MLTO C4, P3

This is the third Part of "MLIV:TO" 's fourth Chapter.
It was released on 04.02.2023.
== Plot ==
Geralt and his allies found a new friend in the young heir of Goznor- the incredibly passionate young man with a fiery personality known as Dante Gonoru. Due to the fact that he proved his worth by defeating a massive group of trained bandits all by himself, the group is able to trust him, and the adventure to the dreaded Blackflame Mountain continues anew.
And yet, it is not the mountain itself that they should fear. It is the vile miscreants that lurk outside of it.
Helpless and deceived, Geralt and his allies come face to fact with one of Redmark's closest minions, the ones who are a part of his inner circle and hold the most power. His name is Akuma and he is the leader of a mysterious organization that is affilated to the vile emperor, something that might lead many to believe that he might be a tyrant himself. And you know what? They may be right.
But the biggest surprise of the day is the young man that he brings alongside him. The tainted soul that joined forces with one of the world's most dangerous villains. His face is one that Geralt never forgot (and, likely, will always remember). Guilt fills the young hero's pure heart as he remembers the one person who failed to resist Redmark's call and became a part of his dark army.
More dangerous decisions have to be made. Risks will be taken to ensure the safety of everyone. Such things are always done with a heavy heart, of course, but that doesn't matter anymore. Our heroes have a duty that they must abide to and their goal is still the same. There is no holding back.
Will our heroes hold back their fears and continue to fight valiantly against the treacherous forces of darkness?
== Story ==
Geralt and his allies make their way through more barren wastelands. They see the skulls of numerous slain creatures around them, a grim warning of what fate awaits them if they are not careful.
After about half an hour of exhausting walking and fighting back against the blistering heat, the heroes manage to reach a small settlement. Apparently, some brave townsfolk from the region of Goznor did not like the relative safety of their towns and decided to move elsewhere. Or maybe this place existed before Goznor even had its current name.
It doesn't matter, though. For our heroes, peace and prosperity are important right now. And the most peaceful solution lies in the simplest of things. Thus, it is no surprise that they eagerly approach the little settlement, hopefully to purchase some supplies for the road.
When they step into the place, they notice that there are very few townsfolk on the steets. Most of the people are staring at them through their windows, as they think that the heroes might be some sort of monsters. Even though it is the end of the day, nobody bothers to turn the lamps on, leaving the settlement darker and scarier than it usually is.
Every once in a while, the four of them think that they hear laughter coming from somewhere. However, the source of this anomaly cannot be identified. Yet.
"I'm starting to think that we might have stumbled into some kind of a ghost town."- Geralt says- "Maybe we should leave. Those poor citizens are already scared enough, Our presence will only make it worse for them."
Emela shakes her head.
"As much as I agree with this, I'm afraid we've got nowhere else to go."- She says- "I refuse to go out into the dark wastes at night. Who knows what kind of horrors might be hiding in there... "
Dante raises his eyebrow.
"But you're a grown woman."
Emela looks at him.
"That doesn't mean that I can't fear those monsters."
Geralt sighs.
"Alright, I got it. We are going to stay here. For one night."- He says- "But if something happens while we are asleep, I am holding you accountable for it."
Cyrus smiles.
"Don't worry, cousin."- He says- "I'll keep everything in check."
Geralt nods.
"Of course, Cyrus."- He says- "I know that you will."
He takes a look at the inn ahead of them. As if being lulled by a siren's call, he starts to move forward on his own, intending to get a good night's sleep while he can. And it seems like his dear allies are on the same page.
"Now, let us... "- He says and yawns- "Let us get ourselves a place in there."
As they stumble into the inn, they realize that there's nobody staying in it. The tables where visitors are supposed to sit are empty, and the rooms upstairs are eerily quiet. The overall atmosphere in this place is creepy and the innkeeper looks like he has not slept in days.
When the man takes a look at them, he sighs and shakes his head.
"Forgive me, dear visitors, but the inn is closed."- He says- "Our little town is not safe anymore. Please leave."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Why are you being so obscure, sir?"- He asks- "We just want a room for the night. Nothing more."
The innkeeper shakes his head.
"The vile ones are out there. Even the slightest sound could alert them."- He says- "And if they manage to find where you are... "
He looks down.
"No. It's not worth it."- He continues- "Don't throw your lives away, noble visitors. Leave this old man in peace."
Dante frowns.
"Agh, this is going nowhere."- He says- "Let me try to convince him."
He takes a step forward.
