MLIV C5, P10- "The Final Prophecy"

"The Final Prophecy" is the tenth and last Part of "Miracula Luxia IV" 's fifth Chapter, as well as the last Part of the Second Trilogy and the main "Miracula Luxia" series overall.
It was released on 22.08.2022.
== Plot ==
At the onset of the final battle between good and evil, Adam is forced to come face to face with Mordred Darkthrop himself with little more than Darius's help. Enfeebled by all of his previous adventures, he is nowhere close to being in good shape. And yet, he still has to confront the evil wizard and defeat him, for the sake of everyone he loves and who still love him.
In the meantime, Jon has to face his worst fears- things that he never thought would happen, yet still became a reality. The future of the Pendragon family is on the line and his aunt Nox is ruining everything that all of them have been fighting for. It is his duty to stop her from giving Darkthrop the ability to rule the world and bring another black century for the entire planet.
Last but not least, the rest of their allies are preparing to come face to face with the largest army of humanoids they have ever seen. Darkings, orcs, ogres and other fiends that belong to the darkness are acting against them and it is in their best favor to hurry before they get their hands on Adam and make everything that they did be in vain.
This is the final confrontation. The last bastion of hope rises against the looming black tower of evil, The stakes have never been higher and will never be ever again.
And yet, despite all of the things that are already painfully obvious, there is still one that cannot be answered:
Will the end just be another beginning?
== Story ==
Adam and Darius step into Darkthrop's tower- the last sanctuary of the evil one.
"Well, we're here."- Darius says- "Knock knock? Is anyone home?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Be quiet, Darius."- He says- "Do you really want the entire regiment to descend upon us?"
Darius sighs.
"Sorry about that."- He says- "I just wanted to make sure that we're, you know, alone in here."
Adam shakes his head.
"We are never alone in a place like this."- He says- "Ever."
Darius nods.
"So, What's our course of action?"- He asks- "We can't just go in there, guns blazing and all. Can we?"
Adam sighs.
"Acting like a bunch of bloodthirsty fools who want revenge will not get us anywhere."- He says- "We need to use our powers to confuse them. And then, our last prey shall be Darkthrop himself."
Darius smiles.
"Well, you're in luck."- He says- "I can do that for you."
Adam smiles.
"I would appreciate it."
Darius nods.
"Then let's do this."
Darius raises his hands in the air and performs a complicated ritual that makes the sky above them crackle with spiritual energy. And then, just as Adam wonders if he is just playing around, his hands start to glow and a host of spirit warriors appears to perform their sacred task... whatever it may be.
"Spirits of the ones who lost their lives to Darkthrop's tyranny, I turn to you for help and understanding."- He says- "I know that you've been through a lot, but we need you again. So, listen closely, because I will only say this once."
He turns to them.
"I am the one who breathed courage into you, who gave you the strength to be again."- He says- "And now, it is time for you to make your money's worth. Defeat the remaining guardians of Darkthrop using the weapons that I gave you. And please, make haste, as our time is running out and I fear that we won't have very long until the prophecy is completed."
The spirits salute him.
"We will never allow Darkthrop's prophecy to be completed!"- One of them exclaims- "We shall give our lives to stop him! Again!"
Darius smiles.
"Then go."- He says- "Make your way through them and show them the strength of our unbreakable bond."
With that, he allows the spirits to go and watches as they let out a unison of battle cries and charge forward.
"Your discipline is truly astounding, my friend."- Adam praises him- "But how did you manage to get so far?"
Darius smiles.
"Years of discipline and determination have turned me into more than just a regular warrior in the underworld."- He says- "Adam. Those people trust me. They know that I could be their guide in those dark times and believe that I could help them out. They have faith in heroes like us, so why would there be a reason to doubt their loyalty?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Some of them have gone through a lot. They lost people dear to them and lost their own lives, too."- He says- "Maybe they are not exactly... sane."
Darius sighs.
"I will take the risk."- He says- "It's all for the greater good."
Adam smiles.
"And that is why I shall do the same."
The two of them step past the corpses of the fallen warriors of Darkthrop, listening intently as the spirits rip their souls apart and turn them into what all of them have always feared- souls that are neglected and forgotten by everyone.
"Don't worry about them."- Darius says- "Their fate was already predetermined even before he came here."
Adam nods.
"I feel no sympathy for those who refuse to show it themselves.
Darius nods.
"And those who never show mercy shall experience what they did to their victims, sooner or later."
Adam listens to the screams around them.
"Judging from what is happening around us, I think that it might be the latter."
Darius sighs.
"Let it be this way, then."
And then, the two of them reach a massive door, made of the strongest basalt and built to last, Even a single view of it is enough to show that it cannot be broken down easily.
"Well, Darius."- Adam says- "You know what we must do now, right?"
Darius nods.
"The door to destiny must fall, like Darkthrop's empire in the near future."
Adam nods.
"Then our goal is clear."
The two of them approach the black door and channel a high amount of energy. Small flames appear on the gates as they slowly melt into pieces, destroyed by the constant heat that radiates from them.
Soon, the gates explode, knocking Adam and Darius back and nearly killing them once the large chunks of rubble start to fall down.
"Wow!"- Darius exclaims- "I never imagined that this would be so... so... "
"Thrilling?"- Adam adds.
Darius nods.
"Indeed."
Adam smiles.
"We are almost there, Darius. The end of our journey is near. Darkthrop is waiting for us at the end of the trail."- He says- "I truly hope that your plan will work once he is defeat. Because if we fail to do anything... "
He shakes his head.
"I understand. You must miss everyone a lot. Being so far from them must be taking a toll on you."- Darius says- "But this is the life that we chose. We once made an oath and we are still keeping it alive. It's our duty to be heroes, after all."
He clenches his fist.
"Don't concern yourself with worrying about the ritual that we have to perform. It's all encoded in my mind and I shall start it once the conditions have been fully met."- He adds- "Darkthrop will not stop us, though. We will succeed in this fight. Soon, everything he cherishes so much shall be turned to ashes. Just like the dreams that he incinerated in front of our very eyes."
Adam nods.
"So, you are aware of what must be done."
Darius nods.
"I always have been."
Adam smiles.
"Then it is time for us to be the heroes of this world."
As Adam proceeds, Darius lightly grabs his hand.
"Wait, Adam."- He says-"Before we go, do you want me to tell you why I tried to seek you out?"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"You had a reason?"
Darius nods.
"Of course I did!"- He says- "When you and your family were still in Avernum, I admired you. All of you. And I knew that I could find someone who thinks the same way as me, who values the lives of others more than his own. And then, I heard of you, the rising star that is shining in the sky. The savior of all that's sacred. And I knew that you are the one, from the very start. It took me years to learn more about you. I studied every book, every biography about you. I tried to understand the one who had lost a lot on his way to glory. However, none of it was enough. Despite my best efforts, I never became a person like you. But my mother never gave up on me. She was the one who gave me the suggestion to find you and help you out, so I listened to her and embarked on a journey. I helped everyone I could and destroyed whatever enemies threatened the peace that we're trying to keep intact. And then, I saw you for the first time, in your refined glory. That's when I knew that I had to become your ally, to offer you my services in the last battle. And I'm thankful that you chose me to stay by your side and this very moment. It's an honor for me to be here."
Adam smiles.
"I appreciate everything that you did for this world, Darius."- He says- "Seeing that I am your idol in this time of chaos and despair is truly invigorating for my pure heart. Helping others has always been my biggest and utmost priority and inspiring them to be heroes themselves has been quite as great. And I see that people like you are the ones who listened to my words and worked hard to build my legacy for this world. For that, I can proudly deem you one of my greatest allies."
Darius bows to him.
"You'll always be my hero, Adam."
As the two of them continue to talk, a single undead approaches them. Although it seems unfamiliar to Darius, Adam immediately recognizes it. 
A single tear runs down his cheek as he approaches it.
"Hey, Adam."- Darius says, concerned- "Shouldn't you be farther away from that... thing?"
Adam shakes his head, but does not respond. He looks up at the person he once called a friend, devastated that he did not make it.
"Orion, my friend. I see that you made it all the way here, too."- He says sadly- "How kind of you to honor my legacy, even in unlife."
The undead Orion growls at him.
"You were the first one to answer my call. Formed the alliance of guardians who tried to prevent Darkthrop's second awakening and, in the end, you ended up in the same way as everyone else, despite your heroic nature."- He says and places his hand on Orion's shoulder- "If only I could turn back time and bring you back here to fight alongside me. Few were able to be as brave as you in the face of danger and your positivity was always a motivation for me."
He sighs.
"But it does not matter. I appreciate your determination and I am glad that you never gave up on me."- He says- "If the best I could do to repay you right now is to put you out of your misery, then so it be. I owe you a lot more and you know it well that you deserve it."
Having said that, he pulls out his sword and stabs the undead Orion in the head just as he is about to bite him, sending him into the eternal sleep that he has been wanting for so long.
"Who was that man, Adam?"- Darius asks Adam as he turns around- "Was he a... friend of yours?"
Adam sighs.
"I guess that you could say that."- He says- "Orion was a warrior. A friend. An ardent ally. And, most importantly, he was a true hero. A person of great value who was an idol to many."
Darius nods.
"Then let his soul rest in peace."- He says- "He shall never be forgotten."
Adam nods and turns to the gates in front of him.
"Anyway, it seems like the last defense of Darkthrop has been broken."- He says- "Let us proceed."
----As Adam and Darius prepare to face Darkthrop, Jon steps into the arena and sees that his aunt is waiting for him.
"Welcome, dear nephew."- Nox says and laughs- "Welcome to the day of your doom!"
Jon glares at her.
"What is this place, aunt?"- He asks- "Explain yourself! Why did you bring me all the way here?"
Nox smiles.
"Why, it's quite obvious! Haven't you been observant on the way here?"- She asks him- "This is a place where Darkthrop's best servants could hold battles that would determine who is the strongest and most capable among them. In other words, it's a place where mercy is not an option."
Jon raises his eyebrow.
"So, it's something like the Colliseum?"- He says- "Do you have lions? Bears? Foxes?"
Nox smirks.
"Don't insult my creator's work!"- She yells- "We have something much worse!"
She turns back, whistles three long and low notes and watches as three of the gates open.
Three large drakes emerge from the inner sactum.
"Drakes?!"- Jon yells- "Are you mad?!"
Nox laughs.
"Are you scared, little fish?"
Jon shakes his head.
"Nope."
Nox grins.
"Well, you should be!"
The three drakes waste no time to pounce on the young shaman. He is forced to hold all three of them off, unable to deal with his aunt at the same time.
While Jon is preoccupied with this sudden chain of events, Nox smiles, turns around and walks on the top seats of the arena to have a better view of the carnage that shall soon unfold.
"Enjoy the last moments of your life, Jonny."- She says to her nephew from above- "Because they will certainly not be peaceful for you!"
Jon shakes his head.
"You and your pets don't scare me."- He says- "And neither does your master."
With a single swing of his staff, he creates a wave of pure chaos that sends the creatures flying into one of the pillars of the arena, nearly breaking it.
"Woah. Careful there, kid."- Nox warns him- "You're going to kill us all."
Jon glares at her.
"Good."- He says vengefully- "I hope so."
Then, he turns around and hops on one of the drakes as it pounces on him, Using his magic, he creates a magical saddle which helps him tame the best for a short time, giving him the needed time gap to send it toward one of its siblings, sending both of them crashing on the ground below.
As they try to keep the fight going, Jon descends from the sky and shakes his head.
"Drakes have always been abominations to Nature. And the three of you are no different."- He says- "I shall put a swift end to your miserable existence."
Raising his staff in the air, he calls upon the power of nature to entangle the beasts. Then, just as they are about to break free, he releases a magical fire that spreads on the vines, burning both of them down within a matter of seconds.
The remaining drake is enraged by the demise of its siblings. It flies into an incoherent rage and tries to cloud Jon's mind, but the young shaman is well-prepared for such a cowardly attempt to take control of him.
Using the force of his very being, he creates a ball of light and darkness. It grows bigger and biggers, its magic becoming harder to control as it grows in intensity.
"With the power of balance, I shall fix you!"
Nox watches, horrified, as Jon sends the massive ball of chaos flying toward the unfortunate drake, turning the once proud and majestic creature into a pile of charred, blackened bones before her very eyes.
"Oh, come on!"- She yells- "Those were some of our best warriors!"
Jon wipes a drop of blood from his mouth and smiles.
"So."- He says- "Do you have another way to entertain me?"
Nox raises her eyebrow.
"What?"- She asks- "You're... entertained?"
Jon smiles.
"Isn't this the point of this encounter? To entertain myself and my audience?"- He asks- "I mean, it's certainly better than always thinking about your impending doom. Right?"
Nox clenches her fist.
"You annoying brat! Stop spoiling everything!"- She yells at her nephew- "Darkthrop's arena is meant to test your abilities! Make you feel like there's no right answers in this world! It's supposed to be a matter of life and death, not some kind of insignificant entertainment!"
Jon sighs.
"You are being a bully again."
Nox glares at him.
"Fine!"- She yells- "You want some fun? Well, don't say I didn't warn you!"
She whistles a single high note, alerting something behind the gate next to her. It opens and, much to Jon's surprise, a spirit floats out to the field below.
Upon closer inspection, he realizes something interesting (and worrying). The spirit seems to resemble some sort of an ancient shaman, lost to sands of time.
"What is this sorcery?"
Nox smiles.
"This ain't no sorcery, kid. It's the harsh reality, cast down upon your very eyes!"- She exclaims- "Every shaman has to let go a part of their own spirit to survive. And it seems like this poor victim lost his mind in the process!"
