After spending the last few hours in the Crystal Tower, G'raha had an idea of what he could do. The tower was a vessel for unlimited elemental power; if given enough push, it will be able to destroy even a being such as Eden. However, the solution was never so simple…
He still needed to make contact with Ryne, figure out how to get her out of there, and find a way to deal with Eden's energy. He needed something to power the crystal tower and contain the possible ramifications once the creature was destroyed. Perhaps it will not be as enormous as the flood of light, but G'raha expected a minor cataclysm even in such an event. Maybe the answer to this lies in the same place…Eden was a source of power, and if Ryne forces it to share its might with Crystal Tower, it might be able to reconfigure it into the destructive stream, eliminating Eden. The tower could also absorb the power after…No, that was simply too dangerous. This plan needed much more preparation and polishing before it could be attempted, but there was no time.
Eventually, the Exarch was summoned by Lyna, who gathered Crystarium citizens on the plaza. He would be quick to respond to her call and journey outside. This might have detracted from his planning, but people needed to keep up hope. For this, G'raha was ready to spare some time, even if the mission constantly weighed on his mind.
There was still much doubt and looming fear in his mind. Where were the ascians? Why haven't they made their presence known? This could only mean that they were scheming another ploy for the destruction of this world. Ryne remained inside Eden alone with no one but Mitron. This ascian might not have been on Emet's side, but the years of imprisonment have driven him to insanity. Who knows what he is capable of. Yet the thought that the Exarch couldn't leave behind ever since the fall of Vauthry was that of his own existence…He knew his destiny was to unravel once the task was complete. It will be a momentary flash. He will not feel anything before he fades out of existence. This still has not happened…What was it that he had to do? When will he meet his end, and what will follow? G'raha knew that destroying Eden was not the end, not while ascians were still free to plot and sow chaos. He needed to stay for how long it would take…Or was it his desire to live freely once again speaking?
When G'raha left the tower, he witnessed a drastically different picture.
Dozens of citizens flooded the plaza, and their disposition was contrary to what G'raha would expect, but he quickly realized he should have. They were full of hope and newfound excitement. These people talked frantically, all while waiting for him to appear. The Exarch has become a symbol of hope who saved them from the flood and gave harborage in Crystarium. Of course, they would view them as their hope and salvation.
"Do you think he brought that thing here?"
"He must know what to do!"
"Why is he keeping us in the dark?"
The voices rang right until they noticed the Exarch. From there, a loud cheer spread through the plaza from the chorus. The Exarch did not hide his face under a cape anymore, but his crystallized hand was enough for them to recognize their selfless leader. G'raha smiled and looked over their crowd, the only ones who would not show their excitement and pride were adventurers standing to the right side of others. They would still display hope, but they knew their situation was far from ideal. Lyna stood beside the gates and looked at the Exarch.
"They're here to listen to you. Give them what they need." - She said, leading to a nod from G'raha. The Exarch then looked at the public.
"People of Crystarium!" - He thundered, ensuing silence befalling the plaza. G'raha sighed, knowing that he would have to help them keep their hope while telling the truth about their current danger. He was never well versed in making speeches for the masses, but he had to adapt. "There are no words to describe how happy I am to see you again…I know you might have questions about my capture, what transpired on the fateful day, and the enemies we face now, and I won't keep any more secrets from you."
"What is this blasphemy above our city? Did you bring it here?" - One man said with wonder, hoping for this to be a part of Exarch's plan.
"This is Eden…The first sin-eater." - G'raha said, hearing numerous gasps from the crowd and another myriad of whispers. "A creature buried in the flood for a century now…And the only way for the ascians to destroy our world here and now." - People looked at him petrified after this statement, G'raha continued. "They tampered with it to partial success while keeping me on a short leash before the group of valiant adventurers ventured towards Eden to snatch it from ascian control. We succeeded, but it still does not make it safe…The creature is unstable, with darkness and light fighting within it, but there is one noble soul who dedicated her time and powers to containing it and giving us a chance." - He said with admiration.
"And what now? Can it explode and flood us all with light?" - A fearful voice asked.
"I won't deny its capability, but Ryne's resolve is not broken so easily. She will labor tirelessly to keep us all safe, so we cannot waste any time. Neutralizing Eden is possible, and I can already think of possibilities. When that is done…We will be safe for a long while." - He said with a smile. Ascians would have to work for generations to restore what they have lost, the battle might not be over, but at least they will have time.
