They made their way back to Fluffington's castle, their steps heavy with exhaustion but their spirits lifted by the victory.Upon their return, Fluffington was delighted. "I didn't expect it to go that smoothly and quickly. You really are something else, Sam."Sam, Lyra, and Kaelyn felt the fatigue of the long fight, even though only slightly more than a day had passed in this realm. Fluffington explained that time moved differently here, which raised their concerns."So, how long has it been in human world?" Sam asked."Probably a few days or weeks," Fluffington said mischievously."Send us back now!" Kaelyn pressed, her voice urgent."Of course. I would even guide you myself," Fluffington said with a grin.With Fluffington leading the way, they headed towards the place he said the portal was located.As the group prepared to leave Fluffington's domain, the eccentric Lord of Holes stood before them, ears twitching and tail flicking playfully. "Well, my dear hunters, it’s time for far
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Are you thinking about expanding your harem again?"Sam chuckled, though there was a seriousness in his eyes. "Maybe,” he said.“Uhmm… can we have a proper healthy meal, first? I'm hungry,” Lyra said.They walked out of the bar and Sam embraced Lyra. “So, you have really agreed to my harem idea?”Lyra considered this, then nodded. "I’m not opposed, but I have to meet her first. And remember, I have to agree with the candidates too.""Fair enough." Sam grinned and embraced Kaelyn. “Then, how about Kaelyn?Kaelyn, who had been quiet, looked at Sam with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. "M-me? What about me? What do you mean?"Sam met her gaze, his expression earnest. "Kaelyn, I’ve been thinking about this a lot. I want you to be my next wife."The air fell silent as the weight of Sam's words settled over them. Kaelyn's eyes widened in surprise, and Lyra looked at Sam, a knowing smile playing on her lips."You just got your health back and already doing this ki
After a thorough preparation and planning, the caravan inched closer to the rift’s location but didn’t head there directly, wary of the Church’s watchful eyes. Instead, they moved from town to town like typical merchants, blending in with the bustling markets and trading posts. The rift lay ahead, but the journey was long and winding.In a small town along their route, they came across a daemon hunting request pinned to the local board. The notice also described an increasing number of ghouls and daemon-infested creatures threatening the townsfolk.Sam and his companions decided to take on the request, both to help the townspeople and gather information about the rift.The tavern there was a lively place, filled with hunters of all kinds. Sam, Lyra, and Kaelyn approached the counter, where a stern-looking man greeted them.“We’re here to take on the daemon hunting request,” Sam said, his tone firm but polite.The man raised an eyebrow. “You’re not the first to try, but these daemons a
Sam’s sword cleaved through the last cultist, its red energy blade glowing ominously as it vaporized the blood in its wake. “This ends now,” he declared, his voice echoing with finality. Around him lay the remains of the cultists, ghouls, and abominations, their bodies a testament to the ferocity of Sam’s rage.He stood amidst the carnage, breathing heavily, his eyes fixed on the rift that continued to glow with a malevolent energy. Its presence cast long, eerie shadows across the battlefield. Sam turned to Lyra and Kaelyn, their faces reflecting the same confusion and frustration he felt.“How do we close this thing?” Sam muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. “We’ve got to find a way.”Lyra shook her head, her brows furrowed in thought. “I’ve never encountered anything like this. It’s beyond any magic I know.”Kaelyn’s shadows flickered around her. “I can sense the energy, but I don’t know how to disrupt it.”As they pondered their next move, a familiar voice echoed in Sam’s mind
Sam glared at Gregory, his eyes filled with contempt. “How could anyone have thought that Gregory Flammenherz, the holy and highly esteemed paladin, was not only a disgusting cultist but also one of the spell thieves I’ve been looking for!” he spat.Lyra’s eyes widened in shock, her voice trembling. “Uncle Gregory… one of them?!”Gregory sneered, his expression a mask of disdain. “What are you talking about, dirty warlock?”Sam laughed, the sound echoing ominously. “Don’t play dumb. You’re part of the group that killed the great wizard Friedo!”“Friedo…?” Gregory murmured, feigning innocence.Lyra's face twisted in anger and disbelief. “I can’t believe you are part of that assassination…. How could you, Uncle?”Gregory raised his hands defensively. “I don’t know what lies this warlock has fed you, Lyra. I’ve always fought for justice.”Sam shook his head, his expression cold. “Save your excuses. I’ve seen through your deceit. It all makes sense now! You’re also the one who gave Klothos
Sam stood face-to-face with the grotesque abomination that Gregory had become. The transformation was horrific, blades protruding from where his hands once were, his head a twisted, bladed visage. The once-holy paladin was now a nightmarish creature, driven by chaotic and unpredictable movements.Gregory’s new form lashed out wildly, energy slashes erupting in all directions.Sam found himself constantly on the defensive, not just for his own sake but for Kaelyn and Lyra as well. Lyra took to the air to evade the random bursts of energy, but Kaelyn, still unable to use her shadow magic after Gregory’s Void Blast, remained a vulnerable target. Sam had to shield her repeatedly, his infernal power and aegis the only things keeping them both safe from Gregory’s rampage.Gregory's chaotic energy attacks were relentless. One particularly wild slash forced Sam to dive in front of Kaelyn, using his Aegis spell to absorb the blow. The force of the impact sent him skidding back, but he quickly
The more Ammy spent time with the caravan, the more she began to open up, revealing her true self. "I used to be a part of the Holy Church as a priestess," she confessed one evening around the campfire. "But I left when I felt something wasn't right."Sam nodded, applauding her instinct. "There is indeed a cult within parts of the Church," he explained to her.“So, that’s what happened, huh….” Ammy wasn’t as shocked as he expected. "Well, that’s not the only reason I left.”“What else?” Sam was curious.“I loved singing and my duties as part of the choir, but it never fully expressed the deep feelings inside me. After leaving the Church, I tried to be a bard, but none loved my whimsy song. I faced many problems. My business failed too, and I fell into debt. Singing seemed my only option, but not singing the song I wanted. Then, before I knew it, I got stuck with that nasty contract at the bar. I wanted to sing different songs, many songs, not just that sad one over and over, but that
The days following the marriage ceremony were filled with a new sense of unity and purpose for Sam and his wives. The caravan moved through the lush landscapes, their collective spirits high. Sam often found himself marveling at his new family, feeling a profound sense of belonging and responsibility.In the mornings, they would rise early to the sounds of birds and the bustling of the caravan preparing for the day's journey. Sam, Lyra, Kaelyn, and Ammy would share breakfast together, discussing plans and sharing laughter. The sight of Ammy, now fully integrated and happy, brought joy to everyone. She had become a vital part of their daily life, her songs filling the air with a sense of hope and renewal."Ammy, your voice has truly brought a new light to our caravan," Kaelyn remarked one morning as they packed up their tents.“I love it too!” Lyra said.Ammy blushed, smiling warmly. "Thank you, Kaelyn, Lyra. It feels good to be able to sing freely and be part of something bigger than