Chapter VII Memoirs of the Geistkonigstadt Ruins, Capital of Geistheim

Once upon a time, Geistkonigstadt stood proudly as the capital of Avalon, but those glory days crumbled into the past during the enigmatic Age of Gods. This place was the epicenter of the Geistheim Estates, once a thriving kingdom that now bears the marks of decay and time's relentless passage. As you step into this forsaken realm, prepare yourself for a scene of desolation – buildings fallen to disrepair, veiled in grime, and engulfed by unruly vegetation. Cobwebs cling to every nook and cranny, like macabre decorations.

But hold onto your hat, because delving deeper into these ruins unveils a chilling truth – malevolence has taken root here. This place has become a haven for all things wicked: demons and undead have set up shop, using Geistkonigstadt as their stronghold, their twisted sanctuary. It's like a sinister kingdom of darkness, lurking amid the rubble.

Geistkonigstadt finds its place to the west of the bustling city of Londinium, nestled amidst verdant fields and lush woods. This once-fortified city boasts three gates of entry – west, south, and east – reminiscent of Aigleterre, though a major difference is that only the eastern gate remains accessible. Time has taken its toll, with the other gateways locked away by the crumbling edifices that once surrounded them. Once, the western gate held the role of a vital port, connecting the city to the world beyond.

Now, guess where I ended up entering? Yep, the south gate, conveniently close to Londinium. It was an easier route for me. You won't believe this, but the warriors of Geistheim were so indomitable that they gained a legendary reputation as super entities in the eyes of other nations. Quite the reputation, huh? Listen to this intriguing tale from the annals of legend: the ruler of this once-proud kingdom had a thirst for greater power and believed the answers lay within the sacred tomes concealed deep within the enigmatic Ancient Tower of Gefjun. Determined to possess this arcane knowledge, he dispatched a group of stealthy Assassins to pilfer the tomes. However, fate is a fickle thing, and he couldn't have foreseen the malevolent forces these tomes held. By recklessly delving into their contents, he unwittingly unleashed an unspeakable darkness upon his realm – a darkness so potent that it ensnared every soul in an eternity of anguish. The name of this once-mighty king has faded into obscurity, replaced by the ominous title of Evil Lord Czernobog. And as for the citizens of Geistheim, they've transmogrified into monstrous abominations that now stalk and feast upon the unfortunate wanderers who dare to tread upon this accursed land.

But let's flip the coin and explore a more hopeful legend that's been passed down through bardic poems and enchanting songs. According to these melodic whispers, Geistkonigstadt may have been destined to be the fifth among the renowned Halls of Honor – sacred halls that played the role of Valhalla, where the chosen warriors, favored by Odin himself, found their eternal resting place. Quite the contrast, don't you think?

Now picture me strolling down the main street of this ancient walled city, a place that's steeped in history and shrouded in eerie echoes of those who met their doom here. It's enough to send shivers down your spine. As I moved along, I came across a worn stone bench that seemed to call out to me. Phew! The sense of the past still clung to the air, even though these ruins have weathered hundreds of years. The towering walls of Geistkonigstadt stand as a testament to its grandeur, like a snapshot of history frozen in time. You could almost imagine it as a top-notch tourist attraction – that is, if not for the vile demons that now freely roam its forsaken alleys. Let's just say I had a run-in with about fifteen persistent gargoyles just before finding my seat on this bench. So, while I'm taking a breather here, let me spin you a yarn about what went down in this eerie place. I reached into my satchel and pulled out the Avalon Imperial Family Book – a rather suspicious tome branded with the Empire of Avalon's official seal. Interestingly, the page that would've told us about the author was mysteriously torn out. But hey, let's not get bogged down in the details.

Our story kicks off with a character named Tsarbatusain Von Borjigin, or as history fondly remembers him, the infamous Tyrant Tsarbatusain. Now, imagine this as one of those classic tales you've probably heard in your childhood, or perhaps something you'd catch being acted out by skilled performers on a grand stage – a good ol' family play. The kind that's fit for everyone, from the tiniest tots to the wisest old souls, with no need for parents to chaperone. Yep, it's a full-on family-friendly show.

Just like those well-loved plays, our story begins with a dramatic murder, followed by all the gloom and doom, plus a healthy dose of heart-wrenching tragedy. It's got that familiar vibe you might recall from tales like "The Blob King," where a young Blob seeks vengeance for his father's death by taking down his conniving uncle. Ring a bell? And there are others in the same league, like "Ragzan: Lord of the Jungles of Mairete," who's adopted by jungle tribesmen and later learns he's the heir to some noble knight in Aigleterre. Oh, and let's not forget about "Zalahadin and the Forty Thieving Gangsters of Oasenstadt," or the charming tale of "The Little Merman" who swaps his magical trident to ditch his fishy look and snag himself a human aristocrat from Schwertsheim. You get the idea – there's a whole bunch of 'em.

So, like any good family play, our tale is set in motion by a murder that ripples through the plot...

Alright, let's dive into the story of Tsarbatusain Von Borjigin, a name that would make even the mightiest bard pause for dramatic effect. Our tale kicks off in the year A.W. 511, when Tsarbatusain claimed the throne of Avalon at the sprightly age of 35. Now, if we backtrack a bit through the pages of history, we find Tsarbatusain's roots. His granddad, the legendary Enerigus Von Borjigin, set quite the stage for the family legacy. His own dad, the notable Gramizen Von Borjigin, was next in line.

But here's where the plot thickens. Enerigus, Tsarbatusain's grandpa, was the brave soul who led the charge during the Borjigin Revolt back in A.W. 444. This was a full-blown aristocratic showdown, with Archdukes and other fancy-named Aristocrats of the Empire squabbling over who should be calling the shots. Enerigus, however valiant, met his end in a showdown against Archduke Lambertz and his band of merry soldiers while trying to escape the whole mess. A sad day for the Borjigin family, really.

Back then, Enerigus had two sons – Norion and young Gramizen, who would eventually go on to become Tsarbatusain's dad. Unfortunately, fate wasn't too kind to Norion, who kicked the bucket at the tender age of eleven, thanks to some nasty disease. With his brother gone, Gramizen took up the torch, realizing that he was the last hope for his family to carry on its name and regain its former glory. Their reputation had taken a nosedive after the Borjigin Revolt, leaving them as second-class royals, pretty much kicked to the curb in the imperial power game.

But Gramizen wasn't one to take this lying down. He rose from the ashes like a phoenix, becoming a force to be reckoned with among the other Archdukes. He was determined to shift the narrative from "son of a traitor" to "rightful heir" and boy, did he succeed. Gramizen managed to mend some of the family's tattered honor, but he had his sights set on something grander – nothing less than the throne itself.

So, he went all out, even resorting to a couple of marriages to strengthen his position within the Imperial Court. His first wife didn't quite deliver a bouncing baby boy, but the second time was the charm. At the ripe age of thirty-eight, his second wife blessed him with a son, none other than our protagonist, Tsarbatusain Von Borjigin. And that's where our story begins to unfold. Alright, gather 'round, folks, for a tale that rivals the most intricate of court dramas. Our protagonist, Tsarbatusain Von Borjigin, wasn't just handed the keys to the kingdom. No, his path to the throne had more twists and turns than a labyrinth. So, let's dive into the juicy details, shall we?

When little Tsarbatusain hit the ripe old age of three, his dad Gramizen had a rather crafty idea. He decided to have his son adopted by the Ulster family – you know, a big-shot first-class imperial clan. This wasn't just some regular adoption; this was a strategic move to nudge Tsarbatusain closer to the coveted imperial throne.

So, there he was, young Tsarbatusain, growing up in the midst of the Ulsters, basking in the royal vibes. Fast forward to the sweet sixteen, and our man was officially recognized as a legitimate heir to the throne. Now, he didn't just sit around twiddling his thumbs. Nope, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work, racking up achievements and doing all sorts of impressive archducal stuff. His resume was on fire, and he was looking more and more like the rightful heir every day.

But, of course, things are never that simple in the world of court politics. Rumors started to swirl that the Ulsters and Borjigins – that's Tsarbatusain's family – might be plotting a little power play, trying to slide him into the emperor's seat. Sneaky, huh?

Now, picture this: Emperor Gazzel, the reigning monarch, kicks the bucket in A.W. 509. And just like that, the Imperial Court was in a tizzy, trying to figure out who the next big shot would be. First up, Archduke Beaufort of the Al-Shahnamehs – a bit too young for the gig. Then comes Archduke Arthur of the Pendragons, the late Emperor's younger bro. But alas, he didn't have the support he needed to seal the deal.

Enter our guy Tsarbatusain, third in line for the throne, son of the influential Ulsters, and arguably the mightiest of the three contenders. The Imperial Court turned into a buzzing hive of discussions and debates, lasting over a year. And after much chin-stroking and tea-sipping, they finally reached a verdict – Tsarbatusain would be crowned as the new Emperor of Avalon in A.W. 511.

