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 Chronicles of Jungalore: Rise of Dragons 
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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
Hiroko removed her daimyo's helmet as she sat down in the bench provided for visitors. A beautiful piece, and functional to boot. She looked at it for a moment, and then to the man who now lay sleeping, looking more like an embalmed corpse because of the bandages.

If it wasn't for him and his friend Mikkael, it'd be quite likely she'd be a forgotten corpse in some refuse pit right now. Just for that, she held back her own dark hunger and sighed. His wounds were horrible - even when sealed up with magic and medicated bandages, but at least they had gotten to him in time. She shuddered to think about what would have happened and shook her head to rid her mind of these thoughts.

Movement caught her eyes, and she stood up and walked closer to the bed where Yemhelch rested to find him awake. He weakly moved his fingers in a 'come closer' motion and Hiroko leaned forwards, as he opened his mouth and whispered something.

"...ou were gonna drink my blood, weren't you?" he whispered, a comic grin settling on face.

"I'm hungry, but not THAT hungry." she whispered back. "So... how are you feeling?"

"... honestly, I could go for a drink, myself."

"... Sure? What'll you have?"

"Some sake would fix me good right now."

"Drunken old geezer..." Hiroko smiled at his spirit. "Fine, wait here."

"Not that I have a choice."

Stifling a laugh, she stepped out of the field hospital and looked around. The hospital was bustling with activity; the monster attacks hadn't really subsided, so there was always something for the healers to do. Slipping her helmet back on her head, she walked out of the facility and into the courtyard where two of her retainers were waiting for her. Upon seeing her approach, both Hatamoto stood up and bowed to her.

"Hajima-sama, is something wrong?" Kabuki Saburo, a giant of a man asked her.

"No, Kabuki-san." she replied. "I'm fine. Though I am going to buy some drinks."

"Hajima-sama, please, I'd be happy to do this for you!" Tatsuki Onisuke, her second retainer bowed to her.

"Then, I'll be counting on you."

-

Gourd of sake and paper cups in her hand, she walked back to the austere room where Yemhelch was recovering, only to find him trying to sit up... and failing as the secure bandages kept his body still bound. Seeing her approach, he quickly slipped back and tried to whistle innocently.

"You should be glad our healers have both magic and skill, or else you'd break several of your bones again with those antics of yours, friend."

"I wasn't doing anything."

"Suuure you weren't."

"... okay, you got me."

Shaking her head, she filled both cups with the gourd, set them down on the side table, and then walked over to the bed and sat down on the side.

"Stand still." Hiroko ordered him as she slipped her hand behind his back, and getting a good grip on the bandages wrapped around his body, she lifted his shoulders up from the bed, and got one of the paper cups and brought it close to his lips. "Here you go. Drink."

Yemhelch gratefully sipped the offering, and nodded his head. "Delicious as always. This is why I don't want to kick the bucket."

"You better damn not."

After a few more shots, Hiroko slowly put him back onto the bed, and stood up.

"Thanks, Hiroko." Yemhelch smiled. "That hit the spot. I owe ya one."

"Really now? Then, once you're recovered, you can join the muster for new Ashigaru, if you feel like improving on your skills. Vel Da Ir is in need of brave, skilled warriors like you."

"The situation's changed from before, huh? I'd be happy to help. Thanks, Hiroko."

"You're welcome. Now, you should sleep. Let your body heal"

"Yeah..."

-

As Hiroko stepped out, two healers and a seer escorted by several of her retainers walked up to her.

"My Lady", one of the seers began. "There's something we've found out that you need to know about."

"What's happening?"

"I... cannot say it here. Please grant us a private audience."

"Alright, we'll discuss this in the Daimyo's office." Hiroko nodded to her retainers and the walked towards the Pagoda proper.

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
"Well, that certainly does sound like quite the conundrum." Cassius remarked. He poured himself a tankard of ale and passed two more cups around the tent. The Meridian and the Human took the cups in hand and each took a drink.

"Now we're searching for the pyramids. Supposedly there is another one of those creatures sealing off the powers of the ancient spirits, feasting on the powers that be." Eiryk finished. He knew by now that Izraf was probably not truly plotting an attempt on the life of the queen, and yet the man still needed to die, even if it meant the death had to be faked.

"Well," Cassius began, "I can show you the way. But I need guidance back to society."

Izraf stood up, "I can-"

"No. Izraf, we need to discuss something." Eiryk interjected, holding up a hand. "I can't say now, but later."

"Is it about the Scorpion?"

"How did you-?"

"He is not to be trusted. The assassins are not to be trusted."

"So you know he tasked me to kill you?" Eiryk finally asked.

"Actually, that's the thing... He also approached me with the task to end your life."

The two understood that someone would have to die. But what would any of this accomplish for Scorpio? What was it that the assassins wanted? Of course Scorpio was one to disapprove of Queen Philena's reign of Selk, but what good was it in putting a hit on both his comrade and a knight of the Meridian kingdom?

Eiryk thought alongside Izraf for a while, and finally, Izraf understood it.

"He needed at least one of us. That way he could perhaps turn up a riot."

"A riot that ends the reign of your queen it seems." Cassius chimed in, "Sounds like that assassin wants nothing but chaos. After all, kill the captain of a ship, who is to lead the sailors back home?"

"A very keen point." Eiryk agreed. "So what should we do? I mean... Without proof, he goes on to try and make attempts on the life of Queen Taltanis."

"Perhaps we'll figure it out in due time. For now, I do agree that I am not fit to return." Izraf began to explain, thinking hard on the point, "What I can do is probably guide you, Cassius, to..."

Izraf paused, realizing a key issue with his plan, "Eiryk... Where do the Assassins not have a presence?"

"Probably the Umbrarian Cult at Dreamer's Hill. Maybe the Church of Lumbra. Vel Da Ir is crawling with them, Fort Frenga is watched by them, and Selk, well, it's not exactly the best of places, is it? Avalon... Well, it's tied to the queen, so it probably has a number of assassins roaming there."

"Right, so the Corisca mainland is off limits."

"Perhaps we could cross the sea and head to New Meridia?" Cassius suggested, but Izraf shook his head.

"New Meridia is destroyed." He answered, "But perhaps... Tal-Ari, the new Reptal city that is rising up."

"Yes, but... Is that truly safe for a Meridian?" Eiryk questioned, "I hear the king of dragons lives there."

"Absolutely not, but I feel as though it would prove useful for everyone." Izraf suggested.

"Then Tal-Ari it is. We could depart from the coasts near the pyramids. Just need a boat." Cassius agreed. He stood up and began preparing a bag.

"We could probably fashion one out of what we find at the pyramids."

Eiryk nodded in agreement and the trio began to make their way to the pyramids. Eiryk couldn't help but feel like he had been lied to. Even still, what of the shadow virus that would control his powers? Would it really have the power to, or would it make an attempt on his life? Perhaps Scorpio wanted him to live just long enough to enter into a rampage and destroy Selk and the Meridians living there.

Whatever the case, the trek across the desert began again, and with the protection of the wind spirit and Cassius' guidance, they came across the pyramids with ease. Three stood tall, but only one stood with an open entrance. But this pyramid was no longer ordinary. It was as if biomass began to grow upon its surface, veins sprouted from the base and up to the top, and undead roamed around it. Yet these undead also possessed the same technology as the ARKs that threatened the surface world. Eiryk knew this to be the place threatening Demeter and the world as a whole.

"And yet there is still one more after this." Izraf remarked, "Imagine what awaits you there."

"Only oblivion." Cassius answered. Everyone readied their weapons and rushed forth. The Meridian made short work of undead with his hammer which he chose to bring instead of his great blade or lance. Cassius himself made slower work, chosing to take on many at once and standing behind a massive shield with a lance to pick off opponents casually. Eiryk himself would claw his way through, and occasionally activate and deactivate his undead and demonic abilities, feasting where necessary to regain his health. Though he didn't prefer this meat to the meat of a fresh kill.

With the main courtyard cleared, they entered the pyramid to find it alight with technology. Technology of the ARKs had taken over, and yet it was as if something else was building it up. Though the three of them approached a central platform, nothing happened.

"Usually something is supposed to happen with these." Eiryk stated, remarking to the circular pattern on the floor.

Izraf and Cassius stepped back to let Eiryk try to do something when suddenly it turned red and a six foot forcefield surrounded Eiryk.

"Eiryk!" Izraf shouted, as the entrance closed. Undead began to pour out from the biomass infiltrating the area.

A voice began to resonate throughout the pyramid...

"To you who dares enter my tomb... May you be swallowed by eternal darkness. Your friend, a sacrifice, that I may be reborn, and yourselves... A meal for my children..."

Once more they had to fight, and Eiryk was sealed inside the circle, unable to do anything but watch.

"Children, enjoy your feast."

The undead charged towards the Titan and Meridian, both of them struggling to fight off each wave that came. They were halfway through their potions as they soon came to realize that Eiryk would face his opponent alone, with no items to keep him safe.

"Eiryk! Has anything happened in there!?" Cassius shouted. The human stood up and shook his head, as he was already tired from attacking the forcefield and floor, now covered with claw marks.

As the next hour approached and the area became flooded up to the knees in blood from the undead and bones and limbs from teh creatures that came forth, the voice spoke again.

"It is a shame my children have failed... But it is time that I fed."

Without warning, the platform Eiryk was on began to descend. The floor closed up, and the lights in the pyramid all turned red as more undead began to flood in. Like in Vex Vinas, the area was dark, but then things faded to white. Eiryk looked around and found himself dressed in commoner's clothes. He appeared to be at the Velian Tavern.

He didn't think anything of it, nor could he, for he saw a beautiful dancer off to the corner of the room eyeing him.

Her movements were elegant, and her hair flowed golden. He recognized her. Wasn't this...

"Karliah?" He voiced. The woman smiled. Indeed, it was the paladin. And yet, why was she here?"

Eiryk looked around and realized this was no ordinary Velian Tavern. Suddenly, Karliah was straddling him in his chair, and watched as the mass debauchery began around him. He was witnessing lust all about him, people enjoying themselves in carnal pleasure. The woman straddling him gave out a lustful giggle.

"Come now Eiryk, I know you've always wanted this."

Perhaps she was right as he couldn't help but feel his hands caress her skin and take in her scent. She began to undo his top when she suddenly gave out a scream. A blinding light came from his chest. He had nearly forgot what he had been wearing all this time. An old symbol which was his since his rescue. As the light pervaded the area, he saw everything for what it truly was. Once more he was in his assassin's garb with a bandaged arm, but also, he saw about him not humans or the other races of his world, but undead partaking in carnal pleasures, and deformed, half-eaten bodies partaking in pleasure. The woman who pretended to be Karliah stood headless and began to float in the air, winds rushing all about her.

