54. The Burden of Vall-eran

Yon took a deep breath, his eyes dark with concern. He was breathing heavily remebering those incidence happening infront of him but he could do nothing despite being the soldier there in the city.

He murrmurred to himself," I am the soldier of this city and I must need to protect the citizen living here." He paused and took a deep breathe," I must protect them."

Then his eyes reached to the view just near him were Sambh was in control of the dark aura. 

"I don't think so," he finally replied. "He was totally out of control... Vall-eran was controlling his body." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "I even fear to take his name out loud."

Weismier studied him closely. "Even if there's a little consciousness left in him, then he can be awakened. There must be a way."

Weismier was totally grown weak in grief of Sambh. He had waited for Sambh in his entire life but now he was there but sill not with them. He spoke,"Sambh, I brought you here from the monastery and I promised you that you will return back."

He paused and looked back at the sky and spoke," I will surely protect you."

Yon didn't answer. Instead, he opened a portal, and they stepped through, emerging in a grand palace. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with whispers. As they moved through the corridors, they overheard the soft murmurs of the palace maids.

"Her Highness was too powerful," one whispered, "but she was killed."

The other gasped. "It's terrifying to even think about it. What if Vall-eran's army comes for us next?"

Yon and the others exchanged glances but said nothing. They continued onward until they reached a small pond, where a modest hut stood. The city's reflection shimmered eerily in the water. Near a towering white pillar stood Jigartala, the chief advisor, his expression grim.

Weismier approached him. "Chief Advisor, isn't there any way to escape this calamity?"

Jigartala sighed. "There were three powerful magicians who fought against him, but even they couldn't kill or subdue him. We are just mere citizens here."

Yon frowned. "I had heard that Sage Sandh was the strongest among them, but he didn't fight and was lost." Bdoll's face darkened. "As we left, the entire Golden City was drowned in water. That must mean Sage Sandh died in the tunnel too."

Jigartala exhaled deeply. "We've gathered our entire army and ordered them to protect the citizens. But..."

Weismier crossed his arms. "The barrier of this city is incredibly strong. No magician can easily break through it. However, Sage Sandh managed to do it last time."

Jigartala nodded gravely. "That was because the Divine Thief stole the barrier stone from the three towers and replaced it with a duplicate."

Bdoll chuckled. "The Great Divine Thief was me."

Weismier turned to him, shaking his head. "You haven't changed at all. Are you sure that no one can break into the city now?"

Jigartala hesitated, then said, "I am sure that none can break in... apart from Sam."

Yon narrowed his eyes. "I've heard that Sam was the one who built this city. Who is he, really?"

Jigartala's expression turned distant. "Sam is the brother of Ruchi. He was a brilliant architect—he built many masterpiece palaces, buildings, and cities, including this one. But he was caught in the black aura long ago... and he never returned."

He clenched his fists. "I have been waiting here to face him, to stop him from breaking the barrier."

Yon nodded firmly. "We will help you defend the city."

Everyone present stood in agreement, determination in their eyes. Weismier then voiced what they were all thinking. "We have to find a way to defeat Vall-eran and his army. But how?"

Jigartala remained silent for a moment before Yon spoke up. "If we can convince Sam, then maybe he can take Vall-eran's wand and help Sambh regain his consciousness."

Weismier's eyes widened.

"That might actually work. If Sam takes the wand, even for a moment, we might be able to awaken Sambh."

Bdoll smirked. "If you can take back his wand, even for a little while, then yes, it's possible."

Weismier turned to Sayera. "Can you do it?" Bdoll exhaled sharply. "First, I have to revive Sage Sandh."

Yon looked skeptical. "You saw the entire city collapse and drown in the ocean. How will you revive him?" Bdoll's eyes glinted. "When he attacked me, I detected something unusual—technology."

Weismier suddenly understood. "Ah... It was the technology you had hacked before, the one that alerted us about the danger back then."

Yon took a step closer. "Bdoll, you are trustworthy. We believe in you. If anyone can help us now, it's you."

Jigartala placed a hand on Bdoll's shoulder. "I will handle Sam. The rest is up to you."

Bdoll flashed a grin. "Don't worry. I will go and steal Sage Sandh's body from the deep ocean."

Without hesitation, Bdoll opened a portal, stepping into the unknown. The others watched as the portal closed, leaving them with the weight of the battle ahead. Time was running out, and the fate of the city—and possibly the world—rested on their shoulders.

And then, the ground trembled.

A shadow loomed over the horizon, dark and suffocating. The battle had already begun.

Thunder roared in the distance, a signal of impending doom. The winds howled through the city streets, and the water in the pond rippled violently. Soldiers rushed to their positions, weapons drawn, their expressions hardened with resolve.

Yon turned to Weismier. "We need to prepare. Vall-eran won't wait."

Weismier nodded. "We should nortify the palace and set up defenses. Jigartala, can you mobilize the remaining forces?"

Jigartala gave a curt nod. "Consider it done. But we must act swiftly. Sam could arrive at any moment."

Yon exhaled, his mind racing. "If Bdoll succeeds in reviving Sage Sandh, we might stand a chance. But if he fails..."

"Then this city falls," Weismier finished grimly.

The weight of their mission pressed upon them, but there was no turning back now.