MLIII C2, ExP 6.1- "Betrayal From Within"

"Betrayal From Within" is the Extra Part of "Miracula Luxia III" 's second Chapter.

It was released on 20.12.2021.

## Plot

Although Jonathan managed to reach his cousin in time and save him from a fate worse than death, his journey was not pleasant at all. In fact, it was the most painful experience that he had to endure. Something that will haunt him during his entire life.

Having made peace with the one who betrayed his trust and acted against him (albeit hesitantly, at first), the young Shaman decides to tell Adam what happened on his way to Goznor.

## Story

Adam and his allies approach the gates of Castle Goznor.

Once again, they intend to go into the room that contains the Light Crystal.

"Are you sure that this is a good idea?"- Aiden asks him- "Maybe we should let their guards do their job. We don't need to get involved in this!"

Adam shakes his head.

"This crystal is the source of the Good within our hearts. Without its omnipresent purity, our beautiful, troubled world will be plunged into Chaos and we may not be able to save it."- He says- "It is my duty to protect this sacred object. I made the mistake of letting Steele approach and try to take it, but I refuse to be so weak. Not now, not *ever*."

He looks up. His eyes beam with courage.

"If we are to save this world from evil, this will be the first step."- He continues- "Mordred Darkthrop will never get his dirty hands on any of the crystals, especially the Light Crystal! Not on *my* watch!"

As they enter the room, they immediately notice two darklings that are trying to take the crystal away in the confusion.

Sensing that someone is behind them, they turn around and bare their teeth.

Then they see Adam.

"Master, you are here."- One of them says and bows to him- "We've been expecting you."

Adam's allies look at him, confused. Adam himself is even more so.

"Master?"- He asks- "I have never helped your kind and I never will! You are a bunch of vile fiends and I will slay you!"

Derion nods and aims his bow at them.

"We know that Adam won't betray us, so your only option is to die and serve as an example for the rest of your... umm... demonic kind."- He says- "So, mind your business and get out of our way!"

The darkling who spoke earlier grins.

"But master, you are just prolonging the inevitable."- It says- "There is no escape from your destiny. Sooner or later, you will become the king of our kind. The prophecy will be fulfilled and Mordred Darkthrop will reign the world, forevermore."

Adam shakes his head.

"Mordred Darkthrop is a vile man. An absolute monster disguised as a human, whose presence cannot be tolerated by those poor people."- He says- "Your prophecy disgusts me. You go against all of the laws that we abide to and I cannot stand it."

He draws his bow and aims it at them.

"I will destroy all of the evil that plagues our lands."- He continues- "Starting with *you*."

The darkling grins again.

"You are so stubborn, master. You think that the light will conceal your true nature, but it will be unleashed soon. Very soon."- It says- "Then, you will see that it is our birthright to rule the world!"

Its grin gets wider.

"In fact, your family's already helping us."- It continues- "Your sister's the queen of darklings and soon, she will rule the world-- "

Adam fires a warning shot.

"That is *enough*!"- He yells- "I have had enough of your trickery! I will not let you taint my soul!"

He aims his bow again.

"Prepare to join your comrades in the void!"

Adam's allies, seeing that he is ready to fight, jump into the battle and assist him by attacking the darklings.

Surprisingly, the creatures are very fast on their feet. They easily avoid our heroes' ranged attacks and attempt to get into melee range.

Adam draws his sword.

"I see that there is no other way."- He mutters- "En garde!"

He manages to stab one of the creatures in the chest.

As it tries to stay alive, the other darkling jumps on Adam's back and attempts to claw him to death.

However, it is stopped by Aiden, who rips it off of him and takes the blow instead.

"Aiden!"- Adam says and runs up to him- "Are you alright?"

Aiden shows his arm. There is a scratch. A painful-looking one.

He rolls his sleeve down and smiles.

"Just a scratch. Don't worry about me."- He says- "The creature's still over there. Get it!"

Adam nods and turns around just in time as the darkling leaps at him.