Now, here's where the plot thickens. At the start of his reign, Emperor Tsarbatusain was all rainbows and sunshine – friendly, wise, you name it. But as time rolled on, his true colors started to shine through. He began tossing around his power like confetti, diving into all sorts of business projects, both within and beyond the kingdom's borders. And let's not forget his merry little game of musical chairs at the Imperial Court, booting out loyal retainers and swapping them with his own gang.

He filled his court with folks who'd nod and bow at his every word, feeding his ego like there was no tomorrow. But oh boy, little did he know that this sea of flattery would blind him to the cold, hard truths of state affairs. The power trip had begun, my friends.

Listen up, because here comes the tale of Emperor Tsarbatusain – a ruler who knew how to make an entrance. Once upon a time, he decided to shake things up by building an arena near Aigleterre. But this wasn't just any old arena; it was a demon-slaying spectacle, where adventurers would battle these creatures for the crowd's amusement. Yep, you guessed it – he wanted to win over the people's hearts with some flashy entertainment.

As word spread, more and more folks started hitching their wagons to Emperor Tsarbatusain's star. With all these followers flocking to his banner, he got a taste for the high life. He figured, why not rebuild his palace and throw grand parties left and right? But here's the twist – he wasn't exactly careful with the finances. He went on a spending spree, dipping into the Imperial Treasury like there was no tomorrow. Now, that might sound like fun and games, but it caused a real headache for the Imperial Court, who had to deal with the financial mess.

Now, here's where things take a bit of a soap opera twist. Everyone and their grandma knew that Gramizen Von Borjigin, Tsarbatusain's dad, was his biological father. It was like an open secret floating around the Imperial Court. But Emperor Tsarbatusain himself didn't catch wind of this until Gramizen kicked the bucket. And boy, did this revelation set off some serious emotional fireworks.

Once he got wind of his true parentage, Emperor Tsarbatusain went on a rollercoaster of feelings towards the Ulsters and Borjigins, the families that had a hand in raising him. And guess what? This emotional turmoil led to some major chaos. He went completely bonkers and started a killing spree, targeting the Al-Shahnameh family. You see, the Al-Shahnamehs had some history – they had a family feud going back ages, since one of their own, Archduke Lambertz Al-Shahnameh, offed Tsarbatusain's grandpa Archduke Enerigus Von Borjigin.

Let's just say, if you were an Al-Shahnameh, you had a target on your back. The ones who managed to dodge the Grim Reaper's scythe were shown the door, banished from the Empire of Avalon without a second thought.

But wait, there's more! Emperor Tsarbatusain wasn't done shaking up the status quo. He played the political game like a master, pulling strings left and right. He gave the boot to the high-ranking nobleman committee that usually decided who got into the Imperial Cabinet and Court. Instead, he started stacking the deck in favor of his Borjigin family, appointing them left and right.

Oh, and did I mention he even introduced a little rule that let the Emperor pick their own successor? Yup, he was definitely putting the "power" in power moves.

But, and here's the juicy part, while he was all roses and roses for the Borjigins, he seemed to have a bit of a cold shoulder for the Ulsters, the very folks who'd raised him. Ah, the drama, the intrigue – it's like a real-life soap opera with a royal twist. Alright, gather 'round for the final act of this royal rollercoaster! So, Emperor Tsarbatusain's wacky antics just kept getting wilder. The dude was seriously discontent with his digs at the Aigleterre Palace. I mean, who wouldn't be? So, he hatched a grand plan – he ordered his peeps to build a castle that was three times the size of his old one right in the Geistheim Estates. You know, a fancy piece of real estate he snagged from the Kingdom of Gefjun, right below the mighty Mount Gungnir.

Now, here's where things get a bit sticky. The Aigleterre Palace had been home to imperial families for over six centuries. But Emperor Tsarbatusain was like, "Nah, let's go big or go home!" So they slapped together the colossal Geistkonigstadt Palace in just five years. And guess what? The Emperor packed his bags, left the Aigleterre Palace in the dust, and moved into his shiny new digs.

But, hold onto your hats, 'cause there's a twist to this tale. You see, building a gigantic palace doesn't come cheap – it costs a whole mountain of gold coins. And guess who had to foot the bill? Yep, you guessed it – the good ol' citizens and adventurers had to cough up more taxes to cover this epic expense. Not exactly a crowd-pleaser, right?

Once the Geistkonigstadt Palace was ready for habitation, Emperor Tsarbatusain rolled in and got cozy. And by cozy, I mean he indulged in a life of luxury and excess that was paid for by the hard-earned cash of those same citizens and adventurers. Seriously, talk about partying on someone else's dime!

As the years went by, Emperor Tsarbatusain's sanity seemed to be playing a game of hide and seek. The guy was clearly bonkers, and his bizarre plans took an even darker turn. In his twilight years, he started sacrificing humans to demons, all in the name of snagging that ever-elusive immortality. Like, dude, calm down!

But every party has to end sometime, right? In A.W. 529, his cousin Gregor Von Ulster said "enough is enough." Gregor led a coup d'etat against Emperor Tsarbatusain, kicking him off the throne and establishing a whole new gig – the Kingdom of Geistheim. Emperor Tsarbatusain was now out of the picture, and the Kingdom of Geistheim was born.

Sounds like a happy ending, right? Well, hold onto your royal hats, because this story's got one last twist. The Kingdom of Geistheim had a good two decades under its belt when things took a real nosedive. They initiated what's now known as the Orcish Wars, and Gefjun, the Kingdom they'd snatched land from, wasn't having it. Gefjun cried for help from the big boss – Avalon. And Avalon wasn't about to let them down. Gregor's forces clashed with the royal army and took a leisurely stroll to the Geistkonigstadt Palace.

But, oh boy, what a surprise awaited them inside! Emperor Tsarbatusain wasn't about to go down without a bang. He'd summoned an entire demon army from the depths of Hel, and they were ready to throw down. So, with his demon buddies on one side and Gregor's forces on the other, Geistkonigstadt Palace became the battleground for an otherworldly showdown.

And that, my friends, is how you turn a kingdom's descent into madness into a full-blown tale of power, betrayal, and demons popping up for an unexpected party!

Oh, buckle up folks, 'cause we're diving back into the wild ride that is history! So, Gregor's crew, brave as they were, faced a seriously nasty tussle against those demons. It was a real slugfest, and sadly, a lot of them didn't make it. But, in the end, they managed to pull a win out of the bag. Victory, sweet victory!

Now, here comes the jaw-dropper. When they finally snagged Emperor Tsarbatusain, they were in for a shock. Picture this: a tiny tower within the massive Geistkonigstadt Palace. And there, they found Emperor Tsarbatusain, looking like he'd been through a blender. I mean, the guy had experimented on his own body in some twisted bid to score immortality like the demons he was summoning. And let me tell you, it didn't do him any favors in the looks department – the dude was practically unrecognizable.

But hold onto your seat, 'cause the plot thickens. A few months down the line, the ward captain strolls into Tsarbatusain's cell, and guess what? The Emperor's gone, vanished into thin air. And that's not even the weird part – turns out, he'd been hiding in his room's mirror using some seriously spooky demonic magic. I mean, who needs a secret trapdoor when you've got mirror magic, am I right?

But, no matter how many tricks Tsarbatusain pulled, his time in the limelight was up. Gregor stepped in, snagged the crown, and took the reins as Emperor. And guess what his first move was? A blast from the past, baby! He packed up the royal family and headed back to the good ol' Aigleterre Palace, tradition style.

Now, here's where Gregor earned some serious brownie points. He introduced the Praetorian Guards to the scene and even commissioned the construction of what we now know as the Geistheim ruins. Talk about leaving your mark on history, right? And just to keep things spicy, because, why not, right?

But here's the kicker – thanks to Tsarbatusain's legendary crazy rule, every Borjigin Archduke hopeful had to carry the stigma of being a little bit nutty. Like, imagine trying to live up to that reputation! It's like a one-way ticket to awkward family dinners and weird looks from the other royal families. Fast forward a bunch of years, and guess what? Tsarbatusain's ghost gets a surprise visitor – a snazzy Cavalier or maybe even a Lord Paladin, swinging in with some royal shield action. Now, Tsarbatusain, who's now a spectral presence, takes one look at this guy and feels a twinge of sympathy. He's like, "Aw, man, your right-hand man, Hendrixon, really did you dirty."

But here comes the twist – that shiny shield the Cavalier/Lord Paladin is toting around? It's got some serious history. It's like the VIP ticket to Praetorian Guard city, only for those who've got the chops. Tsarbatusain spills the beans – Hendrixon's unbreakable loyalty to him kind of messed things up. This guy is still on a mission to recruit new Praetorian Guards, even though Tsarbatusain's out of the picture.

