MLIV C5, P9- "Heir Of Twilight"

"Heir Of Twilight" is the ninth and penultimate Part of "Miracula Luxia IV" 's fifth Chapter.
It was released on 21.08.2022.
== Plot ==
The defeat of Connor Freeman and his forces was only the prelude for all the trouble that our heroes have yet to face. The warriors of Darkthrop are still hunting for them and every minute that they spend away from World's End is precious time that is wasted in stalling from the true goal.
But the journey there will be certainly perilous. Many warriors have decided to stay and guard their master, while others have decided to make their fortress into an unbreakable keep, seemingly safe from the clutches of the young Kaos.
The end of the road is near, but the stakes have never been bigger. Could disaster finally be averted, even though it may be too late?
== Story ==
As Adam and Darius survey the fresh carnage, Emela approaches the gates, asking the guards to be let in. Then, she joins the two boys as they prepare to plan their next move.
"Is everyone okay?"- She asks.
Darius nods.
"Everything's as clear as the providence we saw."- He says- "All of the men loyal to the tyrant are dead or gone. The man himself is rotting on the pole of destiny. And nothing else will every bother us."
He stares at the sky and smiles.
"The prophecy is true."- He smiles- "Only a Kaos would be able to save the world from the heirs of darkness. And there is nothing that will prevent him from earning peace for our tormented world."
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"You're speaking too fast, dear."- She says- "You say that Darkthrop's prophecy is not the only one?"
Darius smiles.
"That's why I'm so glad to be helping you out."- He says- "For many years, I had hoped that a Kaos would arrive in Avernum again. And yet, I never dared to believe it. What the mystics said earlier, it all seemed like regular superstitions that are meant to mess with the mind and make you believe in whatever they are meant to signify. To others, they were like the legends of the mythical creatures- way too surreal to be of any use. But to me? I was aware of it all. I believed the tales of the bards, the rants of the mothers who wanted their children to be like him. And then, I saw Adam, in all of his glory. I knew that he is the one I've been looking for."
Adam smiles.
"I am just glad that you are here, with us."- He says- "You are a talented warrior, my friend."
Darius salutes him.
"It's an honor to be with you."
Emela rolls her eyes.
"Anyway."- She says- "It sounds like Mister Ego won't be getting in our way. Not anymore."
Adam looks at her.
"Did you know him?"
Emela shakes her head.
"I've only heard stories of his cruelty back when I was in the Water Temple. And yet, all of them were true, as I saw what he was truly capable of."- She says- "Mr. Freeman was a cunning man. He tricked you into believing he was an innocent bystander and used your own purity against you."
Adam gasps.
"So, this means... "
Emela leans closer to him.
"He was a traitor, Adam. A traitor to the modern society."- She says- "He allowed the forces of Darkthrop to invade our lands without moving his fat finger. Supported his cause by capturing innocent civilians and forcing them to fight against their own people. And, worst of all, he claimed the souls of many helpless victims."
She looks down, her eyes filled with guilt.
"Including those who gave me the gift of life."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"He killed your... parents?!"
Emela sighs.
"Everyone believes that they died during the time when an alien overlord's spaceship fell in a lake. But that is not true, as I was the first one who witnessed it all."- She says- "Mr. Freeman was an outlaw leader on the suface. A particularly nasty one on top of that. He stole from both the rich and the poor, killed whoever disapproved of him, often with a worrying sense of sick pleasure. The law was too scared to act, because he was too powerful for them to handle... or so they claimed. And then, my father, bless his brave soul, decided that he had enough of him contaminating our world with his presence. With only his wand and the clothes on his back, he confronted that monster and his gang. Challenged him to a battle. However, that fiend proved to be a spoon too big for his mouth and he... died. At that time, I was weakened by my ordeal. Helpless, I watched as he perished and immediately ran to warn my mother. But it was too late. A group of invaders had already entered the temple and slaughtered her in cold blood. A single stream of blood trickled from her forehead, the part where she was shot by them. By the time the rest of them came along, I had already lost my mind. Screaming and waving my arms, I attacked them all in the same way my father did. But, unlike him, I was not alone. Mardek ran to my aid as soon as he saw what happened to him and, with the help of a squad of guards who happened to be passing by, we killed every single one of those fiends. We painted the temple red with their tainted blood. And the screams, they never faded away, even as everything returned to normal."
At this moment, she reminisces the moments that led to this chain of events.
"Father, no! Don't leave me!"
She shakes her head.
"Mother? Mother?!"- Her younger self yells in her mind- "Is there nothing I could do to wake you up?!"
An imaginary Mardek appears and shakes his head.
"Em, I should have come here sooner."- He says- "Maybe we could've saved the temple."
Emela looks down and sighs.
"No. It's all my fault, Mardek."- She says- "I should've told you of the temple while I had the chance. I should've predicted this."
Her wand drops from her hand as she falls on her knees.
"My parents, they always loved me so much. Wanted the best for my future. And I neglected them. I told them that I'd do whatever I want. And I never came to their rescue, even though they did everything to keep me in this world."- She continues- "I failed my duty as a daughter. And, sooner or later, I shall fail my duty as an ally... and as a friend."
She looks up.
"I refuse to be a mage anymore!"- She yells- "I'll never hurt anyone ever again!"
As the scene ends, Emela looks down and starts to cry.
"I miss them so much."
Adam approaches her and takes her hands in his.
"Miss Emela, I never knew that your past was so... conflicted."
Emela shakes her head.
"I thought that I was going to protect you by hiding the truth, but it's no use anymore."- She says- "Adam. When you met me for the first time, I had given up on everything. The future always seemed uncertain. I never dared to believe in any hero. I was broken, on the inside and in the outside, irrepairable. I was a liability to everything and to everyone."
She smiles.
"But then, I found you. And my world turned upside-down."
Adam nods.
"I know, Miss Emela."- He says- "I know."
Emela smiles.
"I once spoke to my parents' spirits of the possibility of becoming your teacher. They were the first ones who endorsed it, who encouraged me to follow my own dreams."- She says- "Come to think of it. had it not been for them, I don't think we would have ever known each other so well."
Adam smiles and hugs Emela.
"Everything will be alright now, Miss Emela."
Emela hugs him back.
"Of course, dear."- She says- "And you'll be the one to make it alright."
Darius gets their attention.
"A group of loyalists is coming our way."- He says- "What should we do with them?"
Adam and Emela draw their weapon.
"There is no mercy for the ones who cannot show it."- Adam says- "We will treat them the same way Mr. Freeman once treated his victims."
As the nearest guard prepares to avenge his fallen leader, Adam blasts him with a fire spell. This sudden demise sets a chain reaction that ignites the guards behind him, and then those who are behind them.
Like a domino, every nearby guard feels the wrath of Adam Kaos as the flames of justice spread around their victims.
Soon, there is nothing left, but ashes and charred bones- items that once belonged to unlawful criminals, liberated from their mortal shells.
'Looks like you're as furious as me."- Emela says.
