MLSB- Part 5

This is the fifth Part of "ML:SB".
It was released on 02.04.2024.
== Plot ==
After an unsuccessful attempt to draw Sage out by destroying one of his outposts, Max realizes that his sister has been wounded during the raid. With the help of Zachary Bourne- a proficient and skilled trade master- she is taken to the settlement of a strange nation, where her wounds are treated.
Zachary himself wants to deal with a matter of the past- a problem that concerns Max himself. The two men have to discover the remains of Zach's deceased father and deal with the fool who murdered him in cold blood many years ago.
In the end, murderer and avenger shall become one and the same. But will justice remain in their soul?
== Story ==
Max and his group emerge from the relative safety of the woods, knowing that no place is truly safe when they are dealing with a dangerous group like that of Sage. He wants to keep his allies alive, but he also does not want to be a detriment to those who also fight for the good of this world.
A few miles away from the initial location, the three of them manage to come face to face with Cyrus once again. Somehow, the young shaman managed to follow their tracks after recovering, wishing to stay with them for some reason.
"Cyrus, why did you do this?"- Max asks- "We told you to stay put. There's no need for you to endanger yourself again."
Cyrus shakes his head.
"With all of my respect, I have to disagree."- He says- "You don't get it, Maxwell. This fight is not just yours. Many people perished because of this monster and his group of extortionists. And when I had to put those poor victims down, I knew one thing. Justice is not just something that is spoken on the table at home- it is a deed that must be accomplished by being brave and resolute. Staying at our camp will accomplish nothing, and neither will cowering away from the source of evil. I'm sorry, but I insist. Whether you like it or not, we must work together."
Max raises his eyebrow.
"But the people of Canonia still need you."- He says- "What would happen if they learned that their brave shaman went somewhere else? Aren't they going to feel sad?"
Cyrus sighs.
"As much as I hate to say it, that besieged settlement is the least of my worries right now."- He says- "At this moment, the entire world is on fire. Forest, cities, even the sky itself. Heaven is in disarray, and we need to solve those problems ourselves. We need to be the angels that bring redemption to the human race. And we mustn't take no for an answer."
Benjamin nods.
"Wise words, soldier of the woods."- He says- "In the name of me and my good friend, welcome to our humble little posse."
Max sighs.
"I admit it. I never knew that I would have to team up with the shaman."- He says- "But you're right, Cyrus. This world is still in danger, and it always will be. Solving problems will not happen if we don't work together. We must stand tall and strong in the face of darkness."
Then, he picks up a large rock, sharpens the blade on his gun, and throws it at an approaching hobgoblin. This ends his miserable life on the spot.
"We won't raise the white flag. No matter how dire the situation may seem, we shall adapt and prevail."- He says- "The villains may dream far and wide. They may think that they are the pinacles of evil, but we shall be the pillars of judgement that decide their fates. And soon, our wildest dreams shall come true."
Abigail weakly looks at her brother, tears in her eyes.
"This is what he's always dreamed about- giving a good example. Mentorship has been such a perfect job for him, and those soldiers are like children under his wing."- She says to herself- "Perhaps I was wrong. Big bro truly is no coward. All of this was just a facade, meant to hide his true colors. The colors that I love so much."
Max nods.
"I appreciate your presence, Cyrus. Maybe your aid will be the edge that turns the tables once and for all."- He says- "We're planning a major assault on one of Sage's keeps. I don't know how that will go, but I'm certain that we'll get somewhere. So, are you still with us?"
Cyrus smiles.
"An opportunity like this is a rare one. Why would I refuse?"- He says- "Let's teach those nature haters a valuable lesson- messing with nature will only bring the storm. And the storm shall be a big one."
The four of them soon reach one of Sage's major keeps, a location far away from any normal settlement. Working together, the group manages to bombard the walls and give the defenders a very hard time. Pallisades go down in mere minutes and the towers protecting the place crumble with ease, crushing anyone who is foolish enough to be standing near them. 
After half an hour of merciless warfare, Max manages to get close to reaching the settlement's leader. He stabs both of his massive bodyguards with the blade of his rifle, then gets grabbed by a third one. He starts to choke him, a wild look on his eyes, but Cyrus steps in and wraps the huge man in powerful vines. While the man manages to get close to breaking free, the vines ultimately manage to put an end to his life.
Soon, Max manages to find the leader of the outpost. He subdues the villain and puts him in an unavoidable situation. He is close to ending the man's life, but soon hears the cry of pain from his sister. 
Looking back, he realizes that she was wounded by one of the recently deceased warriors. Her wound is a grievous one and, if it is not treated soon, her life may be in grave danger. This will also make her a detriment in the face of the group. An unfortunate situation that has to be dealt with.
Choosing family over glory, Max drops his weapon and runs to his sister. He swiftly applies first aid, but even his skills are not enough to save her life. At the same time, the terrified leader takes the chance to run away from the scene.
"Max! That treacherous fiend is escaping!"- Benjamin exclaims- "What should we do?!"
Max shakes his head.
"Can't you see that my sister is in danger?! Or are you too absorbed in your work to care about her?!"- He yells- "I don't care about this scum. Let him escape from this place. Soon, he shall receive the justice that he deserves, no matter if it's done by us or someone else."
Cyrus looks at the running man. Gears start turning in his head as he wonders what needs to be done. Finally, he comes to a decision, and it is not going to be pretty.
"I've had enough of being forgiving and benevolent."- He says- "If I am allowed to give, I am also allowed to take away."
Having said that, Cyrus raises his staff in the air. Vinelike tendrils emerge from it and chase down the escaping human. Soon, they take the shape of a large hammer, smashing him into the ground (and creating a giant hole) in just one hit.
Cyrus walks up to the hole and comes to the realization that the man is truly gone. No signs of life emerge from his body, and the blow seems to have ended his life on the spot. A gruesome way to end someone's journey, but a deserved one nonetheless.
"I hope that you learn from your mistakes in your next life."- He says- "My child."
With no other choice, Max and his allies decide to carry the wounded Abigail to the nearest settlement. However, every settled area that they find is under attack by hostile groups, facing their own demons. Realizing that they cannot deal with so many threats at once, Max and his allies are forced to flee further into the winderness.