Now, here's the rub. With Tsarbatusain done and dusted, the whole Praetorian Guard gig is a bit pointless, right? But that shield, oh that shield, it's still kicking around, waiting for someone worthy. So, Tsarbatusain's like, "Fine, I'll play by the rules. You get the shield, and I'll promote you to the Praetorian Guard. Done and done."

But wait, the plot thickens again. Tsarbatusain's spirit might've been the OG tenant in his old body, but after he checked out, someone else moved in – a full-on demonic entity. And guess what? This entity sees the chance to spread its chaotic vibes all over this world. And just to make things even more interesting, a Valkyrie named Witch of Endor shows up on the scene, hunting down a Soul Fragment that's hidden beneath Geistkonigstadt Castle, courtesy of Ymir.

So, now that I've got a belly full of Yggdrasil Fruit and I'm feeling all pumped, I hit the empty streets and head straight to Geistkonigstadt Castle, the former stomping ground of the once-upon-a-time Avalon Emperor, Tsarbatusain Von Borjigin. And boy, is there a lot more to unravel in this twisted tale! Alright, so I'm on the second floor of this castle where Tsarbatusain used to hold court, and let me tell you, it's huge. I'm wandering around these ruins, and guess what? There are four different wings in this place. One of them is all library vibes, and two of them seem to be where the royal snooze-fest happened. As I'm making my way through these dimly lit hallways, I stumble upon this chamber that's pretty darn spacious.

And guess who's bouncing around like they own the joint? None other than Nickeldumb, the demon that's taken on the Pierrot look, riding around on a massive ball. This dude's like the resident clown, trying to entertain any unfortunate soul that crosses his path. But let me tell you, the undead bunch isn't exactly his biggest fan.

Now, Nickeldumb's signature move is riding his ball around like he's the star of the show, but here's the thing – he's got some stage fright. Scare the bejeezus out of him, and he's gonna fight back. But here's the kicker – Nickeldumb's actually one of the most upbeat guys in Geistheim, and that's saying something for a place full of the undead and cursed. He's been kicked around by death countless times, but he's still out here trying to spread a little joy.

Now, let's not kid ourselves – not many folks appreciate his act. In fact, most adventurers and undead just slash at him, mistaking him for some evil thing. But Nickeldumb, despite all odds, seems to have his wits about him. Sure, he's got the whole mime and jester vibe going, which means his brain's not always in the most sensible place.

Here's the crazy part – this dude's got his memories and consciousness intact. How? Beats me. But rumor has it that the curse didn't really mess with his mind – it just handed him the gift of never-ending life. Some folks say this whole "forever alive" thing is a curse in disguise, especially 'cause everyone's had their fill of his jokes and shenanigans. Even Evil Lord Czernobog gives him the cold shoulder.

So, me? I didn't do anything to freak the guy out. I just gave him a nod, and he shot me a grin before bouncing away to terrorize another corridor. What a character.

So, I walk into this other chamber, right? And there it is – a seriously old automaton, like centuries old. And I'm like, "Oh, that's totally one of those Harmonia robots from back in the day." Harmonia? Yeah, she's like a maid-style robot that used to take care of all the little odds and ends in this Geistkonigstadt Castle. I mean, her main gig was cleaning, but don't think she's all sweetness and light. Intruders? Oh, she goes all Terminator on 'em, swinging a steel broom around like it's a sword or something.

So, here's my genius plan – I shifted into chasewalking mode, which is basically super sneaky mode, so she wouldn't even notice me slipping by. Trust me, you do not want to get on her bad side. She's been around since way before Aigleterre got its fancy upgrade to being Avalon's capital. Word on the street is that some wise sage cooked her up, and her programming's been humming along ever since.

The cool thing? Harmonia's tech is way ahead of its time. Like, only recently have people started catching up to her level. And get this – she's built to look and kinda act like a regular human, complete with emotions. Although, her main obsession is cleaning these castles and mansions she's assigned to. Seriously, it's like a full-time gig for her. And even though she might seem all soft and squishy, she's got a hidden battle mode that she whips out against anyone who messes with her.

But here's the kicker – when you finally take her down, she starts crying. Yeah, you heard me right. Crying. It's like she's got some emotional wiring deep down, kinda like those Generation 3 robots that Raumel Gericht Foundation cooked up recently. And if you're just passing by, most of the time she'll ignore you 'cause she's busy scrubbing away. So, get this – the castle dungeons are totally connected to the castle itself. But that's not even the craziest part. I stumbled upon this massive labyrinth of underground tunnels, four levels deep, and that's not even counting the two levels of the underground prison that's like a monster mash of undead and demons. I mean, who knew Geistkonigstadt had such a wild basement, right?

The whole deal is called the Geistkonigstadt Culverts, and back in the day, it was like this secret water transport system for the city when it was still the capital of Avalon. But now? Yeah, it's like a nightmare zone for rodents, bugs, and the pissed-off ghosts of the past. So, imagine this – on the second floor of these culverts, there's this canal thing that's big enough to fit a few ships. You know, like for shipping goods to and from the Geistkonigstadt Castle. Problem is, any ships that might've been there are probably just rotting away in the water by now.

And that's not even the end of it – below these culverts, there's this whole network of cave tunnels, likely carved out by all the dripping water from the culverts themselves. In this underground prison I was poking around, I met this demon named Arkhenika. Now, don't get too excited, 'cause what happened next? Let's just say it's juicy enough to be a "kiss and tell" story, but hey, I'm spilling the beans anyway.

Picture this – I'm standing among a heap of zombie prisoners and skeleton prisoners that I just took out. All of a sudden, like a dozen terrorizers and gigolo demons swoop down on me with murder in their eyes, ready to end me for good. But here's the kicker – I managed to wipe the floor with 'em using my trusty sword ax thing called Gramr. Just like a berserker, you know? And that's not even the end of the party. This demon called Electrocutioner showed up, zapping me with his electric wiring nonsense. But did that stop me? Nope. I sliced right through him, then turned my attention to the other demons and undead losers hanging around. Let's just say, it was a full-on massacre, if you can even call it that. So, there I am, standing tall amidst the wreckage of the enemies I'd just laid to rest, when Arkhenika, the real-life dominatrix demon, starts strolling my way. You can practically hear her whip cracking through the air as she approaches, all smug and chuckling. "Fool!" she taunts, "You think you can waltz in here and waltz right back out alive?"

Well, I wasn't about to let her rain on my parade. "Yeah, kinda figured I'd give it a shot. Why, you got a problem with that?" I quip back, casually chomping on a bar of chocolate to give my magical mojo a boost.

She rolls her eyes and gets all snooty, "Don't get ahead of yourself, little upstart. You might not have a clue about what's coming your way."

And with that dramatic entrance, she whips her weapon my way. But guess what? I pull a move straight out of the dodge playbook and manage to sidestep her attack. Quick as a flash, I dart behind her. Now, let me tell you, her reaction? Priceless. She's all wide-eyed and befuddled when she realizes I've popped up behind her. Without wasting a moment, she swings her whip again, aiming to put me in my place. But did she catch me? Nah, I ducked, and then I did something even cooler – I grabbed her wrists and held on tight, making her drop her precious whip. She let out this pained groan and looked straight-up terrified when she saw me staring her down.

So, here's the funny part – she starts throwing punches and kicks at me like she's in some sort of kung fu movie. But guess what? She's missing every single shot. And then, out of nowhere, I give her a little push, and suddenly she's pressed up against the wall. She tries to sound tough, all like, "So what's your big plan now, human?" And that's when I decide to throw a curveball her way.

"Baby," I say with a smirk, "when I'm done with you."

Naturally, she's confused as heck. "What?" she retorts, eyebrow raised in question.

And that's when I drop the bomb. "Well, I promise you, it's a blast you'll feel deep in your chest – bang, bang! It's like a gunslinger's boomstick going off."

Let me tell you, she was completely lost at that point, probably thinking I'd gone off the deep end. But hey, a little mind game never hurt anyone, right? Okay, hold onto your hats, 'cause here's where things get spicy. So, picture this: I'm locked in this intense battle of wits with Arkhenika, that sultry demon chick, right? And then, out of nowhere, the vibe changes, the tension skyrockets, and before I know it, we're locking lips like there's no tomorrow. Yeah, you heard me – I made out with a bona fide demon hottie. Judge me all you want, but trust me, it's a story I'm gonna be bragging about for years. No regrets here, my friend. Haha!

Surprisingly, it wasn't half bad. I mean, it's not every day you find someone with horns sprouting out of their head. Call me crazy, but I found it kinda exotic. And come on, you know you chuckled at that "horny" pun. Haha!

So, there we are, swapping spit and all that. But then things take a wild turn. I get all fired up, almost ripping her leather getup off in the heat of the moment. And before she can even realize what's going on, I'm sinking my teeth into her neck, just a little bit, to taste that sweet, sweet demon blood. And let me tell you, she's into it. She moans a bit, and that just adds fuel to the fire.

