MLIV C5, P4- "The Worthy Ones"

"The Worthy Ones" is the fourth Part of "Miracula Luxia IV" 's fifth Chapter.
It was released on 30.07.2022.
== Plot ==
After a long and perilous climb, Adam and his allies have finally managed to reach the highest point of the tower. Having gotten past the mysterious place's numerous traps, they have finally managed to gain access to one of its most valuable resources, ignored by almost everyone else- its library.
And yet, the greatest challenge still lies ahead of them. The spirit of Erika Redmark- most valued of Avernum's Archmages- has decided to take matters in her own hands, deciding to come face to face with the young hero and challenge him, in the hopes that she can see whether he's worthy of completing his sacred task or not.
But doing so will only be a risk for Adam. Erika, in all of her wisdom, has grown rather erratic during the last few years she spent in the Spirit World and is often looking for something that she could take out her anger on. Facing her in battle would be quite a challenge for the unprepared, but Adam refuses to hold back. He shall fight the Archmage and either emerge victorious and destroy the book... or perish like a hero, buried with the highest of honors.
At the same time, there seems to be some kind of malevolent magic in the air. Mordred Darkthrop has managed to get inside the well-protected tower, and that is way more than enough to get a person worried. But will those worries soon be proven right?
Either way, the final challenge of Erika's Tower lies in wait, ready to challenge our hero as he proceeds toward it. Will he survive this nearly impossible ordeal?
== Story ==
As Adam and his allies move on. Donovan lets out a long, low sigh.
"My goodness."- He mutters- "To think that I'll ever have the chance to explore the tower of a person who used to be one of the greatest mages known to mankind. It's so... glorious."
Adam turns around and smiles.
"It truly sends chills down your spine, right?"- He says- "When I first came here, I almost fainted. Getting in this tower is like finding a priceless item that you shall never see again."
Donovan nods.
"But will we ever see this place again in the future?"- He asks- "I just don't want to leave!"
Adam sighs.
"Although this place is a still-standing storage for virtually limitless knowledge, it is best to treat it as one that is forbidden to us."- He says- "I understand that you want to read the books at the top of the tower, but this is just another show of thoughtless knowledge. Greed is like a chain that is attached to your leg. When you try to use it to your own advantage, it drags you down and drains every single fragment of honor from your soul, turning you into a broken man who considers some fancy books and pretty trinkets to be more valuable than the well-being of those that he once cared about.
Donovan nods.
"And is there something that I could do about it?"- He asks- "I don't want to be like Steele!"
The mention of Steele's name disgusts Adam. He turns away for a moment, remembering how the vile man almost destroyed the Light Crystal- most priceless treasure of this planet and one of the light that makes up the rainbow that keeps the world alive and in balance.
"That wretched fiend. I will never forgive him for what he did to Gloria."- He mutters- "Such a heartless monster did not deserve to exist in the first place. If I had a way to erase the traces that are still left for him and make people forget how horrible he was, I gladly would."
Amelia is confused by Adam's speech.
"Hold your horses."- She says- "Who's this Steele guy? And why does it sound like he's not your everyday villain?"
Donovan looks at her and sighs.
"Steele was a member of the group that me and your sister teamed up with when we were royal guards. The type of man who always puts his own well-being before everyone else and thought that every girl liked him, despite how badly he treated them. And he always considered himself to be the leader of the group, deeming that nobody else could climb the summit that he was standing on."- He says- "Of course, a friend of ours stuck him down by mistake. He ran away, but not before becoming even worse than he already was. When we met him again, we noticed that he had become a true monster. A dangerous individual who did not deserve to witness the light of the day again. He tried to steal the Light Crystal and destroy it, but was stopped. And it was all thanks to Adam, since he was the one who claimed Steele's life."
Amelia gasps.
"Wow! What a story!"- She says- "Well. I'm still not sure whether I could actually believe that, but I'm still glad he's gone. If he's even half as dangerous as you described him, then this means that we did the world a great favor."
Donovan nods.
"Indeed, Amelia."- He says- "Good riddance."
He turns to Adam.
"You've talked to Gloria more than I have."- He says to him- "How has she been faring since her "beloved" brother perished?"
Adam smiles.
"I am glad to say that she has managed to move on quite easily."- He says- "She started anew and now, she has her own family to take care of."
Donovan chuckles heartily.
"Seriously? Jon finally decided to marry her?"- He asks, barely believing what is being said- "My oh my! She's finally a free woman!"
Adam sighs.
"And yet, she still has to deal with a lot of troubles."- He adds- "Being the Shaman of Canonia comes is more than just protecting a single town and its people."
Donovan nods.
"She's been guarding the entire kingdom from Darkthrop's people, almost to the point of exhaustion."- He says- "I wonder if she ever looks at herself more than she looks at everyone else."
Adam nods.
"Gloria is just like me. She considers others to be more important than herself and always does every duty that rests in her hands with a burning passion."- He says- "And yet, there is one thing that Gloria still lacks- the desire to fight in battle. She has always been staying behind the lines, providing support for our allies. But she never came to understand how crucial it is to play a part in it yourself."