"Listen, fellow person. If law and authority mean anything to you, then maybe you know who I am."- He says- "Those people are brave warriors who have saved many souls. They are doing their best to cleanse this world from evil, and this is how you treat them?"
He glares at him.
"I suggest you rethink your decisions before we leave you a zero star rating."
The innkeeper gasps.
"Zero stars?"- He asks- "Is that a thing?!"
Dante nods.
"An unsatisfied customer should be given freedom to rate a place of leisure however he wants."- He says- "So, yes. Of course it is."
The innkeeper looks at him.
"But why are you such a monster?"- He asks- "A rating like this would ruin the whole place."
Dante shakes his head.
"The one who is considered to be the monster is you. You're sending innocent people away, just because you fear some kind of enemies out there will brutally slaughter you."- He says- "That fear is justified, of course. I know what it means to be attacked and humiliated. But you should know that you're not alone in this. We may be few, but we might be able to protect you from that scum."
He looks at the innkeeper, analyzing his expression.
"Your town will be safe when we are around."- He says- "Promise."
The innkeeper raises his eyebrow.
"Few visitors have offered their aid like this. Even so, we still had to turn them away."- He says- "But maybe you're better than most of them. You certainly have the guts to talk like a brave band of heroes. And your spirits are probably pure, so you must be good at, well, whatever you're doing."
He nods.
"Very well. I'll let you stay here for a night."- He says- "But be warned. You're not safe here. Even the slightest mistake could cost you everything."
Cyrus sighs.
"Yes, yes. We already know that."- He says- "Can you give us the room key, please?"
The innkeeper hands them a small copper key. A small metal plate is attached to its ring, with some kind of a number written on it.
"You'll be staying in Room 124 for the night."- He says- "Enjoy your stay, I suppose."
As the four of them go upstairs, he stares at them sadly.
"May God bless you all."- He says as he rises from the counter and leaves.
The four heroes search for their room. It does not take long for them to find it. Geralt uses the key that the innkeeper gave them to open the door and discovers that the keyhole seems to be a little bit rusty. Perhaps the quality of this inn is a little bit more questionable than they expected.
"Just use some more force."- Emela says- "I know that you can do it."
Geralt looks back.
"But I don't want to break the entire door down!"
Emela shakes her head.
"Those doors are sturdier than you think."- She says- "You'll be fine."
Geralt sighs.
"Alright then."- He says- "Here we go."
Geralt expends some of his powers to open the locked door. With enough coordinated strength, the trick works and the door opens with ease. Apparently, Geralt had to force it to back down before it opened. This is strange.
"Even the doors in this place are rusty."- Dante says and sighs- "Like the owner of this place."
Cyrus raises his eyebrow.
"You don't seem to like that man."
Dante sighs again.
"He's just a fearful bore, devoid of any positive emotions."- He says- "I know that must innkeepers are a little grumpy, but this one took it all to a whole new level."
Cyrus shakes his head.
"It doesn't matter."- He says- "We will be staying here for one night. Once the sun rises, we'll be gone from this weird place."
Geralt sighs.
"Easier said than done."- He says- "Now, let us enter. Our home for today awaits our arrival."
Before all of them step into the room, Geralt makes sure to lock the door, just in case some monsters decide to visit the inn while they sleep.
"There we go."- He says to himself- "It is not entirely safe, but it will do the job until it is bright again."
He gets further into the room and notices that Emela is trying to turn on the left faucet of the sink.
"Ugh. This one's rusty, too."- She says- "Can I get some help over here?"
Geralt nods.
"I'm on it, Miss Emela."
Geralt approaches the faucet and forces it, just like he did with the door earlier. Once again, it does its job and water starts running, giving our heroes the chance to hydrate themselves.
"Now we can fill our stomachs with clear water."- He says- "Drink forth, everyone."
The four of them take turns to drink as much water as they can. Then, Geralt turns off the faucet and watches as the rest of his allies lie on the bed.
"Well?"- He asks- "How does it feel?"
Cyrus sighs.
"Like a rock."- He says- "But that's okay. I've slept on worse."
Dante raises his eyebrow.
"Have you ever slept on the grass at night?"- He asks- "Or on the ground of some snowy wasteland?"
Cyrus sighs.
"Not exactly."- He says- "I'm just saying that I've slept on worse furniture than this one."
Dante shakes his head.
"Bah. You're too soft."- He says- "Did your mother give you too much comfort?"
Cyrus sighs again.
"It's true. My mother was a very soft and innocent woman."- He says- "But unlike your royal family, I have someone who truly cares about me."