During the course of the journey, Max and Cyrus work together to ease Abigail's pain. Although it seems like she is on the brink of getting, luck always seems to escape them. It is almost as if fate is mocking them, as if it wants them to fail. However, just as they finally give up and decide to spend Abigail's last moments by her side, a young man approaches them, his hands raised in the air.
"Hello there, friends! Good to see you!"- He says- "Are you friendly travellers? If so, this means that you're enemies of those bandits outside."
Benjamin aims his gun at the man.
"Identify yourself, Mr. Mystery."- He says- "Who are you? What do you want from us?"
The man shakes his head.
"If you think that I'm here to threaten you, you are sorely mistaken. I am simply here to help."- He says- "I am known as Zachary Bourne- son of the great Abraham Bourne and the charming Yu-La. I came here to help my mother establish a nice settlement and trade with the humans of this region. Our mission is to help others, so maybe we could establish some sort of a deal."
Max sighs.
"Let me guess."- He says- "Helping others always involves deals."
Zach shakes his head.
"Unfortunately, every good deed has a price of its own. No matter if it's happiness, aid or monetary compensation, it has to be paid in due time."- He says- "If I decide to help you out, you must listen to what I have to say. Once that is done, you must help me complete a certain task of my own. Are you interested?"
Zach smiles serenely. This kind of attitude has won him a lot of respect in the modern world, and it is bound to earn him even more.
With no other choice in mind, the group decdes to trust Zach. They hope that his desire to help is genuine and that he simply wants to be useful to his fellow humans.
"We humans are brothers and sisters in this world, whether we see it or not. People like us always care about each other, always wish to help each other."- Max says- "What you're doing is quite a noble deed, monsieur trader. And for that, we're willing to give you a chance."
Zach grins.
"Trust me, you won't regret it!"
With the help of Zachary, the group manages to carry the unconscious Abigail out of the dangerous forest. They walk past miles of trees, small streams and untrustworthy animals. It almost seems like Nature itself is angry at them, but Cyrus manages to calm them down and show them that they are friendly. Once that deed is done, the rest of the journey is an uneventful one.
As the group walks on a ruined road, Max turns to Zachary.
"So. You said that your father is Abraham Bourne."- He says- "If my memory serves me right, he's one of the most esteemed university professors and a revered figure in our humble world. And yet, I can't help but notice that he hasn't been heard of in a few years. Did something happen to him?"
Zach looks down and shakes his head.
"This is neither the time, nor the place for this."- He says- "Please. I ask you to refrain from asking questions about my poor father."
Realizing that something is truly wrong, Max shakes his head.
"I'm so sorry, my friend."- He says- "I really am."
Overcome with grief, Zach does not respond.
Finally, the group manages to reach a sizable settlement, deep within the woods. According to a nearby sign. its name seems to be Willow. And it is one of the most beautiful, breathtaking sceneries that our heroes have ever seen.
"My friends! Welcome to the town of Willow!"- Zachary says, his cheerful demeanor back where it belongs- "It is a nice settlement with a rich history. A lot of travellers prefer it over lesser settlements because it is safe from both Nature and Man. People can sleep here without worrying about getting in danger, and the food is both good and healthy."
Benjamin nods.
"If your cuisine's good, I wouldn't mind staying for a little longer."- He says- "I've enjoyed good food ever since I was a child. I would love to explore your little town, Mr. Bourne."
Zach smiles.
"Feel free to join us when you're done!"
Once Ben leaves to gather additional supplies, the group takes Abigail to the infirmary. There, an aging woman is waiting for them. She seems to be a farlander, hailing from a country far away from this one. She has an analytical stare and weary green eyes, a piercing stare that judges everything that moves. As it seems, she is quite friendly. But looks might prove to be deceiving in the long run, so the group always has to be on their guard.
"Ah. There you are, my son."- She says- "Did you find what you were looking for?"
Zach shakes his head.
"Not yet, mama. But I am still looking."- He says- "However, I managed to find some new friends. And here they are."
The elderly woman gasps softly.
"Oh my! This means that there will be more mouths to feed!"- She exclaims- "But I was not prepared for this!"
Zach sighs.
"Relax. They won't be here for a long time."- He says- "I found them staying in the dark forest, treating the wounds of one of their own. She seems to be in a bad condition and needs urgent medical assistance. Money is important to us, but so are the lives of our fellow human beings."
The woman nods.
"If that is the case, they are welcome to stay."- She says- "I hate to send away souls in need."
As Zach's mother opens the door to the infirmary, Zach turns to them.
"I know that my mother might seem a little cold, but she is actually quite warm to those whom she trusts."- He says to them- "Her name is Yu-La. She is our leader and savior. Her actions once caused the world to see Sucia Island in a different way. And, thanks to her unwavering determination, we have managed to flourish and attract countless good souls."
Max looks at him.
"Have you ever been attacked by military squadrons? Or crazy alien beings?"- He asks- "Have you always lived in peace?"
Hearing Max mention the evil aliens, Zach can't help but chuckle. A little bit.
"Evil aliens? My friend, this is a concept that sounds truly ridiculous."- He says- "How could the aliens think that we're a threat to their precious universe?"
Max shakes his head.
"You don't even know how wrong you are, my friend."
Zach's look gets more serious.
"Anyway, I think that we should take the girl in."- He says- "Come on. Lift her up."
Working together, the group takes Abigail in the infirmary. Numerous doctors and nurses surround her, attempting to determine her condition and cure it. In the meantime, the rest of the group goes outside to talk to Zachary and Yu-La.
"So. You are travelling warriors?"- Yu-La says and smiles- "My name is Yu-La. Greetings to you."
Max looks at her.
"You seem to be a person who respects her privacy."- He says- "How come you decided to help us?"
Yu-La sighs.
"Like I said before, I care about the lives of our fellow humans."- She says- "Sure. I always think of new ways to enhance the settlement's profit levels. But this doesn't mean that money's the only thing on our minds."
Max nods.
"Fair enough."- He says- "What about your husband? Zachary mentioned him earlier, but I can't see him anywhere."
Hearing the mention of his father, Zach angrily clenches his fists. He is angry, but not at Max. He blames himself for something that happened in the past, and strives to correct it in the future. If he manages to get what he wants.