Eiryk immediately took aim for her chest, being the only part that appeared open to wounding, and as he rushed he could only find that she would fly out of the way and launch gusts of wind at him, throwing tables, chairs, and all assortments of ornaments at him, even the bodies of those partaking in their lustful desires.

Instead of sticking to the ground, he chose instead to ride the winds and let them launch him into the air. Upon finding and advantage, he drilled downwards through her chest, slicing her into eight pieces as he done so. They fell to the ground lifeless, and everything faded to black.

"... That was too easy, there's more, isn't there?"

"A keen one you are..." The voice replied.

In the next vision, Eiryk found himself sitting at a long table. Yet he felt himself famished. He couldn't move, his arms and legs were chained to the chair. His clothes were like those of a nobleman, with a dim lighting he couldn't see the faces of the figures approaching, only what was directly in front of him. As they each approached, they brought golden platters of beautiful, delicious smelling food.

He so desperately wanted it with how he felt. Yet he knew this as a farce by now with the first temptation being the false Karliah. The figures pushed the food to his face. Yet he knew if he ate of it, something terrible would likely happen. Hence he shut his mouth, he refused to feast upon the food.

"Would you not like to eat?"

The voice resonated through the room, and he would not open his mouth. He knew if even the slightest bit of oil from the fish, or if even the slightest leaf of salad entered his mouth, it would be over for him.

So he refused to eat as he felt the life continually drain from him, and he figured himself close to death. That was when he awoke to find himself in chains still, but now as he was, he was soaked in blood and skeletons were attempting to serve him the remains of the woman he had just killed. Breaking free of the chains with his demonic ability, he slew each of them and the door opened to another room.

As he stepped through, he found men and women alike, pushing bags of money up a hill. The bags were chained to their wrists, and to their other wrists were chained keys. Each only screamed two words.

"Leave us!"

Eiryk figured he knew what to do. Unchain them. Yet they would push him away should he attempt to unlock the chain. He knew he would get nowhere by forcing them to do as he asked.

Instead, he searched his pockets and found no items. His Crucifix of Lumbra could do nothing but shine bright in the area. The sky, red as it was, and the earth as black as it was, he had no idea how to overcome this trial ahead.

"Why not end their lives?"

Eiryk head the voice in his head resonate.

"They suffer. So end them, let them be your meal."

"No. That is not the answer." Eiryk responded.

"Why do you let others suffer then?"

Eiryk looked at each of them, "They have the answer in their hands, it is not my trial but theirs."

"Their trial is simple. To let you progress through their sacrifice."

"Their sacrifice is not yet made. This realm, this oblivion, this is a realm of punishment for what they did. Who were these men and women."

"Those who coveted my vast wealth and riches. So now, they have but a portion of them."

"Perhaps then..." Eiryk thought.

He got between two carrying the heavy bags of possessions up the hill.

"If you will not unchain yourselves. Will you not free another who suffers?""

"Listen not! Attack one another, show your superior wealth!"

Two had listened to Eiryk, however, and used the other's key on the other's lock. Others followed suit, and when the last was undone, they found they could finally look in the bags, only to find nothing but lead weights.

"The worthlessness of possessions is clear when you look at matters of the soul." Eiryk stated, "Be free. Walk from this place and be saved."

They each gave a bow as their spirits rose high into the sky, and a doorway appeared for Eiryk. It seemed as though, with each step he took, he began to remember just a little bit more of himself. He remembered his time as an acolyte for the church. His time finding his place. His time as an experiment for the Cult of Umbraria.

But he knew he wasn't out of darkness yet.

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
Approaching the coastline, Eiryk found no choice but to jump into the waters ahead. As he did so, he felt his skin burn with white fire.

That was when he felt the clawing of others beneath the surface. Unable to swim, yet not wanting to hurt those below, he began pulling them up above him. He decided, if not for himself, he would do for those beneath him what he could to preserve their lives.

As he pulled each one up, another soul began to float towards the sky, as he sank deep below the surface. Lower and lower he sank until he reached the bottom, where another door greeted him.

"This isn't a means of trial." He finally stated.

He gazed forward and saw a great walled city, surrounded by a moat of lava and flame. Its towers stood tall, and its buildings were aflame. He stepped through its gates and witnessed before him a great pit, but before even that was a corridor of flaming caskets.

The fires burned a with holy light, which Eiryk had to blind himself from. Yet he knew what he had to do. For the pit was next. Yet... This was not his objective. For within each casket was a soul, purged by flame of sin.

"What are you willing to sacrifice going forward?" The voice resonated.

"My mortal body and soul... They are eternally to be burned, should I let this go on. For these are not truly holy flames, and I shall not be fooled so easily."

Thus he took hold of one casket, severely burning his hand and causing screams of agony. He pried it open and watched a soul inside escape above. He continued to do so for a second, third, fourth, and fifth, all the way through the walled city until all one hundred and eleven caskets were opened and the souls inside set free. His body was severely burned, and his clothing tattered. His hair had been burnt by the severity of the fires, as each opened casket increased the strength of the remaining fire twofold.

Yet he approached the pit and let himself fall inside. Once again he felt the burn of the waters below, as he sank down and opened the door.

Here he found himself faced with a boiling river of blood and fire where souls would be forced to stay at a certain level by beasts shooting arrows upon them. Eiryk could see no way across, no boats to take him, no way across.

"This is not a trial." He reminded himself, "This is... A reawakening."

He removed his bandages, his armor, his weapons. He left only for himself his crucifix, and tossed them all into the boiling river.

The river glowed a blessed white light and a stone bridge rose as the sky turned a beautiful blue, and the blood and fire replaced itself with waters, clear as crystal, and those within lost their weapons beneath the surface, finally crawling out as the beasts shooting arrows lowered their bows, allowing the souls passage above. Eiryk, however, crossed the bridge, and found himself at the border of a great forest. Yet the trees were people, misshapen into various forms. He chose not to touch the trees, and instead knelt down.

"Will you not cut into us like the others who have passed before you?" One head asked.

"I am... Not here to kill, but instead to defend the souls lost here. Others could perhaps think themselves right in doing so, but I will not harm you, even if you are not real."

"I can assure you... Mortal, we are very real. We fail here, for we hate ourselves, and we will thus be forever rooted here."

"Love of oneself. It is a difficult concept to grasp for ones such as yourself. But you have to remember the objective truth of your situation."

"The objective truth? What would be that?"

"Whatever spawned this self hate," Eiryk began, "It is not your fault. Even if it is, not all circumstances are within your control."

"But that's-"

"I understand, all people wish to control their own fate. But that's impossible. You may try, but you rely on everyone else to ensure you can control your own fate."

Eiryk opened his burned eyes and smiled, "Just as I rely on you all to let me through."

"... Just who are you?"

"I am Eiryk Advento, Assassin of the Cross."

Silence followed as the head smiled and shed a single tear. The whole of the forest of bodies began to glow, and the souls rose to the sky. He passed on to the following area and saw before him a vast desert with fire falling from the sky. Those here had their means of accepting their fate, but Eiryk found he had no means of getting attention from any.

"There is still darkness within your soul, you know..."

The voice once again spoke, and so Eiryk held up his crucifix.

"A naked man of such deformity, carrying the light of Lumbra with him grants audience to no one, resume your acts!"

"Listen not to me nor her..." Eiryk spoke, "Listen only to yoursleves. Why do you cower? Why do you run? Why do you accept this fate? Why do you not accept within yourselves the reason for your wrongdoing? Why do you not instead fight for one another? Fight for inner peace?"

Everyone looked to one another, "We hold within ourselves a hatred... That is why we hold violence!"

"Isn't there something more important each of you should be fighting for? Something close to your hearts?"

Silence fell upon them as they all thought, despite being pelted by the flames and heat, they remained silent.

"Rebuild yourselves as I am... That will be your passage to heaven."

Eiryk continued onwards. Once more he found a pit. Unlike the others, it was a circle of many rings. Here he walked among each ring for what felt like days or weeks.

Among the first ring, he conversed with those punishers of the people there, and found them guilty of the same crimes which the punished ones were being accused. In doing so, he pointed out the truth of the matter, that the seduction of others, that exploit of one's passions, is but one that harms the heart, that harms the character of all involved, that turns good into evil. In this, he freed the souls and set them on the oath of redemption.

Among the second, he treated them as he did the violent, and so they were cleansed of the bile they were steeped in, and they too took the oath of redemption.

Among the third ring, he took from each simoner their flames and removed their heads from the rocks, and asked that they instead walk to the top of this realm, and kneel in exaltation of the beings above, asking for true forgiveness. For this humility and modesty, should it be genuine, would afford them redemption.

Among the forth, he found the diviners, and spoke to them of the true ways of the world, and taught each of them of the power of divination -- of true divination, that all who find the truth of the future, shall be exalted, that each of them would find happiness in improving life, and that reward is worth more than any number of coins. That through improving lives, they can lead the way to a better world. Their heads would be turned formwards, and they would float up towards the heavens.

The fifth, the corrupt politicians, would be sent forth from the tar to be cleansed, and every time one would return to Eiryk, he would ask, "Do you understand the comforts of being clean? Do you know why it is comfortable?" And until they would give the correct answer, he would not send them forth to walk to heaven, and instead have them cleansed once more.

The sixth, the hypocrites, would only need to be asked of their understanding, and the whys and wherefores of their actions. Should they provide an answer, and should the crucifix show them to be genuinely apologetic, Eiryk would let them remove the leaden, gilded robes weighing them down.

Taking each from the seventh ring of thieves, Eiryk asked that they be moved ahead, and give unto others who would pass by the means to leave the pits, and so they each would, until each had left. They would be the last to leave, but they would realize within themselves that they showed true generosity for others.

Upon the eighth ring, Eiryk conducted debate among the counselors of fraud, therein, having gained a vast understanding among the other souls he saved, he rebuked each idea of fraudulent counsel, and gave each good counsel, and tasked each to accompany the other souls with good counsel.

On the semifinal ring, the sowers of discord were asked that they put one another back together and to join the others. There they learned the value of unity, and joined the other venturing souls.

On the final ring of the eighth circle, Eiryk looked upon each falsifier. He backtracked to find some of the water and had the other souls provide each with it, describing it as a cure for their ailments. Though they were not cured, they realized the error, and the harm caused by it. In it, they joined the counselors and ensured that none would tell of any falsehood.