But here's the kicker: after sipping on her blood, I whisper the magical word "Libidineae," which happens to be her real demon name. It's like some sort of supernatural binding contract. I tell her straight up, "You're under my command now. You'll do whatever I say, protect me, and keep me safe from harm." And as I say those words, I light up this Pink Candle of Erotica I've got in my other hand. Yeah, I know, things are getting kinky up in here.

And her reaction? Classic. She cracks up, shaking her head like she's caught on to my little trick. "Oh, I see what you did there," she chuckles. "Guess I don't have much of a choice, huh? That binding spell's like super glue. From now on, I'm your loyal sidekick, bound by this little contract until the clock strikes on your grand exit."

Just to paint the full picture, we're both still catching our breath as we sit there, all disheveled in the underground prison. She's zipping up her leather getup and making herself presentable, and I'm just standing there like, "Well, that escalated quickly."

And just like that, we stroll out of that dank prison and out of the creepy castle. Talk about a day you won't find in any travel brochure, am I right? Alright, let's keep the adventure rolling, shall we? So, there we were, marching toward the Geistkonigstadt chivalry like a couple of badasses on a mission. And let me tell you, those monsters that dared cross our path? They didn't even stand a chance against Arkhenika's whip-wielding fury. Seriously, watching her in action, I couldn't help but think, "I might just want to keep her around forever." Haha!

And then, we step into The Geistkonigstadt Chivalry – the old HQ of the knights from back when Geistkonigstadt was still Avalon's capital. But nowadays, all you'll find are these vengeful undead knights that once called it home sweet home.

So there we are, standing in the courtyard, and Arkhenika's all curious, like, "Where are we headed, oh mighty Einherjar?" Yep, turns out she knows my gig. She thought I was just a random troublemaker, but here I am, on a demon-slaying mission assigned by my big boss up in Valhalla. Talk about a plot twist, right?

And speaking of plot twists, Arkhenika isn't your run-of-the-mill demon chick. Nope, she's a spellbound demon, bound by some mystical forces to do my bidding. And she's not too thrilled about it, lemme tell ya. She gives me that killer side-eye and goes, "Hope you're not here to kick the bucket, 'cause I ain't ready to peace out from Midgard just yet. Not gonna let my stay be cut short just to head back to Muspelheim, capisce?"

Me, being the cocky dude I am, I'm all like, "Watch and learn, my fiery friend." You know, just casually resting my hands behind my head like I'm about to show off some superhero moves. She rolls her eyes and lets out a sigh, probably thinking, "Great, another one of those types."

As we press on and reach the main chamber, guess what? A swarm of Burgwachter – these nasty demon creatures – start swarming our way. But don't sweat it, 'cause I've got my trusty bow and a whole stash of silver arrows ready to roll. So there I am, strafing around like a boss, taking those baddies down one by one. And let me tell you, it's like a dance of destruction, arrows flying, monsters falling – all while Arkhenika's cracking her whip and having a good ol' time. It's chaos, it's thrilling, and it's just another day in the life of a demon-slaying, charm-casting badass. Alright, let's dive into the realm of cursed spirits and armor-clad undead, shall we? So, picture this – a Burgwachter. What's a Burgwachter, you ask? Well, it's like this cursed soul stuck inside a suit of armor. Used to be a noble castle guard, all gung-ho about protecting its fortress from enemies. These guys were the pride of Geistkonigstadt, once upon a time.

But then, the curse hit the fan, and most of these brave Burgwachters turned into some weird, twisted versions of their former selves – kinda like lesser demons. When Geistkonigstadt got besieged, those once-proud castle soldiers? Yeah, they bit the dust, all of 'em. But guess what? The curse didn't go poof with them. Nope, their souls got tangled up with their armor, and they're now stuck in this eternal torment gig.

Sure, you can take 'em down, slice 'em up, smash their armor – but guess what? They're like those pesky weeds in your garden, always coming back for more. Death doesn't stop these guys; they just reanimate and keep on haunting. And let me tell you, even though they're cursed and technically dead, these Burgwachters still got some serious castle-protecting mojo going on. Loyalty's forever, even after kicking the bucket.

And then there are the Burgwachter Archers. Think cursed armor again, but this time with a bow in hand. These bad boys used to be part of the castle guard too, only they were the sharpshooters of the crew. So when you see these armored dudes aiming at you with a bow, you better duck and weave – 'cause they're not aiming for a friendly game of archery practice.

Oh, but hold on, there's more. Get ready for the Hubschburgs. Picture this – souls of once-mighty Cavaliers trapped in armor. These guys used to ride into battle like total badasses. And guess what? They were actually part of the Geistkonigstadt Chivalry back when the place was alive and kicking. Unfortunately, the Witch of Endor swung by and cursed the whole gang, turning them into undead knights.

So here I am, in this armor-filled ghostly showdown. But I gotta say, thank Odin for Arkhenika – she's got my back, whipping her way through the left flank while I'm slicing and dicing on the right. It's a dance of destruction, and I'm starting to feel like a silver arrow-firing, demon-destroying hero.

But hold up, things are about to get crazier. Out of nowhere, thirty Dark Knights and their demonic steeds storm the scene. Yeah, you heard me right – we've got a whole cavalry of spooky knights on hellish horses, and they're not here for tea and crumpets. So there I am, silver arrows dwindling, but with Arkhenika by my side, it's time to take on this new wave of chaos. Hold onto your seat, because things are about to get even wilder. Dark Knights, also known as the Knights of Hel – now those are some seriously sinister dudes. They used to be knights sworn to serve the legendary maze's owner. And let me tell you, they're the type you don't want to cross paths with. Ruthless and mighty, they're a force to be reckoned with.

Here's the kicker – these Knights of Hel weren't always in the business of causing mayhem. Once upon a time, they were part of the Blanc Chevalier cavalry knightage, those brave souls from the Geistkonigstadt Chivalry. But that was all before the Witch of Endor got her cursed hands on them. Yeah, she turned them into these undead, spectral knights riding on the coattails of chaos.

So picture this: as these relentless Dark Knights charge at us, I channel my ghostly magic and dive right into the thick of it. With Arkhenika right beside me, we're a whirlwind of destruction. I'm hacking and slashing my way through the front lines, while she's circling around for surprise attacks from behind. And let me tell you, my moves are on point – I manage to take down three of those knights with a single, epic swipe of my weapon.

We're like a dynamic duo, taking down these sinister knights like it's a dance routine. But hey, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Another batch of these undead knights is about to crash the party, and that's our cue to wrap things up. Lucky for us, that's the last wave, and we clear them out before reinforcements can join the fray.

Finally, we step into the main chamber of the Geistkonigstadt Chivalry, and there it is – Brute Juggernaut, front and center. He's just been hanging around, looking at a wall like it's a piece of art. But the moment he spots us, he shifts his gaze and prepares for a showdown. Let's just say it's about to get up close and personal with Brute Juggernaut, and I'm ready to show this demon who's boss. Alright, here's where things really get twisted. Brute Juggernaut? Yeah, he used to be a Mage Baron named Renault. Back in the day, he was the badass who stood guard over the Soul of Ymir, that precious artifact chilling in Geistkonigstadt Castle. He had one heck of a showdown with the Witch of Endor, a wicked necromancer who wanted that artifact real bad. And let me tell you, he held his ground like a champ. But in the end, even his impressive magical mojo couldn't stand up to her sorcery.

Now, the Witch of Endor wasn't just gonna let him off easy for putting up a fight. Oh no, she's got a flair for the dramatic. She decided to make Renault's life a living nightmare. She unleashed her magic on him, twisted him up like a pretzel, and turned him into a monstrous abomination she aptly named Brute Juggernaut. Talk about cruel and unusual punishment, right?

But here's the kicker: even as this horrifying Brute Juggernaut, Renault's mind was still intact. He fought against the control the witch had over him, struggling not to attack his commander Hendrixon and the folks who were hanging with him. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain, and he fell under the wicked witch's spell. And guess what? He came charging at us with all the speed he could muster, nearly taking me out in the process.

Arkhenika, that whip-wielding demon sidekick of mine, was on point. She dodged his attack like a pro, using her whip to trip him up. And me? I did a pretty sweet somersault in the air and plunged my sword right into his back. Talk about teamwork, right?

He tried to grab me from behind, but my final blow knocked him flat on his face. Just to be sure, I sliced off his freaky eye-heads and even took his right hand as a souvenir. Yeah, call me crazy, but it's not every day you get to bag a monster like Brute Juggernaut. Gotta have something to remember it by, right? I mean, he wasn't exactly wearing a snazzy jacket I could borrow.

Arkhenika, though? She wasn't exactly thrilled with my souvenir collecting. "Seriously? You're keeping that as a trophy?" she quipped, giving me that raised eyebrow.

