Zeldritzon [Cycle 23] - Morning

  Current Location:

  [Twistop Zone]

  [Tilz's Twistop Outpost]

  [DreaGoth Canyon of the DreaGoth Realm]

  My group continued our training the next morning. I worked with Willow the Mezmeic, focusing on honing her healing skills, while Mellow the Mezmeic practiced her self-defense. The two of them seemed to genuinely enjoy their sparring sessions, which looked less like a fight and more like an adorable dance. Soon, Liozel, who was still stuck in his eggshell, joined in to play. Their giggles filled the air as the fluffy green creatures and Liozel twirled around one another, and it was heartwarming to watch.

  "What about you, Tilz?" I heard Mina ask.

  Tilz hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I... I may change my position if I can see Tailza one last time."

  "Tilz, you—"

  Mina smiled, interrupting Helz. "Then it's settled."

  I watched silently as Mina patted Tilz's head and slung Helz over her shoulder, departing as I had advised, ensuring that the kolkobalt leaders were kept apart. They were still angry with us, but it seemed Tilz had set aside his differences for now.

  However, Helz still rubbed me the wrong way. I had a nagging feeling he'd cause trouble down the line. After all, he and that Berylgem guy had brought the Dorvus and Willow here. If he caught wind of our plan, it could complicate everything.

  We'd have to handle him later.

  I turned to Scarbol for his thoughts. "What do you think of your old friend?"

  He frowned. "It'll be interesting to see what happens if he joins us, but I can't make any guarantees. He's very proud… loyal to a fault."

  "That's true," I replied, considering the implications. "But if he does come on board, he could be a powerful ally."

  Scarbol nodded, but then pointed to the scar on his neck. "Do you know how I got this?"

  "No. How?"

  "Helz. That's how."

  I frowned, absorbing the revelation. If that was the case, Helz could bring more complications than he was worth. While I was hesitant to resort to killing him, I wouldn't hesitate if it came down to it. "And what about Tilz?"

  "Tilz is different. He's more like Mina; he cares about his family and knows the Jalkras are terrible. But unlike Mina, he's afraid to stand up to them. His wife and father... they suffered the same fate at the hands of Jalkra."

  My heart sank. I sympathized with Tilz, but that still didn't change the fact that he was working for the enemy. If he couldn't be trusted, he'd only create more issues down the road. "And yet, he continues to serve Jalkra..."

  "You know there's—" Scarbol began, but before he could finish—

  Nex appeared in front of us. "Miss Gloom-Fluff, are we ready to begin?"

  "Gloom-Fluff?" I raised an eyebrow at him, trying to suppress a smile. "Sure, whatever you say. Congrats on the new form. Sorry, Scarbol," I glanced over my shoulder, "we'll be back soon.".

  We approached the tower where the Mezmeics were tending to the Dorvus. Its injuries were severe, with deep puncture wounds marking its body, but the leaves were working their magic, mending the damage. Still, a gnawing concern gripped me. The creature responsible for this was surely strong—and dangerous.

  The Dorvus lay awake on the ground, its tongue licking at its wounds as the Mezmeics continued their work.

  "You're conscious after all that," I said, stepping further into the room.

  The Dorvus looked up at me. "You... you're that Merecritt from before..."

  "Yes, it's me. I've come to rescue you," I replied, trying to keep my tone calm.

  The Dorvus seemed shocked. "But why? Why would you do such a thing? You barely know me."

  "Because you don't seem like a bad guy," I said, settling beside it and placing a hand gently on its head. "And I hate seeing anyone suffer."

  It let out a heavy sigh. "You're kind to help me. But I fear that I will only bring you trouble. I am no good."

  I shook my head. "Don't say that. You're fine. I promise." I stroked its head gently. "Just rest here. We'll take our time. Stick around in this place until you regain your strength."

  The Dorvus growled as it tried to rise but collapsed back to the floor. "I can't let them keep hurting me like this. I need to become stronger; strong enough to defeat those Ilosphats once and for all."

  I frowned. "What good will that do if you're unable to recover? I'll be here to help you, but we need to think this through. So, just stay still."

