MLIII C3, P5- "Upholder Of The Good"

"Upholder Of The Good" is the fifth Part of "Miracula Luxia III" 's third Chapter.
It was released on 13.01.2022.
== Plot ==
With each passing adventure, our heroes are getting closer and closer to their goal. Soon, they will come face to face with the one who has been helping Mordred Darkthrop for so long, the most loyal servant of the wicked mastermind. Derion's father.
However, there is one last obstacle left in their way. And that is... the elven kingdom itself.
Before confronting his father, Derion will have to fight his own people. The ones whom Torion has always lied to, whom he uses as his puppets without any mercy. The ones whom he has always regarded as a bunch of troublesome creatures, inferior to him.
Will he be able to convince them that his father is the true tyrant?
== Story ==
Derion shakes his head.
"I can't believe it."- He says- "All this time, I never had a good look at my father's kingdom."
He smiles.
"But now, I have the chance to see how beautiful it really is."
Adam shakes his head.
"Derion. I hate to say this, but we are looking at the ruins of a settlement. A place that your father has failed to protect."- He says- "All that I can see here is darkness and despair. The beauty has left it behind a long time ago."
Derion sighs.
"I'm aware of that."- He says- "Sadly, the glory of this little town has been drained away by those who never dared to appreciate its beauty."
He smiles.
"But the inner beauty. The true beauty."- He continues- "It is still here."
Adam looks around and realizes that Derion is right. Even though this town has been abandoned for months, it is still able to give him a feeling of joy. Of satisfaction.
Here, in the lands of his dear friend, he feels like he is home. Like he has always belonged here.
"You are right."- He says- "It is so... majestic."
Jonathan sighs.
"I can't see it as well as the two of you, but one thing's for sure."- He says- "Whoever destroyed this place, they were not human."
Adam sighs.
"Yes. I agree with that."- He says- "People can put their humanity aside. As a reward for what they have done, they will receive immense power, sometimes even beyond imagination. It is infuriating to know that they are so... heartless."
Jonathan shakes his head.
"It's not just that."- He says and points at something written on a nearby wall- "Take a look and you'll realize what I mean."
Adam takes a step forward and inspects the message. It is simple and straightforward.
DARKTHROP IS HERE.
Having realized what happened in this place, he shakes his head.
"It seems like those poor people were not spared from the unjustified rage of that madman."- He says- "But why? Why do the innocents have to suffer like this? Didn't they already have enough?"
Derion shakes his head.
"As long as my father is on the throne, those people will experience true happiness."- He says- "He's been terrorizing them for years. Taking their lands and making them feel weak and helpless. And now, he is working for Darkthrop... "
He looks down and shakes his head again.
"Adam's right. Those people have suffered for too long."- He continues and clenches his fist- "This madness has to stop. Period."
Jonathan sighs.
"If only it were this easy... "
Moments later, they hear Aiden's screams. He runs to them, clearly exhausted.
"They're here! They're here!"- He says and draws his weapon- "We must defend ourselves."
Adam looks at him. He tries to determine what has happened and soon realizes one thing. He and his allies are in danger.
"Did Darkthrop's warriors finally find us?"- He asks him- "How many are there?"
Aiden shakes his head.
"I couldn't see them clearly. But they definitely had ill intentions. Towards me and... towards every single one of us."- He says- "But... there were many. A lot of them."
He looks back and sees that they are still after him.
"We're doomed!"
Adam shakes his head and steps forward. He is clearly ready to face his enemies without showing any fear.
"Whoever they are, we will face them with courage and valor."- He says and prepares to defend himself- "Get ready, everyone."
Derion nods and prepares to shoot them down.
When the group of warriors approaches them, he gasps.
"I can't believe it."- He says- "They're... they're elves!"
Adam notices them as soon as they get close.
"I do not know who you are, but you made a big mistake."- He says to them- "You think that you are the predators, right. Well, we will show you how wrong you are."
One of the warriors steps forward and smirks.
"So, you're the one he's been talking about."- He says- "I ain't impressed."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"You were sent by king Torion, right?"- He says and takes a step forward- "I can tell by your expression."
The elven warrior smiles.
"His Majesty has been annoyed by your survival, hero."- He says- "Even though he wanted to kill you himself, he sent us instead."
He takes a step forward.
"I'm sure that you're well aware that you're being hunted, even as we speak."- He says- "Soon, we shall bathe the ground with your tainted blood."
Aiden is horrified by this statement, but manages to remain silent.
It is not the same for Derion, though.
"My father is a fool. Sending elite warriors like you is only going to break the kingdom apart, not make it stronger!"- He yells- "I am gladly giving my life away to save my people from a fate worse than death. To help my father realize that there are things more important than money and power. And this... this is what I receive as a reward? Getting attacked by my own people, in our sacred lands?!"