Taking a step back, he casts a powerful light spell, piercing the little fiend with a powerful ray of light and nearly incinerating it.

The darkling, now mortally wounded, looks up at him as he gets closer. Finally, it realizes that their efforts were in vain- not all of the Kaos have darkness within their hearts. Most of them are pure, untainted by evil.

"You will never stop... the Darkthrop Prophecy."- It mutters- "We shall reign sup-- "

Adam cuts its speech short by unceremoniously stabbing it in the head. Ending its pitiful life.

He kicks the creatures' corpses away, sheathes his sword and approaches the crystal.

Being careful not to touch it, he casts a powerful spell of light that shields it and prevents anyone from stealing it again.

Having done what he came for, Adam turns around and looks at his allies.

"This world is full of evil. Especially in times like those."- He says- "Those fiends were weak, but it is still a major victory for us. Well done, everyone."

Derion nods.

"Agreed."

Aiden sighs.

"Will they ever give up?"- He says- "Their cause is unjust *and* lost. There's no point in being so... foolish."

Adam sighs as well.

"They fight for what they think is right and we do the same."- He says- "If they want to fight and die, it is their problem, not ours."

He takes a step forward.

"Those so-called "darklings". They devoted themselves to this madman, condemning both themselves *and* their families."- He continues- "Yes, I pity those fools. However, there is nothing that we can do to change them. Their fate has been sealed from the start."

Derion shakes his head.

"It's like they don't have minds of their own."- He mutters- "There's no doubt that they're slaves to this man. Nothing more."

Adam sighs again.

"Anyway."- He says- "The Light Crystal is finally safe. The spell that I just cast on it will protect it from future theft. At lest until the guard returns to reclaim this place."

He nods.

"Let us go."

Having said that, he and his allies leave the room.

On their way to Canonia, Adam makes the decision to call it a day and camp in the woods for the night.

As his allies gather wood for a fire, he sits on a nearby log with Jonathan.

"So. You managed to save us back there, but you never had time to talk about what happened before you came."- Adam says to him- "How was your journey?"

Jon sighs.

"Painful. Very painful."- He says- "Especially when I met my father."

Adam raises his eyebrow.

"Your... father."

Jon sighs again.

"My real father, that is."- He continues- "The fool who brought me into this world. Then, he abandoned me and mom. Made me feel desperate, alone. Until I met my stepfather, I felt like I was nothing more than a simple peasant. A commoner who is destined to suffer."

Adam nods.

"Didn't your uncle take care of you, though?"- He asks him- "Uncle Devin?"

Jon nods.

"Uncle Devin is such a nice person. So loving and caring."- He says and sighs- "It's a shame that I never experienced true love when I was with him. I regret the decision that I made."

Adam sighs.

"What can you tell me about your father?"- He asks him- "However, spare me the information dating before you met uncle John. I want to know what he did when you met him for the second time."

Jon nods.

"It all started when I heard that you're in trouble."- He says- "When I made the decision to leave Thais' safety and try to find you."

Suddenly, he remembers the events that happened back then. As clear as the morning sky.

"But honey, this is very dangerous!"- Uma says to her son- "A lone shaman is a tempting target for vagabonds. You will need help!"

Jon shakes his head.

"I have made a decision, mom."- He says- "If I want to prove myself to Adam, I must go alone. It is my duty as the shaman. I must go."

Uma tries to say something else, but John stops her.

"That's enough, my dearest."

He turns to Jon.

"Very well, my boy."- He says to him- "Adam is very dear to us, too, so bring him back as soon as possible. Okay?"

Jon nods.

"I got it."- He says- "Thank you, dad."

John smiles and pats him on the head.

"I'm so proud of you, kiddo."- He says- "One day, you'll become a valiant hero. Just like your uncle- Jared."

Jon sighs.

"I hope so."

Having said that, he hugs both of his parents.

"I love you both."- He says- "Stay safe."

Uma smiles.

"You too, sweetie."- She says and kisses him on the forehead.

Then, Jon turns around, waves at his parents and leaves.

