Argentum: I couldn't help it… this chapter was floating around in my head and I couldn't help but write it.

Grel'Slyfer: Well it is a good show of things to come. Mainly where you'll be heading in terms of "build" that is.

Chris: And I continue to play a role!

Cassandra: Same!

Chris: Oh yeah… should warn everyone at home… This chapter is pretty gory, though not descriptive enough to warrant a higher rating.

Argentum: Yeah… I mean I play a purpose but just giving everyone a heads up.

Grel'Slyfer: Mhmm… Though I guess with that we should end this… not much else to discuss.

Cassandra: True… hey Chris, want to end this off?

Argentum: Cassandra did finish us off last time.

Chris: Sure why not? Ahem… We here at the Dark Guard productions own nothing but OC's and reality building concepts. Everything else belongs to their respective owners. Now without further ado…

Everyone: Here's the story!

Hello= Regular talk

Hello= Thoughts

[Hello]= Radio

(Hello)= Telepathy/Mind reading

Chapter Four: How I found my limits or… How I discovered what real power is.

That one sentence sent chills up all of our spines. Quickly everyone put their guards up. Even I put down the sword I found and aimed an arrow at it. Thankfully despite a few hot blooded individuals, everyone was a veteran adventurer and formed up ranks. I was in the back with the mages and other archers. Our thieves in the middle and our heavy melee combatants up front.

This only made the monster chuckle. "Ah… once more competent individuals... at least in the strategy department. Whether you're competent in actual combat is yet to be seen. Hmm… I think it'll be more fun to decide this based on skill rather than power. So to make it fair… I'll lower my strength to match your collective average." I could feel the monster just grinning, then as he got into a stance… I saw his eyes reflect off the light created by our mages magic's. I saw no sclera only ruby irises with sapphire pupils… as if the rest of his eye simply absorbed light.

As he dropped the body of female thief those of us in the back fired. Spells and arrows shot forward over those who ran to combat the monster. His movement was perfect… ducking and weaving through our projectiles, never a pause in his step. As I fired another arrow right before our melee combatants came into range… he grabbed it. That's when the first death happened.

The monster took the wrist of one of the crusaders and moved their blade to the side. He then stabbed the arrow right into the eye hole of their helmet. As they dropped he picked up the crusader's sword and swung at a barbarian holding a mace. The man was ready to crush the monsters skull but instead he was decapitated. Still moving forward, the monster deflected a spear to the side. In the same move he jammed the sword into the woman's throat. With a flick the blade exited and he countered another sword swung at his head. Then while the woman was off balanced, the demon slashed upwards cutting off her arm.

As she screamed the monster took a step back, creating more distance as more of our fighters neared him. Grabbing the handle of a great axe, he slashed at the owners exposed throat. Then taking the axe he chopped into a knight's armor, leaving the axe as he kicked the body away. Parrying another sword he grabbed a thief's arm and kicked them into a different knight. As they tumbled away he countered another sword, before simply slipping his blade into the crusader's neck. Jumping back to avoid two other axes he got back into a ready stance.

Gritting my teeth I let loose another arrow only for him to deflect it to the side. As he spun his stolen sword to do so he blocked another spear. Only this time he used his free hand to grab the shaft. Using the spearman's forward momentum, he was quick to add his own to it. Redirecting the spear into a thief who tired sneaking up on him, he then swiftly beheaded the spearman as he moved past.

It was insane… within the span of twenty seconds he had already killed eight of us. Leaving only twelve left… and seeing how he probably took out at least one of the other groups already… even if another party showed up I doubted that we could win.

"This is unbelievable…" Another slash, another thrust, another counter… Every move was precise and used to either create room or kill an opponent. Deciding I couldn't do much else I started firing each time he countered. Doing my best to predict where he'd end up at the end of his movement. Using his skill the monster deflected each arrow… however he slowed down on his killing blows. He knew I'd only use his commitment to the action to nail him. As this continued we locked eyes for just a moment. He knew what I was doing.