He draws his sword.
"This is my last warning, commander!"- He yells- "If you don't step back, I will make you regret allying yourselves with the evil sorcerer!"
The elven commander looks down and shakes his head.
"I don't take orders from a traitor."- He says- "Your father exiled you a long time ago. Why should we serve you instead of him?"
Derion shakes his head.
"No. I don't want you to serve me. It's not the right way and I don't want it to happen."- He says- "I only want you to fight by my side. To help me save the kingdom. I know that I am young and inexperienced, but I'm always ready to do the right thing. I care about you and only wish to make our common future brighter. I am not like my father."
The commander sighs.
"That's why we were told not to trust you, prince!"- He yells- "Now that we have new allies, our kingdom is much stronger! Our incomes have increased! Our people are happier! And we don't need a petty little traitor like you to ruin our fun!"
Adam places his hand on Derion's shoulder and sighs.
"Only death will cure those fools, Derion."- He says- "Carry on. We will stay by your side."
Derion nods.
"I've had enough of your blabbering, you traitors!"- He yells and aims his bow at them- "You want to fight? Well, so do I!"
As he shoots down the elven warriors who try to kill them, Adam charges and attacks the commander.
"We gave you a chance to redeem yourselves to the entire world, but you did not take it!"- He says- "You try to blame us for your own problems, but the truth is that there is only one person who is truly responsible. And he lives in his palace, far away from the carnage. He does not care about any of you! Not at all!"
He swings his weapon and watches as the elven warrior blocks it.
"Your heart has been tainted. And so is your soul."- He continues- "If you want to condemn yourselves, so be it."
The elven commander parries his blow and sighs.
"You humans have always been an obstacle in our way to greatness."- He says- "We've always been better than you. We claimed lands that you failed to protect. And now, you join forces with a traitor, thinking that you're going to achieve something. That you're going to win a small piece of land where you can live peacefully."
He lunges at him and almost stabs him in the chest.
"Well, you're wrong!"- He yells- "No matter what you do, we'll always be one step ahead of you! Always!"
Adam sighs.
"That is what I always feared."- He says stoically- "Oh well. Your feeling of superiority over every other race will lead to your demise. Sooner or later."
The commander smirks.
"I'm not scared of you, human hero."- He says- "Bring it!"
Adam sighs.
"As you wish."- He responds- "But do not regret it."
Derion notices that Adam is fighting the commander. He tosses him a sword that he obtained from a dead warrior.
"Be careful, Adam!"- He warns him- "He's very strong!"
Adam nods.
"Yes."- He says- "I will."
The commander smirks.
"So. You're ambidextrous, huh?"- He says- "Very well. I've always wanted to face a worthy opponent."
Adam does not say anything. He just fights his opponent, not willing to dignify him with a response.
The commander continues to fight back, but soon realizes that Adam is far stronger than he thought. 
It seems like he has underestimated him. And now, he is paying for it.
However, even the most powerful challenger will struggle against a mighty warrior like him. After realizing that he is actually losing the fight, the elven commander kicks him in the leg and throws him to the ground, wounding him.
Adam tries to stand up, but soon realizes that he is too weak. He falls on his knees and looks down.
"Hah. I knew it."- The commander says and points his sword at him- "I knew that you aren't as good as they think."
Adam nods.
"I can see that you still believe in yourself. Even in a time like this, your morale does not fade away."- He says- "That is good."
He looks up and smiles.
"But I already told you."- He continues- "When you challenged us, you made a big mistake."
Before the commander can ask what he means, he is attacked by Jon. He tries to parry his attacks, but the young shaman manages to impale him in the leg with his staff.
Then, when he looks up, he realizes that Derion is looking at him. Soon, he is punched in the face. 
And again.
And again.
When he tries to strike back, Derion pulls out his bow and shoots him in the shoulder.
Sadly, the commander has a soul of steel. Even though he is wounded, he does not want to give up.
He stands up and tries to stab Derion, but is pulled away by Aiden, who slams his head into a wall.
Then, he slams him again and throws him on the ground.
"What is... this?"- The commander mutters, mortally wounded- "Is this... teamwork?"
Adam nods.
"My friends are always by my side."- He says- "They give me thr strength to do the right thing. The motivation to move on and protect those who matter to me. With their help, I am able to conquer the highest mountains. The deepest seas. Even the blazing volcanoes do not stand a chance against our team."
The commander looks up.
"You... have something that we don't?"- He mutters- "But what? What is it?"
Adam looks at his allies and smiles.
"Friendship."- He responds- "It is something that you will never take away from us, no matter how hard you try."
The elven commander smiles.
"Friendship, huh?"- He says- "I... never realized how important it is."
He turns to Derion and shakes his head.
