"Sir! The undead are too many! I advise a retreat!"
"By the gods what the hell is that thing?!"
"There's too many of them! There's too many of them!"
The cries of his men assaulted Gazef's ears, hacking and slashing his way through the hordes of undead that came to devour and rip them all apart.
His keen senses picked up on the shambling footsteps of more behind him, his arm reacting before his mind could catch up with it. The satisfying thunks of skeletal bones hitting the cobblestone path was like music to him.
Zombified groaning filled the air, as well as the desperate battle cries of the soldiers who accompanied the warrior chief into the ruined city of E-Rantel.
Ever since the arrival of Gazef's hand picked group and himself, the constant threat of the monstrous hordes loomed over them as a shadow, tracking their every move as they delved deeper and deeper into the city.
Their arrival started off easily enough, with the group of about twenty-five men splitting into two teams. One team would remain on the outside of the outer wall of E-Rantel, near the former guards' barracks for civilian extraction.
The other would go directly into the city itself, searching for any and all survivors to be found, and also to make contact with the remainder of the Adventurer's Guild.
Gazef, as the Chief Warrior of Re-Estize, knew that he would have to properly arm himself for such an expedition. His men, too, would need to be equipped with gear that ordinary soldiers would not have access to.
The five treasures of Re-Estize, the Amulet of Immortality, Gauntlets of Endurance, Boots of Perseverance, Guardian Armor, and Razor's Edge were all at the captain's disposal. He was the envy of several kingdoms as he was.
His men were not without their own power, for the Church of the Four saw fit to give their own treasures in the hope of being better able to bring back home their citizens. Theirs' was shining plate mail, blessed so as to stave off the negative energy sickness that was sure to permeate the air.
Evidently, the armor Gazef's men wore would be reserved for aspiring paladins, due to the holy nature that was imbued into every piece of steel. However, the priests made an exception when they heard of the captain's mission.
Despite their best efforts to maintain a low profile, some unseen undead must've spotted them, for a piercing howl tore into the overcast sky and summoned forward the sizable group of armored skeletons and half-rotted zombies that currently besieged them.
"Men!" Gazef called out while he struck down another skeleton wielding a sword and shield, "Rally with me, and form a defensive position! Shield wall, go!"
Several of his martial arts activated as he muttered them under his breath, striking back at the enemy to give his men time to carry out his orders. Just about all of them had a shield of some kind, to which they stood shoulder to shoulder and interlocked the edges to create a powerful barrier.
The sight of their battlefield was at a crossroads near what used to be the open air market of E-Rantel, rubble and decaying bodies replacing the stands that once bustled with lively citizens.
Many of the larger buildings were still intact, though some were pockmarked with ragged holes. The streets, though dirty and a few stones loose, were whole as well.
"Begin backing up into a more secure position," Gazef said, over the noises of battle, "If we can funnel the undead into a tighter cone, we'll be able to kill off more without getting surrounded so easily!"
Each and every man moved with the teamwork and smoothness of a well-oiled machine, covering one another's blindspot with a well aimed stab or smash of their shield.
"Captain Gazef! I see a two way alley just down the street from my position. If we can move there, we can force the monsters into a greater area of control and pick them off easier!" Said one of the soldiers directly to the warrior-captain's back.
"Good thinking! Everyone, start advancing as one. Keep your positions tight and protect your brothers in arms!"
"Sir yes sir!" Repeated the soldiers, doing as their commanding officer ordered. Their movements reminded Gazef somewhat of a turtle, heavily armored and practically crawling along at their pace.
However, the strategy of creating an enveloping shield wall served to keep the lesser undead at bay, the monstrosities battering at their shields but making no headway.
"Ack! Captain!" Cried out one of the men, younger and full of vigor, as he slipped on the loose cobblestone path and left a hole wide open in their shield wall.
A shambler took advantage of the momentary weakness, lurching forward with bony fingers outstretched to strangle the life from the youthful warrior and cut his days short.
Though Gazef served as the primary force driving back the undead from the group's rear as they approached the alley, he saw how the zombie came forward, bearing lipless gums and crumbling teeth, ready to tear into its next meal.
Only as it came down, a short sword bit into the nape of its neck, severing the head from its body as it landed with a wet squelch. The fallen soldier was quickly helped back up to his feet, and reintegrated back into his place within the formation.
Soon enough, the royal captain and his band broke rank temporarily to file through the somewhat narrow alley, which was short enough that one could see the other side of the street from the very farthest edge of the wall.
The buildings must be remarkably narrow if that is possible, Gazef idly thought, then realized that said "buildings" were no more than the remnants of walls, the rest of it having fallen away.
Whatever had happened in the aftermath of the initial undead surge caused catastrophic damage. From what he'd understood of the reports, though the first wave was stemmed by the valiant efforts of the Adventurer's Guild, more and more waves of increasingly powerful undead poured forth, overrunning more of the city as the days went by.
It was a miracle that E-Rantel hadn't been reduced to rubble already, but the chief warrior figured that was thanks to the adventurers and heavily armed citizens that survived.
Just like his soldiers had suggested, being able to funnel and control the flow of undead helped to dramatically reduce their numbers without fear of being surrounded, as the new area they found themselves in was a much more condensed set of alleyways connecting the backs of stores, or what was left of them.
In no time, the clang of steel and moaning of skeletons and zombies alike quieted, leaving only the heavy breathing of the still living.
Gazef sheathed his sword. "Good work men. Your performance was exemplary, and hopefully now we can try and make it to the Adventurer's Guild without further incident. Any casualties?"
"Negative, sir," replied one of the men, "just a bit beat up and tired, but all of us are accounted for and alright."
"Excellent. One of you, bring me the map. I need to double check our route and make sure we're heading in the right direction."
As asked, a crinkled map was placed into his hands. Gazef unfurled it and quietly studied its contents.
From what he understood, he and his squad were still at the outskirts of the city, the marketplace they passed being more for the local citizens that lived in that portion. Because of E-Rantel's circular design, it was divided into various sections accounting for different districts.