Jon takes a step back.
"Is this what is going to happen to me?"
Nox nods.
"It happens to everyone who is foolish enough to care about something."- She responds- "Or someone."
Jon shakes his head.
"That doesn't change anything!"- He yells- "I will still defeat him!"
Nox smiles.
"True. I know that you'll keep on fighting for your life."- She says- "But will you be strong enough to take down one of your kind? Will you have the guts to do the right thing, at the price of something else being taken away from you?"
Jon readies his staff and prepares to mutter a spell.
"Do your worst, partner."
The shaman takes a few steps back and raises his head in the air. It is quite clear that he is roaring, the expression is unmistakable.
And then, he looks down at Jon. His eyes are glowing red and his fingernails become as sharp as the claws of a vicious beast. Like a predator on the hunt, he pounces on him and prepares to claw him down.
Unfortunately, the wild magic that is keeping him intact is a little bit too powerful. Jon is unable to strike back and is forced to find a way to escape from his grip instead.
In the meantime, Nox finds a single bottle of wine. She opens it and starts to drink.
"Ah."- She says- "Just like the old times."
As the shaman is close to clawing his way through Jon's chest, Nox laughs.
"Are you enjoying this, nephew?"- She asks him- "Is this good enough for you?"
Even though he barely holds on his own against the wild shaman, he still has enough strength to look at Nox. His hatred for her is unmistakable, even from afar.
"I should be asking the same thing, aunt."
Nox laughs.
"I like your sarcasm, kid."- She says- "It's good to see that you haven't lost it yet."
Jon shakes his head.
"No."- He says- "But you will soon."
Nox raises her eyebrow.
"Is this a threat, dear?"
Jon looks back at her.
"More than that."- He responds- "It is a warning."
Nox sighs.
"Yeah, right."- She says- "You and your mommy are all about warning. You're always the good ones."
Jon raises his eyebrow.
"What was that?"
Nox shakes her head.
"When we were younger, your mother always warned about how it's wrong to cause mischief. To kill people. Even as we went back to change your grandma's destiny, she still wasn't satisfied with our decision and felt like we should warn her about her destiny instead."- She says- "But now, both of them are gone and I'm here. I guess that their warnings weren't enough to stop me from being myself."
She sighs.
"I'll always be the last one standing."
Jon raises his eyebrow.
"Did you forget about me?"- He asks her- "I might be young, but I'm still a part of your family. You shouldn't write me out until I'm gone."
Nox shakes her head.
"I wished it weren't like this, kid. You've got potential and you could've been the conduit that empowers Darkthrop's prophecy, to fuel his unending hatred for our world."- She says- "But you're just too sweet for your own good. Your heart was made too pure. And your mother, that wretched woman, she turned you into a hero instead of helping you follow the path of your ancestors."
Jon nods.
"And that's how I want it to be."- He admits- "Even if your wicked prophecy was the only thing left in the world that I could believe in, I would still refuse to join you. Your plans are meant to completely strip us of our common future. You and Darkthrop plan to destroy everything, hoping to bring the birth of a new nation of obedient and quiet little slaves. But all that you're trying to achieve is nothing more than a dream! Nobody could change the way this world's gears are turning. Nobody could stop fate itself. And I am sure that all of you know it well."
Nox smiles.
"You're quite the believer, but even a single match could light your entire heart on fire."- She says- "For example, did you know that your mama Uma hasn't always been the kind lady she is now?"
Jon glares at his aunt.
"What does that mean?!"- He yells- "Explain yourself immediately!"
Nox smiles.
"With pleasure."
She playfully waves her legs as she looks up at the sky. It is almost as if she is a little girl, enjoying the happy and peaceful life that she has while it lasts.
"Your mother was once like me. We were cut from the same cloth and she had no choice but to follow my commands. I was the leading figure and she listened to me. Once, she was even driven crazy by our actions and started enjoying all of the horrible things that she did to those people."- She says- "Jonny, dear. Your mother is as much of a monster as I am. Deny it as much as you want, but the truth is in front of you. And it's going to burn you down if you fail to see i-- "
Suddenly, a ball of fire is hurled from nearby. It reaches Nox and destroys the ground beneath her feet, sending her flying to the land below.
Nox picks up her hatchet and stands up, curious of who would be foolish enough to take on her life.
And then, she sees Uma.
"Oh, my dearest sister. My favorite sibling has arrived to watch her boy."- She says- "What a pleasure to see you again."
Uma is unable to see anything. However, Nox could still sense her naked hatred for her.
"Nox! You wicked person!"- She yells- "You tried to get my son killed! Tried to steal the throne from me and my husband! You allowed jealousy and hatred to consume you and now, you try to revive a tyrant who was never anything more than trouble for all of us!"
Nox smiles.
"And what's your problem."
Uma points her staff at her.
"You."- She says- "You are my problem."
Nox glares at her.
"Be careful, Uma. Pick your words carefully, because everything might weigh you down."- She says- "The world is full of dangers. Do you really want to be one of them?"
Uma smiles.
"Actually, you should worry about the dangers around you first."
Nox looks back and realizes that the spectral shaman is looking at her. His claws are still drawn and his teeth are still stained with the blood of those whom she forced him to kill. 
Before she could do anything, he pounces on her and tries to rip his way into her stomach.
"No, you brainless buffoon!"- She yells- "Throw your rage at them, not me!"
The shaman ignores her screams and continues to weaken her. He does not care whether he's facing an ally or enemy of Darkthrop. All that he wants is to satisfy his lust for revenge and make his demise seem like it was worth something. And he doesn't concern himself will telling between friends and foes. He just wants to fight... and that is what he'll do.
Nox finally realizes that she can't trust anyone, even her own people. She pulls out her hatchet from the dirt and delivers three swift and precise slashes into the shaman's ectoplasmic body. It screams and falls apart before her eyes.
Her heart filled with immense rage, she stands up and stares at Uma.
"You're next."- She says and grins.
Uma readies her staff.
"I tried to be nice to you, but you always rebuked me. You always made fun of me and spoke behind my back. You always thought that you were the better one and never missed a chance to boast about it."- She says- "Sorry for popping your bubble, but you're nothing! And you always were!"
Jon shakes his head.
"Umm."- He says- "Isn't there a better way to solve this conflict."
Uma raises her eyebrow.
"Are you on my side dear?"
Jon nods.
"I am always on your side, mom."
Uma nods.
"Do you still work for the good of this world?"
Jon nods.
"Without a doubt."
Uma smiles.
"Then I'm sure that you can answer it yourself."
Uma looks back at her sister.
"Do you see this, Nox?"- She asks- "My boy can't be corrupted by the likes of you! And neither will be the rest of our family's descendants!"
Nox smiles.
"The only thing that's getting corrupted is your ego, Uma."- She says- "You're thinking too highly of him."
Uma raises her eyebrow.
"Well, are you?"
Nox shakes her head.
"He may be a nephew to me, but in reality, he's nothing more than a distant relative that I don't care about."
Listening to Nox's words enrages Uma. She points her staff at her and looks at Jon.
"Get her, honey."- She says- "I've got you covered."
Nox smiles.
"Just like you had mom covered?"
Uma clenches her fist.
"Fine!"- She yells- "I'll finish you off myself!"
And then, without a warning, she charges at Nox and knocks her to the ground with a single blow from her staff. She tries to attack her again, but Nox blocks her attack with her hatchet.
"Come on, Uma. Is that all?"- She asks her- "I thought that you wanted to make me pay! To make me suffer as much as everyone else did! Where's your enthusiasm?"
Uma glares at her.
"I haven't gone all out yet."
Nox smiles.
"And neither have I."
As Uma uses her magic to lift Nox into the air, Jon looks around. He realizes that something is wrong and ducks just in time as a barrage of arrows is flying toward them.
"Umm. Mom?"- He says- "You might want to check this out."
Uma looks up and realizes that they are surrounded.
"Was this your plan from the beginning, Nox?"- She yells- "Did you want to trap us in here so the others can't help us?!"
Nox laughs.
"What? You think that I've changed?"- She says- "Sorry, honey? I'm always the social type of girl that I've always been."
With a single blow of her hatchet, she snaps Uma's staff in two and sends her flying into a nearby wall, nearly breaking her skull.
As Jon rushes to help his mother, Nox mercilessly trips him and he is forced to crawl all the way to her.
"Is this enough, family?"- Nox asks them- "Are you entertained yet?"
Jon looks down at his mother and gasps.
"Mom!"- He exclaims- "You... you are bleeding!"
Uma shakes her head.
"That the risk that I take to save you from your crazed aunt."- She says- "Don't worry. I'll get over it, just like I always have."
As Jon is about to respond, Nox throws her hatchet forward and knocks Uma unconscious.
"Mom!"
Nox laughs as the hatchet returns to her.
"You monster!"- He yells at her- "Why are you always like this?!"
Nox smiles.
"Why should I respond?"- She asks him- "You'll be dead soon, anyway. You're not worth wasting my time on you."
Having said it all, she smirks and nonchalantly walks away.
"Wait!"- Jon yells- "If you really hate us both, then why don't you finish us off yourself?"
Nox looks back and raises her eyebrow.
"And why should I be bothered to do that?"
Jon smiles.
"Because we're your family."- He says- "And I am certain that those goons are not."
The darklings aim their bows at him, but Nox tells them to withdraw.
"Take your stuff and leave the perimeter."- She says- "I'll take care of those intruders."
The darklings sigh and leave them alone, focusing on their allies below instead.
Nox sighs and draws her hatchet.
"I guess that you've got a point, kid. Kind of."- She says- "Your life is forfeit either way, but consider this an act of mercy- the only one I could ever give."
Just a Nox steps forward, Uma wakes up from her slumber.
"Feeling better, Sleeping Beauty?"- Nox says and smiles- "Don't worry. You'll be worse soon."
Uma looks up at Nox. And then, at her son.
"Jonny? What's happening?"- She asks- "Why is your aunt acting like this?"
Jon shakes his head.
"Mom. Be patient."- He says- "We will make it out of here. I promise."
Nox smiles.
"You're fueling her with empty promises, just like she once did for me."- She says- "But that won't matter once you're both gone."
She points her hatchet at them.
"Any last words?"- She asks them- "Any regrets? Desires that you couldn't fulfill."
Jon sighs. He tries to pretend that he feels guilty about something to throw his aunt off... and he seems to be succeeding.
"I just wish that I could spent more time with my wife and child."- He says- "Gloria is such a caring person. She doesn't deserve to be struck with this kind of tragedy."
Uma nods.
"The poor thing has suffered for far too long."- She says- "Are we really going to make her cry again?"
Nox laughs.
"I don't care!"
Just as she is about to strike them down, a person jumps from the air and wrestles her to the ground. They engage in a brutal battle where the person manages to punch her a few times and stab her in the stomach before she has the chance to recover her weapon from the dirt to the right of her.
"What is this? Another challenger?"- She says- "Show yourself, coward."
The man smirks.
"Says the one who's worse than everyone else."
As he lifts his hood, Nox gasps. She never imagined to be in the same place as him. And yet, her worst fears just came true.
"John Braveheart! Uma's husband!"- She exclaims- "What in the world are you doing here?"
John glares at her.
"Protecting my family."- He responds- "Something which you've always refused to do."
Nox smirks.
"And you think that you're better than me?"
John shakes his head.
"Nobody's better than anyone. Thinking that you are better than someone will only make you the bad person, not the other way around."- He says- "But tell me. Do you think that you're better than us?"
Nox coughs blood.
"Didn't you... have enougu already?"- She asks- "What do you... want from me."
John sighs.
"Just to teach you a lesson."- He says- "Don't worry. It will be over soon."
He grabs her by the arms and forces her to stand up, effectively restraining her and preventing her from fighting back.
"Hey!"- Nox yells- "Stop that!"
John shakes his head.
"I'm sorry Nox, but this is your own fault."- He says- "We don't want to do this either, but you force us to stop you."
He looks back at Jon.
"Are you ready, my boy?"
Jon nods.
"I've been waiting for this."
He approaches his aunt and points his staff at her face.
"Do you know what's your problem?"- He asks her- "You don't want to give up. You always think that your prophecy's the strongest thing in this world. All of your faith goes into a lost cause that nobody cares about. And in the end, you are the one who's going to suffer."
Nox smiles.
"Oh, how fitting."- She says- "I guess that I could always learn from a master like you."
Jon shakes his head.
"You truly are incorrigible."- He says- "The world has always been kind to you. And yet, you never dared to return its kindness back to the sender."
He sighs.
"Sometimes, I wonder if you ever cared about us at all."
Nox shakes her head.
"You were all the same to me."- She says- "And you still are."
Uma glares at her.
"Do you remember how you almost dropped Jonny from his crib while he was still a baby? How you pretended that it was all just a big mistake?"- She asks- "Now, I realize it. You wanted to get him killed! You wanted him gone, so you could be the only descendant for the throne! You were going to get rid of me next, weren't you?!"
Nox smiles.
"I did. I won't lie to you."- She says- "And I'll gladly do it again. But this time, the child in question won't be Jonny. And it won't be as lucky as him."
Jon is infuriated by Nox's treachery. He strikes her in the head with his staff.
"Shut up!"
Nox smiles.
"You're... violent."- She says- "I like it."
Jon shakes his head.
"You started the fire."- He retorts- "And I shall be the one to put it out."
Just as Nox is about to respond, he strikes her again, disorienting her for a few moments.
"Good."- She mutters- "Keep it... coming."
Jon shakes his head.
"Perhaps you'll understand how wrong you were up in the sky."- He says- "Farewell, aunt. Your time in our beautiful world has expired."
