MLIV C1, P5.1- "Message To The Man"

"Message To The Man" is the first (and only) Extra Part of "Miracula Luxia IV" 's first Chapter.
It explains the events that describe the necromancer Vexor's arrival in the ruins of Underfall, as well as the awakening of a long-feared master of evil and how the world came to be like this in the first place.
It was released on 15.05.2022.
== Plot ==
Although Adam and his allies won the battle in Nightgrove and escaped with their lives, it is clear that their troubles have only just begun. Somewhere far away, a storm is brewing. The world is about to be plunged into chaos, yet is not aware of it.
In the wastelands near the ruins of Underfall, a necromancer whose heart was tainted by the darkness searches for redemption. Allying himself with those who served under the evil wizard's command, he embarks on a journey toward the lost city, his grand plan to use his black magic to revive Darkthrop being the primary catalyst for something truly terrifying.
And yet, the people of this world anticipated his arrival. Selecting a small, but powerful group of loyal soldiers, a young hero going by the name of Orion takes the risk of setting up a camp where the villains once stood, fearlessly destroying those who would dare to awaken the one who brought chaos to the world many years ago.
The odds are against the necromancer, but his undead army is strong. Many would say that he would simply fail and perish, but his time in the wastelands left him battle-hardened and thus ready for anything that his enemies prepare for him.
Will he send a sign to the world? A message to the man, written in the blood of many innocents?
== Story ==
In the dry wastelands, far away from civilization, a lone warrior wanders through the tainted soil. Using a long, pitch black staff in his hand, he whacks any monster that dares to stand in his way.
"I know that the Promised Land is still out there."- He mutters- "I saw the sign of the dark times. I'm getting closer."
Halfway toward his intended destination, whatever it may be, he stops for a second and stares at something in the distance.
Seeing that his road to victory is still clear, he smiles.
"At last."- He says- "The dark ones were right. I can finally see it."
As he gets closer, a group of creatures approaches him. Led by a lone man in long robes, they stand beside him as he stares at the wastelands ahead of him.
"Are there any reports, Xander?"- He asks him- "Any signs that we haven't just gone mad?"
Xander consults a tattered map and nods.
"The signs do not lie, sir. When Adam Kaos and his people came here, this was the place where they met the dark one. The final battle was astounding and we believe that it was taken to the north of us."- He says- "Thanks to the information that we gathered and my own intuition, I believe that the ancient city is still buried in the sands, awaiting those who would awaken its fallen master."
The man grins.
"Then what are we waiting for?"- He says- "Hidden or not, I'll stop at nothing to find the one who saved my life. Let's go!"
Joined by his allies, the mysterious-looking man shrouds himself in a veil of darkness, creating some kind of creepy appearance and emanating waves of dark energy. His black robes float in the wind as he struggles against them with all his might, showing a great balance between determination and self-control.
In his dichromatic eyes gleams a spark of hope, something unnoticed in many who do not serve the Light. Shadows dance in the madness that swirls within them.
"The darkness grows hungry."- He mutters- "And everyone who dares to stand in its way... shall feel its wrath."
As the villains move toward their destination, Xander looks at his employer.
"By the way, sir. When you hired me, you never said anything about your past."- He says- "Why did you decide to join the darkness and fight heroes for so many years? Is there something that made it possible?"
The looks at him and sighs.
"Listen here, Xander. I know you're curious about what I used to be, but that ain't a topic for the present day. Just remember that I used to be nobody, a kid with visions of grandeur who grew up way too quickly. A young man who was denied the chance of having a good childhood. That's all."- He says- "Right now, changing the world's all that matters to us. Things that happened in the past are simple obstacles in what we want to be, so I see that as nothing more than some unusual trivia. Understand the true nature of our enemies. Fight for me and the true warriors of destiny. Spread the darkness among the living. However, you must forget what you used to be, because our future will be the best experience that you'll never forget."
Xander nods.
"And if I want to turn back into the past and relive those moments again?"
The man smiles.
"Then don't let me stop you."- He responds- "Explore the deepest depths of your mind, but don't go too far. I still need you here."
Xander nods.
"Not too long ago, you gave me the strength to conquer my own past and be myself. And today, you did it again."- He says and bows to him- "Thank you, Mr. Vexor."
Vexor grins.
"Sure, buddy."- He says- "Don't mention it."
He points his staff at a ruined tower in the distance.
