MLIV C5, P8- "Built To Break"

"Built To Break" is the eighth Part of "Miracula Luxia IV" 's fifth Chapter.
It was released on 18.08.2022.
== Plot ==
With tremendous effort and incredible self-control, our heroes manage to bail Adam out of the prison and pay his price against the vagabonds that captured him with their own blood, successfully eliminating one of their most dangerous units in the process.
Unfortunately, the commotion has managed to attract both undead from the nearby tower and guards from the nearly settlement.
Surrounded by enemies on both sides, our heroes must make their hardest decision yet. The future of the world is at stake and they must find a way to reach the leader of the settlement. They must eliminate him and try to reach World's End- Darkthrop's last bastion- before it's too late.
While time is not quite on their side, hope and faith still are. And they will stop at nothing to accomplish world peace once again.
How will it all end?
== Story ==
As Adam inspects Jesse's supplies, he takes a quick glance at Akira. Something about her seems to be worrying him and he is just too concerned to let it go.
"Aki, we just... killed a man."- He says- "I know that he was bad and all, but he was trying to enforce the law. Even though it was not morally right, and neither were his actions against humanity."
Akira stares at him.
"Yeah."- She says- "We're cold-blooded killers. It's what life has turned us into."
Adam shakes his head.
"I have killed many of them before. Human or not, it did not matter. I was just... like a machine. I did it all in the name of the law and acted in a way that supported it."- He says- "But some of those people, they... they just wanted to save ones who were dear to them. They threw their lives away for foolish causes, yet always thought that they were doing the right thing."
Akira raises her eyebrow.
"Like who?"
Adam sighs.
"For example, do you remember the man that we killed earlier? The one who tried to murder Mr. Braveheart, just to save his own wife from the clutches of Darkthrop?"- He asks- "Maybe we could have talked to him. I could have convinced dad to withdraw and force him to make a deal with us. I could have eased the situation in... a more peaceful way. Why did it have to end up like this?"
Akira shakes her head.
"We didn't know what else was on his mind, brother."- She says- "What if he still tried to murder Mr. Braveheart after we tried to spare him? What if he tried to murder us instead? Have you ever considered those things before?"
Adam sighs.
"I guess that this is the reason why I let dad do it without interfering."- He says- "I was afraid to do it myself. I did not want to hurt a man who was just doing his job, no matter how unpleasant it was."
Akira shakes her head.
"Adam. That guy was bad news."- She says- "He tried to kill Mr. Braveheart and he could have killed many others if he had the chance. I applause dad for stepping up to stand in his way and put him out of his misery. It was the right thing and we can't argue with it. Period."
Adam sighs.
"Either way, it is too late now."- He says- "Perhaps some things are best left in the past."
He looks down at Jesse's corpse.
"Like him."
Darius approaches the siblings.
"You know, I keep hearing something coming from behind us."- He says- "Strange noises. But then, I look back and I don't see anything."
Akira raises her eyebrow.
"Are you experiencing some kind of paranoia?"
Darius sighs."
"I genuinely hope that I am!"- He exclaims- "If it's the other way around, then we're in big trouble."
Akira nods.
"What about the guards in the town?"
Darius looks at the settlement.
"Nothing is happening out there."- He says- "Not yet, at least."
Akira nods.
"Good."- She says- "Maybe we still have a chance to-- "
Suddenly, she hears a loud growl and leaps around. She realizes that a lone undead has managed to sneak up on her while she wasn't looking.
Using Adam's sword, she manages to put it down before it could harm her, but feels a sharp pain in her arm afterwards.
Looking down at it, she realizes that she is holding the weapon with her injured arm. She touches the spot where she was bitten and sighs.
"I guess that everything's going to be worse now."- She says to herself- "Cursed necromancer. Even when he's not here anymore, he's still making our lives miserable."
Adam notices Akira's sudden change of attitude. He moves closer to investigate, but she leaps around and rolls down her sleeve again.
"Aki, you are seriously worrying me."- He says- "Did something happen out there?"
Akira shakes her head.
"I told you, Adam. I'm tired. That's all."- She says- "What makes you think that I'm worse than I already am?"
Adam looks at her. Just a single glance at his eyes is enough to show how much he cares for her. He knows that something is not right and, despite knowing that his sister would never lie to him, he is still concerned about her well-being.
"You are... shivering. Worryingly so."- He says- "Are you cold? Sick? Terrified?"
Akira looks down.
"Adam... "- She mutters- "I... "
She looks at Darius again, expecting him to back her up. This time, he is not quite sure, so he is simply staying back with Emela.
"It's okay, honey. Tell him."- Emela encourages her- "The more he knows- the better he'll protect you."
Akira sighs. She looks at Adam, tears falling from her eyes.
"Adam, I... I might not live through this."- She says- "That's why I... I was planning on staying here. I... didn't wanted to be a bother to you, to make you decide what to do with me. I didn't want you to suffer."
Now Adam is shocked by his sister's statement. He tries to take a few steps forward, but realizes that he has gone back instead. 
"Why would you want to do such a thing?"- He asks her- "You look perfectly fine to me."
Akira sighs.
"Maybe on the surface."- She says- "But on the inside... "
Regretfully, she rolls up her sleeve and lifts her injured arm.
"Brother."- She says, staring at him sadly- "I was... bitten. By an undead."
Adam gasps. He leans forward and inspects it, as if he had just seen something horrible.
"No. This.., this cannot be."- He says, clearly seeing the bite mark on her wrist- "This must be an animal bite. It has to be!"
Akira shakes her head.
"I wish it was so, too. But it isn't."- She says- "Forgive me for being so... careless."
Emela takes a few steps forward and looks down, her eyes filled with immense guilt.
"Adam, my dear. It's... all my fault."
Adam looks back at her, dumbfounded by the whole experience.
"But... how did this happen?"
Emela continues to look down.
"One of the guards that we had to kill, he was not shot in the head. When we murdered him, he... came back."- She says- "When I tried to get away, he grabbed me. My own mistake cost me my own life. And then, Akira lunged forward and grabbed him. It all happened way too fast. And by the time got back to my senses... god. It was too late."
Adam falls on his knees. 
"So, my sister's fate is... sealed?"- He mutters- "Just like that?"
Akira looks down.
"I'm sorry."- She says- "It was best if I... perished silently. No one would miss me anyway."
Darius shakes his head.
"No one deserves to die like this. Especially you, Akira."- He says- "Maybe there's a way to stop you from turning.
Adam nods, clearly agreeing with Darius's statement.
"Yes! We have to!"- He exclaims- "I refuse to lose you, Aki. You are the only one who truly matters to me. I... do not want it all to happen again."
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"Again?"- She asks- "What do you mean?"
Darius turns around.
"Not too long ago, Adam's brother was forced to go to World's End with nearly no help. He fought his way through the creatures and tried to reach his leader, but died on his way to the heart of the fortress."- He says- "Adam promised that he wouldn't let anyone suffer like this ever again. And that's why he acts like this."
Emela's eyes widen. Realizing that Alcander is dead is quite a shock for her.
"Oh, poor Alcander."- She says and shakes her head- "He just wanted to be with his brother, but all that he got was pain and suffering instead."
Darius sighs.
"I know that you're probably going to mourn for a long time, but we must get this job done first."- He says- "Any objections?"
Emela does not say anything. Instead, she simply sighs.
"This is going to be ugly."
Adam presses his sword next to Akira's arm.
"Are you sure, Adam?"- She asks him- "I'll probably die either way, so it's best if you just-- "
Adam shakes his head.
"I will not take any chances."- He says- "We must act here and now."