Whether or not that impressed or annoyed him… I had no idea. All I knew was that I was trying my damndest to keep my comrades alive. Especially when my own party got close enough to strike him. Chris reached him first and attacked with ferocity I've never seen her use. In fact she seemed to get the closest to actually hitting the monster. Sure the others especially Cassandra and Tiff attacked. But thanks to Chris, the most the monster was able to do was toss them around. Chris and myself being too distracting to truly deal them lethal blows.

Even when I ran out of arrows I used magic, and thankfully the others caught on and started following my lead. Eventually as he swung his stolen blade, it snapped in half as it connected with Chris' dagger. With a vicious glint in her eye, Chris quickly took advantage of this and thrusted her dagger at his throat.

I smirked knowing that it was over, for that dagger was specifically enchanted to deal with monsters and demons. However… a snap and the sound of clattering metal filled the room. As it registered in my mind I saw the blade of her dagger bounce on the ground. Though I didn't see it Chris' dagger had broken as it made contact with the monsters' neck… and for a moment Chris stood there… arm extended just looking on in disbelief.

The monster chuckled before grabbing her arm. "You'll need something much better than that." He then lifted her up and slammed our thief back on the ground. It was brutal and I couldn't help but cry out to her in worry. Even as the others charged in, he simply tossed Chris at a few of them as Tiff approached. Swinging his mace the monster moved to the side. What happened next was too fast to see… with a clawed hand simply too sharp. The monster ripped our warrior's heart straight from his chest. Then holding it he slashed at someone else' neck… simply decapitating them as Tiff's body seemed to realize what happened.

With a thud Tiff died before he hit the ground. My eyes could only stare as I faltered… in fact everyone seemed to be paralyzed. Seeing our fear amused the monster, for he chuckled before taking a bite from Tiff's heart. As if he was simply eating an apple. With that bite I got a glimpse of its face. Black triangular markings came from its eyes. Pure white skin seemed to be painted onto his body, and his sharpened teeth dripped blood.

It was horrifying… and that smile… he wants us to feel this way! I'll admit I was trembling, it was just too much! Seeing one of my best friends simply tossed to the side, and then one of newest simply murdered… it was too much. In fact it was too much for most as a number of our remaining comrades threw up. I even saw Cassandra take off her helmet and keel over. I desperately wanted to do the same, but I kept it down knowing I couldn't let myself get distracted. Unfortunately I was failing in that regard…

Flashes popped into my mind causing me to panic and take a few step backs. Even tripping and falling down, some of the older adventurers seemed to just grit their teeth. No doubt having seen something similar. So as me and Cassandra had our panic attacks the monster picked up another sword. At this point we all knew that he didn't need it… no… the only reason he was using one was for sport.

As if killing us in such a fashion brought it insurmountable joy! "This… this thing… it isn't a monster… he's a DEMON!" I was hyperventilating and my words came out with a stutter.

However my words got the demon to speak. "Demon? Hmm… I suppose I've been called such. But know this boy… I'm much… much worse." With a smirk and a bow the demon introduced himself. "I am Nel'Ren… The thirtieth Darkwraith… and my name in abyssal means putrid maker… now with introduc-" The now named Darkwraith was interrupted as Chris tried to slash at him with a dagger she picked up. "That was rude." With a simply kick to her stomach he launched Chris backwards, spitting up blood as another adventurer caught her. "Hmm… you have a great deal of disdain for me… have we met?"

Chris only glared at him… her eyes full of hatred I had never seen before. This only caused him to chuckle, taking sick amusement from her hate. I had no idea what kind of history she may have had with him. But seeing how he called himself the thirtieth Darkwraith, thus hinting to more than just himself… it could be that she had a run in with a different one.

My thoughts were interrupted as he continued. "I will admit you do seem similar to someone else… but I just can't put my finger on it." Nel'Ren then shrugged. "Oh well… the fact that you're here in my dungeon trap just means more fun for me. Now shall we all continue our dance?" I instantly understood a few things from what he just said. Unfortunately none of it was good…

Everyone but us is dead… if we die no one will know what happened here. Gritting my teeth I stood up and looked at a sword I had put down. In anger I picked it up and unsheathed the blade once more. Not saying anything else I charged forward. This seemed to catch Nel'Ren off guard a bit, seeing how I was using just long ranged attacks up till now. Guess he didn't expect a frontal assault from a magic archer. Smirking I used his hesitance to my advantage. As he switched to me as his main target, the other mages fired upon him. Many of them using all the mana they had left to try and deal some damage.