"It seems like your assumptions are correct. If Underfall is supposed to be here, then this is the border that separates it from the foreign lands all around us."- He says- "Now, it's only a matter of time before this stronghold of the ancients reveals itself to us."
One of the darklings stares at him.
"Umm, sir?"- It asks- "I hate to ask this, but what if we get in trouble? It's a well-known fact that the world knows where it is and surely, some of its people came to stop invaders like us. What if they deem us too dangerous to be kept alive?"
Vexor raises his eyebrow.
"Invaders? They dare to call us invaders?!"- He says- "Well, the only invaders that I see there are those who vandalize the place of those who came before us. Those who work hard to repel the true warriors of destiny. The city of Underfall is our ancestral home, the promised neverland that still remains a mystery. I don't care how many have chosen to prevent the inevitable from happening. And, in the end, it won't matter, because all who dared to rebel against the true master of this world shall feel his wrath."
He smiles.
"Besides, our undead army has been looking for a challenge. Too long, they've been hungering for the blood of fools like them."- He adds- "I think that this is the right time to teach them a lesson. A painful and bloody one."
Xander looks at the lands ahead and nods.
"No matter what happens next, I'll always have faith in you and your cause, sir."- He says- "I chose to stand by your side because I knew that it was for the best. I ignored the pleas of those who were too pathetic to face the truth. When those fools prepared to flee, I steeled myself for what would be my final journey. I have been working hard to make a name for myself and I hope that others do the same once I'm gone. It's what makes it all worth a try."
Vexor chuckles.
"If only all of them saw our potential like you did."- He says- "Things would've been so much easier."
Finally, they get close enough to see the weathered walls of what once was the city of Underfall. There lies the place which served as the last bastion of evil, the sanctuary of those who were deemed a danger to the known lands, the scene of the final battle that nearly ended it all.
Realizing that his mission is nearly complete, Vexor grins.
"Yes. I can see it now. The glory. The power. The screams of those who defied us."- He says- "It's all connected and we just have to find the missing pieces."
Xander looks at the lands ahead.
"Sir, I think that I can see someone out there."- He says- "They're heading our way."
Vexor smiles.
"That's what I've been counting on."- He says- "Bring them here. They will soon witness the absolute strength of the forgotten."
However, it is clear that his eyes betray a certain degree of uncertainty. If those people made it all the way here, then this means that they are much more powerful than they seem to be.
"I anticipated their arrival. The promised neverland is a beautiful place, but entering it does not come without a cost."- He admits to himself- "We went through a lot to be with Master Darkthrop himself. But it seems like there's one last challenge left for us."
As he moves closer, one of the people approaches him. Fearing that he might be an enemy, he stands a fair distance away from him and points his sword at him.
"I don't know who you are!"- He yells- "Identify yourselves!"
Vexor smiles.
"Well, I'm sure that you already know who we are... or why we're here."
The man raises his eyebrow, unsure how to respond. And yet, a small part of his mind tells him that he knows the answer, yet refuses to accept it.
Taking a look at the rest of Vexor's people, he finally realizes what he means.
"A servant of Darkthrop!"- He says and points his weapon at him- "I knew that you would come back to bring your master to life! Rest assured that you're going nowhere!"
Vexor smirks.
"You know, that's not quite right. I've never met Darkthrop himself in my entire life, but I've always felt a certain kinship with him. His dreams of a dark empire led me to believe that he's the right person to change my future."- He says- "I can tell that you're not here just to sit down for a cup of tea, so let's just cut to the chase. Who in the seven overlords of the underworld are you? And why are you all the way here, far from any sane settlement?"
The man is clearly afraid of Vexor. He can see how powerful he is and believes that he will not stand a chance against him or his people. Defending a place like this does come with its risks and he knows it.
And yet, he's not the type of person who would simply drop his weapons and flee in terror. Fighting valiantly and falling in battle is much better than simply letting some kind of a madman bring back whatever evil was once lost to the world.
As he starts to speak, he shakes his head.
"You don't know what people are capable of. Many have suffered because of his crimes and we can't just let this go."- He responds- "My name is Orion and I'm the person who speaks for the true citizens of this world, those who have done nothing wrong, yet have suffered the most out of everyone. Just like my father before me, I have been working hard day and night, slaughtering servants of evil who dared to defy our sacred law. Many fell while attempting to spread the roots of villainy."
