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Mélodie was still running with her group, their mission clear: protect the population as much as possible.
They unleashed a barrage of long-range attacks on the monsters, desperately trying to slow their advance. Spells and projectiles streaked through the air, creating a dazzling wall of light and energy. Each member of the group gave their all, exhausting themselves to stem the tide of creatures. The screams of civilians mingled with the roars of the monsters, but Mélodie and her companions remained focused, determined to give those fleeing a chance to survive.
"The pit!" Jack shouted, slamming his axe into the ground.
Instantly, the earth collapsed beneath the monsters, sending them tumbling into a gaping hole over ten meters deep. Without wasting a moment, Mélodie conjured multiple fireballs and hurled them into the pit, creating an incandescent storm that consumed the trapped creatures.
Meanwhile, Laurence frantically continued to lay numerous traps around the area. Within seconds of being set, the traps exploded, unleashing a chain of blasts that shook the ground and hurled back the advancing monsters.
Of the city's total population of more than 15,000 inhabitants, barely 8,000 survivors remained. The Lich, relentless and sadistic, kept harassing them without pause, raining lightning upon them with unmatched cruelty. Rina fought desperately, struggling to intercept the creature's attacks by wielding her earth element. She hurled massive boulders to counter the Lich's assaults. Each time the two elements collided, the rocks exploded into shards that flew in every direction. Luckily, the fragments were small and posed no real threat to the already-panicked crowd.
While everyone fought with all their heart, another tiny life was battling for survival. Her heart thundered wildly, ready to burst from the effort, as the young girl ran desperately, trying to escape the monsters pursuing her. Every step was a fight against fatigue and terror, a struggle to outrun death itself.
"Pff… ahh…" she gasped, her breath short and ragged, her small chest burning.
She was at the rear of the column, one of the stragglers, and she knew that a single misstep, a single fall, would seal her fate. Sweat streamed down her face, blurring her vision, while her legs screamed for mercy, exhausted from the effort. The pounding of her heartbeat roared in her ears, amplifying the terror that drove her onward at any cost.
But for a 10-year-old child, whose body was not yet fully developed, running without rest for several minutes was an extraordinary feat. What had to happen finally happened. An intense muscle pain suddenly spread through her legs, locking them up. Unable to continue, she collapsed painfully to the ground, her face contorted in anguish. The fall was brutal, her frail body hitting the earth with a dull thud. She lay there, breath knocked out, tears welling in her eyes, helpless before the pain and exhaustion flooding her.
The monsters' gleeful cries echoed sinisterly in the air as they prepared for another feast. The young girl, terrified and resigned, hugged her stuffed animal tightly one last time—a precious gift from her father and mother. She closed her eyes, tears streaming silently down her cheeks, and awaited her death. The warm memory of her parents and the soft feel of the toy were her final thoughts.
During the brief instant that message appeared before her eyes, the monsters lunged, ready to tear her apart. But suddenly, several colossal explosions of water erupted from all directions, annihilating the creatures. Columns of water burst forth with a deafening roar, obliterating the monsters just before they reached her. A translucent barrier of water then formed around her, creating an impenetrable shield. The enraged creatures slammed against the aqueous wall, unable to break through this miraculous defense.
Before she could understand what was happening, a man appeared and gently scooped her up in his arms.
"You fought well, Cinthia," Zem said, smiling softly at the little girl.
"Uncle Zem, Mommy, she… she's…" Cinthia stammered, her voice trembling and broken.
She couldn't hold back her tears as they flowed anew down her cheeks. Her small body shook with sobs, struggling to put her grief into words.
Zem clenched his jaw, biting his lips until they bled. Guilt and sorrow flooded him, knowing he hadn't been able to save Cinthia's mother. His eyes brimmed with deep pain as he held her close, offering all the comfort he could. The weight of their loss bore heavily on his shoulders, but he knew he had to stay strong for the little girl, even if his own heart was breaking.
"I know… but it's over now. You don't have to be afraid anymore."
"AHHHHHHHH!"