Adam nods.
"And I shall do worse than that once we get to the capital."
Darius checks the remains for any useful equipment. He does not have to look for long. Soon, he finds a note and reads it, making a very intriguing discovery.
He turns to his allies and smiles.
"Did you know that this is the site where an ancient teleporter was once built? The one that was supposed to lead to the surface, to be the salvation of the avernites?"- He says- "Well, look no further. We are here."
Emela looks around excitedly.
"So, this is why they built it all the way here."- She says- "They thought that Erika's residual magic would activate the portal and give them a chance to get revenge for their exile."
Darius sighs.
"A clever move, but one that shall remain unaccomplished."
He turns to Adam.
"I fear that we are threading into some dangerous territory, though."- He says- "Are you sure that you want to move on?"
Emela glares at him.
"You dare question by boy?!"
Darius shakes his head.
"No."- He says- "I'm just... "
Adam shakes his head.
"Do not bother."- He says- "It is my destiny. I must move on, for the sake of those who gave their lives to allow us to exist longer."
He looks at his sword as it starts to glow white.
"I must be their light."- He says- "They need me."
Darius nods.
"So it be."- He says- "But be warned- there is no going back. Everything that you do from here- it might be the catalyst that shows whether humanity survives or not."
Adam nods.
"I am quite aware of that."
He turns to Emela.
"Where is Aalia?"
Emela looks back.
"She should be here."- She says- "Any minute now."
Moments later, a blonde-haired girl runs through the gates and runs into Adam's arms.
"Yeah! You did it!"- She exclaims- "Everyone's safe again!"
Adam sighs.
"Perhaps."- He says- "But not for long."
Aalia looks up,
"Oh."
Adam nods.
"We must find the teleporter as soon as possible."- He says- "Come on."
Darius and Emela grab picks and shovels from nearby.
"We're on it, dear."- Emela says as they begin.
As the two of them dig their way through the solid ground, Adam and Aalia stand back.
"So, are you feeling alright?"- Adam asks.
Aalia raises her eyebrow.
"Alright how?"
Adam looks at her.
"Did you get scared by all of the goons who were running around?"
Aalia shakes her head.
"In what kind of world would I be scared of our enemies?"
Adam shrugs.
"I do not know."- He says- "You seemed pretty... insecure back there."
Aalia stares at him.
"That's because I was too scared about you!"
Adam nods.
"What about our future?"- He asks- "Have you really looked into it?"
Aalia sighs.
"Well, I really want to graduate from college. Have a family. Children, maybe."- She says- "But all of this nonsense, it's too much for me. I want a peaceful life, not one that's filled with danger."
Adam blinks a few times.
"That makes two of us, then."
He looks at her and smiles.
"Our children will be the most beautiful beings in the world."- He says- "They shall soon take my role as the protectors of the planet. And they will do great."
Aalia shakes her head.
"Oh no. Don't you even think about that."- She warns him- "I want my children to be normal. To go to school like any normal child. To live a life away from anything dangerous."
Adam nods.
"It is true that we must protect them, but it shall not last for long."- He says- "Sooner or later, despair will reach them. They must be prepared to embrace it."
Aalia sighs.
"I know, honey. I know."- She says remorsefully- "Bringing children into this chaotic world is not always a good idea. But we must secure our legacy."
Adam stares at the nearby gates.
"Like Akira?"
Aalia nods.
"She's a true fighter."- She says- "Nothing will be a challenge for her."
Adam smiles.
"What about our nephew?"- He asks- "Did you see him?"
Aalia smiles as well.
"This little thing is the sweetest kid I have ever met during my endeavors. Despite his age, he always tried to offer me help and tried to learn from what I had to show. Of course, I ain't much of a teacher, but he's gotten his way with learning what he could, from whoever he could."- She says- "That's why my decision for me and Emela to stay with him and your mother for the time being was the wisest one. And I would never regret the time I spend with him."
She continues to smile.
"I'm proud to be the auntie of such a talented kid."- She adds- "He'll grow up to be a great hero."
Adam nods.
"My sister tries to keep him away from seeing the dangers of the world, but I know that he must adapt."- He says- "I am glad that he finally sees what has to be done."
Aalia sighs.
"Sure, but don't take it all too hard on him."- She says- "I mean, he's two years old. What kind of horrible world would require a kid to adapt so fast?"
Adam looks down.
"Do not underestimate them."
After a few minutes, Darius and Emela return. Having just finished digging a huge tunnel, they sit on the surface and admire their work.
"Well, it seems like that did not take very long, did it?"- Adam asks- "Did you find something down there?"
Darius smiles.
"Connor's men were too foolish. They settled here and tried to scan their surroundings for hidden passages, yet never dared to move their fingers to actually mine the rock beneath them."- He says- "An engine room is up ahead. It was used to stabilize the portal and keep it alive, but I'm sure that it could do well without it, as well."
Adam smiles.
"Then this means we just made a huge discovery."
Emela sighs.
"If only the avernites knew about this place earlier."- She says- "They would've loved it."
Adam nods.
"Let us descend."- He says- "There is little time left and we should not waste any of it."
The four of them descend into the dark halls, inspired by the goal of others who came before them and intending to finish what they once started."
"Wow."- Aalia says- "It sure is gloomy around here."
She tries to light a torch, but Adam stops her.
"Do not tamper with the magic of this place!"- He warns her- "Even a single sparkle could cause it all to fall on top of us!"
Aalia starts to respond, but then hears the faint rumbling and thinks better of it.
"Sorry about that."
The rest of their visit goes unimpeded. Apparently, whoever created this place seemingly abandoned it to the ravages of time, leaving little else but useless rubble for collectors.
"It seems like the Empire had huge ambitions when they found this nation."- Darius says as he inspects the glyphs on the walls- "And to think that they had such advanged technology. It is... incredible."
Adam nods.
"Those tyrants were well ahead of their time. Once, they were foolhardy enough to rule the world and have every continent for themselves, even those under the soil they step on."- He says- "However, their desires for world domination are long gone. Now, they only wish to trade and coexist."
Darius nods.
"Then Empress Prazac did one thing right."- He says- "I'm glad to see that her efforts were not in vain."
Adam shrugs.
"Well, I am not quite sure if she would have approved of what her father did to the rest of the world."- He says- "She outright despised him where he was still in charge of everything and I am sure that this would have given her another reason to hate him."
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"Wait a minute."- She says- "Empress Prazac, her holy majesty, actually hated her own father?"
Adam sighs.
"I guess that most historians would claim otherwise, but it is best not to believe something that the flock thinks is right."- He says- "Sometimes, you have to look deeper into the lies to see the truth, covered in the grime and sweat of those who have been trying to uncover it. Only then, you will understand that some things are hidden in plain sight from us."
Darius nods at the halls.
"Like this portal to the surface?"
Adam nods.
"And this is only one of many."
As they continue to speak, a single yell is heard from upstairs. It sounds like somebody is being attacked.