Amelia looks down at her abdomen and sighs.
"I guess that I understand how she's feeling right now."- She says- "Having your very own family's quite the nightmare for a young woman. And it's even worse when you've got a kid in your care."
Adam looks at her.
"Well."- He says- "Can you be a great mother like her?"
Amelia shakes her head.
"I just want to be a mother."- She responds- "Everything else will be decided as time goes by."
Adam nods.
"Alright then."- He says- "Just try to remain responsible. The future is in your hands and you are the only one who can turn the gears of your own fate."
Amelia raises her eyebrow.
"Is that so?"- She asks- "But what about Al? He deserves to see his child as much as I do."
Adam sighs.
"I imagine that he must think the same way, somewhere out there."- He says- "And yet, life took him away from us way too early. He left the responsibility in your hands, but he is never too far away. Just keep on dreaming and he shall always remain in his rightful place- our memories."
He looks up.
"My sister is a parent, like you are going to be. She loved a lot of people in her life, but never came to know the father of her child better."- He says- "After everything that she suffered, she became a single mother. A parent who lost her will to love and dedicated her attention to those who truly matter to her. And yet, she never gave up on the world. She always helped wherever she could and always stood tall in the face of evil. The darkness in her soul disappeared as it was replaced by endless light. And that is the secret of how she became a legend among her peers, who never came to know what it feels to fight for something else other than power and glory."
Donovan sighs.
"That's great and all, but can we proceed with our adventure?"- He asks- "I fear that this tower will fall apart at any moment. And, if we don't hurry, the Necronomicon may be out of our reach forever."
Amelia glares at him.
"Stop being such a bore!"- She sconds him- "Adam's telling us how his sister became such a valued person and you're ruining it!"
Donovan looks down.
"I'm sorry, Amelia."- He says- "I just have a sense of duty. That is all."
Amelia sighs.
"Yeah, sure. Whatever floats your boat."- She says and giggles- "Get it? Boat? Like the boat that we rode back to World's End?"
Donovan sighs.
"We got it. You're quite a comedian."- He says- "Now, can we be on our way? Please?"
Adam nods.
"Donnie is right."- He says- "The Necronomicon is almost within our grasp. It would be a shame to let it go, especially after everything that we went through."
Amelia looks down.
"Okay."- She says- "Just stop talking about it. Dark magic disgusts me."
Adam nods.
"I feel the same way as you."- He says- "If it makes you feel better, we shall stay quiet along the way."
Amelia smiles.
"I'd appreciate it."
And then, the three of them climb the last set of stairs leading to the heart of Erika's Tower.
On the way there, they notice something shimmering in the distance. They get closer and notice that it is a portal, glowing in its own, mesmeric light that seems to radiate confidence, triggering a feeling of determination within our heroes.
Unfortunately, it is standing in front of the entrance to the library of Erika Redmark. What an annoyance.
"Weird."- Amelia says- "Why was it placed here?"
Donovan takes a closer look and nods.
"It's crazy how this tower's guardians think."- He says- "The way they place their challenges is quite professional."
Adam sighs.
"So, this is just another challenge?"
Donovan nods.
"More or less."- He responds- "However, I've got a bad feeling that it will be worse than the others."
Adam nods.
"It is best to be prepared for everything."- He says- "Keep your eyes open, everyone."
Curious of whatever challenge might be lying ahead, our heroes bravely walk forward.
When they do, however, the portal starts to flash and spark. An invisible barrier appears as Adam gets closer, pushing Donovan and Amelia back and slightly electocuting them as they unknowingly touch it.
"Ow!"- Amelia exclaims- "Was that really necessary?"
Donovan sighs.
"We should have expected that."- He says- "Looks like there's no going back now."
Amelia raises her eyebrow.
"Why?"- She asks- "What do you mean?"
Donovan shakes his head.
"This is a one-way portal. A device which can only transport one person at a time."- He elaborates- "In simpler words, this means that we can't go in there together."
Amelia gasps.
"We can't just leave anyone here!"- She exclaims- "No Man Left Behind! Remember?"
Donovan sighs.
"I wish that this were the case."- He says- "And yet, we must live on with it. We can't change what has already been decided."
As Adam steps back, a barely substantial shade appears in front of the three.
"Heroes. Welcome to the last challenge."- It says to them- "Unfortunately, your path as a team must cease right here. Only one of you may pass to see Erika Redmark herself. There is no going back, so choose wisely."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Erika Redmark?"- He asks- "The Archmage of Avernum herself? Here?"
He takes a step back.
"I fear that this is where we cannot decide."- He says- "Neither one of us is ready for such an honor."
Donovan and Amelia look at Adam.
"Nobody? Nobody at all?"- He asks- "Maybe you don't see the person who's a greater hero than Erika herself."
Adam shakes his head.
"You mean that I am worthy enough to face one of the greatest heroes of Avernum? The savior of the known lands? The one who destroyed one of the most hated tyrants in the history of the entire world?"- He says and looks down- "No. I may be doing wondrous things in my career as a hero, but I am nowhere near good enough to come face to face with the woman who gave all she got to save the world."
