The gods all stood around the board, Illusion held the dice in her hand as she looked down at the three tokens; on one side was now the red, winged devil and on the other side was the armored warrior and the large dire wolf. Illusion wanted to throw the dice to see how this game would play out but knew these three pieces would play by their own rules.
"This plan of yours better work Wisdom." Knowledge fumed as he crossed his arms, all the while glaring at his fellow god.
"Oh ye of little faith, this plan will work just fine. Though one would think that the God of Knowledge should already know the solution to this situation."
"If all goes well, we'll have two unruly tokens permanently removed from the board." Truth smirk as he looked toward the board, eager to remove the armored warrior.
"There is always a chance that this demonic token might survive all of this and we lose the one token who can fight him equally." Illusion looked toward Truth with a visible frown before looking back to the board, still rubbing the die in her hands.
"He will succeed."
All eyes fell on Earth Mother, she was calm and poised as she looked toward the board, her hands clasped together near her chest.
"I have faith in him. We have been watching him all this time. We've seen how this ordinary adventurer has influenced those around him and overcome trials that should have been impossible. He will overcome this challenge too."
xxxx
Goblin Slayer groaned as the taste of blood was present in his mouth, from within his helmet he could see the smoke-filled skies and glow of fires nearby.
"The sky…odd, there was a ceiling before. I remember, Wolf and I were fighting, thrown out of the tower. Wait, Wolf…"
Goblin Slayer turned his head to his side and found Wolf struggling to get back up, whiny with every struggling motion. There was a sudden movement overhead, Goblin Slayer panned his vision back to the sky, there was a large, red creature with black wings flying overhead.
"A goblin…no, it is that man. If I don't stop him here, he'll use more goblins to harm others." Goblin Slayer grunted as he pushed himself back despite the pain.
Goblin Slayer got back to his feet with sword in hand just as the demonic Necromancer landed atop the rubble od the tower. Wolf was also back on his feet giving his body a quick shake as dust flew off him, he barked and snarled as the hideous beast took a couple steps toward them.
"Admirable but foolish." Necromancer smiled, or what would have passed for smiling in his new form. "It would have been much easier for you if you had simply allowed yourselves to fall off the tower."
"I told the others I'd kill you."
"And I take it you are a man who keeps his promises?"
"One who will do all he can to stop you."
"You think you can? I seem to recall easily tossing you and that mongrel through the tower." Necromancer chuckled then paused as he could hear and feel the shifting of the stone beneath them. "I don't believe this tower will last much longer. So tell me, what is your theory Goblin Slayer to my following question. Which do you think will fall first: Myself, this tower…or you?"
Wolf and Goblin Slayer charged forward to attack the Necromancer who in turn roared as he rushed to meet their challenge. With his wide arms he swiped at the two adventurers who easily moved to the side before counterattacking. Goblin Slayer struck at the monster's arms only to find his sword bounced off the thick scales covering the arms; Wolf bit down on the left arm shaking its head and attempting to pull at the beast but it would not budge. The Necromancer laughed as he flung his arm toward his left tossing the large beast aside; Wolf landed hard with a yelp of pain as he rolled to his side.
"Stupid beast! You already tried that back inside the tower! Are you so incapable of learning?"
The Necromancer grunted as he was struck again, not from pain but more annoyance, as Goblin Slayer struck at his body with his sword once again. Goblin Slayer struck at the arms twice more, the sword he was using was not able to cut through the scales, he would need to change his tactics. This time he gripped his sword with both hands and charged in; the Necromancer slashed at him but he easily dodged beneath the claws and raised his sword high. He brought his sword down striking at the Necromancer's chest, his sword snapped in two as the tip flew off to the side, but in that moment he had actually sliced into one of the bones and drew a bit of blood. The Necromancer growled before it struck at Goblin Slayer, its claws cutting into his arms and chest as it slashed at his body in a downward strike. Goblin Slayer grunted as he hit the ground, dropping his broken sword, a hiss of pain and frustration escaping from within his helmet.
"Stupid…foolish…got in too close and broke my sword. I did do some damage but not nearly enough if I am to slay him."