On his way to the gates, he is stopped by an evil-looking man.

"How can I help you, sir?"

The man takes his sunglasses off and puts them away.

"Remember me, you traitor?"- He asks him- "I'm the one who brought you into this world."

Jon shakes his head.

"You are a liar."- He says- "I can see that I don't look like you at all. Neither in personality, nor in looks."

The man grins.

"Can't deny it."- He says- "But... you can't escape the harsh truth for long."

Jon has enough time to inspect this madman. He soon realizes that he is very young, perhaps only ten to fifteen years older than him.

"You call yourself my father."- He says to him- "Well, do you have any proof?"

The man produces a small dagger from his pocket. Then, he swiftly knocks him to the ground and points it at his neck.

"The only proof that I have for ya is that we're one of a kind. However, you betrayed me when your mama married that man. John Braveheart, I assume."- He says- "But this ends now! I will kill you and make you pay for this! And, when I do, I'm gonna find your mama and kill her as well. And your daddy. Nobody will escape from my wrath!"

Jon shakes his head and tries to get up.

"That man may be my stepfather, but he is much better than you will ever be! Unlike you, he never let me down and he never will."- He says- "As for my mother, I will never let you get close to her!"

Having said that, he draws his staff and slams it into his foot.

As the man takes a step back to recover, Jon takes the chance to strike back and overpower him.

However, just as he thinks that he is done with this pointless struggle, the man draws another dagger and stabs him in the shoulder.

"Ha!"- He says and laughs- "Did you think that you-- "

Jon cuts him off by striking him in the head, stunning him.

Then, he hits him a few more times, but stops when he realizes that more people are coming towards him. Bandits, most likely.

"I will deal with you later."- He says- "Right now, I have a cousin to save. So leave us alone."

Having said that, he leaps to his feet and runs past the gate, casting a fire spell that forms a massive, magical wall.

"*That should hinder their progress... for now.*"- He says to himself as he runs into the woods- "*I need to plan my next move soon. Otherwise, it might be too late.*"

A few hours later, he sits in the woods, hidden from his enemies.

"The map says that Goznor is to the west."- He says- "However, it will be a perilous journey. I need to find someone who can take me there."

As he prepares to leave, he hears rustling in the bushes.

Before he can have a chance to react, a bandit jumps out and attacks him, knocking the staff out of his hands.

"*Ugh. This... this is not good. They found me.*"- He says- "*I must leave. Now.*"

Just as he tries to leave the woods, another bandits stands in his way, pointing his weapon at him.

As the young shaman wonders what to do, the man whom he met earlier approaches him.

"You're getting on my nerves, little brat."- He says to him and draws his weapon- "Now, stand still and accept your fate! You and your family will die!"

Jon takes a step back and shakes his head.

"I don't have time for you!"- He yells and casts a spell.

Suddenly, one of the trees behind the man leans closer to him. And then closer.

Before he can have a chance to step back, it swings and slams its trunk into his head, leaving him temporarily unconscious.

Jon takes the chance to escape from the scene.

"Don't let him get away!"- The first bandit yells to the other as he tries to wake up his employer.

The other bandit nods, draws his weapon and charges at Jon, intending to make him pay.

As Jon tries to run away from him, he turns around and casts another spell.

This time, a large rock emerges from the ground and stands in the bandit's way. However, he does not have enough time to stop himself and ends up slamming his entire body into it.

"Ouch."- Jon says- "That will surely leave a scar."

He sighs.

"Oh well."- He says- "Onward!"

Having said that, he runs away once again, much farther away from his pursuers than ever before.

A few days later, he is staying in Canonia.

When the sun finally rises, he approaches the shaman's cave and enters it.

"Excuse me."- He says- "Anyone home?"

Gloria emerges from the shadows and smiles.

"I am always home."- She says to him- "Come here, Jon. Sit. Let us talk."

Jon sits down and smiles back at her.

"It has been a long time, gorgeous shaman of Canonia."- He says- "It is an honor for me to see you again. In all of your glory."