Akira looks down.
"But I don't want you to suffer. Not when we're so close to our goal."- She says- "Just leave me alone. I may die here, but I promise that we'll meet again. Sure, I'll probably try to kill you, but you'll know that it's me. You'll still have something to serve as a memory of... of... what's going to happen here."
She closes her eyes and coughs blood. Some of it spills on her arm.
"Aki!"
Akira smiles.
"You know, I... always hoped that it didn't have to end like this. I wanted you to live a long, happy life, bereft of any trouble or sorrow."- She says- "I was wrong though, I always am. Even after I'm gone, you'll still be this way. And I can't change that."
Adam shakes his head.
"Do not say that, Aki! You are not going to die!"- He exclaims- "What am I going to tell dad?!"
Akira sighs.
"He's got worse things to worry about right now."- She says- "I don't know if he'll ever forgive myself for losing me, but... it doesn't matter. I'll be at peace either way.:
She looks up at her brother and smiles.
"I'll... say hi to Al from you."
She coughs blood again.
While Adam wonders what to do, Darius approaches him.
"Adam. I don't mean to push you, but if you're going to do something, you have to do it now."- He says- "Akira doesn't have much time left and every second that you spend talking to her is a moment wasted to save her life."
Emela nods.
"And the guards out there aren't going to stay passive."- She adds- "They'll learn about what we did to their leader. And then, they'll try to take their revenge."
Adam shakes his head.
"I am not sure!"- He exclaims- "It is so hard!"
Emela places her hand on Adam's shoulder.
"Sweetie. I know that it's hard, but it's in your best interest to save your sister's life."- She says- "Imagine how hard life would be without her. You need her to be with you, Adam. You can't just let her fade away. Not like this."
She looks at Akira.
"And you. You can't just give up and let the infection consume you! Not without a fight!"- She yells- "Stop being so overdramatic! You're not dead yet, so do me a favor and keep on living!"
Akira sighs.
"Emela... "
Emela hugs Adam.
"Whatever you decide to do, I'll always be with you."- She says- "You're the best. And I want you to know that."
Akira looks at Emela.
"Miss Emela. Thank you for... caring about Adam so much."- She says- "If I somehow never make it out alive, I... want you to take him with you again. Tell dad that you're going somewhere else and protect him like your own eyes. Don't let him... become a monster like Darkthrop."
Emela looks down.
"Maybe we-- "
Adam looks up. He readies his sword and sighs.
"It is alright, Miss Emela. Stand back."- He says- "I made my decision. I am not going to hold back anymore."
And then, he gently grabs Akira's arm.
"I am sorry, Aki."- He says- "This is for your own good."
He presses the sword against her arm and delivers the first cut, slicing through her skin like hot butter.
Akira immediately begins to scream. The pain seems to be too much for her to bear.
"Adam!"- Emela exclaims- "Gently, please!"
Adam shakes his head.
"There is no time to waste, Miss Emela."- He says- "I must try harder."
And then, he cuts even further.
At this point, his weapon is coated with Akira's blood. Even his the arm that is holding it was not spared from being sprayed by the viscous liquid.
Akira's screams of pain seem to have attracted something in the distance. A multitude of growls can be heard from afar.
"Ugh."- Darius says and draws his weapon- "It seems like we'll have company soon."
Emela looks at Adam.
"Are you done yet?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Just a little bit longer."- He says- "I need some time, urgently."
Darius nods.
"You've got it."
He grabs a bow from one of the dead guards, loads a few arrows, enchants them with spiritual energy and shoots them at the incoming horde of undead.
"This won't hold them back for much longer, but it'll be enough!"- He exclaims.
Adam nods. Then, he delivers the third cut, successfully cutting through her bone and reaching the end of Akira's arm.
At this point, Akira's arm is hanging by a threat. It is almost as if it will fall off by itself at any moment, even though it is clear that it is still firmly attached to the rest of her body.
Emela looks back at the undead. Then, she looks back at Adam.
"Adam!"- She yells- "One more!"
Adam nods.
"One last time!"
Finally, he completely slices off the rest of her arm with a well-aimed blow, freeing Akira from the infection for good.
"Agh!:"- Akira screams- "I didn't sign up for this!"
Adam shakes his head.
"This is not the time to be sarcastic, Aki!"- He yells- "You are losing way too much blood!"
He turns to Darius.
"Darius!"- He yells at him- "Go to the town and gather some bandages!"
Darius gasps.
"But... what about the und-- "
Adam shakes his head.
"We have no time for doubts!"- He yells- "Just do your job!"
Darius decides that Adam and his allies will hold off on their own for the time being. He nods and runs for the settlement, intending to get the resources before it is too late.
Akira slumps to the ground, nearly unconscious.
"It's okay, dear. It's okay."- Emela reassures her- "It's all over. We did it."
Emela looks up.
"I... don't think I've got too much time left."- She says- "My lifeforce. It's... draining away."
Emela smiles serenely pats her on the head.
"Shh. Take it easy."- She continues to reassure her- "Just close your eyes. Let the light flow through your mind. Think of the good times you spent with your family. And soon, you'll be able to make even more of those memories."
Akira sighs.
"I... hope so."
Adam presses his hand against the fresh cut and focuses a large amount of his own energy on it.
"We have to keep the bleeding in check until Darius arrives."- He says- "Come on, Miss Emela."
Emela looks at him.
"But I am no healer!"
Adam shakes his head.
"Just keep them away from us."- He says- "I will handle this."
Emela nods.
"That I can do."- She says, pulls out her wand and bombards the incoming undead with a barrage of fireballs.
Akira weakly turns around and looks at Adam.
"Brother."- She mutters- "Will we... ever be the same again?"
Adam shakes his head.
"I am not sure about that. Times change and so do we."- He says- "However, I am confident that we could stay on top, no matter how hard they try to make us fall down."
Akira smiles.
"You're always to... positive. So cheerful and optimistic."- She mutters- "Don't ever change, Adam. You're... perfect."
Adam smiles back.
"And so are you, Aki."
A few moments later, he notices that Akira's wound is bleeding much faster. He tries to stop it, but soon realizes that he could only ease it a little bit.
"Oh no!"- He says- "This is not good!"
Emela turns around.
"Is everything okay out there?"
Adam nods.
"We are trying to make it okay!"- He yells- "Just keep fighting! I have this under control!"
As Adam looks back at the wound, Akira sighs.
"Adam."- She mumbles- "Have you... ever had that feeling of losing someone?"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Like who?"
Akira sighs.
"I don't know."- She mutters- "But it's always haunted me. And I can't let it go."
Adam sighs.
"Is it about Aiden again?"
Akira looks down.
"Perhaps it is."- She says- "That kid had so much life in him. He wanted to make the world a better place. And yet, his candle of hope was just... snuffed out. He... didn't live to see what we've done."
Adam shakes his head.
"He lives in our hearts. He has been with us for more than two years."- He says- "Aiden never went anywhere. And neither will you."
Akira sighs.
"I just... can't imagine how Donnie's feeling right now."- She says- "He's probably still thinking about that. He never let anything else... get on his mind. Not when we... traveled together, at least."
Adam raises his eyebrow. He is about to ask his sister another question, but soon decides that it does not matter.
"Everything will get better."- He says- "One prayer at a time."
Akira nods.
"One prayer."- She says- "One prayer's all we need."
Adam nods.
"Indeed."- He says- "And we will not give up until it is answered."
After five minutes of hard work, Darius finally returns. He is carrying as many bandages as he can.
"Step back, Adam."- He says- "Darius Redmark's here to save the day!"
