They rode out across the woodlands and plains, not running into any danger. It was still early in the morning, much to their favor.

“Can Corrupted Mobs survive in daylight?” Asked Ellegaard.

“Of course they can. I just wonder if they can spawn in daylight.” Added Jesse

“You don’t see any around here, do you?” Asked Gill nervously.

“Not yet, anyway.” Said Lukas.

“How far is your fortress now, Soren?” Asked Isa

“Shouldn’t be long now. Once we’re there, we’ll need to gather blueprints and look for something we can use.” Said Soren.

They approached a mountain with a large gate on the front. Most of them, however, had not seen this place before.

Soren opened the doors and rested the horses within a stable. He left them some food and built and Iron Golem fro protection.

Soren led them down a quartz hallway, deeper into the mountain.

“Wasn’t this place torn to bits by the witherstorm?” Jesse asked, gazing around the room

“I Helped soren with the repairs before we ran into Isa or Kate.” Said Lukas

“Yes, and thank you for that, Lukas.” Soren mentioned.

“Never seen a building quite like this.” Said Isa

“Me either. And Soren has invited me here in the past, before we knew about Kate, Oxidai, or you.” Said Ellegaard.

Axel noticed something on the ceiling

“Speak of the devil…” He said, looking up

Everyone else looked upward to see a Corrupt Spider crawling on the roof. It looked bigger than the ones normally seen in this world.

Lukas drew a Bow and arrow back. He had a power enchantment on his bow, making his arrow very powerful.

The spider let out a very unsettling screech as it was struck in the bad and fell right in front of Axel.

The Champion Griefer had an Axe ready with him. Given the power of his Iron Axe, and Axel’s large amount of raw strength, he smashed the spider with a single strike.

Jesse scanned the ceiling while Ellegaard scanned the floor and ground beneath them. Nothing else in sight.

“Let’s get to my lab. Fast.” Said Soren, as he led the way deeper into the mountain.

They rushed down the stairs. Jesse ended up tripping and falling on top of Lukas. They both got up and kept moving.

When they all ran into the chamber where Soren had his grinder deposit the items from harvested mobs. Isa and Ellegaard were the last ones in, so they quickly slammed the doors behind them.

“Ah, I remember this place. Brings me way back.” Said Axel

“Nostalgia, I agree.  But I’m afraid things may have become more serious.” Said Lukas

“The Witherstorm was pretty serious. It did… kinda… kill me, in case you forgot.” Said Ellegaard

“Well, the Witherstorm didn't have any wit, like Oxidai does. Plus, the Corruption has sent these monsters all across the world by now.” Said Gill

“True.” Ellegaard reasoned

“Guys, there was that spider on the ceiling on the way in here. I’m willing to be there’s more.” Jesse advised them

“Alright, can you handle it? I was going to dig around for the Super TNT blueprints.” Said Soren

He walked towards his bookshelves on the edge of the room

“What is this thing?” Asked Isa in the other room.

Lukas walked up to her side and looked at the portal frame laid on the end of the staircase, horizontally.

“An End portal. We went in there looking for Soren when the world was endangered by the Witherstorm.” Said Axel

“Wow… Never seen anything quite like it.” Said Isa

“Guys… we got company…” Soren said nervously backing away from something.

Everyone saw that a Cultist Brawler was approaching him. Jesse took a slice at it’s chest, making it stumble backwards. It took a swing at him, but Jesse dodged in time. Another slash was enough to bring it down.

“Damn…” Jesse muttered

“Is there a place in our world Corruption HASN’T spread to?” Soren asked with an annoyed look.

Isa ducked beneath an arrow fired at her head. She looked over to notice a skeleton with purple eyes, holding a crossbow.

Lukas shot an arrow, hitting it right in the knee, making it stumble to the ground. Isa was able to slice it in half with one swing after that.

Ellegaard drew her bow when she saw some kind of Black-skinned, Demonic Humanoid creature with a meat clever in each hand march towards her. Jesse tried to slash at it, but the abomination actually dodged. It took a swing back at Jesse, but he got out of the way in time.  

“Soren, Where are your blueprints?” Asked Axel

“Just down the hallway on the same side as the End Portal, but I had the door closed off. There could be monsters in there…” Said Soren, nervously

Ellegaard cautiously flipped the lever to open the stone door. Surely enough, A Skeleton holding a crossbow, A Swine with a sharp hook on on if it’s hands, a corrupted creeper, and a Large Spider slowly marching towards them.

Ellegaard and Soren drew back some arrows and shot at the Swine. It let out a pained squeal as it was struck. It was crippled but not quite dead.

Jesse focused down the spider, slashing it to the ground as it leapt at him. Axel jumped on top of it and crushed it before it could rise to it’s feat.

The Creeper never stood a chance against Isa, as she charged forward, slicing it horizontally
in two different places. It crumbled to the ground and faded, leaving nothing behind but a small pile of gunpowder.

The Crossbow-armed Skeleton took a shot at Gill, hitting him in the shoulder. He stumbled backward, but then pulled out his diamond sword and rushed for him. He got stabbed in the chest by the skeleton’s bayonet, but he used two vertical swings to dispose of the undead marksmen.

Isa took a great leap forward and plunged her Iron blade into the Swine’s back, making it squeal in pain before falling dead on the ground.

“That’s all of them in here…” Said Gill.

“There are probably more. Let’s search the place and clean the corruption out.” Said Lukas

Soren built an Iron Golem in front of the door to the hallway. He then began digging around for blueprints

“Say, Lukas?” Asked Jesse as they walked along the path. Lukas didn’t say anything, but turned to look at him.

“Well, Back When I was in that Eldritch world with all the Unholy monsters and what not, I didn’t meet any of those Eldritch guys, like Vulcan and his friends… I wonder if there’s some kind of base or something we’re not aware of.” Said Jesse

“You mean, maybe the people Nicolai works for?” Asked Lukas

“Yeah, Exactly! Are they good? Can we trust them? Maybe we could cooperate. The Townspeople don’t seem to mind the fact that they’re Eldritch. They’re not entirely human, but still people.” Jesse explained

“Nicolai said something about a King who had trained him before he began to fight Corruption. I think his name was ‘Solran’ If I recall correctly.” Said Lukas

“Hmmm…”

“Based on what Nicolai told us, Solran doesn’t sound like a bad person. Maybe he’d be willing to help.” Said Lukas

“You got a point. Maybe we should look for him? You guys found Keyen and Rou, after all.” Said Jesse

“I’m guessing those two are beyond Solran’s kingdom, but if we can get a hold of Alexsi or Nicolai, it couldn’t hurt to ask.” Said Lukas

“True. Look, given our current situation, I think Oxidai himself is just too powerful. Maybe someone like Solran could help us directly take him on, But for now, we need to find whatever is generating this corruption and stop it.” Jesse told him.

Lukas nodded and said “Right.” The two of them kept walking down the hall

While Soren got what he needed from his library, everyone else fanned out in groups of two or three to kill off any unholy monsters. Their friends were all seperated doing various tasks.

“Is there even a way to stop it? Or did I just see what Corruption had done, and instantly assumed something was capable of defeating it?” Lukas muttered to himself.

Only Time Could Tell.