"And what of these enemies?" - Another voice asked. "Will they come for us?"
"The ascians would not let their opportunity go so easily, but rest assured…" - G'raha did not finish as he froze. There was a silhouette emerging behind the people, a very familiar one. A man clad in white robes and wearing a red mask, the one that kept him imprisoned along with Emet-Selch. He walked behind their crowd slowly and fearlessly; G'raha had to warn the people immediately. "Behind you!" - He pointed to the back of the group.
Immediately have, the people turned around and noticed a mysterious cultist among them. They walked further away to keep their distance while maintaining their gaze focused on the Emissary. G'raha immediately took his staff out, as did four adventurers with their weapons. The quartet stood in front of G'raha, opposite Elidibus, ready to fight at any moment. The shouts and whispers were heard among people. Some of them would run away from the plaza.
"Greetings…People of Crystarium." - Elidibus uttered, mimicking G'raha's tone. The Exarch was ready to resist; he expected the ascians to show any moment since they left them in Eden.
"Why have you come here?" - G'raha asked, hoping for the ascian to reveal at least some of his motives.
"To deliver unto you a message and then deliverance." - He said, looking over the crowd. G'raha knew that attacking him first would be pointless; he would have him hear his piece.
"You were the one…" - Taynor spoke, causing Elidibus to focus his attention on him. "You killed Cerigg!" - He talked with anger in his voice, still trying to combat the reason telling him not to attack. G'raha noticed Lue-Reeq whispering something to him, causing Taynor to relax slightly.
"It's not worth it, Taynor…I know." - Reeq told him.
"That was a necessary sacrifice. Your friend made his choice." - Elidibus responded coldly, switching his focus on people around. "The words of your Exarch are naught but lies and delusions. He promises you salvation from the light while painting us as beasts that wish to bring unimaginable suffering unto you. When in fact, it is us who shall lead you to true salvation." - The Emissary raised his hands with a faint smile. "What I bring to you is a relief from all your burdens. Your lives in this broken world were sorrow and agony, a tale of eternal loss…All this pain will be naught more than a fleeting memory when you perish beneath the flood. And then, after another cycle, you shall be reborn…After your souls have been restored to their rightful, full state. You shall see a true paradise, a utopia you so long for! This world is broken, and your faith in it misplaced." - Elidibus looked at G'raha. "The Exarch has what it takes to finally free you, but he will never make the step…Perhaps I shall accelerate the process."
Elidibus strolled across the plaza towards G'raha, who was prepared for a battle. Adventurers stood their ground despite the unequal odds. Even Taynor, who only saw the ascian for the first time, did not tremble. G'raha would not surrender the tower so easily, whatever Elidibus wanted to do with it. The Exarch might have rejoiced that Elidibus was alone, but this worried all the more… G'raha threw a glance at Eden before looking back at the ascian. If Emet-Selch did not aid Elidibus here, there was only one place he could have been…
"No, this is where you stop." - G'raha heard an unfamiliar voice and looked to the plaza. An old man who stood among the crowd close to Elidibus stepped forward and stood in the ascian's way. Elidibus stopped.
"Shall you reject my proposal? "- He wondered calmly.
"Right as hell I am!" - The old man said with passion and hope, lacking any signs of fear. "We lived our whole lives under this light's shithole. Sin eaters, droughts, conflicts, it's got it all, but it is still our home. We labored, fought, and prayed for salvation. Some heroes fought to make this world better before and during our times! And now, after we saw the night's sky, we have some pompous bugger come here and expect us to give it all up for!? I sure don't want to forget this life, whatever you promise in the next…The friends and comrades we made, the days when we saw the night's sky, when the lightwardens fell, the reward for our suffering… I'd sooner die here, and now than submit, you bloody "savior"!" - The old man raged and punched Elidibus with all his power. Of course, this had no effect, but he was still not afraid. After his strike, the old man felt excruciating pain in his hand and had to back off. He breathed heavily, holding his balance and not daring to give in.
Elidibus ignored him and continued to March forward, only to have even more people surround him.
"I'm with him…."
"If you wanna take our world away, you'll have to go through me!"
"Get your ass out of here and piss off, freaking scum!"
"You'll pay for what you've done, monster!"
One after the other, all would flock to the fray. Men, women, elders, and youth alike would stand in front of a being vastly superior in his powers.
