Chapter 89: Loyalty

The relentless chase led Katran and Holmerion far from Elsihore Castle, into a dense clearing two hundred meters away.

The towering, dark trees formed a perfect circle around them, as if nature itself wished to bear witness to what was about to unfold.

Holmerion, panting but ever alert, suddenly halted.

Two massive green goblins each standing over two meters,seventy tall loomed before him. Armed with great axes, they blocked his path.

A sly smile curled the elf's lips.

"Wahahaha! Gedub and Molderg, really? You think you can stop me?"

One of the goblins, Gedub, stepped forward slightly his eyes gleaming with unusual determination.

"Sir Holmerion, you were our mentor in our youth today we must stop you."

Molderg turned to Katran, bowing his head respectfully.

"Sir Katran, allow us to assist you."

Katran remained silent, merely nodding in acknowledgment.

Holmerion burst into laughter:"It's pointless," he said, pressing a hand to the ground.

A pulse of energy rippled through the earth and suddenly thick roots shot up from the soil, wrapping around the two goblins, binding them in place.

Katran watched the immobilized goblins before shifting his gaze back to Holmerion.

Calmly, he drew the long sword strapped to his back.

"Why did you betray your nation?" Katran asked.

He glanced briefly at the unconscious goblins:"You could have killed them, but you didn't."

Holmerion shrugged:"It doesn't matter."

With a swift movement, he touched the ground again:"Wooden Ligament!" he shouted and thick vines erupted from the earth, rushing toward Katran.

But Katran, swift as lightning, dodged with unparalleled agility.

He swept his sword in a single fluid motion, slicing through the vines effortlessly.

Holmerion seized the moment to chant another spell.

"Wooden Maul!" he roared, summoning a massive weapon of wood that came crashing down toward Katran.

However anticipating the strike, Katran activated his "Lightning Strike" technique.

A blinding glow surrounded his sword as he surged toward Holmerion dodging the enormous maul.

In one smooth motion, he slashed across the elf's abdomen.

Holmerion staggered back blood splattering from the wound, before collapsing heavily to the ground.

Katran sheathed his sword, his gaze unwavering.

"If you had any sense of justice you would have changed your kingdom instead of betraying it."

Holmerion despite his weakness, let out a weak ragged laugh.

At that moment, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows.

Thaloria accompanied by the Council of Elders quickly approached.

She rushed to Holmerion's sidekneeling beside him.

"Master…" she murmured, her eyes filled with sorrow.

Holmerion weakly opened his eyes, his trembling hand brushing against the young woman's cheek.

"Still… the little girl who sets an example for her brothers and sisters."

He murmured. A sad smile appeared on his lips. "It's been a long time since someone called me master…"

His gaze drifted to Gaynor, who stood at a distance, silently watching.

"Gaynor… I knew you were still alive somewhere," Holmerion whispered.

Gaynor stepped forward, his expression unreadable, though a hint of emotion flickered in his eyes. "Holmerion…" was all he could say.

The dying elf then turned his gaze to a masked man, the raven-shaped mask glimmering faintly under the moonlight.

"And you…"

Katran, who had moved closer, halted a few steps away from Holmerion.

The elf studied him intently. "Is your monarch… good to his people?"

Katran nodded once, affirming without hesitation.

Holmerion let out a weak sigh. "Then make sure he stays that way never forget that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. That he must never lose sight of what truly matters before it's too late."

With those final words, Holmerion closed his eyes for the last time.

Thaloria slowly stood, wiping her face with a firm motion, as if trying to mask her grief. Zotune placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Will you be alright?" he asked gently.

Thaloria nodded, her expression once again unreadable. "Yes. Let's go."

At that moment Nilyna appeared with a group of armed maidens, their faces solemn but determined.

She approached Katran.

"Well?" she asked simply.

Katran nodded, silently confirming that the fight was over.

Thaloria spoke with firm resolve. "Let's rejoin the others let's end this conflict once and for all."