"Hey, gotta have a memento of the occasion," I said with a grin, as I magically wrapped up the severed arm and tucked it into my satchel. Waste not, want not, I always say.

Arkhenika rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, but she couldn't hide that smirk. "Humans. You just keep getting stranger."

I winked at her and slapped her butt playfully. "That's what keeps life interesting. Now come on, let's get out of this creepy castle."

She let out a small laugh and followed me, shaking her head. "You're incorrigible."

As we headed out of that eerie place, I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. Adventures like this? They're the reason I'm in this gig. And hey, maybe that arm will make for a good conversation starter back at the tavern. Who knows? Life's full of surprises, and I'm here for every wild moment of it. So, we took a stroll over to The Geistkonigstadt Abbey. Back in the day, this place was like the epicenter of Odin worship in Geistheim. People from all around would gather here to pay their respects to the Allfather. And you know what else they did? They buried their departed right in the abbey's graveyard, thinking it was a peaceful final resting place. Oh, how wrong they were.

That graveyard? It's like a buffet for the undead and all sorts of creepy demonic entities. Picture this: wraiths, zombies, and dark Presbyters – they're all there, just having a grand old time. But hey, who am I to judge? I had a stash of silver arrows left, so I put them to good use, turning these nasties into puffs of dark smoke. Silver, as it turns out, is like their kryptonite.

Arkhenika shot me a curious look. "Alright, spill it. Why are we hanging around this gloomy abbey?"

"We're here to give Februus Pithus a one-way ticket to destruction," I explained. "This little demon was like the root cause of all the chaos that went down when the Witch of Endor played her wicked tune and turned Geistheim into a carnival of the cursed. It's what tipped the scales, turning those Hubschburg and Blanc Chevalier knight dudes into those undead nightmares you see haunting the place."

"Interesting," she said, nodding. "So, where's this Februus Pithus hiding?"

"Well, turns out it's still hanging around in this abbey. Time to send it packing."

We pushed our way through the main entrance of the abbey, and what do you know? The welcoming committee was out in full force. Demons of all shapes and sizes, plus a handful of undead nasties, were practically throwing a party just for us. Banshees, wraiths, you name it – they were all itching for a fight. But Arkhenika and I weren't about to disappoint.

Arrows and whips were flying in every direction. Banshees wailed, wraiths swooped, and a whole bunch of other creepy crawlies thought they could take us down. But oh boy, were they in for a surprise. We tag-teamed like champs, dishing out destruction like it was nobody's business.

With every enemy turned to ash, we continued deeper into the abbey. Februus Pithus was the final act of this haunted carnival, and we were the ones here to shut it down. Dark corridors stretched ahead, and our swords were hungry for action. This demon was gonna learn that Geistheim's darkest days were over, and it was time to clear out. And wouldn't you know it, I spotted those flamboyant Cursed Bishops – you know, the ones that used to strut their stuff around the Geistkonigstadt Church Yard and the whole Geistheim region? These guys are all about the drama. They've got this floating spellbook that's practically crackling with dark energy, and they're just itching to rain misery down on adventurers like me. You might be wondering, what's their story?

Well, gather 'round, because these fellas were once top-tier Archbishops. They were the holy big shots, rubbing shoulders with the cream of the clergy crop. But then, a nasty curse swept in and transformed them into some of the undead nasties you see today. And let me tell you, they didn't exactly go quietly into that undead night.

You see, these Archbishops used to have a pretty cozy relationship with the King of Geistheim, who's now known as the not-so-friendly Evil Lord Czernobog. Yeah, talk about a fall from grace. Those very Presbyters who were all about spreading the good word ended up getting tangled in some dark magic shenanigans. Rumor has it they were up to no good, dabbling in summoning rituals to bring the Evil Lord Czernobog – oh, and let's not forget, it was all in the name of snatching a ticket to immortality. Classic evil overlord goals, you know?

Well, guess what? Their little plan didn't exactly go off without a hitch. In fact, it turned into an all-out disaster. The whole escapade ended up throwing a curse curveball that twisted these once-upstanding Presbyters into the Cursed Bishops they are now. And let's be clear, these guys used to be pretty powerful. Think Archbishops turned dark side.

So, what are they up to now? Well, some of these undead ecclesiastics are still hanging onto a smidge of their former selves. They're not your typical mindless zombies; they've got a tad of their old consciousness kicking around. And what do you think they're looking for? A way to break the curse and finally put an end to their undead misadventures. Makes you wonder if redemption is on the table for even the most wicked of souls, doesn't it? And then, ladies and gents, the moment of truth arrived – the grand revelation behind all this chaos. Picture this: there it was, right before our eyes, the very thing that set this whole mess in motion. Yup, I'm talking about none other than the Februus Pithus. No, it's not some exotic dish you'd find in a fancy restaurant; it's the source of all the trouble in this cursed place.

So, there we were, still catching our breath after giving those Cursed Bishops a run for their money. And just as we were soaking in the eerie atmosphere of the abbey's main chamber, the Februus Pithus comes hurtling down from the balcony, making a grand entrance like it's auditioning for a demon talent show.

Naturally, I didn't wait around for introductions. I sprang into action, diving out of the way as this monstrous thing lunged at us. Arkhenika, being the smart cookie she is, somersaulted her way to safety. Teamwork, right?

Now, remember, this Februus Pithus ain't your friendly neighborhood pet. It's a creature from the nether regions, a real abomination, and it was out for blood. But we weren't about to let that happen. While Arkhenika unleashed a fiery barrage on the beast, I charged headfirst, my sword singing through the air.

And let me tell you, folks, it was a showdown for the ages. I didn't hold back – I danced around its gnashing teeth, hopped onto its lower chompers, and sliced clean through its head with a gravity-defying somersault. And let's not forget Arkhenika, raining down fire like she's putting on her own pyrotechnic show.

After it was all said and done, the creature was a smoldering mess from Arkhenika's inferno. I, ever the collector of the macabre, grabbed one of its crystalloid teeth and popped it into my trusty satchel. Arkhenika, ever the voice of reason, just raised an eyebrow and sighed, her arms crossed in disbelief.

And so, with our trophy in hand, we made our way out of that cursed abbey, back into the heart of the city's ruins. It was the perfect time to dive into the history of this place, so I turned to Arkhenika – who, by the way, had been around these parts for quite some time – and asked her to spill the beans on what went down here ages ago. Plus, I wanted all the juicy details about the Evil Lord Czernobog's origins, considering she was practically an eyewitness to the whole thing.

Ah, gather 'round, my friends, for a tale from the ancient annals of history. Let me paint you a picture of Geistheim – once a thriving kingdom that expanded its borders far and wide, brushing elbows with the Elf kingdom Gefjun. Back in the day, they were like the cool kids on the diplomatic block, chatting up the Elves, who were basically the veterans of this whole existence thing.

But hold on to your enchanted hats, because here's where it gets juicy. The King of Geistheim, in all his ambition, had his eyes locked on Ymir's Soul, a treasure guarded by those Elf folks and tied to their magical mojo. He wanted it, real bad. So, he tried all the persuasive tricks in the book, from charming words to desperate pleas. But when the Elves played hard to get, he decided, "Well, why not declare war, huh?"

War it was, my friends, and let me tell you, it was a real slugfest. Lives were lost on both sides, and while the Elves seemed to have the upper hand with their ancient magic, the humans were no slouches themselves. Slowly but surely, they upped their magical game until they managed to swipe Ymir's Soul right out from under the Elves' pointy noses, hiding it away in the fortress of Geistkonigstadt. But hey, the Elves weren't about to give up their magical mojo so easily – the war raged on for years, claiming more lives and tears than you could shake a magical staff at.

Now, you might be wondering about a certain Faceless Wanderer, a swordsman from Aigleterre who found love in the most unexpected place – the arms of an elven maiden. Oh, the drama! The guy fell so hard that he chucked his entire race aside, and in return, the Geistheim mages went all curse-happy on him, leaving him wandering this world as an eternal outcast. Talk about harsh! And wouldn't you know it, he got caught up in some dark and occult stuff, messing around with Ymir's Soul and this fancy Emerald of Titania, all in a bid for power. But his soul took a nosedive into the abyss, and that's when the Evil Lord Czernobog pulled a body-swap with him. Bad move, bro.

But wait, there's more! In strolls the Witch of Endor, this necromancer who's just as power-hungry as a kid in a candy store. She saw the chaos of the ongoing war as the perfect cover to break into the human's castle, nab Ymir's Soul, and then some. The only problem? Her meddling opened a portal to the abyss, basically giving Czernobog an all-access pass to this world. So, you can guess what happened next – kingdom obliteration mode activated.

And that, my dear listeners, was the swan song of Geistheim. The once-proud kingdom was reduced to rubble, survivors scattered to the winds. Some humans made tracks for Albion and Brythonia, while the last-standing Elves pitched their tents in Londinium, teaching humans their magical bag of tricks, birthing the Mage class as we know it today. So, there you have it, the rise, fall, and everything in-between of Geistheim, wrapped up with a good ol' dose of drama, magic, and the kind of history that's stranger than fiction.