"Even my patience can eventually run out Goblin Slayer." Necromancer stomped toward the down adventurer, ready to crush his skull with one stomp of his foot. "You will die here and…"
Wolf lunged at the monster, biting down on the raised foot and as it pulled back forced the Necromancer to fall backwards. Wolf continued to bite and tear at the leg, his teeth cutting into the leather like skin but not going as deep they should have. Necromancer roared in anger and quickly sat up before grabbing the dire wolf by the back of its neck with its left hand. Wolf whined as the vice-like grip seemed to crush his muscle; the Necromancer growled as he got back to his feet all the while glaring at the massive wolf. Goblin Slayer struggled to get up as he saw the Necromancer slowly raising its right hand to strike at the dire wolf.
"You stupid beast! How dare you think you are my equal let alone my superior! I shall use your corpse for my future experiments!"
The Necromancer rammed his claws into Wolf's sides only to removed them and repeat the process over and over. Wolf cried out as the claws tore at his hide, his blood constantly splatting along the ground until the Necromancer smiled. In an act of spitefulness, the monstrous Necromancer opened his jaws wide and lunged forward, biting into the dire wolf's neck. Wolf was shrieking in pain as the Necromancer chuckled while pulling back, his plan was to tear out the dire wolf's and watch the wolf bleed out. The Necromancer was suddenly forced to released his bite as something leapt onto his back and wrapped an arm around his own throat as pain could be felt on the right side of his neck. Goblin Slayer was back on his feet as the Necromancer was biting at Wolf's neck, with the hand ax in hand he jumped on the monster's back and began hacking at the right side of the neck.
"Get your damn hands off Wolf."
The Necromancer grimaced as each chop of the ax blade cut deeper and deeper into his tough flesh. He threw the dire wolf's body to the side watching it hit the ground with a quick splash of blood where it lay motionless. The Necromancer growled as he took hold of Goblin Slayer's left forearm, the one wrapped around his neck, and effortlessly pulled him off his body, slamming him to the ground.
"Damn you." The Necromancer kicked Goblin Slayer with his clawed foot, the talons easily piercing through his armor. "Your struggle is pointless as was that of this stupid beast."
The Necromancer suddenly became aware that the blade of the ax was still imbedded in his right shoulder blade; he tore the blade out before crushing and shattering the blade in his clawed hand. While the Necromancer was tending to the ax in his shoulder, Goblin Slayer was struggling to crawl over towards the downed dire wolf.
"Wolf. Can you get up?" Goblin Slayer placed his hand on the dire wolf's side and gave him a firm shake but the dire wolf did not respond. "Wolf!"
He gave Wolf's body another vigorous shake but saw no movement, as he moved his hand back, he noticed his gloved hand appeared wet, saturated in the dire wolf's blood. Goblin Slayer looked toward his hand his breathing was coming in quick deep breaths and exhales before he clenched his fist. The Necromancer watched as Goblin Slayer slowly got back to his feet, drawing his mace with his right hand before turning to face him. For a brief moment the Necromancer was startled by the sight of the man, his eyes ablaze in his darkened helmet, and with the flaming city silhouetted behind him, it almost appeared as if the Goblin Slayer was a demon straight from hell out for his blood.
"Wolf's struggle…was not pointless. I won't let his final attack have been in vain. You're going to die tonight."
"Is that a fact?" Necromancer quickly regained his composure and opened his wings to make himself appear more menacing. "Then let's put that theory to the test!"
xxxx
"Wolf!"
All eyes fell upon High Elf Archer and Female Knight, still in her werewolf form, both adventurers were looking upward towards the tower with wide eyes as their keen hearing heard what was transpiring.
"What, what's happening Long-Ears?"
"Wolf…I heard Orcbolg…Wolf's not moving anymore…he's not getting back up." High Elf Archer could already feel the tears welling up in her eyes.
This bit of news was shocking to everyone, Female Knight also nodded her head reconfirming what they had already heard. There was a mixture of tears, disbelief and frustration as all they could was look up at the tower from the ground there was no way for them to get past the rubble. Half-Dragon Daughter struggled to keep from crying out loud while she stayed with the three small pups in the wagon.
"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" Spearman pounded the bottom of his left fist along the courtyard wall. "There has to be something we can do! Just sitting around and waiting for things to solve themselves is not my strong suit."
"What do you suggest? Even if we removed the rubble blocking the courtyard, the top of the tower has collapsed, there may not be a way for us to get to Goblin Slayer." Heavy Warrior frowned as he too wished to help his friend but also knew that simply charging in would not help them. "All we can do is wait for Goblin Slayer to kill this bastard."