"Looks like we're not out of danger yet!"- Aalia yells.
Darius draws his staff.
"I'll go help them."
As he takes a step forward, however, he is stopped by Adam.
"There is no need for that, my friend."- He says- "I want to be the one this time."
Darius looks at him.
"But... you're supposed to be kept away from them.'
Adam shakes his head.
"It does not matter."- He says- "My duty is to protect other people in need. And I will."
Emela takes a step forward.
"And I shall join you on this mission of mercy."
Adam nods.
"I thank you sincerely for that."
Having said that, the two of them run upstairs and approach the gates.
Two people blast their way through a large crowd of guards, seemingly weakened by their ordeal and left with little energy to expend. Much to Adam and Emela's surprise, they recognize them as Akira and Balthazar.
"Just a little longer, Balthazar."- Akira says to him- "We'll find help for you soon."
Balthazar shakes his head.
"I just want to see that child again."
Thanks to our heroes' help, the guards are easily crushed by their combined power, leaving Akira and Balthazar alive and well.
"You're still bleeding!"- Akira exclaims.
Balthazar sighs.
"It's just another phase of my life."- He says- "I'll get over it. Eventually."
Adam leans close to them.
"What happened out there?"
Akira looks up.
"One of those traitors struck him with a magical arrow. It turns out the venom within is magical too, so we hurried along as best as we could."
Balthazar smiles weakly.
"If it hadn't been for you two, both of us would have perished together."
Adam nods.
"Is there any way we could save you?"
Balthazar shakes his head.
"Only to ease that unbearable pain of mine."- He says- "Using your energy for something so impossible would be a waste for you, hero."
Adam shakes his head.
"No. I must give it a try."- He says- "Stand still. I will try to cure you."
Adam uses some of his most powerful healing spells to tend to the wound. He even uses some of the materials he still has left, in an attempt to stop the venom from spreading further. However, in the end, he only manages to make Balthazar feel less pain.
Balthazar smiles.
"Thank... you."- He says- "But now, it's time for me to leave this shell. Begin life anew."
He looks up.
"You, pink-haired girl. I sense that you harness the power of water."- He says- "I am a master of water myself. Perhaps our souls could join as one and I could still live on."
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"Umm, is this actually possible?"
Adam nods.
"Various magical creatures are capable of this technique. It is known as Soul Transfer and it allows them to join together with a host who shares their own element."- He says- "Of course, only Annunaki are capable of performing this technique without harming the host in the process, but there have not been any of them on this planet for years, maybe even decades."
Balthazar smiles.
"You are wrong, my child."- He says- "Because you're already staring at one right now."
Adam gasps as Balthazar reverts to his original form.
"You... you are... "
Balthazar, now a mysterious, robed figure, nods.
"I was born on a planet far away from this one. I knew about the existence of humans as a whole and envied them for their constant expertise in magic and how easily they got over the downsides. I learned a lot about your people and became fascinated with your... history. Your battles. Your discoveries."- He says- "Once the curse on my people was lifted, I travelled all the way to the Earth, in the hopes of finding one who is worthy of my attention. When I saw you, I knew that there was something special. You are no mere human and I'm sad that you can't be my host. We could have been a great team."
He looks up at Emela.
"But I have no regrets."- He says- "Your teacher is also a flawless specimen... err, ally."
Adam salutes him.
"Thank you for your service, Balthazar."- He says- "You were wonderful."
Balthazar nods.
"Thanks to you, I finally stand corrected and realize how wrong I was about you."- He says- "From now on, my people and yours shall be allies in the face of danger. We shall be the saviors of the universe, until the end of time."
With that, Balthazar's only eye closes and he slowly turns into many bright blue particles.
Adam watches as most of them float up toward the sky. However, some of them remain and form a glowing orb that resembles a soul.
Then, just as our heroes wonder what is going on, it happens. The soul is transfered into Emela's body and she is now Balthazar's new host.
"Are you feeling comfortable in there?"- Emela asks.
Suddenly, Emela's eyes start to glow light blue as Balthazar begins to speak through her.
"Everything is so bright in here. It almost feels as if I am actually home."- He says- "I appreciate your hospitality, human. You did me a great favor."
Adam nods.
"So, what shall we do now?"
Emela (or rather, Balthazar) turns around and looks at him.
"That kid, Darius, was right about one thing. If the body is to collapse, then the soul must be ripped from the body."- He says- "Darkthrop will keep coming back until we find a way to do the impossible."
Adam nods.
"Do you have any suggestions?"
Emela looks at the object in his right pocket.
"Perhaps the newly reformed orb shall be the key."
Adam pulls out the orb and looks at it.
"This orb? The one that we obtained after combining the orbs of Light and Dreams?"- He asks- "It has not done anything useful for us so far."
Emela nods.
"But it did help you when you were attacked by Erika Redmark."
Adam shakes his head.
"Miss Redmark did not mean to hurt me!"- He exclaims- "She only wanted to-- "
He leans back.
"Wait a minute."- He says- "Now, I can see it. Everything is connected. The destruction of the Stone of Aja. The deaths of the guardians. Darkthrop conquering half of the world for himself. It is clear that Erika Redmark wanted me to onlock the Orb of Purity's true potential."
Emela nods.
"And this is why we came so far."
As they prepare to enter the portal room, Emela's eyes start to glow again.
"Though you must remember that a mere orb will not be enough to stop Darkthrop completely."- Balthazar says- "In order to find the right way to get rid of him, you must search deep inside your very soul."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"My... soul?"
Emela nods.
"An answer is to be engraved deep within, meant to be read only if you are worthy enough."- He continues- "In other words, the answer is in you. Find it and defeat the tyrant once and for all."
Adam nods.
"And so I shall."- He says- "Mark my words, Balthazar. Your sacrifice shall not be in vain."
Emela smiles.
"The whole world's expecting you to act, boy."- He says- "It won't be long before they see how wrong they were to neglect your eternal glory."
When they arrive in the portal room, they realize that it is completely lit. Somehow, Darius and Aalia have managed to turn on the lights without exploding the entire complex.
As soon as they get to the center, they are greeted by them.
"We found a way to calibrate the portal and link it to our desired location!"- Darius gives them the good news- "With some luck, we'll be able to land at the right spot in no time!"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Are you sure that this thing is, you know, stable?"
Darius shrugs.
"Maybe we're about to be ripped into hundreds of pieces and scattered across the globe. Maybe we're about to experience the worst headache imaginable."- He says- "But worry not! The spirits have spoken and they are on our side!"
Adam smiles.
"That is excellent."- He says- "So, this means that we could trust them?"
Darius nods.
"I have faith in their trust, so yes. We can."- He says- "Now. Who is ready for the ride of their life?"
Emela grins.
"Well, count me in!"- She exclaims- "I can't wait to see that desolate wasteland again!"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Again?"
Emela shrugs.
"We'll talk about that later.'
Darius smiles.
"And so, it begins."- He says- "Get ready, everyone. This is going to be a wild ride."