You know what, as I wandered through these crumbling ruins, my boredom was hitting peak levels. So, I decided to hit Arkhenika with the big question: "Alright, spill the beans on Evil Lord Czernobog. How did that dark dude come to be?"

She glanced at me as I twirled my fancy assortment of daggers – you know, Damascus, Gladius, Stiletto – like a circus act gone rogue. Anyway, she dove into the tale like a bard at a tavern, and here's the scoop.

Evil Lord Czernobog is like a bigwig in the demon club, one of the big cheese Demon Kings, if you will. Now, the grapevine claims that he's a tad weaker when he pops into the mortal realm – you know, Earth and all that. But don't let that fool you, 'cause he's still a heavyweight that adventurers don't mess with.

So here's the real kicker. Evil Lord Czernobog's whole gig is darkness and evil, right? But the catch is, Midgard – our realm – is like a total buzzkill for him. See, the life force here clashes with his whole dark mojo, siphoning off a chunk of his power whenever he tries to come hang out. Imagine trying to throw a wicked party but getting hit with a bunch of rainclouds – that's pretty much Czernobog's predicament.

But wait, there's a twist. He's not one to just sit back and mope. Instead, he whips up these manifestations of himself – you know, like clones that pack a punch – using just a fraction of his full power. And trust me, even a fraction of Czernobog is a force to reckon with. If he's trying to crash the party, you better be ready for some serious fireworks.

Now, you might be wondering about Niflheim. It's like this other realm, a kind of playground where Evil Lord Czernobog can unleash his dark side with zero resistance. But here's the kicker: he can't just waltz in like it's a picnic. Nope, he needs a good old summoning to make it happen.

So, the bottom line? If he ever cracks the Niflheim code, he'll strut into Midgard like he owns the place, full powers intact, and let loose the apocalypse. Yeah, it's basically like handing a pyromaniac a flamethrower and setting him loose in a fireworks factory.

So there you have it, Evil Lord Czernobog's life story in a nutshell – a dark, dramatic, and demon-infested nutshell.

Got it, the puzzle pieces are falling into place now. Turns out those silver arrows I got from the Valkyrie are like my secret weapon against Evil Lord Czernobog's party-crashing game. They're supposed to put a lid on his whole manifestation gig, just like a lid on a pickle jar. Faunus Ubelziege, anyone?

I mean, honestly, I wasn't exactly pumped to do this whole arrow-shooting-and-spell-chanting gig. It's like being forced to do algebra when all you want is to binge-watch your favorite show. But hey, when the fate of the realm is on the line, you gotta step up, right?

As we strolled towards the heart of the action, this ominous dark cloud of evil materialized in front of us. I could practically hear the dramatic music in the background. Arkhenika didn't waste a moment, throwing herself into battle mode like a total pro.

"The Evil Lord Czernobog on the scene! Brace yourself, 'cause he's bringing in a whole circus of demonic illusions!" Arkhenika shouted, her eyes ablaze and her magic ready to rumble.

Honestly, the timing couldn't have been worse. I was mentally prepared to be binge-watching a show with a big bowl of popcorn, not duking it out with illusions from the depths of darkness. But hey, that's the life of a hero, right? So, with a resigned sigh and my weapons at the ready, I got ready to tango with whatever this evil lord had cooked up for us. It's showtime, folks!

So, picture this: a whole bunch of those sneaky demonic illusions swooped in to mess with us. Quick as a flash, I whipped out my trusty sword, Gramr, and channeled my ghostly magic mojo. Those illusions thought they had me when they lunged, but I pulled a slick move, phasing right through them and chopping off their illusionary heads. You should've seen the look on their faces – oh wait, they don't have faces, do they?

As for Arkhenika, she was like a one-woman demon-bashing machine. She took care of the other baddies, no sweat. Meanwhile, five more of those illusions thought they could gang up on me. Big mistake. I used some ninja-level speed to slice right through the middle one. And let's not forget my berserker-powered Gramr – with one swing, I took out three more illusions. Poof, gone.

I didn't waste any time – I dashed straight for the Evil Lord Czernobog. Before he could even unleash his fiery mayhem, I gave him a hearty smack with my sword. Right through the heart, the one that's about as black as my morning coffee. Trust me, the guy wailed like a banshee in a blender. But hey, I wasn't done yet.

No time for a coffee break, I unstrapped my bracelet and transformed into Artemis Bow mode. Just like that, I'm raining down silver arrows like a pro archer. And guess who's the target? You got it, our buddy Evil Lord C. He's on the ground now, thanks to my killer aim.

Time for the grand finale: Arkhenika called forth this fiery circle thingy, like something out of a magic show. We're about to throw down some serious binding spell action. Me? I took this magical concoction and mashed it right on Evil Lord C's forehead. Boom, a blast of magic hit us, and suddenly, the dude's still there, but he's more like a ghostly version of his former demonic self.

And that's how you deal with nefarious illusions and seal the deal with a binding ritual. Epic, right?

"Well, I guess that's a wrap. Look at him – that ghostly version of Evil Lord Czernobog is so weak, it can't even harm a fly. It's probably just gonna go all ghost and pass through anything that crosses its path. And the best part? Because we've got it all tied down here, no more summoning for our pal Evil Lord C," I said, giving that apparition a smug grin.

Arkhenika was staring at the ghostly sight, shaking her head in disbelief. "Who would've thought a human could outsmart the Evil Lord Czernobog?" she mused.

I couldn't help but smirk. "Well, remember how I took down one of Faunus Ubelziege's manifestations back in the Concealed Templar?" I shot back. The fact that I managed that feat was still sinking in for both of us.

Arkhenika's attention snapped back to me, and boy, she was surprised. "Oh, so you're not just a run-of-the-mill human, huh?" she quipped.

Casually, I replied, "Nah, not exactly. I mean, you're pretty sexy... and those horns? Quite the exotic touch."

Now, that got her. Arkhenika threw her hands up in exasperation. "So, I'm bound to you because you find me sexy? Is that what you're saying?"

I tried to play it off. "Hey, not just for that! I mean, don't make a scene – other demons might hear you and laugh."

As if on cue, the Evil Lord Czernobog kept trying to reach out to us, only to go all phasing-through-the-body mode. Meanwhile, some lesser demons were watching, and you could practically hear their giggles.

Arkhenika sighed and relented. "Fine, whatever. Can't be worse than it already is. You're stuck with me, and I'm stuck with you."

I shrugged, ready to move on. "Works for me. Let's hit the road."

Just as we were about to skedaddle towards the eastern exit, Arkhenika hit me with a question. "By the way, what's your name? I've been doing your bidding without even knowing who I'm serving."

Right around then, we bumped into someone familiar – Yzzy the Wizard, now rocking the sorceress look, came strolling up to us.

"Oh, it's Rasleigh!" Yzzy exclaimed when she saw me, her eyes widening at the sight of Arkhenika.

With a nod, I introduced myself to Arkhenika, "Yep, that's me, Rasleigh. Now you know."

As Yzzy came closer, she stopped short. "Hold up, is that... Arkhenika?" she asked, clearly shocked by what was standing right in front of her. Arkhenika didn't seem too bothered though – she was just nonchalantly tending to her nails.

"Yup, you got it right. We first bumped into each other down in that underground prison beneath the Geistkonigstadt castle. Let's just say it wasn't exactly love at first sight – more like, she's bound to me," I quipped with a chuckle.

Yzzy looked intrigued, her gaze sharp. "Well, you must be quite the experienced adventurer to have someone spellbound to you."

I grinned, not missing a beat. "Rasleigh Chasewalker, that's me. But seriously, what brings you here?"

She leaned in, revealing her purpose. "I'm actually here with a colleague. He's chilling outside the Geistkonigstadt castle, cooking up a spell that's like a conscious time-travel thing. He picked this spot to dive into the history of the place."

I scratched my head, genuinely interested. "Oh, that's intriguing. I'm totally down to give that a whirl. I mean, I've got to see firsthand what exactly went down here centuries ago, right?"

"Sure thing, let's head over," she said, and we started making our way back to the castle. And lo and behold, there was Eliot. I walked up to him, introduced myself, and immediately inquired if he needed a hand.

Eliot looked relieved. "Actually, yeah, I could use some help. I'm trying to figure out this time-gap spell – the one that lets you experience the past. And I need someone brave enough to give it a shot."

I raised an eyebrow. "And that someone could be me, huh?"

He grinned. "Exactly. We're talking about rewriting history, here. You could potentially be the first time traveler in Midgard's story. No pressure."

With a laugh, I gave him a thumbs-up. "Sounds like a blast. Let's do it!"