He points his sword at him.
"And you've just set foot into my domain."- He adds- "If you want to survive, just give up and get out. There's no place for you here."
Vexor smirks.
"Surrender? After all the things that I sacrificed, just to stand on this summit alongside him?"- He says and shakes his head- "You're going too far, buddy. I appreciate your kindness, but you can't just tell me where to go or what to do. Not when my destiny is still standing over there."
He grins.
"The forbidden chalice has the power to create, but also to destroy. Those who drink from it shall feel untold power, destined to be immortalized for centuries."- He adds- "Once Darkthrop is brought back from the realm of the spirits, I shall become the herald of the new world. As he brings ruin to this imperfect planet, I shall witness the fruits of my own labor. The growls of my children, who have been longing for redemption."
He lifts his staff in the air and spins it a few times, making the crystal on top glow in an eerie, gray light.
"Justice shall be served cold."- He adds- "And you shall be the first to feel the taste of defeat! I hope that you feel honored!"
As Orion wonders what is going on, he hears growling all around him. Something is making its way toward the ruins and it is only a matter of time before he and the people under his command are forced to face it.
Even though he is in big trouble, he still does not dare to stand back, despite the fact that he is very afraid. A true warrior never surrenders and this young do-gooder's pride is too strong to simply give in to those dark temptations.
He takes a step forward, still pointing his sword at Vexor, and shakes his head.
"You claim that you're here to bring justice, but you're no hero. I can see it in your eyes."- He says- "I know not of who you truly are, but remember this. I have met many people who have travelled for a long time, abandoned by all but the darkness itself... and I can tell that you're no different. I sympathized with them, yet they never dared to look at the world in a different. The final result was always the same and it still pains me to know that they're still out there, the bones and ashes of those who never cared enough to listen to the voice of reason. Do you really want to be one of them?"
Vexor smirks.
"Spare your pleasantries, fool. I already know your intentions."- He says- "Since you're such a nice guy, why don't you try saving those who lost their lives because of people like yourself?"
Before Orion can question him further, the growls of the dead become clearly audible to him and his people.
Seeing that he has no other choice than to fight, he lifts his blade back and nods.
"I will save those innocent souls!"- He proclaims, determined to win this battle- "And then, I will save you! Mark my words!"
Vexor laughs.
"Well, I'll be waiting for you."- He says and smiles- "Many have tried to "save" me. Do you truly think that you're better than all of them?"
Orion nods.
"Watch me!"
As the hero takes a step back, Vexor smiles.
"Go ahead then, mighty hero."- He says- "Dance for me... if you dare!"
As the undead slowly shamble toward their targets, more of their numbers come into view.
"Umm, boss?"- One of the ladies in Orion's group says- "I think that we're quite outnumbered here!"
Orion shakes his head.
"It matters not. I didn't risk everything, just to see a madman achieve his wildest dreams!"- He yells- "Prepare yourselves! This might be the greatest battle of our lives!"
The undead slowly come into view, allowing some of the archers to launch their arrows at them. However, they fail to remember the true way of taking down an undead individual, striking them in various other areas instead.
"What's going on?!"- One of the soldiers yells- "We can't do anything to them!"
Vexor laughs maniacally.
"Don't you see it, you sniveling fools?!"- He says- "This is the power of the new world! The magic that gives people a second chance! I was blessed with the knowledge that helped me in learning more about the dark arts and I shall use it to purify your tainted souls!"
Orion sighs and shakes his head.
"Yeah, yeah."- He says- "Keep on dreaming."
Even though the soldiers are outnumbered, they still do their best to clear as many of the undead as possible... until more warriors of the seemingly endless supply of Them arrives to refill what they just lost.
Haunted by the nightmares of what is going to happen to the world if they do not save it in time, the allies of Orion continue to fight, but their strength is considerably weakened, due to the numerous bites and scratches of the undead that run deep into their bodies.
Soon, a large part of them is too weak to fight back.
"So!"- Vexor yells- "Are you ready to give up yet? Or do you need some more initiative?"
Orion smiles grimly and shakes his head.
"You must be a fool if you think that the warriors of faith will simply give up."- He says- "We're not going anywhere!"
Vexor smirks.
"Well, Mister Brave and Righteous."- He responds- "If you really think that you can change the world, then why don't you change your views toward the innocents that you protect instead? It'll make it much easier, you know?"