"If we're to make it to the Adventurer's Guild without further incident, we'll need to make use of the alleyways and open roads. Alternate if possible, so that any more intelligent undead don't catch us off guard like we were," Gazef said.
One of the soldiers leaned in to look at the map. "Sir, if I might ask a question, why not try and utilize some of the sewer canals beneath the city to get through? It's likely that the majority of undead are concentrated up here, hunting for survivors. We might have an easier time by taking the less trodden path."
But the chief warrior shook his head. "No. It's too dark and cramped down there. Likely more specialized undead will have claimed the canals as their home, and prey on individuals who believe they could find safety and a fast path out of E-Rantel. Better to stay in the light then be caught unawares in the dark."
The warrior who made the suggestion nodded his head in acceptance, and stepped back to give his captain room.
Gazef took another quick survey of his surroundings, and then faced his squad. "Alright, once we get moving, keep an eye on the rooftops. It's possible some flying form of the monsters may be lurking around. Once we get to the Adventurer's Guild, we should be safe for the moment with the added reinforcements. Ready?"
The collective group made noises of affirmation, and fell in line behind Gazef.
They wove in and out of streets and alleyways alike, avoiding larger groups of roaming, more powerful creatures like Flesh Juggernauts, which stomped along in groups of two to three.
Those that found themselves alone or in smaller numbers were quickly cut down, the blessed metal of his mens' swords and Razor's Edge slicing through their durable but common armor and weapons.
High pitched, shrieking howls echoed across the cloudy day, followed by the roars of undead as they heeded the cry. The sound of several buildings collapsing was not long after.
"Gazef, sir," began one of the warriors, "how many adventurer's do you think are still alive? Or the people for that matter?"
"Hard to say exactly," Gazef answered, "though from what I understood from Sir Ninya, the Adventurer's Guild likely still has most of their members. Some teams were outside of the city at the time it fell, and returned to give much needed aid to the survivors."
Another unearthly howl, closer this time to their position. It bounced off the brick walls and sent a chill down the Chief Warrior's spine. Something about it haunted him in a way that most things didn't.
He was no stranger to combat and violence. A fair share of blood stained his hands, all in service to the crown, but at least then, it had been the enemies of Re-Estize.
Perhaps it was the idea that it might've once been human, the vocals distorted by dark and corrupting magic from insidious minds hellbent on death and destruction.
Perhaps it was the irrational, animalistic part of him that trembled at the unknown, for it was that same howl that summoned the surprise horde to greet the group into the city.
Or perhaps…actually, there wasn't another reason that could feasibly be dreamt up. Not much frightened Gazef, for all his accomplishments and own strength. So long as his sword arm was able to swing and defend him and his own, then he knew he'd at least be alright.
"Captain! I think we're getting close to the checkpoint, just up ahead!" Said one of the men directly behind him.
Sure enough, at the end of the alleyway was a makeshift barricade of miscellaneous materials pulled from the destroyed city. They came upon a street with several run down buildings, foremost among them the familiar shape of the Adventurer's Guild.
It had seen better days, with the colors of rust staining all along the wood and brick work that composed its entire structure. All walkways were barricaded with reinforced walls of planks and steel bars nailed together.
There was not a single soul to be found wandering outside, but with how open the space was in front of the headquarters, Gazef held up a hand to halt his men.
They complied, spreading out as much as the alleyway would allow so that they could see better. The martial arts user looked both ways, as if checking for cart traffic, and lightly stepped forward.
"HALT!" Cried a female voice from within the Adventurer's Guild, "I WOULDN'T TAKE ANOTHER STEP WERE I YOU! WE HAVE A SNIPER UP ON THE ROOFS, AND HE'S LIABLE TO ACCIDENTLY BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF WITH THAT DAMN TRIGGER FINGER OF HIS. PLEASE IDENTIFY YOURSELF SO WE CAN TELL HIM TO STAND DOWN."
"I am the Chief Warrior Gazef of the Re-Estize Kingdom," the captain said, his natural baritone carrying over without effort, "with me are some of my finest men, we've come to give aid to you and your company, to free the people of E-Rantel from this nightmare."
The voice that had yelled quieted a few moments, likely conferring with her comrades. Then she spoke again.
"ALRIGHT! ONE OF THE MAGES IS HANDLING IT, YOU CAN COME NOW."
Gazef chuckled lightly, walking the rest of the way as his men obediently trailed him. There were some gasps from inside their destination, and some of the adventurers trickled out to meet them.
A familiar and well-known face among them was Pluton Ainzach, the grizzled headmaster fully equipped in armor of his own, a helmet tucked under his arm and a blade strapped to his waist.
To his right was a younger, fairly attractive redhead who looked like she'd already seen far too much for her age with her fierce eyes. She wore a mix of plate and leather armor, and a bandage was wrapped around the bicep of her right arm.
"Captain Gazef," greeted Pluton, shaking the warrior's hand. "It's a relief to know that we haven't been completely abandoned. I trust that you and your men are well?"
"For the most part. We met some resistance earlier on our way in, but we handled it. It appears that the undead have become more numerous," Gazef said. "What about you? Have you and the other adventurers fared well? What about what remains of the citizenry?
The guildmaster's expression darkened at that. "I'll be honest with you, with what we've had to endure and the losses we've suffered, the Adventurer's Guild has certainly seen better days. The surviving people of this city are getting by as best as they can, though many of them are still holed up in the merchant's district and protected by the last of the city guard and what adventurers I could spare."
A grim prognosis, Gazef reflected, though before he could ask anything more, Pluton continued.
"Quite frankly, if it weren't for the arrival of the paladin, I'm not sure if we would've survived the rest of the week. He's done a fine job, cutting down most of the higher tier undead. Save for one or two, it's mostly lower tiers roaming the streets.
"We've received the reports. His actions have…inspired the nobility to take action, amidst other matters."
"I'm sure. Given the city has gone to hell, that doesn't surprise me in the slightest."
A familiar howl bounced off the walls of the nearby buildings, longer lasting and far more vicious than last time. Though it seemed farther away, based on how long it took to echo, the volume of the screech indicated something terrible was lurking unseen.