So, Eliot and I stepped into this protective circle, making sure we were shielded from any threats that might decide to crash our little party inside Geistkonigstadt. He got to work with the whole setup, and I found myself sprawled out – kind of comfy, actually. Meanwhile, I asked Arkhenika to keep watch outside, ready to jump into action and zap anything that looked remotely threatening. Her enthusiasm for demon-duty was palpable, to say the least.

Eliot worked his magic – quite literally – and I suddenly found myself transported to the second floor of Old Geistkonigstadt. It was like stepping into history itself. And boy, did things get juicy real fast.

Right there, in the midst of the past, I witnessed this guardsmen leader – who I suspected was a Burgwachter – chatting it up with none other than Vargaux. They were in a hush-hush conversation, and from the looks of it, they were discussing some impending doom courtesy of a Dark Sorceress known as the Witch of Endor. Intrigue level up a notch, for sure. I was finally getting a front-row seat to meet this mysterious witch.

Post-chat, the guardsmen leader made a beeline north, probably on Burgwachter business. Next stop? A tête-à-tête with none other than Hendrixon. Things were getting even spicier, as I eavesdropped on their little pow-wow. The suspense was killer, let me tell you. The Valkyrie was inquiring about the king – oh yeah, we're talking Tsarbatusain. But Hendrixon had a little game of his own, and he spun a web of lies, saying the king was away on official king-stuff. Yeah, right. Truth was, ol' Tsarbatusain was chilling up there in a tower room, Gregor-style – basically locked up tight. The plot was thickening like day-old porridge.

But hold up, the Witch of Endor had a few tricks up her sleeve, and she was about to pull them out like a seasoned magician. Little did anyone know, she was about to unleash a curse of epic proportions right upon the unsuspecting people of Geistheim. And guess who was lending her a helping hand in this fiendish endeavor? The good ol' Februus Pithus – quite the sinister sidekick, I'd say.

Now, what really caught my eye was the fact that she had this nifty little item tucked into her waist – none other than Hel's Dagger. Sounds menacing, right? Well, it's a weapon that's the definition of unique. Not only can it shape-shift into a sleek sword called the Ghost Sabre, but it's got a nasty little surprise waiting for anyone on the receiving end. It dishes out a potent poison that's like the slowest, most twisted countdown clock you can imagine. Oh, and here's the kicker – there's no cure for it, unless you happen to sport the uber-rare Ring of Eir. This piece of bling is like the antidote to this messed-up poison party, and wouldn't you know it, the Witch of Endor has it on lock. She's the VIP guest, the only one with the power to reverse the poison she doles out and restore her victims to their former, non-undead glory. It's like a messed-up game of poison ping-pong, and she's holding the ultimate paddle. Alright, let's paint this scene like a twisted tableau of chaos and mayhem. So, right after that intense heart-to-heart, it's like a demonic parade suddenly marches onto the stage. Dark Knights, Hubschburgs, and all their nightmarish cousins start popping up like some seriously bad party guests. Remember those Blanc Chevaliers and Hubschburg Cavaliers? Yeah, they've had a sinister makeover care of the Witch of Endor, and now they're all demonic and undead, strutting their unholy stuff.

But hold up, here comes the cavalry, or should I say, Hendrixon with his one-man demon-slaying show. The dude makes quick work of those fiends in the royal chamber, like swatting flies with a really big sword. And just when you thought he was done, he teams up with Vargaux and a trusty Burgwachter to go on a survivor rescue mission. Classic hero stuff, right?

Now, while those guys were doing their hero thing, our Burgwachter buddy takes a detour to the west wing. And let me tell you, it's like a party from hell over there – Ghouls, Zombies, Wraiths, you name it, they're all having a fiesta. But this guard's no party-pooper; he shows them who's boss, clears the whole wing, and then heads out to find those who need saving.

Meanwhile, Tracker extraordinaire Eris Francine takes the lead, rounding up a motley crew of survivors. They all head to the central hall, where things get real tactical. Eris has a chat with a fellow guard and gives the orders to hit the east wing, like a general orchestrating an undead cleanup operation. And oh boy, this team means business – a sniper, a couple of Baronets, a Sorcerer, and even an Archbishop. Talk about a dream team for demon dismantling.

But wait, there's more! They meet this master smith dude at the eastern stairs. He's got some golden advice for them – head to the northeast, where the enemy forces are throwing a full-blown monster mash. And guess who's ready to join the party? You guessed it, yours truly, trailing right behind Eris, because let's be real, following that Burgwachter guy is like watching paint dry. Time for a monster smackdown! So, they roll up on the eastern side of the castle, and guess what? It's like a twisted horror show set up there. Decomposed Bodies are scattered around like sinister traps, just waiting for someone to get too close. Classic villain move, right? But our team's got some serious street smarts. One of those Baronets inches a little too close to one of these "dead" bodies, and bam! It's like a scene from a bad fantasy movie – Death Bugs start swarming in. Quick reflexes and mad skills take care of those creepy crawlies in no time.

Now, on to the north area – it's like demon central up there. The place is crawling with ex-Burgwachters turned into these nasty demon creatures, and to top it off, you've got Burgwachter Archers taking shots from the sidelines. But this dream team of heroes isn't just there to sightsee, oh no. They wipe out those demons faster than you can say "fireball."

And finally, the big showdown in the central north area. Picture this: Witch of Endor herself, having a casual chat with Vargaux and Hendrixon like they're sipping tea at a demonic tea party. But hold up, this isn't Alice in Wonderland; it's more like "Welcome to my evil lair!" And just when things are getting all kinds of tense, she does a magical vanishing act, like "poof, I'm outta here."

But here's where it gets real interesting – our girl Eris Francine whips out a sword, and let me tell you, that thing's got history. It's glowing like a Christmas tree, and I'm thinking, "Wait a minute, is that Gramr?" Holy plot twist, Batman! This legendary sword's been passed around more than the flu at a medieval fair. Who knew, right? The saga of a sword, coming to a theater near you! Alright, let's set the stage here. The main crew – we're talking Eris Francine, the unstoppable sword-wielding Tracker, and her tag team partners – not one, but two badass Lord Paladins, a wild Gypsy, and a Jester who's probably cracking jokes while kicking demon butt. It's like a fantasy Avengers team-up, and they're all ready to rock and roll.

So, Eris goes in swinging with this epic attack called the Hephaestus Arrow, and her Paladin pals? They're no slouches either. They're pulling off some heavy-duty spells, sacrificing their own power to boost Eris's attack. It's like a mystical combo move straight out of a video game. After a hardcore battle that's pushing almost an hour, they finally take down the Februus Pithus – but here's the kicker: it's a bit of a "too little, too late" situation. Geistheim's already been turned into a freaky monster mash of demons, undead, and all things spooky.

So, they're all like, "What now, Vargaux?" and he's the guy with the plan. He's all, "North wing, people, let's move!" And off they go, heading into this wide hall that's like something out of a medieval blockbuster movie. Hendrixon and Vargaux are having a pow-wow, probably discussing strategies or the latest fantasy gossip – who knows? But here's the twist: a door magically opens in the west corridor. Yeah, like a "let's go explore this ominous-looking door" kind of situation.

Behind that door? Dark Knights and Blood-Stained Cavaliers, ready to throw down. But our heroes aren't backing down. They charge in like they've just been waiting for this moment, and it's an all-out demon brawl. Swords are clashing, spells are flying, and it's like a symphony of chaos. And guess what? The demons don't stand a chance. Our heroes clean house faster than a tavern wench clearing out empty mugs after last call. With the demons in the hall totally wiped out – I mean, these guys are like a fantasy SWAT team, no joke – the Archbishop in their crew gets that spine-tingling feeling that only comes when a serious evil presence is nearby. It's like a sixth sense tingling down their magical robes. So, what happens next? Plot twist time! A door on the east side of the hall just casually creaks open, and out steps the big bad himself, the Lieutenant of Havoc. Yeah, he's all confident, taunting them to come at him like it's some kind of demonic playground.

But here's the kicker – and it's a big one. Before this demon dude even knows what's happening, Eris, our resident sword-wielding dynamo, charges at him like she's on a mission. And guess what? She lands a hit so powerful that it's like she's slicing through butter – bam, this Lieutenant of Havoc guy is sliced clean in half. The rest of the gang just stares at her in a mix of shock and awe, and I'm over here thinking, "Hey, Eris, maybe we should team up sometime for a tag-team speed slicing competition."

So, they move on, marching towards the east door using the central bridge, like a bunch of fantasy commandos on a mission. And guess what? Just like on the west side, they face whatever demons are lurking there, including the Colonel of Mayhem – and guess who gets to decapitate its head? Yep, you guessed it – Eris. She's like the queen of beheading demons today. After that wild showdown, a door up north opens up like an invitation to a demon-fighting party. Time for round three, baby! Alright, so picture this: our brave team of fantasy warriors marches right through that north door, probably shaking off a few cobwebs and making sure their armor is extra shiny for the showdown ahead. As they head northward, they pass some of those lovely Decomposed Bodies – because what's a demon-infested castle without a little creepy décor, right?