He strikes her again, drawing blood and making her pass out. 
Just as Uma stands close to her son, he prepares to hit his aunt again. However, just as his blow is about to connect, John stops him.
"That's enough, Jon."- He says- "She's not here anymore."
Jon and Uma look at Nox. Sure enough, she fell limp as soon as the young shaman struck her a third time.
The dark arena falls silent as its last guardian is finally defeated. No longer will its walls be tainted with the blood of the innocent and its ground covered in their footsteps as they try to run away from the inevitable. 
At last, the deed is done. Nox is gone forever. And it is all thanks to the people she neglected for so long.
Jon realizes what he has done. His staff slips out of his hand and falls to the ground.
"Jonny?"- Uma says- "Is something wrong?"
Jon shakes his head.
"Aunt Nox was a very confused woman. She wanted to be the hero of something, yet always went against the wishes of our family. She was responsible for many horrible deeds and we... we tried to correct her. She was evil, but not quite to the core."- He says- "There was still a chance for her to redeem herself. So, why did she choose death over life?"
John and Uma hug their son as he watches his dead aunt.
"Jon, my boy. I know that it must be quite a shock for you to lose a family member. And by your own hand, no less. But it's best if you move on. Don't let guilt consume you again."- John says to his son, trying to console him- "Do you remember what I told you a while ago? That you shouldn't let go of the kindness within your soul? Well, it's always good to have it. But not everybody will respond to your kindness in the same way. Some will try to redeem themselves when you start to trust them. Others will spit in your face as they walk away. And the last ones, well, let's just say that they're little more than heartless fools who will often try to change who you are. And what's the moral of this, you might ask? Well, you should know that the light's the greatest power in this world. Kindness is light. And so is altruism. Without light, there is no hope. So, I am sure that you could draw a conclusion of this dilemma easier than you stood against your dear aunt."
Jon sighs.
"It's never easy to do the right thing. I've always been the nice guy, helping everything and everyone and contributing to a better world."- He says- "But what will happen when the villain you have to correct is a member of your own family?"
He shakes his head.
"I just wish things were different. That is all."
John and Uma nod.
"Me and your daddy think the same way, sweetie."- Uma says- "Don't worry. There's nothing to be scared of while we're here."
Jon nods.
"But you won't be around for long. I have to stand on my own feet, sooner or later."- He says- "I must accept my destiny. It is still out there."
John smiles.
"That's why we have a little surprise for you!"
Jon raises his eyebrow.
"A surprise?"- He asks- "Now? In the middle of battle?"
John smiles.
"But it's a secret!"- He says- "Once get home, I'm sure that you'll be quite happy."
Uma hugs Jon.
"I'm just glad my little boy's fine now."- She says- "We'll arrange everything once the world is saved."
Jon smiles.
"And I'm sure that Adam will be the perfect savior of this world."
The three of them stare at the dark sky above. They see many stars, but one of them immediately catches their eye.
"Hmm."- John says- "Does it remind you of someone? A person that we love a lot?"
Jon stares more intently. Then, he smiles.
"Adam. Dearest cousin of mine."- He says to himself- "Even as a small star, you still shine brighter than everyone else."
He nods.
"I see a bright future ahead of him."
John and Uma smile.
"And we'll help him make it happen."- John says.
Jon looks at his father.
"We will, right?"
Uma nods.
"It's what a true family does, dear. We help each other, even when we're faced with despair and uncertainties."- She says to him- "And I think that Adam needs us the most right now."
Jon smiles.
"Then let's pray for him and hope that he could emerge victorious."
----While Jon and his family recover from the challenge they had to go through, Akira and the others have yet to take care of theirs. Spread out all around the shadow of the keep, they ready their weapons and prepare themselves for the inevitable, both physically and mentally.
While Emela works on cleaning her staff from all of the blood that was spilled on it during the group's previous endeavors, Akira finds an abandoned smithy. She opens the door and realizes that it is completely abandoned. Apparently the settlement's craftsman was wise enough to flee when rumors of an approaching band of heroes spread around.
After searching for a few minutes, her efforts are finally rewarded when she discovers a discarded sword. Upon closer inspection, she realizes that it must have belonged to an immensely powerful warrior, expertly crafted to match his skill in battle. Its blade is pure white, but the handle is pitch black- a clear sign of the elements that swirl within Akira's own soul.
Unfortunately, just as Akira picks it up, half of the blade falls off and clangs to the floor.
"Ugh."- She mutters- "I knew it was too good to be true."
She leaves the rest of the sword on the nearby anvil and bends down to pick up the rest of it.
"Alright."- She says- "It's time to reassemble Humpty Dumpty once again."
But she soon experiences a streak of bad luck. As soon as she picks up the hammer, she stubs her toe in the anvil and accidentally drops it on her remaining arm. Fortunately, the damage seems to be very light, so she manages to emerge nearly unscathed.
"I guess that it's best if I take my enthusiasm down a notch."- She says to herself- "Adam's not here to help me anymore and I must take care of everything all by myself. I can take this challenge on, but only if I do it slowly."
As she bends down to pick up her hammer, the door behind her opens. When she looks around, she sees that Emela is watching her.
"So, dear."- She says- "You got yourself a new toy?"
Akira sighs.
"Very funny, Emela."
Emela smiles.
"Oh, come on! Cheer up!"- She exclaims- "We're almost done! Can't you feel the warmth? The sunlight? It will all be glorious soon!"
Akira shakes her head.
"The only warmth that I could feel is the heat in my own heart."- She responds- "Now, come here and give me a hand."
Emela smiles.
"Did you mean two hands?"
Akira glares at her.
"I swear to God... "
Emela chuckles.
"Just kidding, dear."- She says and relieves her of the hammer in her hands- "That's what I'm here for, after all."
Akira rolls her eyes.
"Alright then."
The two girls sit down and work on the sword while the others prepare their defense outside. While they're still trying to make heads or tails of their surroundings, Akira and Emela completely repair the broken sword.
"Ah. So that was the problem."- Akira says- "There's a high amount of malevolent energy within the sword's surface. The blade is supposed to be flawless, free of all impurities. But the presence of dark powers contradicts with this and the blade breaks whenever too much power is used. Thus, it's quite a risky weapon to use."
Emela is surprised by Akira's statement.
"How do you know so much about this?"
Akira smiles.
"When I was younger, I watched my father repair his own weapon after almost every battle. He's a hero, but he knows that he could risk his own life if his weapon is not constantly in good condition."- She says- "That's why I always prefer safety over power. It's the way I deal with things like those."
Emela nods.
"So, you're just like him,"
Akira grins.
"And I'm proud of it."
As Akira and Emela emerge from the smithy, Jared and Linus approach them.
"Akira, honey! Thank goodness you're here!"- Jared exclaims and hugs his daughter- "Where's Adam? Where's your brother?"
Akira raises her eyebrow.
"Are you acting the same way again, dad?"
Jared looks down.
"I'm sorry, dear."- He says- "I just... received some bad news while I was directing the battleship to this location and I... I can't sense his energy anymore."
As he slowly comes back to his senses, he notices Akira's missing arm and nearly faints.
"Akira?!"- He says- "What... happened to you?"
Akira looks down at her missing arm and sighs.
"I got into a very bad situation. I had to ensure the safety of another person, at the cost of my own."- She says- "While fighting a pair of undead, I was... bitten. I almost succumbed to the infection. If it weren't for my brother, though, I would never have reached World's End alive."
Emela shakes her head.
"It's my fault!"- She exclaims- "I was the one she was trying to save!"
Jared shakes his head.
"God help us all."
He sighs.
"Well, I guess that it happened either way. Regret it or not, nothing is going to bring it back."
He smiles sadly and hugs Akira.
"I'm just glad you're still with us, dear."
Akira smiles and hugs her father back.
"So am I, daddy."
Linus hears something in the distance. He turns around and ducks just in time as a small group of flying darklings breaches the defenses and flies toward them with their black wings.
"Gliders!"- He yells- "Gliders on board!"
Jared draws his bow and shoots a few charged arrows at his targets. While some of them are unable to hit anything but the ground below, most of them strike down the annoying creatures, showing how much of a marksman the mighty hero still is.
As Jared shakes his head and quickly scans the horizon for possible enemies that might get in the way, he turns back to Akira and Emela.
"That was just a small scouting party."- He says- "The real army is still on its way. I can feel it."
Akira nods.
"But what could we do to stop them?"- She asks- "They're hundreds and we're just... just a few!"
Jared sighs.
"I'm too far away to give the command to attack. My soldiers strayed too far from the rendezvous point and I can't call them back."- He says- "The best thing we could do right now is to steel ourselves and prepare for the worst."
Remembering that there's something back in the place she and Akira visited that could help them out, Emela enters the smithy. Then, she emerges from it, her hands filled with what would seem like the workpieces of an engineer.
"While me and Akira were hard at work, I managed to unconver this secret stash of fire traps."- She says- "Apparently, they were hoping to use them on us while we tried to get in their settlement. However, our quick arrival seems to have thwarted their plan. So, maybe we could use those weapons against them instead?"
Jared smiles and nods.
"You know what? I think that we might make this work, as crazy as it may seem."- He says- "Giving them a taste of their own medicine could be quite a nice trick to turn the tables with. Perhaps we could even win the battle, if we do not make any mistakes."
He looks back at Akira.
"What do you say, dear?"- He asks her- "Shall we baptize them all in the holy fire?"
Akira nods.
"In the name of my brother, I shall baptize their tainted souls!"- She exclaims- "At all costs!"
Jared nods.
"Then it is settled."
While the four of them prepare to set their defenses against the darkling invasion, a man on a horse approaches the gates. Linus aims his crossbow at him, but Jared pulls him away before he could shoot.
"Hold on."- He says- "This one seems familiar."
When he gets closer, he realizes who he is.
"It's Derion!"
Derion approaches the gates and asks to be let in. The gatekeepers open the gates and allow him to enter.
As he steps further into the abandoned settlement, he approaches Jared and sits on the ground.
"Mr. Kaos, it's much worse than we had expected."
Jared raises his eyebrow.
"What?"- He says- "Tell me everything, my boy."
Derion shakes his head.
"We thought that there were a little more than a hundred of them. However, from the looks of it, it seems like there's much more than that."- He says- "If we allow them to perform a frontal assault on us, we may not be able to handle all of the casualties. The injuries that we'll sustain shall be unthinkable."
Jared sighs.
"As much as I hate to say it, we have no other choice than to let it happen."- He says- "Our chances in this matter are limited and I don't have enough energy to teleport us all away."
Linus raises his eyebrow.
"What about our battleship?"
Jared shakes his head.
"There is no fuel left for us to go anywhere farther than the wastes to the west."
Linus nods.
"Then this means there's only a chance to fight left?"
Jared nods.
"Indeed."
Linus stands next to Jared.
"In that case, I'll be here with you, Mr. Kaos. I won't run anywhere."- He says- "Together, we shall fight until our enemies fall. Or we fall. Whichever comes first."
Jared smiles.
"That's the spirit, my boy."
While Jared and the others prepare for their last stand, Akira approaches Linus as he works on the walls.
"Linus, honey. I know that we've been through a lot, but I'm grateful that you never gave up on me."- She says- "It's so nice to have you around."
Linus smiles.
"Anything for the one and only true love of my life."
Akira smiles back and hugs him.
"You're always such a good guy."
She looks up at him.
"But do you... still love me so passionately?"- She asks him- "Even though I am... like this now?"
Linus smiles and leans forward. As she wonders what he is doing, he kisses her on the lips.
"Is that a satisfactory answer?"
Akira smiles.
"It is."
And then, before Linus could say anything else, she leans forward and kisses him.
The two of them continue to kiss as Jared approaches them.
"So, little lovebirds."- He says- "Are you done making out in the middle of battle?"
Akira and Linus kiss for a little longer, but soon realize that Jared is not pretending. They sigh and look at him.
"We're sorry about that, Mr. Kaos."- Linus says- "We couldn't help but enjoy a little bit of time alone before the inevitable."
Jared smiles.
"Well, there is still some time left."- He says- "Enjoy this precious moment while you still can."
He sighs and leaves the two of them to continue kissing near the walls.
A few moments later, he joins Emela and they watch as Akira and Linus continue to love each other.
"Interesting, isn't it?"- Emela asks- "We're about to be attacked by a horde of darklings and they're just... making out."
Jared sighs and shrugs.
"They are children. What could we do?"- He says and smiles- "Besides, my little girl has always been starved out for love. Finding the right man has never bene easy for her and after she had her first child, she changed a lot."
He looks at Akira.
"I am just happy that she found love, at long last."
Emela nods.
"What about Adam?"- She asks- "He and Aalia have been very close lately."
Jared smiles.
"You know, their love reminds me of the time when I first met my wife. She was a beautiful girl who was deemed an outcast by her people and had to live the miserable life of a traveller for more than two years. She was separated from those whom she loved and ended up in an entirely new world."- He says- "I met her during one of the worst times of my own life. Her gorgeous face was always a motivation for me to keep on fighting. And then, I could not help but fall in love with her. When I shared my true feelings with her, she told me that she felt the same way. When she became pregnant with our boy, I felt something beating inside my heart. Something which made me feel like she was... special. And then, I knew that we were meant for each other. And we still are, even after so long."
He looks up.
"When Adam was born, I began to feel like I could do anything. That I could help my boy become just like me. He has always meant the world to me and I formed a bond so strong that it kept burning, even after he was baptized in holy water and turned into a hero."- He says- "Legacy, Emela. It is what I have been always aiming to keep intact. No matter if it is your son or your grandson, you always have to do your best to keep them happy. To help them reach their true path and make their dreams come true. The love that you have for them is unquestionable and you would be glad to sacrifice all that you have, just to see them smile again."