"This is a very tragic matter for both of us. But it is even more so for my poor little Zach. He loved his father very much, and what happened to Abe affected him the most."- She says- "Scars like those are like the fire in your heart. Once the fire is started, it never stops burning. Fear. Sadness. Hatred. All of those feelings are circulating in my boy's mind. Even though he is a grown man now, he still can't forget the events that led to his current predicament."
Zach decides to share his woes with Max.
"Long have I desired to wrap by hands around a certain neck. Long is the time I have been working on my plan. But I can't complete it, not without the help of a brave comrade."- He says- "That's why I decided to take the risk, Max. I wanted to see just how determined you really are. Maybe your sister's condition will give you a hint how we truly feel."
Max remembers how his sister always got in trouble when she was little. He was forced to frequently take her to the hospital. And, every time her life was in danger, she always came out unharmed.
"Maybe my sister is the miracle I've been looking for."- He says to himself- "Abi is more than just a star in the sky. She is a whole constellation."
Max nods.
"Very well. I shall help you out, if that is what you desire."- He says- "But I want you to promise me something. And when I say so, I truly mean it."
Intrigued by Max's words, Zach leans closer.
"Yes."- He says- "I am listening."
Max glares at him.
"Your people better take good care of my dear sister."- He says- "If something happens to her while we're gone, believe me, even the giant walls of a castle can't stop my immeasurable rage."
Max's mild threat worries Cyrus. In his entire life, he has never seen someone so determined to protect his own sibling. Even he wasn't that protective when he and Cynthia were younger.
"By the grace of Nature, Max."- He says- "Don't you think we're going to far? I mean, if they made it this far, then they must be competent."
Max's piecing gaze does not get weaker.
"They better be."- He says- "I got my point across. I shall say nothing more, and nothing less."
Zach nods solemnly.
"As a skilled diplomat and seasoned tactician, I believe that you have a reason to be afraid. I mean, your sister's life is still on the line. Why should you act ignorant when someone is still in danger?"- He says- "As you wish. Our settlement's medical team will do their best to keep your sister alive and well, no matter what it takes. Saving a person's life is far more important than hoarding supplies for our own group."
A Sholai guard looks at him.
"But sir! What if more rogues arrive to take us down?"- He asks- "People might suffer again! We can't take the risk!"
Max sighs.
"My friend, we all take risks in our lives. No matter if we see them or not, they are always there."- He says- "Such is the case with my sister. She's a loving sibling, passionate lover and determined correspondent. She dedicated her life to the people, but does not expect those people to do the same. So, we should try to surprise her. Give her the chance to live again. She's just as important as every resident in this town."
Having heard Max's words, the guard decides to let go of his plea. He turns around and stays quiet.
"Wow. You're surely capable of talking your way out of awkward situations."- Zach says- "Maybe you can help us with diplomacy, too?"
Max sighs.
"If it benefits the poor people of this world. then I'm all in."- He says- "After we deal with the matter at hand, of course. So, please explain the situation to me."
Yu-La shakes her head.
"It's not easy to do so. Instead of my son, I shall do it."- She says- "You see, our settlement is known as a peaceful place. An oasis of calm and wisdom. People have always enjoyed their visits and brought valuable supplies with them. Unfortunately, that was not always the case. Many years ago, my husband was still around. He was a Bourne and thus, part of an educated family of skilled and capable westerners. He was a professor by trade, but worked as a trade master when he was young, Ever since little Zach was born, he has always been away- either on an adventure, or to visit some kind of a backwater educational facility. He always brought exciting stories and souvenirs when he came back, testaments of his hard work. And yet, we did not have enough money to pay our numerous expenses."
Zach sighs.
"In order to keep the settlement afloat, my father decided to make dangerous deals. He dealt with powerful and influential individuals, barely escaping with his life when they asked for what they were owed. And yet, a certain event ruined everything for our humble family."- He says- "It happened sixteen years ago. Father came home from work. He was very worried. He looked paler than a ghost. When we asked him what was happening, he simply muttered "They are coming" several times. And then, much to our surprise, a group of men barged into our home. We thought that they were crazed townsfolk, so we tried to send them away. And then, one of the freaks shot my mother in the arm. Another one- definitely the leader- approached my father and forced him to bend on his knees. My father begged them to give him more time, but the fiend said that he's given him more than enough. And then, he pulled out his gun, aimed it at Father's chest and... bam. It was... all... over."
Yu-La shakes her head again.
"We've been trying to hunt their group down for months. However, a recent set of reports managed to catch our attention."- She says- "According to a set of encoded messages that our scouts discovered, the man is working for someone named Sage. He praises him and claims how wise and powerful he really is. He also mentions how they plan to bring Silverdale down to its knees and capture its governors- the esteemed Geralt and Aurelia Kaos. The Kaos family means a lot to us, so we captured one of their lesser warriors and interrogated him. We believe that their lair is located not far away from here, in a very treacherous and dangerous place."
Zach angrily stomps the ground with his feet.
"He escaped! That sniveling coward escaped from the dungeon where he was meant to rot!"- He exclaims angrily- "Somehow, he made amends with those two-faced guards and convinced them to let him go! Or murdered them in cold blood, as well! I don't know what happened, but he's gone! G-O-N-E!"
Yu-La sighs.
"Anyway, my son plans to pay this freak a little visit. Maybe he will be able to achieve justice, or maybe he will suffer the same fate of his father."- She says- "Either way, we both believe that this won't be achieved without the help of skilled and capable people, the likes of which cannot be found here.
They look at Max expectantly.
Max thinks about the offer that Zach is making. However, he is facing a small dilemma. Even though he wants to help, he still has missions on his mind. The supplies from earlier still remain undelivered. Sage is still awaiting his rightful judgement. And yet, when it comes to helping others, Max is willing to make some exceptions. For the sake of all those people who have yet to experience suffering.
"Well, it's always a good idea to have a bit of a warm-up. Who knows? Maybe we could even find more about Sage?"- He says- "Very well, Zach. My interest has peaked. If you want my help, you have it now."
Zach smiles.
"You're a wise man, Max."- He says- "Maybe your militia is not so bad, after all."
Max sighs.
"Some of us are actually trying to be good."- He says- "Don't judge a book by its cover."
Zach sighs.