Then, once Adam is out of the way, he bends down and picks up the most durable bandage. After testing it out for a little bit, he decides that it is perfect and uses it to bandage Akira's wound.
With surprising efficiency, Darius stops the bleeding and saves Akira from dying in a painful way.
"Darius, I do not what to say."- Adam says and smiles- "You... are a hero"
Darius smiles back.
"I already told you, people. I'm just doing my job."- He says- "There's no need to thank me for my kindness."
Adam nods.
"By the way, how did you manage to handle this situation so... calmly?"- He asks him- "Are you a doctor of some sort?"
Darius smiles.
"Before I became a warrior of Avernum, I travelled to the surface to receive higher education. I was accepted into a prestigious university and studied medicine."- He says- "By the time I had to return to deal with Darkthrop's invasion, I was trained in sealing larger wounds than just mere bruises and cuts. Thus, I plan on becoming a healer as soon as this conflict is over. Not one of those that use magic, though. Just your normal medic who goes from village to village to tend to the sick an the elderly. And maybe the members of Avernum's military, if I get lucky."
Adam smiles and nods.
"I wish you good luck in your future endeavors. I can tell that you are an experienced artisan and I know that you will succeed."- He says- "Avernum needs more helpful and kind-hearted people. Like you."
Darius smiles.
"Oh, you flatter me."
Emela takes a few steps forward and points at something behind her.
"Uhh. I don't mean to disturb you, boys."- She says- "But there's a massive hoard heading our way!"
Adam and Darius nod. They draw their weapons and join her in battle.
"We shall prevail!"- Adam exclaims.
As the two of them work to get rid of the nearest undead, Adam looks back at Akira and notices that she is still slumped on the ground.
"Umm, miss Emela?"- He says- "Could you escort Akira out of here?"
Emela shakes her head.
"And let you stay here without any other sort of help?"- She asks- "No way!"
Adam glares at her.
"We saved Akira!"- He yells- "Do you want her to because of our mistakes?"
Emela looks back at Akira. Then, at Adam. The decision is, as expected, very tough for her.
And then, when our heroes least expect it, a small band of vigilantes arrive to assist them, Balthazar and Derion leading the entire squad against the undead.
"Are you guys okay?"- Derion asks- "Is anyone injured?"
Adam looks back. He is pleased to see Derion, but too busy worrying about Akira to exchange any pleasantries with him.
"Akira just had her arm cut off!"
Derion asks.
"What?"- He says- "But... why?!"
Adam shakes his head.
"We shall explain everything later."- He says- "Just take her somewhere safe. I do not want her to suffer."
Derion looks down at Akira. At this point, she is nearly unconscious and does not have enough energy left to look up, let alone greet him.
As he decides where to take her away, Balthazar takes a few steps forward.
"I'll do it!"
Adam looks back.
"Are you sure?"- He asks- "Do you know what you are doing?"
Balthazar nods.
"We checked the place's surroundings. There's a way to get out of here."- He says- "We'll keep her safe."
Adam is about to object, but soon hears a sound. Something that does not come from the mouth of an undead.
Suddenly, a large squard of guards run up from the settlement, clearly heading in their direction. It is clear that they heard Akira's screams and realized that their prisoner has escaped. At the same time, small groups of scouts from the same settlement arrive to help them out, surrounding Adam's allies, both to the left and to the right.
"Well, this is something new."- Darius says- "Looks like dead and living are working together, after all."
Realizing how perilous the situation has become, Adam wastes no time to make his move. He helps his allies create a powerful magical shield around the area and use their magic to push the incoming enemies back.
"Take my sister away!"- He yells- "Now!"
Derion seems to be very worried.
"But... "- He says- "... we can't!"
Adam shakes his head.
"There is still a chance!"- He yells- "Try to be more optimistic! Use your power to push through them!"
Derion looks back. He remembers that those humans are, in fact, the enemies of the elven kingdom and thus, of their king. He nods and draws his weapon.
"Come on, Balthazar."- He says- "We have a damsel to save!"
Balthazar nods and grabs Akira, holding her on his shoulder.
"I am right behind you, my friend!"
Then, the two of them run away from the guards as they approach them, successfully avoiding them in time.
As Adam watches them leave, he notices that Akira is opening her eyes.
"What... is going on?"
She looks around and realizes that she is being taken away.
"Hey! What are you two doing?"- She yells- "Let me go! My brother needs me!"
Derion shakes his head.
"I'm sorry, Akira. This is how it has to be."- He says- "Your brother gave the command and I will not disobey him."
Akira looks back, shocked.
"Adam!"- She yells, thrashing around wildly as she fades off into the mist.
Adam sighs,
"I am very sorry, Akira. I really am."- He says- "But you are the one who is meant to survive, not me."
He turns back to the rest of his allies.
"Well, we did it."- He says- "My sister is safe."
Darius nods.
"But for how long?"- He asks- "The guards might get to them very soon."
Adam shakes his head.
"I know that Derion and Balthazar will do their best to make sure that she stays alive."
Emela gets their attention and points at the scouting parties that are just a few miles away from them.
"Boys! We've got scavengers!"- She yells- "Left and right!"
Adam nods.
"Then it is time to leave ourselves."
Darius raises his eyebrow.
"With this group?"- He asks- "But there's too many! They'll find us either way!"
Just as he says that, a tall man emerges from the group and slams his spear into the ground.
It is Donovan.
"Not when I'm here."
He points his spear at a nearby scout and stabs him in the chest, burning down some of his skin.
"We'll hold them off while you run."
Adam gasps.
"But why?"- He asks- "If we run while you still need us, this is cowardice!"
Donovan shakes his head.
"There's no time to have doubts."- He repeats Adam's words from earlier- "This is a time to act. And we will."
He looks back.
"If you know what's dear for you, run and keep running!"- He yells as he prepares to lead the remaining warriors against the guards- "And don't look back, no matter what happens next!"
Regretfully, Adam decides to lead the rest of his allies away, despite claiming that he will not abandon any of them.
"I am sorry that this has to happen, Donnie."- He says- "You are a good man."
Donovan smiles.
"It was an honor to fight by your side once again, Adam."- He says- "Thank you for preserving my brother's memory."
As Adam and his allies prepare to run away, Donovan raises his spear in the air.
"This is it everyone!"- He yells- "Kill or be killed!"
The rest of the warriors cheer enthusiastically.
"For Goznor!"- Donovan yells- "For the world!"
----Meanwhile, Adam and his allies find a spot that is blissfully empty. No guards are in sight and the moss on the ceiling seems to be brighter.
"Seems like they're extending their full numbers against us."- Darius says- "I can't imagine what that guy's going through right now."
Adam sighs.
"The way into the settlement is clear. We will be able to take care of the job before they return."- He says- "Let us proceed."
The three of them enter the settlement and immediately notice that the streets are empty. Nobody greets them as they enter and most of the still-intact houses are boarded shut.
It almost seems like the people are living in some sort of spartan-like way, with nearly no food and water, left with little to call their own.
"And people wonder why Connor Freeman's being called "The Tyrant"."- Darius mutters- "Filthy outlaw. He's putting his own people through a world of pain and is foolish enough to expect to be respected in return."
Adam looks at him.
"Has it always been this way?"
Darius shakes his head.
"Fortunately, it has not."- He responds- "When we first came to know Mr. Freeman, he looked like a perfectly reasonable man. He made some profitable deals with some of Avernum's best merchants and even managed to hire some powerful mercenaries to protect his new community, all while maintaning his friendly attitude in the face of chaos."
He sighs.