"That would be one of the ones that the paladin hasn't gotten his hands on yet," Pluton said, holding his hands behind his back. "A 'Caller of Darkness' if I recall correctly. Typically it only comes out at night, but given that it's yelling its damn head off now, I'm guessing there's not enough sunlight to keep it hiding in the sewers."
"Where can we find the paladin? I wish to speak with him, to thank him for his help in stemming the tide and to possibly recruit him for our mission."
But the guildmaster was already shaking his head. "He helps us in many ways, that one, but every time we've interacted…there's something wrong with him, Captain. A sort of brokenness that no man should have to endure. Whatever he's experienced, why he's even here, I can only begin to guess at."
"Even still, I wish to make contact, if only because I believe he may hold vital information that I need. I understand you said he roams the city, but is there any place that he stops at to rest and resupply?" Gazef asked.
"Captain, I don't think-"
"Guildmaster Pluton! Guildmaster Pluton!" Yelled another voice from inside the Adventurer's Guild. Out came running a thin, robed man with neatly combed hair. His bi-focals sat haphazardly on the bridge of his nose.
"I just spoke with Sandor through [Message]. Looks like our resident shrieker is summoning another horde. From his position in the watchtower, he says they seem to be headed this way."
Pluton tensed up slightly. "How long until they get here?"
"We have about maybe five minutes. Sandor says he'll snipe off as many as he can, but he's running low on ammo for his hand cannon," the mage said.
"Are the others warned and prepped?"
"Yes sir. They're ready to go on your command."
Pluton nodded and gestured for the mage to go back inside, which he promptly did. He then refocused on Gazef.
"If you really want to find that paladin, I'll tell you, but first we need to deal with this. Help us, and I'll make sure you get the paladin's usual locations the moment this is over."
"Thank you, Guildmaster Pluton. We'll also be making our way to the Merchant's District right after this, to start getting the first wave of survivors out. We have a team that'll handle extraction, it's just getting there and transporting them that might be the problem," Gazef replied.
Both men nodded to one another, before they turned back to face their prospective subordinates and give out their orders.
"I want our group to help serve as the first line of defense, which means attacking from a defensive position. I want three of each of you in teams to support any mages or long ranged fighters that Pluton sends out," the Chief Warrior commanded.
He then pointed to the key entry points where one could come and directly face the Adventurer's Guild. "We know that they're heading in this direction, which means they could filter in from any direction. When you get with your adventurer, be sure to form a shield wall to defend them."
"Yes sir!" Replied his men, just as Pluton finished speaking to his own batch of warriors, mages, archers, and other fighters.
The respective leaders made sure to coordinate and split their ranks into said teams, having to rush and send them into position.
Pluton and Gazef themselves were right behind their people, swords bared and ready for combat. The five treasures of Re-Estize gleamed, as if eager to slay abominations for the glory of the kingdom.
Just as the last man fell in line, the same howl from earlier split the sky, followed by the frenzied cries of zombies and skeletons alike. Several of the alleyways that were already barricaded bulged with the weight of the horde, while the men of the Chief Warrior grunted with the effort of holding back their own pockets of monsters.
Bolts of flame and acid arced over the heads of those with shields, melting away the fetid and emancipated forms of the undead, while cold, hard steel sliced their way from the neck to groin of their enemies.
Splashes of black blood spilled onto the cobblestone below, making the ground slick and slippery. The groans and incessant pounding of the beasts against metal was a hellish war song, especially as the living roared back in challenge.
The redhead from earlier was at one of the barricades, cutting away at the limbs that were poking through the cracks that were widening.
"These damn things don't know when to quit!" She said, her short sword blurring in a flurry of blows against the grasping claws. A severe crack permeated the air, signaling that one of the barriers was falling.
One of the Flesh Juggernauts that Gazef spotted earlier was smashing through, its weapon a collection of scrap metal and stone clobbered together in the rough shape of a mace.
It was a beast of considerable height, standing head and shoulders over the Re-Estize Captain even in his gear. Unlike a Death Knight, which was fully skeletal and covered in horrendous armor, the Flesh Juggernaut was a mess of blister riddled skin and bloated muscle.
Instead of armor, ragged clothing covered the pulsating mass of its body, and jagged seams indicated that this particular specimen was composed of several bodies that had melded together in death.
Gurgling poured from its ruined and cavernous mouth, which hung limply. Sharp teeth pierced droopy lips.
Another swing of the mace, and the rest of the barricade fell away. A surge of zombies came through in their rusted armor, dragging bent swords that scraped against the ground.
The redhead was knocked back, falling onto her butt from the force of the creature's blow. She was engulfed in its shadow as it raised its mace to deal the final blow.
"[Martial Arts: Full Throttle]!" Gazef shouted, Razor's Edge shimmering with the added speed and strength that he drew from himself.
Within moments he stood between the Flesh Juggernaut and the redhead, the creature gurgling in rage with the new obstacle it faced.
The mace came fully down then, only to fly through the air as the head of it was separated from the shaft. The upper half of the undead diagonally slid away as Razor's Edge slid through its body like warm butter.
Gazef slew the lesser undead that had trickled in behind it, cutting them down just as easily and quickly as he had their greater kin. The light of his sword left mirages in the wind with the speed at which he swung it.
In front of him were more undead, mostly skeletons and zombies, though another Flesh Juggernaut shambled along in its portion of the horde. When it saw the destroyed body of its brethren, it roared in outrage, plodding along at a faster rate while it raised a war hammer.
Those with it were emboldened by its advance, raising their weapons or claws in a mock battle cry as they staggered all at once, reaching out to drag the Chief Warrior into their clutches. They were so close that their stench of decay was overpowering.
"[Martial Arts: Fourfold Slash of Light]!" He invoked, bringing down the treasured weapon in a single arc that split into four simultaneous attacks of blinding power. Much like the first mid-tier undead, the mass was shredded into various chunks of viscera as the attack sliced right through them.
In seconds, that particular group was rendered to bloody gore, their unholy bodies staining the city with their fluids.
A side effect of the martial arts that Gazef used was it sliced through the already crumbling walls of the buildings that made up the alleyway, causing them to collapse and bury the path in a mountain of rubble that no ordinary undead could pass.