"Yes. I know."- He says- "Especially if that book has been torn up, mutilated, torn apart by wild animals and disrespected by the world itself. That's something that should be noted."
He looks at the passage out of the forest.
"Well, if you think that you can help me end this farce once and for all, be my guest. I'm always up for a little bit of teamwork."- He says- "However, I'm not much of a fighter. I might be good at talking, but I'm not good at fighting. So, I hope that you can fight well!"
Cyrus shakes his head.
"He won't be alone."- He says- "I shall also join you on this adventure."
Zach smiles.
"Well, that's nice!"
Ben returns from his walk, a little bit exhausted.
"Hey! Don't forget about me!"- He exclaims- "If my pal's going on an adventure, I'll also be there!"
Zach nods.
"Awesome."- He says- "Thank you for joining us."
Max looks at the people around him.
"So. It's just the four of us, then?"- He asks- "No soldiers? No machinery?"
Zach sighs.
"Unfortunately, that's the case."- He says- "Sending our entire army against one man and his group ain't exactly wise. We must think outside the box."
Max smiles.
"And that's why I'm always eager to do so."- He says- "Come on, comrades. There's a long road ahead of us. Over and out, and don't be late."
The four of them work together to make their way through the unforgiving lands around them. Be it bandits, traps or the occasional foolish humanoid, the group manages to overcome all of the challenges that threaten their safety. And soon, they come face to face with the main troublemaker.
In a desolate wasteland, far away from home, the group finds only doom and despair. The skulls of many victims lie around them, each of them bearing signs of their torment in life. Everything around them is just as dry and arid as an actual desert. And the worst thing is- they can still hear the voices of the tortured.
"I... don't think that I can take this for much longer."- Benjamin says- "Look. How about we just lure that man to us? It's better than going further into this nightmare... "
Max shakes his head.
"We made a promise to Zachary. We will search far and wide for the man who dared to harm his father."- He says- "Luring your prey to you is a coward's way of dealing with a certain problem. The only way is to face them on the spot, mano a mano. We can't just make it all the way here and immediately think about leaving. This is not the mindset of a true militaryman. We can't have that here."
Ben sighs.
"Sorry, Max. I'm just... worried that this place might not be the same for all of us."- He says- "But... if you want to hunt that freak down, I'm still all in. Even if the essence of the desert burns my heart down, I'll still be here with you."
Max nods.
"Well said, my friend."- He says- "Now, let's proceed. The road to victory is long, but not impossible to cross."
After about a hour of tireless marching through the harsh wastelands, the group finds itself in a big dilemma. A big sandstorm hits them in the middle of the road, and there is nowhere else to go. Going backwards will only result in them being blown away, and going forward is going to be a much bigger struggle than it usually is.
Fortunately, Max manages to come up with a clever plan. He uses his staff as leverage to pull him forward, and advises his allies to stay close.
"Hold onto me, like a centipede."- He says- "The sandstorm can easily blow us away if we walk alone, but it will be much harder once we start working together."
In unison, the four men start to walk forward. True to his theory, the sandstorm is not nearly strong enough to take them all down. Even though it is still very strong and magnetic, the group manages to get away from it and approach the lands unaffected by its presence.
At the end of the road, a group of men waits for them. Their leader- a tall and imposing man with curly black hair- stares at them with his shining red eyes. His gaze is that of a true warrior and his ill intentions are perfectly clear. After all the struggles that they went through, the group finally found the man who murdered Zachary's father many years ago.
"Andrew! You human demon! You dare show your face, after all those years?!"- Zachary yells- "You should have escaped, like the coward like you are. Why would you simply throw your life away like this?"
Andrew smiles and shakes his head.
"Don't pretend that you're ignorant to our ways, Bourne. I know that you know me well."- He says- "If you were smart enough, you would know that I never back down from a fight."
Zachary glares at him.
"And if you were smart, you would've been a successful person."- He says- "Face it, Andrew. After what you did to my father, nobody wanted you on their team. You were lucky to join Sage's group, but you still haven't achieved anything noteworthy."
Andrew smiles.
"Ah. But surely you jest."- He says- "Your father's murder was quite the perfect story for the paparazzi. All of them earned so much money from milking your father's story."
Zachary clenches his fists.
"I'll make sure that this money is paid in blood. Someday, those greedy freaks will witness the prize of fame and fortune."- He says- "As for you, I already know what you're up to. You and your wonderful leader are planning to turn Silverdale to ashes. Don't think that I haven't talked to Governess Kaos and her husband. Everyone knows what you're planning. So, your failure is truly guaranteed."
Andrew shakes his head.
"The opinions of people like you are trivial to us. We don't listen to your kind, Bourne."- He says- "After all, you also use unfair methods to deal with your problems. What happened when some needy souls begged you to lower your prices? Were you willing to make it happen. No. You always found reasons to convince why it would be better otherwise. So, if someone's being greedy right now, it's you."
Zachary sighs.
"I am not ashamed to admit it. I did unlawful things in the past myself. The methods that I had to use were not in sync with the union's requirements and the expectations that it has for us."- He says- "But it is nowhere near as bad as the fact that your group blackmails people and uses extortion as its main weapon. You strike fear into their hearts, while I attempt to give them hope. You take things away from them, while my mission is to give. So, don't tell me how unfair my methods are, because yours shall always be way worse."
Angered by the fact that Zachary exposed him once again, Andrew finally loses his temper. He pulls out a large greatsword and points it at him, his ill intentions more than clear once again.
"How dare you make a fool out of me?!"- He yells- "My name is Andrew! My task is to eradicate all know-it-alls! And right now, you're speaking too much!"
Zachary shakes his head.
"No. I won't back down."- He says- "People forgot my father's tragic murder, but I never did. And if fighting you in this harsh wasteland is what it takes to bring you on your filthy knees, so it be."
Andrew laughs.
"You plan to deal with me?"- He says- "Drill it into your head, kid! You can't even deal with your inner demons, let alone those that roam this world! You're a coward and traitor, and I'm gonna prove it to everyone else!"
Zachary glares at him.
"Justice shall rain down upon you, human demon."- He says- "Raise your sword. It's time for you to feel the taste of true pain."