The knights of Sigma's royal army hurled themselves at the monsters with unwavering determination, resolved to exterminate them once and for all. These elite warriors, far more powerful than ordinary soldiers, fought with unmatched ferocity and skill. Every swing of a blade, every spell cast radiated mastery and terrifying might. Sigma's royal army was renowned for housing many exceptional talents, warriors with diverse and devastating abilities. Their coordination and courage inspired awe, turning the battlefield into an epic clash where, despite their savagery, the monsters were being pushed back by the knights' relentless assault.
And it wasn't just ordinary knights fighting there were also magic knights, crimson knights, and many other elite specialists. Sigma's army distinguished itself by the diversity and specialization of its forces. Among them were priests from the church, providing healing and casting buffs to strengthen the fighters on the field. Their presence was vital support, mending the wounded and enhancing the warriors' abilities. Alongside them, mages and royal court sorcerers actively participated in the battle. Their powerful spells and complex incantations added a devastating magical dimension, ravaging enemy ranks and creating impenetrable defenses. This army was a true multifaceted force, united by one goal: eradicate the monster threat and protect the kingdom.
"Let's finish this," Zem said gravely.
He raised his arms and conjured a gigantic wave of water, a towering wall a hundred meters high. The wave crashed down with devastating force against the flank of the monsters, carefully avoiding the allied knights. The impact was colossal: countless monsters were crushed by the sheer power of the water or drowned in the merciless torrent. Yet the undead monsters, immune to drowning, quickly rose again, their bodies animated by unnatural force. They regrouped and charged anew, more menacing than ever, determined to press their assault despite the losses.
"I see… we'll have to go for the source of the problem."
Zem handed the little girl to one of his knights and advanced toward the battlefield.
Name: Zem | Race: Human | Age: 35 | Profession: Paladin | Level: 550
Vitality: 1,380 | Magic Power: 950 | Attack: 1,120 | Defense: 1,310 | Speed: 740 | Endurance: 1,230 | Agility: 920 | Intelligence: 1,250 | Physical Strength: 1,200 | Willpower: 1,450
Skills: Water Ball, Aquatic Lance, Aquatic Blade, Adrenaline, Accumulation, Taunt, Water Wall
Unique Skills: Water Sword, Defensive Shield, Aquatic Shield, Water Cage, High-Pressure Jets, Enhanced Strength, Veteran Soldier, Fire's Providence, Resolute General, Rallying Cry, Multiple Jets, Aquatic Slash, Aura of Valor, Living Blade, Group Heal, Tactical Support, Defensive Shockwave, Purification
Legendary Skills: Infernal Wave, Aquatic Armor, Paladin's Will, Water Dome, Judgment of the Tides, Paladin's Orders, To the Last Drop, Ultimate Paladin
Elements: Water
Titles:
• Living Shield
• Strategist
• Unshakable Hero
• Protector of the Innocent
• Lord of the Tides
• Paladin of Hope
• Last Bastion
• Formidable General
"Water Cage!"
A cage of water suddenly erupted from the ground, enclosing the Lich and cutting it off from its army. Trapped inside, the vile creature struggled desperately to escape. It unleashed lightning and earth attacks, using every spell in its arsenal to break the aqueous prison. Yet despite its frantic efforts, the water barrier remained unyielding, not wavering for even an instant.
Meanwhile, Zem advanced with unwavering confidence, sword and shield in hand, carving his way through enemy ranks. Whether living or undead, all the monsters were shredded before him, unable to withstand his might. Each strike was precise, each motion controlled, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. He finally reached the barrier without a single scratch, his eyes fixed on the Lich trapped inside.
Crossing into the cage, Zem found himself alone with the creature. He calmly observed it, assessing its state. The Lich was in pitiful condition—half its body burned, part of its skull melted.
"Looks like my brother did quite a number on you," Zem said with a faint, ironic smile.
The Lich, trapped inside the water cage, was enraged at being caught so easily. Its eyes blazed with hatred, fully understanding the meaning behind Zem's words. With a voice dripping with sinister intent, it spoke for the first time:
"I'll kill you, just like I killed your brother!"
Zem remained impassive, betraying no reaction to its taunt. His gaze cold, he answered evenly:
"Stop talking. This fight is already over."