  The Dorvus glared at me. "I've fought them since they destroyed my home. For years, I've tried to defeat them, but I always fail. I need more power. That's the only way I'll beat them."

  "No," I said firmly. "You'll only end up dead if you continue to fight them like this."

  "I refuse to give up."

  "Or maybe it's time to consider resting if you want to fight another day. Bleeding out won't help your cause."

  The Dorvus snorted. "That's not funny."

  "I'm serious. I get it… you want revenge. But this is reckless."

  "Why do you care so much?"

  I hesitated. "I heard from Viz that you fought bravely for one of the Mezmeics. You're rough around the edges, Dorvus, but your courage is undeniable."

  "She's right," Willow chimed in. "You kept me safe."

  The Dorvus frowned. "So what? That doesn't matter. I just throw myself at all sorts of injustices."

  Willow continued, "That's what makes you brave. It's why I admire you."

  The Dorvus blinked, surprised. "You admire me?"

  "We do," I confirmed. "You remind me of myself when I was younger."

  The Dorvus laughed. "Is that so?"

  I nodded. "Yes. I've faced many trials in my life and lost loved ones. But I keep fighting because I believe things will get better someday. I may not see that day soon, but I trust that one day, I'll look back and realize it wasn't all bad."

  The Dorvus nudged Willow with his nose. "You're surprisingly optimistic. I wish I could feel the same."

  "That's because you're grim. Now, sit still. I want to test my specter flames and see if I can help you. At least a little."

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  The Dorvus grumbled, "Fine."

  I focused on the flames within, channeling them into my hand until a small ball of fire formed in my palm. I carefully brought it closer to his injuries, allowing the flames to envelop the wounds. The Dorvus winced but stayed silent. I concentrated, ensuring the fire remained focused on healing. After a few minutes, the flames flickered out, revealing restored skin. I smiled, though I panted from the effort.

  "Did you just try to cook me alive?" the Dorvus asked, raising a brow.

  "No! It's just… my fire healing is still new. Maybe I'm not converting it properly."

  "Or maybe you don't know what you're doing," he teased.

  "Hey! I’m a talented fire healer!"

  "And yet you singed my fur."

  "I... I did not!"

  "Yes, you did," he snorted. "I'm positive."

  "Well, I'm sure I didn't," I replied with a grin. "At least you seem to be in a better mood now."

  The Dorvus frowned slightly. "Maybe."

  I continued healing him while Viz kept watch nearby. I wondered if he felt uneasy around a Dorvus. He seemed like someone who would avoid them, yet here he was, staying vigilant.

  I finished healing the Dorvus, but I was exhausted. The [Flame Heal] was a demanding skill that I was still learning to master. One major flaw I noticed was how it drained my abyssal mana at a concerning rate. I would need to work on that and improve my endurance before attempting a feat like this again.

  The Dorvus stretched its body. "Much better," he hummed. "I feel alive again."

  I smiled weakly. "I'm glad. Now rest up. I have some business with the Zeldritch guarding this place."

  "Intriguing. You really took an entire outpost from a Zeldritch force in this region?" The Dorvus questioned.

  I nodded. "Yes, we did."

  "Well, well. That's quite impressive. I suppose there are more to you Merecritts than I thought."

  "Yeah, I guess so."

  Viz hesitated, darting anxious glances between the Dorvus and me. "Uh, KiAera, what do we do now? We might have taken this outpost, but I seriously doubt we can hold it for long… I heard that Jalkra guy has a whole army of creatures at his command. If he shows up or sends his minions our way, we're toast."

  "You're right. I doubt our numbers would suffice to fend off a full-on assault if he does come."

  I turned my attention to the Dorvus. "Speaking of Jalkra's subordinates, where did that Berylgem guy head off to? Viz told me that you fought a Grimgem with great power. It was that Grimgem that brought you here, correct?"

  The Dorvus sighed heavily. "Yes, it was. I saw it retreat when your crew began to arrive. It was a powerful being, no doubt. But as to why it left the kolkobalts to fend for themselves, I am unsure."

  "Then that confirms everything."