And so the battle between Zachary and Andrew begins. Zach's allies manage to distract Andrew's group for a while, allowing the young trader to deal with his enemy without any interruptions. He pulls out a pair of daggers and swings them at Andrew, but the man manages to block both attacks with his sword. He pushes both of them away, managing to get one of them stuck in Zachary's shoulder.
Unfazed by the pain, Zachary simply pulls the dagger out of his shoulder and stops the bleeding with a single bandage, infused with healing magic. Then, he pulls out a revolver and shoots at Andrew, but his shots are easily deflected by the villain's weapon. As a form of counterattack, Andrew grabs Zach by the neck and attempts to take his head off his shoulders, but Zach is unwilling to fall like this. He kicks him in the stomach and slams a potion into his face, blinding him for a few moments.
When the blindness finally fades away, Zach charges at Andrew with a single arrow. Yes, he is using an arrow instead of a sword. The villain attempts to block his attack, but the trader manages to find his way around it and slice Andrew's face. He leaves a huge, bloody scar there- a testimonial of his unending determination.
Finally, Andrew shows a proper emotion- pain. He yells out as he stumbles back, managing to knock the arrow out of the raging Zachary's hand before he pushes him with his greatsword. He is clearly surprised by the fighting style of Zachary, one that is unlike any he has ever seen in his years as an outlaw. And then, he remembers just how powerful the Bourne family can truly be. He continues to fight, but his will seems to be slowly fading away.
As a last attempt to stabilize the current situation, Andrew drives his greatsword into Zach's leg. This manages to incapacitate him, but he still manages to keep on fighting. And then, Andrew finally manages to get the upper hand, slamming the young trader into the ground as if he were some kind of wrestler.
"Heh heh. How naive of you to think that your trinkets can save your life."- Andrew says- "I'll admit it, Bourne- you're better than I expected. But that doesn't mean that I'll let you grab this victory. And when I'm done with you, I shall be drunk with pride. Everyone shall remember the day when Andrew took down the renowned Abraham Bourne and his-- "
Suddenly, Andrew is struck in the back with a machine gun. He looks back and sees Max, fully locked and loaded. He attempts to fire at him again, but is distracted by the approaching warriors, forced to deal with them instead.
"Filthy soldier boy. He really has his priorities straight."- Andrew mutters- "No matter. With or without the help of my comrades, I shall deal with you either way, Bourne."
Zach attempts to take advantage of this chaotic situation, but Andrew's having none of it. Instead of simply falling victim to Zach's attacks, he grabs his daggers and plunges them in both of his shoulders. He lifts up his weakened body, mocks him and uses him as a meat shield against Zach's very own allies.
"Do you see this, you fools? This is the fate that shall befall those who act against us."- He says- "Up from the very start, you were all marked for the inevitable. You all fought very well, but chances are that your luck shall run out. And, believe me, when that luck runs out... you're gonna wish you were on the other side."
As Andrew's soldiers gather around the group, Max silently slips away, planning something that will cause Andrew to let his new friend go. He searches Zach's backpack for something. Finding what he was looking for, he takes it away before the soldiers have the chance to spot him.
"Long has the rule of democracy been disputed. As many years passed, more and more people started to doubt its lax methods."- He says- "Look around you. So many criminals that deserved to die have been allowed to live among us. So many innocent people have remained unavenged. And yet, you still claim that there's justice in this chaotic world of ours. You still believe that the current world can be saved. But that, my friends, is a blunt and blatant lie."
Cyrus shakes his head.
"And what makes you think that your actions are better than those of the government around you."- He says- "People like you razed by town to the ground. They killed my people, my children, the loved ones that I used to know. If there's anything that is true, it is this- democracy may be bad, but the forces rallied against it are worse."
Andrew smiles.
"But what if the source of order was the one that burned your forest down? What if this was meant to happen from the very start?"- He asks Cyrus- "Face it, shaman. Your people have been marked for a long time. No matter if it was us or another influential group, your fate would've been the same."
Cyrus clenches his fists. He considers using his spells to entangle Andrew and choke him to death, but the vast amount of soldiers around him makes him reconsider. After all, facing so many warriors at once may prove to be fatal.
"And yet, the forest has every right to speak on its own."- He says- "Just like you said, if it isn't us who take you all down, then someone else shall take our place in this world."
Andrew can't help but chuckle upon hearing Cyrus's blunt speech.
"Dreams and lies. Lies and dreams."- He says- "It's always about justice, isn't it. And yet, the ones who want justice to be a thing... are the ones who are the most guilty."
Ben nods.
"Yes. It's true. We are guilty."- He says- "Guilty for letting monsters like you roam this world, wild and free. Guilty for allowing our loved ones to suffer because of this. Guilty that we let this peaceful world turn into a land of chaos and turmoil. We are guilty, but not in the way you think."
As his allies rebel against Andrew, Max inspects the item that he grabbed from Zach's backpack. It is a small vial, filled with a powerful alchemical substance. It bubbles vigorously, waiting to be unleashed upon an unsuspecting opponent.
"Andrew. You lawful fiend."- He says to himself- "You're going to wish you stayed down."
Then, he takes out a small syringe, uncorks the dangerous vial with his teeth and starts pouring the liquid into the entry slot, preparing something very dangerous for his soon-to-be victim.
Two of the soldiers notice what Max is doing and attempt to stop him. They attack him, but are easily subdued and tied up. Before they scream and alert their leader, Max injects each of them with a syringe that he has been keeping in his pocket. Suddenly, both of the soldiers lose their ability to speak. The effect may last for a short time, but it shall be way more than enough for Max to prepare his plan.
Then, to make sure that the soldiers do not interfere with his plans, he decides to test his new syringe on them. Injecting each of them with the powerful substance, he watches as they gradually grow weaker and weaker, almost until the point of unconsciousness.
"Works like a charm."- He says- "Now, let's aim for bigger prey... "
Andrew shakes his head.
"You know. I think that this conflict could've been easily avoided."- He says- "You could've stayed at home and forgotten about us. You could've kept living your miserable lives, unaware of what is truly going to happen. But no. You just couldn't resist the call of justice. You put justice above everything, and you shall soon pay for it. In blood- no more and no less. It's the fate that you have chosen for yourselves. Bear it with whatever tattered scraps of pride you still have left."
Ben nods.