In doing so, Eiryk ensured that truth and unity would follow those souls of the eighth circle would follow. Finally, a door appeared for him, and he found himself at the edge of a frozen lake beneath the surface. It was dark, lit only by a few torches, and in the ice were treacherous individuals of many walks. Some partially frozen, some frozen entirely.

"Face it, Eiryk, you will never melt this ice on your own." The voice spoke. "But this is where your soul's cleanliness will shine its brightest. For every soul redeemed, the ice will melt."

"Then so be it."

"For the eighth circle, you saved the most people. For the seventh, you also saved many. For the sixth, fifth, and fourth, you also sent souls to heaven..."

"Then that should be plenty."

"But your soul is still too dark, you murdered a lost soul, and you did nothing to save who else could be among the third, second, or even first circles."

"But didn't I?"

Eiryk was smiling, and the voice was suddenly uncomfortably quivering, for in that dark cavern, lights began to descend, each soul did kindness and spread the teachings spent over what felt like months of venturing through the pits, and so all souls came to Eiryk's final aid, speaking as one.

"Eiryk Advento, Assassin of the Cross, though your soul is tained with a darkness no one can comprehend, one by the name of Umbraria, it is equally blessed by the light of a god unspoken, and by a light passed down by the great light spirit, Lumbra. That light is enough to fully return your soul."

"... and that is how to rebuild a man." Eiryk finished.

"This ice will be blessed and melted, but first, you must awaken..." The voices of the souls paused, "... and... you will need these..."

Eiryk's body shone a bright light and he opened his eyes.

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
Eiryk awoke in the room, now bright with golden light. The forcefield was gone, and he found his skin unburned. Yet he also had his arm. Not only that, but his eyes were both blue, and his skin was lacking the mark of Umbraria. More importantly, his assassin robes were now a white with gold trim. He had a proper waistplate of gold, as well as golden greaves with silver blades. He also had on him a golden headband, white wrappings on his arms, and a pair of golden assassin gauntlets. To his side, glowing, was Excalibur.

"It has... Been a while, hasn't it, Eiryk?"

"Excalibur! You're alive again!"

"Yes... At the cost of your weapons and the darkness of your soul, which I have converted to light in my own soul... I have... Seen everything."

Eiryk drew Excalibur and found the blade had redesigned itself to be more elegant, sturdier, more powerful. He was content with this change, even if it meant he had no other weapon, save for a retractable blade on his left wrist.

"That was... The most I could leave you with."

Eiryk shook his head with a smile, "It's fine."

"In any case, you have a task ahead of you..."

Eiryk turned around as the lights turned to a red once more, there he saw a corpse submersed in a clear tube, fluids supposedly sustaining it.

"So that must be... Zeden Altena..."

"Yes. The dark queen of Jungalore..."


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The capsule she was in suddenly let off a steam burst and detached itself from the wall, along with a large mass of metal to form the main body, two sets of arms followed, and a set of legs.

"Eiryk Advento!" It shouted as corruption began to course over it and biomass began to connect everything, "It is quite surprising that one such as yourself, cursed, undead, and damned to oblivion was not only able to traverse the Shadow Realm, but cleanse it and return to life, losing all darkness and curses..."

The corpse inside the tube smiled, "Truly... I shall enjoy feasting on your soul and returning to this world with its power!"

The golem rushed forwards attempting to rush Eiryk. However, he felt his reflexes working to his advantage. For once, he could move without feeling as rigid as he did. He remembered his magic as an acolyte and launched holy light upon the shadowy golem. It proved quite effective as white-holy fire burned the biomass. But Eiryk's main target was the tube. Excalibur could cut the steel fairly easily, but the forcefield was where the problem was as he made continuous attacks on it.

Instead, he shifted focus on the lights, and there were many, but the golem would not let up as it would toss him across the room and attempt to shoot beams of darkness at him.

Yet he remembered it all, the lessons he learned in the "month" of him in the shadow realm. He understood he had to win, he understood the powers he once had, and even some from a past life.

"So... There is more to your soul than even you knew..." Zeden remarked through the voice synthesis.

"So you remember this, too then?" Eiryk lifted his blade Skyward and cut downwards, delivering a golden wave of energy.

"Then... You really are his incarnation... You really are Xanvoda Alte Ravonor of the second Jungalore!"

Each charge and strike seemed familiar to the other. And each knew almost exactly what the other was to do. What Eiryk had, however, was the advantage of different and new abilities. Of course, so too did Zeden. He had to anticipate based on his previous battles with these guardians of these technological ruins.

But Zeden knew it was soon to be over, for Eiryk finally made the move that would prove fatal. As she was delivering her charge, Eiryk had his blade sheathed to the side, and he spun sideways doing a draw-slash, severing the leg off the golem with ease. It came crashing down, breaking the tube containing the corpse. The queen was trapped under the mass of technology.

"I thought... This would finally be the time of my resurrection..."

Eiryk shook his head, "Your time to live is over." He stated, plunging his sword into her back. She delivered a terrible wail that echoed through the pyramid as he remarked, "May you be forever sealed, never to return in any form of the future."

The lights shifted to orange and the biomass disappeared from the pyramids. He stepped to the central circle and began heading back up to the surface.

As he arrived up top, Izraf and Cassius saw Eiryk in his new outfit and saw Excalibur at his side. Eiryk smiled and nodded.

"It is done. How did you two fare here?"

Izraf shrugged, "After you descended we had a few waves more, but then everything stopped, and the exit opened. We managed to find some trees nearby and made a boat."

"That's not the interesting part." Cassius began, "We only came back when suddenly the sandstorm stopped. It hasn't stopped since it first started thousands of years ago."

"So Zeden was behind that this time too..." Excalibur stated.

"H-Hey! Excalibur! It just spoke!" Izraf exclaimed, "So you revived the blade?"

"Sort of... It'll be a long story to share, but I basically just spent a month in the realm of shadows."

"Hmm... Indeed, it will be a long story." Izraf agreed as Cassius also nodded. He also pointed behind Eiryk, "So, time to deal with that, right?"

Eiryk turned and saw the familiar monolith. He nodded and walked up, touching the blade of Excalibur to the monolith.

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
As they appeared outside, with the sands for once settling, and the pyramids suddenly disappeared from behind them, Demeter descended upon the trio.

"I see my trust was well placed, young Eiryk." The goddess spoke. Each of them took a knee and bowed before her, "And you, Izraf, Cassius, you both have done well in aiding him in his quest."

"Then, lady Demeter, does this mean everything will be alright?"

"Yes. Already, the waters surrounding have been purified. However, I feel as though our presence on this planet is causing much disturbance. Perhaps we gods should never have intervened with the lives of those on this planet..."

The goddess looked mournfully over the land before continuing, "No matter, I can restore the earth to its true form now. Only one more remains. He will be more difficult to reach than the rest. You will need only the most skilled warrior in all of Jungalore..."

"I see... Yet, what is it that you will do now?"

"I will join my kind. Find the final spirit, save him, and restore balance. Let the new world take form on his freedom."

With that, Demeter disappeared.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Meridian and Titan already had left. Eiryk on the other hand conferred with the sword in his scabbard.

"So, Scorpio is plotting vengeance, then..." The sacred sword spoke, "Do you plan on having him tried by the royal court?"

"I was hoping I'd have an answer, but there's so little I can do as is." Eiryk figured as he was approaching Selk. They immediately made their way to the Assassin's Guild, meeting with the man who clearly was plotting against the throne.

"So, you were successful?" Scorpio asked.

"Yes, the target has been eliminated. The curse has also been lifted on one more area."

Scorpio smiled, "Then you are ready for the virus."

"No, I don't need it." Eiryk stated, "In that journey I found myself, who I was before, and I already have powers even greater than that virus. I fought in that tomb the revived form of Queen Zeden Altena. The same witch that cast the Altena Kingdom into despair for years before her demise. She sent me straight to the Shadow Realm, and in saving the souls lost there, the powers I found go beyond even what you can comprehend."

Taken aback by all this, yet somehow impressed by this turn of confidence, Scorpio smiled, "Then you should be ready for the next mission..."

Eiryk stood up as he stated this, "No. I cannot be your follower any longer."

"Wh-What? Eiryk... You're choosing to leave the Assassins?"

"I cannot follow you, there is something more for me in this world, a purpose I must fulfill that my ancestors could not. I shall still live under the name of 'Assassin of the Cross' but my name will no longer be Eiryk Advento."

Scorpio sat in silence as Eiryk smiled, "The books shall remember me as Noxiel, in the ancient tongue, it means 'Northern Cross' and it is under this that I will found my own Assassin's Guild."

"So you wish to form your own guild then...?" Scorpio questioned, "And what makes you think you are ready? That you've slain beasts that curse our lands? That you overcame your conditions?"

"No, I can do this because I have something you don't have." Eiryk answered with a wry grin, "Loyalty to the people, rather than to ideals."

Eiryk turned to leave, and that was when Scorpio realized his plot had been found. Eiryk made great haste to meet with Queen Philena in the Meridian Palace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"It really is a shame..." Philena stated, placing her chin in her hand, "He has skilled students..."

"What will you do, my queen?" Eiryk asked.

"I'm going to make a hasty decision. Considering you gave me the missives addressed to these people, both falsified by Scorpio, clearly, I have no choice but to be trusting of you... Tell me, where is Izraf now?"

"Tal-Ari, hiding out."

"Dangerous..." Philena uttered to herself, "Nonetheless, he is safer there than here. I am certain he will be fine."

"I suggest you make a run for Avalon. Undoubtedly Scorpio will find supporters of his ideal and make an attempt on your life. After all, you changed the lives of the Selkie people, for better in the eyes of most, but for worse in many ways."

"Such was expected, but this is a difficult situation. Assassin presence is strong in Avalon."

"Then I have a plan that may seem farfetched at first... Let me set up a new Assassin's Guild." Eiryk requested. The queen gave it thought, pacing around the room.

"Honestly, that was my idea, but thinking on it... It would cause you a lot of trouble, you would need to recruit and the assassins there are loyal to Scorpio."

"Then forget the idea of assassins. Let it be a guild to represent the people of all of Jungalore, seeking the rule of a great king... Or in this case, a great queen, one who fights for freedom, one who allows for the people to be free and lead whatever life they so choose. One that allows for people to find themselves rather than find out what their final job in this world will be. Let it set the basis for the new world that you will construct."

"... Eiryk, you have grown quite a lot in the few days that have passed." Philena said with a smile, "I believe... This can be managed. If it is but an organization that seeks freedom of choice in all life, to allow for everyone to be the person they wish, and to become more than they currently are, then I can support this guild of yours."