"Prince. No... Derion."- He says- "I... I'm sorry for always treating you like trash. You've always been... precious to us. But we cared about power. Glory. We never came to see... the true meaning of friendship. Of understanding."
He looks down.
"I'll die here, forgotten by everyone. A fragment of a lost memory that will be lost in time."- He says- "I know that I won't be here to witness the end of this struggle. But... please. Save the kingdom. Bring your father down."
Derion nods.
"I will do it."- He says- "My father will pay for allying himself with Darkthrop. Endangering our people to achieve a lost cause is not tolerated. And I will show him how wrong he is."
The commander smiles.
"You're a good kid."- He mutters- "Perhaps... you'll be a better king than... him... "
Having said that, he closes his eyes, never to awake again.
"Another warrior has been lost."- Adam says and shakes his head- "At least he learned from his mistakes and... tried to correct them."
Derion shakes his head.
"This didn't have to happen."- He says- "It's all my fault. My fault."
Adam pats him on the shoulder.
"No, it is not."- He says- "You help those people fight for a better future. Deep within, they still appreciate the fact that you are here."
Derion looks up.
"But my father."- He says- "Why did he do such a thing?"
Adam sighs.
"Your father is, shall we say, a madman with visions of grandeur."- He responds- "He wants to become stronger, to enhance his well-being. Such a foolish act has left him deranged and unsure in himself. He sees the people around him as puppets. Slaves. He thinks that he can control them... and they always obey him."
He shakes his head.
"In other words, your father is a bloodthirsty tyrant who wants nothing more than to lead his own kingdom toward an inevitable war."- He says- "Thus, it is our duty to stop him. Making peace with an unpredictable man like him is not an option."
Derion nods.
"And so we shall."- He says- "But the people in our kingdoms... they suffer because of us. Because we didn't help them when we could."
Adam sighs.
"To be honest, I think that I feel the same way. Watching those people die because of our actions... it has always been painful."- He says- "However, I have learned to ignore the pain and think about our future. I try to save them as best as I can, but it does not always work. Sometimes, death is inevitable and the best we can do... is to stand our ground while we still can. Thinking about the concept of our own mortality will lead only to more and more of it. Because we never came to see that, even though there are people who died because of us, there are others who are still alive. Who are still breathing."
He looks at his friend.
"Tell me, Derion."- He says to him- "Are you just going to mourn your mother and the rest of the people who died for the freedom of your lands? Or are you going to fight in their name and make this dream come true?"
Derion looks around. He is clearly not sure how to respond.
"I... I... "
He sighs and shakes his head.
"No. You... you're right."- He says- "I have no reason to doubt our alliance. We fight for our people, no matter if they appreciate it or not. This that path that we have chosen."
Adam smiles.
"And that is why I respect you so much."- He says- "So. Are you ready to save the kingdom?"
Derion looks up and nods.
"I am."- He responds- "Let's avenge those poor souls."
Having said that, he and the others prepare to leave the ruins behind.
As they start to walk toward the exit, Adam stops. He turns back and looks at the writing on the wall that says "DARKTHROP IS HERE".
"Adam?"- Aiden says and looks at him- "What are you doing?"
Adam sighs.
"I just want to take another look."
He takes a step forward and inspects it. Soon, he realizes that it was not written with ink.
"I see. Those fiends have used dark magic to write this down."- He says- "They think that they can scare us, but it will not happen."
He casts a powerful light spell on the wall and watches as the writing quickly fades away.
Everyone gasps.
"Amazing!"- Jonathan says- "The way you cleared the writing. It was... impressive!"
Adam smiles.
"Once again, the darkness has been cleansed."- He says- "This little town is no longer tainted by it."
Derion sighs.
"Thank Goodness."
Adam takes a step forward.
"Now, then."- He says- "Shall we go?"
Derion nods.
"Indeed we shall."
The four heroes leave the ruins behind, intending to reach another settlement before night falls.
"Hey, Adam."- Derion says to his friend- "About the town that we saw earlier... "
Adam turns around.
"Yes?"- He says- "What is it?"
Derion looks down.
"I know that it's good to be home, but that place? It was a mess."- He says- "I tried to see the glory beneath the tainted ground, but all I saw was darkness. Despair. When the Darklings came here, they showed no mercy."
Adam sighs.
"And it was all your father's fault."- He says- "He could have prevented those creatures from destroying the town, but he simply ignored them. He let them do what they want... and he failed to see the errors in his cowardly ways."
Derion sighs, too.
"I know."- He says- "He's always been like this."
He looks at him.
"But... what about me?"- He asks him- "I always stood by your side, but I've never been anything special. You and the others have always been in the spotlight, being the heroes that you've always been. Can I... be like you?'
Adam smiles and pats him on the shoulder.