The Chief Warrior reached out a hand to the redhead. "Are you alright, miss? You weren't hurt too badly were you?"
"Not as much as those monstrosities you just took care of," she said, grasping his hand and hastily hoisting herself up. "C'mon, time to jump back into the fray, I'm eager for some payback!"
She ran off with Gazef on her heels, both of them working in reducing a cluster of beasts that were trying to tear down another reinforced barrier. One of the cracks widened enough for a zombie to poke through.
BANG!
A shower of gray matter splattered his immaculate armor, his ears ringing from the massive blast of noise. His head snapped up to the rooftop of the Adventurer's Guild, the source of the sound.
Already running and jumping to another rooftop to reposition himself, Gazef could see who he assumed was Sandor, on account of the long barreled hand cannon in his hands. A leather bag dangled from his hip, jingling with something metal inside of it.
The hand cannon was of a dark, beautiful wood that was engraved with golden filigree. Images of noblemen and warriors alike in an unfolding story along the barrel's length. A box fed into the underside, and the hand cannon wielder pulled back on another piece of metal to make a canister fly out of an opening on the top side of the weapon.
The metal was pushed back into place, with the user closing one eye and holding the weapon up to align his pupil with the sight to aim.
BANG!
Another undead was shot, a Flesh Juggernaut who staggered backwards right as its hideous body loomed over the barricade. Half of its skull was gone, and in its momentary confusion and pain, Gazef relieved it of its head.
Unlike the other entrance, this one was not as contested with higher tier monsters, most of them collapsing under the weight of the fallen juggernaut.
Now the tide of the horde was shifting, no longer seeming so formidable as they had previously battered at all pathways leading to the headquarters of the adventurers. Congealed blood and yellow pus flowed between the cracks in the street, while a mess of flies descended upon their would-be meals as the last of the undead were being cleaned up.
The Re-Estize captain still possessed most of his stamina, taking slow but steady breaths to re-orient himself and relax somewhat. He lowered Razor's Edge, allowing himself to merely watch what went on around him.
A zombie's groan was cut short by one of his soldier's stabbing directly through its mouth, separating the upper half of its head from the spin. A skeleton was smashed to pieces by the twin war hammers of a heavily armored adventurer, while his mage counterpart melted the remains with acid.
Pluton Ainzach, with his illustrious blue metal blade, mist from the edge billowing in the wind, cut down two lesser undead with little difficulty. Despite his age, he'd hardly broken a sweat.
"It seems we're pushing them back! Don't let up!" The guildmaster said, bisecting a skeleton. "For E-Rantel!"
"For E-Rantel!" Echoed the men and women alike who fought, doubling their efforts to finish off what remained. Two of them, a grizzled mountain man and a younger, less experienced leather-armored man, utilized what Gazef thought was an owl-bear with a pair of flight-capable wings. That one animal served as a driving force to push back sizable groups of undead.
Just when it seemed that a final blast of magic, release of arrow, or slash of blade would put an end to the battle for good, the clarion call of the Caller of Darkness trumpeted again, so close that it was ear splitting.
Gazef grit his teeth in annoyance, noticing how some of the other adventurers clutched their eardrums and wailed in agony. He looked up, seeing a cloud of inky blackness hover over the battlefield. Several glowing, red dots glared hatefully down at the living, the source of the hellish yelling.
He readied Razor's Edge, the gleam of the blade mirroring his desire to put an end to its meddling once and for all. However, before he could devise a feasible way to get himself up into the air and finish off the Caller of Darkness, a deep rumble shook the earth, pounding in a steady rhythm.
A fresh wave of negative energy washed over Gazef, as suffocating and pungent as a graveyard. The raw power he felt made his skin crawl, and his scalp itched as the magic of his gear provided even greater protection against the miasma.
Rotten smells and more pounding assailed the senses, the very earth shaking as something massive lumbered its way to the Adventurer's Guild. Based on the mighty shadow that enshrouded the area even from behind a barricade, the Chief Warrior was able to guess at what monstrosity lurked just beyond.
The barricade shattered in an instant, sending shrapnel in all directions. A thrumming roar cleared away the dust that accumulated in the air, revealing its horrid form.
It was a hulking, wide abomination, with tattered flesh and glowing trails of energy visible through the cracks of its blood splattered armor. A wall of metal served as its shield in one hand, while a wavy, long blade rested in the other.
Rather than a pair of horns jutting from the helmet, a row of spikes went down along the spine, visible still due to its hunched over posture. A ruined jaw lined with cracked teeth leered hungrily at the warriors.
This was a Death Knight of a different variety, Gazef recognized. It was the same height as a normal one, but the presence it carried was more foreboding, more crushing, and certainly more deadly. A surplus of negative energy radiated from its body like a beating heart, pulsing in waves that meant this member had feasted on much death. A Death Knight that arose when the city first fell, perhaps?
Pure malevolence and cold fury were what the Chief Warrior sensed, who raised Razor's Edge in challenge before the colossal threat. It noticed him first, likely singling out the Chief Warrior as the largest threat. It bellowed its war cry, pointing its massive, corroded blade at him.
This creature…it's intelligent. Or at least somewhat, if it could tell I would give the most trouble.
The red glow surrounding its body intensified with rage, the Death Knight lowering its head and charging directly at him. Trails of negative energy swished in the wind behind it.
Gazef held his ground, watching as the creature drew closer and closer to him. He was a stalwart wall, ready to intercept the quarry that barreled at him.
Only for his footwork to shift, and he timely leapt out of the way. The momentum of the Death Knight was too great, being unable to change direction to account for Gazef's change in position.
It crashed through the building that was behind him, leaving a sizable hole where it impacted. Through the cloud of dust that flew up, the outline of the monstrosity was visible, shaking off the rubble that fell onto its back.
"[Martial Arts: Sixfold Slash of Light]!" He invoked, slashing Razor's Edge in a single arc that split into six arcs of light. They hit the beast dead center, though it frustratingly held up its tower shield to catch most of the damage.