Emela nods.
"Just like me and Adam?"
Jared smiles and shakes his head.
"Sometimes, I think that you are more of a parental figure than me."- He says- "You are always so caring. So careful. You never ask for too much and never dare to act strict around Adam."
Emela shakes her head.
"Don't say that, Mr Kaos!"- She exclaims- "You're Adam's parent! He needs you!"
Jared sighs.
"I know, dear. I know."- He says- "But he will soon be able to stand on his own feet. Walk in his own shoes. I may be his parent, but I cannot hold his hand forever.'
Emela nods.
"And that's why we shall teach him to survive before it's too late."
Jared nods.
"As a parent who has been with his child for nearly all of his life, I give you my word that I shall not fail."
Emela smiles.
"We're all counting on you, sir."
As the two of them look back at Akira and Linus, Emela leans closer to Jared.
"You should know that you're the best parent I've ever seen in my years as a hero."- She whispers to him- "Few would be able to always act in their child's favor and put their safety over their own. At least among the parents I've met, that is."
Jared smiles.
"I am doing my best."
A minute later, Derion approaches them and shakes his head.
"Mr. Kaos, I carry some bad news for you."
Jared nods.
"What is it, Derion?"
Derion sighs.
"While we were repairing the damage on the walls, a scouting party managed to breach the eastern wall. They perforated a hole in it with their magic and nearly managed to let them all in."- He says- "Though we acted fast to execute them, there's still a few things that need to be done before we're safe from all sides again."
Jared sighs.
"I guess that was expected to happen."
Derion smiles.
"Fortunately, we managed to find a group of survivors just before we started working on the broken wall. They were bearing the banner of Avernum and told us that their king was in here."- He says- "They wanted to see you, so I figured that it would be best not to waste this precious opportunity and I let them all inside."
Jared nods.
"Much appreciated, my friend."- He says- "It is good to know that my warriors did not betray us in our time of need."
He sees the warriors in the distance and salutes them, as a sign of respect. They salute him back.
"Are you sure that they're not just, you know, a bunch of imposters?"- Emela asks him as he gets closer.
Jared sighs.
"We must take our chances, Emela."
Emela nods.
"Right."- She says- "Then I'll stand behind you, just in case."
As they approach the avernite warriors, Linus looks up. He sees that a person is sneaking up on Jared... but he does not know it yet.
"Mr. Kaos!"- He yells and grabs his weapon- "Behind you!"
Just as Jared ducks, Linus leaps forward and strikes the traitor down with his blade. The man tries to find back, but the young hero proves to be much stronger than him. He fells him down like a large tree and makes sure that he doesn't come back as well, terrifying any potential traitors who might be trying to murder Jared as well.
"There we go."- He says and sighs whistfully- "Another disaster has been averted."
Jared smiles.
"I thank you for your aid, little Linus."- He says- "But we must continue as soon as possible."
Linus nods.
"I shall lead the effort of rebuilding the place, Mr. Kaos."- He says- "You can count on me."
Jared smiles.
"I know that I could."
Derion climbs on a nearby wall. He gets on top and scouts the perimeter around World's End. Unfortunately, it does not take him long to find something that seems to be amiss and even less to find out that it's getting closer. A full frontal assault is about to happen and it is up to him to warn everyone before the darklings could get to the gates.
He leans down and tells Jared and Linus. They run back and tell the rest of their allies. Soon, the entire camp of survivors is warned of the incoming threat and they arm themselves with whatever weaponry they still have left.
And then, he spots another group of darklings, much closer than usual.
"Hey!"- He yells- "What do you think you're doing?"
Their leader steps forward and smiles.
"What does it seem like?"
Derion points his blade at them.
"You're scouts for the darkling army, aren't you?"
The leader grins.
"We are."- He says- "And while we're speaking, our people are getting much closer. They're going to put an end to you and make you pay for ruining our sacred prophecy."
Derion shakes his head.
"Fat chance, fiends."- He says- "You're way out of your league, even on your own territory."
The leader smirks.
"But first, we'll cut through your defenses."- He adds- "Our victory shall be much sweeter the-- "
Just as one of his warriors mines a section of the wall, they trigger a trap. The ground beneath them opens and they are consumed by a pool of lava, leaving nothing behind. Even their ashes soon sink deeper, never to return.
Jared climbs up on the wall and smiles.
"Well. It seems like my trap against nosy spies managed to work, after all."- He says- "Hooray for us."
Derion nods.
"Very smart, sir."
Jared nods.
"Thank you, my boy."
The two of them stare ahead as hundreds of darklings approach their gates. Like a horde of vicious wasps, they cut their way through the unforgiving wastelands around them and dash forward like a stampede of mad cows, running against the wind with a clear intention in mind.
Jared smiles.
"And now, watch as the master of battle leads the final defense against the forces of evil."
He pulls out a small button and presses it.
Soon, the area a few miles from them turns into a danger zone that resembles the underworld itself. Many of the darklings are incinerated and, although there are a few who are smart enough to pull themselves back before jumping forward, Jared and his allies are still able to gun them down before they even get close to the gates.
"Well done, everyone."- Jared says and nods- "Just keep it up! Everything will get better, sooner or later!"
Linus taps Jared's shoulder.
"Umm, Mr. Kaos?"- He says- "There's... something else!"
Jared stares ahead. He barely believes what is seeing and thinks that his eyes are playing tricks on him.
But what is coming their way is quite real. And quite dangerous.
"Oh."- He mutters- "Oh no."
Akira swings her new sword a few times.
"I think that I've got a hang of this thing."
She climbs the wall and stands next to her father.
"So."- She says- "Can I?"
Jared sighs.
"Sure thing."- He says regretfully- "Just try to be careful. Please."
Akira grins.
"You won't regret it, daddy."
Just as the cavalry of darklings reaches their rendezvous point, Akira jumps to the ground and slams her sword, creating an earth-shattering wave that throws most of them back.
The creatures stand up. They ready their lances, scream and charge. But Akira is experienced in handling large masses of enemies, so she uses her sword to launch bursts of light and darkness toward the unsuspecting beasts, tearing them into many black pieces in the process.
Emela notices a dent forming in her sword.
"Akira, watch out."- She warns her- "Your sword. It's overheating."
Akira stares back.
"There's no time to worry about that!"- She exclaims- "I must keep on fighting!"
As Akira expertly waves her sword around while cutting through the remaining darklings, Linus leans back and smiles.
"She's majestic, isn't she?"
Emela rolls her eyes.
"Like a phoenix."- She says- "This girl never gives up."
Linus nods.
"That's what I really love about her."
Emela smiles.
"Good to know."- She says- "You made a good choice."
In the meantime, Akira keeps on swinging, despite only having a single hand and getting increasingly exhausted with each consecutive strike.
"Alright. I've had enough of this nonsense."- She says- "Let's turn up the heat, shall we?"
She jumps in the air and slams her sword into the ground with incredible strength.
"Get down, everybody!"
Just as everyone else falls back, a ring of fire incinerates everything around it. Surprisingly, it leaves Akira unharmed, but destroys everything else.
When Akira opens her eyes, she sees something that is even worse than a desolate wasteland. A war-torn battlefield that seems like it has been besieged for years. The charred bones of the fallen litter the ground as the screams of the tortured souls fade away into the right.
Meanwhile, the area around the young heroine crackles with power. As one last group of darklings charges toward her, it breaks open, making them fall into the lava below just like her father wanted.
Jared smiles.
"Well done, honey!"- He exclaims- "But how are you going to get back?"
Akira smiles.
"Easy!"
She plants her sword in the ground and channels a small amount of energy. A surge of power sends her flying in the air and she soon jumps back on the wall above.
"Voila."- She says- "Just like a feather, I fly in the wind."
Jared stares down at the wasteland below and shakes his head.
"Everything that happened seems too familiar."- He says- "Way too familiar."
Akira shakes her head.
"It's all the same, wherever we go."
She looks up at the sky.
"But I know that Adam will make everything better!"- She exclaims- "I'm certain that he will!"
Jared smiles and hugs his daughter.
"Of course he will, Akira."- He says- "Adam will save the world. And we shall fight alongside him, hand in hand."
Akira sighs.
"And I don't want it in any other way."
----Adam and Darius step through the bodies of Darkthrop's final guardians and enter the final room, fearless and determined.
"So."- Adam says- "Are you afraid yet?"
Darius shakes his head.
"Fear is just another phase for me."- He says- "When I'm fighting for the Order, there's nothing that will scare me. Not even an evil wizard who has been here for centuries."
Adam smiles.
"Then this means that you are perfect in my book."- He says- "Few civilians would be brave enough to join a hero on such a perilous journey."
Darius raises his eyebrow.
"But I am no civilian."
Adam nods.
"Indeed."
As the two of them enter, a huge gate appears behind them. Before they even have any time to react to its appearance, it immediately slams shut... trapping them in the realm of evil... and its master.
"Umm, Adam. We've got no way out."- Darius says- "Should we try to melt this gate?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Fleeing in a time like this would be cowardice. We have gone too far to be afraid of being a place where everything is acting against us."- He says- "Besides, Darkthrop has designed his entire keep to be unbreakable. We will only be able to emerge if he wills it... or he falls and his magic fades away."
Darius sighs.
"Then there's only one more way to go."- He says- "Forward."
As Adam and Darius step further, they start to hear laughter all around them. It is almost as if all of Darkthrop's previous allies are here, mocking them and laughing at their misery.
"I knew that it would be you, heroes."- They hear a familiar voice ahead of them- "Keep moving. Don't resist the call of your master."
Darius shakes his head, as if trying to clear his mind.
"He's playing tricks on us again."- He says- "I don't think I can hold back any longer."
Adam looks down.
"Be brave, Darius. This is not the end for neither of us."- He says- "We still have some energy left, so do me a favor and stay by my side."
Darius smiles.
"Just like I've been doing until now?"
Adam shakes his head.
"This is not the right time to joke about it."- He says- "Everything is getting serious. And we must be the same."
Darius rolls his eyes.
"You're no fun, kid."
Adam sighs.
"I know."
As the two of them proceed, they see several moments of their past lives. They see how they grew up in isolation, had to fend for themselves, tried to befriend those who were at their age. And then, they see the moment when they meet the ones who are dearest to them for the first time- Akira for Adam and Erika for Darius. The final moments show how they become determined to protect what they have left, thus proceeding to the present time.
"Woah."- Darius says- "My whole life just flashed before my eyes."
Adam smiles.
"Those are the little moments that make everything worth it, right?"
Darius nods.
"You know, it's almost as if they were all... real."- He admits- "As if we were brought back to remember why we're here in the first place."
Adam nods.
"It is good to remember your roots."- He says- "Family is a precious thing to have."
Suddenly, their hear laughter from up ahead.
"Don't worry!"- The voice says- "You'll meet your whole family again... in the afterlife!"
Adam shakes his head and draws his weapon.
"Alright. That is enough."- He says- "You messed with our minds. You tried to make us regret being what we once were. And now, you try to threaten us, even though it will never work!"'
He points his sword forward.
"Show yourself, murderer!"
The voice laughs. A dark smog appears and envelops them with its black tendrils, making them choke and wheeze as they are forced to stumble forward.
"If you really want answers, you have to find me first."- It says- "If you can."
Adam and Darius enter the thicker part of the smog, determined to find the master of World's End before it is too late. They keep moving and moving for what feels like hours, maybe even days. There is no end in sight and the light behind their backs is getting dimmer with each step they take.
"It is as the prophets predicted."- Darius says- "If you want to defeat the darkness, you must learn to understand it first. Adaptation is the first step toward victory."
As Adam stumbles forward, he falls on his knees and coughs blood. Darius notices this and immediately rushes to his aid.
"Easy, my friend. You're taking everything too seriously."- He says- "I know that this is not the right time, but I think that you should rest. You powers have to be at their maximum if we are to beat Darkthrop."
Adam shakes his head.
"I am beyond waiting. Too many people lost their lives, just because I became distracted from my true goal."- He says- "I will rest only when everything is over."
Darius shakes his head.
"You're being unwise again."
Adam sighs.
"And so is Darkthrop."- He says- "Do not judge a book by its cover. I may be down, but I have a long way to go before I fall apart."
Darius rolls his eyes.
"Sure thing, friend."- He says- "Just try not to overexert yourself. You're in bad shape."
Adam nods.
"I will do my best."
With the help of Darius, Adam keeps moving. And yet, everything becomes much harder for him. It is almost as if the entire world is slowing down before his eyes."
"Something in this field of darkness makes my magic sensors go haywire. And yet, I cannot use my own magic to detect its source, nor get us out of here easily."- He says to himself- "I guess that the best way to deal with this is to use my natural instincts. I know that Darius is trying his best and I shall do the same."
Darius looks at him, as if already knowing that he is worried about something.
"I wonder what's on this poor boy's mind."- He says to himself- "We've been through so much already. But he's still acting calm and collected, unlike me. However, I can see it in his eyes. He seems kind of... sad. But why?"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Is something wrong, Darius?"
Darius shakes his head.
"Oh, no. Nothing's wrong."- He says- "I was just... thinking about my mama."
Adam smiles.
"She is a very good woman."- He says- "Raising a child like you takes a lot of hard work and dedication. And she was completely qualified for this task."
Darius nods.
"I owe everything that I have to her. She taught me how to use my first spells, defeat my first enemies. She even helped me uncover my true potential. Her words have always been motivational to me."- He says- "Still, after everything that happened back at Erika's Tower, I just... don't know whose side she's on anymore."