"We will. Rest assured of it."- He says- "And those scraps of pride shall be the ones that will give us the strength to send you back into the jaws of oblivion."
Andrew leans closer, greatly annoyed. He clearly didn't expect Ben's pride to be so great. He asks him to repeat what he said, and he does it without any regret. Slightly shocked, he forces him to do it again, and he does so. And it was at this moment when Andrew finally knew- he wasn't facing a band of wannabe heroes. The brave vigilantes in front of him are far more competent and determined than any of the peons that he has crushed with his own hands.
And yet, he still refuses to believe that he is in any danger. He laughs at Ben's remarks, treating them as a perfectly formulated joke.
"Har har. Very funny, buddy. You got my whole squad laughin'. "- He says, leans close and smiles- "Your words are worthless to me. But that, my friend, is how I got to know- you're as much of a leader as Max and Zach themselves. In fact, you're all part of a holy triad of stupidity- chosen warriors, armed with Crowns of Justice, that lead their people toward the gates of darkness. You're all so brave and strong."
Then, he pulls out his greatsword and presses it against Ben's chest.
"Of all people, it would be a shame to take someone like you down. You and your little friends are teeming with potential. Raw potential, ready to be polished and refined into its most powerful form."- He says- "However, figures like you are threats to the society that we are building. Unfortunately, you're going to experience the same fates as everyone else on this fateful hour- instant, painless demise."
And then, without another word, Andrew pushes Ben and slices his chest with his greatsword, from end to end. The magic inside of the blade manages to amplify the bleeding, making Ben's situation a very bad one. However, this is not enough to take him down. Ben stands up, blood still seeping from his chest, approaches Andrew and smiles.
"Do you want to know my response?"- He asks and spits at him, shocking all of his warriors- "There it is. Take it or leave it, it's all yours."
Angered by Ben's persistence, Andrew angrily wipes his spit from his cheek. Then, he raises his greatsword again.
"You foolish brat."- He says- "I'm gonna make you wish you never came here."
Ben smiles.
"Bring it, you false samaritan."
However, before Andrew can make his move, Max sees a window of opportunity and runs forward. Pushing his way through numerous soldiers, he aims straight for the big target- the leader himself. And then, before he could even look back, Max leaps forward and plunges the syringe into Andrew's neck, pushing every single drop of the powerful substance into his body.
But Andrew is not a man who goes down easily. Sensing Max's intentions, he looks back and pushes him to the ground. He knocks the syringe out of his hand and smiles.
"Heh. Nice one, Wilson."- He says- "You were quite the good soldier, trying to save your friends instead of running away. But it's all over for ya."
Max shakes his head.
"Your calculations are incorrect again, outlaw."- He says- "Take another look before you start celebrating."
As Andrew looks back, he finally sees the huge grenade beneath his feet. At the same time, the soldiers around them notice that they are surrounded by a ring of plasma grenades- powerful explosives that can send human beings into space.
And what happens afterwards can be easily seen from space. The resulting explosion sends all of Andrew's allies flying and slams the giant warrior into a nearby tree. He barely holds himself in place as the explosion tears the place around him in two. And while he does so, Max runs forward and shields all of his allies by deploying a special bunker bot that he constructed himself.
"Max. I've known you for so many years, but even I didn't expect such a blunt and straightforward deed."- Ben says- "Tell me. How did you find the strength to do this?"
Max smiles serenely.
"While I was just a boy, my mother used to be an alchemist. Before she left this world, she taught me some of Alchemy's biggest secrets."- He says- "I may be a soldier of the Law, but that doesn't mean that I'm a mindless drone."
Ban nods.
"And that's what separates you from the rest of them, my dear friend."
A small group, consisting of a portion of Asta's surviving aliens, watches the grisly scene from the safe confines of space. From their spaceship, they witness the destruction and realize what Max meant when he took down their leader. Knowing that their fate is sealed for good if they stay in this world, they decide to simply leave it behind, finally acknowledging the power of the human race and their desire to keep on living.
As the explosion finally clears up, the bunker bot slowly reverts back to its original form. Max and his group take a look at the lands around them, realizing how much damage they have done to Sage's people- the ones that Andrew was foolish enough to take with him. Most of the forces perished on impact, and the rest succumbed to their own wounds during the aftermath. A huge crater has formed where Max and Andrew once stood, undoubtedly ending Andrew's life in the process.
However, when Andrew moves forward to take a better look, a large person leaps out of the burning shrubs and attacks him. Said person is revealed to be Andrew, who somehow managed to survive the blast with little more than minor burns,
"You... you monster! You killed them all!"- He yells- "I'll make you regret this! I shall make you beg me for forgiveness!"
Max shakes his head.
"You and your people killed my friend's father! You made him walk on a road of suffering!"- He yells back- "What you did back there was disgusting and unforgivable! And soon, your own ego shall be the source of your downfall!"
Ben nods.
"Your downfall has already begun, Andrew!"- He exclaims- "You shall be gone soon. And if the remnants of your group don't escape this place... there shall be consequences!"
Andrew shakes his head.
"Sage was right! The military is the source of all our sorrow!"- He yells- "You once took our homes away! And now, you take away our lives! What kind of people are you?!"
Max wipes a tear from his eye.
"I am aware of that. Many good people were forced to leave their homes. It is a decision that was made with a heavy heart, both by the soldiers and their superiors."- He says- "Day and night, I've been thinking about this nightmare. About the things that we had to go through to be here, still standing. And I truly regret it all. I regret that I didn't tell them to stop. Sending more refugees into the wilds was only going to make the world worse. A recipe for widespread disaster. And for that, I am truly sorry. I wish I could have done something back then. I really do."
Andrew glares at him.
"Liar."- He says, through his wicked teeth- "Filthy liar."
Max sighs. He knows that he can't change Andrew's mind, but it was still worth a shot. His feelings were genuine, though. Hopefully, they will continue to be.
"We don't think about the past, nor the present. We, my friend, are all about the future of humanity."- He says- "And a future with heartless villains like you is, without a doubt, the worst one all of us could ever imagine."
As Andrew is easily subdued, he glares at Max.
"In my years of work in the military, I have never seen a man as foolish as you. You claim to be the hero, but you caused so many families to lose their loved one. You burned many of the world's forests, for the sake of sending a message."- Max continues- "And you still think that you're the good guys?!"