Even still, that attack managed to gouge some grooves into the armament, cracking it from the force of the blows. It howled, the blast blowing away the dust cloud and unveiling it for all the world to see.
Gazef grunted from the sudden drop in his stamina, only for his armor to account for the difference with its various enchantments. This time the Death Knight lumbered out instead of forward charging, leering down at the human captain with obvious contempt.
"Captain Gazef sir!" Yelled one of his men from behind him. "We're coming to help you! Just hold on!"
"No! Stay at your positions and handle the rest of the undead, I've got this!" He shouted back, keeping his eyes on his much larger opponent.
The both of them stared at one another, sizing the other up. Brackish drool dripped from the maw of the Death Knight, which growled at him. Gazef's eyes darted all along the form of the creature, utilizing [Martial Art: Sense Weakness] to detect what he could.
The armor of the Death Knight was especially thick, with only the slightest of openings in the joints of the arms and legs. It wasn't much, but it would have to do.
Then the legendary undead took the first step, cracking the ground as it closed the distance and began their fight with a heavy overhead slash.
It crashed into the ground, breaking up the cobblestone where Gazef stood only a moment prior. His enhanced body reacted before he even knew what happened. He countered with a sideways slash, aiming directly for the elbow of the Death Knight.
This was blocked with the tower shield, its sword jabbing at him almost just as quickly. A parry followed quickly after, though Gazef grunted from the unearthly strength.
Razor's Edge cut halfway through the blade of the colossus before it was yanked away, leaving the job unfinished. Another overhead strike was levied at him, the Chief Warrior sidestepping.
THUD!
His vision blurred as the side of the beast's shield bashed him, coming at him from his blindspot. He recovered in a second, but that second was all it took for the Death Knight to push its advantage, shoving him with the tower shield against the same wall it had plowed into earlier.
He reached around with Razor's Edge to try and cut at the wrist, only for the blade to be awkwardly shoved aside by the wavy steel of his opponent's weapon. When he felt his back press against the wall, he was lifted upwards just by the shield.
Eye to eye now, Gazef saw the endless evil of the legendary undead, it looking gleefully at him. He could hear the shouts of his men, and the pounding of feet as they rushed forward to save him.
They would never reach him in time, not with the Death Knight's sword right against his throat. A pity that he had to go this way, but he took solace in the knowledge that he would die defending his men and in service to the kingdom which he so loved.
Finish the mission. Get our people out of here, I'll be watching.
His eyes closed, accepting the inevitable now. Live or die, the others would carry on.
FWHOOM!
The pressure that pressed onto his breastplate alleviated suddenly, as did the foul stench that pervaded his nostrils. His eyes shot open as he landed on his feet and fell to his knees to steady himself.
Where once the Death Knight was, ready to end his life and feed upon his death, it lay in a ruin of rubble of a building on the opposite side of the open area.
A different, all encompassing presence made itself known then, resting a hand that covered his entire shoulder. Warm light bathed his back, just as a summer's day would.
"Stand back," commanded a male voice, so deep and authoritative that Gazef felt like a young man in training again, facing down his old mentor, Vesture Kloff Di Laufen. He got back to his feet, doing as he was told while military instincts kicked in.
His men gasped as the figure behind him came into full view, a being that rivaled the Death Knight's stature. His armor was so polished and reflective that Gazef could see himself clearly in the surface of it, even as debris flitted all around him.
There were no weaknesses in any plate, hammered expertly by hands that bore no earthly limitations. In the chest plate laid a fine sapphire that could fill a kingdom's treasury several times over.
A billowing cape flowed in the wind with the majesty of a king, fine fabric unstained by the horrors of battle. His sword was a weapon of war fit to carve down a castle wall, while his shield could easily replace it.
Every bit of the paladin was outfitted to protect and serve the people to a maximum, a beacon of hope and light that all could rally behind and follow into battle. His inner radiance, dulled by an inner darkness Gazef could not describe, shined with a brilliance few could ever muster in their entire lifetime.
This man… no, he is far greater than any man I could ever know. I'm certain of it now. He most definitely is associated with the Sirs of Ainz Ooal Gown, or comes from their home country at least.
His musings were interrupted by the enraged roar of the Death Knight, breaking free of its rubble prison and glaring hatefully at the paladin who stood between it and Gazef. It yanked its shield and sword from the destruction, banging them together.
The paladin was unmoved by this display of aggression, merely placing both hands on the pommel of his sword and waiting patiently. He squared both feet as well.
This further infuriated the legendary undead, which brushed aside the rubble like pebbles and charged the godly paladin that had so casually thrown it away. Gazef watched as it settled on its collision course, much the same way it and he began their fight earlier.
Only when the Death Knight got close enough, the armor began to smolder, and the beast screeched in debilitating pain. It stumbled and began to slow, finally falling over just as it reached both warriors. Gazef expected that it would crash directly into the paladin himself, or that the paladin would sidestep to allow his foe to fall.
Neither happened. Instead, the Re-Estize Captain blinked.
And two halves of the Death Knight came crashing down on either side of him, perfectly dissected. The blade and shield still clasped in its iron grip, and inside of the armor exposed to the air pooled something foul.
Smoldering embers flaked off the carcass, disintegrating right before his very eyes. Soon enough, there was nothing left save for a dark, ashy outline of the Death Knight.
Silence pervaded the open area, as adventurer and warrior alike gaped at how casually the powerful creature was slain. Even Gazef, who'd seen first-hand the raw strength of the Sirs of Ainz Ooal Gown, still looked with awe at the paladin's handiwork.
Up where the Caller of Darkness used to be, watching their battle, was now blank space. It seemingly dissipated into nothingness when no-one was looking, though that didn't mean that it was necessarily dead.
All the while, the paladin stood still, in the same position as if waiting for something that had yet to come. The inner light from that being was present, but so too was its taint.
Many of Gazef's men and the adventurers surged forward to crowd him and the paladin, their voices a crashing wave of excitement and relief.
"You're the one who's been helping these people!"
"I've never seen anyone take down a Death Knight like that! You're so immaculate and powerful and-"
"Captain Gazef, sir! Are you alright? I'm so sorry I couldn't reach you in time. How can the men and I assist you?"
