Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY and Dragon's Crown they are the rightful property of Rooster Teeth, Atlus and Vanillaware.
Italics are thoughts
Bold and Italics are flashbacks
Chapter 17 The Mage's Tower
(Location: woods near the Mage's Tower Kingdom of Hydeland)
The party stood a few miles away from the destination of their new quest. Jaune has told everyone to wait until Elf returns. The Arc has send the archer to scout the path ahead of the forest for any enemies. After finding out about the Hell Evangelists and their leader Morneon they knew they were in for a real fight. If they were behind for almost everything they've been through. All of their quests and the enemies they have fought. This mission was taken to be deadly serious. If the Mage's Tower is their hideout then they should be expecting monsters and many magic users. Even this forest should have its share. The magical gate has left them not far from where they were. They were able to spot the tower which it was very tall. Sorceress commented she didn't saw any magic barriers protecting the place which it was very strange. Unless, they were expecting them. So, it was most likely a trap.
The blond knight remained calm remembering his training and past experiences. He has already come up with strategies if things get complicated. This was the only quest the Huntsman didn't wanted Virna to go because of the high level of danger. Yet the female rogue bandit insisted that she needed to come to help with doors and chests. Though she was mainly with them for the treasure. Always thinking with her greed rather than her head. Will they even find the leader of this organization within the tower. If they were expecting them, Jaune doubted. Except there will be many dangers awaiting them. Maybe someone taking orders from the powerful mage. The Arc was mentally praying to the Goddesses to protect them. He will always go to the Canaan Temple to make a prayer before heading off to a quest. Also he believes in his party as long as they were together.
Beastmaster heard the incoming jumps. She told the group that Elf was arriving. The elven archer jumped from the tree branches as she quickly performed a flip and landed next to everyone. She has finished scouting the area around the tower.
"Well?" asked the Arc.
"There are many monsters, three clicks from here. Insects, wood Golems and owl bears."
"I can tame owl bears. They might provide us with further assistance" replied the dark elf.
"At least it's not going to be easy to get to the tower" the blond leader gave a sigh.
"Still we should be careful. They are expecting us if they hadn't use a protective barrier around the tower" followed Sorceress.
"Something that tall must house tons of treasure!" Virna was already going crazy at the possibilities.
"Let's look after ourselves first before taking any loot" frowned the blond knight.
"What's the strategy mate?" asked Anna.
"If there are owl bears ahead, then Beastmaster should be in the front with Amazon. Me and Elf will be in the middle. You and Sorceress on the back keeping a close eye on Virna. We still don't know what is awaiting us at that tower so we'll move in with caution."
"I advise with ride the owl bears. If they are expecting us it is obviously a trap. So we should be prepare for the worse" said Beastmaster.
"Right, this quest will be harder than previous ones. Remember to stick together and look after each other."
"Don't forget looking after me!" argued Virda.
"How could I ever forget?" Anna was being sarcastic.
The party moved through the woods as the elf members of the group detected the coming enemies. The insects were easily disposed off, the wood Golems were burn to a crisp thanks to Sorceress magic. And the owl bears were tamed by Beastmaster casting her beastcraft magic. There were five of the creatures so each was riding one. Poor Anna ended up sharing her owl bear with Virna. The female pirate was annoyed and wanted to kick her off. She has to be the one to babysit the rogue bandit. With their new rides they crossed the rest of the woods arriving at the entrance to the tower. No enemies in the front, too good to be true or a predictable trap. Neither Elf or Beastmaster wasn't sensing anything so, it was all right to proceed. Once they enter the tower it might take them a while to leave. Just seeing how tall it is, they might even get lost in the many floors. It was now or never as Jaune made the call to go forward.
Mounting the owl bears, the party climb the small stair case. The entrance has suddenly opened. Pretty much they were expecting them as they already knew. And aware it was all a trap but it was necessary to do this. The group slowly entered the tower. As they were in the first floor they were greeted by six magicians. They immediately charged at them before they could cast their spell. They made sure no more enemies would appeared, investigating the area. A stair case in the middle with two large shields hanging on the wall on each side. A wall that it seemed to be a dead end, with a strange marking on the top. A circle with a triangle, three circles on each tip, one in the middle. It was a bit similar to the marking one evil stone tablet. The same one Wallace destroyed. Sorceress inspected the wall below the mark, mounting her owl bear. She said there could a be a secret passage behind.
