2025-01-31 04:51:22“When do we attack?” Ferah asked.
“Right now!” Vardy said.
“But, we just left there, people would still be there…” Tracy said, staring straight at Vardy.
“More reason we have to go back,” Vardy said.
Tracy heaved, not knowing what to say again.
“We go now!” Vardy said and motioned towards the mouth of the cave, as Selene followed.
“No Selene, you have to stay back..” Vardy said, gesturing for her to stay.
“Why?” Selene asked, a bit confused.
“Dean mustn't see you, else it'll be brutal and Luther…” Vardy glanced at Luther who was resting on the wall.
“What about him?” Selene asked.
“You have to look after him..” Vardy muttered, his eyes convincing.
Soon, Vardy and the rest stormed out with the rest, their faces hidden.
The spectral wolf padded silently at Vardy’s side, its glowing eyes scanning the shadows.
“Stick to the plan,” Vardy said, his voice low but commanding.
Ferah nodded, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. Tracy tightened her grip on her spear, her expression grim.
The group split up, disappearing into the throng of people streaming into the arena.
Inside, the arena was a cacophony of noise and movement. The stands were packed with bodies.
Torches lined the walls, their flames everywhere.
At the center of the arena, a group of handlers wrestled with a massive beast, its snarls audible even over the roar of the crowd.
Above them, Dean sat on his raised platform, his expression amused.
“Seems like they started another round already…” Vardy smirked.
To his right stood Evan Harker.
He watched the scene below with a faint smirk, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.
“Where is he?” Vardy murmured to himself, his eyes scanning the crowd. He moved through the stands. The whispers from the artifact surged, guiding him.
In a corner of the arena, a group of rebels huddled together, their faces tense as they exchanged hurried whispers.
“This is our chance,” one of them said, a young woman with a scar running down her cheek.
“Chance for what?” another replied. “To get ourselves killed?”
“To show Dean we’re not afraid,” the woman shot back.
“Quiet,” an older man hissed, his eyes darting around the crowded stands. “If you’re going to fight, wait for the right moment. Don’t waste your lives.”
Ferah and Tracy moved through the lower levels of the arena, their eyes scanning the guards stationed near the entrances to the pit.
“Too many,” Ferah muttered.
“Doesn’t matter,” Tracy replied. “We’re not here to fight them. We just need to clear a path for Vardy.”
Ferah nodded, her grip tightening on her sword.
Vardy reached the edge of the stands, his eyes locking onto Harker. The man stood with the ease of someone who knew he was feared, his smirk never wavering.
The whispers in Vardy’s mind grew louder, urging him forward.
“Now,” he murmured.
The first explosion shook the arena, sending a wave of panic through the crowd.
People screamed and scrambled for the exits as smoke filled the air, obscuring the torches and plunging parts of the arena.
Dean stood abruptly, his sharp eyes scanning the chaos below. “What the hell is going on?” he barked.
Marcus appeared at his side, his expression grim. “An attack. They’ve breached the lower levels.”
“Find them,” Dean growled.
In the chaos, Vardy moved quickly, the spectral wolf at his side. The smoke provided cover as he climbed the steps toward the raised platform, his staff glowing.
Ferah and Tracy intercepted guards near the base of the platform.
Harker turned just as Vardy reached the platform, his smirk fading into a snarl. “You,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain.
“Me,” Vardy replied coldly.
Harker drew his blade, its edge gleaming in the flickering light. “You’ve made a mistake coming here, Dud.”
“We’ll see,” Vardy said.
The two men clashed, Harker’s blade meeting Vardy’s staff. Sparks flew as they exchanged blows, their movements fast.
“You think you can stop us?” Harker growled, his strikes growing more aggressive.
“I don’t need to stop all of you,” Vardy replied, his voice calm. “Just you.”
With a sudden burst of energy, Vardy drove his staff into Harker’s chest, the artifact’s power surging through him. Harker cried out, his body convulsing as the dark energy consumed him.
The crowd, still reeling from the explosion, fell silent as they watched Harker collapse to the ground.
—-
“Evan Harker is dead!”
The words shattered the tense air of Dean’s chamber like glass hitting stone. The messenger stood trembling in the doorway, his voice carrying more fear than the message itself.