"Are you…are you a god? Were you sent by the gods to save us?"
All these voices clamored over each other, wanting to be heard, though most of them were directed towards the paladin himself, who hadn't moved an inch.
As a matter of fact, beyond his initial introduction, not a word was exchanged whatsoever. The holy being merely stared straight ahead, not really observing anything so far as the Chief Warrior could tell.
It's almost like we're not here. Or that he's not here. Is this what Pluton meant by there being something wrong with this gentleman?
Gazef's eyes locked with Pluton's when he looked away at the surrounding area. The guildmaster merely mouthed at him: watch.
So he did, paying close attention to those who crowded him and those who didn't. The guildmaster and who Gazef assumed to be older and more experienced adventurers like him stayed farther back, keeping a wary eye on the paladin.
Those of Gazef's men were much the same, with his younger soldiers excitedly chatting up the steel wall while the veterans took a step back and looked quizzically at their savior.
Initially he believed that it might've been the way that the paladin composed himself, so stiff and rigid in his posture and with how tightly he gripped the pommel of his blade. But then he felt the light radiating from his fellow warrior, and realized that was what made him the most tense.
It was warm and comforting no doubt, but it was the same way that an open fire would be. Just as ready to sear and incinerate those who came too close in their arrogance as it was to protect and provide illumination in the light.
At any moment, this…Sir of Ainz Ooal Gown could snap. Something tells me that it wouldn't necessarily be at us, but if he does lose it, then the Four preserve us all.
Finally the paladin stirred, taking up his blade and laying it against his shoulder. The suddenness of his movements caused a few of the younger adventurers to step back in surprise and alarm.
The paladin turned around, walking away in vaguely the direction of the Merchant's District if Gazef was remembering the map correctly.
Some voices were quick to note their opinions on the paladin's choice to leave already.
"Wha-Where are you going? Aren't you gonna stay and help clean up?"
"How rude! Doesn't say anything and just walks off. Some holy warrior you are."
"Sir? Sir! Come back! We'd love to give our thanks. Can't you spare just a moment longer?"
Soldiers and adventurers alike called out to the paladin, but their questions and pleas fell on deaf ears. Their only answer was the flapping of his luxurious cape.
"Wait!" Gazef called out, running and catching up with the paladin. "Are you affiliated with the Sirs of Ainz Ooal Gown in any way?"
That got the holy warrior to stop in his tracks, just as he was about to enter an alleyway. He seemed to ponder the Chief Warrior's words, tilting his head slightly but not looking directly at him.
Neither said anything, letting their presence speak for themselves in a way that traditional words could not. The clouds above seemed to darkened as time dragged on, and the. Gazef felt the first raindrop upon his nose.
Some of his men shouted at their comrades to hurry it up. To finish cleaning away the gore that stuck to their armor and make sure loose rubble was swept aside to prevent tripping. But those sounded muted, as all of Gazef's attention was focused on his secondary objective.
He pondered where the paladin may have come from, and what he might've looked like beneath his helmet of shining steel. Was he a man from farther south, with dark hair like his and defined features?
Or was he another head of wheat blond like many of the citizens of Re-Estize? What sort of ancestry led to a warrior having such a staggering and impressive height? It perhaps was a common trait, for all the Sirs of Ainz Ooal Gown were of similar proportions.
The very aura of the paladin was all encompassing. Suffocating even, as if it were weaponized and ready to smash him down to paste at a moment's notice. That was the effect that the paladin had on him, and he hadn't even bothered to look at Gazef since he asked his question.
Maybe he should've felt insulted, but with so many lives on the line, both in E-Rantel and back in Re-Estize, Gazef knew a wound to his pride was a small price to pay if it meant getting his countrymen to safety.
Getting back-up from one who possessed powerful connections like the Sirs of Ainz Ooal Gown was a sure-fire way to ensure the mission went as smoothly as possible. The added muscle and otherworldly strength meant that not even death knights would touch them.
And if the paladin accompanied him and his squadron back? An extra bonus, meant to reassure his superiors and king that not all was lost.
"What do you know of Ainz Ooal Gown?" Asked the holy warrior quietly, still facing away from Gazef. "Not many people recognize that name around here, as far as I know."
"I defended Carne Village alongside them a few weeks ago. One who wielded a crimson great sword, one who wore black robes and a red and green mask, and another who bore armor somewhat similar to yours," he explained.
"Ah, I recall hearing about that. What business do you have with them?"
"Sir paladin, I have never seen or met anyone quite like the Sirs of Ainz Ooal Gown in my entire career. They possess power and wealth even the most advanced nations would struggle to match. So when I heard of someone who possibly could, I believed that you might be among their number."
The paladin said nothing else, turning slightly to glance at him from the corner of his eye. Gazef took that as a good sign and kept talking.
"My mission here is to get the people of this city out as quickly and as safely as possible, but I have a secondary task which I believed could not only help the people of this city, but the people of my very nation."
He clenched his fist and raised it close to his heart. "With your prowess and martial ability, we could take back this city in only days, and with your blessing, I would like to meet with your comrades again, and implore their help."
"With our war with the Baharuth Empire coming up, and with the sorrow and destruction we've faced as of late, we are at a severe disadvantage, sir paladin! Won't you come with me, to liberate these people and to give them a second chance?"
Now the holy warrior was facing him fully, looming over him with his greater height, but that didn't deter the Chief Warrior from his impassioned plea.
"With you by our side, we could turn the tide, and not only secure the future of these people, but of their families, their children. Their sons and daughters won't have to live in fear of what lurks just beyond their household! If you come with my men and I, they won't have to come back to a nation in shambles either."
The rain increased to a downpour then, sliding over their armor in rivulets. The black glass that covered the eyeholes of the paladin's helmet reflected Gazef's almost begging expression.
They stared at one another for a bit, and then his fellow warrior inclined his head. "I see. You have a lot riding on this, don't you? People back home that you need to protect and make sure never see the horrors of the real world?"