Eiryk gave an approving nod, "Then, I want you to make for Avalon immediately. I will find those willing to make a difference in this land."

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
Twelve steps. Precisely twelve steps Eiryk took outside of the palace before five assassins made the drop on him.

"Eiryk Advento, you are being charged with conspiracy against the Assassin's Guild. Come quietly with us, please."

Eiryk's grin grew, "So Scorpio just wants me gone now, is that it? Why don't we just take a dance then, shall we?"

"Have it your way..."

Each drew blades and bows, and activated within themselves the shadow virus laying dormant. Surrounded by dark shadows they rushed towards Eiryk. He himself made a rush towards them, and as they leapt at him, he made to slide under them, drawing Excalibur in the process and easily ending one's life mid-air.

"So, about that oath you once held..." Excalibur spoke.

"Sorry, but a soul can change over thousands of years. As can ideals."

"Perfectly logical." The blade replied. But they had little time to continue the conversation. Eiryk made to run for the current guild's location, climbing up the side of one building and opting to travel by rooftop. Of course, this route would be much more dangerous. In fact, by the third building, five more assassins got to him.

"Advento! Stop running and come with us, don't make us have to spill your blood. You've now committed high treason AND murder."

"Says the murderers under a man who has committed the highest of treason."

Once more Eiryk was being rushed. This time he opted to take to the air, spinning on the tip of Excalibur's blade and going airborne, landing with his knees on either shoulder of one assailant and stabbing his blade through the back of said assailant, also skewering a second assassin in the process and then flipping backwards to his feet. Already three lay dead at his hands, and only seven stood in his way towards what he was about to do.

"Seize him! Take him alive or dead if you must!" One assassin shouted.

Three took to fighting Eiryk hand-to-hand with the aid of the shadow virus. Of course, he had a reach advantage with Excalibur in one hand and the retractable blade in his other. He took to defensively blocking his back with his sword, and his left hand would deflect the frontal attacks as he made motions to dodge. He then made a grapple of one and launched the retractable blade with it focused on the neck of the assassin. Dead, instantaneously.

"What are you all doing? Let's just attack him at once!" The commanding assassin bellowed, as the four others now joined the fray. This would be too much for him to handle on his own. Luckily, he wasn't alone.

"By the order of Queen Philena Taltanis, cease your quarrel!" A Meridian guard and three others had climbed onto the rooftops and caught the attention of the assassins.

"Guards of Selk! This man is accused of high treason and murder, having spilled the blood of four of our comrades. He is to be-"

"Released." The helmed guard stated. That was when the man removed his helmet to reveal himself.

"Izraf!? I thought I sent you to Tal-Ari!"

"I knew you would be a bit too short-sighted to handle things here. In any case, he is to be released."

"Izraf, you have a warrant for your assassination..." The assassin stated plainly to the Meridian, "Dare you fight us?"

"Well, let's just say your guild is bound to cause problems in the future."

Still using his hammer, Izraf made a rush for the assassin standing in front of Eiryk, swinging his hammer down. Eiryk wrestled from a grapple from behind as the assassin in front leapt out of harm's way, only to be stabbed in the air with Eiryk landing on the hammer. Izraf began to lift the hammer and Eiryk vaulted from the launch and took a dive downwards, impaling a second assassin on Excalibur.

"So, did you make it to our lady?" Izraf asked.

"Hastily," Excalibur began, "She is likely already out of the town."

"Good... All we need to do is get to the church, then."

"The church?" Eiryk asked, "Why there?"

"That will be where we find the ones who will aid in this fight against the assassins."

The four remaining assassins still had their viruses active, and no doubt were using poisoned weaponry. Eiryk himself knew they wanted but one thing by now, and he knew he had to stop Scorpio, and end the other eleven disciples of the brotherhood.

"So... We can't discuss this in a civilized manner, can we?" Eiryk jested at the four remaining assassins as they all faced an opponent. Everyone was intent on facing at least someone, and keen on picking up any one singular body motion. One made their first move against a meridian guard and would have got the better of him if not for his shield. What that assassin didn't count on was how painful a blow to the jaw with the edge of said shield would be, as it sent the hooded assailant reeling and created the perfect opportunity to become an ornament for the man's spear.

Seeing the battle was lost, the commanding assassin threw down a flash bomb and disappeared with his two remaining comrades.

The guards secured a safe passage through the streets as the two of them made for the church.

"Cassius is already there." Izraf commented, "You are lucky I arrived when I did."

"I'd like to think I was handling myself alright." Eiryk commented.

"But you can't just keep living from one battle to the next. Take a break, man."

"Fair point, but we can't exactly afford that luxury." Eiryk grumbled along with his stomach.

"Speaking of... You're human, aren't you? As in, you have hunger and sleep requirements again, yes?"

"Yes, I suppose that means I need to eat..."

"Relax, we'll have something when we arrive. Any preferences?"

"I feel like I haven't had a glass of milk in forever. I'd also love to have some grilled ham and cheese sandwiches." He said with a mild enthusiasm. Izraf laughed at this.

"Come now Eiryk, we have a shortage of food in the area... But I'm sure we can at least manage a glass of milk and grilled cheese on whole wheat buns."

Eiryk grimmaced, "Well, I'd prefer white bread and the ham... No matter, it sounds delicious."

Within a short matter of time, the two of them along with the three guards were inside the church. Godot welcomed the two of them openly as the group was preparing... Something. Eiryk got his meal, along with Izraf's beef tenderloin, but during the course of the meal, Eiryk kept getting distracted by the constant sorting of ammo boxes and test firing of guns.

"Are the demon hunters preparing for something?"

Godot smiled, "Your rebellion, of course! After all, being a subsidiary of the church, we have overheard your ideas for a new order of guild."

"An eye in every nook and cranny, right?" Izraf asked.

"But the church is losing influence." Godot stated, "So getting informants around is difficult. Not that we really care for our association with them, it's more that the church influence has become a hindrance rather than a blessing."

"Is this where I come in, then?" Eiryk asked, finishing off his sandwich.

"Yes, we have a common goal, see... Libra is the head priestess of the church in the region, and a high ranking assassin. She's trying to spread the influence of the guild in Avalon. We need our demon hunters to be able to freely roam so that we can conduct investigations alongside the guard."

Izraf entered into the explanation, "See, while we do have archers, us Meridians are more suited to melee combat. We need to get some ranged fighters in our ranks. Godot can provide those, but the guild is strangling us so they can force a rebellion against Queen Philena and her son."

"So you basically want me to off the head priestess in Avalon..."

"... and that will off the strangling of our people. Do that and you will have a fighting force capable of ending the rule of Scorpio."

"And the other ten zodiacal assassins?" Eiryk asked about.

"Well, that will be something we could possibly assist in." Godot added in, "Right Izraf?"

"Yes... In fact, taking out Scorpio will be a service to the queen and her country. We'd owe you a life debt. We already do, in fact."

Eiryk nodded, "Then I, too, am off to Avalon. It is good discussing business with you."

"Oh, and Eiryk, Izraf..." Godot began, pointing to Eiryk in particular, "Let's call you Noxiel from now on. Don't let your real name get out."

"Understood." Izraf agreed.

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
"I saw the bones poke out from his flesh, like so many bloodied fangs not three days ago and now look at him." the head trainer sighed as he stared across the training field where the initiate Ashigaru were going through their final challenge. "He's not even supposed to be out of the healers until a week from now and just look at him go."

Dodging a wooden staff with ease, Yemhelch ducked low and struck the man with the wooden shield with his own wooden weapon in the chest with enough force to topple him over. The man fell back onto the dirt with a breakfall and yelled 'One Point!'.

"50 points in one 10 minutes." the referee intoned, raising the black flag. "That's enough, both of you. Stand down."

With a polite bow to his sparring partner, Yemhelch returned the wooden staves he was using to the instructor.

"It seems there's nothing more for me to teach you." the instructor smiled as he greeted Yemhelch as he walked off the dirt ring. "I can't really give you a fancy ol' scroll, but you've got what it takes to be a splendid Ashigaru. Keep honing your skills and I'm sure you can surpass yourself someday."

"Thank you, Majima-sensei." Yemhelch replied, again with a polite nod. "So, I shall."

"Though, you really should be resting." he finished.

"The healers here are the finest I've seen yet. I'll be fine."

"Ha, so they are. You should go pick up your new gear from the Dojo. Pass my regards to Kyouko, will you?"

"I will. Thank you again for your hard work so far."

---

"... and that's what we found so far. Something has damaged the very fabric of magic in the world." the seer finished. "It's not perceptible now, but the gaps and voids are there, and they are slowly growing larger."

"No wonder you wanted to keep this information secret." Hiroko shook her head. "Bad enough we have a monster problem, but without magic, our healers wouldn't..."

Hiroko fell silent, then shook her head to banish these uncomfortable thoughts. If the constant use of healing magic was causing a strain on Will, she had to find a way to get her people to use alternate, scientific means of healing. Overcome with concern, she paced around the pagoda, carefully planning her next move.

"We'll have to start using science, and not just use healing spells for the more minor matters..."

"Aye, it's as you say."

"Please keep what we've discussed here a secret - but work on your own to promote the uses of non-magical healing and the research into it."

"It wont be easy, Lady Hiroko. Two of the largest centers of learning in the world are lost. Whatever codexes may have survived the two disasters are most likely worth their weight in gold."

"We'll find a way."

"Indeed we will. Then, by your leave..."

The healers and the seer bowed to her and left. Hiroko sat down on the comfortable, padded chair and rubbed her temples, trying to process this new threat to humanity at large. The end of magic? Could such a thing be possible?

---

"Did you like the little upgrade we did for your tanto, Yemhelch-kun?" Ryouko smiled as she watched him inspect the set of blades arrayed before him.

"Saying I like these wouldn't be enough." he mumbled as he looked at the twin wakizashi and tanto set. "No, these are magnificent. The heft of these grips have been triple-woven to absorb moisture from the palm of the hand... in fact, the whole scabbard's been folded into itself to provide a solid-steel handguard. Judging by the weight of the blade, it's been readjusted by adding a lead counterweight to the base of the blade. The taper's perfect, too. The blades have been sharpened to a razor edge, then hardened and tempered by sootfire to be even more resistant to breakage than before. You really know what you're doing."

"That's why I'm the Daimyo's personal armorer, heh heh." Ryouko grinned. "Usually, I wouldn't go all out for a newbie, but I was watching that day, you know. When you saved this country from going to a shitstorm of sengoku-era mass infighting. Hiroko-sama told me to go all out when customizing your weapons for you."

"The court case, huh?"

