Anticipation continued to build as the elves were forced to wait for either Goldo or Yersia to make their way to them. What plans established before were lost as they tried to work with the multitude of changes that changed everything. The ones who led them were being tested to their limits with how Goldo was ready to adjust to the changing battle.

It was a short while before Corym and the others discovered who was about to find them first. The march of an army was difficult to miss for anyone who closely observed their current surroundings. Its presence summoned alarm within the hearts of the elves as they deduced there was only one way the sounds could be coming their way.

Corym turned to the others announcing, "We have our orders. We have to find her now."

There was no protest among the elves as they gathered to the mouth of the cavern Yersia went through. She still had much to prove to them but her one strategy was the one way they would be able to avoid facing Goldo face to face. It was also the one opportunity they had to make sure he would not decide he had to leave the area as well.

Corym realized he had to explain this to one of Yersia's followers as she came up to him asking, "We are prepared to make our way in. What about you?"

Turning his attention to the sound of the approaching footsteps, Corym prepared his bow and arrow answering, "They cannot believe we have outrun them. They must know where we are headed if the others are not going to face them."

Realizing how necessary this move was made the other elf admit, "Yersia has been willing to place her life on the line many times before. We must live up to that example."

The two elves did not have a chance to discuss their ideas any further as they saw the first hulking rock giant make its way into their sights. It did not scrape along any of the canyon walls but the towering creature's size caused it to brush alongside them. Both this and their bodies of stone provided ideal cover for the dwarven army as it came closer to the cavern.

Seeing the first dwarf in his sight was the instant Corym had been waiting for as he took aim and fired. His arrow shot between the gap of the rock giants legs before landing square between the eyes of a dwarf. The army recognized this attack causing many of the soldiers to raise their shields in response.

Goldo saw what was happening as he asked, Did that come from above?"

One of his men looked up to the cliffs as he answered, "The other divisions have not turned on us my lord. It would seem they are occupied even."

Goldo gripped his new axe as he reasoned, "So the overlord did hope to take us by surprise this way. A shame I could not dispose of his soldiers myself right in front of him. At least as long as he was not so cowardly to make his retreat already."

Another one of his men looked ahead to answer, "I can see the attackers my lord. A pair of elves in our direction. They may be the ones led by that woman we were chasing."

Seeing the two elves he was pointed to made Goldo determine, "We have them right where we want them. Move forward and we shall weed that troublesome wretch once and for all."

It was the only order necessary as the dwarven army made its way to the cavern. The rock giants marched forward to search for the armies at the top of the cliffs while keeping their dwarven masters from being found. There was no stopping Goldo and his pursuit for a final fight against the overlord

Shinji caught his breath relieved there was no longer an army of bandits attacking him. Receiving help he did not anticipate was initially an even that made him thankful for occuring. Being forced to remember who it was assisted him was another matter that made him reconsider his fortune.

If the alliance between him and Golding was at its end after this battle, he would not boy have Yersia at his side to assist him. This situation would push his ability to answer who his real enemy was and what the current setup of the battle was. All he could hope for was the opportunity to comprehend whatever honor system Golding had before turning on him.

Turning to see Golding standing with his men making their way behind him, Shinji began the dialogue by asking his most immediate question, "Is this your way of paying me back for your life?"

Godling looked up to Shinji to see him with the same look of uncertainty he saw when facing the bandits from before. It was not a sign of weakness but a genuine appeal to attempt understanding what brought everyone here. The feeling was familiar to Golding as he tried to comprehend what sort of circumstances brought him here.

Setting his hammer to the side, Golding answered, "You do not have to fear being in my debt if that is what you are concerned about. Destiny, its seems, has simply seemed we were meant to meet one another in this spot."

Yersia tried to comprehend what sort of meeting everyone was having as she asked, "I'm afraid I am lost. Is it true then that you were being pursued by your own father the king?"

The question made Golding breathe a heavy sigh before admitting, "The concerns you have for my father indeed seem to be founded on something. I cannot imagine what it is but I have not had the fortune to determine the cause for myself."

Shinji was afraid of where his assumptions were taking his train of thought but managed to point out the most obvious observation by asking, "And now he wants you dead?"

The matter had not become any easier for Golding to accept but he hung his head in front of Shinji answering, "I never thought he would value a piece of gold more than anyone else. It is my duty to be his heir and right hand but these actions have been nothing short of deplorable."

Yersia remembered what brought the conflict to this point by asking, "The Mother Goddess statue is supposed to be sacred to us all. He could not have ever believed it should belong to him alone."