"You're the villain the warrior of darkness must have fought! We…We will fight you too!" - The young boy said in a trembling voice, holding his wooden sword up with his friend.
There was one trait all Crystarians had in common despite all their differences. Hope. They felt the same when G'raha allowed them a harborage when this city was built. The tower itself was its beacon, instilling faith into people's hearts. The same hope was reignited after Edwin brought the night back into Crystarium. Their hero might not be with them, but his deeds will forever live on…
G'raha descended towards the crowd and adventurers. He knew that Elidibus could attack at any minute, and he would not hide behind a civilian shield. Between them, the ascian and the Exarch stalled his plans for many years. Granson held his sword and gave a firm smile to Elidibus. The adventurers shared this disposition. They realized that they were far from the only ones willing to fight.
"See? That's the people's answer to you. We refused to give up before. This won't change now…Not when our sky is finally unraveled." - Granson said proudly.
"Following up on that, I'd suggest you get out of here right now!" - Giott taunted him.
G'raha was still doubtful. He looked at emotionless Elidibus; the ascian would not turn his gaze away from the Exarch.
"Your people are valiant…You have prepared them well." - The Emissary admitted.
"None of them are strangers to loss and challenge, and when you know how to fight for your life, your threats are quick to lose any substance." - G'raha responded.
"Yes, the resilience is clear…As is hope."
After these words, Elidibus immediately summoned a wave of light, appearing out of nowhere and ready to explode at the last second.
"Get down!" - G'raha shouted moments before the explosion went off. The light sprung through Crystarium. People felt the brunt of it, most were pushed back, and those standing closest to Elidibus burned their skin as they fell to the ground. G'raha quickly created an arcane shield for those closest to him, including four adventurers who got into their battle stance.
When the light dissipated, another image emerged…People ran to the nearby buildings, with only a few still lying at the center. Were they wounded, unconscious or dead, G'raha dreaded to think. And before them, another being emerged in place of an ascian.
"By the…" - Taynor gasped in fear as he witnessed the warrior before them.
"Hope, a feeling all too familiar to me." The knight with pale skin and long white hair said. He was clad in heavy armor, holding a sword and shield, about three times the size of a regular mortal. He floated above the ground and spoke in a familiar voice. "The one so powerful it gave me strength eons ago, that a being was born to deliver the true masters of this star unto salvation and deliverance! Now once again, I shall repeat history, and as the blade of light plunged this world into the flood…So now it will compete for its purpose." - Elidibus looked at his own blade and then back to who remained. Only G'raha and mercenaries stood their ground. "I take it you shall resist until the end? Very well, I will indulge your persistence!"
Elidibus floated towards the party as each of them got ready to fight. G'raha knew that it was his duty to take the brunt of his strikes as the strongest of them. With the staff regained, he masterfully created a sword and shield in his hands, rushing to stand up to Elidibus.
"Well, he can do that too…" - Lue-Reeq said as he aimed his bows. Seeing Hades in his transformed state was enough of a warning for them; now, it would seem Elidibus went through the same process.
As the Emissary raised his sword, G'raha was the one to block his strike. He persisted in his attempts to prevent another failure, but the strength of the ascian far exceeded that of the Exarch.
"You battle for a worthless cause; your resolve serves only to provide me strength." - Elidibus said with disapproval, unleashing all of his power on G'raha.
"Maybe, but at least our comes from within; there is no need to leech." - The Exarch declared proudly, after which he could feel Elidibus's power slightly diminishing. Was it due to G'raha's resistance or something else at play?
"Not on my watch!" - Granson shouted and joined the battle, pushing Elidibus back. He was a simple mortal, yet G'raha could feel his strength and aid.
"Defend the people… He's too strong." - G'raha did not want to endanger any more lives, but he knew that Granson wouldn't listen.
"As if we would!" - Giott replied, standing beside. "It is our battle, too, for Cerigg and Ryne!"
Two blades and a hammer pierced Elidibus's defense. It was not enough to wound him, but miraculously able to hold him back. Was he not using his full strength? Was he not ready yet? This was their chance to fight back, now that most of the citizens had run away from the plaza.
"Get ready!" - G'raha commanded before creating an aura of light again and launching a destructive spell at the ascian. The flames roared on his skin for a few moments before he fought back. The warrior raised his sword, ready to unleash a powerful counter-attack.