"But it seems like the world broke him, just like it broke almost everybody else."- He says- "I guess that nobody is spared from the madness."
Adam nods.
"So, this means that there is no room for diplomacy."- He says- "We must put him out of his misery."
Darius shrugs.
"I mean, take a look at this place."- He says- "See what's going on. Talk to the people. And then, I'm sure that you can tell me if this monster deserves mercy or not."
A group of merchants passes by. They see the heroes and stare at them for a few seconds. Adam approaches them, in an attempts to strike a friendly conversation, but they stare at the ground and don't respond to his questions.
"They're as troubled as we are."- Darius says- "Leave them alone."
Adam sighs and takes a few steps back.
"We are very sorry for the inconvenience."- He says as they slowly stumble away.
Meanwhile, a small group of townsfolk approach Adam. They seem to be very nervous, and with a good reason.
"Are you Adam Kaos?"- One of them asks.
Adam nods.
"That is me."- He says- "How can we help you, good people?"
The townsfolk look down.
"It's about our mighty leader. We can't let him toy around with us any longer."- A braver individual says- "We've been waiting for someone to stop him, but no one was able to break through. Everyone ended up dead, whether it were out here or in the cells."
Adam looks around. Sure enough, there are small bones scattered in the dirt around him and his allies. The guards did their best to clean up and avoid suspicion, but it seems like it was not quite good enough to keep the evidence away from his prying eyes.
"How many heroes tried to help you?"
The first townsman shakes his head.
"About ten or twenty. Few are foolhardy enough to rebel against our tyrant."- He says- "But the guards, they're too used to all the blood. All the suffering. And they didn't show any mercy. Blood was spilled and kindness was rewarded with agony."
Darius sighs.
"I understand how they feel, Adam."- He says to him- "I tried to help them myself, but my entire group was slaughtered while we tried to find a way in. I was the only one who made it out, the person who lived to tell the tale."
Adam sighs.
"I am sorry."
He looks up.
"Maybe we will be the ones to find a way in, though."- He says- "If so many people have already tried, then it is clear that at least one of them found it unknowingly."
The townsfolk smile.
"Well, if you do it, we'll be eternally grateful."- One of them says- "We'll be waiting in our homes until the deed is done."
Adam nods.
"Stay safe, good people."- He says- "Don't let the evil one brainwash you."
The townsfolk nod.
"We'll... try our best."
Then, they stumble away, barely able to get into their houses.
From the way they walk, Adam realizes that they have been tortured as well. Perhaps Connor Freeman knows that they are trying to stir up a riot and has used his authority among his guards to punish them. Severely.
"What a horrendous world we live in."- He mutters and sighs- "Nobody deserves to be treated like this."
Darius sighs.
"Right."
Emela looks around for clues.
"Well, shall we begin?"- She asks- "I think that we could find a lot, if we search a little bit faster."
Adam smiles.
"Actually, I think that we have the biggest clue in our hands already,"
Emela raises her eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Adam pulls out the map that they found earlier and points at the rune-like lines that are connected all over it.
"Do you see those runes?"- He asks- "Well, they are much more than we had anticipated."
Darius looks closer.
"Hmm."- He says- "If they went through all this trouble to connect them in such an intricate pattern, then this means... "
Adam smiles and nods.
"They are the tunnels which the workers are digging under the settlement."
Emela nods.
"Sure. This might be valuable for us."- She says- "But doesn't it seem to dangerous?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Nothing is too dangerous for a true hero."- He says- "I will go ahead and find the entrance. If you are too afraid of what might happen, then feel free to stand back and watch for intruders instead."
Emela shakes his head.
"I didn't travel so far to watch you travel all alone."- She says- "We're coming with you."
At the same time, Aalia arrives and joins her allies.
"Lia! Oh, thank god!"- Adam exclaims and hugs her- "Did you find anything out there?"
Aalia shakes her head.
"Not at all."- She says- "Everything's clear. For now."
Adam nods.
"Then this is our chance to make a difference."
The four of them proceed to walk toward the west section of the settlement, undisturbed by anyone and anything.
And then, they reach a solid wall.
"Hmm. It seems pretty sturdy."- Emela says- "Are we sure that this is the right place?"
Adam nods.
"The signs of trouble never lie, miss Emela."- He says and prepares to cast a spell- "Now, please stand back. Everything is about to get a little... dirty."
Emela rolls her eyes.
"Har har, sweetie."
Taking a few deep breaths, Adam lunges forward and blasts the wall down into pieces with a well-aimed fire spell.
"There we go."- He says- "No walls of stone or steel shall be able to stop us from saving the world."
Darius smiles.
"You don't know when to give up, do you?"- He says- "Good. I like you already."
Adam smiles.
"My mom did not raise a fool."
Aalia leans close to Adam and grins.
"Even if she did, you'll always be my fool!"
Adam hugs Aalia and smiles again.
"Of course I will, Lia."
Emela sighs.
"Oh, your love is always so inspiring children."- She says- "I wish I were like you."
Adam turns to her.
"Have you ever loved someone, miss Emela?"
Emela sighs.
"You know. My love life has always been complicated."- She says- "At the time when I was still a mere recruit, I was paired with two boys. They meant a lot to me and I loyally stood by their side as we went though a lot of bad things. But the worst past was that I was in love with both of them. Not just one, but both. And I... I was always so shy around them. I never told them about my past. Now that I grew up, though, I deeply regret it. They always deserved to know more about me. But fate eventually separated. One of those kind boys became a royal knight, and the other... well, it's best not to think too much about it."
Adam nods.
"But did they love you back?"
Emela sighs again.
"The love was, indeed, not one-sided. They also felt the same way."- She says- "But then, I became the guardian of the Water Temple. And I was alone, all alone, until you found and rescued me. Now, I'll be able to reminisce those memories and begin life anew. I can try to love again!"
Darius smiles.
"Just try to focus on your task for now, lovebird."- He says- "Everything else will happen soon enough."
Emela nods.
"Of course, Darius."- She says- "Of course, it will."
Adam inspects the room that he just opened and sees a rotting trapdoor on the other side. The hatch looks rather flimsy and makes him feel like it is going apart at any moment.
"Do you ever get the feeling of something that might be more than just mere paranoia?"- Darius says- "Ugh. This definitely won't be pretty."
Aalia sighs.
"Or clean."
Adam shakes his head.
"Getting our boots dirty and smelling like barn animals is the least of our worries."- He says- "It does not matter how drenched in sewage we are. As long as we are alive down there, it is all worth it."
Darius sighs.
"Easy for you to say, top hero!"
Adam smiles.
"Oh, come on."- He says- "I know that you are like me."
Darius nods.
"Perhaps."- He says- "But I still value my own clothing."
Adam sighs.
"Just try to follow my lead."- He says- "Everything else will go according to plan."
Darius nods.
"Into the sewers we go, then."- He says- "This'll be fun."
Adam does not say anything. He opens the hatch, climbs the ladder and enters the sewers.
"Make sure to close the gate behind you."
As Darius prepares to descend, he looks at the hatch and sighs.
"It doesn't look like there's much left to close!"
Adam sighs.
"This is what happens when they neglect a settlement's true needs."- He mutters.
Darius closes the trapdoor and climbs down.
"It's done."- He says- "Now what?"
Adam looks at the path ahead.
"Now, we travel on foot."- He says- "Just like we always have."
As they travel through the tunnels, they hear a loud squeak. Emela panics and launches a fireball, but soon realizes that it is only a rat.
"Calm down, miss Emela."- He says- "There is nothing dangerous down here."
Emela sighs.