Golding agreed, "It was one thing to fight for it in such a determined manner. His carnal desire for everything golden to be his was unacceptable."

Shinji had a better picture of what sort of conflict was driving everyone. Pure greed had indeed taken hold of Goldo Golderson and it threatened the life of the one son prepared to take the throne. It was chaos down to such a degree it threatened to undo the livelihood of dwarves everywhere.

It was an unfortunate conflict that reawakened his conflicted feelings for the dwarves as Shinji observed, "Even now the statue manages to be caught in the center of such a demanding conflict. And it was all caused by the greed of a king."

Golding agreed, "For the longest time I wanted to deny there was a chance my father was lost. I wanted to believe he would never allow himself to fall to the sway of sin. His willingness to face me over my accusations has forced me to open my eyes and consider who I was facing."

Realizing what he had the chance to observe, Shinji revealed to him, "That's what I had to be faced with once. I wish I had an answer about how that can be handled. I guess all I can tell you is that you should still try to decide if it's the best choice for you or not."

There was little assurance in what Golding heard. It was also more than he anticipated from someone he believed should be his enemy. The hesitation he gave to the idea of facing the bandits in battle was revealed to have more than him being selective with those he should care for.

Only one question found itself prevalent to Golding as he asked, "I want to hear from you overlord. What is it that you seek in your conquest?"

This question caught the attention of the dwarven army as they waited in anticipation for the answer. Even Yersia found herself curious what Shinji would say to such a crucial reveal of his character. The fall of the old heroes was going to leave a void the world had not seen in a long time. At the center of it would be him filling that void no matter his desire.

Finding an answer forced Shinji to think about everything that came before he found himself here. He was given the task of facing monsters that few others had the strength or desire to fight. One way or another he would prove to be the savior humanity needed so they could survive another day. All of it ended one fateful day when his world was brought to its end.

He should have been at the center of it, just another casualty to add to the extinction of humanity. Everyone he had even just a little respect for should have been lost in his last few moments of living. Then he was given the second chance he was living now.

His old world was harsh and demanding to occupy in and challenged his will to live every day. Looking back on everyone who came to matter to him proved to be an additional tether that made life worth holding on to. All the way until the moment of Instrumentality where he failed the ultimate test.

Everyone had their flaws. The people he was meeting in this world proved to be no different. Only the setting and ways of living were changed. More importantly, many of the people he wanted to have at his side continued to have the same desire to live as he did.

He did not believe all of them should have been his lovers but perhaps it was simply their way of admitting their relief to be alive again. A way for them to express their gratitude now that their lives were continued. Their lives would only end if they did not prove themselves strong enough to stand firm in the face of adversity for what should be the last time.

These thoughts were what made Shinji answer, "Forgiveness. I did so many things wrong where I came from. Letting everyone down again would be an insult to everyone."

Golding was unsure how to feel about such an answer as he pressed with his follow-up questions, "And what if not everyone wants to be subject to your way of setting things right? Did you not say that you came from another land entirely?"

Shinji recalled the base reason for why he was continuing his fight along with the others, "Me and everyone else. I was told the heroes who saved this place were all corrupted and needed to be removed before the people could be free again."

Golding nodded before accepting, "Whoever told you this was the case seemed to have some basis of truth behind the state of the world. I can only speak for my father but it must be true if the other lands have been pressed through hard times."

Yersia revealed her own uncertainty adding, "There are those among my people who are still struggling to accept the idea that Oberon could have been holding us back from joining the living. We did not have a choice of what to wake up to unfortunately. It fell to me and my people to find out how we would make a living for ourselves."

Even being in the company of friends who could sympathize with his situation made Golding shake his head reminding, "Perhaps it might have been possible for you. But my people still have their hero they revere. It is one thing to stand against my father. It is another to go against the one who reigned over my people for so long."

Golding's emphasis on his uncertainty had been established as Shinji revealed, "I had to stand up to my father more times than I wanted to as well. I thought just trying to gain his approval would be possible."

The dejected tone Shinji had at the reveal caught Golding's attention. There was no attempt at convincing him over to his side, just a sincere reveal about his past. All of the prior attempts to make him comprehend there was something wrong with his father's rule seemed to have been a wakeup call he should have considered more seriously.

Looking up to see Shinji with the same look of regret for his past, Golding tightened his resolve asking, "So you have done all you can to make your cause seem more worthy than mine. All at the cost of making yourself seem like a weak ruler with no intent to reign over others like an overlord is meant to."