Jaune was against the idea. Any secret passages here will definitely be a trap. So he told everyone to keep going, heading for the stairs. Most likely, the enemy will be at the top of the tower. Meaning, they have a lot to travel. Virna wasn't happy with his decision. Any bandit knows a secret passage means, hidden treasure inside. But she was still too much of a coward to take the risk. Besides, Anna wasn't taking her eyes off her. If she makes a sudden move she will either be facing the tip of the blade of the pirate woman, or the tip of her pistol. Taking the staircase it lead the party outside seeing the sunshine. The path was ahead but in the form of a spiral. No enemies so they commanded their owl bears to run as they were having a better look of the tower. The creatures ran until reaching an entrance. Both elves members sensed presence in the next room. So they kept their guard up.
The room seemed like a small laboratory with a semi-circular crystal vase with same familiar color liquid on it. There was a chest in the corner. The Arc warned everyone not to touch it, or break it. More magicians appeared along with two wood Golems. All of the hostile forces were taken while the Golems were burned by Sorceress magic. Once it was all clear Virna made her move to open the chest. Disabling the lock and opened it as she grinned seeing the gold and other precious loot. She put it all in her bag as she got back on the owl bear being mounted by Anna. The magic user of the party could sense powerful magic again so she warned her companions. There could be more magicians ahead, or stronger type. Maybe the main enemy was waiting for them. Slowly the group went to the entrance as the magical force was getting stronger, the closer they get. Something powerful was ahead and they needed to be careful.
It was a small room but they found out they weren't alone. There was someone in a dark corner. A young woman tied in golden chains in her arms and legs with long wavy dirty blond hair and onyx eyes. Wearing a transparent veil which it was pretty much showing her entire body. Jaune blushed at the sight, the woman was basically naked. Why does this sort of thing has to happen to him. First the mermaid at Ghost Ship Cove, then the incident at the hot baths and now this. And how could he ever forget that the members of his party were almost naked too with killer curves. Two wearing bikini armors, a very busty witch, an elf with sexy legs and thighs and a woman pirate with her shirt opened showing her hot cleavage. Temptation is a real pain in the ass. And this woman wasn't just gorgeous but with one heck of a sexy body. He could see her nipple through soft fabric of the veil and her thighs. Though she was in a lying position, she wasn't showing her private part.
"The Goddesses must really hate you, mate" Anna smirked.
The Arc was about to say something but stopped. They didn't had time for this. He will focused on who was this woman instead of his hormones giving him naughty thoughts.
"She's the source of the powerful magic" said Sorceress.
"Is she a magician too?" asked Elf.
"No, she's...She's not even alive" said the witch.
"What do you mean?" replied Amazon.
"She...This is a spirit. No wonder she's emitting strong magical waves."
"Like a ghost?" followed Jaune.
"Not exactly. This spirit is a magical type unlike ghosts that are the spirits of the deceased. This one was born as a spirit."
"Yes, my kind has heard of them. They're suppose to be superior in magic that even surpasses magicians" said Beastmaster.
"Okay, a spirit spirit" the blond leader still didn't understood" what is she doing here?"
"She's obviously a prisoner. Those golden chains are bound by strong magic. Preventing her from moving."
The bound spirit opened her mouth but, she was unable to say a word.
"It would seem, the chains are also preventing her from speaking."
"Can you set her free?"
"Will she reward us with some treasure?" Virna has to opened her mouth while obviously everyone ignored her.
"I should be able to remove the chains."
Sorceress got off from her owl bear as she walked over to the bound spirit. Using her staff, she focused her magic as the golden chains suddenly vanished.
"Thank you" the spirit finally spoke" I thought I was going to remain prisoner forever."
"Why were you captured?" asked the Arc.
"The followers of Morneon are capturing many spirits like myself as well as fairies to power their rune magic."
"Many rune magic gates have been opened many times in this tower, and the magicians are traveling to the Illusionary Lands."
"Then it's true" the blond leader stood shocked gazing at his party as they were shocked too" they want to revive the ancient dragon like Wallace said. We have to stop them."
"It's too late. The ancient dragon has already been awakened."
They stood in more shock.