"Yeap. You basically called out the inquisition AND the necromancers on your ass. Maxing out some equipment's the least I could do for you. Dunno why you're still alive, though. I figure you've gotten pretty good at dropping those assassins and dark knights they send after you..."

"The end of the world helped somewhat."

"Seems like you're gonna be doing alright. Anyway, the light cuirass is standard for new Ashigaru. You can wear it under your clothes, too."

"Ah, so it works like that."

"And that's that! You should totally go try your new weapons out on those pesky monsters that keep attacking the town walls nowadays."

"I just might do that." Yemhelch nodded, slipping both the wakizashi and tanto into their scabbards.

As he stepped out of the Pagoda's armory, he saw two familiar faces...

-

"Oissu, Mikkael, Kazeko." Yemhelch waved. "Where ya two off to?"

"For an audience with Lady Hiroko. Mikkael wants to go to Avalon, because he thinks he remyembers something about them. I kinda wanna tag along too, nya? Wannya to see this mystic city for myaself..."

"Want me to come along?" Yemhelch grinned. "You owe me a free meal, ya know."

Mikkael stared at him, confusion evident in his expression. Coming to his rescue, Kazeko quickly intervened. "A-anyway, if you want to travel, you can join us. That's alright, right?"

".... I guess." the meridian nodded quietly.

"Awesome! It'll be just like old time!"

Mikkael shifted on his feet nervously, as he tried to remember... drawing nothing but a blank.

-

They were shown to the Daimyo's meeting room and asked to wait. Hiroko emerged from the back after a few minutes. Her skin seemed pale, and her countenance brightened somewhat as she saw her friends.

"Hiroko-sama, Mikkael almost remembered Avalon." Kazeko explained. "At least, he through he knew."

"In time, your amnesia will fade." Hiroko replied gently. "But if you visit Avalon, perhaps you may find something able to jog your memories even further."

"So, Lady Hiroko, I've come to ask permission to escort Mikkael. Yemhelch wants to join us as well. These lands are more dangerous now, and it'd be foolish to travel alone."

"A wise choice, permission granted." Hiroko smiled. "Actually... it was you who discovered Avalon, wasn't it?"

Mikkael looked nervous, but nodded. "At least, that's what the people here tell me."

"Then, if the stories of it surviving the cataclysm untainted are true, there would be books and scrolls of old, and those written by those who came in from the fall of Vex Vinas, correct?"

"... I suppose so?"

"Then, I have a Quest for the three of you." Hiroko smiled. "The three of you are to enter Avalon, then find whatever scrolls, books and codexes in the matters of medical arts, and bring copies of them back."

"The healers are being pushed too hard, aren't they?" Kazeko nodded.

"Indeed. The knowledge of the healing arts must be preserved."

"I hear you had some fine equipment crafted for me." Yemhelch smiled. "And besides, the healers here saved my life. This is the least I could do for you all, lady Hiroko."

After bowing politely, the three left the Pagoda.

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
After meeting Cassius and finishing the discussion of what was to transpire, both Izraf and Eiryk called on a carriage to get them to Avalon. Cassius chose to stay behind and keep things in order for Godot as he would be planning for a total upheaval of the Selkie regime.

"That place is bound to fall..." Eiryk quietly spoke to Izraf during the carriage ride, "The Meridians will likely be settling in Avalon. I just, I can see it, and I guarantee it."

"It makes sense." Izraf commented back, "After all, it was her late lover that founded Avalon once again, wasn't it? And despite the raid on Vex Vinas, he was the one who let the homeless live there."

"Exactly. But more than that, I believe it's bound to fall with the fall of the assassins. I can hardly see any guilds surviving in the future, except maybe the knights."

"Well, we certainly will see, won't we?"

Upon arrival at Avalon, the two of them met with Philena's own carriage, and young Hydra. To think between when they departed Selk for the pyramids, he was but a youngling, swimming in a pool of water, but after three months of traversing the desert, meeting Cassius, and even hearing of the events at Cyndar during that time, he had already grown to walk on his own two feet. Even Philena praised her son for his skill in helping out the Meridian soldiers with sharpening their blades. Truly though, the boy was the spitting image of both his father and mother, but more his father. He had the pale blue tone of his father's scales, and the sky blue of his mother's eyes, but also the sharp teeth of his father, pearly white as they were on the older Meridian. He even had the dorsal fin going down his head appendage much like Mikkael.

"Isn't that a little dangerous for a child?" Eiryk asked the queen.

"Meridian children are trained from a young age in whatever skills or crafts they desire..." She began to say, "... but ultimately, our males are often drafted quite young to assist in military affairs. It seems some clans have yet to drop such traditions, but I allowed it. I thought he could use a skill like that."

"Besides, I'm descended from the great Mikkael! If I ever meet Dad again, I want him to be proud." The young Meridian exclaimed, chipper in his tone.

Eiryk smiled as they began to walk through the town. The group eventually making their way to the local adventurer's association office. After all, Eiryk had to formally establish his guild.

"Your guild needs a name, and that one is quite long and specific." The elderly man at the counter noted. "You sure you want to name it such?"

"A fair point. What would you recommend?"

"Well, yours is an odd guild. No focus, no adventuring inclinations, not even a particular racial restriction." The man spoke, trying to come up with some sort of idea, "You only have a symbol, yes?"

"I have one in mind... A cross, but not like the crosses of the church. No no no... I want a cross with arrow points at the end, and from the points a circle to encompass the cross. Then, it has to be like an X rather than a lower case T."

"Hmmm... So like this?" The man asked, quickly illustrating the design Eiryk had in mind. Eiryk agreed and began to make some slight adjustments.

"So with this basic design, I would also like the four directions to represent something. Going clockwise from the north, the north is to represent the wisdom to guide one another, the east to represent the spirit within that drives one another forward, the south to represent the purity of character to make the right decisions as a community, and the west to represent the prosperity we each bring to one another."

"Then I recommend your north section to have a bright, shining star, the east to have a flame, the south to have three people close to one another, and the west to have a fruit-bearing tree."

"I like the sound of that." Eiryk stated. They tried a few different designs of each of these decisions and then decided upon a final set.

"With this design in mind," the worker finally coming to a conclusion, "What about..."

Eiryk agreed on its name. He finally signed off the papers, paid the dues and fees, and in the next thirty minutes obtained his guild leader's crest, made from a small plate of silver, with the golden guild symbol added on top.

"So, you have your guild then?" Philena asked as he stepped away from the counter, "What is it called?"

"The Paragon's Order."

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
Without the luxury of a carriage, nor ferry or dragon in the world, they had to settle for walking. Mikkael and Yemhelch followed Kazeko who now served as their guide. It was a good thing, though - the cataclysm had altered the lay of the land so much. If Kazeko wasn't there, both of them would have become so utterly lost.

As they emerged from the swamp, sunset revealed itself, painting the plains a brilliant orange. Mikkael nervously raised his arms to his eyes - but suffered no further, while Kazeko breathed a sigh of relief. Following her lead, they trudged out of the swamp.

That was when they spotted two men in simple iron armor, swords akimbo - running at them. And in hot pursuit were a small mob of undead led by a decayed, filthy quadruped.... thing that looked like a four-legged spider bound in flesh and seething magical energy. Yemhelch quickly unsheathed his double blade set, Mikkael went for his steel one-handed sword, and Kazeko hopped back, getting out a set of kunai. It's a fight!

VS. Undead Warrior x6 and Lich Spider.

The two humans have temporarily joined the party!

BATTLE!

Spoiler: show
"Allryght, I've been itchin' to take down some stinkin' dead!"
Kazeko prepares her kunai set for throwing!
Yemhelch's blades are ready, and he attacks the first undead shambler approaching the party!
Mikkael prepares his weapon in an unusual stance and gets ready to attack the rapidly-approaching Lich Spider.
?Human? gets out a bag of herbs!
?Human? gets out a bag of herbs! - In perfect sync, they smash the medical herbs into two different wounds on their bodies! The two humans are healed!

Undead shambler mob has reached the party!
Yemhelch attacks the crowd, using his natural agility to deflect the wrestling and takedown attacks!
Kazeko throws her kunai in a one-two shot! The first one misses, but the second one moving in the blind spot, hits one of the undead square in the face! With a pained cry, the thrall goes silent!
The Lich Spider stops its charge, letting Mikkael's heavy attack miss, and steps back - incanting a vile spell with sinister, guttural tongue!
The dead body shudders and begins to move!

"No good... we'll have to go for that.... thing if we need to stop them!" Yemhelch gritted his teeth as he prepared to charge. Mikkael, recovering from his stagger, nodded - reading the battle plan perfectly.
?Human? correctly counters the lunging attack of the undead, pushing them away from the formation!
?Human? barely manages to block a biting attack with his sword, kicking the thrall away!

The Lich spider rears up with its hind legs, revealing an ugly, laughing face frozen in a contorted roar of anger! "DIE, MORTALS!"
Yemhelch charges in, both blades drawn! Mikkael follows in formation!
The Lich spider's face suddenly roars, eyes turning red! Yemhelch is hit by a spinning spider leg and is thrown off!
Mikkael follows through and pierces the creature's 'face' with his blade!
Leaping over the humans who stopped the undead advance, Kazeko leaps into the air!
"Its nyover!!!"


The lich spider shrieked as Mikkael's steel blade pierced through it's central cepalothorax - pinning the creature to the ground, and Kazeko followed up with thrown kunais bearing explosives on the handles! Mikkael quickly hopped back as the explosion took apart the monster's exposed brain in a spectacular, gib-splattered explosion.

Without the lich's control, the few straggling undead were quickly released from the dark sorcery binding their bodies, and the great stress of combat caught up with their ancient bodies, turning them to dust as they stood - their faces almost appearing grateful for being released from eternal servitude. Yemhelch managed to get up, slightly dazed, bruised - but alive.

"Nyo, you're kinda unbyalanced without your signature weapon, Mikkael..." Kazeko noted. "But still, you seem to ryemember how to fight in a team..."

"... yeah. Thanks. But he managed to take the hit meant for me..." Mikkael nodded at Yemhelch - somehow managing to smile despite himself, and then looked at the two humans who were cleaning the ichors off their blade. The older of the two noticed their gaze and after sheathing their blades, they walked over to the party.

"Much thanks for the save, strangers." he said, smiling gratefully. "Didn't expect to find anyone this far out in the middle of scenic nowhere, though. What's your business?"

"You idiot! Wrong!" the younger warrior socked the man upside the head with a practiced chop. "Introduce first, then ask that!"

"Wait, I knyow you two..."

"Aha! Our fame knows no boundaries! We are..." the older man grinned.