"You believe your faint spells can impress me? Have a witness." - Elidibus's words were followed by an enormous wave of fire spreading over the plaza. G'raha's aura was pierced and broken into a million pieces and leaving them defenseless. Reeq and Taynor remained behind and caught the most of this strike. However, due to them standing in a single place, some of the damage was mitigated…Perhaps this was a dent in his strategy.
"Hey, Mr. Salvation bringer! "- Giott shouted tauntingly and deflected some attention from exhausted G'raha. "Is it just me, or do you suck at your only job?" - She smiled at the ascian.
"Are you in a hurry for me to demonstrate…" - Elidibus smiled too. He raised his sword, but not at Giott. His gaze focused on G'raha once again. The ascian would not give in to petty insults. He knew who the most influential player here was.
"Look out!" - The dwarf shouted, but it was too late. G'raha felt the agony of a blade upon him, flying back a few meters after a massive wave of light. He landed beside Taynor and Reeq, wounded but still ready to continue the clash.
"Are you alright?" - Reeq helped the Exarch get back up. Taynor was helping them from a distance, unleashing shifting spells of fire and frost on Elidibus. G'raha clenched his staff; fighting with a sword was far from the only art he mastered. Both white and black magic were under his expertise.
Granson and Giott were desperately fighting a powerful enemy; G'raha was quick to provide healing and support. Protective auras and renewing spells swirled around them, providing a few more precious seconds.
"Continue the Onslaught. I will support them!" - G'raha said to Reeq and Taynor, who was quick to obey. Before his eyes, Elidibus unleashed a monstrous earthquake at Granson and Giott. Both warriors stood beside each other, hoping they could withstand it. G'raha's spells were the only reason they did not perish immediately but were enough to force the two to the ground. The shockwave pushed them away from Elidibus, luckily so, as they needed these seconds for recuperation.
As they got up and the Emissary approached, a rain of burning arrows fell upon him. In a scheme by Taynor and Reeq, the elezen boy would charge his arrows with flame magic, making them way deadlier. Elidibus even felt a glimmer of pain, not that it would stop him.
G'raha created another aura, allowing his allies to heal and prepare. Elidibus was slow in his approach thanks to the arrows, maintaining his expression of disappointment.
"Are you proud, Exarch? Proud of keeping all these souls in ignorance? Proud of giving them false hope? Proud of giving them a demonstration before meeting your final demise?" - He asked with some anger.
"You call your false hope and accuse us of ignorance…Yet time and time again, we prove our conviction to…."
He was interrupted by a wave of crystallized light striking the plaza. Its power caused the aura to be broken and G'raha to fall to his knees. So did the adventurers. They were getting exhausted so quickly after engaging…But what could they hope for? There was no one to aid them, and without additional power, even G'raha could accomplish little against a transformed ascian.
"Time and time again, you only prove your duty to be a fruitless pursuit. One way or another, light finds the way…" - Elidibus sighed, preparing another attack. "I have my duty too, for a time that exceeds your feeble existence. And it shall be done."
G'raha needed to counter while there still was a chance. Whether Elidibus was playing a game with them or trying to annihilate them, there was no time to waste. The Exarch looked around as he got up. Taynor was the first one to stand and continue using his spells on Elidibus. G'raha needed to think…The staff would allow him to drain some energy from the Crystal Tower and unleash it on Elidibus. Perhaps it will be able to stop him, no matter how taxing it will be for the Exarch. And if he can use this arcane power to charge another spell, the strike will be twice as powerful…
"Taynor!" - G'raha called to the boy and caused him to turn around for a moment.
"Y…Yes?" - He asked in a threatened tone, trying to focus on Elidibus.
"Continue your attacks, and when you feel that magically fills you, don't worry…Just be prepared." - G'raha said. The boy nodded and continued utilizing his fire spells.
G'raha closed his eyes and focused, calling to the power of Crystal Tower. The arcane began to infuse the Exarch in a few moments as he drained it from the spire. It could do wonders in times of the Allagan Empire. Perhaps G'raha could perform a fraction of those feats. For a moment, his senses became numb; G'raha could not feel the presence of Elidibus or his comrades. All became blurred before him.
When he could finally sense Taynor, a ray of light was released from G'raha's staff at the boy. Taynor was shaking when it pierced him but remembered to be ready. Despite being overwhelmed, he did not stop casting another destructive spell at Elidibus, empowered with the pure arcane of Crystal Tower.