As lightning, fire, and ice shot out from behind me. I used the very smoke it created to cast mage armor on myself. Knowing I'd need all the protection I could get and upon nearing the smoke I swung, aiming at the last place I knew his neck was. I heard a clang and as the smoke cleared I saw him blocking my blade with his. Deciding to take advantage of this lock before he did, I simply raised my sword a centimeter and slid my blade forward.

For once I could see his eyes widen in surprise as he broke the lock and slashed at my side, tilting his head in the same direction. Having committed to my strike I probably would've been a goner, thankfully seeing me attack must've shook Cassandra out of her panic. For she had stopped his blow with her own sword. Seeing how he was busy I cut downwards, Nel'Ren's eyes narrowed as he spun to the side. Not only dodging my cut, but getting his sword out of the lock he had with Cassandra.

As he did so Nel'Ren slashed at another through her chest, gritting my teeth I ran forward thrusting my sword at his throat. Hoping the special qualities of the blade would be enough. Cassandra behind me prepared to back me up if necessary. However it was not to be as the Darkwraith stepped to the left and slashed at my exposed middle. I felt great pain as I fell forward, arm wrapped on my wound. Falsely hoping to stem the pain. Luckily my enchanted clothes and my mage armored protected me from anything to deep. But it was still quite bad.

Poor Cassandra quickly followed suit as he quickly slashed upwards. Cutting through her plate mail, and as she fell to the side my heart stopped for a moment. For just a few seconds I thought she was gone, but as I saw her move in pain to try and stop the bleeding I felt some relief. The Darkwraith then moved in to deal with the rest of us as I tried to heal my wounds. After getting them a little more manageable I crawled to Cassandra. Next to her I started to heal her as well, as I did so she spoke to me in fear.

"We… we can't win… all twenty of us threw everything we had at him… and… and it was useless… He's unstoppable!" The former elf princess was now panicking to the point of hyperventilating. Gritting my teeth I took her helmet off and put a hand to her cheek.

I then swallowed my own fear and spoke. "Calm… no matter what happens we need to stay calm. For if we can't beat him… then there's only one thing we can and should do." Crying in fear she looked up at me as I gave a pathetic grin. "We need to run." Her eyes widened as I simply nodded at her.

"Run? Can we do that?" I nodded and when I felt that she was completely healed helped her up. Looking around I saw that only the mages and archers remained unscathed. As for the others… only Chris, the thief Nel'Ren had kicked, and a trembling knight remained.

Gritting my teeth I used my eyes to search for something. Eventually I found them, the teleportation crystals. "Cassandra go back to Oswald… I have an idea." Though she didn't seem to like leaving me on my own. She nodded and picked up her helmet before going over to our wizard. I myself ran as fast as I could and picked up the two teleportation crystals I saw. I then ran over to the archers and mages, tossing one to them. "Catch because we're getting out of here!" I saw their eyes widening as they formed up and teleported away. Leaving me, Cassandra, and Oswald where they stood. I then took out our party's crystal and yelled at Chris and the other two.

"Chris! We need to go!" She looked at me before giving me a reluctant nod. But before she could run towards us with the other two Nel'Ren spoke up.

"Do you really think I'd let you get away?" Raising his sword he disappeared and reappeared in front of Chris. All of our eyes widened as his blade came down. That's when something I didn't expect happened. The other thief pushed her out of the way. As his swing missed the Darkwraith moved to cut them both down. But the trembling knight now having found his courage grabbed him from behind. Arms holding Nel'Ren under his shoulders.

With a trembling voice the knight yelled out one word… "RUN!" I didn't want to… I truly did not want to. But I knew he was making a sacrifice, and as the thief teleported himself along with Chris out of the room. I did the same with Oswald and Cassandra. As we appeared in the room we fought the statue in… I felt awful… yet I knew we were still in danger. So gritting my teeth I threw Oswald over my shoulder and grabbed Cassandra's hand.