"Not yet."
Although most of the journey is relatively uneventful, our heroes stumble upon a large cave-in around the end of the trail.
"Now that is something that we should be worried about."- Darius says.
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"What are you implying?"
Darius shakes his head.
"The nature of this place is quite horrifying. Residual magic that is dumped along with the barrels of waste can be... unpredictable, especially to non-living objects."- He says- "We must be on our gua-- "
Suddenly, the large rocks that fell from the sky rumble and assemble themselves, forming a massive golem that threatens to pound them into paste.
"Watch out for... that!"
As the sewer golem slams its fists into the ground, Adam casts a spell that throws them back. However, the golem sees this as a moment of weakness and immediately leaps in their direction, nearly crushing all of them in the process.
"Yikes!"- Aalia says- "That's something I wasn't hoping to meet today!"
Adam nods.
"Keep calm, everyone. This is just a giant slab of moving rock."- He says- "We can defeat it if we work together."
As the golem prepares to attack again, Adam leaps forward and casts a wind spell on its chest. A small tempest blows away some of the rocks that are holding it together, partially breaking its structure.
However, the golem proves to be way too resilient. It continues to fight back, even after most of its parts are knocked out.
"This thing's not going down without a fight!"- Emela exclaims.
She looks back at Darius.
"Hey."- She says- "You know how to handle that tyrant, right?"
Darius raises his eyebrow.
"Why do you ask?"
Emela smiles and pushes him and Aalia away.
"Emela!"- Aalia yells- "What do you think you're doing?"
Emela shakes her head.
"I can sense that the one we're looking for is up there. We can't allow him to run away."- She says- "Go. I'll hold this creature off while you run."
Adam shakes his head.
"We are not leaving you alone, miss Emela!"- He yells- "You are coming with us!"
Emela shakes her head.
"It's too late, dear."- She says- "I've already made my choice."
Then, she looks up at the golem and realizes that it is enraged.
"Go!"- She yells- "Run while you still can!"
And then, she turns to the golem, armed only with her wand and a lot of faith, facing him in battle with no fear in her heart.
Before Adam and his allies could make a decision, another cave-in separates them from Emela.
"She always taught me how to have no fear. And yet, she always had that in herself. The fighting spirit, it has always been a part of her."- Adam says and salutes his teacher- "Thank you for your service to the order, miss Emela. We shall not let you down!"
He turns to his allies.
"Let us go."- He says- "To the surface!"
The three of them run forward, but soon stumble upon a dirty chute,
"Umm. Do we really have to do this?"- Darius asks- "Isn't there another way out?"
Adam looks around and sighs. Apparently, Darius's question has already been answered.
"As you can see, we are left with only one option."- He says- "Are you afraid of taking this opportunity?"
Darius shakes his head.
"Of course not."- He says- "Let's roll."
The hero make a quick (and surprisingly graceful) descend into the room below, getting their feet dirty in the process."
Adam looks around and smiles.
"Well. We are likely going to get some disease or another, but it was worth it."- He says- "We found another way out of this place."
Aalia coughs.
"Those tunnels... they stink."- She says- "Why can't they smell like flowers or candy?"
Adam sighs.
"Trust me, I also wish for the same thing to happen."- He admits- "But we must endure. True heroes never complain about the smell- they take it all in, for the sake of all that is sacred."
Darius nods.
"Right."- He says- "And take it all in we will... whether we like it or not."
Adam smiles.
"Anyway, we are almost out of this place."- He says- "Let us proceed."
As our heroes proceed to move forward, a group of rats dashes past them like an army of hungry demons. However, they leave them alone, due to being so small and insignificant.
"Hmm."- Darius says- "It seems like their minds are linked to each other. But why?"
Adam looks back,
"Does it matter?"
Darius sighs.
"Not at all."
After a few moments, they finally reach a trapdoor that leads out of the sewers.
"Salvation, at long last!"- Aalia exclaims- "What a journey!"
Adam sighs.
"It will be even more of a journey once we reach the top."
As they prepare to climb, however, they notice that the hatch is much sturdier than usual. Adam uses a long stick to pull it open, but it doesn't budge. At all.
"It looks like we have another obstacle in our way."- He says- "Something is bound to go wrong."
Suddenly, the trash to the far right is set on fire. They hear loud, cacophonic laughter in the distance.
"Well, that was... creative."
A mad wizard emerges from the darkness behind them and smiles.
"You have fallen into our trap!"- He exclaims- "His majesty would love to hear how much you burned."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Are you the tyrant's advisor or something?"
The man smiles.
"Worse."- He says- "I am his right-hand man- Wyatt!"
Darius draws his sword immediately. He seems to recognize the man.
"You shouldn't have come here, Wyatt!"
Wyatt shakes his head.
"No, Darius."- He responds- "You were the one who was supposed to stay away from us."
He prepares to cast another spell.
"And now, all of you shall pay the ultimate price."
Having said that, he sets most of the trash around them on fire and runs away before the flames reach him.
Adam tries to put them out, but Darius stops him.
"Don't waste your energy."- He says- "This is magical fire. It can't be put out my normal means."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Then how can we put it out?!"
Darius sighs.
"We either wait for it to consume us or we run."- He says- "There's no other option."
Adam nods.
"Then we escape as soon as possible."- He says- "I refuse to die like this."
Darius nods.
"I'm with you."
Adam climbs the ladder and attempts to break down the hatch, but soon realizes that the trapdoor has been barred from the other side.
"It is no use!"- He yells- "There is anothe line of defense!"
Darius clenches his fists.
"Ugh."- He says- "We should've expected that."
He turns to Aalia.
"Stand close to me."- He says as they take a few steps back- "I'm sure that Adam's got it all figured out."
Aalia looks at the flames and shivers a little bit.
"I hope so!"
It takes about five minutes, but Adam manages to blast down the hatch.
"It is open!"- He yells- "Run as fast as you can!"
The three of them manage to escape from the tunnels just as the flames consume the ladder behind them, leaving them with only one way to go.
But they do not have to search any longer. Thanks to their efforts, they have managed to find the man who leads the settlement... or claims to do so, at the very least. When he sees that he has some new visitors in his office. he stands up and nods.
"Looks like you finally found your way through the tunnels of doom. How noble of you to risk your lives to find me."- He says- "Well, here you are. And here I am. You're now in my domain and there's nowhere else to go."
Adam stares at him.
"You must be Connor Freeman- the tyrant who owns this place."- He says- "We have a lot to talk about."
Connor nods.
"Perhaps."- He says- "But first, I want to see if you're quite as talkative as they say."
He smiles.
"If you have the time, that is."
Adam sighs.
"I do not have time to argue what is right or not, but I guess that it cannot be helped."- He says- "Alright. Say your piece and let us continue with the inevitable conflict."
Connor smiles.
"You will not regret it, hero."
As he sits back in his chair, Adam cannot help but notice all of the skulls on his desk. Most of them seem to originate from animals, but some are large enough to have belonged to something... more sinister in life.
"Scary, isn't it?"- Connor says, noticing Adam's concern- "It almost feels like they're alive."
Adam stares at him.
"Why do you hold such a deep satisfaction in liberating them from their owners?"- He asks- "Are you a necromancer of some sort?"
Connor slams his fist into the desk.
"Don't you dare compare me to those wimps!"- He yells- "I'm better than that!"
Adam nods.
"How did you come to be here, though?"- He asks- "Do you have some sort of backstory? A series of traumatic events, perhaps?"
Connor sighs.