"That's for Cerigg!" - He shouted and unleashed a vortex of wind and flame at the Emissary. Pure light fueled this spell as it engulfed Elidibus. Another shockwave followed, and G'raha could swear he heard Emissary breathing heavily.
As the cloud smoke settled and all adventurers got up, they saw Ellidibus before them with his shield falling to the ground. The ascian was quick to reclaim it, but there was something else G'raha noticed. The arcane energy has not perished; it was transferred to the ascian, and his body gleamed with it. His powers were quick to transform it into pure light.
"He is aiming for another one, get…."
But before G'raha could finish, he saw that the stream was not released at them. Instead, this energy of light was expunged from Elidibus and sent upwards. G'raha's heart skipped a beat as he realized what was going on. He looked at the skies and noticed this energy transferred into Eden.
"Now you see?" - Elidibus noticed G'raha's distress. "Your every spell, every strike, and attempts are a step towards our victory."
…
Focus…It was time to focus.
When Ryne persuaded Mitron to help her defend and stabilize Eden, she felt relieved for a short while. After that, however, a realization of her situation quickly kicked in. The ascians will come here. If she was lucky, it would only be one of them. They will have replenished their strengths by then, and reclaiming Eden in a direct clash would be a most straightforward task. She needed to be ready.
Mitron's voice and cooperation made Ryne feel safer. The girl knew she would not be alone when they came here and that one of their own kind would be here to provide her insight and aid her resolve. They were an unlikeliest of allies and yet so necessary when they were at the world's end. As long as there was a single soul Mitron wished to save, they had a common cause worth fighting for. He also helped her come up with a plan.
Eden was a creature that could be influenced by the minds of those attuned to it, as Ryne and Mitron both were, although the latter lacked the strength to enact much change within Eden. Various invocations could occur through the core, disturbing the elemental balance within this creature, either way, be it light or darkness. If the beast was to be filled with darkness from outside, Mitron would go free, but more monstrous consequences could ensue. It could bring a flood of darkness with it…And if the light was to fill out the creature, a flood of light would end their world.
Ryne knew that she should keep the balance between the two elements. The darkness would lessen the chance of it annihilating the whole world with light, but it would grant ascians more strength in this realm. The opposite was true for light. Ideally, Ryne would be able to find a perfect frequency of light, making it impossible for ascians to remain there while still being contained. It was an undertaking of many risks, but Ryne was willing to do everything. Before that, she could only survive and pray that Ryne would not take her world with her in case of her death.
"I can feel him…Only one." - Mitron whispered in Ryne's mind when the hour of doom came.
"Is it the Emissary?" - Ryne asked, hoping to be spared at least from seeing her tormentor again.
"No, it is Emet-Selch." - Mitron said gravely. Ryne's heart raced at the mere mention, and the ascian picked it up. "It is the fortunate option. Elidibus would have been much more resistive to light."
"Yes…Of course." - Ryne whispered. Perhaps what Mitron said was right, but this would not make her less horrified. The girl remembered how it ended when the party infiltrated Eden. She has gone into a shock and a state of psychological breakdown. Cerigg helped her calm down and get to the core, costing him his life. And here, there was no one but her and Mitron. Were they to fall, the entire Norvrandt would follow. Ryne breathed slowly.
"Focus…Focus… He's just…" - Just a megalomaniacal madman with powers of a god? That wasn't very hopeful…
Finally, the dark portal opened on the platform's opposite side, and a familiar man emerged. Ryne reflexively closed her eyes for a moment while still touching the hot surface of the core. She could feel the cold aura of darkness surrounding her, followed by a familiar voice.
"This infrastructure is an excruciating type of pain…With all the light's barriers you set up, teleporting here becomes enough of a challenge." - He said with annoyance, and somehow this calmed Ryne a little. It was a natural emotion, something she could barely remember him expressing after all of her nightmarish visions.
She braced herself and opened her eyes, looking at the ascian. Emet-Selch gazed at her while remaining static and not taking another step. He examined her and their surroundings closely, with each second causing all the more child to run down Ryne's spine. She tried to remain confident and not show any fear. The girl stood tall and did not look away from him, even though this caused her head to ache and collapse into dizziness. Why didn't he make a move? Did he want to keep her second-guessing? Did he just want to see her suffer?