"You?" the spirit touched Jaune's cheek" I sense a lot of magic in you, along with a great power hidden inside. This magic, is the blessing of the Goddesses. I see, you all must be the chosen heroes. This must be fate. Please allow me to lend you some of my power. It shall be useful on your journey."
The spirit release magic from her hands as it engulfed the party. They felt stronger.
"Be careful. Morneon's followers must be aware of your presence by now. May the Goddesses watch over you" the spirit disappeared.
"We already know we're here. She warned us a little too late" said Anna.
"What are we going to do?" said Elf worried.
"So the ancient dragon has been awakened" replied Sorceress.
"We were suppose to stopped it's revival" followed Beastmaster.
"I know. But now it's not the best time. We need to stop Morneon and his people. We can talk about this later" the Huntsman kept himself calm remembering why they were here.
The next room was filled with many bookshelves, a library. There were also large crystal vases with tubes on them. Inside there stood a purple liquid. Looks like this place was being used as a laboratory too. But it was strange because, it didn't looked like any research on rune magic. There was an entrance leaving the area. But they were welcomed by more magicians and wood Golems. The owl bears charged in tearing through their flesh with their sharp claws. The Golems were burned down with Sorceress magic. After they were done there was a space in shape of a door in a bookshelf. There was a sing with an arrow pointing to the secret door saying" you may pick a total of two books". Another secret passage. Nope, Jaune wasn't going for it as he told his party to keep going. This place wasn't safe if they can avoid traps, the better. They left while Virna was whining wanting to find more treasure.
"Quiet. Our lives matter more than bloody loot" Anna has smacked the female bandit on the head.
The Arc smiled at her comment. Pretty much true. A quest this serious only matters their survival and doing their job rather than finding treasures. There was an elevator made of hard wood with large gears on each side, and more gears surrounding them. A lever at the middle. The thing that will make the thing move. The blond leader dismounted the owl bear pushing the lever to the other way. The elevator was now moving down. This was weird. They were expecting it will take them to the top floor of the tower. But instead, it was taking them down to a lower level. A possible trap, very much. As the elevator kept descending more magicians appeared as expected. Followed by more wood Golems. If they weren't heading for the top floor, the trap was that clear. The party took out all of their enemies until the elevator stopped at the last floor. Looks like they were going somewhere else.
The party went to the only entrance available, realizing they have left the tower. Immediately they felt intense heat, the moment they have stepped outside. Because they were surrounded by lava and rock formations. Pretty obvious place to unleash a trap. In some areas there were geysers. Now, they needed to be more careful than ever. One wrong move and they could have a lava bath. They quickly got rid of the bats while they were welcome by hellhounds. Beastmaster used her beast craft magic to tamed the creatures and have them under her control. Gaining more allies as they fought demons. Anna used her pistol while Elf fired a volley of arrows at the flying creatures. The temperature of this place was sure rising up. Jaune was already sweating, the lava cavern wasn't a good place to be fighting. Avoiding the geysers that released boiling water, there was chest.
While Virna got off the owl bear and opened the chest more demons arrived. They didn't had a problem as the female bandit disarmed the trap and the lock. She went full greed mode seeing so much treasure. Putting everything in her bag making it quite heavy. She didn't care, she will drag it with her if she has to. The others avoided the trail of geysers reuniting with the rogue bandit. Looks like the rest of the way was clear for the moment. As they continued to travel they reached a dead end. Not looking good for the group riding on the owl bears and their Hellhound partners. However, there was a stone pedestal with familiar markings on it. Jaune took his rune stones and short wand. Slowly he was memorizing the list Lucain gave him of the many combinations of runes and their effects. The blond leader was done as he got it right after trying a couple of times.
The stone pedestal was destroyed as something emerged from it. A giant flying carpet with many pretty decorations. This was the rune effect of Solomon's flying carpet. Looks like they found the way to cross the lava pit. There was a problem the party was aware of.
"I doubt that carpet will be able to hold all of us" said Sorceress.
"Right, we'll have to let go the owl bears and Hellhounds" replied the Arc.
"Indeed. I'm concern if they continue being under this heat they might suffocate" said the Beastmaster.
The dark elf gave the order for the creatures to leave and find a safe place away from this place. Staying here was dangerous. The owl bears left along the Hellhounds. As they were about to hop on the flying carpet they noticed one Hellhound was on it's own. Didn't looked like it was planning to leave like the others.