"I grew up in a decent family. Lived a life many people would dream of. And the next day, I lost it all."- He says- "Thus, I decided to invest in leadership instead. I read the books of the most prominent leaders of our times and learned that I could be more than that. The decision to make a thriving community in a land no sane person would ever dare to settle. And that's how I came to be here. Everything was all too sudden, but it worked out."
Adam nods.
"How did you find so many people to fool?"
Connor smiles.
"Avernum has many visitors. They're always looking for opportunities and are willing to join whoever could make their dreams some true. So, it's no surprise that I was able to recruit so many of them. Their varius skills have helped us survive in the face of chaos and allowed us to become a prominent settlement, better than some of the best cities in Avernum."- He says- "With due time, more survivors decided to join us. Even the cold an distant people of Avernum had no choice than to see my value to the world."
Adam sighs.
"And you still pretend that everything is going according to plan."
Connor smiles.
"My community is the best in Avernum and soon, it shall be known to the surface as well."- He says- "Why should I have a reason to worry?"
Darius shrugs.
"I don't know."- He says- "Because you're... surrounded? In your own home?"
Connor shakes his head.
"I've never been in any danger and this won't change here and now."
Adam looks at Darius and sighs.
"He is confident in his own abilities and believes that he is undefeatable."- He whispers to him- "Does it remind you of someone?"
Darius sighs.
"They're all the same to me."
Adam nods and turns to Connor.
"Before we begin our battle, will you show us what you have here?"- He asks him, cleverly attempting to persuade him into revealing his own secrets- "An all-powerful and dynamic man such as yourself is probably on top of the charts."
Connor smiles, seemingly flattered by Adam's praise.
"Well, I'm glad you asked."
He picks up a small knife and idly tosses it in his right hand. Then, he throws it at a shooting range just a few steps away from Adam, nearly hitting him in the process.
"I have many soldiers loyal to me."- He says- "No one has ever dared to turn on their absolute master."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Is this because their master is a terrifying man who should not be trifled with?
Connor laughs, as if at some sort of joke.
"You've got a good perspective, kid."- He says- "I like your attitude."
Then, he points at a nearby solar ray. Surprisingly, it seems to be inactive. Perhaps the energy input is insufficient and thus, the ray is unable to function properly. Tough luck, that is.
"You have got a lot of firepower here."- Adam says to him- "Is this supposed to be some kind of a threat against humanity?"
Connor smiles.
"Only those who disobey me, of course."- He says- "Darkthrop's invasion has weakened the government, so it shall be easy to manipulate them into giving them what I want."
Adam nods.
"But what do you really want?"
Connor smiles.
"Everything Darkthrop doesn't want."
Adam sighs.
"So, this means that you want the other half of this world? The one that was not besieged by that tyrant?"- He asks- "Perhaps you are more ambitious than I had anticipated."
Connor grins.
"And my ambitions won't be snuffed out by the likes of you."
As Adam is about to continue reasoning with him, Connor leans down and pulls a hidden lever, revealing a secret trapdoor. The young hero manages to leap away just as it opens, but Connor smiles and pushes a hidden button, revealing a second trapdoor that makes Adam fall down as soon as he lands on the faux ground.
"Now perish!"- He yells- "Perish and never return!"
However, fate plays a bad joke on him as Adam uses a spell to form a chain out of nothingness, tossing it at Connor's leg and wrapping it tightly. It does not take long for the tyrant to fall down as well.
"If I am going to fall, you shall join me!"- Adam yells as they descend.
He looks up.
"Darius! Quick!"- He yells- "Secure the perimeter! Do not let anyone fall down here!"
Darius nods.
"I'm on it, Adam!"
As Darius leaves, Adam and Connor descend into the room below. Surprisingly, it looks almost like a torture chamber. Horrifying tools of mischief are everywhere and the smell of blood is omnipresent. And the feeling of dread is always in the air, no matter how far Adam tries to get away.
"Do you like the new addition to my secret realm, kid?"- Connor asks him- "It's standard and relatively new, but it does the job perfectly."
Adam shakes his head, unable to ignore thr thought of how many innocent people have met their end here.
"You are an absolute monster."- He says- "First, you use confused warriors to do your bidding, making them act against their own will. Then, you plan to use a giant cannon to blast down the Known Lands without even caring about those who have heads on their shoulder. And now... this?"
He points at him.
"Do you even have any honor?!"
Connor smiles and shrugs.
"Honor? Me?"- Connor says and laughs- "That word is absent in my dictionary. I only do what's required to survive."
Adam shakes his head.
"Oblivious and delirious. That is the worst kind of villain I have ever met so far."- He says- "It is best if I put you out of your misery."
Adam draws his weapon and prepares to cast a spell. However, he soon feels a sharp jolt in his arm that forces him to withdraw it.
"No."- He says- "It cannot be."
Connor lifts his head and laughs maniacally.
"Hah! You just fell victim to my nullity barrier!"- He exclaims- "There is no escape!"
Adam looks around, surprised by Connor's statement.
"I can tell that you surrounded me with it."- He says- "Is this supposed to be some kind of protection against magic users?"
Connor grins.
"Your little tricks won't be working here. My protection is absolute."- He says- "Anyone who ends up in this room wishes that the end would be fast. And I can tell that you're no different."
He smiles.
"So, what will it be?"- He asks him- "Shall it be fast? Or slow?"
Adam draws his weapon.
"I have had enough of this!"- He yells- "I will fight you, with or without my magic!"
Connor smiles.
"Then there's no doubt here."- He says- "It will be fast. Very fast."
As Adam lunges forward, he feels another surge of energy. An invisible barrier throws him back as he attempts to cut through Connor's defenses.
"Hah! Nice try!"- Connor mocks him- "Perhaps you should be more vigilant next time!"
He shrugs.
"But that's a common mistake of the youth."- He says- "Many youngsters have done the same when they ended up here."
Afte suffering a painful blast from the barrier, Adam's head starts to hurt. It is more than just a mere migraine and it is truly worrying.
Somewhere in the distance, he hears a strange laughter. At first, it sounds quiet and inaudible, but soon increases in intensity, almost as if it comes from behind him.
"Mr. Freeman."- He mutters- "What... are you?"
Connor grins.
"Better than you'll ever be."
Then, he pushes him back again, this time with very little effort.
"He is using space and time to play around with my mind."- Adam says to himself- "Is this what true magic feels like?"
He shakes his head.
"You are a worthy adversary."- He admits- "But not good enough!"
Leaping forward with tremendous speed, he jumps in the air and uses all of the strength that he has left to shatter the invisible barrier.
Moments later, he hears something breaking. It is almost as if pieces of glass have just been turned into nothingness, with a single strike.
"You've definitely got the spirit, kid."- Connor says as he tends to a fresh wound- "But do you still have the fire that burns within you?"
Adam glares at him.
"How about you come closer and find out?"
Connor smiles.
"Oh. I don't need to."- He says- "The servants under my command shall do it for me."
Having said that, he waves his hands for a few seconds, as if calling for someone to assist him. Adam listens intently, but no sound comes out. Not from any living creatures, anyway.
Too late, he realizes that Connor's "servants" are, in fact, invisible. They hover around him and laugh as he wonders what to do next.
"Your fate is sealed!"- They yell in unison- "Accept it! Accept it!"
Adam shakes his head.
"I will not give up!"- He yells- "I still have people who believe in me!"
Connor sighs.
"It'll all be over soon."- He says- "Trust and light don't last forever."
Adam nods.
"Perhaps you speak the truth, but the darkness is not eternal either!"
Connor grins.
"Darkness always finds a way to creep into your mind."- He says- "Now accept it and become one with the shadows!"