Orion clenches his fists.
"Never!"- He yells- "I will never abandon my own people or think ill of them!"
Vexor shrugs and smiles.
"Oh, well. It's your choice."- He says- "Enjoy your stay, my pretties."
Having said that, he snaps his fingers and more undead appear.
Just as the situation becomes way too dire for the heroes, one of the undead warriors is shot in the head.
And then another.
And another.
Bullets fly into the former humans' heads like enraged lead bees, piercing their way through their rotting membranes and causing them to convulse and fall back, dead for good.
"What is this?"- Vexor says, amused- "Is this some kind of trick?"
Xander shakes his head.
"It is no trick, sir."- He says and points at a nearby tower- "Take a look for yourself. Someone's really onto something over there."
Vexor takes a look and gasps, acting surprised in the face of danger. He sees a sniper standing in the ruins, aiming his rifle at the approaching undead and shooting them down with incredible precision.
"Well, would you look at that."- He says and turns to Orion- "Looks like you and your people had a plan, after all."
Orion smiles.
"Just because we're too few for people like yourselves, it doesn't mean that we can't beat you to a pulp."
Vexor smirks.
"Is that so?"- He asks him- "Well, I think that you should be careful. I heard that the storm is closing in, but the resulting hurricane is not in your favor."
Orion shakes his head.
"No matter how strong the storm may be, we're well-equipped for it."- He says- "And we won't stop until it goes away."
He glares at Vexor.
"Or rather, until we make it go away!"
Vexor laughs.
"Now, that's something that's too good to be true!"
Orion clenches his fists.
"Enough of this small talk!"- He yells- "My friends, let's finish them off!"
As the battle rages on, some of the darkling join their undead allies and stand by their side. However, they are easily sniped down by the soldiers on the towers, falling down as soon as they make a few steps.
Something in this makes Vexor quite angry. Seeing his undead allies fall in battle is not a big deal to him, he can replenish more. As for the living ones? It's hard to get them nowadays... and he knows it.
"Curses! I knew that they're too vengeful to actually think straight!"- He mutters- "Perhaps it's best if I join the fight myself... "
As he attempts to step into the battle, Xander stops him.
"Sir, what in the world do you think you're doing?"- He asks him- "Don't do this. You and I both know that we're going to lose if we let our emotions go astray. Do you really want it to happen?"
Vexor shakes his head.
"Stand back, servant."- He says- "This is my army, so you have to obey my rules!"
Xander takes a step forward.
"Then let me take your place in this battle!"
Vexor is about to cast a spell, but turns back. Surprised.
He asks Xander to repeat himself and he does so, convincing him that he is not truly alone.
"... so you haven't abandoned me, like everybody else?"
Xander shakes his head.
"And leave the man who did so much to help me stand here? No. No way."- He responds- "I'll gladly give my own life away to protect our common rights. That's the way of my family and the code that I've been following for many years. Ever since I joined you on that road to nowhere, I've been ready to give it my all. And this is the right time to do it."
Vexor is surprised by Xander's sudden outburst of rigidity and selflessness. He considers to simply send him back, but soon realizes that he is too loyal to do so.
Regretfully, he sighs and decides to give him the permission that he needs.
"Alright then, Xander. You may go."- He says- "However, I want you to be back soon. Darkthrop's awakening is going to happen soon, and I don't want you to miss it."
Xander nods.
"In the name of the dark future, we shall prevail in this battle!"- He exclaims- "I will not fail, sir!"
Having said that, he draws his weapon- a massive halberd- and takes a few steps toward Orion and his allies, intending to chop them down in the name of his master.
Orion himself notices his arrival and turns to him.
"I still don't understand why you would rather serve such a wicked man."- He says to him and sighs- "Sometimes, I wonder if there's any humanity left in any of you."
Xander takes a step forward, unafraid and ready to fight.
"Master Vexor marked you for demise. And you were foolish enough to respond to his challenge."- He says- "If there is anyone who has no humanity left in them, rest assured that it's not those who stand in the way of the inevitable. They've already lost it all long ago and pretend that they care about everyone."
Orion draws his weapon.
"Is that some kind of a challenge, warrior?"- He says- "If so, allow me to show you why I became the guardian of Underfall and savior of my people. You will not like it."
Having said that, he surprises Xander by performing a few backflips and leaping back, leaving a long, fiery trail that slowly spreads toward the young evildoer.