Gazef nodded, but didn't add anything else. The paladin lifted his sword, twirling it in his bulky fingers.
"You make a…compelling case, Captain Gazef. I will help you get the people out of here, but I do not think I'll come back with you. I'm sorry, but I have my own burdens to worry about."
A terrible weight that the Chief Warrior didn't realize he had until now lifted off his shoulders, allowing them to relax just a little. Admittedly, he couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed that he wouldn't get the paladin himself to come back to Re-Estize with him, but perhaps he could do the next best thing.
"When you return back to your own home, should you live with the other Sirs of Ainz Ooal Gown or at least have them close by, will you inform them of our plight, so that I might have an audience with them as well?" He requested, straightening his back as professionally as he could.
"I think I could do that," the paladin said. He reached out a hand.
It was met with his own hand in a firm grip, sealing their agreement. "Apologies, sir paladin, but I realized that I haven't gotten your name yet. Might I ask what it is?"
"My name is…Sebastian. Sebastian…Tou-Chi. Yeah, let's go with that," the newly named Sir Sebastian Tou-chi said, muttering the last part low enough that Gazef almost thought he imagined it.
With that done, they both walked back down the alley, straight towards the Adventurer's Guild. Once they came back in sight of everyone, Gazef's men shot him knowing grins, understanding near immediately that he managed to convince Sebastian to come back and give direct aid.
The actual adventurers, barring the less experienced, still kept their distance, but they seemed far more willing to come closer and watch the paladin as he followed the Chief Warrior.
Pluton Ainzach raised an eyebrow, giving a questioning glance. "I see you were able to keep our wayward savior from running off. I take it we can count on him?"
"Yes. I'll help you get out of this city," Sebastian replied simply, "I won't be escorting you back to Re-Estize however. I have my own problems to deal with."
A frown crinkled itself onto the guildmaster's features, but he nodded in understanding anyways. He gestured towards the door of the guild building.
"After you gentlemen. We have much to discuss, and not enough time. If you really want to try and get everyone out in a timely manner, then we need to get planning."
Everyone present filed in after Gazef and Sebastian, the former taking note of the current status of the once lively and bustling place. For the most part, it was intact, though there were dry, rust-colored stains that seeped into the wood.
Where the receptionists would've been were instead large crates bursting with weapons and armor, likely to replace whatever was broken of the martial users. Various tables were shoved out of the way, to provide more room to walk around and leave at the drop of a pin.
The upstairs held several tattered banners, probably the original flags of the city, though some bore the sigils of noble families. Others were of the city guard, or the various shops that advertised their wares via cloth rather than wood signs.
Overall, Pluton was correct in saying the guild saw better days, but the people at least persevered in the trying times that were living in E-Rantel.
All of them crowded around a central, rectangular table with a littering of papers on top. A massive map of the city took up the most space, held open at the corners with pins.
Sebastian's bulk shadowed over them all, his natural height and mighty armor making even Gazef next to him look small and insignificant in comparison.
"Alright. With the arrival of Captain Gazef and his men, as well as the…recruitment of the paladin here, I believe now we have a greater chance of getting ourselves and the citizens out of here," Pluton started, placing both hands on the map.
"Indeed. We have a team of some of my finest camped just beyond the wall, waiting for the first wave of citizens to come through," Gazef confirmed, "The issue, however, is being able to get those people out of here safe and sound. You mentioned they were stationed in the Merchant's District?"
"Along with the remnants of the City Guard. Most of the survivors are civilians, families really. They can defend themselves, but they lack the experience to be able to fight their way out of the city."
The guildmaster began tracing his right index finger along a path from their position to the Merchant's District, tapping their target.
"As it stands, they are well protected and well supplied with what was left in the warehouses after the end-of-winter deliveries were made, but that territory is quickly shrinking with the massive amount of lesser undead that spawn around negative energy hotspots," Pluton said.
He then tapped a picture of the E-Rantel Graveyard. "Even with the death of those lich summoning bastards, they still unleashed a fair amount of negative energy initially. Enough that the supply of undead is beyond our control. Even with the paladin's help in culling them, I doubt we'll be able to ever truly stem the tide."
"Nothing new there Guildmaster Pluton," said the redhead woman, crossing her arms. "Sandler's been keeping his scope on the place, and it just seems like more and more keep coming."
"An unfortunate fact, Brita," responded Pluton, "which brings us back to Captain Gazef's plan, and how we might be able to get everyone out at once. Or in as few trips as possible."
Gazef took his cue, leaning over the map and mirroring the veteran adventurer. "Getting the people out will be extremely difficult, especially seeing as the Caller of Darkness is still lurking about, so I think that we-"
"The Caller? Oh, I took care of it," said Sebastian so casually that it temporarily threw everyone for a loop. There were some laughs of disbelief, but when the paladin offered nothing more, they quickly quieted down.
"You…took care of the Caller? Already? But I thought you just killed that huge death knight!" exclaimed Brita the redhead, "There's no way you could've taken down both it and the Caller! Nobody is that fast."
The paladin slowly turned to look at her, the cold, blank stare of his helmet saying more than words ever could. Brita squirmed in place, but held her ground.
"The Caller. Is. Dead. You didn't see me kill it because I move faster than you can comprehend. I wasn't going to leave you guys to have to deal with something like that when it was right there," Sebastian reiterated, standing firm by his declaration.
A mage with a shaved head across the table scoffed. "Bullshit. Only things I ever heard of moving that fast are, well, the Great Four. You may be strong, but you're no god."
"I guess we can agree on that at least," Sebastian said, patting the mage on the back from behind. He then walked back to his position next to the Chief Warrior, refilling the massive hole in their group.
There was a collective blink they all had, the mage especially, as he patted the same spot where he'd been touched in a mixture of horror and awe.
Brita's mouth fell open in shock. "I-what-how did you-when-"
That's impossible! I didn't even feel him move from his position! Even if he used magic, the amount of force needed to move so quickly should've been felt. It was almost like he stopped time!
Pluton simultaneously aged ten years and regained his vigor, as if he'd discovered fresh new talent that he'd have to train himself. "Son, just what the hell are you? And why haven't you cleaned up this city already by yourself with that kind of power?"