"... the Torii Brothers, Shuu and Satoshii! Finest Stand-up comedians from Vel Da Ir!"

"Comedians?" Yemhelch asked them.

"Well, I see you're from the north... so, I guess... bards, would be more like it." Shuu explained.

"So, what's the two of nyou doing this far from home? It's nyot safe out here..."

"We found that out the hard way! See, Satoshii there wanted to take our act abroad. Stopping at Selk, then to Frenga Farms, then now - to Avalon!" Shuu nodded. "This world's in a pinch and a crisis, and even if we're not top-grade warriors, we have to make the world a better place."

"Its just that, well... we didn't expect to run into the undead. Even the morphos tire out if you run away fast enough."

"So, you guys are going to Avalon..." Yemhelch mused. "Wanna travel together with us? There's safety in numbers."

"Gladly, but I must warn you... it's not safe at the badlands at night."

"Why? What's lurking there?" Yemhelch queried them.

"Terra worms. Pissed-off, aggressive digging critters the size of a crocodile that'd as much as look at you as they'd bite ya in half. Sunlight seems to spook'em good, so we should camp here for now, wait until morning." Satoshii explained.

"He's just acting cool because he almost got his head chewed clean off, though." Torii quipped.

"Hey, shut up! At least I didn't scream like a little girl when it showed up!" Satoshii shot back, and both of them laughed, getting a grin off Yemhelch and a smile from Kazeko as they mentally imagined the scene.

"... a real class act." Yemhelch grinned.

-

The salt wards consecrated with holy water would keep weaker undead at bay for the night. The fire crackled warmly against the cold badland air as the song ended, and Yemhelch relaxed as he reclined against the long-since dead tree.

"And that was 'Song of the Elemelons.', thank you for listening." Satoshii bowed.

"Speaking of melons, stew's ready." Torii smiled as he removed the lid from the makeshift pot crafted from a copper shield.

"Smells delicious. Hey, Mikkael, want a serving?" Yemhelch smiled.

"... it doesn't have fish, does it?" Mikkael finally grunted.

"Nah. Just mostly wild veggies, beef jerky and lard. We call it hoshiniku - pemmican."

"... I guess I'll have some, then."

The wild stew was well done, the taste exploding in his mouth as the flavors ran down into his sensory spectrum, and he found himself smiling. "Delicious. Feels like some time since I... had something to eat like this."

The party settled down to eat, and Yemhelch decided to ask them another question.

"Sure,(munch, munch) what's up?" Satoshii replied.

"I'm kind of interested in the myths and legends of the world. What would you say is the most enduring legend you've ever learned about?"

"Aah. That, my friend, would be the prophecy of the Monarch's rebirth."

"Tell me about it."

Mikkael leaned in closer, intently listening as Torii began to strum a lute...

---

"You know, it makes a lot of sense..." the man mused as he carefully shifted the soil over the freshly-grown roots of the saplings. "The old system, that is."

"...Huh?" Yemhelch asked, surprised at breaking the silence of this forest grove.

"Oh, you know... that thing about collecting artifacts to become Monarch."

"Ah..."

"Sure, on the surface, it looks like a generic RPG quest. Collect the whachamacallits and good end get, right?"

"Right.... so?"

"I'm thinking, the artifacts are capable of some amazing things, right?" the man smiled. "So, whoever this monarch is, their rule lasts on how wisely they use these artifacts."

"..."

"So I figure, if you're an evil schlub who uses the power of the artifacts for teh evulz, you're just setting yourself up to be defeated by the next generation of heroes that'll emerge. Whaddya think?"

"... that does make a lot of sense. Speaking of sense, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

"Go on."

"Is it just me or has it been harder to pass the barrier lately?"

"You noticed it too?"

"Yeah. Did something happen over here?"

"No. I use the magic power of the world as a slingshot to transport the consciousness stream here. Something has damaged the very fabric of magic in your world. It's not noticeable now, but I believe that over time, it may become another crisis."

"... maybe that's why Hiroko's looking for scientific healing..."

"On a quest again, are ya?"

"Yeah."

"In that case, you should rest up. Lots of hiking for you tomorrow, since I sense that you're in the middle of some rough country."

"I guess I'll turn in. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

He opened his eyes and found himself in the camp. The campfire long since put out, and Mikkael slouched on the tree, his hand on the handle of the sword, keeping a sharp lookout for enemies. His turn to keep watch would end as the moon hit the apex - so for now, Yemhelch rested.

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
It came to be night fairly soon. Eiryk was away from the group with all that was happening, he was on a stalking mission. He chased down the next of the assassin leaders and before she even knew it, she was dead. Her entourage but a trail of bodies in the strets. Yet it pained Eiryk. He knew he was doing something that tortured him deep in his soul. But this was life now. He had to fight his way through the ranks of the assassins, but more important, he had to establish order.

"Order isn't everything." Karliah said, appearing behind him with the Lance of Longinus mounted upon her back, "Hello Eiryk. It seems we've both got a lot to talk over."

"... Indeed." He agreed.

The two sat at the canals, the dead body left for the authorities to discover whenever they happened upon it. They had been relatively communicative up to this point, but it was as if they had both come to new realizations of this world they lived in. Karliah herself was supposed to be a paladin, and yet everything she had once honoured she betrayed, while Eiryk, who transitioned from scholar, to hunter, to hero, had too many ups and downs to recount. He felt himself silent and unable to communicate any of it to the one he once called friend.

"I suppose we are no longer people of Lumbra." Karliah finally said. Yet Eiryk knew of everything he had done, everything she had done for him. He felt sick to himself.

"Goddess Eris," Excalibur spoke, "It is more than that. Eiryk's soul had a deep vow once, one which he has betrayed."

"Is that truly all it is, Eiryk?"

He nodded, "Yes. I can't help but feel like this strife that we live in... At times it feels like all of it is for nothing. All this needless killing and suffering..."

"I understand, but I am a goddess of discord now. I understand the need for discord in this world."

"But why..." Eiryk tried speaking, choking back tears, "Why can't we all just work for a better tomorrow... Together!?"

"I don't know... I just know that what we are... We are two souls now bound for eternity. That is why I had sought you out. I had heard you had formed a new guild."

"Yeah, but I wonder, is this what I want it to stand for? Murder? Death? What about order and happiness? Not just a few hours ago, I had been thinking that was what I was after. Not a few days ago, I was considering that."

"Let me join you then." Karliah finally offered, "I will be the one to scar my soul for you."

"Karliah? I can't let you do that. I-"

"No, do not say that..."

Eiryk sat there in silence.

She smiled, bittersweet as it was, and spoke, "Ours is, or rather, was something that could never be. It is not in destiny."

Eiryk quietly mused internally over her words, "I see..."

She was quite surprised he was taking it so well. He wanted her, truly, but he knew she was right. They were two souls that would work together, and nothing more, and he accepted this. He knew deep down his ties to her from an age since passed, many ages even before the second Jungalore. Was that reason to want her? Reason they had to be together? Perhaps their souls were lost in a darkness they did not comprehend fully. Whatever the case, he knew from that moment on, their feelings would not be reciprocated, but he did treasure her as a friend, and he knew he always would.

"Then, will you let me hunt down those who would oppose the order of this new world?" She asked.

"Yes. Thank you for being straightforward and... Well, not making this too awkward for me." He responded.

"I didn't exactly have the words, to be honest. I only know that I do have someone who I do care for. I would like to make this world better for her."

"... I see. I am happy for this news at least. Tell me though, where do I go now?"

"The last monolith that requires Excalibur's touch. The Slab of Destiny."

Eiryk stood up. "Then that is where I am going. Do you, as a paragon... Have anything that can send me there?"

"Only just outside. The darkness radiating there... It is too great for my powers to pierce at this time." She paused, "But are you sure you are ready?"

It was finally the time to end this cataclysm. It was now time to return the world to from whence it came, and to start everything over from here. Perhaps, with this, the threat of evil would be gone. Perhaps then, Baphomatt's curse, and the curses upon all lands would be rid of.

"I am."

Everything shone brightly and Eiryk had disappeared. Karliah shed a single tear for his hurt. Because though he never said anything of it...

"I still felt that, you asshole..."

She smiled and disappeared as well. Her reappearance was somewhere in Arcane Well. Long since abandoned due to the nature of Vex Vinas in the short days of the past few years. There she walked through, slicing, piercing, and sundering every enemy in her path, until she reached the depths of the ancient city. A deep chasm was in front of her, and she tossed a torch down, hearing a metal clank at the bottom. She let her white wings gently bring her down where the passageways of metal and glowing blue lights now guided her.

She walked in the darkness, dimly lit by these lights as she came to a great door of black metal and blue light. Placing her hand upon it, it opened, and inside were hundreds, or rather, thousands of tubes. Some filled with sleeping bodies. The fluorescent liquid containing them keeping them alive.

"Soon more will join each of you. In ten thousand years, it will be their time to awaken, to show us all the old ways. For now, continue your slumbers until at the end of it all I may join you."

She closed the door once again and left this room, a room labeled "Containment Facility Alpha" though she had removed this sign and instead etched into the stones a new name for it. The Temple of Rebirth.

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
When he arrived at the island on the Remnvald Archipelago, he couldn't help but be struck with pure awe. He saw the swirling clouds around the peak, red and raining the red liquid that poisoned the waters. The remnants of souls taken by the cataclysm. Yet it wouldn't be monstrosities he would fight, for as he walked along the path leading to the foothills, white feathers slowly drifted down upon the pathway. Only after an hour of walking and leaving footprints did he realize he was walking in a perpetual loop.

"Why can I not enter...?"

"Clearly something in the heavens is preventing us from moving forwards."

"So how do we solve it? I can attack monsters but that won't necessarily do anything I don't think."

"It seems that unless you are blessed by heaven, the passage will not reveal itself."

Eiryk smiled and called forth the three deities he had saved. With their combined powers, they opened the way for him and bid him good luck. Yet this was not pleasing to heaven. For in doing so, the heavens retaliated.

Waves of angels descended and drew their blades upon Eiryk.

"Do not pass." They stated firmly, "You are not allowed to ascend this mountain, human."

"Human...?" Eiryk chuckled, "I didn't know I was still considered human."

He stared them down and shouted, "FOR I AM OF PARAGON BLOOD."

Immediately he cut down two angels who set their blades upon him. Others cast beams of light at him, burning his robes with holy fire. Yet he continued on, cutting away at each of them with confidence and might. Suddenly, he also heard marching at his back...

"Advento!" A familiar voice cried out. It was Ortza and the Elvine armies! Not only that, but the Cult of Umbraria was at their side. "We had been waiting at this site for some time, and we were stuck on that path until you arrived..."