"RRRmust…rrrready…rrrmore…rrrmonsters…rrrmay…rrrcome." Female Knight growled as she looked around the area behind them as the sounds of fighting and creatures could still be heard.
"Don't even get me started on her new appearance." Spearman shook his head as he looked toward the white werewolf standing nearby. "Now we have a werewolf fighting with us, as if things couldn't get any stranger."
Sword Maiden took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly as she thought about what they could do to help in this situation. She was of course wanting to help Goblin Slayer directly, but given the current situation there had to be something else they could do down below to still be of some use. She carefully thought about what the werewolf, or rather the knight, had said about more monsters and suddenly an idea came to mind.
"There is something we can do."
Everyone turned towards Sword Maiden who in turned smiled and looked toward Hero and Priestess, with their help she knew there was definitely something they could do to help the situation.
"Priestess. Hero. Together, let us purify the area."
"You want us to purify the area?" The Hero was a bit surprised by the suggestion from the Sword Maiden.
"Yes, but not just this district, I mean the entire Capital."
"Sw, Sword Maiden, is such a feat even possible? I, I am out of miracles and I don't know if I…" Priestess nervously held her sounding staff within her hands as she looked to the ground.
Sword Maiden smiled as she gently placed her hand upon the shoulder of the young Earth Mother acolyte; Priestess immediately looked up to see the reassuring smile on her face.
"I too am out of miracles. If we perform the miracles, we will have the effect of Overcast upon us. There is a high chance that we may not be successful, but it is at least something that we can try." Sword Maiden then looked toward Hero and nodded her head. "I too wish to be useful in this final battle as Goblin Slayer continues his fight."
Hero smiled and nodded her head, ready to work with the two other adventurers in hopes of saving the Capital. The three women walked toward the canal nearby the party, though the water was deep, there were several small stone ledges that lined one side, they were to be used if someone had fallen into the water and needed to get out. The three women stepped into the water up to their knees, the plan was for them to plunge their equipment into the water at the same time for the miracles to have their maximum effect with Hero in the center, Sword Maiden on the right and Priestess on the left..
"This will require perfect timing between us. We will not get a second chance to do this." Sword Maiden sighed as tightly held her sword and scales, also nervous of just how effective this plan would be. "Are you both ready?"
"Ready." Hero held her sword with both hands ready to plunge it into the water beneath her. "Like he said, simply find the sword was not the only reason I became the Hero. I am worthy of the title! Supreme God help me save this world."
"Ready Sword Maiden." Priestess readied her sounding staff to aid in this great miracle. "Earth Mother, please give me the strength to help in this crisis. If Wolf is truly gone…then let me at least be able to help Goblin Slayer."
"Goblin Slayer…you helped give me the courage to stand up to the goblins, I no longer have any nightmares thanks to you. Now let me return the favor." Sword Maiden let out one final sigh as she was now ready to begin. "Together now…"
xxxx
The gods above looked at the board game before allowing their eyes to look towards both the Supreme God and the Earth Mother. They themselves knew the others would not willingly allow such a feat to be performed, even if the Hero was directly petitioning the Supreme God.
"We shall allow the die to determine this outcome." The Supreme God knew this would at least satisfy the other gods and at least give them a chance to cast the miracle.. "What type of roll is required?"
"For this to work, you will need to maximum roll." The God of Evil smirked as he knew this would be a near impossible outcome.
"As you wish." Supreme God turned his attention towards the young Illusion. "Roll the die."
Illusion looked at the die in her hands before give it a brief shake then allowed the die to drop and hit the game board.
xxxx
"O Earth Mother, abounding in mercy, please, by your revered hand, cleanse us of our corruption…"
"Lord of judgement, sword-prince, scale-bearer, shower this land with your mercy…"
"Purify!"
The three women all plunged their equipment into the water at the same time, in that moment a bright light filled the area and it began to grow larger and larger. Goblin Slayer smashed his mace against the left side of the Necromancer's face, cracking and breaking several of his jagged teeth. The Necromancer growled in frustration as he spit the fragmented teeth and blood from his mouth before rushing in and ramming his claws into Goblin Slayer's stomach. Goblin Slayer and Necromancer's attention was suddenly drawn away by the growing bright light that was flooding the area, in mere moments they and the tower were engulfed within the light. All around the Capital, everyone could see the glowing light filling the city even as they continued to battle against the horde of monsters, but then something unique happened. The monsters which had afflicted with the elixir stopped in their tracks and were shrieking in pain as they thrashed about. Those fighting the horde were shocked by this when the monsters began to fall to the ground one after another, even the harpies plummeted from the sky with a sickening splat. Across the Capital the adventurers, warriors and knights looked towards the dead monsters with confusion, but it soon turned to excitement and joy.