Donovan raises his eyebrow
"But you're the greatest hero of the known lands! The savior of mankind! Evil trembles at your very step and everyone cheers for you as you come face to face with Fate itself!"- He exclaims- "Even though you may indeed be beyond the notice of Erika Redmark, you still have to give it a try. Are you really going to let everything fall apart, just because you're afraid of what a long-dead person might think about you?"
As Adam wonders what to say, the shade turns to him as well.
"Adam Kaos, are you ready face your final challenge?"- It asks him.
Adam realizes that there is no time to be afraid. Barely conquering his own fears once again, he turns around and nods.
"I am ready to do my duty."- He says confidently- "Open the portal. I am ready to meet her.'
The shade nods.
"A wise choice."- It says- "Perhaps you are quite as determined as we had thought."
The portal glows a little brighter, indicating that it is fully charged.
"The deed has been done."- The shade continues- "Step into the portal and face your destiny. Perhaps you may even receive the enlightenment that you've been seeking for so long."
Adam nods.
"I will not back down. Not anymore."- He says- "From now on, it is all a matter of life and death. I will either emerge victorious and become a victim of my fears and descend into the depths of my own guilt forever."
He turns to his allies and sighs.
"I am very sorry, my friends. I wish that I could take you with me, but I am in chains. I must do as I am told."- He says- "Please forgive me for my heroism."
While Donovan manages to keep his own emotions under control, Amelia immediately breaks down into tears and hugs Adam.
"No, Adam! Please don't go!"- She yells- "I don't want to lose you like... like him!"
Adam sighs.
"I am not going anywhere, Amelia."- He says- "I already told you, we are one and the same. And we are never, ever truly apart."
Amelia holds out her finger.
"Promise?"
Adam smiles.
"I give you my word."
They cross their fingers, as a sign of their eternal friendship.
"Please hurry, Adam Kaos."- The shade says- "The mistress is waiting for you."
Adam turns around and nods.
"Yes. I am ready."- He says- "Forgive me. I had to get something done."
As he steps closer, he turns around again. He smiles and salutes his allies.
"I will see you again soon."- He says- "Stay safe."
Donovan nods.
"You too, my friend."- He says- "Show Erika Redmark what true hope means."
He and Amelia watch as Adam steps through the portal. Then, much to their surprise, it vanishes from existence.
"He's gone!"- Amelia yells- "Adam's gone!"
Donovan shakes his head.
"Not forever, dear."- He says- "He will be back. I'm certain of it."
The two of them have no time left to mourn Adam's selfless sacrifice. Soon after the portal vanishes, they hear strange muttering coming from downstairs.
"Sounds like we've got more than just some old traps up here."- Donovan says, draws his spear and prepares to cast a spell- "Stay near me, Amelia. We've got an invasion going on."
Amelia nods.
"And we're going to root it out."- She says and draws her weapon- "Come on. Let's finish what Adam started."
With that, the two of them approach the open door, determined to keep Darkthrop's people out of this sacred place.
----In the meantime, Adam finds himself on the other side of the portal. He opens his eyes and realizes that he is sitting on an old, brown couch.
"This place seems familiar... somehow."- He mutters- "Might it be connected to the visions I saw earlier?"
He looks around and realizes that he is in some sort of waiting room. Translucent people are sitting on the other couches, watching Adam suspiciously.
"How strange."- Adam mutters- "Don't they know that it is impolite to stare like this?"
Upon closer inspection, he notices that the translucent figures aren't really human. They look like little more than weak parodies of what they once used to be.
Yes. The so-called people that Adam is watching are actually spirits- incorporeal beings that are considered to be the primary inhabitants of the renowned Spirit World. And they all seem to be very jealous of him for some reason.
"The resentment of the dead toward the living is always very strong. Life is one of the factors that separates them from each other, and they clearly want to live again."- Adam says to himself- "However, this is getting out of hand. I have never seen such a show of fear and mistrust in my time as a hero."
As he looks down, the spirits continue to stare at him as if he is some kind of a criminal.
"What have I done to deserve this treatment?"
A few minutes of waiting later, the nearby door opens and a single spirit enters the room. It approaches Adam and looks at him.
"Mistress Redmark shall see you now."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Mistress... Redmark?"
The spirit nods.
"It is wise not to delay your visit. My mistress is an impatient one."- It says- "Come with me."
And then, it motions for him to approach.
As Adam stands up, he hears the angry whispering of the mean spirits all around him.
"Lucky human."- He overhears one of them.
"We've been waiting here for decades."- Another one whispers.
Adam shakes his head.
"I am sorry, everyone."- He says as he moves on.
Everyone watches him, confused, as he leaves the room.
"Maybe he isn't that bad."- A final spirit whispers.
On the way to Erika Redmark's office, Adam experiences a weird sense of deja vu. It is almost as if he had already done this before, as if history is repeating itself somehow.