  The Dorvus's antlers sparked. "I suggest we secure this base. I have a bad feeling that he'll arrive with reinforcements soon."

  "We're already on top of that. Viz, tell everyone to prepare for battle."

  Viz nodded and ran off.

  "Now what about you, Dorvus? Do you want to stay with us or do you want to go off on your own?" I asked.

  The Dorvus looked thoughtful for a moment before responding. "I suppose I could stay here for a bit. That is, if you don't mind."

  "Not at all! You're more than welcome to stay with us."

  The Dorvus huffed. "I'm glad. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to take a nap." He yawned widely before walking away toward one of the beddings.

  "You should get some rest too, KiAera," the Dorvus said softly.

  "I'm not tired."

  "Of course," the Dorvus said. "You exude exhaustion, though."

  "I do?" I sighed. "I just... I have work to do. After taking this big of a place, someone has to organize everyone. I have to keep everyone safe."

  "I know. But you can't take care of everyone if you're tired. Perhaps I heard that from someone."

  I laughed. "You sound like my mentor."

  The Dorvus rolled his eyes. "I'm sure he'd be proud of you right now."

  I smiled. "Maybe. But I've still got a long way to go."

  The Dorvus glanced away for a moment as its attention shifted to a Mezmeic that continued to treat the injured. "It's okay to fail, you know. You won't always succeed in everything you try. Sometimes things just don't go the way we hope."

  I frowned slightly. "I know. But I want to succeed. I have to. I don't want anyone else to die."

  "I understand that. But sometimes we have to accept that we can't save everyone."

  "Get some rest, Dorvus. I'm going to check on the others. Nice talk," I said.

  The Dorvus yawned yet again before curling up on the soft bedding. "Likewise."

  With that, I left the Dorvus to sleep and made my way to the center of the outpost, where Mina, Loa, Nex, and Scarbol were waiting.

  "So, what's the verdict? Will Jalkra come after us?" I asked.

  Mina shook her head. "Doubtful. He has bigger fish to fry right now. From what we learned from his minions, Jalkra is currently busy trying to reinforce the surrounding territories."

  I nodded in understanding. "I see."

  Scarbol frowned, crossing his arms. "So what now? We've got this whole base to ourselves. What do you think we should do next?"

  I took a moment to think. We couldn't just stick around too long. Heading out now had its own challenges. Who knew what could happen if we tried to return to the UvoSath? Ambushes, traps, or a full-frontal assault could all be waiting for us if we weren't prepared. We had to plan this out carefully.

  "You all know how Tilz told me everything," I began. "Berylgem was the one who brought the Dorvus and Willow here. On purpose. He wanted them contained so they'd either die or trigger a mess for someone else to deal with."

  "Sounds like the kind of underhanded scheme that creep would pull," Mina said.

  "Exactly like him," Loa added. "He operates like poison. Indirect and corrosive."

  Nex spat off to the side. "Coward."

  "No. Strategist." I turned toward the ridge above the canyon. "He's probably watching us now. Tilz said Berylgem reports to Jalkra, but with Jalkra off somewhere, he's got room to maneuver. And we just handed him an opportunity."

  Loa tilted her head. "You think he'll strike tonight?"

  "I would, if I were him. With Tilz down, his hold broken, and our forces still tired… this would be the perfect time."

  Mina frowned. "So what do we do?"

  "We set up a rotating watches." I looked toward the far ridge again. "Nex, Rox, and Viz know the high ground best. I want them stationed along the upper ridgeline, keeping an eye for movement, flares, or strange sounds. Loa, you'll reinforce the perimeter barriers with your talismans. Subtle—enough to hold or trip anything that crosses. Scarbol, coordinate the kolkobalts that sided with you."

  Scarbol nodded. "I'll man the inner gate with the Kolkobalts. If Berylgem sends in monsters, they won't reach this fire without bleeding for it."

  "Good." I paced once, tail flicking in irritation. "Keep our guests secure too. Tilz and his second—Helz—are not to be underestimated. I don't care how smug they act."

  Rox burst through the doors, her eyes wide with terror. "O-outside the base. There's over 5000!"

  Everyone froze.