I then followed through with what the knight told us to do… and ran! I ran as fast as I could practically dragging Cassandra behind me. It was awful and even when we passed all of our previous obstacles I felt pathetic. As if all my training and leveling was for nothing. For in the face of what could only be called true power… we were nothing. Our battle with the Darkwraith couldn't even be considered a battle… for it was a slaughter…

And worse yet… worse yet… He wasn't even trying! It was true… Nel'Ren simply matched us in power while overwhelming us in skill. Not a single movement of his was wasted. It would've been beautiful if he wasn't murdering everyone. "DAMMIT!" Cursing I kept on running and eventually we made it outside. Once there I could see Chris and the other Thief. I saw them slowing down but I knew better. "Keep going! We need to be as far away from this mountain as possible!" Though shocked they took my advice and we kept running. Ignoring the bodies from those who had hired us in the process. I knew it… this place was a deathtrap he created!

Gritting my teeth I continued to run, even when my lungs froze and my legs began to feel like lead. It was brutal… and I didn't know how much longer any of us could keep it up. But keep it up we did, adrenaline and fear boosting us past our limits.

However we were only mortal… and eventually our bodies gave up as we all slowed down to a crawl. Poor Chris and the other Thief looked absolutely horrid. Looking behind me I could see Cassandra stumbling, my breathing was coming out ragged as I tried to keep walking. However with the extra weight, of both Oswald and the black blade I now carried… I soon collapsed to my knees. Letting go of Cassandra's hand. I was warm as I felt the cold air sting my lungs. I could see steam coming off my body as I struggled to breathe.

However seeing me fall to my knee's sent some kind of signal to everyone else. For they had quickly followed suit and fell to the snowy ground. Seeing this I put Oswald to the side as he tried to help me. Instead I waved him off and pointed to Chris and the unnamed thief. Though unsure he complied, and quickly went to help them as I tried to get my breathing under control. Looking to Cassandra I crawled over to her. She was also in bad shape, after all plate mail was pretty heavy. Knowing what I had to do to help her I took off her helmet. Thankfully even as her state mirrored mine, she was able to tell what I was doing and sat up.

Together we then took off her armor, steam coming from her as well. Thankfully this activity helped us calm our breathing a bit, and soon enough her armor was off. This left her in a chainmail shirt and cloth pants. The chainmail she also took off leaving her in a black shirt drenched in sweat. Once done we fell onto the cold snow, trying cool down as our lungs and muscles still ached.

At this time I knew that we were vulnerable. For if anything attacked us we'd be done for… no ifs ands or buts about it. Knowing this and seeing how my companions were doing I knew I needed to recover quickly. So closing my eyes I tried to relax my body as much as possible, pushing out all thoughts of fear and disgust. It was hard… harder than anything as my own trauma raised its ugly head.

Argh! No I can't let myself be distracted! Shaking my head I did my best to simply meditate and regulate my breathing. Time flew by and though I didn't know how long I laid there I was able to control my breathing after a while. Once I had done that I sat up with a wince. Feeling my side I lifted my gloved hand to my face. "Oh… my wound reopened." I was bleeding again… looking back up through the trees, I sighed in relief when I saw that I didn't leave a trail of blood.

However… I was still bleeding. So I put my hand over my wound, and using whatever mana I had left used my healing spell. At the same time I felt another pair of hands put pressure on it. Looking to the side I saw a still heavily breathing Cassandra. In her eyes were tears.

Seeing this I used my left arm to pull her into a light hug as she spoke still trembling. "That's… that's the second time… the second time I saw such horrors…" As I nodded my head in understanding her tears grew. "I… I thought I was strong enough! Strong enough to stop things like that happening again!" She put her head on my shoulder as she cried. I could only hug her as I finished up healing, it wasn't perfect but it would have to do.

Putting my chin on her head I let her know my feelings. "I felt the same way… it's not just you…" As I said that I felt someone sit down on my right and then hug me. Looking over I saw Chris. Her eyes were closed but she was also crying. So with a sad smile I also hugged her… I could feel that she felt the same about how weak she was. For that's what we all were… weak in the face of true strength.