"Excellent. Then let's seal this one off together!"


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As they made their way to the mountain proper, they saw engraved in the mountainside each of the monarchs of Jungalore, the great ones being entire statues no smaller than twenty five feet in height.

"A tribute to the past kings and queens..."

"Save for that one." Ortza pointed out the destroyed effigy of Zeden Altena. It seemed they were added in reverse chronological order. Perhaps honouring each along the way, with the first queen perhaps holding the highest honours. Excalibur, it seemed, was melancholy and yet happy to see each monarch's image.

Along the way, waves of angels would strike at their marching army of 1,000 individuals. As Eiryk paid closer attention, he realized not all of them were of the cult or of the Elvine.

"So who are these people?"

"Those who have heard the word of the Realmskeeper Eiryk, the one who would keep this world safe from calamity should it ever arise again. They are your followers." Ortza explained, "The world travelled fast in my city, and in others as well with our help. They eagerly made their way here to assist you in this climb."

He felt touched by this gesture, if not slightly worried for their safety. Perhaps his words did matter after all...

Thus they were one quarter of the way up the mountain by dawn.

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
The sun was setting when they finally finished their harsh trek, and finally arrived in sight of Avalon's great gates. The triad alliance had reinforced their members well, it seemed. Yemhelch spotted men and women in classical Selk wear, knights from Cyndar and peasants from Fort Frenga all working together to further reinforce the great gates, each watching out for the other and working like a well-organized army. At the gates, they were stopped by a giant of a man.

"Halt, strangers." his voice boomed. "What business do you have in Avalon?"

"We're here on request from the Daimyo of Vel Da Ir." Kazeko replied. "I knyow it's strange, but could we have permission to visit the library?"

"Huh. So they're still alive, eh? Good for them." the knight smiled, pearly whites visible through his visored helmet. "It's fine. Ah, for security purposes - I'll be having your names now."

"... I'm Yemhelch. From Frenga Fa- uh. Fort Frenga." Yemhelch answered.

The knight called a peasant over, and the man smiled in recognition as he saw Yemhelch's face. After exchanging greetings, the peasant confirmed that it was indeed 'The Demonslayer' himself. The knight shook his hands with Yemhelch as well.

"You're a good man, Mr. Yemhelch." the knight nodded as the peasant left. "I have family back there, you know? Still, this is just a formality. We must be wary of demons or even death worshippers now, especially with rumors of trouble in Selk..."

"What's happening in Selk, Sir..." Yemhelch asked him.

"You are quite well-spoken, despite your rough appearance, Sir Yemhelch." he nodded. "Courteousness has lost its place at large in the world today, but you carry the hallmark of a knight. I am Sir Irven, Knight of Cyndar. Though my Order may have been marred by the demons, I will stand proud. I will never abandon this place - this hope of all life.... (mumble) No... never again...."

"It's an honor, Sir Irven." Yemhelch greeted him politely.

With that, Irven quickly changed the subject "...Ah, what I mean is - there's rumors about a schism in the order of assassins they have there. Perhaps, if worst comes to worst; we will assist the Queen reinforce order there. But thankfully, they have only been rumors, no more."

The introductions continued, with the two bards getting recognized for their fluent wordplay gags, and at last, the Knight faced Mikkael.

"Precious few survived the onslaught of the devil's tide, but may I have your name?"

Mikkael hesitated, his eyes shifting away. Picking up this cue, the knight approached. "What's wrong?"

"My name..." Mikkael nodded as he opened the words to say, 'I'm not sure if it's right, but...' - but the keening sound of a war-horn blown three times on the wall silenced his words.

"... oh no." Irven grunted, pulling out a bastard sword from his scabbard and kicking up his shield. "That means... EVERYONE INSIDE! NOW!"

At his powerful shout, everyone in the gates quickly gathered what materials they could before running inside as the gates closed. Yemhelch, Kazeko and Mikkael followed Irven inside as the gates slammed shut and several ninja, peasants and knights slammed together massive steel deadbolts into the back of the gate. From the wall, a scout gasped out a warning - "Lots of them, Irven! Moving in from the southwest! I think they're going to attack all at once!"

The rapid-fire sound of a great gong echoed across the city as the courtyard gates closed on the fortress city. Through this, Irven remained steady - giving short, but clear commands to prepare the defense, along with helping civilians move to the fortified center of the city. Yemhelch, Kazeko and Mikkael climbed up the wall-tower and looked out to the plain, now painted a sinister shade of red by the setting sun...

It was them. The things from Cyndar. Misshappen golems of flesh, still screaming with the mouths of the mortals that had once borne them. Instead of their old, tottering shuffling - they were running full speed ahead, like beasts on the trail of wounded prey.

"WHAT ARE THOSE THINGS?!"

From this wave of flesh a great beast emerged like a whale broaching the ocean's surface. Almost built like an ox the size of an elephant, but for the dozens of hands guiding it's body like a wretched centipede, it charged with an inhuman roar straight towards the gate, exposed intestines trailing behind, giant flies the size of a man's head swooping around and oozing rotted ichor - serving as a general pheromone direction marker!

Siege START!
Vs. 1500 Enemies!


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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter

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As they made the second day's trek up the mountain. Excalibur chimed in.

"What if you are unable to fight what's at the top of this mountain?"

"I shouldn't be, should I?" Eiryk answered.

"I know, with your strength, you can, but if you fail..." Excalibur trailed off before saying more.

"Then the world falls too, I know. Trust in me, sacred sword, just trust in me."

She laughed lightly, "I suppose you are correct."

Eiryk looked down upon the forests. In all of Jungalore, Mt. Mindar was the highest volcano, but the Slab of Destiny was perched upon the tallest mountain in the land. He likened each tree to a tiny brush tapping upon a blue and crimson canvas, the crimson of the water reflecting only drops of light under the dark red clouds. Like a cacophony of colours, the clash of light and darkness. Yet in that scenery, there was still light. That was much like himself.

Similarly, there were many sights to behold, despite the redness of the water, such as waterfalls that caressed the sides of the mountains, and created mists at the rocks below, reaching as high as their pathways and bridges. Once more, it was like a painted gave strong downwards brush strokes along a red backdrop, and the coolness of the mist in the air was a refreshing feeling to the group as a whole.

Ortza had walked along the path with Eiryk, pointing out each of the kings and queens. It was interesting to see this memento to each, and even then, offerings to the dead monarchs. Flowers, herbs, spices, weapons, armor, each had gifts the further they moved up the mountain. By sunset, they made it to a tunnel leading to the other side of the mountain. This was a bad sign. Eiryk knew this had to be some sort of ambush, so he lead only one hundred with him before letting the others through. Thankfully, he was correct in doing so, as three groups of angels had set up traps and ambushes in said tunnel systems. When they emerged on the other side, it was now knights alongside each monarch, names now engraved, and each race could be seen, even some unknown to man at the time.

"Such small people, these ones, and yet, carrying such powerful weaponry." Eiryk noted pointing to small lizard and dog people.

"Those are Kobloida." Ortza explained, "King Sun is their current leader, as we see him engraved here."

"So it is also other kings and queens. I wonder if Queen Philena will have her image here one day..."

"Who can say? But I do expect it. Here's mine. I had it added privately, and had myself depicted as a hooded king of a tribe out in the forests."

"I see... So you can do such?"

"Indeed. Though, looking back, perhaps I should have trusted everyone more." Ortza said laughing at his own error and perceived fears.

They made more progress this time, now three quarters of the way to the summit. They stopped before the bridges leading to the final peak of the mountain which pierced the cloudline. The smaller peaks and boulders along the way making a path for the stone bridges leading towards the final destination.

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
((OOC: Just want to say thank you everyone for 75k views! You guys are what's keeping me from giving up on the project. At times I feel as though I've developed my characters in the wrong path, but I want to get The Lorian Chronicles out in its perfected form. It's basically 99% complete. I just need the artwork (which I have two people contributing to) and to fine tune a few bits and pieces.

In regards to what happens with this, there are... Many ways out. However, I am continuing this story as I intend until probably a little after TLC's release. And of course, nothing I do is by sheer coincidence, so look into that abbreviation as much as you want.

Once more, thanks again for your continued support, now, on with the story!))
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After many battles and many deaths, Eiryk and his comrades finally arrived at the top of the mountain, it had a long staircase that lead up to the peak, though it was more like a crater. Perhaps, in a distant era, it was a volcano. After all, the Remnvald Islands were known to house volcanic activity, even if it was in the distant past.

The assassin leaned against a rock surface, tired out from the walking and fighting. He looked at his hands, with a moment of thought.

"This is it, gotta keep going."

They continued up the staircase which soon turned into marble. At the top was a colossal statue of the first queen, Cynthia Darien Altena. A statue of a woman with flowing long hair, adorning a most magnificent crown, a royal cloak, a scepter in one hand, a goblet in the other, a broach of high detail clasping her robe in place, and lastly, clasped and locked at her side, was some type of tome. The craftsmanship of the statue was even more precise and pristine than what even the modern sculptors of Eiryk's day could achieve. Instantly he could recognize the very same crown given to him by Ortza.

"The same crown we stole from Zeden Altena, the woman who cursed our kind." He remarked, "Funny how such an evil woman could be born of such noble blood."

"Perhaps it was a joke of divinity. Especially since it happened not only once." Upon remarking this, Ortza looked at Eiryk puzzlingly, however, Eiryk shrugged it off knowing that Ortza couldn't comprehend this entirely, continuing to speak, "But no matter... We came here for one thing."

At her feet was a solid gold slab, engravings which once housed magic now dull, as pieces had long since been broken. But something curious was about this raw gold slab. Not the fact that underneath was a solid black surface. He expected a monolith to be under the slab, but the fact that it had changed once again.

"This was... Not the prophecy all of Cyndar, let alone all of Jungalore... Was told..." Eiryk uttered. Ortza, noticing this was well spoke.

"The slab... Changed again!?"

Instead of its depictions of the egg hatching over a period of time, now it depicted something entirely different. Now it depicted figures most, if not all, knew; Eiryk and Mikkael, back to back, in a singlular engulfing flame. In Eiryk's hands was Excalibur, his eyes closed silently upon the blade. Mikkael with his buster sword in both hands, but it was different, it was far different in fact.

"Arondight..." One person remarked in the back, "The Meridian King is to wield Arondight!"

"You fool, that isn't Arondight!" Another remarked.

"Well, remember you two, that sword is supposed to be in Mt. Mindar's crater! No one has seen it since it was used by the mer known as Lancelot, and that was thousands of years ago!"