"The monsters are dead!"
"The King and the Hero have done it!"
"Victory!"
The cheers echoed through the city, but for those near the tower it was hardly the time to be celebrating haphazardly. The three women who had performed this miracle were exhausted and nearly collapsed into the canal directly before them, thankfully their friends were there to catch them.
"Gotcha." Half-Demon Thief grunted as she got hold of Priestess and slowly brought her back towards the cobblestone courtyard.
Sword Saint had taken hold of Hero while the King was quick to aid the buxom Sword Maiden. The three women were struggling to keep their eyes open let alone even get back on their feet as they looked toward their friends.
"Did…did we do it?" Hero looked toward Sage and Sword Saint, her breathing very labored from the strain of the use of the miracle.
"I don't know if you can hear the cries of joy, but yes, you all did it." Sword Saint smiled as she helped her friend sit up in hopes that Hero would hear all the cries of jubilation.
As the adventurers were smiling as a heavy metallic thud sounded near by them, everyone turned and saw a metal object which had landed near them, so heavy that it cracked the stone. Cow Girl rushed over with wide eyes as she recognized the item and upon picking it up, the others could see it was Goblin Slayer's mace. A quick glance up horrified everyone as they could see the winged monstrosity holding Goblin Slayer's body by his neck, directly over the ledge of the tower.
"Goblin Slayer!" Guild Girl could not hold back her fear as she worried that Goblin Slayer was dead and about to be dropped off the tower.
xxxx
The Necromancer took full advantage of the blinding light to attack Goblin Slayer, tearing his claws out of the adventurer's stomach and knocking him to the ground. As Goblin Slayer labored to get back up, the Necromancer brought his left foot down on Goblin Slayer's right arm then stomped his right foot onto his stomach. Goblin Slayer grunted through the pain as the Necromancer chuckled as he repeatedly stepped onto Goblin Slayer's side. With every step he worsened the wound, cracked and broke ribs, as Goblin Slayer continuously coughed up blood through his visor with every step.
"You see Goblin Slayer, the gods above are powerless to stop me! I can hear the cries from the people…cries of joy!" The Necromancer sneered as he watched his beloved harpies dropping from the sky with shrieks of terror and pain. "My beautiful creations are dying. This "miracle" has rendered the elixir powerless…except for me. The concoction I took had the blood of the Hero within it, there for the blood of the Hero flows through me! I am now immune to the gods meddling!"
The Necromancer noticed Goblin Slayer struggling to reach for his mace despite have his arm crushed by his clawed foot. The Necromancer bent down to pick up the mace within his claws, he casually looked over the weapon before tossing it aside as if it were a piece of trash.
"I don't think you'll be needing that anymore." The Necromancer then bent down to grab Goblin Slayer by his neck. "Come, there is much to show you."
Necromancer raised up the blood body of Goblin Slayer, clutching tightly at the adventurer's neck, snickering as Goblin Slayer attempted to break free from his grip. Necromancer walked toward the edge of the tower, dangling the adventurer's body over the side where he could easily drop him. The Necromancer looked over the burning city with a hideous sneer on his face, made all the more disgusting with several broken teeth.
"Look at this, really look at all of this! One man was able to do all of this! It was not The Demon Lord but I…the God of Resurrection. Even if I did not succeed here, I shall try again. I'll improve my formula and my plan as many times as needed until the world comes to appreciate my genius."
He looked toward Goblin Slayer only to see the human had taken a small triangular dagger from his pouch and repeatedly stabbed as Necromancer's softer flesh on the inside of his arm.
"You…are no god. Just a pathetic man…playing at being one…like a child…pretending to be an adventurer."
The Necromancer growled as he tossed Goblin Slayer aside, watching as he rolled nearby the still body of the dire wolf. The Necromancer started to stomp towards the two but stooped as he felt the tower shifting beneath his feet. While Goblin Slayer and he had been fighting, what they could know was the damage from the early battle had greatly weakened the building and with the fiery embers igniting the wood within the structure burning the wood, the tower would not last much longer. As Necromancer looked at the flooring beneath his clawed feet, Goblin Slayer was already back on his hands and knees, reaching for something in his pouch.