At his words, the water cage became an execution chamber. Hundreds of high-pressure water spikes erupted from the walls, skewering the Lich from all sides. Each spear pierced the creature with unerring precision, shredding it into pieces.
"Impossible!" the Lich screamed, shocked to be dying so miserably.
"My brother had already weakened you badly especially since you kept using necromancy and lightning. What did you think? That your mana was infinite? He faced an entire army of monsters and undead with only a handful of soldiers. So don't insult his memory, wretch!"
Outside the water cage, the undead monsters hadn't collapsed despite the Lich's destruction. Killing the summoner wasn't enough; specific magic was required to annihilate those unholy abominations. Fortunately, Sigma's royal army never deployed without the presence of a priest and a cardinal from the church.
"Divine Purification!" cried the cardinal, his voice resounding with divine authority.
Accompanied by the priests, he began a great purification ritual. Together they channeled their holy power, unleashing a radiant light that spread across the battlefield. The pure, blessed light suffused the bodies of the undead, purging them of their curse. The creatures collapsed one by one, freed from the necromantic grip.
With the undead finally neutralized, the army focused on exterminating the remaining monsters. Knights, mages, and other fighters moved in, hunting and eliminating the last enemies with ruthless efficiency. The battle was coming to an end, victory finally within reach.
Mélodie and her group, who had guided the civilians and fought simultaneously, collapsed to the ground in exhaustion, having given everything.
"We made it," Jack panted, relieved.
As the survivors erupted in cheers, overjoyed to be saved at last, the king approached them.
"Are you the adventurers who warned us of the catastrophe?"
"We also led the city's evacuation," Mélodie added politely.
"Then you will be rewarded for that, and I expect you to provide us with a full detailed report of the events."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The battle was finally over. All the monsters had been slain. As dawn began to break over the horizon, a soft golden light washed over the city's ruins. This catastrophe had left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of many civilians and brave soldiers. Buildings lay in rubble, and the air remained heavy with ash and the smoke of battle.
Zem stood amidst this landscape of desolation, tenderly holding Cinthia in his arms. The little girl had fallen asleep, exhausted by the ordeal, clutching her stuffed toy as if it were a priceless treasure. Her peaceful face in slumber stood in stark contrast to the surrounding chaos. As Zem watched the rising sun, a wave of emotions overwhelmed him. A solitary tear slid down his cheek.
She was only ten years old. When the flames engulfed her home.
When her parents' voices fell silent. When the brutal, unrelenting world tore away everything she loved. She ran legs on fire, lungs on fire, heart shattered, eyes brimming with tears… and she survived. Not because she was the strongest. But because she refused to die. Because a spark, deep within her, kept burning. This title is not that of a heroine. It belongs to a wounded child, standing on the edge of the abyss, who chose life driven by the love of her parents.
Daughter of the Lord of Flames
She was born from the embers of a man called Elias, a knight and hero who mastered fire. Her father did not fall like an ordinary mortal: he burned himself away, sacrificing everything to protect those he loved. But his flame did not vanish. It was passed on to his daughter.
Awakened Skill: Inner Flame
This is not magic. This is not technique. This is will. The will of a child who lost everything, yet whose soul still burns. A flame born of pain, of loss, and of the blood of a hero.
Effects:
Increases all base stats by +20%Grants immunity to fear, confusion, and paralysis Defensive Flame
A protective fire envelops your body, crackling around you like a second skin.
It does not burn… it shields.
Effect: Reduces all damage taken by 25% while active.
Blazing Boost
The element of fire becomes an extension of your will.
Every strike ignites the very air around you.
Effect: Increases all Fire-element attack damage by 20%.
New Title: Incandescent Blade!
Daughter of the Hero Elias, known as the Incandescent One. You carry within you his ashes, his will, and the promise of a new blaze. You are a flame born of grief, of pain, and of the instinct to survive. But in your eyes already burns a light he never knew. For you are not destined to simply follow in his footsteps… You are destined to surpass him!
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Thanks to the contributors.
Thanks to Cadméa for her subscription level 4.
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Special thanks to
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for her power stones.