The wind howls and the line breaks…

I didn't know how long we all sat there, recovering both our physical and emotional strength. But as I regained some strength I realized that we needed to keep moving. For one we could be tracked by the Darkwraith if he was skilled enough. Two… other monsters could attack us as night came… third we could freeze to death in the dark. Fourth and finally… we needed to alert the guild about what had just happened.

So while I knew it was a bit harsh I spoke to everyone. "Though I know it will be hard… we have to keep moving now. We can't afford to keep put here despite how much I know we all want to." Though extremely reluctant everyone stood up, I myself helping the two ladies up. That's when Oswald spoke up with a heavy tone.

"I know what I have to do…" We all looked at him in shock of what he said next. "I'll stay here and throw that demon off our trail… if he is following us that is." We were about to protest when he held his hand up silencing us. "All of you are still so young… I'm old… well over eighty now. My plan was to go on this last adventure and then retire. Simply telling stories to the younglings in the guild. So please… let me do this for all of you." He then gave us all a smile. "And hey! If he isn't searching for us I'll be just fine."

I quickly spoke up at that. "There's no way he isn't! In fact he's probably taking his time to simply mess with us! There's even a chance he took out the other group that escaped!" Everyone agreed with me as he chuckled sadly.

"I know… But please… for once in my life let me be a true hero." I couldn't help it I was starting to cry again as he gave us a wide smile. "It is the duty of the older generation to protect and guide the younger. So… let me do my duty." Everyone was crying at this point, and he responded in a way only a grandfather could. "Do not cry for me… For this is a death perfect for an old adventurer like myself. And while I know you aren't capable now… I know that in the future… you'll be able to defeat this demon." With that said he started up the trail we left speaking some final words. "The only advice I can give is to gather strength and learn true technique. Find those who are masters of their craft. And learn from them." He then waved a hand as he began to disappear between the trees. "Good luck you youngsters."

With that he was gone… it was the last time we ever saw him. Still crying tears of frustration, I took a breath and started walking. I for one wasn't about to let his sacrifice be in vain. Noticing how I began walking the last of our group began to follow my lead. Though Cassandra quickly put her armor into a satchel and caught up to me. Then with clenched fists Chris did the same. Finally the lone thief followed after us. Not saying a word as he looked towards the ground. Out of our group of thirty plus adventurers… only four ever made it back within the walls of axel.

That quest quickly became known as the bloodiest quest in Axels' history. For when we returned, everyone expected to see thirty adventurers come back with riches. Instead they saw our sullen and battered appearances. It was clear something terrible had happened… and no one… and I mean no one said a thing as we went up to the guild. As we walked in Luna was about to great us with a smile when she saw us.

"Michael… what happened?" Seeing how I was addressed I explained to her what happened, leaving out the bloodiest of details. I told her about how powerless we were and how we were the only ones still alive. She could only cry as she held a hand up to her mouth. Trying her best to say three words. "I'm… I'm so sorry."

Hearing my story a different adventurer smashed his mug on the ground. "That monster! No doubt that thing had to be one of the demon lord's generals!" As everyone was about to agree Chris spoke up.

"No… that wasn't one of his generals." We all looked at her as she elaborated. "He was a Darkwraith… and a Darkwraith will only bow to a superior of their own kind. They would never bow down to the demon lord no matter how much stronger he was."

Everyone was shocked but needed to know I questioned her. "How do you know so much about these Darkwraiths?"

Chris sighed before speaking again, all the while hugging her own waist. "Because… I've fought a few of the weaker ones… though those were in the nineties… if I had known how much stronger Nel'Ren was in comparison…" Her voice trailed off as she began to cry. Though I understood what she was trying to say and hugged her.

"It's alright… you couldn't have known." She hugged me back but continued to cry. This only seemed to anger those in the guild more, after all Chris had endeared herself to almost everyone. Trying my best to help I led Chris to a bench where she sat down, I sat on her left while Cassandra sat on her right. We simply hugged the smaller girl as everyone began talking.

No one knew what to do… for the only one who might be able to take out Nel'Ren was Misturugi Kyouya. Unfortunately he was at the front lines at the moment, bravely fighting against the demon Lord's armies. So despite everyone wanting to get together to kill the Darkwraith. They all knew they were no match for it. So in the end they sullenly drank and ate, the guild employees also now getting back to work. Though they were also quite depressed. After all… even if they were from different branches. Losing thirty mid level adventurers was a huge loss for everyone.