"It seems that our game has come to an end." The Necromancer chuckled as he slowly backed away only to turn and extend his wings as he neared the ledge. "It would seem that you and this tower shall be the ones to fall. Know that I will find and torture your friends who have survived this night, the God of Resurrection will be known to all the land."
The Necromancer gave his wings several quick flaps before he took to the sky, it would only be a matter of time before the tower collapsed and with it the uncontrollable variable which hindered his experiments. He took to the sky when he felt something dig into the flesh of his leg, he turned still flapping his wings to see a grappling hook cutting into his flesh, attached to it was a rope being held by Goblin Slayer.
"You…are not getting away from me." Goblin Slayer grunted as he wrapped the rope around his right arm while attempting to pull the monster back towards him.
The Necromancer at first growled in frustration but then began to laugh as he continued to flap his wings in place.
"I am truly going to enjoy this."
The Necromancer took to the air, Goblin Slayer grunted as he fought to keep the monster on the ground but his wounds had taken much of his strength away, and he was effortlessly lifted into the air. The Necromancer laughed as he flew through the air dragging Goblin Slayer around when he flew closer toward the tower, he then quickly veered off to the left allowing the rope to swing towards the tower, slamming Goblin Slayer into the side. The Necromancer continued to laugh as he continued his game again and again, every so often as Goblin Slayer would hit the tower head on, a bit of blood would stain the white stone. The others down below could only watch in horror as the beast toyed with Goblin Slayer, many of them grimacing or turning away every time Goblin Slayer was smashed into the side of the tower. Goblin Slayer himself should have fallen a long time ago, but with his arm wrapped up in the rope he was forced to endure his torture.
Wolf slowly opened his eyes, he struggled to lift his head and neck as he struggled to see where he was, there was pain in his body but the armored man was nowhere to be found, nor was the monster who had attacked him. Wolf slowly got back to his feet, having to limp as putting too much weight on all its legs was far too painful. It suddenly heard the sound of the monster, a strange sound it could not recognize but it was the beast laughing. He limped toward the edge of the tower and looked around and could see the winged beast below him, it was flapping its wings and further blow the beast was the armored human, he was not moving and was covered in blood.
"It seems that are game is at an end Goblin Slayer." Necromancer chuckled as he continued to flap his massive wings. "As much fun as it would be to keep smashing your body into the tower, I have more pressing matters to attend to, so…time for you to die."
Goblin Slayer dangled by his right arm, his armor dented and cracked from the previous assault, he blood-stained helmet slowly moved upward to see Necromancer moved his right foot towards the rope around his leg, ready to use the claws to sever it and allow him to drop.
"N, no…can't give up yet. If I do nothing…I will most certainly lose. Need to…"
Goblin Slayer paused as he looked past the sneering face of the Necromancer and saw something lunging towards the monster's back, a large black wolf.
"Wolf."
Wolf landed on the Necromancer much to its surprise and viciously sank its teeth into the side of the monster's neck. The Necromancer gasped as dire wolf he believed to be dead was tearing at his neck, and to make matters worse it was scratching as it back with its claws as it struggled to find a good footing and in doing so started tearing at the wings. Goblin Slayer would not allow Wolf to act alone, summoning his strength, he started climbing up the rope while Necromancer was distracted. Once close enough he reached for a weapon, but his sword and mace were gone.
"…let this be a piece of me that you carry into battle, that way a part of me will always be with you, even in your most desperate of times…"
There hanging from his waist on his left side was the hawk-shaped dagger that he father had left behind for him, and then safely held by his sister until she intended for him to have it. He was still not sure how Half-demon Thief had come into possession of the dagger or letter, but right now it would serve him well.
"You damn beast! How dare you bite…"
The Necromancer now felt a new pain in his stomach, he found Goblin Slayer had climbed up and was repeatedly stabbing him over and over with a small dagger. He continuously plunged the blade between the hardened ribs, tearing the blade lose to widen the cuts he received. Between the two attack him simultaneously the Necromancer struggled to keep himself airborne, he could not focus on either adversary without the other taking further advantage of their position. Those down below who had been filled with dread were now awestruck as both Goblin Slayer and Wolf viciously attacked the beast.
