Chapter 5

Shadows envelop the space, thick and oppressive. The air is heavy with the stench of decay, and the ground is a gruesome tapestry of dried blood clots. A monstrous rat, grotesquely oversized, drags a human intestine, its meal of choice. This is a fitting den for a Lich, a place steeped in malevolence. A single glance at the letter reveals a chilling narrative—dark cultists engaged in twisted experiments on immortality, birthing the Lich I now confront. Yet, this lair is not a mere construct of the moment; it has endured the ravages of time, its structure remarkably preserved. Though I am no historian, my experiences as an adventurer lead me to believe this place is at least a century old, if not more.

The skeletal minions pose no real danger. Their sheer numbers are merely an annoyance. The true peril lies in the formidable Lich, unleashing torrents of dark magic in a frantic bid to thwart my advance. The chilling wails of the Lich, devoid of spells yet filled with dread, send shivers through my heart, their echoes amplifying the terror. I sense its aim faltering even as the force behind each spell intensifies. It seems to be hastening its transformation, its consciousness slipping away. But once it becomes a demilich, it will present a far greater threat.

"SHIT!" [Alfin]

Before me stood a knight golem, its once-glimmering armor now a haunting symbol of despair. The cursed sword, infused with the tormented souls of the oppressed, swung wildly, each arc aimed at my throat with a ferocity that sent shivers down my spine. The skeletal minions, frail yet relentless, attempted to pin me down, but my blast magic, an extension of my wind spell, surged forth, obliterating them in a whirlwind of power.

"ARGHH!" [Alfin]

The cursed blade found its mark, slicing into my left arm. In a flash, I charged the severed limb with an explosion spell and hurled it at the Lich creeping up behind me. The resulting blast echoed like thunder, striking true and halting the Lich in its tracks. Yet, the knight golem, under its command, showed no mercy, lunging to stab me without pause. Each swing of the cursed sword met my golden scythe in a dance of defiance, a beautiful counter as I awaited the regeneration of my arm. And when it finally returned to me, I unleashed my spell.

"Holy Spell: Dispel!" [Alfin]

In typical scenarios, this should suffice to entirely eradicate any malevolent force that governs the knight golem. Yet, the Lich's formidable power, the multitude of magical circles within this lair, and the intricate bindings of the knight golem complicate matters significantly. It does grant me a brief respite, and with another windstep spell, I begin to approach the Phylactery, only to trigger a trap. A flurry of arrows, laced with poison, is unleashed upon me. They pierce my skull, my chest, my thighs. Designed to slay anyone, they should have been my end, but I am far from ordinary. As those who despise and fear me witness my condition, their belief that I am a devil spawn will surely intensifies. My damaged organs and tissues begin to heal rapidly, yet the searing pain lingers. Just as I attempt to shatter the Phylactery, it unexpectedly darts toward the Lich.

"This will be a long night..." [Alfin]

Yet, the Lich's attention is now entirely fixed on me. Excellent.