Pushing a single button on the portal, he activates it. Soon, all of them are teleported to World's End. Or rather, the outskirts of it.
Adam gets up and draws his weapon. It seems like it is going to be a long way to the final capital of Darkthrop's empire... and he must stay strong until the end.
"Umm. Is this supposed to happen?"- Akira wonders aloud- "I thought that portals like those are location-specific."
Adam shrugs.
"I guess that this is just a bit of bad luck."
Akira sighs.
"It's always the same."
Our heroes journey through the barren wasteland, defeating humanoids sent by Darkthrop to protect his settlement for invaders. Finding clue after clue, they soon discover World's End's exact location, but still have a long way to go.
"I don't think that it will get easier from here!"- Aalia exclaims.
Adam shakes his head.
"Do not be afraid, everyone."- He says- "Victory is almost within our grasp. All we have to do is make one last stand against the darkness."
Akira nods.
"My brother's right. We've gone too far to doubt our own abilities!"- She exclaims- "Darkthrop may have become stronger than he has always been, but he's alone in the face of danger! He's surrounded on all sides and he can't protect himself from our combined wrath!"
Aalia shakes her head.
"Easy for you to say!"- She says- "You were with Darkthrop once and know his nature! But we're not the same as you!"
Akira sighs.
"Looks like you can't understand the maginitude of this situation."- She says- "Stay back, dear. Let the true heroes finish this job."
Aalia nods.
"I'm not that much of a fighter myself, so be my guest."
Adam shakes his head and stays next to Aalia.
"Excuse my sister for her rudeness, dear. She becomes rather erratic when something serious has to be done."- He says to her- "I assure you that she is much kinder than this in normal times."
Aalia smiles.
"Of course."- She says- "We're just... having a friendly argument. Some girl talk, if I may say so myself."
Adam rolls his eyes.
"If this is really girl talk, then I think that I should not be involved.
Darius sighs.
"And neither should I."
Adam nods and takes a step forward.
"Let us proceed."- He says- "To World's End!"
Our heroes step cautiously past the wasteland, ever-vigilant of any enemies that might try to bother them. Unfortunately, a massive sandstorm begins as soon as they get past a giant rock, forcing them to hold onto it.
Much to their dismay, the sandstorm keeps getting stronger and stronger. Every moment that they spend is to survive against this sudden source of peril. Being blown away from their goal after working so hard to get there is going to be quite devastating for them and they must keep trying to revolt against the force of nature, in the hopes that everything will get better in the end.
"Keep on fighting, everyone!"- Adam yells- "This is yet another challenge that stands in our way to freedom! We must stand strong at all costs!"
Akira shakes her head.
"This is just a little bit of breeze!"- She yells- "We will not be afraid!"
The heroes step past the giant rock and walk forward, despite the risk of getting blown away. Step after step, they get closer to their goal. And yet, it still seems like they are very far away from it.
"The light!"- Darius exclaims- "It's running out!"
Adam shakes his head.
"Not while I am here."
Performing a few complex motions with his hands, the young hero summons a wisp of light.
"Creature of the realms beyond!"- He yells- "Heed my call and banish the darkness that surrounds us! Free us from the ethereal chains!"
The wisp starts to glow with a gentle, yet powerful light that easily cuts a way through the seemingly endless sandstorm, providing our heroes with a way out of this perilous nightmare.
"Is this it?"- Emela asks- "Are we ready to head there?"
Adam shakes his head.
"I am not quite sure, but I believe in the little one's power."- He says- "They may look feeble and small, but looks could be deceiving."
He looks back.
"So, are you with me?"
Akira nods.
"I always stood by your side, little brother. And I always will."- She says- "No matter what the others say, I'll join you in this final battle!"
Aalia glares at her.
"Did you forget about me, Akira?"- She asks her- "I'm Adam's beloved! I'm not going anywhere either!"
Akira sighs.
"As you wish, dear."- She says to her- "Just be warned- it won't get easier from here."
Aalia looks down.
"I know."- She says- "But I'll get over it, for the sake of being together again."
Akira smiles.
"That's the spirit."
She turns to Adam.
"Then it's decided. Everyone is ready to go."- She says- "What about you, brother?"
Adam nods.
"And so am I."- He says- "Let us proceed."
The heroes walk through the massive sandstorm, cutting a path of light as they step further. Even this force of nature is not enough to stop them from reaching the end of their journey.
A few minutes later, Akira points at something in the distance. 
"Everyone! There's something out there!"- She exclaims as she continues to point- "It's not a mirage! I swear!"
It is almost as if she is seeing things, but Adam knows better. He has the ability of telling between things that are a reality to the eye and ones that are made to fool it.
"Normally, I would choose to ignore her. She is often very hopeful and tries to stay positive, even though she also imagines things that are not there."- He says to himself- "But now, I could tell that she found something that is more than an imaginary oasis. She just found a sign of true hope... and I will not let it slip away, just because the others are hesitant to believe her."
Adam draws his sword. Then, he pulls out the Orb of Purity that he formed recently and raises it in the air.
"Orb of miracles! Be our guiding light!"- He yells- "Reveal the mysteries that are hidden from the eye! Give us a chance for redemption in this world of despair!"
Suddenly, the orb starts to glow. It floats out of Adam's hands and moves higher, as if attempting to uncover something.
And then, it suddenly falls from the sky, landing on Adam's sword and breaking into hundreds of pieces, shards of glass that are bereft of the magic that once inhabited them. Never to be repaired again."
Darius is shocked that he had to witness this.
"Adam! What have you done?"- He says, barely able to believe it himself- "You just destroyed a priceless artifact!"
He approaches him and grabs him by the neck.
"Don't you have any shame?!"
Aalia places her hand on Darius's shoulder.
"Darius, please."- She says, her voice choked with grief- "Stop! You're hurting him!"
Darius shakes his head.
"You killed us all!"
While Darius tries to choke Adam, Akira rips her brother off his arms and punches him in the face with all her strength.
"I told you, Darius! If you ever tried to hurt my brother, I wound never show you mercy!"- She yells- "You and your mother are cut from the same cloth! You're both foolish! You lost your hope and thought that turning against your friends will help you survive! Well, you've gone too far! And now, you shall pay for what you did!"
Having said that, she pushes him to the ground and starts to punch him. Relentlessly, she continues to harm him, even as he tries to defend himself.
"I should never have trusted you!"- She yells as she delivers another blow- "I should have left you behind when I had the chance!"
Darius shakes his head.
"And I should've left you to die out there!"- He yells- "Why didn't that bullet kill you?!"
Akira glares at him.
"Because I'm not like that!"- She yells- "Unlike you!"
Despite having only a single arm left, Akira successfully manages to subdue the rogue mage, leaving him weakened and helpless.
Fortunately, Aalia manages to rush into the mess just in time. She pulls Akira away as Adam heals Darius.
"Okay."- She says- "Now, I reallt think that you've lost it!"
Akira shakes her head.