  My breath caught as the words hung in the air like ice in my lungs. "Five thousand?" I repeated, stepping toward her. "Are you sure?"

  Rox nodded furiously, her voice cracking. "I saw them with my own eyes! Shadowbeasts, goblinoids, skelhounds... and worse. All marching from the east."

  Loa whispered a curse under her breath. And my gaze went to Mina as she gripped the edge of the rampart. "He's moving faster than we thought."

  She pounded her fist against the wall. "That coward Berylgem must've called them in the moment he saw us take the tower."

  "They'll be here before nightfall," Nex growled, already shifting into motion. "We need positions now."

  I turned, mind racing. This wasn't just a skirmish anymore. This was war. And we were outnumbered. Five thousand to... maybe a few dozen if I counted every Kolkobalt ally, even the wounded.

  "Loa," I said quickly, "double your perimeter wards. Focus on illusions and confusion spells—anything to scatter their front lines."

  "Understood." She vanished in a puff of smoke.

  "Scarbol, pull everyone from the gate into defensive rings. Staggered fallback positions. If they breach one line, we hit them from the next."

  "On it," he said and left.

  "We'll get it," I said. "We have to."

  Mina lidded her eyes. "What about the Dorvus?”

  "He's in no shape to fight," I said. "Keep them inside the crystal sanctum. That building's tough."

  "Kyrawl?" I said aloud.

  The wind shifted, and the Skyrawsoar dropped from the clouds above, landing beside me. His feathers bristled, eyes sharp with anticipation. I gave a nod. "Scout above. Don't engage unless we give the signal. We need to know their formation, how fast they're moving, what kinds of Zeldritch are leading them."

  He launched into the sky with a powerful beat of his wings.

  I turned back to the others. "We hold this base until sundown. If we're still alive by then, we'll reassess. If not…" I exhaled sharply. "Then we burn it all down so they get nothing."

  Rox looked at me like I'd grown two heads. "We what?"

  Mina nodded slowly, catching on. "A controlled burn… to deny them the strategic point."

  "Exactly." I met her eyes. "The tower, the resources, the sanctum. If it comes to it, I'll ignite it all myself."

  Scarbol grimaced. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

  We moved to the first wall. I looked out toward the east. A black smudge loomed in the horizon. Dust, movement, and growls faint in the wind. The army was real. Massive. And it was coming for us.

  "Everyone," I said loudly, "to your positions."

  The outpost erupted into motion. Kolkobalts formed ranks. Loa's talismans shimmered into view across the perimeter. Nex, Rox, and Viz leapt up the rock ridges.

  I remained in the center. Breathing, then remembering.

  "You can't save everyone." The Dorvus's words echoed.

  "But I can save someone," I thought to myself. I would try for as long as I could stand, until the last spark of hope flickered out.

  A shriek was heard. Before any enemy monsters appeared, however, several gigantic, elongated shadows flew above our heads from behind and plummeted beyond the gate walls. They shattered on impact. Siegeworms.

  "Those are the only stragglers I found. Don't mind me," a voice said.

  My gaze shot to Tilz—no longer bound—as he stepped toward my side. Leaning against the railing, he gestured toward the horizon. "What? You weren't expecting to fight this alone, were you?"

  "And why should I trust that your help won't just make things worse?" I asked, scanning the horizon once more. The army was closer now as monstrous shapes shifted in the distance like a black tide creeping across the land.

  Tilz straightened up, finally losing the casual air and revealing a faint trace of seriousness behind his piercing eyes. "Because I'm not a fool, KiAera. You'll lose this fight without the numbers. And I'll lose everything, too."

  He glanced over his shoulder, the weight of his own situation clear in his eyes. "I'm offering you an alliance, not a handout. Three hundred kobolds, skilled fighters. They'll die for you. Hell, they'll die for a chance at redemption. So, unless you want to be buried under that tide of monsters, you'll untie my men. The choice is yours."

  I turned toward the bindings where his warriors—orange and red-scaled kobolds in patched armor—sat or stood, watching anxiously. Their eyes didn't carry the hate I expected. Only urgency and resolve.