Returning his attention to Golding, Shinji explained, "I never wanted to be a ruler. I wanted to believe everyone could be free if I changed it."

Yersia confirmed for Shinji, "His actions have proven to be faithful. I understand he has allowed the lich king to reign over Heaven's Peak. It is possible he might give you that honor if you allow it."

Golding turned to the elf, "It was bound to be my duty one day. But I do not do so eager to stain my hammer with my father's blood."

Realizing she would have to provide Shinji with the words that would resolve the tension in Golding's heart made Yersia remind, "As well you shouldn't. You are also living history. It is your choice if you will be the example your father could not be or if you will allow him to undo his own legacy."

The reminder was harsh even with the usual air of elven wisdom behind it. It was also what Golding needed to hear as he contemplated the nature of his responsibility. He also had little time to consider the situation any further as he saw several of his men meet with the elves that came their way.

One of the elves made his way to Yersia announcing, "The enemy is headed this way! They know where we are!"

The warning was confirmed as Shinji looked to the cavern in the distance. One dwarf after appeared while swinging their weapons at the elves they pursued. The questions that had gone unanswered were now the motivations for everyone to keep themselves alive.

Shinji raised his mace while Golding stood alongside him ordering, "Face the cave! Do not let them confuse who you fight for!"

There was a new sense of resolve in Golding Shinji had not seen since the day he fought him. A great change had occurred that Shinji was about to witness firsthand. Indeed both he and the prince were living a significant part of history.

The dwarves who stood firm for their prince served as a wall to keep him from taking the most dangerous attacks. Golding's division of soldiers was small compared to the main force but the narrow exit of the cavern allowed them to keep the army from advancing into the clearing Shinji and the others occupied. His newly chosen allies were protected but it was not long before he was reminded how mutual the promise was.

Yersia saw the others of her kind gather towards her before lining up behind her in a formation. The volley of arrows they fired provided assistance for their dwarven allies as they hit the necks of their enemies. The clash of two armies were at a standstill before but the assistance gave Golding's army the strength he needed to push forward against their enemies. A fleeting moment of victory swayed over the defenders but the force of Goldo's army only begun to demonstrate its resolve.

Seeing his men struggle to press forward, Goldo asked, "You are all having trouble handling even such a paltry final resistance?!"

One of his men looked out to the distance where he saw the bodies piling at the entrance before realizing, "The prince is leading the attack! We can't even hope to stand against him!"

Goldo ground his teeth at the evaluation but realized what he could not debate. He entrusted his son with some of his best soldiers and allowed him to grow as a warrior. It was only one factor that kept his men from being able to claim an immediate victory as he considered those who stood alongside his son. Unable to call on the strength of the rock giants, he realized he was left with one final option to end the course of the battle.

Taking hold of the sack on his waist, Goldo marched through his men and kept his shield at the ready. Marching forward gave him an idea of just how precise the shots were as he saw more of his men fall at the desperate defense. None of the targets he was looking for could be seen but he knew how desperate the situation had become if he wanted to win.

Goldo removed a shard of metal from his sack and flipped it in his hand as though it were a coin. He grabbed hold of the piece before clenching it in his hand and searching for the first individual he determined worthy of his wrath. One flick of his wrist was all it took at Goldo sent the shard of metal soaring through the air and towards the area where the elves were standing.

It should have been just a minor projectile among many but Yersia saw the shard shoot its way towards several of her archers. It was not just a simple shard either, but a piece of metal that grew in intensity the longer it flew through the air. A blinding light she had not seen since the battle at Yalebelle soared towards her threatening to cut her in half.

Yersia was prepared for the projectile while many of the elves realized what was headed towards their location. A small crescent slice shot its way through the air like a dashing insect. They were fortunate to avoid being cut down by the attack but were quickly reminded of what they were facing.

The top of the canyon cliff behind them shook before the base collapsed. Boulders and clumps of land that held up the canyon came crashing to the ground without regard for anyone below. The defending dwarves and elves ran away from the collapse to avoid taking casualties. In doing so they afforded Goldo's army the opportunity it was waiting for.

Braving the elements that had been established by the destruction their king gave way to, Goldo's army leapt over the destroyed cliff in their rush towards the first individual they could slay. Seeing more of his allies fall at the hands of the destruction coming his way made Shinji find the will to rush forward. Golding and several of his men saw him make his advance realizing just how serious the conflict was about to become.

The nature of this conflict became a key question for Golding as he heard one of his soldiers ask, "My lord you are making this your battle?"