Adam falls on his knees. Suddenly, the room seems to be much darker for him. It is almost as if the walls themselves are starting to close in and that everything is starting to fall apart, even when he tries to hold it together.
"No. This is just a nightmare. A nightmare."- He mutters- "I am still with my friends. We are on our way to World's End. Hope and faith are still on our side and we shall prevail."
Connor laughs.
"I like it when my prey is so... optimistic!"
Suddenly, a small part of Adam's brain ceases to function for a while. He falls to his knees, barely able to breathe.
"I need... to find... a way."- He says- "To escape... this prison... "
Connor raises his eyebrow.
"Even if you still had a chance to be free, where are you going to go?"- He asks him- "The whole world is on fire! Everywhere you go, you will burn yourself! And it's only a matter of time before you're incinerated! Turned to useless ashes that drift through the wind!"
The spirits continue to laugh, disorienting Adam as he attempts to stumble closer to his target. He is forced to watch as the entire world falls apart and is unable to do anything about it.
And then, he remembers something. He rummages through the deepest corners of his mind and finds that one memory that will save him from the inevitable- the one that includes Erika's challenge.
"That is right. I knew that there was something wrong with that."- He says to himself- "Erika Redmark was mad, but she did not intend to hurt me. She wanted to show me that I have a fire burning within me. A burning flame that radiates justice and kindness. That my power is not shown by every spell that I have learned, but by who I am, deep inside."
Suddenly, his heart starts to beat faster. His fists burn with inner strength. Every second that he spends is used to evaluate his opponent and determine the best course of action to undermine them.
And then, his eyes start to glow. A pleasant-looking white fire forms within them as he finally stands up against the one who tried to end him.
"Connor Freeman!"- He yells- "Your reign of terror ends here and now!"
Adam stands on his feet and draws his weapon. He runs forward and easily cuts through the invisible defenses that once protected the evil man. The screams of the tortured souls under his control fill the room as he chases after him with incredible speed and endless hatred.
"I will make you feel it all!"- Adam yells- "No crime goes unanswered!"
Terrified, Connor calls for the help of his ghostly allies. Their wails turn into loud shrieks as they descend upon him.
However, Adam dismisses this sign of danger. Instead, his eyes start to glow orange as the ground all around him is suddenly set on fire.
Most of the spirits are incinerated by the wild magic, despite being nearly invulnerable to it. The rest of them shriek and flee somewhere else, in the hopes of escaping from the immense heat before they meet the same fate.
"You said it first, Mr. Freeman!"- Adam yells- "The world is on fire! But you are wrong! The flames of justice are the ones that will consume the chaos not the other way around! And they shall be burning brighter than your hatred for humanity, much brighter!"
Connor tries to push Adam back with rings of fire, fragments of wind and uncontrollable earth. However, the young hero is just too determined to give up like this.
"What... are you?"
Adam glares at him.
"I am a better warrior than you will ever be!"- He says, repeating Connor's words that he said earlier.
Connor shrieks and runs away in terror. He runs for the trapdoor leading out of his sewer, avoiding everything that happens to be in his way. And yet, he cannot avoid the skulls of the ones that he dropped down here. The ones that he deemed unworthy of his time and thus, his kingdom.
"Is this... some kind of a sign?"
Finally, he reaches the trapdoor. He leaps on the ladder and tries to open it, but soon realizes that it is locked from the other side.
"No!"- He yells- "How dare they?!"
Then, he turns around and sees that Adam is glaring at him.
"Hey kid."- He says- "How's it going?"
Adam points his sword at him, his eyes still burning bright.
"Very well."- He responds ironically- "Until you tried to ruin our lives."
Connor takes a step back.
"Now, let's not act overdramatic!"- He exclaims- "You and I know that I still had my reasons-- "
Adam leans closer.
"Reasons?!"- He yells- "Reasons to torture those who have been tortured for so long even further?!"
Connor stares at his eyes and realizes just how serious he is. Whatever he did to this place, he is not going to let go if this matter so easily.
Realizing that he has nothing left to lose, Connor decides to use his own philosophy against him.
"You said that you rely on the trust of others. But did you really think that the civilians you met were just that? Simple folks who want to live?"- He says and laughs- "No sir! They were all under my command! We've been aware of your existence ever since you stepped into Erika's Tower- the place that protected us for so long! And we wanted to... make you pay for the destruction! Thus, we spied on you. Fooled you. Tried to make you do the wrong thing. And yet, you're still here, having the guts to stand in my face with that attitude of yours."
Adam sighs.
"I was already aware of that treachery."
He looks up and stares as Darius climbs down and grabs Connor. The three of them go upstairs where the rest of the warriors working against the true Order are waiting, tied and helpless in the face of the inevitable.
"Huh."- Connor mutters- "I should've known that."
He looks up at Adam.
"But what about me?"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"What else should I know, beside all of the lies which you graciously withheld from me?"
Connor looks around.
"Does it matter if you kill me like... this?"- He asks- "Even if you do, there's still no chance for you to change anything. People are going to turn against you. You'll fail your task and be forgotten. Your fate's already in the cards, kid."
Adam nods.
"And that is why I will not be the one to end it all for you."
He looks at Darius.
"Take him to the town square."- He says- "This will serve as a lesson to anyone else who works against the government."
The tyrant's people are also lined up, standing just behind him.
As people start to gather at the town square, Adam sighs and prepares to speak.
"Well, we all knew that it had to come to this. Sooner or later."- He says- "I hate to do such a thing, but villains have been going away unpunished for way too long. It is best if such a thing is done fast, without much thought. So please, do not worry about what will happen next. Our future is still bright and we shall be better off without them, anyway."
He turns to Connor.
"This is the man who has led you for so many years. Fed you with lies about a glorius kingdom, safe from anyone and anything."- He says- "This is the person who pretended to be the samaritan who led you to peace and prosperity, while being a heartless monster in disguise at the same time. The one who relied on a mere tower to protect him, instead of searching for ways to build alliances and create friendships between our people. He rejected every single offer the avernites gave him and rebuked the resources that they so selflessly let go, in the favor of your survival."
He takes a quick look at the settlement, evaluating his surroundings.
"When I came here for the first time, I tried to look at the positive side of your little kingdom. I tried to pretend that it was going to be fine. That it did not have to end this way."- He says- "But this man gave me no choice. He stood in the way of the true Order and crumbled everything that he considered unworthy, including the lives of your loved ones."
A family of settlers stares at each other. Clearly, some people have lost too much to ever forgive.
"So. As a fellow hero and travelling vigilante, I think that it is best if the people of this little place decide the fate of the one who has been playing around with them for so long."- He says- "What shall it be, my dear friends?"
The people raise their fists in the air, angrily glaring at Connor and shouting at the top of their lungs.
"Burn the tyrant!"- They yell- "Burn the tyrant!"
Connor is terrified of their decision. He never expected something like this to happen.
"I... can't believe it."- He says- "Everything I built, it's already gone."
Some of the men loyal to him attempt to crash the execution, but Darius easily knocks them out cold, effectively allowing them to live another day to see a world without their beloved leader.
"Nicely done, Darius."- Adam compliments him- "I would have done the same."
Darius nods.
"I hate killing innocents."- He says- "Consider this a courtesy. A sign of the sympathy that I've been holding in my heart for so long."
The remaining spirits from below drift to the surface and attempt to attack them, but Darius stands in their way and uses his magic to communicate with them. Soon, a deal is seemingly negotiated and the spirits float away, leaving the man to whom they were once loyal to his fate.
"No!"- Connor yells- "Not them, too!"