Gloria blushes, leans forward and kisses him on the right cheek.

"I missed you, Jon."- She says to him- "It's been so long since we... *talked*."

Both of them blush as they briefly reminisce the sweetest moments that they spent together.

"So."- She continues- "What brings you here, in my humble home?"

Jon looks down and sighs.

"I am looking for my cousin, Adam. He is a hero who is devoted to the Light and helps many people. A world-renowned hero, so to say."- He says- "I heard that he was staying here temporarily. Have you seen him?"

Gloria is surprised to hear Adam's name.

"You mean the young man who prevented a huge disaster from happening?"- She says- "I recently sensed that the Light Crystal was in danger. My stepbrother, Steele was involved in this theft. I am sure of it. But then, I noticed that things went back to normal. There was no disturbance. Not at all."

She smiles.

"So, yes."- She continues- "That should give you a hint."

Jon nods.

"Castle Goznor- home of the Light Crystal. If I want to find Adam, that's where I should look."- He says- "Thank you, Glo. I really appreciate your help."

Gloria nods and blushes.

"So do I, shaman of Thais."- She says.

Then, she stares into his eyes.

"Does this mean that you're leaving?"

Jon sighs, takes a step forward and places his hand on her cheek.

"I would love to spend some time with you. More than anything. I would like to know you better and I am sure that it's the same for you."- He says- "However, my duty is to protect those who need my help. Adam is still in danger and I cannot abandon him. He is my cousin and he needs the help of someone who is capable of making the right decisions."

He smiles nervously.

"It's not me, though."- He says and grins- "I just want to do some good. That is all."

Gloria smiles and leans forward.

"Well. If that is so, then let me give you a little something."- She says- "A little gift. For you, from me."

Then, she kisses him on the cheek.

Jon blushes.

"Thank you, Glo."- He says to her- "I will always keep you close to me."

Gloria smiles.

"So will I."- She says- "Now go. Adam needs you."

Jon nods and prepares to leave, but soon realizes that he and Gloria are surrounded.

"Invaders!"- Gloria yells- "How dare you step into this sacred place?!"

One of the bandits approaches them and smiles.

Jon immediately recognizes him.

"Father."

The man grins.

"Found you again!"- He says- "Man. You kids are so... *predictable*."

Jon draws his weapon and glares at him.

"Why don't you just leave me alone?!"- He yells at him- "You betrayed our family and now, you think that I am the one who is betraying you. Why? What do you want from me?!"

The man shakes his head as the bandits prepare to make their move.

He tries to mock him but, seeing that it won't work on him, looks down and says:

"Silence, traitor."

Jon takes a step back.

"Traitor?"- He says- "You are the one who betrayed us, not me!"

The man looks up and frowns.

"I'll show you the meaning of true pain!"- He says- "You and your precious mama will pay!"

Having said that, he orders his bandits to attack.

As Jon and Gloria stand side by side, she looks at him and shakes her head.

"Your father's crazy."- She says to him- "How are you even related to him?"

Jon sighs and shakes his head.

"That is what people think, but I don't have anything to do with him."- He says- "I am a different man, similar to my other parents. I will never be vile and vengeful like him."

Gloria smiles.

"Understandable."- She says and turns around just in time to parry a bandit's attack with her staff.

The battle lasts for half an hour. During that time, Jon and Gloria continue to defend themselves, tapping into the powers of Nature to protect both each other *and* the cave.

The man (who claims that he is Jon's father) frowns upon the sight of his allies dying at the hands of Jon and Gloria. He realizes that he might lose, so he decides to join the battle himself.

"Fine, then."- He says- "I was hoping to leave my hands unstained by your blood, but I guess that you're too strong."

He jumps in front of Jon and points his daggers at him.

"Now, die!"

Having said that, he tries to plunge the daggers into Jon's chest, but is stopped by Gloria, who summons a large pair of vines that knock his weapons away.

"Working as a team, huh?!"- He says- "Well, that won't work on me!"

He lunges forward and grabs Gloria by the neck.