"Miss Emela?"- He asks, as if being forced by something else- "Are you there?"
Then, he realizes that he is moving on his own. He looks around, unsure about what is happening to him.
"Am I... daydreaming again?"- He says and shakes his head- "No. She must be out there, somewhere. I just have to find her."
As he continues to move forward, something in his mind goes wrong. Then, his entire world starts to spin around.
"What is this?"- He asks- "What is happening to me?"
The spirit turns around, confused.
"Is everything fine, Mr. Kaos?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Help."- He mutters- "I need... help... "
Then, in little more than a few moments, everything turns black. His feet start to move on their own accord.
"No. This is not right."- He says- "This is not whom I am meant to be. I must stand strong against my own fears."
He shakes his head.
"This is unacceptable."
However, his own uncertainty seems to be playing tricks with his mind. It is almost as if his inner self is trying to prevent him from completing his mission.
As Adam wonders what he can do to free himself from the chains of despair again, he sees a lone silhouette in the distance ahead of him. Although he cannot recognize it immediately, something seems to be very familiar about it, as if he has seen it many times before.
"Man of my dreams, who are you?"
And then, the face of the stranger becomes much clearer. He can now witness the person who has been haunting his memories for so long. 
In front of him, he sees Mordred Darkthrop- the man whom he has despised for so long. And his smile is wider than ever.
"Why must you do this to me, Darkthrop?"- Adam asks- "I just want a normal life. Leave me alone."
Darkthrop smiles again. Without a word, he disappears.
At the same time, the path ahead is illuminated by a single star.
"I have had enough of his tricks."- He says- "I shall forge my own destiny, without his interference. I will not allow him to mess with my mind."
And then, he continues to walk forward, determined to reach his goal before his entire soul falls apart.
However, halfway through, he realizes that he does not seem to be moving at all. In fact, it seems like every step that he takes is making him go back, not forward.
"No! Not again!"- He yells- "The light, it is fading away!"
Everything seems distant for our hero as uncertainty returns in his pure heart once again.
"Something is trying to drag me down."- He says to himself- "But what could it be?"
As he tries to stop this curse, he realizes that someone else is standing in front of him. A person that he knows better than almost everyone else, that he has known for what feels like an entire lifetime.
"Adam, my dearest."- He hears the voice of his valued mentor- Emela Andra- "I want to find you, too."
Adam's eyes fill with tears.
"Miss Emela... "
And then, she disappears, leaving only a trail of light behind.
"She risked everything that she had to give me a future. Refused to become the Water Guardian again. Separated herself from the few friends that she had. After she met me, it was if the material world is of no value to her."- He says to himself- "Miss Emela gave away everything she held dear so willingly, yet never asked for anything else but my most genuine smile in return. I wish that I could be like her someday, but that seems unlikely."
He sighs.
"Still, I have to move on."- He adds- "I want to make her proud. And this is the best way to redeem myself."
He takes a step forward.
"After all, I owe a lot to the one who saved me more than once."- He finishes- "I will never forget her kindness."
And then, he finally enters the light, eager to finish his task once and for all.
A wave of light hits him as he passes through an invisible portal.
"I must... stand... strong... "
It does not take long for the feeling of helplessness to disippate. When it does, Adam finds himself in a well-lit room.
From the looks of it, it is clear that he is on one of the highest floors in the tower. Everything looks clean and pristine and the feeling of being watched is no longer present, as if it hadn't been there at all.
In this place, Adam feels almost as if he is at home.
"What a beautiful room."- He says to himself- "I wish all of the spots in the tower were this bright and welcoming."
And then, he stares forward and sees the person that is sitting on a chair in front of him. A feeling of nausea hits him when he realizes who it actually is.
It is Erika Redmark- greatest Archmage of Avernum and unquestioned leader of its magical society.
"What's your ailment, young man?"- She asks him- "Did you forget who you are again?"
Adam is speechless.
"Cat got your tongue again, hmm?"- She asks- "Well, I can see that you're as confused as usual."
Adam shakes his head.
"Miss Redmark."- He says- "It is... an honor to meet you, at long last."
Erika nods.
"Took you long enough to get here."- She says- "At least you made it here at all. You could've missed your chance to do something right."
She looks up.
"But first, the next order of business."- She continues- "Tell me, young hero. Why have you stumbled into my room?"
Adam nods.
"I heard your call. And I decided to answer."- He says- "I know that it is my destiny to return the peace to our troubled world again. I feel that you can help me restore it."
Erika nods.
"You've come to the right place, kid."- She says- "In my lifetime, I've fought many enemies. Monsters. Freaks. Even scum that belonged to the Empire. All of them fell to my ceaseless desire for vengeance. And I made them all pay. I emerged victious, and it shall be the same for you."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"How do you know that my fate shall be the same?"
Erika sighs and stands up. Then, she walks up to a nearby window and stares at the lands outside.