"Well…" - Emet said with intrigue and looked at Ryne. "I must say, your disposition is insulting." - The ascian crossed his hands. "It would seem you take me for someone unhinged enough to eviscerate a lone child in cold blood, even sundered, as well as someone foolish enough to believe you have not prepared for my arrival by placing imaginative tricks up your sleeve. Fortunately for you, I'm neither." - Emet smiled at her, and Ryne felt disgusted in her stomach. "So let us talk."
"There is nothing to talk about." - Ryne responded coldly and monotonously, desperately fighting her desire to look away.
"On the contrary. Now that I followed in the footsteps of the scions and learned your tale, including witnessing its finale unfold, I have come to an understanding." - His tone changed to sympathetic. Ryne could not discern whether it was genuine or fake, but the girl assumed the latter. "Your entire life has been one of pain and loss…You were destined to suffer in place of another from your birth, a sacrificial lamb for the slaughter. Even when you could walk this tarnished world freely, the man closest to you would never accept you for who you always were." - Emet spoke, reminding Ryne of everything she went through. The oracle made peace with it, but considering her current state of disarray, each of his words hit like a dagger in the heart. "And when the said man finally gives you what you longed for the most…He perishes. A tragic tale, one ascians are hauntingly familiar with."
"He didn't perish…You murdered him!" - Ryne shouted at Hades; he did not change his disposition.
"What else could I do with such a band that would never accept reason? If the Exarch had not interfered, this conversation would not be necessary. Your life of pain and agony would long be forgotten, even by yourself. You have been to Amaurot and are, therefore, aware of what we want to accomplish. Your predecessor had an echo, and I am certain she passed it onto you." - Emet's voice changed once again to a more sweet and caring tone, as much as he was capable of. "You are eligible to be rejoined into a being you once were and begin your life anew. You will witness a new world before your eyes, where you will be finally free to lead your life as you desire. Would that not be a pragmatic choice? You are a smart child, and the few people you cared about are no longer with you…So make the correct choice and stand aside. I will separate you from Eden and make sure your last moments in this broken form under the flood of light are swift and painless." - He voiced his proposal. Ryne was full of hatred. How could he…After all, he had done to just ask her to surrender, this was a horrific insult to her, but now she had trouble articulating why.
"So, what is your response?" - Emet asked.
"Focus… Don't give him the benefit of the doubt." - Mitron whispered in a commanding tone, and he was right.
Before Emet-Selch could react, Ryne placed her hand on the core and began the invocation of light. She was careful to generate just enough power to weaken and resist the ascian but not enough to unleash another flood.
"Do not hold back…My darkness will contain the light." - Mitron spoke once again. Was she in a position to trust him? Was there another choice? Ryne thought of the enemy she faced that controlled most of the light's power, and the answer was obvious.
The surroundings of the core changed, and Eden created a setting, inserting it directly from Ryne's memories. They were atop mount Gulg, the moment when their battle was won, and the hope shone brightest. The sky was still covered with a yellow cloud of light, blocking day and night alike.
"Ah, the place where crystal Exarch almost stole my victory for the first time…You know how to choose your moments." - Hades said mockingly as he prepared for whatever was to come. And something did come.
A creature emerged between Ryne and Emet. An angel in golden armor and razor-sharp wings with a staff in his hands. He rose high above the ground, gazing at the ascian. Unlike the Vauthry they fought, his face was scarred and deformed, with a half-formed smile and only one open eye. This beast unleashed light, spreading through Eden's skin. If not for Mitron, the light might have been released already. Emet was not at all impressed.
"Stealing my concepts before attempting anything else? Such a low blow…Certainly looks like someone doesn't know how to play her own game!" - He began casting a dark spell. "But I shall take part in it nonetheless."
Emet was the first one to attack. The ascian unleashed a myriad of aethereal arrows infused with darkness. Some of them would have hit Ryne but summoned Vauthry quickly created the aura of light, protecting him and the oracle.
Ryne had to stay near the core, even if it was not visible. All this meant was allowing the creature to do its job while she was readying for another invocation. She noticed that despite the aura, some arrows managed to pierce through and hit Vauthry, causing Emet to smirk with disapproval.
"My first strike, and already this pathetic creation shows weakness? You can do better." - He said, expecting a counter-attack from Vauthry.
"He is right. We can do better." - Mitron's judgmental whispers rang in Ryne's head, causing her to feel utter annoyance. She knew this very well, but a swifter way of destroying Emet-Selch was not worth sacrificing their world. Mitron noticed Ryne's silence. "I cannot read your mind, you know."