Jon tries to stop him, but is too late. Soon, the man throws his victim into a wall, temporarily stunning her.

"Hah! Weakling!"- He says- "Now, where is that-- "

Jon jumps on his back and plunges stabs him with one of his own weapons.

"Insolent, little brat!"- He yells- "How dare you defy your own father?!"

Jon shakes his head.

"That is the good thing."- He yells- "You are *not* my father!"

The man grins.

"We'll see about that."

Then, he throws him off his back, turns around and kicks him into a wall.

Unfortunately, unlike Gloria, Jon slams his head into it. Soon, he starts to bleed.

"Yes! Yes!"- The man says and grins- "That's what you deserve! That's what you all deserve!"

Jon shakes his head.

"Why? Why are you doing this?"- He asks him- "You are only going to find more enemies if you kill me."

The man silences him.

"Nonsense!"- He says- "People will respect me for what I did! I will become a hero!"

Jon glares at him.

"Hero? A mentally unhinged madman like you?"- He says and shakes his head- "Don't make me laugh. People like you are a danger to society, not a blessing. Seeing yourself as a hero only makes it worse."

The man takes a step forward and takes his weapon back.

"I've heard enough of your nonsense!"- He yells- "This is the end of the line for you!"

Jon stands up and casts a spell. Another large rock stands in his way.

However, this does not stop him. Instead of trying to find a way around it, he simply walks through it, breaking it into pieces.

"How can this be?"- Jon wonders- "Why are you so... resilient?"

The man grins.

"When I have a goal, I don't give up."- He says- "I fight until the end!"

Jon smiles.

"You remind me of my cousin. Very much so."- He says- "However, your resilience is nothing compared to hs bravery and intelligence. He has always outsmarted fools like you. And I will do the same."

The man grins.

"Dream on, traitor!"- He yells- "That day will never come!"

He takes a step forward, knocks the boy's weapon out of his hand and smiles.

"Now, please stop resisting."- He says- "You'll make this easier for me."

Jon shakes his head.

"No!"- He yells and lunges at him.

The two of them fight over the small dagger in the man's hand. However, he soon emerges victorious and stabs Jon in the shoulder again.

"Your other daddy trained ya well, I see. Good. Good."- He says- "However, I will show you all that this is not enough!"

He prepares to strike, but soon realizes that the guards outside have finally heard the commotion and are coming to protect the shaman.

"*Curses! Those soldierin' fools won't leave me alone, will they?*"- He says to himself- "*Ah well. I'll just have to kill this foolish kid **before** they arrive. Simple!*"

Jon smiles.

"Justice is served."- He says- "Now, the guards will take care of you. You have nowhere left to run."

The man shakes his head and points his dagger at him.

"If I'll have to die, then I'm gonna take you with me!"- He yells.

Then, he knocks Jon on the ground and presses the cold steel of his weapon's blade next to his throat.

"So... cold."- Jon mutters- "Stop it."

The man laughs.

"Yes! That's what I wanted to see!"- He yells- "Kneel before me, you insolent little... ***URK!***"

Suddenly, he falls on his knees and looks at his chest. There is a fresh wound.

Worse, it is a big one.

"Is this how it ends?"- He mutters- "Is this how my quest of revenge will... will... "

He stands up weakly.

"No! I can't... die!"- He says and draws his weapon again- "Your time is-- "

However, he bleeds to death moments before he can stab him. He falls on the ground and dies.

Jon stands up.

"Up."- He mutters and kicks his father's hand away- "I know. But it's not mine."

He glares at him.

"It's *yours*."

He looks at Gloria, who weakly approaches him and smiles.

"Justice has been... served."- She says weakly- "*Cold.*"

Then, she falls into his arms.

"No! This can't be happening!"- He says and hugs her- "I can't lose you! I can't!"

Gloria smiles.

"Relax, Wonderboy."- She says to him- "I'm just tired. That's all."

Jon sighs.

"I really hope so."

He looks down at her.

"Glo, what you did for me today. I... I will never forget it."- He says- "I swear."