"It seems this one wants to come along."
"You sure? You don't have to make him" said the blond knight.
"Her, this Hellhound is female. And you seem to be misunderstanding my beast craft magic Jaune. It doesn't brainwash any creatures but only makes their personality docile making them easier to get along with humans and elves."
"I'm sorry, I always thought…." he knew he messed up with his comment.
"That's all right I'm not upset. I never did gave any specifications to my beast craft magic. I suppose I should have explain it sooner."
"Okay, everyone's ready. Let's get this over with."
"Do we have to?" Virna was trembling trying not to look down" is it worth trying to cross over when it could be endless lava?"
"Such a scary cat and here I thought your love for treasure was stronger than your cowardice" Anna smirked.
"I'm greedy, not crazy. I'm not taking my chances on a flying carpet."
"Would you rather stay here?" asked Elf annoyed at the bandit.
"Hell no! It's just, I don't want to fall off" she gulped.
"You won't. This carpet is created by magic. It's meant to carry us until a certain point. When it reaches land. It should be a safe journey" explained the witch.
"Just try not to look down mate" followed the pirate woman with a grin.
"I will take my chances here. You guys go on ahead without me" Virna chuckled.
"All right, Amazon bring her with us" said the leader
The buffed woman nodded as she grabbed the female bandit carrying her and jumping to the flying carpet.
"Let me go! I don't want to die! I need my treasure! I must stay alive to see all the treasures in the world!"
"Keep quiet or I'll smack you" said the Amazonian.
Jaune sighed as he jumped on the carpet along the rest of his party and the female Hellhound. Once everyone was on board the carpet started moving at a rather quick pace. It felt strange to be riding on it, while poor Virna was screaming in panic. Earning her a smack by Amazon. It may be a dangerous place but it was a safe journey. As long as they don't look down. The only thing that will bother them is the intense heat coming from the lava. But since it was a trap, they knew this trip wasn't going to be a safe one. From behind the unthinkable happened. A large wave of molten of lava was following them and many resemble long arms. Is as the lava was alive. Sorceress commented this was the work of powerful magic, someone was controlling it. Probably the one in charge of this place. Virna was already panicking almost falling off the carpet before she was caught by Amazon.
"It's coming straight at us! I don't want to die!"
"Shut up!" the female warrior was ready to smack her again.
"Everyone! We have to make sure the carpet doesn't get hit by the lava. If it burns out we're done for! Try attacking it!" shouted Jaune.
The party readied their weapons as the lava hands rain on them. Sorceress used an ice whirlwind burning them out, Jaune, Amazon and Beastmaster took out others with their attacks. Elf fired a volley of arrows with Anna firing her pistol. The Arc was keeping an eye on the carpet. The only thing below them was lava. So if it does get burn, they will be done for. So far so good, they were doing a pretty good job getting rid of the lava. Then, it got worse as the lava hands charged right at them. It left the group with no choice but to attempt to move the carpet. Everyone had to move putting their weight on opposite directions to make it moved. They had to do this over ten times because the lava was moving from all kinds of directions. Then, they were back at attacking the lava attacks. They better be heading to land soon, they couldn't keep this forever. After minutes the flying carpet went ahead as the wave of lava was dismissed, they were safe.
Reaching the end the carpet made a complete stop. The party was more than happy getting off and touching the rocky ground. Virna's eyes lit up from joy seeing a golden chest ahead. She has been rewarded for surviving such ordeal that almost made her crap her pants. Further, there was a cliff the only way was going down. Jaune sighed now they needed to find a way land because they didn't how deep was the bottom. The group walked until reaching the edge. Sorceress stood in thought, her expression changed looking serious. She could feel it.
"Doesn't look like there's no other choice but to jump" said Beastmaster.
"Hope we don't break any bones on the way down" followed Anna.
"I hope we're almost there" said Amazon she was starting to get hungry.
"Are we even going the right way? We left the tower a while back. Shouldn't the enemy be there?" asked Elf.
"Agreed, but this is all a set up that we are aware of. There has to be someone waiting for us" replied the dark elf.
"Not like we can go back now. All we can do is keep going forward" followed Jaune.
"Everyone" Sorceress finally spoke as the party turned to her" let's be very cautious from here on. I can feel tremendous amount of magic on the way down."