Adam shakes his head.
"Do not worry about it."- He says- "Once we get out of this mess alive, I am sure that you will make amends."
Darius sighs.
"I really hope so."- He responds- "Mama means so much to me. I don't want to lose her trust, just because of some stupid incident."
Adam nods.
"You will not."- He says- "I promise."
After walking for a few more minutes, the smog finally disappears. Gouts of black flame light to the left and right of them as they step toward the master of World's End, leader of his evil empire and conqueror of the world.
Mordred Darkthrop.
Once he gets a good look at them, he stands up from his pitch black throne and smiles.
"So we finally meet. Face to face, we shall end what was already started."- He says- "Welcome, Adam Kaos. It has been far too long."
Adam nods.
"I see that you are no fool."- He says- "Few villains have acted so... humble when I met them for the first time."
Mordred smiles.
"Ah, but I am not always this way."- He says- "Consider this a small... courtesy from yours truly. I don't make them so easily."
Darius raises his eyebrow.
"Umm. I can't help but notice that you're always staring at him. Great heroes, prophecies, hands of destiny and all. It's always so... monotonous."- He says- "Do you ever look elsewhere? Like at the ones who helped Adam get all the way here? The other true heroes?"
Mordred sighs. He approaches Darius and places his hand on his shoulder.
"Listen, kid. I know that you and your friends always want to be in the spotlight, but you're just wasting your time."- He says- "The people who were foolish enough to join Adam on his journey are just a bunch of worthless peons. Like the weakest pieces in chess, they are able to do little and never dare to do the impossible. And they always fall easily, no matter how strong they may pretend to be."
He smiles.
"It's the king that does all the hard work."
As Mordred withdraws from the scene and stands near his throne, Darius looks down and ponders his words, as if trying to find some sort of answer hidden within them.
"I'll let you figure that out."- He says and turns to Adam- "Until then, it's time."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Time for what?"
Mordred smiles.
"Time for the prophecy to come alive, of course!"
He raises his hand in the air. Pitch black tendrils emerge from it as they spread out in all directions, as if trying to snuff out the light around him. Surprisingly, they ignore Adam and instead focus on passing through the walls, as if seeking something that is beyond them.
"Children of Darkthrop, lend me your strength!"- Mordred yells- "Together, we shall rule the world!"
Adam tries to stop him, but an invisible barrier burns him and throws him back. He tries again, but the result is the same. With the help of Darius, he tries to dispel it, but their efforts are futile. It seems as if whatever is happening right now, it cannot be stopped by normal means.
Darius sighs and shakes his head.
"I guess that this is it."- He says- "It was good knowing you, my friend."
Adam shakes his head.
"Nothing is over until the last breath is spent."- He says- "We just have to wait this out until something happens."
Darius raises his eyebrow.
"And then?"
Adam sighs.
"Then, we shall see."
Outside, the tendrils reach Jon and Uma as they are about to leave the arena. The two of them are enveloped by the dark tendrils and their energy is drained as John watches in terror.
"Mom?"- Jon mutters- "What... is this?"
Uma shakes her head and tries to break free.
"Darkthrop's... trying to take our powers."- She says- "Don't let him... succeed."
The two of them struggle to break free, but even their best efforts are met with inhuman resistance from the tendrils, who soon wrap themselves around their necks as well.
"I... cannot breathe."- Jon says- "Adam. Help us."
Before the two of them lose their lives, the tendrils let go of them. It seems as if their job is done.
"Are you okay?"- John asks as he rushes to their aid- "That was... unexpected."
Uma stands on her feet and shakes her head.
"It's all happening again."
John raises his eyebrow,
"What is it, dear?"
Uma sighs.
"The prophecy."- She says- "If Adam doesn't stop it soon, it might be too late for all of us."
John nods.
"Then we shall direct all of our hopes and prayers toward him."- He says- "We can't let him fight alone."
Jon stares ahead.
"You have a point, dad."- He says- "We may have just lost our powers, but we will never lose our faith in the heroes of this world."
He claps his hands and stands in a praying pose.
"So let's pray, for the light only comes when one is determined to believe in it."
Elsewhere, Akira is grabbed by one of the tendrils. Her leg is wrapped by them and she is left helpless against whatever is trying to drain her of everything she has left.
"Akira!"- Emela yells- "What's happening?"
Akira looks down.
"I'm not sure."- She says- "But I'm feeling... dizzy. I don't think I could last for any longer."
Jared gasps.
"No. It cannot be."- He says- "This is not real."
And then, he comes back to his senses. He draws his sword and runs forward.
"I will save you, dear!"
He cuts his way through the thick tendrils. Green blood is splattered all over his outfit as he slowly makes it through the tools of darkness.
"Just a little longer."- He says- "Come on."
And then, some of the tendrils explode, sending him flying in the air. However, he acts quickly and blasts them with a ray of light just as he falls, forcing them to withdraw and let go of his daughter as he lands next to her and scares them away with his light magic.
"Are you feeling well, Akira?"- He asks her- "Are you... injured."
Akira shakes her head.
"Just a little shaken."- She says- "That is all."
Jared sighs.
"Well, I guess that it could have gone worse."- He says- "I am glad that disaster has been averted."
He stares at the lands ahead.
"But the prophecy is still burning strong."
Akira looks up.
"Do you think that he's still in there?"
Jared nods.
"He is."- He says- "And when he emerges victorious, our world shall change for good."
Back at the tower, Adam and Darius stare, horrified, as a massive surge of dark energy enters Mordred's body. Right before their very eyes, his skin quickly turns gray. His eyes turn black and their pupils turn red. Blood starts to ooze from them, like a waterfall of pain and suffering.
"Do you see this, Adam? This is the blood of your people!"- He exclaims- "This is the blood of those you neglected, those you betrayed and left to rot! This is the rage of all people who thought that they could trust you."
And then, just like that, the bleeding stops, leaving both heroes confused.
Mordred raises his staff as his hands start to glow with a strong, black glow.
"And now, you shall feel the same way as them."- He says- "You'll feel every inch of your own body acting against you. And you'll beg me for mercy as I slowly destroy the person you once were!"
Without a warning, he fires a huge blast from his staff. Adam forms a magical shield around him and Darius, but it's shattered almost immediately and the two boys are sent flying into a nearby wall.
Adam stands up and forms a wall of earth just as Mordred strikes again. However, this defense is almost met with incredible resistance and he is pierced in the chest by this blast.
As he coughs blood and attempts to keep standing, Mordred laughs.
"See? Everything that you do is completely futile!"- He exclaims- "Save yourself the pain and surrender your soul to me! And then, we shall rule this world forevermore!"
Adam shakes his head.
"I will never succumb to your temptations, fiend of old."- He says- "I know all about your tricks. You cannot catch us unprepared."
Mordred smiles.
"Oh really?"- He asks- "Perhaps you should look both ways, then."
Before Adam could respond, Mordred mutters an ancient incantation. A giant, pitch black eye appears behind him and Darius, starting to glow almost immediately.
"Join the Darkness."- It speaks in his mind- "Become one with the Darkness."
Adam falls on his knees. He concentrates on trying to repel this alien invader and drive it out of his mind, but its influence is just too strong. Everything seems to get a little hazy and ever breath that he takes feels as if it were his last.
He slowly looks back at Darius and realizes that he is currently under the same influence.
"The shadows beckon you, Adam Kaos."- Mordred says- "Accept your own guilt! Allow it to consume you!"
Adam shakes his head.
"Never."- He says- "I will never... surrender!"
Mordred laughs.
"Hah!"- He exclaims- "You're just like Alcander!"
Adam looks up."
"Al?"- He asks- "What... about him?"
Mordred smiles.
"Oh, nothing overly significant. Just a little case of heroic attitude, with a lot of spice of love and care."- He says- "Your brother was weak by the time he came here. He had to rely on his friends, And yet, he was no fool. He defeated one of my best generals. He almost put an end to my most favorite necromancer. But he did not get close enough. And he never would have."
Mordred smiles.
"Adam."- He says to him- "Your brother... was weak."
Adam shakes his head.
"No. I will not listen to you."- He says- "Al died a hero. It is what he has always wanted."
Mordred nods and points his staff at him.
"Then you shall die the same way!"
As Mordred is about to shoot, something glows inside of Adam's pocket. It is the sword, shining in a brilliant and mesmerizing light, opposing the darkness until the very end. In fact, it almost feels as if the Orb of Purity is speaking through it, encouraging him to continue.
And then, he sees the spirit that is standing beside him. The spiritual remnants of a man who was a powerful hero in life. And he is familiar, very familiar.
"That is right."- Adam says- "All of the darkness is just an illusion, meant to confuse the human eye. There has never been anything to be afraid of."
He draws his sword and shatters the invisible shackles that are holding him in place. But it is too late, as Mordred is already about to blast him down.
However, Adam's agility manages to save his life. Just before the blast reaches him, he leaps behind the giant eye behind him and it is shattered instead of him. As the strange creature falls, the ray of darkness is sent back toward its creator, enfeebling him as he screams in pain.
"How does it feel, Darkthrop?"- Adam says as he brushes the eye's black blood from his clothes- "It seems like you were the one who got a taste of your own medicine."
Mordred wipes a drop of blood from his mouth.
"That was a lucky strike."- He says- "You haven't done anything amazing just yet."
Adam smiles.
"Be careful what you wish for."
He rushes forward just as Mordred uses his tendrils again, avoiding them and leaping left and right with incredible speed. He uses walls of stone to block them off and soon creates a formation that resembles a domino.
A few seconds later, he reaches Mordred and glares at him.
"This one is for all of the people that you hurt."
He raises his hands in the air. A ray of light pierces its way through the walls of stone behind him, making them fall in a pattern that almost seems as if it were a domino. 
Darkthrop attempts to get away from the incoming chunks of rock, but is soon crushed by them.
Adam sighs and shakes his head.
"What a sad end to such a talented villain?"
He turns back to Darius.
"We did it, my friend!"- He exclaims- "Now we can go back to... "
He soon realizes that Darius is not moving. He approaches him and pokes him in the chest, but gets no response. The only reaction he gets is him trembling in fear, as if he is scared of something.
"Darius? Are you there?"- He asks him- "Is something wrong?"
Suddenly, Mordred blasts his way through the rubble and laughs.
"I am immortal!"- He exclaims- "Nothing can defeat me!"
He stares at Adam and smiles.
"Oh. I see that you finally saw what happened to him."- He says- "Quite a shameful sight, isn't it?"
Adam glares at him.
"What have you done?"
Mordred smiles.
"Nothing special."- He says- "I just unleashed some of his worst fears on his untrained mind. And now, he is experiencing them all."
Adam points his sword toward Mordred.
"Release him!"- He yells- "Now!"
Mordred shakes his head.
"I do not take commands from beings inferior to me."- He responds stoically- "If you really want your friend to live through this, then you must show me how angry you are."
Adam glares at him.
"If this is what you want, then let it flow."
Just as he is about to run forward, the spirit of Tunsten Darkthrop appears and grabs his hand.
"Wait."- He says- "This is a trap. Don't let him fool you."
Adam looks back.
"What do you mean?"
Tunsten shakes his head.
"My father always plays mind tricks on his victims. Even before he died, he still manipulated innocent victims into doing his bidding."- He says- "Your friend shall become a mindless puppet if we don't beat the curse soon."
He presses his hand against his forehead.
"Here."- He says- "I shall free him."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Are you sure that this is safe?"
Tunsten shakes his head.
"We have no time left to wonder."- He says- "The prophecy is almost completed. We must act fast."
Tunsten closes his eyes and focuses his energy on Darius's mind. Soon, it is completely cleared and his eyes return to normal. 
"I was true to my word. I freed your friend."- Tunsten says and looks at Mordred- "And now, let's deal with my father."
Mordred glares at him.
"Tunsten! What do you think you're doing?"- He asks him- "Didn't you have enough already?"
Tunsten shakes his head.
"I shall not rest until the prophecy is over."- He says- "You shall be gone soon, father. And Adam will be the one to stop you. It is his destiny, after all."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Destiny?"- He asks- "What do you know about all of this?"
Tunsten turns back to him.
"I was the first one to appear when my father awoke for the first time since I defeated him two centuries ago."- He says- "I was the one who came into your dreams, to warn you of this imminent threat and attempt to convince you to stop him."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Wait!"- He exclaims- "So... it was you all along?"
Tunsten sighs.
"I will not lie. It was a cowardly act. I should have been the one to come here and battle him."- He says- "But I saw the signs. I felt the light emanating from your soul. Ever since I saw you for the first time, I knew that you're the Chosen One."
Adam blinks a few times.
"But I am just a hero!"
Tunsten nods.
"True. You are little more than a hero."- He says- "But even the most insignificant of heroes can become the saviors of this world, whether they like it or not."
He turns back to Mordred.
"And I have one last gift for you before I go."
He lunges forward and circles around Mordred a few times.
"Ha ha!"- Mordred exclaims- "And what's that going to do? Confuse me? Disorient m-- "
Suddenly, spectral chains wrap themselves around Mordred's body and hold him in place. He tries to break free, but Tunsten's hatred is just too strong.
And then, he vanishes.
Adam wonders what happened to him. And then, he realizes it. He did not cast the magic for the chains to appear. He became the chains himself.
"Strike him down! Now!"- He yells- "Strike, if you know what's good for you!"
Adam shakes his head.
"But this means that you will perish, too!"- He exclaims- "You must not risk your own life like this!"
The chains glow red.
"This is just another part of our lives, Adam. Risk it or not, we must stand strong and fight until the end."- He says- "Remember what your brother taught you! Don't let your own uncertainty be the tool that will destroy you!"