Xander shakes his head.
"Magic like this is mere parlor tricks to me."- He says- "Watch this."
Having said that, he takes a step forward.
Orion expects him to jump in the air, ready to retailiate and strike him back. However, the villain surprises him by simply walking on the trail of fire, unharmed.
"Impossible!"- He exclaims- "The flames are strong enough to consume anyone! Even the hardest armor melts under the pressure and heat present!"
Xander smirks.
"Well."- He says- "I hate to spoil your party, but I'm not just your ordinary villain."
Seeing that Orion is preparing to attack again, Xander extinguishes the fire in front of him with his halberd. And then, he tears off a large chunk of soil from the ground, swinging it toward the unsuspecting hero.
Once the soul reaches its target, it shatters into millions of tiny pieces. Some of them manage to find their way into Orion's eyes, blinding him for a few seconds.
Since his opponent is unable to do much else, Orion turns to the right and slices a large rock in half with his halberd, surprising and horrifying the rest of Orion's living allies. Then, he slices them down into smaller rocks, flinging them toward the warriors and striking them in the skulls, killing a large number of them instantly and leaving others seriously wounded and writhing on the ground.
In the distance, Vexor realizes that Xander is actually doing something useful for him. He laughs and claps his hands.
"This is the greatest entertainment that I've experienced since one decade ago!"- He exclaims- "Go get 'em, Xander! You've got this!"
Xander nods and turns to Orion. He flings a few rocks toward him, expecting him to get hurt by them,
However, the hero senses this disturbance and forms a thick wall of water in front of him, blocking the attacks of his opponent and flinging them back to their sender.
Once the rocks fall all around him instead, Xander becomes rather annoyed. He swings his halberd a few times and shakes his head.
"What a desperate attempt to keep on living."- He says and takes a step forward- "Very well. If you want to face me like a man, I'll gladly oblige."
Having said that, he lunges forward and swings the massive weapon at Orion, although the hero manages to leap back and form small walls of water to protect himself.
While Xander attempts to find the weak spots of his walls, Orion plans his next move. His strategies go far beyond those of a normal person and it is clear that he is more than capable enough to back his dramatic speech with a ferocious fighting prowess.
Moments later, he finds out that Xander's movements are not perfect. Waiting for him to make his next move, he suddenly lunges forward and strikes him with a single fireball in the chest, severely wounding him and mildly wounding himself in the process.
"Well. It seems like I outsmarted you."- Orion says and wipes a drop of blood off his own mouth- "How does it feel like to be beaten in your own game?"
Xander takes a step back and shakes his head.
"I swore my loyalty to my master long ago. During the time when I stayed with him, I've faced many enemies like yourself. I lost many fights, yet always prevailed in the end."- He says- "So, I'm sure that you already know that you shouldn't underestimate your opponent, for they might have something else up their sleeve."
Having said that, he slams the ground with his halberd, creating a small earthquake which cracks between Orion's feet.
However, before it can actually hurt him, the hero lunges forward, holding his hand out wide and muttering some kind of spell. Once he is close enough to his enemy, he stretches it out and runs it down his right shoulder and past his neck.
Although the fire magic does not take effect immediately, it soon starts to sear his skin and burn it away.
Xander attempts to hide the pain, but it is clear that he is suffering from those burns and is unable to do anything. He falls on his knees and shakes his head.
"So, this is how it ends. I wanted some kind of chance of redemption... and I got it."- He mutters- "Oh well. At least I'll die in the name of my true master."
Orion shakes his head.
"This wasn't meant to happen."- He says- "If you simply gave up, disaster could have been averted. But you were just too inclined to be a hero to your people. And that's how the tale ends for you."
From his pocket, he pulls out a small dagger, having saved it for special occasions. 
"I am no monster, unlike many of your people."- He says- "I'm aware that many humans are bound to turn after death, so the only way to prevent them from doing so is to stab them."
He prepares to end Xander's life for good. Just as he is about to perform this deed, however, he hears the screams of his people and realizes that they are in the process of being completely overwhelmed by the undead.
"No! Stop it!"- He yells and draws his sword- "Leave them alone!"
As he rushes to help his allies, he fails to realize that Xander managed to slowly stand up, picking up his discarded dagger as the hero carelessly hurries forward.