"We continue as planned…Just tell me when the invocation needs changing."
As they spoke, Vauthry commanded the blades in his wings to separate. The weapons of murder, charged with light. They flew at Hades after another, who masterfully deflected most of the onslaught. Some blades reached his dark aura and were burned on the spot, but their explosions affected the ascian as well. His aura became weaker.
"A step up, but still hardly impressive." - Emet raised his hands and, with a single snap, created two arcane spheres before Vauthry. An explosion followed, unleashing two waves and causing the angelic creature to shake and barely maintain his balance. Ryne noticed that these spheres barely had any darkness in them.
"He is waiting for us to play into his hands…" - Mitron said. "You know what to do."
"How much more can you contain?" - Ryne asked, preparing to order Vauthry to fight harder. There must have been a point where it would be too much for Emet and still containable by Mitron. That point has not been reached yet.
"Enough to make the betrayer feel a fraction of my pain." - Mitron responded with pride. "You should not fear. Remember, I don't wish to destroy this world while she is a part of it."
Ryne nodded and closed her eyes, empowering her connection with the core. Vauthry immediately let out a ray of light at Hades. The ascian barely expected such a switch in power and therefore had no time to facilitate proper defense. Emet was pushed back by the ray, forced to his knees for a few moments. When magic dissipated, he looked up with approval.
"Yes, now we are getting somewhere…" - He stood up. "Come on, show me the true might of the first sin-eater. After all, it destroyed an entire world; what can a single soul do against it…" - He looked at focused Ryne and sighed. "You realize the dangers, of course, and still you choose to undertake the challenge. Admirable, even if foolish."
Hades created an aethereal mirror that fired at Vauthry immediately, but this was done for no other reason than provocation. He was pretty happy with the outcome of the sin-eater forcing all of his strength on them.
Vauthry was quick to retaliate; Ryne had little control anymore. It began with another array of infused arrows, followed by spheres of light being created. They exploded, leaving Ryne shook due to shockwave, and the monster was nowhere near done. He marked Hades with his blades and then began striking with light. Emet protected himself with his aura. It might have grown weaker with each strike, but the ascian could still contain it. He was so powerful that even among the light, he could hold his own. After a few more rays of light, Mitron's voice resurfaced, this time much more tired.
"I might have overestimated…My limits." - He whispered.
"Seriously?" - Ryne let out a nervous sigh after she said this. Vauthry began casting an even stronger wave of light while Hades stood tall and defended himself. Mitron was the one barely holding up.
"We need a change of invocation!" - The ascian exclaimed, causing Ryne to focus immediately.
"Darkness?"
"Yes, think of a dark place or creature so the creature can mimic it…Just not too much."
"I know, I know…."
Ryne imagined the darkest place she knew; the image was just as powerful in her head as the moment of triumph atop Gulg. The Eulmore's gaol, the prison beneath this tower of madness. The setting around them shifted drastically to a platform surrounded by darkness and withered walls around them. Ryne shivered at the cold wind flowing beside her. She spent most of her life here…Wet floor, no space at all, bugs and worms crawling underneath her. This place would give anyone nightmares; when you spend years here, you get used to it.
Thankfully, this place did not hold her any longer, and her captor was gone. Now it was a simple tool to bring balance to this fabricated reality.
"What now…" - She said quietly, not seeing anything or anyone, but her companion did not answer. "Mitron?"
The voice she heard in the darkness was not the one Ryne hoped for. It was a terrifying and familiar sound, almost taken directly from her dreams.
"So you would take this risk?" - A demonic sound spread through the core room, echoing a dozen times in Ryne's ears. "I had my doubts that your determination is so rampant, but in this case, I am rather glad to be proven mistaken." - Emet Selch emerged from the darkness, his essence pulsed with pure power. Now he was in his element while Ryne remained the only light source, faint and easily detectable.
She looked around, trying to find a way to escape him and contact Mitron. Why wasn't he responding? What if he betrayed her and led Emet here directly? So many possibilities and courses of action rushed through the oracle's mind. She felt a connection to the core, but it grew fainter; Ryne was not ready for an invocation yet. However, she could still influence the space around her, perhaps allowing herself more time. The girl focused, feeling the configuration shifting once again. The ladder emerged beside her, leading further down the gaol.