Adam looks up,
"I... "- He mutters- "I... "
He sighs and draws his weapon.
"I am glad that you stood by my side for so long."- He says and bows- "Farewell, Mr. Darkthrop."
The chains glow green.
"And I'm glad that I finally fulfilled by duty."- Tunsten says- "You're a good child, Adam. Don't let the world corrupt you."
Adam nods and runs forward. He jumps in the air and raises his sword,
"For our future!"
As he descends and delivers the final blow, a small part of the tower explodes. Both Mordred and his son are struck by the blast, with the evil wizard being turned into ashes as his half-demonic body swiftly falls apart, incinerated by the intense light energy.
As Adam leaps back, he grabs Darius and flees just in time before the rest of the room explodes. The two of them are forced to climb the stairs and reach the top of the tower- the only place safe from the explosions below their feet.
Fortunately, they manage to make it outside just in time. They sit back and watch as the entire world around them vanishes.
"It is... gone."
Darius shakes his head.
"We'll find our way back."- He says- "I know it."
Adam sighs.
"Even if we do not, I know that we have won."- He says- "Darkthrop is no more. His evil shall no longer corrupt our people and they shall be free."
Darius smiles.
"Well, I'm content with that."
Just as they stare up at the sky, a huge wisp of pure darkness emerges from the stairway below. It floats above them, as if trying to do something bad.
"What is this?"- Adam asks- "A fragment of the fallen?"
Darius shakes his head.
"It's too evil to be one of our ancestors."- He says- "Maybe it's just a lost spirit, part of the tower when it was formed."
Adam nods. And then, he stares more intently. He attempts to put the fragments together, as if he is sensing something that Darius cannot discover with his own mind.
And then, he gasps. Whoever this spirit may have belonged to, he clearly recognizes it.
"This is bad."- He says- "Very bad."
Darius looks back at him.
"Is something wrong?"
Adam stands up and draws his weapon.
"We must destroy this creature."- He says- "Now."
Darius raises his eyebrow.
"Why?"- He asks- "It seems peaceful. Perhaps we should leave it alone."
Adam shakes his head.
"I can feel the malice within its very being. This is a tyrant who has come back from the dead, seeking vengeance."- He says- "And if we let him get what he wants, then this could be the start of another prophecy. We must act!"
Darius sighs and joins Adam as he runs after the spirit.
"If you insist."
The two of them attempt to strike down the creature, but it simply floats away and disappears into the sky.
"Hmm."- Darius says as he sits down- "I wonder where it went."
Adam shakes his head.
"Far away from us."- He says- "That is for sure."
Meanwhile, the spirit floats into another reality. It turns around and laughs.
"You shall never stop Darkthrop's prophecy!"- It exclaims- "My prophecy!"
And then, without a moment of trying to regain its senses, it floats toward an unsuspecting Akira and enters her body.
"What is this?"- She says to herself- "It almost feels as if my body's rebelling against me."
And then, she sees the tendrils of darkness grabbing her feet. She realizes that this was only a part of Darkthrop's plan to bring her back. 
"No!"- She yells- "Not again!"
Jared and Emela rush forward to help her out. However, it is too late.
A black portal appears behind Akira and she is dragged into it.
As Jared realizes what just happened, he falls on his knees and punches the ground with his fist.
"Curse you, Darkthrop!"- He yells- "Curse you and your whole legacy!"
Emela places her hand on Jared's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Kaos."- She says- "I wish we could have done more."
Jared looks up and sighs.
"I guess that everything is left to fate now."- He says- "I hope that Adam does not hesitate again."
Emela nods.
"He will not."- She says- "I am sure of it."
Meanwhile, Adam and Darius stare at the dark sky above the tower. They wonder where the spirit went and what it is doing.
"Do you think that it had a family, too?"- Adam wonders aloud.
Darius nods.
"Perhaps it did."- He says- "Maybe that's why it was acting so... weird. It wanted to protect what belongs to it. And it failed. So, it became angry at its inability to take care of something."
Adam sighs.
"I guess that it happens to the best of us."
Darius sighs.
"It's a shame, but we have to accept it."- He says- "Or learn from our mistakes, if we can."
As Adam is about to respond, a black portal appears a few feet ahead of him. Darus sees this as well and pulls him back, as if awaiting the inevitable to happen.
"Darius?"- Adam says- "What... is this portal?"
Darius shakes his head.
"It's a gateway between realms, meant to connect our worlds and keep them intact"- He says- "Like a roadway, but much easier to cross."
He looks at the portal as it starts to glow.
"This one seems to be connected to the Realm of Darkness."- He says- "We must stand back. Otherwise, we might get sucked in ourselves."
Adam nods.
"Then we shall do so."- He says- "Let us see what is going to happen."
It does not take long for Adam to get a response. A one-handed woman soon emerges from the portal, her eyes glowing black. Her weapon is drawn and she looks like she is ready to use it at any moment.
Of course, Adam recognizes her immediately. He takes a few steps back and falls on his knees.
"No. No."- He says in disbelief- "Not you, too."
It is true. Akira has lost her own soul and is now being possessed by the one they defeated not too long ago. And she does not seem happy to see him again.
"Well, well. If it isn't my worthless shell of a brother."- She says- "Well met, kid. I hope that you enjoyed your free trial of standing on Darkthrop's tower."
Adam shakes his head.
"Stop playing games with me, Darkthrop!"- He exclaims- "I know that it is you!"
Akira smiles. Her skin turns gray and her eyes gain a red tint to them.
"I told you, young one. I, Mordred Darkthrop, am immortal. And I never, ever let any weaklings drag me down with them!"- He says- "So. How shall it be- fast or painful?"
Adam shakes his head and turns to Darius.
"I do not want to fight my sister, even when she is being possessed by an evil wizard!"- He exclaims- "Isn't there some sort of way to separate the soul from the mind?"
Darius looks at Akira. He sees the malice in her eyes and realizes that it will not be easy.
"I could give it a try. However, it might take a little longer than usual."- He says- "In the meantime, try to hold her off. But do not kill her, no matter how tempted you are to get rid of Darkthrop."
Akira laughs and raises her hand in the air. Ghostly tendrils appear around her as she prepares to fight herself.
"My prophecy shall burn the brightest!" 
And then, the three of them are transported on what seems like a ruined church.
"Do you see this, Adam?"- Akira asks- "This is what happens to all of your hopes and prayers in the end! They're crushed into pieces!"
Adam shakes his head.
"The power of light can never be defeated."- He says- "We shall stand strong against you, tyrant!"
Akira laughs.
"Let us hope that your bite is as fearsome as your bark!"
Akira casts a dark spell. Suddenly, the ground beneath Adam's feet starts to shake and rumble, as if it is going to fall apart at any moment. However, the young hero jumps in the air just in time, delivering a series of vicious blows with his sword as he descends down.
Tendrils of darkness attempt to drag Adam down the same way they dragged his sister. But his faith is stronger than their evil and he easily shatters them all into pieces, their viscous, green blood splattering everywhere as he takes a few steps forward.
"You have the nerve to be a nuisance again."- Akira says- "But you haven't shown me everything just yet."
Adam nods.
"My spirit burns brighter than yours."
Akira laughs.
"We shall see about that!"
Akira draws her sword and spins around in a bloody pirouette, slicing Adam from both left and right as the young hero is left confused by her pattern.
"Yes, Adam!"- She exclaims- "You must learn to adapt! Adapt!"
Adam shakes his head.
"I will never fall victim again."- He says- "I shall prevail!"
And with that, he sends a massive surge of light energy, throwing Akira back and nearly shattering her weapon.
Concerned, Adam tries to run toward Akira. But then he remembers- this is not his sister anymore. This is his enemy, controlling what was once the most loving and caring person in his life.
"Why would you dare to do such a thing to her?!"- He yells- "What did she do to you?!"
Akira laughs.
"Akira has been my servant for a long time. Ever since she stepped into my home for the first time, she unknowingly made an oath to be my loyal subject, to lend me her own soul whenever I need it."- She says- "Don't you see it? Every single person who has devoted himself to serving me is nothing more than a puppet! A creature under my command! Your sister has been the most useful one, so I decided to use her to battle you!"
She grins.
"And now that I have the powers of all children of Darkthrop, I can finally take yours as well!"- She exclaims- "Soon, you shall become my final meal! And I shall be allowed to roam again!"
Adam shakes his head.
"It will not happen as long as any of us are here!"- He yells- "Your legacy is gone, Darkthrop! Your descendants do not want anything to do with you or be associated with your malice!"
Akira smiles.
"Or maybe they pretend to be loyal to you."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"What do you-- "
Suddenly, Akira jumps forward and grabs her brother. She throws him to the ground and forces him to lie near the edge of the church.
"You are not the first whom I've lured toward their doom."- She says- "Look down. See how many people lost their hope."
Not having any other choice, Adam looks down. He sees all of the skulls at the bottom and gasps.
"No."- He says- "It cannot be."
Akira laughs.
"It is the heroes who become the hunted!"
Adam tries to break free, but soon realizes that Akira's grip is too strong. Apparently, Mordred's power is still incredible, even when he is little more than just a spirit in the wind.
Moments later, he feels as if his hands and feet are melting. He is slowly losing his own energy and is being drained of the lifeforce that keeps him alive.
"Leave my friend alone, old one!"- Darius yells as he approaches Akira.
Akira looks back and grins.
"And what are you going to do?"- She threatens him- "Scare me with your words again?"
Darius shakes his head.
"Not at all."- He says- "Just like you said, I have learned to adapt. And now, I will show you what I have learned."
As Akira stands up, Darius casts a spell. Two spirits appear and sacrifice their own lifeforce to burn away a small part of Darkthrop's soul.
"Agh!"- Akira yells- "How dare you?!"
Darius looks back at Adam and tosses him a small athame.
"This weapon will help you separate the spirit from the body!"- He yells- "Time's running out! You must act fast! Hurry!"
Adam nods and lunges forward.
"Darkthrop!"- He yells defiantly- "It is all over for you!"
He slices Akira's chest with the athame, releasing the evil spirit within and watching as it floats into the air.
"You insolent children!"- Mordred yells- "I will never be defeated by the likes of you!"
As Adam holds his unconscious sister, Darius glares up at him.
"Maybe we should let them give you the answer!"
He waves his hands and chants a holy ritual, as if trying to summon something. And it does not take long, as he is almost immediately joined by a host of spirits.
Thousands of angry spirits coalesce all around them, glaring at Darkthrop as they descend. Their fists are clenched and their hatred is clear. Those were the victims of the evil wizard, their spirits parted from their bodies when he mercilessly slaughtered them. And now, all of them are back, about to let out their wrath upon the one who caused them so much grief.
"No!"- Mordred screams- "Stand back! Stand back!"
Darius raises his hand again.
"Spirits of the mighty fallen! This is the one who condemned you to a life of suffering!"- He says- "It is time for his soul to be banished forever! Destroy whatever is left of him and free the world from his evil forevermore!"
Suddenly, all of the spirits descend as one and attack Mordred's soul, howling and cursing the remains of the evil wizard. He screams in pain as his very being is ripped apart by their claws, torn into pieces by their hatred. He tries to break free, but it is no use. They are too powerful. And soon, it will all be over.
Finally, Mordred Darkthrop's soul vanishes from this realm, completely destroyed and never to return again. Thanks to the efforts of our heroes, the world is free from his malice, from his unquestioned desire for world domination. No one shall be corrupted by his petty promises ever again and the world shall be pure.
The spirits turn to Adam and Darius. Their work done at long last, they could finally rest from their long ordeal. Moments later, they vanish from existence, but not before bowing to the ones who saved them.
"Is it... over?"- Adam says as he looks up- "Did we win?"
Darius nods.
"They did their work. And we did ours."- He says- "Now, it's time to leave this place fore-- "
Suddenly, a loud rumble is heard from upstairs as a quickfire is unleashed upon the poor souls above.
"It seems like Darkthrop had one last trap set if he were to fall."- Darius says and grabs Adam's hand- "Come on. We have to flee before they take our lives!"
Adam nods and stands up. However, he soon sees something nearby and approaches it.
"Adam?"
Darius tries to get his attention, but it is no use. He is completely mesmerized.
And then, the young hero looks at his friend.
"You need to leave this place."- He says- "Take Aki with you and run."
Darius raises his eyebrow.
"But why?!"
Adam shakes his head.
"There is no time left. Leave me here."- He says- "I will join you once I... make amends with myself."
Darius shakes his head.
"You can make amends once we leave."- He says- "Just go! It's not worth it!"
Adam sighs and pushes him toward the nearby portal.
"I said go!"
Darius tries to run back, but is soon teleported back to the real world along with Akira.
Adam is left alone on the burning church. He stares down at the skulls below and soon notices his own body, staring at him from below.
"Al. I failed you."- He says- "I should have been... a better brother."
He looks back at the flames behind him.
"Could I still be Adam Kaos yet again?"- He asks aloud- "Do I still deserve a second chance, even after I failed all of them as well?"
He sighs.
"My fate has been determined. My journey is completed."- He says- "I am not useful to them anymore."
He looks up and smiles.
"Goodbye, everyone."- He says- "I hope that you can still live happily, even if it is without... me."
The quickfire starts to get close to his feet. He looks down and sighs.
"God bless you all, good people."
Just before he is consumed by the raging flames, someone pulls him away to safety. He looks up and sees Amelia.
"Amelia?"- He asks weakly- "What are you doing here?"
Amelia shakes her head.
"I should be asking that!"
Adam sighs.
"I guess that I... am worthless now."