"Come on Goblin Slayer! Kill him!" Spearman could not hide his excitement as he clenched his fist and cheered on his friend.
"Do it Orcbolg! Finish him!"
"You got this Beardcutter! You two Wolf! Send that bastard straight to hell."
The others were all cheering as the continued to watch the fight, the Necromancer now struggling to stay in the air roared as its tattered wings gave out and the three plummeted downward. At the rate they were going all three would crash into the ground, but fortunately the Necromancer veered its body off to the side and the trio slammed down upon the fifth balcony, dust flew into the air as rocks and large splinters of wood rained down in the courtyard. The party held the breath as they anxiously waited to see what had happened, they all could hear the rumbling of the stone and knew the tower wouldn't last much longer.
"No."
Everyone looked toward Lizard Priest who had a look of dread on his face with his eyes wide as he looked toward the tower.
"What's wrong Scaly? You see something?"
"We…we can't get to Milord Goblin Slayer and Noble Wolf. The tower is nearly ready to collapse and there are the stone blocking the entrance. Even if Milord Goblin Slayer is victorious, we can't help them escape the tower!"
Lizard Priest's words hit them all like an arrow to the chest, they looked back toward the cloud of dust wondering just what could they do to help in this situation. Surely the gods would not allow Goblin Slayer to fall after securing victory, not only for those here in the Capital, but for the world itself.
xxxx
Goblin Slayer was coughing heavily, blood dripping from within his helmet, his ears were ringing and he couldn't quite see clearly. He then felt something push up against his helmet, he strained his vision to see Wolf whining he pushed his snout towards him.
"Wo, Wolf." Goblin Slayer grunted as he raised his arm to gently pet the massive wolf.
They then heard the groaning of something nearby and knew the Necromancer was still alive, this fight was not yet concluded. Goblin Slayer pushed himself once again, carefully looking around and taking hold of his father's dagger, his sister's hair ribbon still around the handle. With every cough, blood spilled from the Necromancer's mouth and neck, his right arm and left leg were broken and mangled from the impact, many of its ribs were cracked as dark red blood spilled from its many stab wounds. He then heard a shuffling sound and panned his head toward the left to see two figure staggering toward him though the dust. Goblin Slayer and the dire wolf stood before him, in the adventurer's hand was the same dagger used to stab him.
"This…this ends now." Goblin Slayer groaned as he reached behind his back to retrieve his southern throwing knife.
The Necromancer growled as he looked at the bloody adventurer and dire wolf before sighing and chuckling to himself.
"You…you really think so? Even if I am killed…other threats will rise up, perhaps even greater than I. You really think you'll be up to stop those challenges? How long before the gods tire of you?"
Goblin Slayer was silent as he stood over the Necromancer before taking both blades and cutting into either side of the monster's neck, pushing both blades in opposite directions to cut through the thick neck.
"None of that matters. All that concerns me is killing you now, so you can't create any more of those monsters. I…" Goblin Slayer grunted and he continued to push both blades much to the surprise of the Necromancer. "I won't allow you, to destroy the peace of any other villages!"
The Necromancer could only look on with wide eyes as he examined the adventure, not one who was seeking personal glory, but doing this because it was the right thing to do. There was no time to even rebuke Goblin Slayer's as the adventurer gave the blades a final push and cut the monster's head off. Goblin Slayer dropped the Southern throwing knife to the ground but took care to put the hawk dagger back in its sheath before he slumped to the ground. Goblin Slayer struggled to move his body toward the partially remaining railing where he leaned his back to rest; as he struggled to catch his breath Wolf limped over by his side where he took collapsed, allowing his head to rest atop Goblin Slayer's lap.
"Wolf. Thank you." Goblin Slayer gently stroked the top of the dire wolf's head, a small smile under his helmet. "I'm…sorry. I don't think…we'll be able…to get back down."
Wolf whined as he lay there with Goblin Slayer, he could hear the stone shifting and could sense that this would be the end for the two of them. Goblin Slayer sighed as he lay there, waiting for the end, knowing he at least had finished the quest and that the others would be safe now.
"It…it was a good fight. The others…can deal with the goblins…they are more…than strong enough."
xxxx
"He did it! Orcbolg and Wolf did it! The Necromancer is dead!"