Adam shakes his head.
"Your bond was broken from the start."- He says- "Even if we had not convinced them to withdraw, they still would have turned on you."
Connor glares at him.
"Why you... "
Darius has had enough of this. He grabs Connor and ties him to a nearby cross.
"As you can see, we have built special resting places for the ones who caused all of your grief. All while you watch them, remembering that you are living in a new world that is free of them."- Adam continues- "Once, a noble man's life was ended in the same way. But he was a true samaritan. He aided people in need and was never afraid of doing the right thing. His kindness, however, was soon his downfall. Unfortunately, his killers were forgiven for their crimes and even rewarded for ending something that they thought was harmful to their pathetic society. Thus, we live in a world where people consider money and fame more important and valuable than the well-being of others. And today, we shall remember that man the way he is- shining brighter than the glorious sun. We shall let him stay on our minds as the true monsters are punished, at long last and remind ourselves of the example that he left for us, as the third day shall be the one when the darkness falls forever."
He raises his hand in the air.
"Justice and faith shall burn bright tonight!"- He yells- "Let us end their tyranny!"
As Darius forces the rest of Connor's people to stand next to the rest of the crosses, a mysterious figure steps behind Adam and grabs him from behind.
It is Wyatt- Connor's right-hand man.
"I told you that you won't get away, insolent child."- He says- "The Order is gone. And so will be you."
The terrified townsfolk stare at Wyatt as he prepares to strangle him while Connor laughs.
"My kingdom shall be reborn!"
Adam sighs.
"I guess that some people cannot learn from their mistakes."
With surprising speed, he leaps out of the way and kicks Wyatt into a water bucket, spilling it all over him in the process.
As he tries to get up, Adam strikes him with a lightning bolt. Due to the fact that he is wet, his demise is very fast... and very painful.
At the same time, Tunsten Darkthrop- the spirit who helped Adam survive in Erika's Tower- appears again.
"It took you long enough to get back."
Tunsten nods and smiles.
"I have managed to disarm those who would still dare to hurt you."- He says- "Is this enough of an example for them?"
Adam nods.
"It is."- He says- "Well done, Mr. Darkthrop."
Connor raises his eyebrow.
"Mr. Darkthrop?"
He looks up at Tunsten.
"So it is you."- He says- "You're the son of the mad one."
Tunsten nods.
"I don't like to be compared to the soulless wretch who calls himself my blood father."- He says- "And who might you be?"
Connor smirks.
"Just your biggest nightmare."
Tunsten shakes his head.
"Your mask seems to have fallen off."- He says- "What a shame that all of your people can see how cowardly and imprudent you really are, just like my father's people when he lost everything in the same way."
Connor shakes his head.
"I haven't lost anything! I still have my loyal servants!"- He says and turns to the crowd- "R-right?"
One of the people raises his fist.
"You aren't worthy!"- He yells- "You never were!"
The rest of the people express their approvement.
"Well. It is clear whose side everyone is on."- Adam says- "Enough chatter. Let us finish this."
As he turns around, a group of townsfolk step forward and join him.
"We want to do it."- One of them says- "He's our leader and deserves to die by our hand."
Adam smiles.
"If you want to step up and do the right thing, then I assure you that you shall be considered heroes of the new world."
The man nods.
"Only the bravest know what has to be done."
Then, they approach their former leader as Adam steps out of the way, continuing to glare at him as they move.
"Do you remember this face, Connor Freeman? This is the face of a father who lost everything because of you."- The man says and leans close to him- "My son was sick. He was starving and was nearly helpless. We begged you to spare food and medicine for own lowly clan. And you ignored us! You pretended that there was nothing you could do and that we simply had to let fate do its job, despite the fact that we had everything we needed to survive! And then, my boy died- right in front of me! In my arms!"
He takes a hammer and some nails.
"And now, we shall let fate do its job for you!"
Adam stands still, horrified, as the townsfolk tie Connor to the cross, extend his arms and hammer then in place with nails. The tyrant's screams do not disturb him, but the story that this poor man just told does.
"I wish we had come here sooner."- He says- "Maybe we could have averted this disaster."
The man looks back and sighs.
"Don't blame yourself."- He says- "You've been too busy to worry about the rest of the world than to worry for us, lowly people."
Adam sighs.
"It is true, but I still feel sympathetic."- He says- "We share the same fate and, no matter what happens to our loved one, we still are one and the same."
The man nods.
"So, you say that all people are equals?"
Adam nods.
"That is what I have always thought."- He says- "It does not matter if you are rich or poor. Peasant or a king. Lucky or not. We all have to abide to the same laws, work together to build a happier society. The way people are distancing themselves from each other is... painful to watch."
The man turns to Connor and glares at him.
"Do you see this, supreme leader? Do you see how the true leader of the new world things?"- He asks him- "If you hadn't thought solely about your own well-being, then maybe you could've seen how we really felt about you!"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Me? A leader?"- He says- "Please. I am just a warrior of faith. I fight for the good of our people and always place them over myself, but I do not think that I am worthy of such a prestigious honor."
The man smiles.
"Ah. Modesty at its finest."- He says- "You may be a humble one, Adam Kaos, but you will definitely make a good leader. If not for us, then for everyone around the globe."
As Connor is completely crucified by the townsfolk, he thrashes wildly, attempting to free himself from his restraints and cursing the people who led him toward his own downfall.
"You will burn!"- He yells- "You will all burn once he gets here!"
Adam shakes his head.
"Actually, we are going to get to him."- He says- "And his fate will not be very different from yours."
Connor continues to badmouth them, but Adam grows tired of his rambling.
"Does someone have some kind of way to keep him quiet forever?"
The man looks at the gun in his hand.
"I'd like to do it, but that'll be a little bit unfair."
Adam shakes his head.
"A little duct tape should do wonders."- He says- "There is no need to stain your own hands with a tyrant's blood."
One of the residents pulls out a half-used duct tape. He ties it up around Connor's mouth, silencing him for good.
"Well done, everyone."- He says- "It will not be long before it is over."
It takes about half an hour, but Connor finally loses all of his energy. He looks down and falls limp, gone at long last.
"And so, another tyrant is consumed by his own hatred."- Adam says to himself- "Will those like him learn of how foolish it is to act against the law? Will they ever redeem themselves and answer for their actions? I am not sure about that. What I am confident about, though, is that we are very close to our goal."
Tunsten stares at the lifeless corpse of the tyrant and shakes his head.
"I feel the same emotions that I felt when I died at the tower."- He says- "They are all so many, so bright and clear. It is almost as if it's all happening again."
Adam nods.
"How many of them are there?"
Tunsten shakes his head.
"I'm not quite sure. Many. Too many, perhaps."- He says- "But one of them, it feels so... strong. So exciting. It is as if I felt it before, yet never cared enough to take notice."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Is it satisfaction?"
Tunsten sighs.
"It might well be."
As the two of them continue to talk, Connor reanimates. He tries to lunge at Adam, but the restraints are keeping him in place.
"It seems like the true monster has finally settled in."- Adam says and sighs- "Oh well. It is time to do my job before anyone else gets hurt."
He grabs the hammer and nails from the ground and approaches the undead Connor. The creature tries to grab his arm, but he pushes him away.
And then, without a moment of thinking about the consequences, he leans forward and reaches for Connor's neck. He pulls out two nails and hammers Connor's head still, preventing him from harming anyone else... other than himself.
"There we go."- He says- "Everything shall only get better from here."
He turns to the crowd.
"Remember, everyone. Strength through unity."- He inspires them- "Only then we could truly end their rule."