Just as he starts to swing his weapon at the fiends, Xander throws the dagger with incredible speed, managing to pierce him in the back of the neck.
As Orion falls on his knees, Xander smiles and stands back down.
Orion struggles for his life. He coughs blood and tries to pull the dagger away from his neck. However, he soon realizes that his wound is too severe to heal with the spells that he has learned.
Looking up at Vexor, he realizes that the villain is smiling.
"Looks like you got what you wanted."- He says to him- "Are you satisfied?"
Vexor takes a step forward and smiles.
"I will not be satisfied until you're all gone."- He says- "Your sin runs too deep. I must take care of you."
Orion shakes his head.
"Leave them be. They're just... innocent civilians who volunteered to assist me."- He says weakly- "They don't have a hand in the protection of this place. It was I who chose to come all the way here and fight against... people like you."
Vexor thinks about this for a few seconds. The fact that there are some who never intended to battle Darkthrop and his people themselves makes him remember the incident that left him an orphan many years ago. A flurry of emotions overloads his entire mind, sending him on a fierce rampage.
Taking one of the swords discarded on the ground, he lets out a bestial roar and grabs one of the girls by the neck.
"I said that I'll show no mercy!"- He yells- "Everyone will pay for what they did to me!"
Having said that, he drives the long weapon through her chest, killing her instantly and throwing her lifeless body on the ground below.
As the gravely wounded Orion watches in horror, his former ally reanimates within mere seconds and shambles toward the undead army that is currently leaving the ruins.
"You... you monster!"- He yells- "What have you... done to her?!"
Vexor smiles.
"It's just the way of life, buddy."- He replies- "People succumb to their mortal roots. Traditions change. Civilizations rise and fall. But the fear of the dark always remains."
Orion shakes his head.
"This is not right."- He mutters weakly- "Nobody deserves to... live this way... "
The last bits of energy left within Orion's body finally fade away. Drained of most of his blood, the hero falls on the ground, his eyes remaining open as his soul leaves his body, leaving nothing more than a lifeless shell of his former self.
"What a tragic story."- Vexor says- "Rest assured that I'll use your body for good, though."
He chuckles.
"For the good of my people, anyway."- He adds.
Seeing a mortally wounded Xander in the distance, he drops Orion's corpse and takes a few steps forward. He approaches him and shakes his head.
"I can't believe it. My loyal right-hand man- a pillar of rigidity- lost to our enemies just like that."- He says and sighs- "I'm sorry, brother. You did your best and I'm proud of you. Thank you for standing by my side."
Xander nods.
"It was a pleasure to serve you, sir. Joining you on all of those mission has made me feel so... lively. So brave."- He says- "But what happens now? I don't want to die, but I also want to keep serving you. What shall I do to continue being... useful?"
Vexor turns back and sees that the last of his undead have finally left the ruins and are waiting for him outside. He sighs and looks back at Xander.
"I can't bring myself to do this, my friend."- He says- "I don't watch another man waste his potential... like this."
Having said that, he picks up the dagger that he used to kill Orion and shakes his head.
"For now, I want you to rest up there."- He says- "My perfect world will be lonely without you, but I know that you deserve a reward for your services. And this is the best way to reimburse you for your aid."
Xander nods and smiles.
"You're always so wise, sir. So brave and ready to do the right thing."- He says weakly- "Thank you for... accepting me as I am."
Moments later, the burns become too severe for Orion to handle. With a final grunt of defiance against their enemies, he slumps back and closes his eyes, dying not long after.
Vexor gets on his knees and shakes his head. Then, just as his skin starts to get pale, he stabs him in the forehead, preventing his friend from reanimating for good.
"Why is this happening to me?"- He mutters as he stands up- "Why must the ones closest to me suffer the most?"
Then, he looks back and sees that Orion has finally reanimated. His eyes bloodshot and wide open, he stumbles back up and emits a low growl.
"Ah."- Vexor says- "You're finally awake."
As the undead simply stands there, the necromancer approaches him and pats him on the shoulder.
"I think that we'll make a good team, don't you think?"
The undead Orion growls.
"Yes. I thought so."- He says, looks back at Xander's lifeless corpse and shakes his head- "Now, it's time to go back. I think that we're getting close to our goal, so it's clear that we'll find the promised neverland. Unless we've already found it... "
The two of them stumble out of the ruins and approach their remaining allies, joined by the undead selves of the humans whom they killed not too long ago.