"You already are!"- He responds- "And, please, stop blaming yourself. Just because you have stayed with your father for a long time does not make you a bad person. You are not like him and I can see it very well."
He smiles.
"Without you, we were never going to reach the kingdom and fight your father."- He adds- "Your actions have helped us realize how important it is to respect the non-humans around us. To treat them as equals. And I... will gladly fight alongside you."
Derion wipes a tear from his eye. 
This is the first time when he has shown such an emotion.
"Th-thank you, Adam."- He says- "Your words motivate me to continue. To help my people. I will listen to your advice and become a hero, just like you."
Adam smiles.
"I am proud to call you my brother-in-arms."- He says- "And I can see that it is the same for you."
He looks around and notices a small town.
"Now, shall we continue?"- He says- "Saving the world cannot wait."
Derion says.
"Right."- He says and moves on.
Ten minutes later, the four of them approach the town. They notice that it is fully intact.
"Impressive. An actual elven town."- Jonathan says, impressed by the elves' building skills- "Completely untainted by evil."
Adam nods.
"It is good to see a town like this, but please be on your guard."- He says to his allies- "We are not sure if this place is friendly or not."
As they walk on the streets, one of the town's residents notices them. He tries to talk to them, but soon realizes who they are.
"It's them!"- He yells and runs away- "The humans are here!"
Adam and his allies look around, wondering what is going on. 
"I'm sure that he saw me when he approached."- He says- "Why is he running away? Is he scared of us?"
Adam shakes his head.
"No."- He responds- "He wants to warn whoever is in charge."
Derion tries to shoot him down, but Adam stops him.
"There is no need for violence."- He says to him- "It is wise to only attack your opponents if they attack you first. Not before that."
Derion sighs.
"I only wanted to give him a warning shot."- He says- "Still, I think that it's best if we leave them alone."
It does not take long for the entire town to learn about their arrival. Soon, a large group of elven guards arrives and confronts them.
As our heroes wonder whether they are hostile or not, an important-looking official takes a step forward and looks at them.
"I know a lot of people in this kingdom, but I've never seen you around here."- He says- "Who are you, strangers?"
Adam bows his head.
"Greetings, noble citizens. We come with peace."- He says- "Right now, we only wish to find a place where we can stay for the night. Nothing more."
One of the warriors leans close to the official and whispers something to him. He nods.
Although the two elves are whispering to each other, Adam realizes what is happening. Whoever they may be, they know a lot about them.
The guards draw their weapons. The official steps back.
"Troublemakers, huh?"- He says and shakes his head- "I hate to say this, but we have no quarrel with you. Our king has allied himself with a powerful person and he--"
Derion shakes his head.
"Don't you realize that you're getting yourselves in trouble?!"- He yells at them- "We're trying to save you and protect you from harm and you... you ally yourselves with the enemy?!"
The official shakes his head.
"We had no choice."- He says- "When our king announced his intentions, we had to obey him."
Derion sighs.
"And that's why this kingdom needs our help."- He says to himself- "They don't have minds of their own."
He looks at the official.
"Listen, mayor. I know how much you care about this town. I am sure that you are completely loyal to my father."- He says- "But his tyranny has been going on for too long. Nobody dared to face him and that's why so many bad things happened to us."
He points at the area to the west, the road that leads toward the elven ruins that they came from.
"Not far ahead, we found the ruins of a small town. All of the people who lived there were massacred by the ones who claim to be our allies- Darkthrop and his Darklings."- He says- "The drestruction is not far away from this place. Soon, those vile creatures will arrive and decimate everything that they see."
He looks at the mayor.
"Do you want the same to happen to you?!"
The mayor and his warriors stare at each other. Even though they do not want to disobey their king, they finally realize how dangerous it is to leave the Darklings to roam in their lands.
"Prince. I... I promised that I wouldn't take a part of this conflict, but you have a point."- He says and nods- "Very well. We will help you and your friends out, but only because we trust you. Because we know that you'll make our kingdom better."
Derion smiles.
"See? I am glad that we came to an agreement!"- He says and shakes his hand- "Your loyalty toward the Good in this world is appreciated. Thanks to you, we will save this kingdom."
The mayor nods.
"My people are looking forward to this, prince."- He says- "With your help, we shall eliminate the creatures. Show them that they're not welcome."
Derion smiles.
"And that's what we intend to do."- He says- "Rest assured of that."
The mayor bows.
"You and your friends are welcome in our town."- He says- "But I am curious about one thing."
He looks at Derion.
"What are your true intentions?"
Derion raises his eyebrow.
"My... intentions?"
The mayor nods.
Derion looks at the town.
"Well, I have more than just one plan for our dear kingdom."- He responds- "However, I can't do this. Not without your help."
The mayor nods.
"Then you have it."- He says- "Your wish is our command."