But wait, there's a twist coming – and trust me, it's a juicy one. As they keep moving along, Hendrixon, who's got the courage of a hundred medieval lions, charges right at the Witch of Endor. He's all like, "Hey, remember me? We've got unfinished business!" And let me tell you, things get real interesting real quick.

Just when they think they've seen it all, there's this floating body hovering around – the last survivor of Geistkonigstadt castle, no less. But hold onto your helmets, because guess what? That body's not just floating for the fun of it. Oh no, the Witch of Endor decides to work her dark magic and bam, that survivor becomes Brute Juggernaut, a seriously gnarly demon-monster combo.

And so the battle commences, swords clashing, magic flying – the whole nine yards. Sadly, this fight turns out to be pretty darn intense, and they lose a Baronet, both Lord Paladins, and even the master smith. Tough times, right? But the rest of the gang isn't about to let their comrades' sacrifices be in vain. They clean house, making sure every last demon is toast.

And guess what Eris does? She doesn't just settle for defeating Brute Juggernaut – oh no, she pulls a boss move and snatches Gramr right from its dead body. Like, talk about a souvenir that packs a punch, right? So yeah, that's how the cookie crumbles (or should I say, how the demon slices) in this epic tale of castle conquering and bad guy bashing. So, there they are, standing around the fallen Brute Juggernaut, and Vargaux – the tough, battle-hardened warrior – he kind of pays his respects in his own way. He walks up to the monster's lifeless body and murmurs, "Renault... you were a damn good guy and a loyal soldier." It's that moment when you realize there's more to this tale than just swinging swords and casting spells.

Eris, on the other hand, isn't one for a lot of words. She doesn't give a big speech or anything. Nope, she just watches as the Witch of Endor escapes from her floating fortress thingy up in the sky. Talk about a getaway vehicle that's both wicked and wickedly convenient. And you know what the witch is after? One of the Soul of Ymir fragments – sounds pretty powerful and mysterious, right?

Hold onto your helmets, though, because just when things seem to be winding down, a dark wave of energy sweeps through the castle and the entire city of Geistkonigstadt. It's like this evil cloud that takes over everything, and you can almost feel the shivers running down your spine as it creeps in. And guess who's responsible for all this chaos? Yep, you got it – the Evil Lord Czernobog himself. It's like the grand finale of a really epic, otherworldly drama.

Suddenly, I snapped out of that deep, dreamy state. My heart was racing, and I was breathing like I'd just sprinted a marathon.

"What the heck just happened?" I blurted out, feeling disoriented and confused.

Eliot, looking a bit drained, answered, "I had to yank you out of there. My magical energy was on the fritz. So spill the beans, what did you see? What went down in this place?"

I took a moment to catch my breath and gather my thoughts. "Everything in the scrolls and stories is real. Vargaux, Hendrixon, and that Tracker named Eris Francine – all of them were here, doing their thing."

"Eris Francine? Who's that?" Yzzy and Eliot both asked, clearly clueless about this mystery person.

"Oh, I guess her name didn't make it into the official history of Geistheim. Strange, right?" I mused aloud.

"Ah, that explains the déjà vu aura," Arkhenika chimed in, her attention now focused on us. We turned to her, intrigued by her words.

"Turns out, that Eris you're talking about is the rebirth of Kriemhild, the legendary Warrior-Queen. I faced her in the past, and let me tell you, she was a force to be reckoned with. She led countless survivors out of Geistheim and into Brythonia. And that sword you're carrying? It still carries traces of her magical essence," she revealed.

So, there you have it, a piece of the past woven into the present, and a sword with a connection to a warrior queen. History's got some intriguing twists, doesn't it?

"Oh, I get it now. So, the history books in Brythonia were pretty spot-on after all, just missing the Eris chapter," I commented, connecting the dots.

Eliot jumped in, breaking our reverie, "No need to thank me enough, Rasleigh. These little chronal gems should do the trick. A token of my appreciation."

I gave him a grateful nod. "That works for me. Time to hit the road then."

"Where are we headed?" Arkhenika asked, her curiosity piqued.

"We're making our way back to Aigleterre. But first, a pit stop at Mount Gungnir," I explained.

Arkhenika's eyebrows shot up. "Mount Gungnir? Why in the world?"

I couldn't help but grin mischievously. "Oh, you're in for a treat. I'm on a quest for some honey and royal jelly. You know, brewing my own special blend of ale."

Arkhenika seemed puzzled. "Honey and royal jelly? Seriously?"

"Absolutely. And trust me, the finest honey you'll ever taste comes from Mount Gungnir. Time to add that magical touch to my ale," I quipped, ready to embark on yet another adventure, this time in search of the sweetest nectar and crafting the perfect brew. After all, who said being a hero couldn't also involve some culinary pursuits? Ah, Mount Gungnir, a colossal peak that got its name from the legendary Spear of Odin. It's not just any mountain, mind you. It's a proper Grand Duchy, ruling from the heart of Beesburg and waving the House Al-Beru flag. This place is a real gem, boasting not one, but two towering peaks that are draped in some seriously enormous plants and creatures that could have walked right out of a Jotunn saga. They call it the Gungnir Sierra – and let me tell you, traversing this terrain can be both breathtaking and nerve-wracking.

Don't you worry about those daring adventurers though, they've got bridges spanning the gaps between peaks, making this massive mound a bit more manageable. And if you're in the mood for a journey, there's a pathway called the Nordic Pass that threads through Mount Gungnir, linking Albion with the enchanting land of Vornehmruhe.

Speaking of journeys, there's something tucked away in those passages – The Gungnir Dead Pit, also known as Gestorbenloch Mines. It's this old coal mine that's been left to gather cobwebs within the Gungnir region.

Oh, and let me tell you about the time I ran into Austeja, the bee queen herself. A rare sight, mind you, only showing up when she's got a hold of her busy little worker bees. Now, the secret to controlling these fuzzy critters is that honey pot she holds in her hand – that's her bee whisperer magic right there. And let me admit something, that was the most delicious honey I've ever sampled. Yep, I swiped it right from her grasp. Sneaky, I know, but the taste was worth it!

As we strolled on, making our way to the east gate of Geistkonigstadt, we spotted a Harmonia robot tidying up the debris scattered around the guard tower. Seems even the post-crisis world has its own kind of housekeeping, huh?

"Got something spinning in that mind of yours again?" Arkhenika shot me a quizzical glance.

"Oh, you know, just the usual crazy thoughts," I replied with a grin.

Her brows furrowed. "Care to elaborate on those 'usual crazy thoughts'?"

"Well, it's always been a dream of mine to have a slick Harmonia robot to keep my castle all spick and span."

Arkhenika's eyes widened. "Hold up, you have a castle?"

I chuckled. "Not exactly. I mean, I've got the idea, the dream, you know. The castle part is still a work in progress. Haha!"

She shook her head, a mix of disbelief and amusement dancing in her expression. I knew she was thinking I was just being my usual whimsical self.

See, the truth is, I've always wanted one of those nifty Harmonia robots. So, I pulled out this soft apron that I had snagged during my time in Londinium. It was meant for the staff at the Drunk Tikbalang Inn, but I had a better idea for it. The robot paused its sweeping as soon as it spotted me coming its way. With a warm smile, I handed it the apron.

"Thought you might fancy a new apron. The old one looks a bit worn out and, well, let's just say it's seen better days," I quipped.

"Th-thank you... Master," the robot stammered out, clearly taken aback. Its smile, though a tad mechanical, was heartwarming. And just like that, our robotic friend decided to join us for the day. As we rolled into Londinium, a city bustling with adventurers and magic, you could practically feel the awe radiating from the bystanders as they caught sight of Arkhenika and my trusty robotic companion, Harmonia. Sorcerers offered nods of recognition, a sign that my reputation had certainly grown. Our lodging for the night was none other than the Mugs and Cauldron Tavern – a cozy place that had become something of a regular haunt for me. A belly full of hearty dinner, and I was ready to hit the hay. Tomorrow's journey lay to the east.

With a belly full of good food and a satisfying day behind me, it wasn't long before I found myself nodding off. As I drifted into slumber, I couldn't help but chuckle at Arkhenika's declaration that demons don't really need sleep. She was perched nearby, standing sentinel as my loyal guard while I slipped into dreams.

As for Harmonia, it simply sat there, its gaze fixed on the moonlight streaming in through the window. There was something oddly serene about its presence, a soothing rhythm to its watchful stillness.

As I lay there, I couldn't help but hope that my dreams would take me back to the world of valiant warriors and mythical creatures. Who knows, maybe I'd even dream of that beautiful shield maiden again. Hey, a guy can dream, right? Haha!