Dean looked up slowly from the map spread out on his desk. His expression darkened, and his hand clenched.
“What?” Dean’s voice was low, barely above a growl, but it carried a weight that sent a shiver down the spine of everyone in the room.
“He... he was killed,” the messenger stammered. “The Dud. He struck during the event. The crowd, everyone….saw it.”
The silence that followed was suffocating. Marcus, standing near the window, exchanged a glance with Kael, who was sharpening her blade.
Her faint smirk didn’t fade, but even she straightened slightly at the news.
Dean moved suddenly.
He swept the map off the table. “Harker was supposed to be untouchable,” he said, his voice rising. “How did this happen?”
“No one saw it coming,” the messenger said.
“The explosion caused chaos, and the Dud used it to get close. Harker didn’t stand a chance.”
“Get out,” Dean snapped, his tone sharp enough to cut.
The messenger fled, the door slamming shut behind him.
Dean turned to face the room, his fury barely contained. “This isn’t just an attack. It’s a declaration of war.”
“And a bold one at that,” Kael said, inspecting her blade.
“Enough with the commentary,” Dean growled, glaring at her. “What do you suggest we do?”
Kael shrugged, though her eyes gleamed with malice. “The Dud’s not hiding anymore. Send the Altanas after him. Flush him out.”
Dean looked to Marcus, who nodded solemnly. “Kael’s right. He’s getting bolder, and the people are starting to notice. If we don’t act decisively, they’ll see him as a hero.”
Dean’s lips curled into a snarl. “Deploy the Altanas. Every last one. I want Vardy’s head on a spike by the end of the week.”
Kael’s smirk widened as she sheathed her dagger. “It’ll be done.”
—--
Vardy stood in the cave, his staff glowing faintly in the darkness. Rows of undead soldiers lined the walls, their empty eyes staring ahead, waiting for his command.
“This is madness,” Ferah said, standing a few feet away. She crossed her arms, her tone laced with frustration. “You’re building an army of corpses, Vardy. How is this any better than what Dean’s doing?”
“It’s not about being better,” Vardy replied, his voice steady. “It’s about surviving.”
Tracy stepped forward, her spear resting against her shoulder. “She’s not wrong. People are already terrified of you. If they see this, they’ll think you’re just another tyrant.”
“They already think that,” Vardy said sharply. He turned to face them, his eyes hard. “Dean’s made sure of it. The only way to end this is to fight fire with fire.”
Selene leaned against the wall, her expression unreadable. “And what happens after? Assuming we win, what do you do with this army then?”
Vardy didn’t answer immediately. The whispers from the artifact surged in his mind, filling the silence.
“We focus on what’s in front of us,” he said finally.
---
In the streets of Haven, the news of Harker’s death spread like wildfire.
“Did you hear?” a merchant muttered to his companion as they packed up their stall. “The Dud killed Harker. Right there in the arena.”
“About time someone stood up to Dean,” the companion replied, his voice low.
“Don’t let anyone hear you say that,” a woman interjected, her eyes darting nervously. “Dean’s men are everywhere.”
Nearby, a young boy listened intently, his fists clenched.
In a hidden safehouse on the outskirts of the city, a group of rebels gathered around a battered table.
“The Dud’s making his move,” one of them said, a scarred man with a missing ear.
“And what’s that mean for us?” another asked.
“It means we follow his lead,” the scarred man replied. “Dean’s empire is cracking. If we strike now, we might actually stand a chance.”
The group murmured in agreement.
---
Back in the cave, Vardy moved among his undead soldiers, his mind racing. The whispers from the artifact grew louder, urging him to push further, to embrace the power fully.
“This is only the beginning,” he muttered to himself.
“You’re talking to yourself again,” Selene said, stepping beside him.
Vardy shot her a glance but didn’t respond.
“You’re pushing too hard,” she continued, her tone softer than usual. “Even you have limits.”
“I can’t afford limits,” Vardy replied, glancing round.
Selene sighed, shaking her head. “You’re going to burn out before this fight even starts.”