Gripping his hammer, Golding confirmed, "The human says he does not intend to rule over our kind or subjugate others to his will. It falls to me to see how true to his word he is."

It was not long before two of the most crucial heroes in the battle at last managed to make their presence known on the field. Shinji and Golding ran alongside one another towards the progressing number of dwarven soldiers prepared for the challenge. More important to them was the finding the leader who was sending so many of his own kind to their deaths.

Goldo stood atop the collapsed earth while the last of his men made their way past him. His army was pushing Golding's army back and closer to the edge that connected the bridge. The two armies would continue to face each other but their leaders would soon have their own scores to settle.

No words were exchanged as Goldo took a handful of shards in his hand. He swung his arm forward to send a series of minor crescents towards the two. Shinji prepared himself and Golding for the attack as he raised his hand to ignite a shield spell.

Shinji struggled to remain standing against the attacks that eventually swerved over and under his shield. The ground and cliffs behind them were torn asunder by the projectiles. Both were still standing but forced to prepare themselves to go on the offensive.

Shinji allowed the shield to dissipate before he and Golding charged forward and heard Goldo ask, "So that's how it will be then? You have both made your choice?"

He did not receive an answer but saw the two prepare their weapons to strike in unison. Goldo brought his shield up to protect himself only to see it break on contact. This was the moment he was prepared for however as he took hold of another shard and prepared to throw it to his first victim.

The shard shot towards the most exposed part of Shinji's chest as Goldo flung it forth. Shinji defended himself by raising the head of his mace to the projectile but was knocked off his feet and sent tumbling to the ground below. Golding saw the opening he needed as he swung his hammer towards his father prepared to honor Shinji's effort.

Both father and son clashed their hammers against one another atop the pile. Pulling back and swinging towards one another again, the two established their conflict with one another at last being realized. Crash after crash sounded through the air so loud it overwhelmed the noise of the two nearby armies.

Golding pulled away as he and Goldo found space between them as he accused, "I believed you were better than this. I never wished to strike you down on over something as trivial as this."

Goldo knew what his son was referring to and countered, "Trivial is it? Perhaps you were never meant to rule."

The two dwarves ran towards one another as they struck their hammers against in an exchange of blows. Crashing noises resonated through the field again and caught Shinji's attention as he picked himself up. He could tell Golding was in the center of a formidable battle full of heavy demands that challenges both fighters. His intervention needed to happen now to end what strife had taken hold of them both.

Shinji rushed up the cliff towards the two just as the clash of hammers sounded again. Goldo stepped away from Golding to prepare for another strike while swinging his hammer. He also recognized Shinji was rushing towards him prepared to interrupt the exchange.

Goldo ran away from the blow his son made as he focused on his new target. Shinji left himself open for an attack in his rush while providing Goldo the time he needed to prepare for a new attack. He drew his hand back for what looked like a punch, but this attack had become too familiar to others on the field by now. The situation displayed how close to death Shinji was at Goldo's hands.

Every bit of desperation that hung in the air was resolved as soon as someone leapt in between Goldo and Shinji. The light made it difficult for Shinji to tell who had appeared at first, but its passing made him see who had just appeared. Jewel stood in front of Goldo with both of her swords crossed after the shard flew over both hers and Shinji's heads before relaxing her arms to prepare for her own offensive.

Goldo brushed his son to the side with his hammer as he observed, "So it is true. You did find yourself swayed to the overlord after all. I knew you could never be called honorable."

Jewel denied the condemnation countering, "Not having the decency to rebuild the sacred weapon you destroyed is more dishonorable than anything I would have ever done."

Both Golding and Jewel attacked Goldo from opposite sides in their effort to kill him. His height forced Jewel to continue her attack patterns in a series of downward strikes while he swung his hammer to block the strikes with its head. Golding made his own attacks believing he was exploiting a blind spot before seeing his father draw another weapon in response.

Goldo threw a small hand axe towards his son that threatened to draw blood from either of his arms. Seeing the weapon thrown made Golding shift his body to avoid contact in his continued charge. It was enough to save Golding the scar but left him open to another attack as Goldo kicked him in the arm before he had a chance to renew his hammer attack.

It was a demanding series of attacks but provided the one opportunity Shinji had been hoping for. Goldo was on the defensive against the two attackers and left him wide open. Charging with his mace in hand, Shinji made a mighty downward strike to Golding's head. Despite so many blocks and challenges that kept the battle from seeing a decisive victor, Shinji finally began to tip the scales in his favor.