Gloria smiles.

"I'm sure that you won't."

The two of them watch as the rest of the bandits try to run away, only to be stopped and subdued by the guards.

"They attacked us and they paid the price."- He says- "Now, they will see the other side of the coin."

Gloria nods.

"What a bunch of rude people."- She says- "Having a grudge against someone is no excuse to barge into a holy place like this one and taint it with the blood of the fallen."

Jon sighs.

"Well said, my dear."- He says- "However, they failed to comprehend the consequences of their own actions. They blindly followed their leader, not fearing the inevitable, bloody aftermath. They are mercenaries and we don't appreciate their presence here."

Gloria smiles, leans higher and kisses Jon on the cheek again.

"You and Adam are doing God's work right now."- She says- "The people in this world are proud of you. I am sure of it."

Jon smiles.

"I hope so."- He says- "Some heroes come and go, but us? We are slowly getting closer to our father, building reputation as the world falls apart. We are the heroes of our time and everyone knows it."

Gloria nods. Then, she closes her eyes.

She seems to hear something that Jon does not.

"Can you hear it?"

Jon raises his eyebrow.

"The screams?"- He says- "Of course I do."

Gloria nods.

"They seem to come from nearby."

Jon shakes his head.

"If you think that I am going anywhere, don't get your hopes up."- He says to her and hugs her- "I am staying with you until you feel better."

Some guards approach them.

"Shaman Jon! Shaman Gloria!"- One of them says and bows- "Are you okay?"

Jon nods.

"Yes, soldier. We are."- He says- "Just a little tired, but we will recover."

The soldier nods and points at the entrance.

"There's something happening at Castle Goznor."- He says- "A group of strange creatures appeared and are now going towards it. This is not good!"

Jon sighs.

"I agree."- He says- "It is not."

Gloria turns back to Jon.

"You heard the man. Castle Goznor's in danger and so is Adam."- She says- "Go there and help him! Don't worry about me!"

The soldier nods.

"We'll take care of our shaman, sir."- He says and bows- "The people at the castle need your help."

Jon shakes his head.

"I do not want to go anywhere!"- He says- "You are wounded and you need help right now!"

He hugs her.

"I am not letting you down, Glo."- He says- "Come on. Let me stay."

Gloria shakes her head and slowly stands up.

As she tries to walk back to her circle, she notices that Jon's father has reanimated. She screams and jumps back into its arms.

Angered that his father is not truly dead yet, Jon draws his weapon and approaches him. Then, he starts to kick him in the head.

"Why did you bring me into this world?!"- He yells- "Why did you curse me with your presence?!"

He says those things, even though he is completely aware that his father will never hear them, let alone comprehend them.

"I lived my life, knowing that you will come back. And you did! You did!"- He continues to yell- "And what did you do? You tried to kill me! Me! Your only son who loved you since Day 1. I always wanted to see you in person, but you betrayed me!"

He prepares to strike again.

"Die, fiend!"

As the undead man tries to get close to him, he throws the knife at his head.

It is a clear shot. He dies immediately.

Jon stands up, looking at his father's now-lifeless corpse. Every single bit of energy that used to form his very being is now gone.

And so is his soul. His corrupted, vile, chaotic soul.

"Farewell, *father*."- He says- "You will not be missed. Never."

Gloria tries to stand up, but fails.

"Hold on."- Jon says- "I got you."

Assisted by him, she walks back to her circle.

"See? Everything is fine."- She says= "Now, do what must be done. Save Adam- save the world."

Seeing that he does not have another choice anymore, Jon nods.

"Very well, Gloria."- He says- "But I am not done with you yet! Once this madness is over, I will come back here and assist you!"

Gloria sighs.

"If it makes you feel better, then I agree."- She says- "I will be waiting for you, brave shaman."

Jon smiles.

"Good luck."

Gloria smiles back.

"Good luck to you, too."

He waves at her and leaves, intending to join Adam as soon as possible.

"*I am coming, cousin.*"- He says to himself- "*Wait for me. I am almost there.*"

On his way to the battlefield, he notices a dead warrior.