"Long ago, an ancient prophecy foretold the awakening of a legendary and noble lineage of heroes, starting with one who always had doubts in himself. As time passed, the heroes grew and so did their incredible power. It was a glorious sight to watch, even from above."- She says- "However, I came to see that not everything was going well for them. They slayed villain after villain, yet never felt any satisfaction in it. All they wanted was to feel happy, yet they never had the chance to do so."
She smiles.
"But there is a young man who shall build the foundations of a happier legacy. One when we shouldn't worry about madmen like the one that's still out there."- She continues- "And yet, that name was lost in history. It was blown away with the ashes of those who foretold the existence of its owner. Nobody came to know who it would be, but there have been rumors. Quite obscure, I admit, but still rumors."
Adam gasps.
"Could it be... be... "
Erika sighs.
"Well, it could be you, It could be me."- She says- "But does it matter now? The world's in flames. And you're the only one who could put them out."
Adam nods.
"I feel... honored."
Erika nods.
"If you're truly meant to be the Chosen one, then you must waste no time to show me how determined to win you are."- She says- "Step up and prove your worth to me. Then, I shall judge your honesty and determine whether you're ready for what lies ahead of us."
She snaps her hand and suddenly, all of the torches that light the room are extinguished. The light that comes from the window vanishes and soon, Adam finds himself in a dimly lit room.
He takes a quick look around and realizes that its walls are made of black basalt. Even if he wanted to escape from this place, it is not possible. Not here, not now.
From the other end of the room, Erika, now as an ethereal spirit, stares at Adam expectantly. It is as if she wants him to make the first move.
"So. Are you done spacing off?"- She asks him- "I may have a lot of time out here, but it isn't free. You've earned your right to fight me, so go ahead.'
Adam nods and prepares to cast a spell.
"Yes. I am ready."- He says- "I shall prove myself to you and then, I shall defeat Darkthrop."
Erika nods and prepares to return the favor.
"Brave words for a man as young as you."- She says- "Your father was able to get past his own fears once. Can you do as well as him?"
Adam glares at her.
"As the son of a legendary hero, I aim to do better than him and make him proud."- He says, holding his sword in his left hand and casting a spell with the other- "Now, there is no more time to waste. Let us begin."
Erika nods.
"Indeed."- She says- "Show me what you've got, kid."
Even as Adam prepares himself for the inevitable, he still cannot help but feel helpless. Facing Archmage Erika herself is a challenge that very few are able to get a chance to feel firsthand, let alone prevail in. Thus, it is no secret that it shall be painful.
The young hero lunges forward, blazing flame in hand, but Erika meets him with her own magic. She leaps toward him as well and strikes him with a blast of pure magic, knocking him off-balance and stunning him for a few seconds.
Instead of using Adam's weakness against him, however, Erika simply takes a step back and waits for him to stand back up. This is quite unusual for the beast-like incantatrix, whose ceaseless rage has engulfed many settlements and killed many villains without showing any mercy.
"Wake up, Adam."- She says to him- "If you really mean what you said to me, then grab your weapon and fight! Stop slacking!"
Indeed, Adam stands on his feet. He uses the terrain as an advantage against Erika and confuses her by leaping behind her and casting a light spell which blinds her for a few moments.
Then, Adam encircles her body with a ring of water. When she tries to break free with her own magic, he makes a swift motion with his hand and the ring explodes. The impact is strong enough to blow her back, like a small feather in the raging winds.
Even as she stands down, Erika still looks very dangerous. This is to be noted if he wants to win this fight.
Unlike him, however, she is quick to stand back up. When that happens, she casts a spell that pulls Adam to her like a magnet. Then, when he least expects it, she forcefully pushes her fingers into her forehead.
Then, she pushes deeper, causing Adam some pain.
"That's not the right reaction."- She says- "Pull yourself together. Is this how you're going to face Darkthrop?"
Adam tries to scream, but soon realizes that it is pointless. What good will it do to yell out in this dark world? Nobody will ever hear you and the only person that you can trust is yourself.
"I feel pain no longer."- He says calmly- "I already felt it all. And I... have had enough."
Just as Erika starts to dig her fingers into his forehead, he grabs them with his hand.
"Feel the strength of my soul."- He says- "The suffering that once tried to wear me down."
Much to Erika's surprise, Adam refuses to twist her hand. Instead, his hand gets really cold within seconds.
Erika realizes that she is shivering uncontrollably. What kind of magic is Adam using against her.
"Hmm."- She says- "How interesting."
When she tries to pull away her hand, however, her hands freeze almost immediately. A thick layer of frost covers them as she tries to escape, as cold as a true villain's heart.
"Not bad."- She says- "But you... must do better than that."
Having said that, she closes her eyes and mutters a spell, melting the ice that was holding her hands still and giving them an eerie red glow.
"Where is the unbreakable spirit you once showed, Adam? What happened to your astounding determination and unmatched battle prowess?"- She asks him- "You're not giving me all that you've got. I can see it in your eyes."
Adam takes a step forward.
"You want it all?"- He asks- "Well, I am ready. I will show you what I have learned."
With that, he dashes forward and attacks her with his gleaming sword. 