"I have to say, this is a rather grim setting." - Emet noted. "I assume these aren't particularly joyful memories…Shall I ask you one more time? Surrender and abandon this game, and I won't lay a finger on you."
Ryne didn't listen. She just needed the right moment. The girl ran downstairs, as far from Hades as possible, when the spiral ladder was formed. The ascian was quick to react. He created wings of darkness behind him and charged after her.
"I will take it as a no." - He spoke gravely as the dark essence followed Ryne.
She could not allow fear to get the best of her for the sake of everyone who still fought for Norvrandt. The beast behind her raged, losing any remnant of humanity. Ryne was sure that this was her imagination playing with her mind, but it was horrifying nonetheless. One single misstep, one fall, and she will be at his mercy. The ascian's patience ran thin, and he would not show her mercy. And then all hope might be lost.
Ryne finally reached the bottom. A lone arena at the heart of this twisted creation, there was nowhere to go from here. The girl looked around for other ways but found none. Not before Hades's dark arrow pushed her towards collapse. The ascian emerged before her, remaining silent. It would seem that even for him, the time for talking has passed.
"Invocation…Change it…" - Ryne heard a barely recognizable whisper in her head, but this was Mitron. He was still with her! Ryne sighed before trying to focus. She had split seconds to change the element or bring it to a balance. At least Mitron seemed to have enough strength now.
Ryne remembered the day she and Thancred escaped this hellish place and the trials they encountered along the way. Of them, most notable was a powerful sin-eater in the form of a lion, similar to the one she fought with Taynor. A creature of vile light, Ryne envisioned it in her mind along with Thancred's caring grip and valiant fight for her own life.
The light finally shone in the room, and a sin-eater appeared between Ryne and hades. The monster roared and raised its head, attacking Emet in an attempt to plunge its teeth into him. The ascian retaliated with a ray of darkness from underneath him. The monster was pushed to the edge.
"Are you getting weaker? Or is your imagination failing you?" - He addressed Ryne. "You may keep the balance with this weakling, but it will avail you naught against me." - He turned towards her once again. Ryne had to think quickly. Another, the more powerful invocation was required…Perhaps Titania? Ryne hasn't seen much of her project onto Eden.
Suddenly, she felt the floor shudder beneath them, followed by a massive swirl of energy. Ryne was shocked, not understanding what this was. There were no thoughts or invocations yet…She felt the drastic increase in light, so much that it broke Eden's stability every second.
"What's going on?" - Ryne asked quietly, begging for Mitron to have answers. "Do you do it?"
"No…It is coming from outside."
Ryne was losing control. The darkness around her was replaced with a majestic and all-consuming flood of light. It burned the ladder and the entirety of gaol, the ground beneath Ryne was lost; she was in an ethereal space similar to her dreams. Emet seemed weakened by the sudden abundance of light, but he was clearly prepared for it this time.
"Would you look at that, for once the Emissary succeeds in doing his own job!" - Emet said triumphantly.
Ryne looked around, trying to think of another invocation, but the light around her had become too chaotic. The endless waves, followed by whispers from faint and fleeting voices. Ryne felt the light shackling her; the burning energy was infusing the oracle, bringing her closer to complete annihilation, with Eden following soon. She desperately tried to stand up as Emet-Selch gazed at her with pity.
"If only you heeded my warnings…" - He was expecting an easy victory, getting ready to teleport away, but seconds before he could, the infusion halted. Ryne felt her shackles weakening as another power filled her. The cold and yet comforting presence, darkness. Miraculously, the balance was still maintained, and Hades took notice.
"Now this…No, your limits cannot be that high." - Hades was surprised by Ryne's resilience, but he understood that it was not entirely hers. "Ah, I see…Shall we take our hidden guest into the open?" - The ascian closed his eyes and traced a connection, or so Ryne thought. Mitron went utterly silent as both had to witness Emet-Selch's infusion with dark powers.
They would spread from him into Eden's walls, but without damaging the light established inside Eden.
"What is…I feel overwhelmed…No, no!" - Mitron's whispers turned to shouts in Ryne's hand as Emet carried on.
"Is that not what you wished for, Mitron? Freedom?" - Hades spoke loudly. "Claim it then, broken and distorted, exactly as you deserve!"
The ray of darkness flooded into Eden, eventually taking form. A dark-robed ascian stood beside Ryne, cut off from the body of a sin-eater.