Amelia raises her eyebrow.
"Worthless?!"- She yells- "You're the best hero I've ever known! You and Darius singlehandedly took care of Darkthrop and saved us all! You deserve to live a good life, not die in such a painful way!"
Adam looks down.
"But what if I live for long enough to become the villain myself?"- He asks her- "I do not want them to hate me!"
Amelia shakes her head.
"Nobody hates you. Even if you make a mistake, you're doing it for the good of your family."- She says- "Now get your feet moving and jump!"
Adam looks at her.
"You wha-- "
Suddenly, Amelia grabs Adam's hand and jumps along with him. As they fall from the burning tower, a pair of wings appears on her back and she flies upward while holding Adam's hand.
"This is... incredible!"- He says- "So you do have the power to fly!"
Amelia smiles.
"Mama has always called me her little angel."- She says- "When she said that anything is possible, I guess she wasn't wrong."
As the two of them fly away, Adam looks up at her.
"Umm."- He says- "Amelia?"
Amelia looks down.
"Yes, Adam?"
Adam smiles.
"Thank you... for saving me."
Amelia smiles back.
"Sure thing."- She says- "Don't mention it."
A few minute later, the fly on a small island, standing on top of a small hill. As Adam stands up and investigates the place, Amelia slumps to the ground. Her eyes start to close as she slowly looks up at the sunset ahead.
"Amelia!"
Adam rushes to her side and gently lifts her head. He touches her forehead and soon realizes that her temperature is very high.
"What is going on?"
Amelia shakes her head.
"I'm sorry, Adam."- She says- "As much as I would like to come back to the mainland, I can't join you."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Why not?"
As a response, Amelia lifts her armor, revealing a large bite wound on her chest.
"Oh no."- Adam mutters- "Not you, too!"
Amelia shakes her head.
"My fate's already predetermined."- She says- "I had enough time to save you from that place, but no more than that."
She looks up.
"All I want to do before I go... is watch the sunset."- She mutters- "I want to see that the hope of humanity has been finally restored. That I can pass my legacy on to you without worrying about your future."
Adam shakes his head.
"Could I do anything else for you, at the very least?"
Amelia sighs.
"Only ease my pain."- She says- "That would be my greatest desire."
Adam nods and casts some healing magic on her wound. It does not take long for Amelia to feel soothed by the magical energy that is surging its way into her body.
"Much appreciated."- She says as she stares at the sun.
She looks back at Adam and smiles.
"Come here, Adam. Join me."- She says- "Enjoy those moments of peace while you still can."
Adam's eyes fill with tears.
"Amelia... "
The two of them stare at the sunset as it slowly goes down.
"You know, this kind of reminds me of Al."- Amelia says- "Before we went to World's End, he always talked about how much he enjoyed sunsets. How he thought that they had some sort of meaning behind them. He was always hopeful, always positive. And to see the sun myself... it makes me very happy."
Adam smiles.
"Al was the best brother I could have ever wished for."- He says- "To be honest, he was more than just a brother to me. He was a light. An inspiration. And, most importantly, a friend in a time of need. He taught me how to use the sword for the first time and encouraged me to become a hero, just like him. Thank to him, I never dared to regret my choice. And I never will."
Amelia looks up at him.
"He meant a lot to you, didn't he?"
Adam nods.
"Indeed, he did."- He says- "And our bond was very strong, even after he left this world."
Amelia smiles.
"Then that makes two of us."
Adam looks up at the sky and sighs.
"You know. I just wish the two of you would have survived to see our big family."- He says- "You would have been a wonderful uncle and aunt."
Amelia smiles.
"I've always wanted to be an aunt myself."- She says- "It's a shame that I won't be there to see your children, but I have no regrets. I'm sure that they will be happy either way."
A few moments later, she coughs blood. Her vision weakens and she feels most of her energy fade away from her soul.
"My time is almost up. Soon, I shall become the vague memory of a person who sacrificed everything for her future, including herself."- She says- "From now on, the world must go on without me. Everything will become harder, but I know that you and the others will be able to make a difference. Our common home shall become a paradise and you will become the most revered hero of all time."
She smiles.
"I'll say hello to Al from you."
Adam looks down. Tears fall from his eyes.
"I am sorry that this happened to you, Amelia."- He says- "You are a good person."
Amelia nods. She looks up at him and takes his hands in hers.
"Before I go, I want you to find my daughter. Take care of her as if she were yours."- She says- "I don't want her to be alone. Not when she won't have any parents left very soon. I want her... to be happy. She deserves it."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Hold on."- He says- "You gave birth to a baby girl?"
Amelia blushes.
"It happened a bit faster than usual. I admit it."- She says- "But she's in perfect condition and has enough energy to be a hero when she grows up."
Adam nods.
"Does she resemble my brother?"
Amelia smiles.
"She resembles us both, but looks almost like him."
Adam smiles.
"It is good to know that my brother's legacy shall continue."
Amelia nods. Then, she coughs up more blood. Her eyelids start to get heavy as the last of her energy leaves her.
"You know. Before me and Alcander met, I was madly in love with a young man who had saved the world a few years ago. I wanted to propose to him, but I was too shy."- She says- "The only thing that I regret is that I never had the chance to know him better."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"And who might that person be, if you do not mind me asking?"
Amelia smiles. She weakly leans forward and kisses Adam on the cheek.
"It's you."
Adam smiles.
"You are lucky either way."- He says- "No matter if it is me or Al, you will always feel loved."
Amelia nods.
"It's true."
She looks up at the sun.
"Glorious, isn't it."- She says- "Many years have passed since it was created. And yet, it has always been eternal. It never stopped shining, no matter how many villains tried to snuff its light out."
Adam nods.
"And we are just like the sun. We may not be eternal, but our light cannot be exhausted. We are always here and we always fight for the good of this world, for the government that we call our Order."- He says- "The darkness may always rise again after being defeated, but the light is eternal. As long as the sun keeps on burning bright, there will always be heroes in this world.
Amelia smiles.
"And you... shall be the one to lead them all."- She mutters- "Farewell, Adam. I'll miss you a lot."
Adam smiles sadly.
"I shall miss you even more."
As Adam prepares to put her down, she shakes her head.
"Don't... bother. I'll do it myself."- She mutters- "You don't deserve... to suffer like this."
She motions the sword in his hands.
"Can I?"
Adam sighs and hands her his weapon.
"If you insist."
Amelia takes his sword and smiles.
"It was nice knowing you, my dear brother."
And then, before Adam could change his mind, she stabs herself in the skull, sparing Adam from having to deal with her after her demise.
As Adam holds her lifeless body in his hands, he looks up at the sky. He is all alone again.
"I have to get back home. Amelia's sacrifice shall not be in vain."- He says- "But... how could I escape from this place? I have no boat, no suppiles. I feel like there must be... be... "
And then, he remembers how Alcander risked his own life to ensure their future. He remind himself of his purpose and shakes his head.
"No. I must not stay helpless anymore."- He says- "I will make it out, for the sake of my brother."
Picking up his sword, he jumps to the ground below and approaches the roaring seas.
"This will be a long journey."- He says- "But I will be brave. I will resist the dark temptations and emerge, alive and well."
He takes a step into the water.
"For the sake of everyone!"
He looks back at the island and soon realizes where he is.
"This place. It is Sucia Island."- He mutters- "I guess that it is true. Sometimes, the place where the journey starts is also the place where the journey ends."
And then, he takes a few steps backwards. He runs forward and jumps in the air, landing into the water and starting to swim. Soon, he will reach the end of the trail and meet the people dearest to him once again.
----After five hours of seemingly endless swimming in the dark and treacherous waters, Adam reaches Thais. He gently leaves Amelia's body on the ground and looks around.
"Well, Amelia."- He says- "We are home."
Someone in the distance sees him. They whisper to a nearby person and then to another. Soon, a group of people arrives to greet him, led by Jon and his mother.
"It cannot be."- Jon says as he approaches Adam- "You made it out!"
Adam nods and looks down.
"I did."- He says- "But someone else was not as lucky."
Jon stares at the ground and gasps.
"Oh... no."- He says- "Is this Amelia Qualle- Queen Sharla's sister?"
Adam sighs.
"She came all the way to Darkthrop's tower to save me. We flew away to Sucia Island, but she was bitten and died soon after."- He says- "I swimmed all the way to Thais while carrying her. I just... did not want her body to stay in that mysterious place."
Jon pats his cousin's shoulder.
"It was very noble of you."- He says sadly- "Sharla would appreciate your heroism."
Uma shakes her head.
"Poor child."- She says- "She didn't deserve this. At all."
While the three of them talk, they are joined by Donovan.
"Donnie."- Adam says and looks up- "I... I... "
Donovan smiles and hugs Adam.
"Your brother's sacrifice was not in vain."- He says- "It's true. You are alive."
Adam wipes a few tears from his eyes. Donovan notices his sadness and looks down.
"Wait. Is this... Amelia?"- He asks- "My sister came with you?"
Adam sighs.
"She was a hero, Donnie."- He says- "Until the end."
Donovan runs to Amelia's lifeless corpse and holds her in his hands. He checks her for a pulse, hoping that he could revive her.
And then, he sees the stab wound in her head.
He looks up.
"What happened to her?!"- He yells- "I demand answers! Now!"
Adam wipes another tear from his eye.
"I tried my best to keep her alive. I swear."- He says- "But she never could have made it. She was bitten."
Donovan falls on his knees. He is unable to believe that she is gone.
"A few days ago, we talked about how happy our lives would be when she returns to her baby daughter. She told me how she wants to move in with you and Aalia."- He says- "But I never... imagined this. I never anticipated it. And now, she's gone. Forever."
Adam shakes his head.
"Amelia may be gone physically, but our memories of her are still intact."- He says- "As long as we never forget her, she will never fade away."
Donovan looks up.
"Is that a promise?"
Adam smiles sadly.
"It is."
Donovan stands up and pats Adam on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Adam."
And then, he walks away without another word.
"Will he be alright?"- Adam wonders.
Jon sighs.
"He'll get over it... eventually."- He says- "It's almost as bad as Aiden, but Amelia was not his sister."
Adam looks at him.
"But she was still close to him!"
Jon nods.
"And that's why he is feeling so sad."- He says- "Donnie fear what Sharla would think of this whole experience. He... doesn't want you to get hurt when she gets angry at you."
Adam looks down.
"I am sorry!"- He exclaims- "I really am!"
Jon sighs.
"Don't worry about it."- He says- "As soon as the coronation ends, we will all live happily again."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Umm."- He says- "Coronation?"
Uma smiles.
"My boy's going to become the King of Thais next week!"
Adam smiles.
"Those are some wonderful news!"
He looks at Jon.
"But who shall be your queen?"
Jon grins.
"My one and only Gloria, of course!"- He exclaims- "She is the only person I could trust to hold this role."
Adam nods.
"What about your son?"
Uma smiles.
"Leave that to me!"- She says- "Grandma Uma's going to take good care of him!"
Jon rolls his eyes.
"Sure thing, mom."- He says- "Just don't make him eat all that chocolate pudding again."
Uma looks at her son.
"Why?"- She asks- "It's good! He needs to eat some!"
Jon sighs and looks at Adam.
"Anyway Adam, you are invited to join us on the special ceremony in the capital."- He says- "Do you think that you will be better by then?"
Adam looks down.
"I am not sure."- He says- "But I must be strong. I must move on and live my life to the fullest, for the sake of all of those who lost theirs."
Then, he smiles.
"I will gladly join you on this journey."
Jon nods.
"That's good to know."
He helps him stand up and smiles.
"Now, shall we go back to your hometown?"- He asks- "Aalia and the others are still worried about you. Let's deliver the good news ourselves!"
Adam smiles.
"Let us find our way home, then."- He says- "I long for a good break."
It takes them a few days to reach Adam's hometown, but they arrive without any problems. They are greeted by the soldiers and treated as heroes. After all, they recently saved the world. They deserve this special treatment.
When they reach the house, the door opens. Akira, now with a new prosthetic arm, goes outside. And then, she sees them.
"No way."- She mutters- "Are my eyes deceiving me again?"
It is no lie.
"Adam!"- She exclaims- "Adam is back!"
She runs up to her brother and lovingly hugs him.
"I thought that you burned in that tower!"- She exclaims- "Do you know how worried I was for you?"
Adam looks down.
"I am sorry, sister."- He says- "It will not happen again."
Akira smiles.
"Oh, come on! Cheer up!"- She says to him- "You returned all the way to the mainland! And by yourself, no less! If you deserve anything, it's my congratulations. You are my hero!"
Adam smiles and hugs her back.
"And you are mine."
As the two of them continue to hug, Emela emerges from the house and approaches them excitedly.
"Did I hear right? Adam is here?!"- She says- "Oh, joy! It's so good to see you again, dear!"
Adam smiles.
"Miss Emela."- He says- "Thank you for keeping everyone alive."
Emela smiles back.
"My pleasure, dear."- She responds- "Now, shall we go in. I bet that everyone will be thrilled to see you."
As the four of them approach the open door, another person emerges from inside.
It is Aalia, Adam's most beloved girl.
"Welcome back, honey."- She says, smiling and holding the hands of their twins- "We've been waiting for you."
----One week has passed since the heroes' total victory over Mordred Darkthrop and his evil empire. Adam and Aalia sit in their new home, tending to their children.
"Aww. Look at them."- Aalia says- "Kiara's already asleep and Kaiden's still playing with his toys."
Adam smiles.
"It seems like he enjoys the toy sword that I gave him."
Aalia chuckles.
"He's just like you!"
Adam smiles.
"I know, honey."
He looks at her.