"Trust me, he's lost more than I have."
Aalia shakes her head.
"This is not the way to treat someone who harms your brother!"- She exclaims- "You should try to be more considerate!"
Akira raises her eyebrow.
"Considerate? With someone who almost murdered a member of my family because of a simple mistake?"- She asks- "Look at him, Aalia! This person was on the verge of ending Adam's life! He would have done the same to us and you know it well!"
Aalia sighs.
"Yeah. I know."- She says- "But it's still pretty sad. I don't know if he should be treated like this... especially after what we did to his mother."
Darius looks up.
"My mother?"
Ignoring Adam's pleas, he lunges at Akira and grabs her by the neck.
"What have you done to her?!"
Akira shakes her head.
"I promised not to tell anyone."- She says- "I'm sorry, Darius. It's for your own good."
Darius tightens his grip.
"I want answers!"- He yells- "Now!"
Akira sighs.
"Your mother is alive, but hurt."- She says- "She tried to use the Necronomicon to awaken the undead who were killed at the tower. She thought that it would help us save the world from Darkthrop. But we were forced to battle her. She gave up, but only after we had to knock her unconscious."
She shakes her head.
"I'm sorry."- She apologizes- "No child deserves to know what his parent is responsible of. But now, you are aware of it. Do whatever you want, but it doesn't change the most obvious fact- she tried to get us all killed. She was a traitor, no matter if she did and was best disposed of. For the sake of moving on, you have to understand that it had to be done."
Suddenly, Darius lets go of Akira. He falls on his knees and shakes his head.
"So, it is true. Mom really did betray me, even though I tried to warn her of what would happen."- He says- "Why was she so ignorant? Why did she have to invoke the wrath of those who try to save the world?"
He looks back at Adam and sighs.
"I guess that I owe you an apology. My actions were quite thoughtless and completely unjustified, especially when you just tried to use the orb's power to save us all."- He says- "But what will we do now? Do we just have to... keep on walking?"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Well, I am not quite sure."- He says- "Maybe we shall receive an answer, sooner or la-- "
Suddenly, Adam's sword starts to glow bright. It crackles with power as he raises it in the air and swings it a few times, as if beckoning him to use it.
"That's right!"- Akira exclaims- "The energy within the orb was infused into Adam's weapon! Now, he can use it at his own leisure!"
Adam nods.
"I can feel the potency of the wild soul within. The barely restrained energy that is on our side."- He says confidently- "It is as if a thousand souls are burning in my hand, waiting to be unleashed."
Darius nods.
"Darkthrop has nothing on us!"
Adam runs forward. He swings his sword and cuts through space and time, creating an irreversible vacuum that destroys all of the darkness around it and revealing all that was hidden from plain sight.
In just a few moments, the entire sandstorm is sucked in, leaving our heroes to cross safely without any consequences.
"I can feel the malevolent energy coming from nearby."- Adam says as he sheathes his sword- "World's End is near. Very near."
Akira cannot help but stare at her brother's new, amazing weapon. She is thrilled to see that he has managed to master its power and unlock its true potential, even though it all happened accidentally.
"Doesn't it seem weird that a simple sword made of mythril could do such amazing things?"- She says- "I almost refused to believe it myself. And yet, here we are. Free to be ourselves, away from those who tried to harm us."
As Adam and his allies look around, theny notice a dead group of darklings nearby. From the looks of it, they must have tried to sneak up on them while they were arguing, but were soon sucked up into the magical vortex and became the unfortunate victims of the wild magic that manifests the sword.
"It looks like I was wrong."- Akira mutters- "They are the ones who lost everything."
Darius shakes his head.
"Truth be told, they lost much more than that."
Akira nods.
"And it was well-deserved."
Adam takes a few steps forward and realizes that one of the creatures is still alive. He grabs it by the neck and forces it to stare at the direction where World's End is supposed to be.
"Uhh, Adam?"- Emela says- "What are you doing, dear?"
Adam nods.
"Only the presence of a member of their own kind will trigger the revelation."- He says- "The magic of the sword is not enough. We must keep trying."
The darkling chuckles.
"You'll fail. You'll all fail."- It mutters- "Even if you get inside World's End, Master Darkthrop shall crush you. Take your energy and use it against the world. The prophecy shall ring true and anyone who stands in our way shall... burn. The fires will spread and everything... everything will be consumed."
Adam shakes his head.
"The only prophecy that will be made a reality is the one that shall be responsible for your downfall!"- He yells- "Darkthrop will be brought to justice! He shall face the court of light and be held responsible for all the pain, all the suffering! With our help, none of his servants shall live to see the light- including you!"
Suddenly, a bright light illuminates the sky. The darkling slowly starts to burn away, screaming as its true home is revealed at last.
Finally, the process leaves the vile creature as nothing more than a pile of ashes that fall from Adam's hand. When the young hero looks up, he sees a tall tower in the sky and smiles.
"There we are, everyone."- He says- "Our journey is reaching its climax. And there is no going back."
Akira grins.
"Finally!"- She exclaims- "We can finally get our revenge on that old, crooked man!"
Darius smiles.
"Ah, World's End."- He says- "I only heard legends of Darkthrop's old home. And yet, I never dared to believe how majestic and imposing it would be."
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"Umm, everyone?"- She says- "I know that you're excited about this, but it's not wise to daydream when we're so close."
Adam nods.
"Miss Emela is right."- He admits- "If Darkthrop's forces find out that we know about their trickery, they are going to try rising it back. And we will not be this lucky if they do."
Much to their surprise, the darklings soon discover that something is wrong. Some of them emerge from the gates.
"What was that?"
Akira sighs.
"So much for a quick visit."
Adam draws his sword.
"We must not let them find us."- He says- "Hide! Now!"
The heroes devise a quick plan. Without a moment of waiting, they leap behind a large rock formation and find a few smaller rocks. They throw them at the darklings, distracting them for the time being as they bend down to inspect them.
"Hmm. They seem natural, I think."- The scientist of the team says- "Are we sure that we're looking at the right ones?"
The captain shakes his head.
"You could never be too sure about it, can you?"
The scientist sighs.
"Just hurry up already."- He says- "Something big's about to happen. We mustn't miss it."
At this time, Adam and his allies make a run for the gates ahead. Unfortunately, two of the darklings' scouts catch their scent and lead the group toward their direction.
However, Adam seems to have anticipated this. He hides behind a rock, giving his allies the chance to do the same. He and Darius work on distracting them by summoning lost spirits to distract the pursuing darklings, forcing them to fight for their lives instead.
But the spell breaks as soon as they emerge from their hiding spots. The darklings see them and give chase again, this time with renewed determination to repel the intruders once and for all
"There they are!"- Their captain yells as they try to hide again and runs to the front, intending to take them down himself.
Adam leaps back and unleashes the new power of his sword, sending a huge wave of light that incinerates three of the darklings behind them.
The captain smirks and points his halberd at him.