Goldo endured a mighty blow that cracked his helmet in half as he stumbled backwards. He was determined not to die but found his will did not stand strong against his three opponents. It was not until his son made the next strike, however, that he would feel the true strength of the combined attacks.

Golding held up his hammer announcing, "Let the ancestors judge!"

A thunderbolt came crashing down from the skies and hit the head of Golding's hammer. He made another swing that sent the bolt directly into Goldo's chest and sent him flying backwards. What should have incinerated him instead went him flying back to give way to a mighty crash.

A blinding light was the last thing anyone saw of Goldo. The battle against the hero was demanding but finally conclude as his body was nowhere to be seen. It was an event that commanded the attention of everyone who fought behind them just to see what the cause of the recent thunderbolt was.

Yersia found her attention grabbed by the sudden burst of light as well while defending everyone who fought alongside her. It only took a few seconds before the dwarves who were attacking her lost all will to continue to fight. Being unable to see where their king was left them unsure if they should continue fighting or not. The moment Golding picked himself up from his weariness gave everyone who looked on an answer.

Golding raised his hands to both sides pleading, "The fighting must stop now! The king is no more! His will is mine now!"

Dwarves on opposing sides both heard the proclamation and knew what this moment was calling for. Father and son faced one another to the death to determine the fate of their people. After such a great struggle came confirmation who was about to determine the destiny of his kind.

One of the dwarves stepped forward to ask, "And what will your will be my lord?"

Accepting that his victory gave him a claim to the crown, Golding knew the transition of power would not be a simple one. Not when so much blood had been shed over the claim and had a chance to continue. Realizing this responsibility made Golding turn around to see Shinji and Jewel waiting just as patiently.

Golding did not have to wait any longer now that the choice was his alone to make. All of the trials and questions of his judgement made him determine he was the best choice to guide a new era for his people. The calling of kinghood was his to answer.

Golding announced to everyone, "This needless bloodshed is ended! I know you all have questions! I do not understand everything myself! But this day, this newfound freedom, was made possible because of a man who believes in freedom for all! Against all judgement that man is this overlord! It is he who has given me the crown and it is he we shall come to respect just as we do our own brethren!"

Both dwarven armies clasped their hands to their chest in acceptance. at what was declared this day. The battle of Skull Canyon was finally ending where neither side had to sacrifice themselves. It was a victory for the Overlord Shinji, but it brought about a new era of freedom for the very forces he fought as well.

The battle was as indeed ended but not how Shinji and the others believed. It was reasonable for many to believe Goldo was dissipated as soon as Golding struck him down with the bolts of the hammer of the ancestors. Only two witnesses would know the full context of what his true fate was.

A man wearing a hood shielding his eyes greeted Goldo in his defeated form but the first voice he heard was from an old ally who asked, "So you thought it wise to save him without my consultation?"

Goldo immediately saw the Wizard looking over the hooded figure before it answered, "I believe you told me yourself master. That he still has strength that can be utilized to our advantage."

The Wizard admitted this was the case, "He was not in a position to summon his full strength or his finest weapon. Perhaps this can be his last chance."

He had no intention of letting Shinji remain alive but Goldo held against his desperation by asking, "Old friend, you say that as though you want me to fight him again on my own."

The Wizard confirmed Goldo's greatest fear, "If that is what it takes, you must. My survival is integral to ensuring our plans are realized."

Receiving a reminder for why he entered the elven lands in the first place made Goldo defensive as he assured, "Ah of course, the Mother Goddess statue... I am certain I can still retrieve it for you... I still know where it is if that assures anything."

While the Wizard was pleased he did not have to explain anything else to Goldo, he remained firm in his initial reminder, "Whatever the cost you must not allow the overlord to reign over this land. I will send you to your best weapon. Face him again and ensure he meets his end this time."

Being sent into battle against the overlord again left Goldo uneasy but kept himself tense accepting, "So it will be. I will not humiliate myself again."

Gesturing for his apprentice to follow through the final decision, the Wizard watched Goldo dissipate into a bright light where he was teleported out of the secluded room. Another battle resulted in a loss for those who remained of the seven heroes. This placed both of them in a precarious position that demanded an immediate and decisive defeat of Shinji Ikari.

The Wizard's apprentice knew this as he observed, "You do not sound certain he will be able to deliver the decisive victory."

The Wizard acknowledged this reminding, "We must be prepared if it is the case. Even I might meet my end of the overlord has grown strong enough. The responsibility of the statue will rest in your hands. As will it be your duty to assist the Empire."

The Apprentice accepted his mission assuring, "Of course my master. We shall not fail."