"So."- He says- "Are you ready to join me on Jon's coronation?"
Aalia grins.
"I'd never miss that out!"
Adam nods and looks back at his children.
"But what about them?"- He asks- "I know that Kaiden's excited for it, but Kiara seems to be bored. Perhaps we should leave them with Aki for the time being?"
Aalia shakes her head.
"They deserve to see it as much as we do."- She says- "They're coming along."
Adam rolls his eyes.
"Very well."- He says- "Just try to act natural when she starts screaming at us again."
Aalia nods.
"I already know what to say."- She says- "Don't worry."
Adam smiles.
"Well, you knew what to say when we first met."- He says- "And you made me fall in love."
He leans forward and kisses her.
"Lucky you."
Aalia smiles.
"And I also fell in love."
She leans forward and kisses him as well.
"Lucky me."
Adam looks back at his children.
"Kiara! Kaiden!"- He says- "Get ready! We are going outside!"
The children nod.
"Yes, daddy!"- Kaiden says.
Aalia looks at them as well.
"So, this means that everyone's ready to go?"
The three of them nod.
"We are."- Adam says- "Let us proceed."
As the four of them go downstairs, Kiara looks up at her father.
"Umm. Daddy?"- She says- "Can I get a lollipop?"
Adam smiles.
"Of course, sweetie."- He says- "Once we go outside, I will buy you a lollipop. You deserve it."
Kiara jumps up and down excitedly.
"Thank you, daddy!"
And then, she enthusiastically heads outside.
"Isn't candy supposed to be bad for kids?"- Akira asks as they walk past her- "Perhaps you should limit her rewards a little bit."
Adam smiles.
"Say for yourself, Aki."- He says- "You give them more candy than we do."
Akira rolls her eyes.
"I'm just trying to be a good auntie."
Adam smiles.
"And trust me, you are."
He sighs.
"Anyway, the children need some kind of motivation. They cannot learn how to live their lives to the fullest if they never receive anything good in return."- He says- "They expect us to do this for them. And we will."
Akira smiles.
"Sure thing!"- She says- "Just try not to give her too much!"
Adam nods.
"Alright."- He says- "See you later, Aki."
As they leave Akira alone in the house, she sighs.
"This is the family that I've always wanted. And now, I am a vital part of this one."- She says to herself- "I'm the happiest aunt in the whole world!"
Three hours later, the Kaos family reaches Thais. They go inside the palace, joining Donovan and Derion as they enter.
"Friends!"- Adam exclaims- "I am so happy to see you!"
Donovan smiles.
"So are we."
Adam nods.
"You look great."- He says- "I guess that those must be the attires of your kingdoms?"
Derion nods.
"An official attire is required for almost every event of importance in the elven kingdom."- He says- "So, I think that it's a good idea to do the same here."
Donovan smiles.
"Then we share some similarities, after all."
Derion smiles.
"I'm glad to hear that."
He looks back at Adam.
"What about your family?"- He asks him- "Are they going to join us, too?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Unfortunately, a new problem rose back in Avernum. Dad has to go back and command the forces in the Castle to eradicate the intruders."- He says- "In the meantime, my mother has to stay with Akira for a while. Her sickness has not been cleared out yet and she needs to keep her under constant surveilance. From a little farther, of course."
Derion nods.
"Of course. I understand."- He says- "Family duties are much more important then parties."
He looks back at Adam.
"But everyone needs to have a little fun from time to time, right?"
Adam shrugs.
"Not all people could be as carefree as us."
Soon, they hear talking from up ahead.
"Oh! It's starting!"- Donovan exclaims- "Better reserve your seats while you still can! There's a lot of demand!"
Adam smiles.
"Do not mind if we do!"
The four of them approach John and Uma, who are still thrilled by their son's coronation.
"So, uncle and aunt."- Adam says- "Are you enjoying the most special day of the year?"
Uma grins.
"You bet that we do!"- She says and wipes a tear from her eye- "It's so good to be here! My baby's going to become king soon and I'm here to support him!"
John pats her on the shoulder.
'Easy, lucky mama."- He says- "By the time it starts, you'll be too excited to talk."
Uma grins.
"I know! I know!"- She exclaims- "My dream has come true! I'm so happy!"
Adam smiles.
"Well, we will leave you to your endeavors."- He says- "Have a good day."
Just as Adam leaves, John lightly grabs his nephew's arm.
"Oh, and Adam."- He says to him- "I'm sorry about Alcander. He was such a sweet boy."
Adam smiles sadly and nods.
"Of course, uncle."- He says- "Thank you."
The four of them bid John and Uma farewell and join their friends as they prepare for the royal dinner.
Half an hour later, Jon stands on Thais's throne. Accompanied by his mother and father- the former King and Queen of the kingdom- he takes a few deep breaths and prepares his speech to the people of his hometown.
"Honored guests! Dear citizens of Thais!"- The Chancellor says- "We have gathered here to witness the coronation of a new leader! The birth of a new star! Please welcome your newest sovereign- Jonathan Braveheart!"
Jon stands up and bows to the audience as they applaud him.
"Well met, my friends!"- He says- "I am honored to be here, among all of you. As a hero, as a citizen, and as your prince. But now I stand here, as the one who shall be your guiding light in the world that is already changing, the new planet that we shall live in together."
In front of all of the people, he delivers a long and heartfelt speech. He talks about all of the struggles that they had to go through and about everything (and everyone) that they had to sacrifice toward the road to freedom from the darkness. He speaks of the concerns about a new invasion led by a notorious and evil person, but assures them all that they will always be safe, as long as there are heroes left in the world to protect them... which is always. He talks about his mother and father, how they rose on the throne of Thais two decades ago, when the world's biggest problems were just starting, and praises their performance in the face of danger, citing that he loves them both more than everything else.
And then, when his encouraging words to his people are over, he looks at Adam.
"And now, I would like to invite a very special person here with me. A young boy who saved my life and helped me realize that I'm more than just a shaman who lives in isolation. Who helped me be a hero, just like him."- He says- "Can you please join us, dear cousin?"
Adam stands up and smiles.
"Of course, Your Majesty."
He joins the Braveheart family and bows to them.
"Thank you for inviting me."- He says- "I shall be brief."
He turns to the excited audience and takes a deep breath.
"My friends, I am honored to be here with you. Seeing that our world is changing so quickly is making me very happy and seeing that my cousin has grown up so much makes me even happier."- He says- "I stand here beside you, not as a hero or as a savior, but as a normal person who wishes to honor a family member's wishes and help him build a better world. Together, all of us shall build a place that we can truly call a home."
He raises his glass of water.
"But first, let us celebrate!"- He adds- "Today is a day that shall go down in history. Let us enjoy it while we still can!"
Jon smiles and raises his hand.
"My friends, let us honor the young man who saved our planet from destruction twice in a row!"- He exclaims- "Long live Adam Kaos!"
The guests rise their glasses of wine in the air.
"Long live Adam Kaos!"- They yell- "Long live King Jonathan Braveheart!"
As the guests cheer for them, Adam leans closer to Jon and whispers something to him. Nobody else but the two of them are able to hear what is being said.
Jon nods and rises from his throne. He bows his head as Adam prepares to leave.
"Unfortunately, Adam has a few more duties to take care of and has to leave us. Urgently."- He says sadly- "Let us cheer for our savior one last time!"
The guests rise their glasses again.
"Long live Adam Kaos."- They yell as Adam leaves the castle.
Aalia tries to approach him, but he shakes his head.
"It is alright, honey."- He says- "Stay here with the children. I will be back soon."
Aalia raises her eyebrow.
"Is something wrong?"
Adam sighs.
"Everything is fine."- He says and smiles serenely- "I just remembered that I left a single matter unattended. I must take care of it. By myself, that is."
Aalia nods.
"Of course, honey."- She responds and waves at him as he leaves- "Have fun!"
As the party continues, Adam whistles at a nearby caravan. The driver welcomes him and asks him where to go.
"Take me to Goznor."- He says- "I urgently need to use the portal in town."
The driver salutes him.
"Your wish is my command, sir Kaos!"
And then, the caravan drives off into the mist.
----A few hours later, Adam reaches Goznor. He leaves the caravan and tries to reach the portal, looking around to make sure that nobody stops him from doing so.
When he enters the portal, he finds himself back in Avernum. He reaches the outskirts of the Castle, alerting the guards that are standing at the gates ahead.
"It's the prince!"- One of them exclaims and they bow, expecting him to enter.
When they realize that he is going elsewhere, they are surprised. Normally, this does not happen as Adam visits his father in the inner capital very often.
"Excuse our rudeness, sir, but what brings you all the way here tonight."- One of the warriors asks him- "Your father is busy and he can't see you."
Adam shakes his head.
"It is alright, brave warriors. I am only here to see someone outside of the keep."- He says- "You are free to head back. I shall take care of the rest."
The guards nod.
"As you wish, sir."- One of them says and they back away.
As soon as he is free to go, Adam approaches the Castle's graveyard where the most popular members of the royal family are buried. He finds Alcander's grave and stands next to it, lowering his head as he mourns for him.
"Hello there, big brother. Long time no see."- He says- "A long of things changed for us since you left this world. Kaiden and Kiara have been very sad that you are not with us anymore and I just cannot help but remember how much we still miss you. It is hard to forget everything that led to this very moment and I still cannot believe it. I am sorry for everything that happened to you."
As he is about to say something else, someone taps his back from behind. He looks back and sees Donovan.
"I knew that I would find you here."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"What are you doing all the way here, Donnie?"
Donovan smiles.
"Oh, I just happened to take the same caravan as you while you were leaving. The coronation was great, but I felt like you needed to come here for a reason."- He says- "Thus, I brought something that you will appreciate."
He hands him the same letter that Alcander wrote for him.
"A letter?"- Adam asks- "For... me?"
Donovan nods.
"Before your brother died, he wrote it for you and tasked me with delivering it personally, when I have the chance."- He says and bows his head- "I'm sorry that I couldn't save him. He was the best brother anyone could ever have."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Wait."- He says- "You were with him all the time?"
Donovan shakes his head.
"Not really,"- He says- "I just joined him on the road to World's End. But he felt like I was the person who was closest to him, so he picked me to be the courier."
Adam nods.
"I appreciate it, Donnie."- He says- "Thank you for standing by Al's side."
He bends down and unseals the letter. Along with Donnie, he reads his brother's last will.
"Dearest Adam, by the time you are reading this I'll be long gone. I shall be nothing more than a memory in your mind. But don't fear as we'll never be separated. I know that you must be enjoying your time after defeating Darkthrop, but I wanted to tell you just how much I care about you. We started off as strangers. Life made us into heartless children and we still hadn't learned to love and care. And, to be honest, I probably never would have dared to love after what happened when I was young. But you showed be what it means to love and be loved. You showed me the light that was still shining in my soul and helped me use it for good, not for bad. You were there for me when was the most afraid, when I was not sure in my own abilities. Everything that you did was always an inspiration for myself and I truly appreciate your presence in my life. But the thing that I will never forget, even after I fade away from this world, is the message that you sent to everyone. Even though you said nothing when you were fighting the enemies of our world, your eyes were still betraying it very clearly. And it was then when I finally knew what you meant- "No matter what happens next, nobody can take the kindness and light from your soul". And so, I decided to become like you, a pillar of order in a world filled with chaos. I became excited to help people. And then I saw their happiness, their gratitude. I understood that I would do anything for them, if those were my greatest rewards. And, of course, I owe it all to you once again. My career has been quite short, I have to admit. I faced many uncertainties, many troubles and perils. Many enemies made me wonder if I was strong enough to fight. But I always remembered the lessons that you taught me and I never gave up. I lost a lot, but I also gained a lot. This is the gift that you gave to Akira and the boon that you granted me. Finally, I wish to tell you that I will be here forever. Decades may pass by, oceans may collide, kingdoms may rise and fall, but our bond is eternal. No matter what happens to us next, I will always be your big brother. Keep on shining, bright little star! - Alcander"
Adam's eyes fill with tears. As he falls on his knees, the letter drops out of his hands and he starts to cry.
"Umm. Adam."- Donovan says- "I think that I should leave you to your solitude for now."
Adam looks up at the sky.
"I will never forget you, Al!"- He exclaims- "Your legacy shall always stay alive!"
He sees a few stars in the sky above. They shift around and form a figure that perfectly resembles Alcander.
"We will always be together, my dearest brother."- He says and smiles- "Forevermore."
And so another story ends. Another villain has been defeated. Another world has been saved. But this far from the end of the villainy in the home of Adam Kaos. Many more enemies shall reveal themselves. Many more heroes shall rise and fall. Many people will continue to live their lives, unaware of anything that is going on. But the story of the young hero who defeated Mordred Darkthrop and shattered his link to the real world forever shall be remembered for as long as this world exists. Many mothers will inspire their children to be like him. Many minstrels shall sing songs of the boy who walked through the path of redemption and became the savior of this planet. Many young souls shall rise to their feet and take his place. Perhaps one of them will even be able to become like him, who knows?
But that is of little importance now. The darkness will always rise back up, but it will always meet the resistance of the brave heroes who call this world their sacred home. As long as the sun keeps shining in the sky, there shall always be brave souls to protect this world. There shall always be people to keep this planet running. And there shall always be grateful citizens to admire their altruism.
The light of hope is still burning strong. And it shall burn strong forever.
The End.
== Trivia ==
* This Part was released on the creator's birthday (22.08).
** In addition, this is the second Story finale to be released on their birthday. The first one is the last Part of "Miracula Luxia II".
*This is the largest Part in the entire "Miracula Luxia" universe, having 100 000+ Bytes in total.