"All my life, I've been hoping to find someone as worthy as you."- He says- "Let's duel, hero!"
Adam glares at him.
"You should be warned that I am not the weak and dependant child anymore."- He says- "But if you want to fight, I shall oblige. Show me what you have got!"
He lunges forward and clashes his weapon into the captain's halberd, sending a large surge of energy that throws them both back.
The captain growls as he stands up. Apparently, he seems to be quite agitated. Thus, he wastes no time to show Adam just how much he truly hates him for what he has been doing.
"Are you okay out there?"- Darius asks- "Do you need more help?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Save your energy for Darkthrop."- He says- "We need as much help when we get there. But for now, I could take this one down myself."
Then, to prove his point, he hurls a bolt of fire, jumps forward and swings his blade. As it touches the fireball, it manages to enhance it with its own power, turning it into a blazing orb of doom.
And it is heading in the right direction- toward the terrified darklings.
As the massive orb of fire descends and explodes the creatures into piles of dark mist, Adam uses his magic to fly higher and descends, landing as lightly as a feather just as the smoke clears. Even as the creatures fall apart, their screams fill the night with the sorrow of countless tyrants. But that is of no concern for the young hero, as he remains completely unharmed, much to the surprise of his compatriots.
"Now that is a show of true power!"- Darius exclaims- "Few heroes would be able to perform such a complex technique as easily as you!"
As Adam clears the dust of the fallen from his flawless weapon, he nods and smiles.
"When I said that I was determined to get us all to World's End, I was true to my word."- He says- "And now, we can bask in the glory of our good deeds."
He smiles sadly.
"But not before confronting Darkthrop, of course."
As Adam and his allies reach the gates to World's End, a faint spirit coalesces in front of them. It does not have the power to fight them, but seems to have some kind of a purpose nonetheless.
"What is this? A rogue spirit?"- Darius asks- "I've never seen this one before. It doesn't seem to be real either, so it must be a simple magical protection, meant to fool us."
He raises his eyebrow.
"But his face, it seems all too familiar."- He adds- "Could it be... ?"
When the spirit starts to speak, everything becomes obvious. The creature is a part of Mordred Darkthrop, turned into a spirit for some reason.
"Ah. You are here."- He says- "I had no doubt that you'd arrive. All heroes find their way in my lair, sooner or later."
Adam shakes his head.
"What are you trying to do, Darkthrop?"
Mordred smiles.
"If I told you, that would just ruin all the fun, hmm?"- He says, continuing to maintain his friendly attitude, something which does not fool the young hero- "We shall talk about it later. But first, I need to know why you are here."
Akira glares at him.
"Why don't you tell us, faceless one?"- She asks- "You're the one who knows everything!"
Mordred laughs.
"Very perceptive, dear."- He says- "Perhaps you're not as reckless as I had thought."
He points at them.
"But that doesn't change the fact that you're all a bunch of traitors."- He says- "You acted against my just acts and tried to punish me from saving your world."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Mordred looks around.
"Take a look at everything around you! The world is getting more and more unstable, even without my influence!"- He yells- "Everything that our kind does, it will ruin our planet sooner or later! Don't count on bringing peace to them, because it will just allow them to continue doing what they once did!"
Adam shakes his head.
"It is true. Global warming and famine are issues that must not be ignored, even though we often have to deal with each other to make an actual difference."- He says- "But taking the entire world under your own rule will not change anything!"
Mordred shakes his head.
"You blinded child!"- He says- "You claim that I'm the one who is corrupted by the darkness, but you're the one who was left blind by the light!"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"And what makes you think so?"
Mordred sighs.
"Your father once thought the same way. He did whatever he could to stop the world from being turned into a useless piece of land, killing enemy after enemy because he thought that he was right."- He says- "But he saw the truth too late! And now, even as he speak, he doubts himself for leaving you to travel alone all the way here."
Adam glares at him.
"What do you have against my father?"
Mordred looks down.
"Believe what you want. It will all fall apart either way."- He says- "But just remember this- your father is not the good man here. The people who are travelling with you are nothing more than a bunch of liars who try to make you feel better. Day after day, you believe in a cause that might prove to be too impossible for you to handle. Do you really want it to be this way?"
Akira shakes her head.
"Don't listen to this fiend, brother!"- She yells- "He's trying to pry into your mind, erase all the good memories! You can't trust him, no matter what he says!"
Mordred waves his hands and casts a spell that pushes her back.
"Silence, traitor."- He mutters- "You had your chance. And you wasted it."
He looks at Adam.
"I just wanted to make you remember everything that happened. Give you a chance to reminisce what happened because of your actions."- He says- "If you keep on denying the truth, will you ever look at my cause the same way?"
Adam glares at him.
"My actions?"- He asks- "Look at you! You are a bloodthirsty tyrant who has no qualms about hurting others to get what you want! If there is anyone who has to look at their own past and regret what they have done, it should be you and only you!"
Mordred glares back.
"This is what the world has turned me into!"- He retorts- "If you don't act in time, you shall end up like me! Mark my words!"
Adam shakes his head.
"I will not allow that!"
Mordred chuckles.
"You're always so positive. So naive."- He says- "But will your hopes and prayers last against the inevitable? WIll you look upon your past and make your future a better one, in spite of all the mistakes which you've made?"
Adam looks down and clenches his fist.
"I will make you pay for what you did to my brother."- He mutters- "His demise will not be in vain. I will make sure of it."
Mordred smiles.
"I applaud your determination. Few would stand in my way, just because I hurt someone they once loved."- He says- "But your brother was a fool. He entered World's Keep, thinking that I would dare consider him a worthy challenger. And yet, he ended up like every hero of old- lost and forgotten."
He looks him in the eye.
"So, what makes you think that you could keep his memory alive for long?"
Adam draws his weapon.
"That is enough!"- He yells- "Leave me alone!"
He swings his sword at Mordred's shade, but the blow passes through it, leaving the creature completely unharmed. Angered, he attacks again and again, disrupting the connection between it and its master and making Darkthrop concerned about the young hero's newfound power and will to live for his people.
"Yes! Keep it coming!"- He yells, as if to encourage his behavior- "Let your rage flow! Hate me! Hurt me! It'll all fall apart either way!"
As Adam continues to swing wildly, Akira tries to restrain him. However, she only has a single arm now, so grabbing her brother proves to be too much for her.
When it seems like Adam has gone completely mad, the spirit of Tunsten Darkthrop appears in front of them. He glares at his father and shakes his head.
"Be quiet, father!"- He yells- "You have no right to invoke chaos in this poor boy's mind! Stand back!"
Mordred shakes his head.
"You know that I cannot do that, son."- He says- "I'm here to stop that boy from entering my rightful home. And I won't let you stop me."
Tunsten sighs.
"Then I guess I don't have another choice."
Using the magic that he learned in life, he creates a small balance that throws the evil wizard off-balance for the time being. He wrestles him as he fights back, managing to blast him with a bolt of lightning and disrupting his connection even further.