"A high skilled magician" that was the blond leader's guess.
"Could it be Morneon?" said the elven archer.
"We won't know until we find out" replied the female pirate.
"This level of magic is very high. Definitely an experienced caster" the witch kept her guard up.
Jaune was the first to jumped using his shield to break his fall. And thankfully, it wasn't that high. Everyone landed safely too except for Virna, who landed on her butt. The female bandit was cursing out loud. Maybe because she was holding onto her loot bag for her dear life like usual. Not giving her any time to think on her landing strategy. The Arc shook his head as a smile spread his feature. Landing strategy, that sure brought back memories. Not pleasant ones remembering how he was thrown into the air without a clue and never got his questions answered by Ozpin. But everything lead to meeting Pyrrha, how she saved him and she became his partner. The Huntsman cleared his thoughts concentrating on the quest. Sorceress has warned them that there could be a powerful magic user ahead. The witch has cast protection while Beastmaster used her buffs to strengthened the party, getting ready for a tough fight.
They took a few steps forward only for the elves of the group to get alarmed. Someone was here and he appeared. A figure floating above them, very familiar looking. The dark purple long cape with wine colored interior, the dark purple garb with the long neck and chest plate. The short dark purple hat gray mustache and beard, the golden twin snake staff crossing with each other. There was no doubt this person was familiar. They have seen him before. The lava started bursting almost reaching the rocky ground the party was standing at. Sorceress realized this was the same feeling of strong magic she felt when she first saw him. This magician must be connected to the Hell Evangelists and Morneon. The sight of him had the busty witch concerned. He could be stronger than her in magic level. She was confident on her training and seeking knowledge but this man could be out of her league. Her companions could be at risk.
The female Hellhound growled at the magic her body filled with flames. Ready to attack him.
"That's the guy from the castle" said Amazon remembering him.
"He's the one that helped Gustaf escape" glared Jaune.
"He could be the one responsible for all the things we've been through in other quests" said Beastmaster.
"Were you the one helping those pirates?" asked Anna.
"Or are you the one that helped the Orc Army take over Bilbaron along with kidnapping all those human children?" followed Elf with a glare.
"Or gave the priest the dark seal to summoned the vampire?" said Sorceress.
"I have nothing to say to any of you…." said the Warlock.
"Or responsible for placing the dark stone tablet at the altar of the Sanctuary. Maybe all of the above. Are you Morneon?" asked the blond leader.
"I am but a humble servant of my master. It is his will I exist and do his bidding. It is for his sake I must fulfill his goal, it is for his sake I must destroy anyone that gets in his way. His enemies are my enemies" the powerful magician readied his staff.
"So he must be his second in command" thought the Huntsman.
"Chosen heroes, you will not leave this place. This lava pit shall be your grave!"
"Think again pointy beard!"
Anna fired her pistol only for the Warlock to teleport away. Appearing in another direction as he summoned a red crystal orb that was spinning around him. Sorceress warned everyone about the orb. It was a magic amplifier to increase the power of any spell of a specified element. In this case, fire. The red orb is a fire magic amplifier. The magician released fire balls as Jaune told the party to spread out and kept their distance. This guy was dangerous, attacking him head wasn't going to cut it. It will be too reckless. He was different from any enemies they have fought before. People like him, Amazon and Beastmaster won't be able to land a blow on him. Anna, Elf and Sorceress were the key characters to that have a chance in stopping him. Or maybe, make him lower his guard so they can attack. The Arc knew Amazon wasn't going to stand still and do nothing. And neither would the dark elf. But the female Hellhound accompanying was doing her part using her fire breath.
The Warlock dodged all of their attacks countering with his magic. He cast a red glyph summoning a fire ball on the ground, following it up with a barrage of fire balls. And they would obviously be stronger thanks to the red orb. It got complicated as he summoned another orb. This time, it was colored blue. The witch's eyes narrowed, now he had an amplifier for water and ice. Or it could be something different. From what he has read about magic amplifiers they can differ, depending on the color. A blue orb can mean more than just two elements. It also has another attribute. The evil magician started casting another spell as a large blue glyph appeared below him. Suddenly, four skeletons and four ghouls have been summoned. Sorceress fears were confirmed. That orb is an amplifier for summoning undead creatures. This was the last thing they needed, as the fight has gotten tougher.