When she strikes back at him, he cautiously parries her attacks with shields of water, causing her to change strategies left and right. He uses the wind magic that he has to speed himself up, allowing him to avoid the rest of her attacks as well and confusing her as she sees how strong he had become.
Infuriated, she finally decides to use her full power... even though it would likely be the end for Adam.
"That's enough!"- She yells- "You came into my tower uninvited, crushed the guardians that I created so many years ago, tried to look for a tome that I tried to guard with all my might. And now, you think that you can be better than me?!"
Pillars of flame emerge from her hands as she prepares to cast one of the worst spells that Adam has ever faced.
"Well, I'll never forgive you!"
Suddenly, a giant ring of fire surrounds them. It burns wildly, sending shivers down the spine of our hero... even though it is agonizingly hot now.
"You'd better run while you still can."- Erika says- "But keep in mind that no matter where you go... you can't hide from me!"
Much to Adam's shock, Erika's entire body starts to trasform. In mere moments, she turns into a twisted, demonic creature, hungry for his blood.
"I will destroy you, Adam Kaos!"- She yells- "You shall burn in the flames of justice forevermore!"
Adam realizes that the situation got much worse. Erika is now in her wildest, most powerful form, and there is no stopping her now. All that he can do is to run to a better place... but where? Everywhere around him, the flames are burning high... and there is no way that he can jump over them.
"It seems like there is only one way to survive this encounter... "
He turns around and runs toward the nearby fire. Then, without thinking twice, he valiantly jumps into it, rolling to the ground ahead and finding a small path.
"I will take my chances."- He says- "I must make it out. If not for my sake, then for the sake of our world and its people."
As he runs forward, Erika swoops toward him and laughs.
"Do you see this, Adam?!"- She yells- "This is the agony that I once felt! This is what I once went through, to become what I am now!"
As she launches a barrage of fireballs in his direction, Adam raises his water shield, protecting himself from the impact and remaining relatively unharmed in the process.
"It's no use to run, fool."- Erika says- "I am your worst nightmare!"
As if in a horror movie, various kinds of undead appear all around him as he runs and claw at his feet, forcing him to slow down as he slices his way through them.
"I will not stand back!"- Adam yells- "My light has illuminated this world for so long! I will not let you snuff it away like this!"
Erika laughs.
"Oh, I don't need to."- She responds- "Because you'll do it yourself soon enough."
As Adam continues to run, the undead that are clawing at his feet soon disappear. 
"This almost feels like some sort of fever dream."- He says to himself- "Is this really happening? Or is it just another fragment of my own imagination, formed by my tormented mind?"
Erika laughs.
"I assure you that it is quite real!"
Adam looks back and gasps.
"What?!"- He exclaims, shocked- "You can... read my thoughts?!"
Erika nods.
"You call that impossible, I call it child's play!"- She says- "Understanding what others think is like taking candy from a child!"
Adam sighs.
"And I would assume that I am the child you are speaking of?"
Erika smiles.
"Very perceptive!"- She exclaims- "But let's see if the child's toys will be enough to save it from the pain that it has to endure!"
Adam nods.
"My toys may not be many, but they shall be adequate in my road to survival."
Just as he says that, the ground below his feet is set on fire. It is almost as if the flames are actually emerging from him as he runs.
"Do you see it now, Adam?"- Erika asks him- "Everywhere you go, you always carry the spark of passion within your heart. Ordeal after ordeal, it's been there with you. And now, it's a matter of time before it engulfs you."
She grins mischievously.
"Well? You feel it, don't you?"- She says- "Don't you?"
Adam shakes his head.
"I already told you, Miss Redmark. When I still felt pain, you were not there to witness it with your own eyes."- He says- "Now, I am a brand new person. I have no fear. And I shall leave my past behind, just like I should have done years ago!"
With that, he starts to run again, completely uncaring of the flames that emerge from his shoes.
"But the past's always there, Adam!"- Erika says and she swoops toward him- "Love it or hate it, it will always haunt you!"
Adam sighs.
"Then I shall do my best to cleanse it forever!"
While running forward, he notices something strange happening all around him. Translucent figures appear and stare at him, as if judging his decisions. They are inspecting him. Evaluating him. Deciding whether he is worth the trouble or not.
And then, without a warning, they start to chuckle uncontrollably.
"What kind of trick of this, Miss Redmark?"- Adam says while glaring back at Erika.
Erika smiles and shrugs.
"It's your own conscience, child."- She responds- "I did nothing. They did."
As the spirits continue to laugh, Adam soon realizes that he can run no longer. Exhausted from running while his feet are on fire, he falls on his knees, unable to continue.
Erika smiles and swoops toward him. Not long after she arrives, she grabs Adam by the neck and smiles again.
"Have you ever seen the embodiment of doom with your own eyes, child?"
Then, she points her staff at Adam, revealing that it has a very sharp end at its tip.
"Well, it won't be long before you do."- She says ominously- "Cherish your last moment, for your time in this world is almost over."
The spirits around her continue to laugh, as if she said something that they considered amusing... or hilarious.