"My father tried to use a powerful part of his spirit to keep you at bay. He tried to get you all killed, but this is not to be."- He says- "I'll try to hold him off, but I can't keep fighting forever. Eventually, you have to face him at his full potential."
Before anyone could respond, he shakes his head.
"God bless you all."
Then, with a single blast of magical energy, he throws our heroes back into World's End. Unfortunately, it is powerful enough to shatter the gates as well, sealing the entrance behind them with rubble and leaving them with no other choice than to proceed forward.
"What's wrong with that one?"- Akira asks.
Darius shakes his head.
"He was only trying to keep his legacy from harming anyone. To save those who were already doomed by his father's actions."- He says- "Family is... a complicated issue."
Akira sighs.
"Just another day in our world, then."- She says- "Nothing out of the ordinary."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Except for all of the creatures that are trying to kill us?"
Akira nods.
"I guess so."
As the heroes cross the pitch black streets of World's End, they cannot help but notice all of the buildings that the darklings made for their master. A smithy, equipped with some of the finest weapons. An armory for the most protective armor in the last. And, best of all, a tall and imposing tower, meant for the one who shall rule them all and lead them to complete victory against humankind.
Despite being on opposite sides, they still admire everything that they see. So much that they almost bump into the group of creatures that is approaching them.
When they look up, they see that they found some demons. Or rather, the demons found them. 
In their unquestioned arrogance against humans, they point at them and laugh.
"Oh look! Humans!"- One of them says- "Darkthrop was right! This place is filled with 'em!"
Another demon laughs.
"Let's turn them into ashes and use them against their own kind!"- He says- "It'll be fun to watch them all bu-- "
Suddenly, Adam jumps in the air and launches a massive wave of energy, incinerating them all on the spot and turning them into ashes instead.
"I do not have time for pointless banter."- He says- "Let us proceed."
Akira sighs.
"So much for those fiends."
On their way to Darkthrop's final sanctuary, they meet a mysterious, robed figure. It draws its blade and beckons them to approach.
"It seems like we've got another challenger."- Emela says- "How will we handle this?"
Adam draws his sword.
"There is only one way."- He says and steps forward fearlessly.
The figure smiles.
"I knew that it'd be you."- It says, in a female voice that Adam seems to recognize- "From the very first day, I thought that you would be the last guardian of humankind. The final savior of the world. I guess that I shouldn't be surprised that you're the one, then."
Adam shakes his head.
"I do not have time for you."- He says- "Step aside. Darkthrop is the one that I want."
The masked figure nods.
"But are you worthy to face the master?"- She asks him- "With that impure heart of yours?"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"I do not understand."
The woman grins.
"Just like your father."
Much to Adam's surprise, she lowers her hood, revealing the face of Nox Pendragon- his aunt.
"What are you doing here, aunt?"
Nox smiles.
"Answering the call of prophecy, of course!"- She exclaims- "Too many nights, I've been unable to cope with my destiny. I tried to see you all as my family. And yet, tainted blood runs deep in my veins. I never forgot who I was. And then, when it all happened again, I failed to stand helpless any longer. I hungered for the blood of the innocent, so I came all the way to Darkthrop, to satisfy my thirst for good."
Nox raises her eyebrow.
"I suppose that you'll try to stop me. To bring me back to my boring life, in my boring home."- She adds- "Is that so?"
Adam sighs.
"I guess that nothing will ever change you."- He says, seemingly knowing how wicked she has always been.
Nox smiles.
"Finally, someone who sees the truth."
Adam points his weapon at her.
"If you really want to fight so badly, then have at thee."
Nox nods.
"Bring it on, child of Darkthrop."
The two of them engage in a short, but very vicious battle. Blow after blow, they slowly weaken each other until one of them falls apart, leaving the other victorious in the face of the new world.
"Enough."- Nox says- "You're not worthy enough."
With a single blast of dark energy, she pushes him back into a wall, wounding him.
Akira angrily picks up Adam's weapon and points it at Nox.
"You really want to do that, kid?"- Nox asks her and laughs- "Maybe you are like him, after all."
Akira shakes her head.
"Your time in our family has been prolonged. It all went for way too long and I feel ashamed that I once called you my aunt."- She says- "Even aunt Uma and Jon hate you. And they're the closest that you'll have to an actual family!"
Nox shakes her head.
"Family? You think that I'll distract myself by thinking about that?"- She says and shakes her head- "The only purpose in life that I have is the legacy that I've always been loyal to. Everything else is insignificant to me."
She stares at Akira.
"Family is just another weakness."- She reminds her- "Let that sink into your mind."
Akira shakes her head.
"I'll be the one to sink you!"
She lunges forward to attack, but stops when a young man jumps in front of her.
He looks back and shakes his head. That is when she realizes that he is Jonathan Braveheart- her cousin.
"I appreciate your kindness, Akira. But it's time for us to stand back on our feet."- He says- "Stand back. Those are family matter and I don't want you to get hurt."
Nox cackles.
"Too late, nephew!"
She tries to incinerate all of them with another blast of pure darkness, but is stopped when a shield of light appears and protects them from the impact. As she questions who might have done such a thing, she soon comes face to face with her sister- Uma,
"Hello, Nox."- She says- "Did you miss us?"
Nox glares at her.
"What do you want, Uma?"
Uma smiles.
"I just wanted to congratulate you for betraying us again, of course."
Nox grits her teeth.
"So, you want to boast about your royal status again? Tell me how perfect your husband and child are?"- She says and shakes her head- "Don't bother. I already know it all."
Uma sighs and looks at Jon.
"See honey? Some people could never change."- She says- "The best we could do is put them out of their misery."
Nox laughs.
"You really think you can do that?"- She asks her- "Even Adam was no match for me!"
Jon shakes his head.
"Adam is a very talented warrior. A capable leader. And, most importantly, a person whose heart is purer than any of ours."- He says- "He is a member of our family. It's not wise to insult him like this."
Nox raises her eyebrow.
"Or what?"- She asks him- "What can you even do prince? Tell him that you'll be there for him and then vanish from the face of the world again?"
Jon clenches his fists.
"I have my duties!"- He yells- "I have to fulfill them, no matter if I hate it or not!"
Uma nods.
"And that applies for all of us, Nox!"
Nox smiles.
"So, you still believe in the order. How sad."- She says- "Well, there will be a new order soon. And you aren't invited!"
Jon shakes his head.
"We don't need an invitation to stop you, though."
Nox raises her eyebrow.
"You still believe in Adam's nonsense, even though the prophecy shall be fulfilled soon?"
Uma looks at her sister.
"What do you mean?"
Nox smiles.
"Don't you know it?"- She asks- "With Adam's arrival, the final plan has been set into motion. Rivers of blood shall flow as the spirits of the tormented pierce the skies. Black clouds shall shroud the day as the true ruler of the world rises to take back his throne. All who dare to oppose him shall return to the ashes from whence they came to be."
Jon is confused by this. He does not seem to understand his aunt's statement and is left confused as she smiles.