Jaune cursed mentality, as if they needed more trouble. He ordered Beastmaster and Amazon to take out the minions. The Hellhound aided them too as the blond knight also gave them a hand. He ordered his long range members to focus on the Warlock. Elf resumed firing her arrows even coating them with salamander oil and venom extract to have a better effect. But the magician kept on teleporting away, casting spells. Anna was annoyed firing her pistol, they weren't having any luck. The Hellhound burned the ghouls along with Sorceress while the skeletons were killed by the Arc, Amazonian and dark elf. The evil magician has summoned another orb, colored green. Sorceress's eyes widened that could only mean a strong wind spell was coming. She tried to warn everyone but it was too late. The Warlock has cast a whirlwind sending the party flying and hit the ground hard.
"It is nearly the end for all of you."
"Damn it, he's too strong. And we can barely land an attack on him" growled Jaune.
The magician cast fire balls as they were heading for the Hellhound. The Arc protected the creature using his shield. The others were trying to recuperate from such a strong attack. The blond knight was doing his hardest not lose panic. If this guy was Morneon's second in command he didn't wanted to know how strong is the leader himself. He checked on the Hellhound, she was all right thanks to him. He checked on the others, Elf was hurt with Beastmaster, Amazon was panting looks like she can still fight, Anna was in bad shape with deep cuts. He doubted this bastard will let them take a healing potion. Turning to Sorceress, the witch was bleeding a lot, Blue eyes widened in horror, she was more hurt than the others. She could barely get up, using her staff to stand up. The Huntsman blocked another fire balls as he ran to the witch's side. This was worse when they fought the Minotaur.
"Sorceress?! Talk to me!"
"I'll be fine...You…."
"Save your strength. Our plan hasn't change we have to make him lower his guard."
"It won't be easy. He's too clever and strong but listen Jaune. He may exceed in magic but us magic users, we all have a weakness. We all lack the endurance to sustain strong attacks. It's why I'm more hurt than the others, he's no different. If we can at least land a strong blow on him, he will be weakened. Giving us the chance to strike him down."
"That's easier said than done" the blond was trying to think but it was hard to do so with having the witch so wounded.
"You're only prolonging the inevitable!" the Warlock cast more fire balls.
"Shut your bloody trap!" Anna continued to fire her pistol.
Amazon and Beastmaster charged at the magician as he teleported away again. It appeared in another direction but he didn't saw Elf was behind him firing a volley of arrows. One hit his left shoulder catching his attention as he went to block the other arrows. The elven archer wasn't done yet as she cast elemental lore releasing a whirlwind. Before he could teleport the Amazonian and the dark elf charged at him again. He blocked their attacks with his staff. Jaune took his chance to change Crocea Mors into great sword mode. He performed a quick slash but the magician was already gone. He reappeared realizing he has been hurt by the attack. But these injuries weren't nothing. He still wasn't using his full power. About to summon more undead minions he was suddenly frozen even if he was levitating in the air. Sorceress has cast ice prison.
"Now!" shouted the witch.
"This is it! Everyone attack with everything you have!" said the Arc.
The Warlock has cast a fire spell melting the ice prison, followed by another whirlwind that sent them flying along the Hellhound.
"NO!" Sorceress teared up.
"Impressive. As expected of the chosen heroes of the Goddesses. But I'm afraid your time has run out" the Warlock has summoned another orb, it was colored yellow.
"Another amplifier? What is he planning to do…?"
"This is the end. The next spell will be your demise."
Just as he was about to cast a powerful spell the Hellhound has charged at him and bit his right arm. The creature stood there while the Warlock was trying to get if off of him. Her body was now burning in flames. Jaune saw the whole thing while gazing at his party, they were all too hurt to continue fighting. Sorceress was in the same condition. The Arc wasn't letting it end like this, feeling a surge of power flowing through him. The evil magician was able to removed the hound as it fell to the ground. The Huntsman stood shocked, while glaring at the old man. He gave a cried as light emitted from his body, it hit his party members along the Hellhound. When the light faded all the wounds from his party were gone. The Warlock gazed at what he just did. That was a rare sight someone with no affiliation to magic was able to perform a healing spell. Who was this young man.
"It seems you're stubborn to admit defeat."
"What did I just do? Wait...Everyone's healed, was it me? Wait, Sorceress isn't healed."