What was more curious was how Mikkael looked upwards towards the clouds, whereas Eiryk looked downwards towards a series of three graves. What was this? A premonition? Was this the prediction that Eiryk would be one to die a king? A ruler? That Mikkael would rise as a god, perhaps? In a way, Eiryk felt envy. Nonetheless, he knew, one day, he would surely die.

Along the sides, a temple-like structure was to Eiryk's side, with Karliah, Ortza, and three others whom he had not met standing at its diamond-shaped doorway. Its rooftop standing in front of the suns. To Mikkael's side was Philena, standing to the front of Mt. Mindar, and angelic beings blowing trumpets adorning the Meridian's flag. Not only that, but his son held the crown being worn by his mother.

"So the boy is destined for greatness, as is Mikkael... And my purpose has to do with this temple, I suppose." He ooked over, "Ortza, do you know anything of this?"

"Not a clue. But it seems our duties are not done in this world, even after this."

Behind them stood one man and two women at his side, and a figure in darkness behind him of his same shape. Yemhelch, Kazeko, and Hiroko. Somehow, Eiryk remembered the two women from a time before this world, though he did not let this on. What was curious was about Yemhelch who stood at the center. What role would he play in all this?

Eiryk finally turned his attention to the black part of the slab, he could not see the circle. In fact, he saw no beasts, no angels, no demons.

"Hear no evil, see no evil, huh?" He said.

Ortza responded, "I'm certain that's the wrong context."

"Still, usually something pops out and says, 'BOO.' Thus forcing me into a battle... Well, only after I touch the circle."

"Haven't you figured it out?" Excalibur finally spoke after all this time.

"Excalibur? Something you're not telling me?" Eiryk asked, unsure of what she meant.

"Yes, but consider your journey up here, consider everything you know about this place..."


Link


Then it dawned on Eiryk. His eyes widened, "Excalibur, you..."

"You're the final trial!?"

Sure enough, the spirit of Excalibur manifest itself. A ball-joint doll with green eyes and long blonde hair, a flowing white dress. But what was curious to him was...

"No... You aren't just any sword spirit... You are the spirit of her!"

Excalibur took a bow with a smile. "Yes, I am Cynthia Darien Altena, at least, I was three times. Every time, we would be drawn together, you would never figure it out. But for once... I can finally say you've learned the truth of who I am, who I was, and that our story dates back too many years to factor."

"So the final seal..."

"I cannot let you open it, Eiryk. Not until I know you, and the rest of this world, are ready to handle its consequences."

"What would those be?"

The ancient queen smiled once more, "Can you imagine a world where your will was all your own? A world where the gods have long since disappeared. A world where magic was... Erased? It's already happening."

The queen walked around, "Would you potentially forsake the Elvyn people? The ones who rely on the will of their pendants to keep them from succumbing to the curse?"

"Would you forsake those who could easily be cured by the healing magics? Would you forsake people the freedom to practice magic? Ostracize them across the ages?"

Eiryk shook his head, "You're saying, if I activate that slab, I will erase will?"

"No. I'm saying that magic will be impossible, lest people seek the magic of this world on their own volition." Cynthia corrected, "Even then, they must first have the inner comprehension of our tongue, of the tongue of the ancients."

"... And you as queen would keep this world cursed by evils?"

"That is not the point."

"Why is this slab tied to you, even? Why would will disappear?"

Excalibur looked at Ortza, then at Eiryk, remaining silent.

"... You can't tell me, can you? Or perhaps, you can't tell us."

"I can only tell you some things, Eiryk. I can only tell you these or else we will all be in peril. You have to make a decision."

"Go with your gut." Ortza said, his arms crossed, "That's what she's saying."

"... A world without will..." Eiryk repeated to himself.

"Remember, Eiryk, you may not have been the one to draw Excalibur... But you are still the rightful owner of my vessel."

Eiryk thought about it for a moment, and then realized the implications of such. He knew that she could simply be directed by some greater force. That was when he had to think outside the box.

"Something is being hidden from plain view. I can tell. There is a reason you don't want me to act on this."

"I cannot answer that remark." Excalibur stated.

"Ortza, we were all wrong. All of us were wrong about everything regarding this world. This runs... So much deeper." Eiryk turned his gaze back to Excalibur, "And you want to prevent the same mistake from occurring a fourth time."

"I, again, cannot confirm or deny this. I can only say that by activating this slab, you will erase the majority of will from this world."

"... I see..."

"So what will you do, Eiryk? Forsake the people, or activate this slab and forsake them?"

Eiryk smiled, and Excalibur knew exactly what he was to do. She transformed back into the blade as he struck the slab of destiny, causing it to open and reveal the monolith. He was to strike the monolith, but Ortza grabbed his arm.

"Wait! You fool! What are you doing!?" He angrily shouted, as the Elvine people held their weapons at the ready.

"No, you have to trust me Ortza!"

"You are going to cause my people to go insane because of her descendant's curse! You are going to cause so much suffering! Don't do it!"

"I must... I... I can't tell you why, but I realized everything when I thought back to Demeter, and to the church days... I can tell you after."

"I will be a fearsome beast when you strike it! There will be no talking!" Ortza shouted again, pulling at Eiryk, but he shook his head.

"No, you will be safe."

With a single, powerful strike of the blade, the final monolith activated. In that singular moment, the whole world changed before everyone's eyes as the final elemental awoke.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eiryk awoke in the Yuunlands once more, as Ortza stood beside him.

"Hey... We... We're in the heavens?" Ortza suddenly realized, perplexed by this turn of events.

"Yes..." Excalibur spoke, "Worry not Ortza, you will survive."

"But... I don't understand, I don't feel any different... You said the will would be gone." Ortza stated, looking himself over.

"That's because... There was a bigger threat all along. Excalibur needed this to be able to face it."

They proceeded to walk towards the central palace, and upon entering, they saw it happening. The elementals were fusing into their respective gods.

"Of fire and air is born a new Lumbra..." Excalibur remarked.

"Of water and earth is born a new Umbraria..." Eiryk finished. "We must stop it, lest the world end once more."

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Post Re: End of Jungalore: Final Chapter
The things had eventually breached past the fortified barrack layer, and into Avalon proper. The great beast that had led the onslaught lay dead, it's body even now disgorging leeches and maggots the size of a man. Despite having lost the outer wall to their inexorable advance, the knights, backed by Selk sailors and a handful of ninjas and samurai from Vel Da Ir fought on through the streets and alleyways, occasionally helped by those still hiding in their homes.

Under the sinister light of the full moon they fought on despite being outnumbered by unnatural enemies that felt no pain or fear.

"What's their deal...?" Yemhelch grunted as he stabbed an eyeless, still-screaming corpse in the head and flung it across the alleyway.

"Impossible... the Cyndar Knights are all men of honor..." Irven muttered as he swung his broadsword, easily knocking aside a horde of winged beasts that tries to overrun him. "There's no way anyone would have betrayed her..."

"Betrayed who?"

"The Queen of Selk... she's here." Irven mumbled. "The way they're fighting to get to the palace... these creatures are here to murder the Queen and end the Taltanis legacy..."

"Abunyai!" Kazeko managed to shout out a warning to Mikkael, as one of the skinless horrors tried to charge him head on. Mikkael, displaying an incredible amount of battle reflexes, swung his steel sword right into the creature's mouth - tearing open the skull and smashing through the brain, letting his steel-lined gloves take the bite. The tell-tale sound of metal cracking echoed through the alleyway, as his steel sword cracked under the sheer onslaught. Ticked off, Mikkael threw the beast overhead and into a pile of leftover construction material - skewering it on a steel pole, and scattering the debris.

It was then that his eyes shone with a moment of recognition as the next wave rounded the corner. With Yemhelch covering him - Mikkael picked up a loose steel beam with one hand, taking the large 6-ft piece of metal and grinned. With one brutal swing, he smashed through the horde and struck them with such force, they were thrown out of the alleyway and into the thoroughfare. Using this opening, Yemhelch, Irven and Kazeko followed.

That was when they saw another of the giant siege-beasts headed straight to the palace - more coming in from south of the main road.

"This isn't good." Irven shook his head. "Both my men and the palace need immediate reinforcements..."

"Mikkael and I will go to the palace." Yemhelch said. "You and Kazeko should head down to the barracks and help them out."

"No, but to split our forces..." Irven countered.

"We can't all be in two places at once." Yemhelch replied, then turned to Mikkael. "Come on, we need to save your kid and your wife."

"My... child?... wife?"

"Pretty much. Anyway, wanna grab a new weapon?"

"No... I... I don't know, but I sort of like this heavy steel bar." Mikkael looked at his impromptu weapon, giving it an experimental swing. "It feels so... familiar."

Looking back, Yemhelch smiled at Irven and Kazeko heading south, and then he turned his attention to the palace. "We're gonna have to intercept that thing. Think you could do a little climbing?"

-

Philena kept behind the phalanx of knights, occasionally firing off a fireball or gust spell that threatened to overcome their defensive formation. The palace courtyard was nearly won, when she began to register what felt like a stampede.

Before she could shout out a warning - from the gates it burst, a creature with a sneering - giant of a face even now marked by the valiant assault of knights that had tried to stop its berserk charge. Arrows poked out of its 'face', blade wounds gouting black blood, and its triple-jointed legs slammed down on the cobblestone as it entered the palace garden, before letting out a roar, bloodied pieces of armor hanging from its fangs like an obscene set of braces.

Before she could rally her troops, the sound of hard steel on steel echoed across the courtyard, as if a beast had roared in defiance, shouting back a challenge to the skinless horror that now stood before her. A second too late she recognized the sound of the grates... as it slammed down upon the monstrosity with enough force to break its skull and pin it to the floor like some kind of insect in a collection. In shock, she managed to look up at the two figures standing atop the gate, their faces hidden by the brilliant red moon behind them. One wore a cape, bearing two swords - the other was a knight with... a large weapon.

Hope filled her being, and her mouth opened to call for them, but what came out of her was a warning shout. "LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU!"

-

It was Philena's shout that had made Yemhelch twitch, barely avoiding the jaws of a giant, winged worm slamming its jaws shut with enough force to rip his head clean off. Mikkael jumped into action instantly, delivering a downward strike with his steel beam, splattering brains and sending the worm's teeth flying this way and that, then kicking the lifeless monster off the wall.

"Thanks, Mikkael..."

"... it's fine. We need to move, though. More of those winged beasts are coming from the south."

"Alright. Let's go."

Glancing back, he saw Philena's guards start taking apart the pinned beast with their blades, and satisfied that Philena was safe, they began to run across the rooftops in pursuit of their next target.

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