However, Uma seems to understand it all. She is a devoted historian and a keeper of the ancient arts. Information like this is always quite dangerous to know and she is well-aware that it certainly would mean trouble.
"How did you know that?!"
Jon looks back.
"Mama?"
Uma glares at Nox.
"You were never meant to know this!"- She yells- "We tried to keep you away!"
Nox smiles.
"But you failed miserably, didn't you?"- She says and chuckles- "Face it, sis. You and I, we're one and the same. We were meant to be one person. But our mother's soul was split in two and thus, we were born as the heralds of the new world."
Uma shakes her head.
"A monster like you could never be a herald of a beautiful world like ours!"- She yells- "If there's anyone who has to be deemed unworthy, you are the worst of them all!"
Nox cackles.
"Beautiful? World? Hah! Don't make me laugh, sis!"- She exclaims- "Our so-called "world" is just a barren wasteland, contested lands that are already claimed by various tribes. Humans who forgot their true purpose, who never even tried to coexist. Everyone has already lost their will to live and are only trying to survive now."
She smiles.
"That you're all here with me means that you're the strongest of them all."- She adds- "For that, I congratulate you. But you will get no farther!"
Uma points her staff at her.
"And neither will you, demonspawn!"- She yells- "It all ends here and now!"
Nox laughs.
"I like how you think, Uma!"- She exclaims- "It's a shame that I have to end your pitiful existence! You would've been a useful tool!"
Jon shakes his head and clenches his fists as he channels magic from the wilds around them to attack his aunt.
"We're not your puppets, aunt!"- He yells- "Darkthrop's prophecy was futile from the start! And we'll gladly prove it to you!"
Nox nods.
"Then go ahead, nephew!"- She exclaims- "Step forward and show me that you're not just another useless weakling, like your mother and father!"
Jon shakes his head.
"That's enough!"
Lunging forward, he surrounds Nox with thick brambles. However, the evildoer manages to easily cut through them using a small and sharp axe.
Smiling, she motions for him to come to her, as if luring him into her trap.
"Come on, kiddo."- She says- "You ain't afraid, are ya?"
Jon shakes his head.
"I will never be afraid of you!"
Nox nods.
"Good."- She says- "Now, show me what you've got."
Jon spins his staff a few times and summons a spectral wolf. He watches as the creature lunges at Nox and throws her to the ground below, nearly ripping her apart in the process.
However, Nox manages to regain control almost immediately. Angered by this unexpected surprise, she windly swings her axe and rips the wolf into a large number of spectral fragments that fade into the air above.
Judging from Jon's bloodcurling scream afterwards, it almost feels like a part of his own spirit was infused within the creature. However, with Uma's help, some of the soul fragments which belonged to Jon return in his body and invigorate him as he fights back against his aunt.
"Working together, I see."- Nox says- "Perhaps I have to change that."
As Jon continues to strike her with his magic, she takes a few steps back and smiles.
"If you really want me to stop, then why don't you hunt me down like the hunter that you are?"- She says- "That way, you can show that you belong to the Pendragon family as much as your mommy!"
Jon tries to reach for her, but she cackles and turns into a black mist that floats in the air above.
"Come with me if you want to be a true hero!"
Her intentions revealed, she flees toward the nearby arena, beckoning her nephew to approach her.
"What a jerk."- Uma mutters as she watches her sister leave.
She turns to Jon and sighs.
"It seems like your favorite aunt's written out of the Pendragon will."- She says- "Don't feel bad. She's a bad person and we could have done worse."
Jon nods.
"I feel no emotions for this woman anymore."- He says- "Aunt or not, she is disrupting the delicate balance of our planet. It is my duty to stop her."
Uma smiles.
"Looks like your daddy trained you well."- She says- "Atta boy. Now, go out there and show Nox who's the boss."
Jon nods and looks back at Adam.
"Do you think that you could handle Darkthrop alone?"
Adam stands up and nods.
"I went way too far to be afraid."
Jon smiles.
"Then I'm leaving our future in the most perfect hands."- He says- "Good luck, cousin. I know that you'll make it out alive."
He turns to his mother and hugs her.
"I love you, mom."- He says- "Thank you for helping me become the man that I am."
Uma leans on Jon's shoulders and smiles as tears start to fall from her eyes.
"Oh, my dear Jonny. My perfect child."- She says- "No matter what happens to us next, you'll always be my pride and joy."
She looks up at her sister as she stares at them from afar.
"Did you hear that, Nox?!"- She yells- "You'll never break our bond! Never!"
Nox laughs.
"Or so you think!"
Jon smiles and gets up.
"I won't fail you, mother."- He says- "I will win this fight, for the sake of our future."
As Jon leaves, Uma watches him go.
"He's such a nice kid, isn't he?"
Adam smiles.
"The best cousin a hero like myself could ever want."- He says- "I will always admire his courage."
Moments later, they hear a cacophony of loud yells coming from behind them. They realize that Darkthrop's forces have arrived. And they are very angry at them.
"This is not good!"- Akira exclaims- "We're surrounded on all sides!"
Adam draws his weapon.
"Then we shall fight our way past them."- He says- "Fear and uncertainty will mean nothing to us when we fight together."
Uma shakes her head.
"I won't let my boy's sacrifice be in vain."
Having said that, she pushes Adam away and draws her staff.
"Find Darkthrop. Use the blade to purify his soul and bring him back into the netherworld where he belongs."- She says- "The future's in your hands. For the love of everything we have left, don't you dare lose it."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"But aunt... "
Uma shakes her head.
"I won't stay helpless. Not anymore."- She says- "Go get them, Adam!"
Akira nods.
"Aunt's right, Adam."- She says- "Just go in there. We'll keep those fiends at bay as well as we can."
Adam realizes that there is no way he could convince any of them to come with him. Sighing, he opens the door to the tower, but not before he is joined by Darius.
"Why did you decide to join me all of a sudden?"- Adam asks him- "I thought that you wanted to fight Darkthrop's people the most."
Darius nods.
"I do, but I want to face Darkthrop the most."- He says- "Together, we'll be able to rip his soul out of that corrupted shell that he calls a body. So, I feel like it's my duty to keep you alive until that pivotal moment."
Adam smiles.
"Fair enough."- He says- "Then please join me. We have a long way to go from here."
Darius nods.
"And we shall soon make it to the end."
As their allies prepare to form their last defense against the monsters all around them, Adam and Darius enter the tower, determined to finish the job thoroughly.
Unfortunately, as soon as they step inside, the entire tower disappears from sight. Akira runs for the tower, but she is unable to reach it in time.
"No! No!"- She yells- "Adam!"
She falls on her knees.
"They're... gone."
Uma pats her niece on the shoulder.
"It's okay, honey."- She says to her- "They'll find their way out."
Akira sighs.
"Looks like my little brother is on his own now."
She stands up, draws her weapon and stares back at the approaching enemies.
"So it be."- She says- "Let the final battle begin now."