"What happened? My head hurts" said Amazon.
"That makes two of us mate" followed Anna.
"I'm healed" replied Elf.
"We all are, it seems" said Beastmaster.
"Everyone it's not over yet! He's hurt thanks to our efforts. If we can get a good shot at him, we will be beat him" shouted the Arc.
"And I doubt he can heal himself" followed the dark elf.
"Healing magic is probably the only magic he can't perform" said Elf.
"True, I can't do healing. But it matters not. You will all die eventually" Warlock summoned a blue glyph below him summoning more skeletons and ghouls.
"This again. I'm getting bloody sick of this trick" said the female pirate.
"Take them down as fast as you can. We haven't forgotten our real target!" said the blond leader.
Sorceress stood helpless watching as her companions were battling the undead creatures. Her injuries weren't letting her get up or move. She was defenseless at her current state. What's worse, the Warlock looked like he was ready to cast another spell. Could it be that powerful one he mentioned after summoning the yellow orb amplifier. The witch needed to do something. Her leader, her friends they were all going to die. Just as the evil magician was about to unleash his powerful spell he was stopped. He turned to the witch who was now on her feet. Her staff was being pointed at him. By now, Jaune and the others have killed the skeletons and ghouls. They had no idea what was going on as the Warlock was shocked.
"What's happening? I can't move my body…."
Laughter came from the busty witch. The group was surprised, her laughter sounded evil. It was very unlikely of her. And how was she able to stand up when she was too wounded to do anything. Then they realized the difference, in her face. Her eyes were black as coal. Definitely not normal.
"Sorceress?" Jaune got worried.
The witch started chanting something in an unknown language. None of the party members have ever heard of. The Warlock was shocked and started screaming seeing that his body was covered in scorpions and centipedes.
"Get them off me! GET THEM OFF ME!"
"What is bloody wrong with him?" asked Anna.
The group didn't know what was wrong with the magician. There was nothing on him but he kept on screaming. Then he coughed up blood along with needles. Just what the hell was going on. They gaze went back to Sorceress that was till chanting that language, her eyes black like a bottomless pit. The evil magician was completely helpless and looking like he was in intense pain. The party knew she was doing this, but how. They never knew their magic user companion could do such a spell. The magician tried to resist but it was futile. This level of magic was stronger than his own. The look in the witch's eyes, they were emotionless as if she wasn't human.
"This is...Black magic. So she's a, pure blood witch. I always believe their blood line went extinct thousands of years ago."
"Sorceress, I think that's enough. We're suppose to defeat him not torture him to death!" said the Arc.
But the witch ignored her leader's words as she resumed to chant enjoying inflicting more pain on the Warlock. The scorpions and centipedes have all gone inside of his body as the man gave an agonizing scream. The party stood in complete shock as his flesh was suddenly devoured and his body turned to bones. Even his garb was gone. Sorceress stopped chanting as she felt to the ground unconscious. The Huntsman ran to her checking if she was all right. Beastmaster saw something as the piles of bones from the magician landed on the ground. Three black rune stones, the ones that belonged to Lucain. But the third one was destroyed, it will have to do. One of Morneon's top magicians has been killed and they retrieved the only things that can open the gate way to the Ilusionary Land. Where the ancient dragon lies. Guess this quest has been a success. More or less.
"Am I the only one who doesn't have a clue what just happened?" said the female pirate.
"I agreed" followed Beastmaster.
"More like three" said Elf.
"Four" replied Amazon.
"I think all of us don't know…." Jaune's eyes blinked realizing someone was missing" wait a minute, where's Virna?"
"Is it over?!" the female bandit was so far away, of course she will keep her distance from a fight.
"She's been there the whole time?" said the elven archer with a sweat dropped.
"Never ceases to amaze me how fast she can run in the face of danger" said Anna.
"We have the black rune stones, two of them at least, but no Dragon's Crown" said the dark elf.
"We should have seen this coming. The crown must be somewhere else" replied the archer.
"Doesn't look like Sorceress will be waking up any time soon. Come on, let's head back" the blond knight went to carry the witch bridal style.
"And how are we going to do that, mate? Did you forget the lava path we had to cross over by a flying carpet. I doubt the it will give us a ride back."
"It seems we're quite in a bind" said Beastmaster.