Either way, Erika decides that she has had enough of Adam. She lowers her staff and casts one of her most powerful fire spells, setting Adam's entire body on fire.
"Agh!"- He exclaims- "I did not expect that!"
Erika cackles along with the spirits, clearly maddened by the years that she spent away from this world.
"You claim that you feel no pain, but it will not be long before you beg me for mercy."- She says- "So, how will you choose to perish- quickly or painfully?"
Adam clenches his fists.
"I choose... neither!"
With a defiant yell, he stands tall in the face of danger as the flames slowly engulf his entire self, destroying what he still has left.
"In the darkest of nights, the light of the sun always shines the brightest!"- He yells- "And I shall shine along with it!"
His resilience and iron will surprise both the spirits and Erika herself. They all stop laughing and watch carefully as Adam fights for his life. It seems like the young hero is going to win and they are getting worried.
Unfortunately, the eternal fire proves to be too strong, even for Adam. It does not take long for him to fall on his knees again, his will broken and his soul drained of all hope for salvation.
It all seems lost for him.
"Maybe Miss Redmark is right. I am a disgrace to this world. A failure."- He says- "The only reason why people see me as a hero... is because I am the son of Jared Kaos."
Erika smiles.
"Yes! You finally see it now!"- She yells- "Now perish with that thought in mind! Remember it well as it's engraved into your very soul!"
Adam looks down.
"I am sorry, everyone. I... failed you again."- He says- "Please, forgive me."
As he closes his eyes, he hears a strange whirling sound coming from nearby. It is as if a giant tsunami just washed over him.
When he looks up, he hears the screams of the spirits. All around him, the incorporeal remains of tyrants, conquerors and heartless fiends in general are erased from existence by a mysterious force.
"Miss Emela?"
As expected, Emela makes her appearance soon afterwards. Having slain more than a thousand ghost, she approaches her burning student and shakes her head.
"Using fire magic to break down my boy, eh?"- She says to Erika- "Well, I'm no stranger to your tricks. You can't fool me."
Erika is surprised to see her.
"How can this be?!"- She yells- "I thought you were gone!"
Emela smiles.
"You thought wrong, dear."- She responds- "And now, you shall feel the consequences of messing with me and Adam."
She looks down at him.
"Come on, dear! You're almost there!"- She encourages him- "I know that the light within you has still not faded! Use it to show this pathetic parody of Avernum's archmage your true colors!"
Inspired my Emela's words, Adam finally finds the last spark of power that he has left. Without thinking twice, he clenches his fists, closes his eyes and concentrates, sending a flurry of raw magical energy toward the flames.
As a powerful hurricane roars loudly around them, Erika takes a few steps back. She has never seen anyone resist her magic like this, let alone with with such passion.
"Impossible!"
Suddenly, the flames around Adam crystalize and he is trapped within them, surprising both Emela and Erika.
"Hah."- Erika says- "Looks like your child became one with the ancient ones."
Emela clenches her fist.
"You will never defeat us, o wild maiden of the deep!"
And then, with a swift motion, Adam swings his sword and shatters the crystalized flames that were holding him still into hundreds of pieces. As soon as they hit the ground, they emit puffs of smoke and disappear, leaving no traces behind.
"Once again, I have prevailed!"- Adam yells- "And I shall prevail again and again, until there is no enemy that stands in my way!"
Before, Erika was infuriated by Adam's survival. But now, she seems to have completely lost her mind.
Using her magic, she forms two large blades, made of wild energy and pure fury.
"I am the archmage here!"- She says vengefully- "No one can stand against me!"
Then, she swoops forward, swinging her blades with all her might and breaking though Emela's defense.
"Looks like she's finally showing us all she's got!"- Emela yells- "Stay strong, Adam! We can make it! I know that we can!"
Adam nods.
"Of course, Miss Emela."- He says- "In the name of all that is sacred, we shall prevail. At all costs, we shall bring forth the light again."
Just as the three of them are about to clash, however, everything suddenly grows quiet. Erika steps back, as if she had seen a ghost.
"Grandma, it's time to stop!"- A loud voice booms from nearby.
Erika stares, horrified, as a young woman steps between Adam and Emela and points her staff at her.
"Erika, sweetie?"- She asks- "Why... why are you here?"
The clearly corporeal and human Erika shakes her head.
"Oh, I'm sure you know exactly why."
Erika laughs.
"Please, cupcake. Don't make me laugh."- She says- "You and what army?"
Erika's granddaughter raises her staff in response.
"I ain't your cupcake anymore, granny!"- She yells- "And I don't need an army! Not when I have my friends by my side!"
Erika raises her eyebrow.
"So, you're into this friendship thing as well?"- She asks and sighs- "I thought you were better than that."
Erika's granddaughter clenches her fist.
"And I thought that you would remain a good person when you arrived in the Spirit World."- She retailiates- "I guess that we both didn't get what we wanted, so we're due."
Erika shakes her head.
"You disappoint me."
Then, she lunges toward them, flaming blades of pure vengeance in both of her hands.