"Well, everyone. We did it. The city's foolish guardians are all dead and we're free to go inside."- He says- "I hope that you're ready, because it's time to make a difference. To bring forth the darkness and plunge this world into chaos."
Once inside, Vexor finds the cathedral, which surprisingly remained intact... despite the fact that nearly the entire city is in ruins. He explores its interior and realizes that the altar inside is still active.
The foul magic keeping this slab of rock standing seems to be keeping the cathedral intact as well.
"Perfect."- He says- "Now, the preparations may begin."
In just a few minutes, Darkthrop's allies gather in the cathedral, standing behind Vexor and chanting alongside the dark priests that he brought with him.
"I can feel the shadows rising."- He says- "Keep on chanting. We're on the verge of a breakthrough!"
As the creatures and priests keep doing so, Vexor feels a sinister presence in his own mind. It is as if someone is trying to prevent him from bringing Darkthrop back to life and, possibly, to get rid of him.
"Servant of the dark! You've gone too far!"- He hears a loud and powerful voice in his mind- "Release the souls that you captured and retreat! Darkthrop is meant to stay in the realm of darkness and we'll make sure that he goes nowhere else!"
Although such mind-crushing magic is able to drive a normal person crazy, it does not work on a well-trained practicioner of the dark arts like Vexor. The attempts of the dark gods to repel him are mere trickery for himself.
"No! I won't submit to the likes of you!"- He says to himself, hoping that the gods hear his words- "I've gone too far to be defeated here and now! Don't try to stop me, because you will get burned down into a crisp!"
Having said that, he senses the sinister presence finally withdraw from his mind.
"Very well, dark one. But remember this."- The voice says in his mind- "Bringing chaos in this world will not achieve anything. Even if you do, it will still be erased by the Light and Order. There is no other way. You have been warned."
As Vexor is finally left alone, he waves his hands at the altar, chanting a long and complicated spell to draw from its power and use it to bring back Darkthrop's soul.
"With the powers that I have been given, I bring forth the shadows that consume humanity itself to revive a man whose soul has been lingering for too long."- He mutters- "Awaken, Mordred Darkthrop! Let your mind roam free in this world! Become the darkness that will extinguish the light and bring absolute chaos to the world once again!"
As the ceremony finally ends, a black wisp emerges from the altar, forming into a vague humanoid shape. It takes a few minutes for it to grow more substantial, but its face soon resembles that of Mordred Darkthrop- the evil sorcerer himself.
When his true self is finally shown, a wave of dark energy pushes most of the creatures away.
Vexor himself stands in place, resisting the foul magic. He smiles, realizing that the ritual is finally complete.
"It's him."- He mutters, astounded- "The one and only."
Mordred Darkthrop takes a few steps forward and smiles.
"I guess that I should thank you, mortal. Your magic brought me back to life, at long last."- He says- "So, tell me. What brought you all the way over here? And why did it take so long?"
Vexor falls on his knees and bows his head.
"Oh, great Master Darkthrop! I bow before your immense power and wisdom!"- He exclaims- "I revived you because there is still good left in this world. The servants of evil need you and you're our only hope to destroy what's left of the light here!"
Mordred smiles.
"I can tell that you're being sincere. Few would be foolish enough to revive a man like myself without a good reason."- He says- "But I can still sense some kind of... disturbance. Is there some kind of threat out there?"
Vexor shakes his head.
"The world's citizens know of your awakening. They tried to send some of their people to stop us, but we still prevailed."- He says- "And now, we're here, ready to serve you."
Mordred sighs.
"Oh, how I long to strike them all down. They dared to defy my and shall pay the price ten-fold."- He says- "Well, it doesn't matter. Since the invaders are all dead, we can finally begin rebuilding the Darkthrop empire. And this time, we shall emerge victorious."
He turns to the rest of his allies.
"But now, it's time to go."- He adds- "Prepare yourselves. We're going to relocate the capital somewhere else."
As the creatures and priests walk away, Mordred turns back to Vexor.
"Since you're the one who brought me back into this world, I want you to be the one to send a message to mankind."- He says- "How does that sound to you?"
Vexor smiles and bows his head.
"I am ready to do anything for you, master."
Mordred nods.
"I appreciate your enthusiasm, friend."- He says- "Well, I want you to tell them that Darkthrop has returned. And that he is much more powerful than ever!"