It wasn't really meant as an accusation, at least not entirely from Gazef's viewpoint. But it piqued his interest enough for him to listen carefully to how the paladin responded in turn.
Sebastian was quiet, mulling over the query. The sapphire on his chest plate dulled as if in response to his emotional state, and his armor followed suite. Likely a trick of the light, but it sparked the Chief Warrior's imagination enough.
"…To tell you the truth, I've just been wandering," the holy warrior admitted, "I…decided that where I was at wasn't a good spot for me mentally, even if I had support. I hurt someone that I considered my friend, or an acquaintance at least, and I failed the ones I loved by making a choice that meant just an hour of my time to me."
He placed both hands on the table, clutching at the edges hard enough that they cracked. "You don't know who I am, or where I came from, or even why I'm here. But I will tell you all I am is just…someone trying to figure out where he fits in the world now, since I lost what was most important to me recently."
"You asked why I haven't taken back the city yet? Maybe it's because, deep down, I was still struggling to accept that I was just going through the motions. I thought by coming here, I could fall back into something familiar and feel better about myself, until I remembered something a friend told me."
The table was granted mercy from Sebastian's adamantine grip, leaving unrepairable indents in the thick, sturdy wood. "Sometimes the best way to get through the day is to remember the people behind you, even if some of them aren't there anymore. I was a guardian, 'to protect and serve' was my motto. I've lost more than you can imagine, so now I'll help you find more than you hoped for."
Every word was a ray of light that dispelled the darkness that beat at the paladin's core, and Gazef saw how it shrank to no more than a pinprick in his mind's eye. Not truly gone, but beaten back until the inner light was bright enough to obscure it.
Theories of all varieties surged through his mind as to the true identity of the paladin, beyond just the name he was given.
Was Sebastian once the chief warrior of his own kingdom, lost and ravaged to war? Were the Sirs of Ainz Ooal Gown merely refugees of such a conflict? If so, what could possibly be so powerful enough that it could replace the indomitable power of such individuals?
A loss greater than he could imagine…there were several that came to mind for Gazef personally. The destruction of his kingdom. The death of the Royal family and their loyalists. The enslavement of the common people to foreign powers.
And through it all he envisioned himself standing on his lonesome atop a hill, waging war against a sea of enemies that hungered for his blood. Baharuth Empire, Slane Theocracy, mystical and magical forces from beyond, it didn't matter.
Each and every one was multiplied by the thousands to stand against Sebastian, battling a hopeless conflict for himself and his allies, being forced out of their own homes and on the run from whatever dark forces conspired against them.
In a strange way, it inspired a sort of kinship with the mysterious holy warrior. Two battle brothers back to back against all odds. Finding him now, to help in their mission, was perhaps one of the best choices Gazef made this far.
Pluton cleared his throat, inclining his head deeply in a show of respect. "Well said, Sir…"
"Sebastian. Sebastian Tou-Chi."
"Yes. Well said, Sir Sebastian Tou-chi. I apologize if my words caused you any grave offense, but know that, from the deepest well of my heart, that I and my adventurers are grateful for all you've done thus far. I'm honored you've chosen to accompany us on this mission."
"And I'm glad to be a part of this mission. What shall we do, Captain Gazef?" asked Sebastian.
The Chief Warrior traced his fingers along the common routes of the city on the map. "First, we'll want to make our way to the Merchant's District, clear the largest road of all hostiles that is also the most direct way out of the city and to the old Guard's Quarters. However, there will be some other objectives we should complete first to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible."
For the next few minutes, Gazef laid out the entirety of what he had in mind, making sure not to miss even a single detail of what to do and what they'd need to make the plan go flawlessly.
Well, as flawlessly as possible, as even the best laid plans could be led astray by a single unaccounted for variable. Despite that, Gazef felt that several steps of his original plan could be combined now that Sebastian Tou-Chi joined their numbers.
Many of the adventurers nodded in understanding and amazement, while his men merely listened on, having been briefed previously already.
"So all this said and done, what's the time table looking like now?" Asked Pluton, his brow furrowed in thought.
"In an ideal situation, only a couple days. However, at most, I would give us about a week," Gazef answered.
"And what about in our worst case scenario? Say nothing goes our way. What then?"
"…Then none of us make it out alive, or worse, we get turned into undead and devour our comrades."
His declaration brought about a storm of muttering and concerned glances among everyone. The only ones unaffected were Pluton Ainzach, Gazef Stronoff, and Sebastian Tou-Chi.
The guildmaster slapped his hand against the tabletop to get everyone's attention. "Alright, settle down everyone. You've heard the plan, and you know what's at stake here. If we want to get out of here alive, then we got work to do, do you hear me?"
"Yes sir!" Came the collective cry from the adventurers, who calmed down almost immediately.
It was then that both the guildmaster and Chief Warrior divided up the responsibilities for setting the plan in motion, various groups splitting off and either going into the back of the guild house to gather supplies or heading outside to nearby buildings.
Sebastian Tou-Chi, who'd been an unyielding monolith of cold quiet and a watchful eye, stirred to help out as well. Due to his unimaginable strength and hulking size, he was able to carry the most out of everyone in whatever group he joined.
"You really think we could get everyone out in a week at most?" Asked Pluton, who came to stand next to Gazef. "Much as I'd like to be optimistic, better to keep a neutral stance about this than go all in."
"I believe even without Sir Sebastian, our forces combined would be formidable indeed. But with the paladin, I would say that our chances of success have increased drastically," Gazef confirmed.
"Alright…When this is all said and done with, you owe me a drink. I think I could use one after the nightmare that this city has turned into."
Gazef chuckled lightly. "I'll make sure to buy out the whole bar if that's what you'd like. I agree that a drink is needed after this, perhaps for all of us."
King Ramposa, my lord, whatever happens here, you will see the people of this city at the gates of Re-Estize. Even if I die trying, I'll make sure it's the last thing I do.
The clamor of people rushing around, preparing to save their own futures and their surviving neighbors, sealed his promise to himself. He contentedly watched as they all partook.