Like a demon out of the deepest depths of the underworld, she faces her own granddaughter in battle. However, the younger Erika seems to known her grandma's weaknesses and uses them to weaken her even further.
It does not take long for Erika to win. A single well-aimed fireball, a few blows turned against their sender, and the legendary Erika Redmark has been defeated.
When this happens, the archmage turns human once again.
"Perhaps you were right, after all."- She says to Adam- "Friendship is the greatest power known to man. And look where it brought you."
She smiles.
"You should be proud, kid."- She adds- "You passed the final test, without a doubt."
Adam bows his head.
"Thank you, Miss Redmark."- He says- "The constant signs of danger reminded me of the dreams that I almost fell victim to. But thanks to you, I will never let them taint me again. I shall become a beacon of light and save the world."
Erika nods.
"See that you do."
She turns to her granddaughter.
"Erika, my dear."- She says- "How... how did you find me?"
Erika smiles.
"It's simple, grandma."- She responds- "When you get into a fight, you always make sure to make a lot of noise. So, it was no wonder why I came here."
Erika nods.
"Of course. This is how the Redmark family has been for centuries- loud and proud."- She says- "Perhaps some of that pride was inherited by you, as well. Maybe you are as strong as your ancestors."
Erika sighs.
"I don't aim to be strong. Or successful. Or famous."- She says- "I'm just another mage. A do-gooder who's doing all she can to be useful to those in need."
Erika smiles.
"Ah, my little girl. Always trying to be the good samaritan."- She says- "I'm glad your mother's spirit is still within you."
Erika nods.
"I learned a few things from you as well, granny."- She says- "Without you, I never would have been the Archmage of Avernum."
Archmage Erika's eyes fill with tears.
"Erika... "
As she bows her head down, she looks back up in time to see a dark beam being launched at Erika. She saves her granddaughter, but is wounded by the blast.
As Adam and Emela help her recover, they hear a strange cackle in the distance.
"Darkthrop."- Erika says- "He's here."
She looks up at them.
"Young ones, you must make it out of this place before it's gone forever."- She says and quickly opens up a portal- "Go on the other side. You'll be safer in the real world."
Adam raises his eyebrow, concerned.
"But what about you?"- He asks- "You may be a spirit, but that does not mean that you are not in danger!"
Erika shakes her head.
"It's too late to think about me."
Then, she hears the cackling coming closer. With no other choice than fight or flight, she pushes Adam, Emela and Erika into the portal, hoping that they could make it before it is too late.
"I'm sorry, Erika."- She says as the realm fades away before their eyes- "Tell Darius that I'd like to meet him too... someday."
Erika raises her hand, trying to remain in the Spirit World.
"Grandma!"- She yells- "No! Don't do it!"
Erika smiles.
"It's for the good of everyone, dear."- She says- "Once a part of Darkthrop's spirit is locked up, he will never be the same."
She turns around to see Darkthrop preparing to strike her with a spell.
"Now go!"- She yells- "Go and don't return!"
Not long after, she disappears for good and the three of them are brought back to the real world.
Still dizzy from the experience, Adam stumbles back and hits his head against a shelf. A book falls off from above and hits him in the head.
"Ouch."- He says- "What a great return."
Then, he picks it up and sees that it's on fire. He uses his water magic to put it out.
"There we go."- He says- "A disaster has been averted."
Emela smiles.
"Looks like we have access to all of the knowledge of Erika Redmark."- She says- "Isn't that wonderful?"
Erika smiles.
"I've been doing my best to keep my grandma's memory alive."- She says- "No matter if it's in the form of books or memories of her, they're all still here."
Emela nods.
"And we've got you for keeping everything so... pristine."- She says- "So brilliant."
As they try to talk, however, a single candle falls down from a wall. Before they can pull it away, it sets one of the books on fire.
Adam picks it up and tries to put it out. However, his magic does not work for some reason.
"It's no use! The torches are fueled by magical fire... and it can't be put out!"- Erika exclaims.
The three of them watch helplessly as the entire library is set on fire in nothing more than a mere minute. They reach for the door leading away from it, but soon find a horrifying fact.
"It is locked!"
Erika shakes her head.
"No. This.., this is not true."- She says- "I'm going mad. This can't be real."
Then, the three of them hear a shrill laughter. A caophonic sound that easily echoes out to them.
"Curse you, Darkthrop!"
Adam looks around, shocked.
"This entire place is on fire!"- He yells- "What should we do? In fact, what can we do?"
Erika motions for Adam and Emela to follow her. Then, she casts a spell of flight on both herself and them.
"The only way we could survive this nightmarish ordreal... is to fly away, like birds in the sky."- She says- "I'm sorry about this, but this is the only thing we can do."
Adam sighs.
"At least the Necronomicon will be gone."- He says and prepares to leave- "As long as that wretched tome is out of Darkthrop's dirty hands, I am satisfied."
As the raging flames roar around them, the three of them jump out of a nearby window and soar in the air ahead.
"Keep your heads high, everyone!"- Erika warns her allies- "Because there's only one way to go from here- down."