After all those years of madness and bad deeds, Andrew's crimes have finally been exposed. He angrily stands up, pushes Max's weapon away and punches him in the face.
"I'll show you good and bad!"- He yells- "And then, maybe you'll see how foolish it was to challenge us!"
As Andrew grabs his gun and prepares to execute Max on the spot, Zach activates a portal with a device that he had in his pocket all the time. The current situation gives him the chance to execute his own plan. He grabs Andrew by the back, moves backwards as he struggles like a madman, and enters the portal alongside him.
On the other side, Zach kicks Andrew in both legs, causing him to fall on his knees. He smashes his head into the ground below his feet, but decides that this is a very easy way to perish and decides to let him live. He grabs him by the neck and forces him to take a look at the background. And that is when Andrew realizes where they are.
"This... can't be!"- He exclaims- "The back of the university campus! It's all still here?!"
Zach nods.
"It is."- He responds- "And it'll exist for a long time once you're gone."
Pulling out a large, wicked dagger from his belt, Zach points it at Andrew's skull. This shocks him more than anything else.
"But... h-how did you find this?!"
Zach chuckles.
"Find? My friend, I am not just a mere trader! I am a collector!"- He exclaims- "And collectors know where to find the things that they desire to have!"
Then, without any mercy, Zach pushes Andrew next to the walls of the university, pins him to the wall with his foot, raises the long dagger in the air like a sword, and mercilessly plunges it into Andrew's head. The resulting trauma ends his life before he could even scream in pain and his wicked blood splatters on the walls of the campus. In time, the blood shall be cleaned by the university's janitors, but the message shall remain- learned people may be peaceful, but they are far from harmless.
And so, Zachary Bourne managed to execute the man who killed his father personally, killing him at the exact same spot where his father was murdered many years ago. In the same way. With the same weapon. One could even say that Zach planned this for a very long time. Whether it is true or now, however, it does not matter. With the demise of Andrew, Zach has managed to complete his mission. He dispersed justice better than the law itself. And, even though it came a little bit too late, it was still very effective.
But Zach believes that his mission is not done yet. Instead of leaving Andrew's corpse behind and scaring the students, he decides to take him away from the scene and spare the poor people this terror. He steps through the portal once again, carrying Andrew's remains with him. The group applauds him for this brave deed.
"So you did it. But the question still remains."- Max says- "Was Andrew truly part of Sage's squad? Did he truly obey his orders?"
Zach shakes his head.
"We can't doubt it. Andrew was part of a very powerful group."- He says- "And if he was so powerful, then their leader must be worse."
Cyrus sighs.
"This means that our time here is over."- He says- "The rest of Andrew's group is on the run. Soon, they shall bear the news of their master's defeat. And it's not going to be pretty for the good people of this world."
Ben clenches his fist.
"If this happens, we'll be ready to fight them back!"- He exclaims- "A good soldier never falters! He always fights for what is right, without any fear! And, if we are to last, we mustn't give in to the growing panic!"
Cyrus nods.
"Benjamin is right. This is the time for us to keep fighting together."- He says- "But what shall we do next? Where will we find Sage?"
Zach looks at Andrew's corpse and sighs.
"We will go."- He says- "But first, there is one more thing that must be done."
The four of them gather around the ruins of what used to be a ritual ground. Once, many ceremones were held in this region, by tribes unknown. One of them was powerful enough to maintain this place and give its warriors a look at the badlands around them. However, that tribe is long gone. Only the remains of a formerly great civilization remain, half-buried in the unforgiving sand.
Zach, carrying Andrew's corpse, approaches the largest brazier- the source of light in those sacred grounds. With the help of Cyrus, the old brazier is returned back to its former, burning glory. Each of the heroes takes a good look at the once mighty villain. And then, once that is done, Zach tosses him into the holy pyre.
"And so, the flames of justice extinguish the fragments of hatred."- Max says and bows his head- "May his soul find peace in whatever Afterlife is out there."
The rest of the group bows, as well.
"Amen."
Once the brief ritual is done, Max and Ben stare at each other.
"You know. I'm not a religious person. But what we saw back there, it was so... holy. So magnificent."- Ben says- "It was almost like the rebirth of a Phoenix. Maybe even the birth of a chosen one. It felt very nice, and I'm not ashamed to admit it."
Max chuckles.
"Gods, you're such a strange person."- He jokingly berates him- "But... I think that I see what you mean. Getting to send a wicked soul back to its maker, it felt as if a weight has been lifted from our shoulders. The demise of Darkness... the birth of Light... it was a scene that we'll never forget."
As the two friends continue to talk to each other, Zach lightly taps Max on the shoulder. Although his mission is done, it is clear that he wants to do something else. Something that he promised to do a long time ago.
"Max?"- He says- "May I have a moment of your time?"
Max turns around and nods.
"Of course."
Then, he turns to Ben and shakes his head.
"I'm sorry, my friend. I have to address this matter."- He says- "Can you stay with Cyrus for a while?"
Ben smiles and flashes him a peace sign.
"Gotcha, friend-o!"- He exclaims- "Peace!"
As Ben and Cyrus inspect the battlefield ahead of them, Max and Zach stare at each other. Zach's lips curl as he carefully chooses his next words. He has already taken advantage of Max's kindness, and is afraid to do it again. Still, he decides to give it a try, knowing that he is trustworthy enough to merit such a dangerous task.
"Well. I know we've known each other for a short amount of time. But, as much as I wish to send you away, I still need your help."- He says- "However, it's not about be. It's about a certain someone. A person that I love so much."
Understanding Zach's desires, Max nods. His eyes show a glint of extreme emotion, the testimonial of a true warrior. He has been there and he has seen horrible things, so his reaction is honest and straightforward.
"Don't sweat it. I know what you're going through. I once was in your shoes, vengeful and broken. But eventually, I found my way in this cold world."- He says- "Maybe I can try to warm your heart again. I will gladly offer my services to you, if those are what you desire."
Zach grins.
"I knew you were the right person for the job!"- He exclaims- "Now, listen closely. I won't repeat myself."