Dante raises his eyebrow.
"Your mother?"
Cyrus nods.
"My mother and my father."- He says- "Even though dad is always... busy."
Dante smiles.
"Well, at least your parents know how to take good care of you."- He says- "Though I wouldn't say the same about mine."
Cyrus raises his eyebrow.
"You're implying that they don't understand you."- He says- "Is that right?"
Dante sighs.
"I won't elaborate on that.'
Geralt looks at them.
"Are you done yet?"
Cyrus nods.
"We are."
Geralt nods.
"That is good."- He says- "We need a good night's sleep if we are to keep fighting tomorrow."
As he turns back, Cyrus looks at him.
"But where are you going to sleep, Geralt?"- He asks- "There's only space for three people on this bed. A fourth one won't fit in here."
Geralt smiles.
"That is completely fine by me."- He responds- "I shall sleep on the chair, if it means that you will get a good sleep."
Dante tries to stand up.
"No. Don't do it."- He says- "I'll let you stay here. My sleep isn't that important, anyway."
Geralt shakes his head.
"When I want to do something, I truly mean it."- He says- "Lie down, cousin. I have already made my choice."
Dante sighs.
"As you wish."
Geralt sits on the chair, noticing that it is just as uncomfortable as the rest of the furniture. Like the bed itself, it feels like he is sitting on some kind of a rock. And yet, that does not seem to bother him. He has experienced worse things than this. A minor setback in the form of this chair will not stop him from being a hero.
"This is the path that I have chosen."- He says to himself- "In the name of those who need more sleep than me, I must endure."
Then, he smiles.
"Good night, everyone."- He says- "Sleep well."
His allies nod.
"Goodnight, Geralt."
The four of them go to sleep almost immediately. It is a hard night, but they manage to get some rest. Or as much as they possibly can, at the very least.
Since they are sleeping lightly, this allows them to hear the sounds of the night. Thus, it doesn't take them long to hear a scream a few hours later. When it happens, all four of them open their eyes and leap to their feet.
"Woah!"- Emela exclaims- "What was that?"
Geralt looks at the window, as if trying to see the source of the scream. However, he discovers nothing.
"I think that it came from the west."- He says- "Come on, everyone. The people of this town might be in danger."
Dante grins.
"Alright!"- He exclaims- "Finally, we can blast some fiends!"
Cyrus raises his eyebrow.
"You sound way too excited about this, cousin."
Dante smiles.
"It's my job to be excited!"
Geralt looks at them.
"Are we going to help those people or not?!"
Cyrus nods.
"Lead the way, Geralt."- He says- "We've got you covered."
The four of them unlock the door that leads out of their room and hurry upstairs. 
They notice that the inn is now completely empty. The innkeeper is gone. And yet, that is not the weirdest thing that happened in their absence. The right side of the floor is covered in dark, viscous blood.
"What kind of a sorcery is this?"- Emela says- "What happened to those poor people?!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"There is no time to mourn the fallen."- He says- "We must act. Now."
The four of them approach the door that leads out of the inn and attempt to open it. However, it is completely locked, leaving them isolated from the rest of the world.
"Oh no!"- Geralt exclaims- "Someone locked us in!"
Emela shakes her head.
"It must have been that weird innkeeper!"- She says- "I saw him carrying the key!"
Geralt looks at his allies.
"But... how can we force it open?"- He asks- "I am nearly out of power. I exhausted a large amount of it recently."
Dante nods.
"Fear not, cousin."- He says- "Dante is here to save the day!"
Then, without a warning, Dante raises his spear and blasts the entire door down with a single fire spell, surprising all of his companions.
"Remind me not to mess with you again."- Cyrus says- "You're way too good at this."
Dante smiles.
"I'm just doing my job."
Geralt sighs.
"I appreciate your help, Dante."- He says- "Now, come on. Let's help those people while we still can!"
The four of them run to the west, chasing after the source of the sound. It does not take a long time to find it and when they do, they are left both shocked and saddened at the same time.
A large group of undead, vicious and bloodthirsty, is approaching them very quickly. They are trying to defend themselves, but it is clear that they are not strong enough. And that is not the weirdest thing they notice.
In fact, there is no point to save the townsfolk, as they are already dead.
"The people that we saw are... s-spirits?!"- Geralt says- "No. This cannot be real. It must be some kind of illusion, meant to mess with our minds."
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"I don't know, dear."- She says- "This masquerade looks kind of real to me."