As it grew later into the evening I saw that both Chris and Cassandra had fallen asleep. Both as well as myself were exhausted, both mentally and physically. We did basically force march ourselves over here in a single day. Shaking my head I stood up on unsteady legs, I was weak and needed rest. But not wanting to just leave the two girls alone I with the help of the mohawked adventurer I met on my first day. Carried them both up to my room where we put them on my bed. As he left he patted my shoulder before giving me some advice.

"Remember when we first met I said welcome to hell?" I simply nodded. "I wasn't joking about that… sure we may all laugh and joke. But there's a reason most of us are always drinking and laughing. For we have all suffered in some way… lost someone in some way… this job it isn't easy. But know that we are all here looking out for each other. Just know we've all experienced things like this. But please… for those you've lost keep on moving forward… move forward and get stronger." With his piece said he left me to my thoughts.

Shutting the door as I saw him disappear down the stairs, I sat against a wall propping my new katana against it as well. Sighing as I rubbed a hand down my face. This whole scenario was one giant mess… and I felt a responsibility to somehow clean it up. Logically I knew I shouldn't, but after everything I've been through? I wanted to clean this mess up. Clenching my hands and gritting my teeth I realized something. I wanted revenge! I wanted to take a blade and like he did to all of us, expertly cut Nel'Ren to ribbons. I wanted him dead! I wanted the feeling of satisfaction as I slashed open his neck!

With these feelings in mind I looked at my newly acquired sword. "And I have the perfect tool for the job." It's anti demon and fiend properties were perfect for this Darkwraith. With thoughts of vengeance I eventually closed my eyes and fell asleep. That night my mind and body were too exhausted… to exhausted for even dreams. Though someone else had trouble sleeping.

Opening my eyes I awoke to Cassandra sitting up with a scream, Chris also waking up and tumbling off the bed in panic. I quickly got up and went over to her, our Cassandra already gripping the sides of her head. Her silver hair a mess as she cried. Though slightly worried about Chris and her tumble I knew she'd be fine. So instead I got on the bed and hugged her, eventually Chris recovered and did the same on Cassandra's right. Not many words needed to be said, for what else could we say?

Didn't help that we were all dealing with the horror that had occurred. So we just hugged… everyone trying to help the others, even Cassandra as she calmed herself and hugged us back. After a while I finally spoke up, though my tone was one of sad determination.

"I… I will follow Oswald's advice…" They looked at me as I looked at my new blade. "I know I need strength… but I also need true technique. All this time I've been going off of what I've seen other masters do. Advice from those who have practiced combat for years. I simply don't compare to a true warrior. Then maybe… just maybe when I master combat I can defeat Nel'Ren…" They looked at me then at each other before nodding; they themselves had come to a decision.

""We shall do the same."" I smiled at them as we became more determined than ever to become stronger. We needed to… because that was the only way to truly protect everyone and defeat those with power. With those thoughts we all fell asleep, with thoughts of the training we would commit to. After all… It was important to listen to ones elders and Oswald was a very wise elder.

The wind howls and the line breaks…

Argentum: And that's a wrap! But you didn't expect that outcome!

Nel'Ren: HAHAHA! Well what could one expect? Power is more than just strength and speed you know? Skill is just as important.

Grel'Slyfer: Indeed it is younger brother. Though my own abilities are even more terrifying.

Nel'Ren: I will not deny that elder brother. But that is a story for another day.

Argentum: Eh more like another chapter. Anyways hope you enjoyed this chapter I worked hard on it. Trying my best to incorporate real swordsmanship in it.

Grel'Slyfer: Indeed… And for those of you out there that might complain that Chris is actually the Goddess Eris… well like Aqua she is more limited on what she can do.

Argentum: So basically no goddess powers to help overwhelm Nel'Ren.

Grel'Slyfer: That's just the way the world seems to work… with that I believe it is time to wrap this up. Would you do the honors younger brother?

Nel'Ren: Certainly elder brother. This has once more been a Dark Guard production. We will now be signing off.

Everyone/Nel'Ren: Goodbye/Farewell!