There was cheering from those down on the ground, High Elf Archer's could pick up on Goblin Slayer's final words to the Necromancer but that smile faded as she heard his final words to Wolf.
"They can't get down!"
"What can we do? What can we do?" Cow Girl was fanatically looking around at the others for some sort of solution. "Please, gods above, don't take them from us! He finally won! Wolf's a proud father! Please, please, please help them!"
Everyone looked toward the tower and could already see parts of the top of the tower already beginning to crumble and fall.
"We need to move further back! When that tower goes, the debris could very well crush us!" Heavy Warrior was already pushing his young comrades further away from the enclosed courtyard.
There was some hesitation from everyone but they finally relented and moved further back towards the buildings. Once further away they looked back toward the tower, even if they could not directly help Goblin Slayer or Wolf, they would watch to the very end. Those closest to Goblin Slayer were crying as Priestess and even Sword Maiden crumpled to the floor feeling utterly helpless to help him. Half-Dragon Daughter stepped out of the wagon, her eyes wide as she watched the tower, she slowly took a couple steps toward it as tears ran down her face.
"It's…it's not fair! Big Brother did nothing wrong! He saved everyone! Saved me and mama!" Half-Dragon Daughter clasped her hands together and closed her eyes. "Ancestors! Please…save him!"
Lizard Priest and Half-Dragon Mother were immediately distressed by the sight of their crying daughter and quickly moved to comfort her, but they were not the only ones to her petition.
xxxx
The gods above were stunned by the sight below, the armored warrior and his dire wolf had vanquished the Necromancer. It was a profound victory and one that even amused the gods of good and evil, they now heard the cries of his loved ones, the loudest was the young child he had helped saved. Earth Mother looked at the token, a child of her domain who had grown so strong in such a short amount of time, all due to her interactions with her adopted family and would not deny her request.
"Little one, a miracle from me and your ancestors, a taste of what you and your parents will strive for."
xxxx
Half-Dragon Daughter gasped as she could feel a great heat swelling up within her body, it was not painful but certain startled the young girl. Her parents could also fell this heat and leased their grasp on the young girl as they saw surrounded by what could be seen as a purple flame. Everyone was in awe as the young girl's clothing burned away and now her entire body seemed to be composed of flames, the only visible sign of their daughter was her glowing green eyes. The flames grew larger and large and the young girl was now down on all fours, an outline of a tail, elongated neck, and wings could be seen taking shape. With a final flap of the wings, Half-Dragon Daughter they knew was gone and in her place was a dragon with purple scales. The dragon's body was roughly the size of the wagon with a few extra feet for the tail and neck, in terms of dragons she was relatively small but for those on the ground it was still a large dragon. The dragon began to look around and turned it neck and head to face toward Half-Dragon Mother and Lizard Priest.
"Li, little one, can you understand us?" Lizard Priest was in shock of seeing his daughter become a dragon before his eyes.
The dragon blinked its eyes and carefully examined its body before nuzzling its head towards its two parents.
"Mama! Papa! I'm a dragon! I'm a dragon!"
The two parents, though still shocked, happily embraced their own giant daughter, glad to see that she had retained her usual demeanor. The others could only look on with open mouths at the sight of the dragon before them, which only moments ago had been the small human-like child. Half-Dragon Daughter was indeed happy but then remembered her brother and Wolf were still trapped on the crumbling building.
"Mama! Papa! I can do it! I can save them!"
The two were stunned by the declaration but knew if anyone could still save Goblin Slayer and Wolf, it was their daughter.
"Go little one, show us the true strength of a dragon." Lizard Priest proudly nodded his head towards his daughter while embracing his proud wife.
Half-Dragon Daughter looked ahead toward the tower, giving her wings a mighty flap then repeating the motion twice more each time raising further and further off the ground until she was airborne. The others eagerly looked on as the purple dragon took to the sky, she circled around the tower, taking care not to get to close and cause it to fall until she reached the level where Goblin Slayer and Wolf lay.
"Big Brother!"
Goblin Slayer groaned as he heard the booming voice, and as he looked around he then saw the large purple dragon with green eyes looking back at him, what appeared to be a smile on her face.
"Sis, sister?"
"I'm going to get you both down, just a moment please."
Half-Dragon Daughter continued to flap her wings as she reached out with her clawed hands to take hold of Wolf and Goblin Slayer. She grew nervous as she clutched their bodies in her claws, to tight and she might crush them and too loose and they would fall.