A door has suddenly appeared right next to Virna. The bandit freaked out at the sight. Jaune smiled having a feeling Lucain must be involved. And right on time. He signaled to his party to head to the magic door that will most likely take them back to the capital. But there was so much on the Arc's mind. First Sorceress odd behavior and what she did to the Warlock to killed him the way she did. Then, there was that healing spell he performed to heal his wounded party. But he wasn't a magic user so how. This was just like that time at the Castle of the Dead when he used this strong light to burned through the vampire's eyes. The legend Belmont told him of the Paladin. Could he be the one or more precise, does this has something to do with his semblance. Questions that won't be finding the answer today. Beastmaster suggested that the Hellhound that helped them should come along and nobody disagreed. This wasn't a safe place.
As the magic door opened and the party went inside. There was an owl watching the entire time. it's eyes were glowing.
The mysterious horned woman was watching through a crystal ball the events that have unfold. She stood still in a small lit chamber.
"Warlock's dead, a shame. He has done so much for our cause and our lord. There's no doubt those six are the chosen heroes. And therefore, they must be eliminated. Starting with that witch."
"It's too bad they took the black rune stones" spoke a new voice within the chamber.
"That is the least of my worries. Thanks to all the information our mages have gathered, I managed to create exact replicas of the black rune stones. However, only two of them. Lucain destroyed the third one when Wallace stole them from him, just before he killed him. And thus, our work has been cut in half. It will take so much magic to create gates back to the Illusionary Lands. Without Warlock it will be impossible to accomplish it. We don't have a choice but to find the third black rune stone. It must lie somewhere in this land."
"It's annoying to find out Wallace is dead. I've been wanting to have my revenge on him for killing me and sealing me underground, oh well you can't win them all. Anyway I will help. After all, you did brought me back to life. I owe you a debt."
The horned woman turned to the small shadowy figure at the end of the chamber.
"I already did some research ahead and found out that there might be a rune similar to the third one at the Lost Woods. There's also someone who resides there with a lot of knowledge on magic. He might know where to find it."
"You've done well. I'm impressed Lima."
There was a chuckle as the small figure come forth to the light. A girl looking like she was around six or eight with shoulder length brown hair and light purple eyes. Wearing a witch hat, a black cape that reaches to her feet and covers her mid-frame. A while blouse with white shorts and black pointy boots. The child witch wasn't alone, she was surrounded by many goblins.
"No biggie. My goblin servants do all the hard work for me."
"Your plan is good. But what do you intend to do if the chosen heroes show up?"
"Already have that covered too" Lima grinned as she made a pink urn appeared in her hands" my new pet will take care of them. He's from a different dimension. It's going to be so much fun."
"Carry on then. Do not fail me because if you do, you're not just failing me or the Hell Evangelists but also Lord Morneon."
To be continued
-Another villain revealed. Lima Ray from the concept art her VA is Cassandra Lee Morris who has voiced Sophie in Tales of Graces, Suguha (Leafa) in Sword Art Online, Fie from the Trials of Cold Steel saga and even Morgana from Persona 5.
-What Sorceress did to the Warlock? Consider it a power up I've been wanting to give her one for a while. I have always thought Sorceress should be stronger than she already is.
-Another power was revealed from Jaune's semblance healing but it's stronger than the healing magic using the rune stone. It can heal all critical wounds.
-Replying to reviews:
*Jamieoeyes- oh my bad so the staff is what is keeping Atlas floating. Meaning if someone takes it it's bye bye Atlas oh boy. Thanks for letting me know. Guess I have to watch the volume again.
*Chima Tigon- I don't think so. I already have the ending figure out and it won't need a sequel.
*TheEmeraldMage- trust me it's going to get better with what I have in mind.
*calderoneric758- of course they're going to fight dragons, the red dragon and 3 ancient dragons. Also yes I already have planned a Jaune vs Amazon fight in further chapters.
*Abyss Trinity- all in due time, his patience will finally pay off.
*Saint Saber Fang- whoa what's this that they're planning to make a Tales of Berseria manga? Is it true it has gotten my attention. Will they be making manga of other Tales series too? This sounds awesome.
*Gabriel443- no has visto nada todavia ha ha tengo muchas ideas pervertidas lol.
-As always thank you very much for all the favs, follows and reviews I really appreciate it.
Next time: Blood Born