"*I hate to rob the dead, but this is an emergency.*"- He says to himself- "*Sorry, brave warrior. I promise that I will use your equipment to perform good deeds.*"

Now equipped with better weapons and armor, he is ready for battle.

Without thinking twice, he approaches the battlefield, eager to save his cousin and take him away. Far away.

"So, this is how you came to be here with us?"- Adam asks Jon- "You had to kill your own father and abandon Gloria?"

Jon shakes his head.

"I had to!"- He exclaims- "To ensure your safety, I had to risk the safety of others. And I am very sorry about that!"

Aiden pats him on the shoulder and smiles.

"Don't be sad, shaman."- He says to him- "What you did was very noble. Staying with shaman Gloria until she sent you away is very heroic. Very... romantic."

Jon looks at Adam and his new allies.

"Do you think that I am a hero?"- He asks them- "A true hero?"

Adam nods.

"Of course you are, Jon!"- He responds- "You have a pure heart. You always do the right things, even though you are often forced to risk losing someone that you love. You are one with Nature itself."

He smiles.

"If you are not a hero to any of the people out there, you are still a hero to us."- He says- "That is what truly matters, right?"

Jon smiles and nods.

"I... guess so."

Adam smiles and pats him on the shoulder.

"You did well back there."- He compliments him- "You conquered your own fears. I am very proud of you."

Jon smiles.

"It's good to hear it from a hero like you."- He says- "Thank you, Adam."

Adam smiles again.

"You are welcome."

Aiden takes a step forward and sighs.

"So. I hate to ask this, but what is our next move?"- He asks Adam- "We don't have much time left."

Adam sighs.

"I know."- He says- "And I have a plan."

Derion and Aiden lean forward. They are clearly very interested.

"So?"- Derion says- "What should we do?"

Adam takes a step forward.

"We are going back to the elven kingdom!"

Derion raises his eyebrow.

"The kingdom of my father?"

Adam nods.

"I can tell that he is the man behind the attacks involving those creatures."- He responds- "He may not be the mastermind of this entire operation, but he is still very dangerous. He must be taken care of."

Aiden looks around nervously.

"What if we have to fight the entire kingdom's surplus of soldiers?"- He asks Adam- "Angering all of them is not very wise!"

Adam sighs.

"I know that. I am afraid that something like this might happen to us."- He says- "However, we must take the risk. If we fail to kill him, we are going to have a very bad time. Things will be impossible for us until this vile elf is gone."

He turns to his allies.

"Torion, the king of the Elven Kingdom, must die."

Jon turns to Derion.

"Aren't you worried about fighting your own father?"

Derion shrugs.

"Well."- He says- "Were you?"

Jon shakes his head.

"Not at all."

Derion nods.

"And it's the same for me."- He says- "My father is a fiend in elven clothing. If there is to be peace between our kingdoms, the elven sovereign must be replaced. *In the old way.*"

Jon raises his eyebrow.

"The old way?"- He asks him- "You mean that... "

Derion nods.

"Yes."- He says- "Killing my father means that I will take the throne immediately after his demise. Nothing more, nothing less."

Adam sighs.

"You have a weird tradition, Derion."- He says to him- "Very interesting, though."

Derion nods.

"Our traditions are different from yours, so to say."- He says- "However, we are also similar to each other. In many ways."

Adam nods.

"I agree."- He says- "We are, indeed."

He turns to the rest of his allies.

"I know that you do not want to go to the elven kingdom, but please."- He says- "Join me just this once. I promise that it will be for the good of everyone."

Aiden smiles.

"Scared? You must be joking!"- He exclaims- "We are ready for another adventure! Lead the way, sir!"

Jon nods.

"It does not matter where you go, I'll always be with you."

Derion nods.

"So will I."- He says- "You're a worthy ally, human. I'm glad to fight by your side."

Adam smiles.

"I am glad to hear that."

He turns around and takes a step forward.

"Now, then."- He says- "To the Elven Kingdom!"