"I have you. Now, let's get back to the ground."
Half-Dragon Daughter flapped her wings to push herself away from the tower and gently glided back toward the others. No sooner had she left when everyone saw the Tower of Law collapse on itself, the balcony where the necromancer's body lay fell as his head and body tumbled off to the side. Half-Dragon Daughter carefully landed and gently placed the unconscious Wolf and Goblin Slayer on the ground; she slowly backed away as the others rushed to check on the two adventurers. Half-Dragon Daughter smiled, proud that she had helped them on this quest when she once again felt the heat in her body, but this time it was growing weaker. As before her body was surrounded in purple flames but now it was shrinking, when the flames finally disappeared, she had returned back to her normal state. She had a frown as she looked back at her small frame but was immediately scooped up and hugged by her parents.
"You're back. I'm so proud." Half-Dragon Mother tightly hugged her child.
"But…I'm small again. I actually transformed into a dragon."
"True, but it is much easier to hug and carry you in this form my little one." Lizard Priest beamed with pride as he raised his daughter high. "You became a mighty dragon before your mother's and my eyes! I'm sure you'll be able to do it again as you continue to grow, but for now know that your Papa is so proud…and a bit envious that my daughter beat me."
Half-Dragon Daughter smiled as she happily hugged her parents, but while they were celebrating the rest were huddled around Goblin Slayer and Wolf.
"These two are in terrible shape, we need to get them treated immediately!" Spearman check over Goblin Slayer, grimacing at the various wounds that covered his body.
"Does anyone still have any miracles or healing potions?" High Elf Archer looked around at everyone, not only Priestess but anyone from the group that could assistance them.
The other adventurers all shook their heads while Guild Girl and Cow Girl desperately looked through the wagon for any remaining supplies but found nothing.
"Quickly get them loaded into the wagon, we'll head for the castle and get these two and everyone else healed up." The King motioned for Spearman to assistance him in carrying the unconscious Goblin Slayer toward the wagon.
Lizard Priest, Sword Saint and Heavy warrior followed behind them with Wolf, with the two on the wagon, Cow Girl and Guild Girl quickly drove the wagon towards the castle, the rest of the party right behind them.
xxxx
"He did it. He really did it." Truth frowned as he looked toward the board.
The gods themselves were also cheering, it had been far too long since a battle of this magnitude had taken place. Various gods had taken bets on how the adventurers would do in their battles and while there were some sore losers, many others were just as impressed with the fortitude of all those who had battled.
"Now they need only do something about the fires that rage on." Illusion sighed in relief that the adventurers she had come to admire had survived.
"A great rain comes in to douse the flames and wash away the pain and suffering of the people below."
The gods, Illusion and Earth Mother in particular, were surprised to see Truth to not only suggest but write it down in the official ledger.
"That's quite surprising of you." Earth Mother smiled and bowed her head toward Truth.
"Consider it my charitable act in recognition of his heroics. When next he recovers, the challenge I will have for him shall be far greater."
xxxx
With the new day came the rains, it doused the fires and now the people could begin recovery and disposal of the dead. Within every district, everyone was fully engaged in rebuilding their destroyed lives and trying to put the nightmare of the last month behind them. Near the remains of the Tower of Law, a handful of robed figures were sifting through the rubble.
"Is this wise, what if we are caught?"
"That is why we removed our masks as to not draw attention to ourselves. At this moment, people all over the Capital are doing the same thing, moving debris to look for loved ones, but we have different plans."
"And you're sure this is where he fell?"
"This is where he had planned to view the destruction, he would not have abandoned us, we are his…"
"Over here!"
The two bickering Faceless Men stopped their arguing to see one of their brothers waving towards them all. The group quickly moved across the rubble field until they were able to join him, in his hand he gripped the severed head of the Necromancer by his hair.
"Show some respect for our master you damned fool."
"Then the rest of him should be around here as well."
The group furiously moved through the rubble and finally found the rest of his body. They quickly loaded the body onto the back of a wagon along with the head before covering it with burlap tarp.
"We've done it my brothers; we've found our master." The Faceless Man chuckled as he withdrew the black tome from within his robes. "No matter how many years it takes, we shall recreate the formula and resurrect our master. His gift to the world must not be lost nor forgotten. For the Miracle of Life."
"For the Miracle of Life."