Chapter 13: The Master's Wrath

The oppressive silence in the valley was broken by the chilling voice of the Master, his red eyes glowing like twin embers as he stepped forward. Kael felt his grip tighten on his spear instinctively, every fiber of his being screaming danger. The man—or whatever he was—stood tall, his long, tattered cloak flowing unnaturally in the still air. Despite his calm demeanor, an aura of malevolence radiated from him, thick and suffocating.

"So," the Master said, his voice carrying unnaturally across the expanse. "You're the ones who've been meddling in my work. I must admit, you've done better than I expected."

Marra raised her bow, her arrow trained on the figure. "We're here to end this," she said, her voice cold and unwavering. "You won't use the goblins to destroy anyone else."

The Master chuckled, a sound that sent chills down Kael's spine. "End this? Oh, you poor, deluded creatures. You don't even understand what you're fighting against."

Kael glanced at Marra, who gave him a subtle nod. He stepped forward, planting his spear firmly in the ground. "Then explain it to us. What's your goal? Why are you controlling the goblins?"

The Master's smile widened. "My goal? Simple. Power. The goblins are tools, nothing more. Useful pawns in a much grander game."

"Then you'll fall with them," Kael said, his voice firm despite the knot of fear tightening in his chest.

The Master tilted his head, his glowing eyes narrowing. "Bold words for someone so weak."

Before Kael could respond, the Master raised his hand. A wave of energy pulsed outward, striking the ground and sending a shockwave through the valley. Kael and the others staggered, barely managing to keep their footing as the earth trembled beneath them.

"Scatter!" Marra shouted, loosing her arrow. The projectile streaked toward the Master, but it stopped mid-air, hovering inches from his chest before falling harmlessly to the ground.

"You'll have to do better than that," the Master said, raising his other hand. The goblins in the camp stirred, their glowing eyes locking onto the intruders. With guttural cries, they surged forward, weapons gleaming in the dim light.

Kael's heart pounded as he braced himself, his spear at the ready. "Here we go!"

***

The first wave of goblins hit like a tidal wave, their numbers overwhelming. Kael swung his spear in a wide arc, knocking two goblins back before driving the point into a third. The creature shrieked as it fell, its glowing eyes dimming as it hit the ground.

Victory!

You have defeated Controlled Goblin (Level 3)

+15 XP

Kael didn't have time to celebrate as another goblin lunged at him, its crude blade aimed at his chest. He sidestepped, spinning his spear and delivering a sharp blow to its side. The goblin crumpled, and Kael turned to face the next threat.

Marra was a blur of motion, her arrows flying with deadly precision. Each shot found its mark, dropping goblins before they could reach her. Thane stood behind her, his staff glowing brightly as he chanted a spell. A wave of energy burst forth, striking a group of goblins and sending them flying.

"Keep pushing!" Marra shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "We have to reach the altar!"

Kael gritted his teeth, his muscles straining as he fought off another goblin. The sheer number of enemies was staggering, and for every one they killed, it seemed like two more took its place.

"Corin, where are you?" Marra called, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Working on it!" Corin's voice came from the shadows, followed by a pained cry as his dagger found another goblin's throat. He emerged a moment later, his face streaked with blood. "These bastards just keep coming!"

"They're not going to stop until we take him down," Kael said, his eyes flicking toward the Master. The figure stood motionless by the altar, watching the battle with a calm, almost bored expression.

Kael's gaze locked onto the Master, his fear giving way to determination. "I'll take him."

Marra's head snapped toward him. "Kael, wait! You don't know what—"

"I don't care," Kael interrupted. "We don't have a choice. If I can distract him, you'll have a chance to finish this."

Marra hesitated, her expression torn, but she finally nodded. "Be careful."

Kael nodded back, taking a deep breath before charging toward the altar. The goblins nearest the Master turned to intercept him, their glowing eyes narrowing as they raised their weapons. Kael swung his spear with all his strength, clearing a path as he closed the distance.

"Foolish," the Master said, his voice echoing in Kael's mind. "You can't touch me."

Kael didn't respond, his focus entirely on the figure before him. He lunged forward, his spear aimed at the Master's chest. But before the weapon could make contact, it stopped mid-air, as if hitting an invisible wall.

The Master raised his hand, and Kael felt a sudden, crushing force slam into his chest. He flew backward, landing hard on the ground. Pain shot through his body, but he forced himself to his feet, his grip on his spear tightening.

"You're persistent," the Master said, stepping closer. "But persistence without power is meaningless."

Kael gritted his teeth, his mind racing. He couldn't fight the Master directly—his attacks were useless. But he wasn't out of options. Taking a deep breath, he activated one of his most reliable skills.

Skill Replication Activated

Skill Replicated: Barrier Breaker (Basic)

-10 MP

A surge of energy flowed through Kael as the new skill took hold. He didn't fully understand how it worked, but instinct guided him as he charged forward again. This time, when he struck the invisible wall, his spear shattered it like glass.

The Master's eyes widened slightly, his calm demeanor faltering for the first time. "Interesting."

Kael pressed his advantage, thrusting his spear at the Master's chest. The figure moved with inhuman speed, dodging the attack and retaliating with a wave of energy that sent Kael stumbling back.

"You're full of surprises," the Master said, his voice laced with amusement. "But you're still weak."

Kael staggered, his chest heaving as he struggled to stay upright. His body ached, his MP was running low, and the Master didn't even look winded. But he refused to back down.

Behind him, he heard Marra's voice. "Kael, keep him busy! We're almost in position!"

Kael nodded, his resolve hardening. He charged again, using everything he had to keep the Master focused on him. Each clash left him more battered, but he could see the subtle shifts in the Master's expression. He was annoyed—and that was enough.

***

Meanwhile, Marra, Corin, and Thane moved into position around the altar. Thane raised his staff, his voice rising as he chanted a powerful spell. The runes on his staff glowed brighter, their light intensifying as he poured his remaining energy into the attack.

"Now, Thane!" Marra shouted.

Thane released the spell, a wave of energy bursting forth and striking the altar. The structure cracked, the carvings glowing faintly before dimming. The goblins froze, their glowing eyes flickering as if struggling to stay lit.

The Master's head snapped toward the altar, his calm expression replaced by anger. "You dare—"

Kael seized the moment, driving his spear into the Master's side. The weapon struck true, and the figure let out a pained hiss as dark energy poured from the wound. Kael pulled his spear free, his breathing ragged as he stepped back.

The Master staggered, his form flickering like a dying flame. "This… isn't over," he snarled, his voice distorted. "You've only delayed the inevitable."

With that, the Master vanished, his body dissolving into shadows that melted into the ground. The remaining goblins collapsed, their lifeless bodies littering the valley.

Kael fell to his knees, his spear clattering to the ground. His body ached, his vision swimming as exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him. Marra and the others rushed to his side, their faces filled with relief and concern.

"You did it," Marra said, her voice soft. "We did it."

Kael managed a faint smile before darkness claimed him.