Zach explains his plan to Max. Apparently, his father reanimated shortly after his demise at the hands of Andrew, wandered off and was never seen again. Sholai warriors attempted to find his undead self, but were soon forced to return after a huge storm hit them. As it seems, Abraham wandered too far into the storm. And the worst thing is, nobody is willing to risk their own life to step into it and put him down for good.
"Ah. That is quite the dilemma you are facing, my friend."- Max says- "To be honest, this sounds very dangerous. But that's fine by me. Ever since I was a young boy, I've been a magnet for danger. I learned to always anticipate it. And, sometimes, even enjoy it. So come on. Let's get going."
As the duo leaves, Ben runs towards them.
"Hey! Max!"- He exclaims- "Where are you going?!"
Max looks back.
"To deal with a certain issue! Sorry!"- He responds- "A favor for a friend. Nothing more."
Ben shakes his head, confused and speechless.
"But... what about your sister?"- He asks- "What if she asks to see her again?"
Max sighs.
"Then tell her that Max is doing God's work again."- He says- "If I don't return, let her know that her brother perished trying to save the world. That is all."
Zach looks back and tosses Ben a teleporter.
"In the meantime, why don't go use that to go back to our settlement?"- He says- "I'm sure that mama would love to hear about Andrew's demise."
Ben and Cyrus stare at each other. With no other choice, they simply watch Max and Zach as they step further and further away from them. It is hard for them to watch their friends leave so unceremoniously, but they understand that this is very important for them. As some undead- former denizens of the wastelands, surround them, they push the teleporter's button and are whisked away from the terrible place, never to return.
"Never have I imagined that I need to send away my best friend."- Max says and sighs- "We've been together for a very long time, almost since we were toddlers. Watching him get so sad fills my heart with sorrow."
Zach shakes his head.
"Sorry to say this, but you should get used to it."- He says- "The world's filled with sad moments. Don't let them overwhelm you."
Max sighs.
"As you wish."
And then, the two of them step further into the wastes. That is when the storm finally hits them. It is a strong force of nature, meant to be used against unwary travellers. At the point where they are standing, they could easily get knocked to the ground. But they continue to fight against this mighty power, reaching further into the storm.
At this point, they have managed to reach the eye of the storm. Here, the winds are much stronger, and the desert- much more unforgiving. As they fight against this force of nature once again, they are attacked by a group of sandstorm elementals- powerful celestials of the wastes, as well as one of the few lifeforms that call the wastelands their home. They amplify the force of the storm and use their powers to throw sand into Max and Zach's faces. Some of it even gets into their mouths. It is an awful experience, but they soon manage to knock them down. Their remains fly away, scattered around the world forevermore.
Finally, they manage to reach the center of this madness. No sane, living being has ever gone so far. This is the source of chaos, the core of this strange power. And, unlike the rest of the storm, it does not take long for the duo to overcome it. They manage to slice the core in half and watch as the storm slowly withdraws. Soon, everything is peaceful and quiet.
"And now, let's find my father."- Zach says- "Judging from the sources that I've gathered, I think that his undead self is quite close."
True to his words, a lone undead emerges from the desert sands. Zach recognizes him immediately- this is, without a doubt, Abraham Bourne- Zach's late father. From the looks of it, he wandered right into the storm, was thrown deep into it and was buried deep into the desert sands. Only the fall of the storm gave him the chance to stand back to his rotting feet. And, truth be told, it is a miracle that he stayed alive all this time.
The undead Abraham slowly shuffles his way through the desert sands, approaching his living son. Zach sighs and shakes his head.
"It is as my father once told me. If you're not afraid to face the eye of the storm, then you're truly not meant to be a warrior."- He says- "He... was not a hero. Far from it. He was just... another scholar. A regular person with extraordinary abilities. But then, maybe he was a hero. Sort of."
He sighs again.
"Anyway. In life, he was a very smart person. He discovered theories about the meaning of life. He analyzed humanity's incredible potential and discovered new ways to stimulate good deeds within the world. At the time of his demise, he was on the verge of a major breakthrough. He was going to discover the power to banish the darkness for good... until a warrior of darkness took his life away."- He says- "I have to admit. I... feel sick watching him struggle like this. For a man like him, a humiliation like this could mean endless mockery from his living peers. So, there is one thing left to do... "
Having said that, he pulls out a revolver from his backpack. He aims it at the undead Abraham, preparing physically and mentally to put his own father down. But then, he remembers how he used to read books with him. How they used to learn more about the human world. Such a bond lasts forever. And, even though his father is long gone, he cannot bring himself to put him to rest.
Falling to his knees, he reminisces the moments of his life when he was truly happy. He remembers the times when his parents were together. He sees how much Abraham loved his life. And that is when he realizes- Abraham has always adored his own family. He loved his wife and son, and did his best to give them what they deserve. This is the force that completely breaks him down.
Feeling pity for the poor man in front of him, Max tries to give him the strength to perform the good deed. First, he attempts to encourage him, telling him that this is something that his father would want. Then, he forces him to stand up, but that also has little to no effect. Finally, when everything else seems futile, he decides to take matters in his own hands. Gently taking Zach's revolver, he aims it at the undead Abraham and fires a single bullet, ending his period of unlife after many years of torment.
"We did it, my friend. The struggle is over."- He says- "We are victorious. Your father may rest once again."
Zach looks up and smiles sadly.
"I... can't believe. After all these years, I can finally bring my father home."- He says, approaches his father's corpse and wipes tears of joy from his eyes- "Oh, dad. You don't know how much we've missed you. But now, we can finally be together again. And this time, we're not letting you go."
After Max helps Zach pick up his father's remains, the young merchant looks at him. His eyes no longer have any raw fury inside of them. His hands are no longer trembling. And, best of all, his heart is finally clear.
"On behalf of all people who suffered because of Andrew, I thank you, Max."- Zach says- "As an honored guest, you may stay with us for as long as you would like. Or you can go with your friends and find the fiend who commanded that monster. The choice, of course, is yours to make."
Max smiles serenely.
"I appreciate the offer, but I have to turn it down."- He says- "There are still more people who need our help."
Zach smiles back.
"Then what are you waiting for?"- He says- "Let's help them out!"
Having said that, the two of them use a teleporter (a spare device that Zach has been keeping in his other pocket the entire time) and are whisked away from the wasteland. Soon, they return to the Sholai settlement, victorious and proud.