Dante wipes a tear from his right eye.
"They were so young. So capable."- He says- "Why did they have to end up like this?"
Cyrus glares at them.
"Did you forget while we're here?!"- He yells- "We need to protect them from those fiends, Even though they might be... "
He shakes his head.
"It doesn't matter. We must act."- He says- "Come on! Let's go!"
Geralt nods.
"Cousin Cyrus is right. We must help those people."- He says- "Alright, team. Prepare yourselves to assemble a formation as strong as an unbreakable wall."
As his allies prepare to face the undead, he stands next to them.
"And please!"- He exclaims- "Don't let any of them get hurt!"
The spirits stare at the heroes as they prepare to fight. They are completely confused.
"No. Why are you doing this?"- One of them says- "Stand back! You'll only get yourself hurt!"
Geralt sighs.
"It is too late for that."
The four of them strike forth as the undead pounce. They manage to kill a few of them using blades and magic, but the rest of them seem to get angrier with each slain ally.
"Ah. I know what these things are. Few people are aware of them, but I think that I recognize them."- Cyrus says- "The creatures that are causing trouble in this place are called 'ghouls'. A subcategory of undead with an insatiable appetite, those fiends are most comfortable in the darkest of nights and attack their victims with incredible speed and strength."
He sighs.
"In other words, it seems like our friends have gotten themselves into a lot of trouble."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"They seem to be like any other undead we have defeated before."- He says- "What makes them so special?"
Cyrus smiles.
"Well. They're no match for us, because we're more powerful than all of those innocent townsfolk combined. Or rather, the spirits of those innocent townsfolk."- He says- "Killing them will not be a problem, but we still have to address the... other issue."
It does not take long before Cyrus's statement is proven correct. With a combination of powerful magic, sheer determination and an unbreakable will, our heroes manage to incinerate the foul fiends and send their ashes back into the ground from whence they came.
Now that the deed is done, they take a look at the spirits behind them. Even though the undead are gone for good, they still seem to be utterly terrified. Our heroes' presence does not help them.
"Come to think of it, our worst fears may already be a reality."- He says- "Those poor people do look like spirits."
Emela approaches the spriits.
"Tell us, o dear innocents."- She says to them- "How did you end up like this? What kind of a madman did this to you?"
One of the spirits floats forward.
"We are victims of Marcus Redmark, foul emperor and tyrant. We were once living people who peacefully lived in this town."- He says- "Until he and his forces arrived, slaughtering every single one of us."
Dante gasps.
"And my father knew nothing about that?!"- He exclaims- "Oh, those disrespectful outlaws! They'll pay for this crime! We'll make sure of it!"
A female spirit leans forward and shakes her head.
"It's too late for us, fellow humans. Our time in this world has already ended, We cannot be brought back."- She says- "Even though you managed to help us, it might not be enough. And, believe us, we really appreciate it. But the servants of Redmark still dwell in the night, binding us to the real world. We can never move on until they are slain."
Geralt looks at them.
"Who is the vile fiend that deserves to face us in battle?"- He asks- "We need to know his name."
The first spirit shakes his head.
"It's not easy to say it out loud, for he is always watching."- He says- "But he is one of Redmark's most powerful men. His rage is infinite and he always gets what he wants. He is like a demon that looms over this world, his power absolute and his allies- many. None can ever withstand his wrath."
Geralt clenches his head.
"Akuma."
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"Do you mean the... the... "- She says- "Oh no. This... this is not good."
Cyrus raises his eyebrow.
"Who's Akuma?"- He asks- "Some kind of a humanoid?"
Geralt shakes his head.
"He is worse than that, cousin."- He says- "Akuma is a human being with the heart of a demon. His name is known throughout the Known Lands as the one who brings certain death upon the enemies of Redmark. And when he chooses his target, it is impossible for them to get away."
The spirit nods.
"Such is the case with yours truly. We have become grim reminders of Redmark's power, bound to this world for many years."- He says- "Until someone can free us of the one who snuffed our lights out, we can never be at peace."
Dante nods.
"Sounds like a real challenge, but I'm sure that we can make it work."- He says- "Right, guys?"
Geralt smiles sadly.
"We promise that we will free your souls from the darkness, kindhearted spirits."- He says- "No matter what it takes, we will find the murderer behind this act of terror. Akuma and his cronies will not escape unpunished."
The spirits smile.
"Nobody has ever dared to speak so calmly and confidently to us."- One of the women says- "Thank you, brave heroes. People like you make our world much safer."
