Smurfocalypse Chapter 71: The Realm of the Black Hearted.
Upon entering the crimson portal in the cave, Hefty and the Knights of the Smurf Table found themselves in a realm of fire and darkness. There was no sky in this realm, but instead it appeared as though the entire realm as far as the eye could see was enclosed as though it were inside a massive cave, or underground. The only light source was the surrounding lakes of lava on either side of a strip of land leading to an ominous looking tower. Surrounding them were the bones of Smurfs in various armor types unique to faraway lands. Even some of the weapons on the corpses were ones Hefty had never seen before. There were skeletons of every fighting class from mages to samurai laying around them. They clearly were not the first ones to come here. Amongst the bones and lava was an obsidian strip of land which only gave the Smurfs the option to travel forward.
"Vanity couldn't have gotten far." Hefty said.
"Why don't we stop by the tower? See if anyone's home." Timber said.
"That's more Than likely where the black hearted live." Hefty said.
"Let's invade their home… See how they like it." Sweepy said.
"I'm going to turn this entire disgusting place into a graveyard." Hefty said.
"Should I send Zarus to scout the area?" Falconer asked.
"No, not this time. We need to stick together." Hefty replied.
Hefty led his forces down the obsidian path until the approached the tower. It was a Smurf sized structure that appeared to be something the Smurfs could actually build if they cared to. It was just around the size of Architect's Smurfominium, but it was a tower built from obsidian and stone bricks. Upon approaching it the large doors opened for them as though they were automatic doors from a grocery store. Hefty was not intimidated in the slightest and rushed inside followed by the others into the tower.
The first floor of the tower was a large empty room leading to a throne made of bones. Behind the throne was a staircase which presumably led to the second floor of the structure. Upon entering the tower several torches lit the room making it possible to actually see indoors without the light the lava was giving off. Seated on the throne was a Smurf-like demon with a large battle axe. The creature was sharpening its axe while seated on the throne as though it were preparing for when the Smurfs arrived.
"Take me to Vanity, and I'll make your death as painless as possible!" Hefty demanded, aiming his sword at the demon.
The demon smiled a cocky, toothy grin revealing a mouth full of pointed fangs.
"You don't understand a thing do you?" The demon asked.
"Explain yourself!" Hefty demanded.
"This is the realm of demons. Not Smurf nor man have influence over what goes on in this land… I'm afraid there is only one way the magic spell on the staircase will disappear and let you pass." The demon explained.
"I demand to know what it is!" Hefty said.
"If you want to get to Vanity on the very top floor of this tower. You'll have to first kill the master of each floor." The demon replied.
"The deadly seven from the forest…" Timber said in realization as he recognized the demon sitting upon the throne.
"The other six are protecting Vanity." Archer said.
"This only makes things easier for us if they don't plan to attack all at once." Hefty said.
"How about we make things interesting? Let's fight one on one. Mostly because it would be boring if I were to kill you all too quickly." The demon said.
"And why would we ever agree to your terms?" Hefty asked.
"Don't you see what he's doing Hefty? He's buying time for Vanity! While we waste time talking back and forth Vanity's body is repairing itself!" Timber said.
"So what do you propose we do?" Hefty asked.
"We can't waste any more time… I'll go first Hefty." Timber said.
"Are you sure? We could fight them together as a unit." Hefty said.
"One on ones is a big part of our training. Plus we would need to constantly watch each other's backs. Let me fight alone Hefty. I'm ready to put what you've taught me to good use." Timber said.
Hefty looked to the demon.
"Fine! We'll do one on ones, but if I see you try anything funny I will remove your head from your shoulders personally!" Hefty said.
The demon was quite amused by that claim. He grinned and had himself a devious little laugh before jumping from his throne to the middle of the room. Timber drew one of his hatchets as he quickly reached into his armor for his formula of strength. He pulled the cork out with his teeth, and dumped the formula over his head before tossing the vial. The glass vial breaks upon contact with the floor. He immediately felt the flush of power begin to course through his body as the magic began to take effect. Drawing is second hatchet, he readied himself for the fight of his life.
"For Port Saint Smurf!" Timber shouted as he charged into battle.