The innkeeper from before, now a ghost like the rest of his fellow townsfolk, takes a step forward.
"We know not where the vile one may be, but we heard that he has claimed another soul somewhere around here."- He says- "Maybe your presence will draw him out."
Geralt smiles.
"Thank you very much."- He says- "We will come back soon."
As the four of them prepare to leave, Cyrus turns back.
"By the way, I think that you must be the same innkeeper from before."- He says to him- "Why did you lock us in the inn while you were in danger? Were you afraid to be helped by us?"
The innkeeper shakes his head.
"That is not the case, young man. Far from it."- He says- "The monsters were already at your door. Had we not lead them away, they would've broken inside and murdered you in your sleep. Thus, me and the townsfolk decided that it is best if we locked the door, to protect you from the horrors outside."
He looks down.
"I am sorry that I did this to you."- He says- "I will repay you for your services. I promise."
Geralt shakes his head.
"There is no need to be concerned about this, noble innkeeper. We do not need any payment from you."- He says- "Helping people is what we live for. Getting paid for it is suboptimal. And we refuse to accept anything else than seeing you smile, because that is the only thing that matters to us."
The innkeeper smiles.
"Then go ahead and stop that vile outlaw, once and for all."- He says- "We put our trust in you, heroes. Don't let us down, please."
Geralt smiles back.
"In the name of all that is sacred, we shall make sure that your trust stays alive."
Having said that, the four heroes leave the town behind. 
Now on the road to nowhere again, they wonder where to find the Akuma person. They search for hours, but find nothing more than the bones of his previous victims. And yet, it almost seems as if he is still here. Still watching them from afar.
Geralt thinks about the words of the townsfolk. He analyzes them carefully, trying to understand what they meant. Surprisingly, it does not take him long to discover a solution to their problem.
"Alright, everyone. Stand back."- He says- "Trying to illuminate the light takes a lot of concentration. Do not try to get in the way."
And then. he rises his sword in the air and watches as it starts to burn pure white, resonating with the color of his soul.
"Warrior of the night! Defiler of innocents!"- He yells- "My name is Geralt Kaos! I am the one who your dear sovereign despises! And I came here to hunt him down!"
He continues to hold his sword in the air as he speaks.
"If you still have some humility inside of your soul, then step forward! Present yourself to the world in your darkest light!"- He exclaims- "The light of purity beckons you! Do not deny it!"
Suddenly, a lone man appears from the shadows and comes face to face with Geralt. He is dressed in shadowy robes and emits an aura of pure malice. His eyes are barely visible, but they clearly betray his intentions. The evil inside of his soul.
"You are too late, Geralt Kaos. We've already won."- The man says and shakes his head- "Yes. I am the Akuma that you are looking for. But I won't be the one to put you out of your misery."
He smiles.
"In fact, allow me to introduce you to the newest addition of my squad."- He says- "I think that you will like him."
Our heroes watch as another person emerges from the shadows. However, this one seems to be much young, almost as young as Geralt himself. He is not wearing a robe like his companion and his eyes betray a worrying amount of evil. It almost feels like he was a horrid and untrustworthy person even before he met Redmark and his allies.
To Geralt's allies, he does not seem like anything special. To Geralt himself, however, this is a person that he used to know. Who used to be his friend.
"No. This cannot be."- He says- "Is that you, Jacob?"
The boy does not respond. However, judging from the look in his eyes, it is clear that Geralt is right. His name is Jacob.
"Come on, my friend. Speak to me."- He says to him- "How did those monsters manage to brainwash you? Can you be cured?!"
Jacob shakes his head.
"They did not."
The entire team gasps.
"W-what?"- Emela says- "A young boy who voluntarily joined Redmark? That is unspeakable!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"I refuse to believe it, Jacob. I know that you're in there somewhere"- He says and grabs him- "Let my friend go, you bloodthirsty fiend!"
Jacob gets angry.
"Let... me... go!"
Using an incredible amount of strength and determination, he pushes Geralt back and watches as he falls on the ground.
"What a demonic brat!"- Dante exclaims as he helps Geralt get up- "What is wrong with him?!"
Akuma chuckles.
"What is wrong with him, hmm?"- He says- "Maybe you should ask what is wrong with you."
Geralt raises his eyebrow, surprised. Then, he looks at Jacob.
"No, Jay. This cannot be it."- He says- "You don't hate us about this, right?"
Jacob clenches his fist.
"You abandoned me, Geralt."- He says- "And you'll pay for it. Mark my words."