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Chapter 49: Fractured Bonds
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Chapter 48: A Dangerous Move
Kael stood in a dimly lit chamber beneath Haven, addressing a group of Altanas. Their weapons were pointed and sharp.“Dean wants the Dud dead,” Kael said, her voice cold and commanding. “We find him, corner him, and take him out. No mistakes.”The Altanas nodded silently, their loyalty unwavering.Kael smirked. “Let’s show him what happens when you cross Dean.”—As night fell over Haven, Vardy stood at the entrance of the cave, his gaze fixed on the distant city. The spectral wolf sat beside him.“Dean won’t stop until we’re all dead,” Ferah said, joining him.“Then we don’t give him the chance,” Vardy replied.In the shadows behind them, Tracy and Selene exchanged a glance.“This is only going to get worse,” Tracy said quietly.Selene nodded. “And if we’re not careful, we’ll lose him before the fight even begins.”“The Altanas are coming, we should get ready for them..” Vardy said and sprang to his feet, moving away.—-Marcus approached Dean, his expression grim.“The Altanas are
Chapter 47: The Hunt and the Army
“When do we attack?” Ferah asked.“Right now!” Vardy said.“But, we just left there, people would still be there…” Tracy said, staring straight at Vardy.“More reason we have to go back,” Vardy said.Tracy heaved, not knowing what to say again.“We go now!” Vardy said and motioned towards the mouth of the cave, as Selene followed.“No Selene, you have to stay back..” Vardy said, gesturing for her to stay.“Why?” Selene asked, a bit confused.“Dean mustn't see you, else it'll be brutal and Luther…” Vardy glanced at Luther who was resting on the wall.“What about him?” Selene asked.“You have to look after him..” Vardy muttered, his eyes convincing.Soon, Vardy and the rest stormed out with the rest, their faces hidden.The spectral wolf padded silently at Vardy’s side, its glowing eyes scanning the shadows.“Stick to the plan,” Vardy said, his voice low but commanding.Ferah nodded, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. Tracy tightened her grip on her spear, her expression grim.T
Chapter 46: The Perfect Opportunity
Zayn led Vardy through the winding alleys of Haven, the rain continuing to fall around them. The spectral wolf stayed close to Vardy’s side, its glowing eyes scanning the shadows.“Dean’s got a shipment coming through tomorrow night,” Zayn said, his voice low. “Weapons, supplies, the works. It’s all moving through the south docks.”“And you know this because?” Vardy asked.“Because I was supposed to oversee it,” Zayn replied.Ferah and Tracy caught up to them, their expressions wary as they flanked Vardy.“You trust him?” Ferah asked bluntly.“No,” Vardy said. “But I’m listening.”Zayn smirked faintly. “That’s a start.”---At the docks, a group of workers moved crates onto a waiting shipA man in a dark coat watched from the shadows, his sharp eyes taking in every detail.“Everything’s on schedule,” one of the workers said, glancing at the man.“Good,” the man replied. “Make sure it stays that way.”---As they reached a small hideout, Zayn stopped and turned to face Vardy.“This is
Chapter 45: An Unlikely Alliance
The system’s voice continued, unrelenting.“You’ve seen what you’re up against. Dean’s empire, the Altanas, the corruption eating Haven alive. You’ve only scratched the surface of your potential. Let me show you the rest.”“I don’t need you,” Vardy muttered under his breath.“Don’t you?” the voice countered. “Your power has already grown because of me. The spectral wolf, your magic, your resilience. Do you think that came from you alone?”Vardy’s jaw tightened. “I’ve fought for everything I have. Nothing was handed to me.”“And yet, you’re here because of me. Without the System, you’re just a man with a grudge. With me, you’re something more. You could be unstoppable.”The words were tempting, like a melody he couldn’t ignore.---In a distant part of Haven City, Marcus paced round a fire place.“You’re sure about this?” he asked, his tone edged with doubt.A woman seated near the fire nodded, her dark eyes glinting in the light. “Dean’s orders were clear. If Vardy is still in the cit
Chapter 44: The Hidden Library
Vardy stared back at Tracy, “I do..” he muttered before stroding off.“Damn it!” Tracy sighed. “I just can't believe all this.”“What is the problem?” Luthor asked weakly, his voice barely audible as Ferah helped him sit against a wall.“Just rest…” Tracy said and strode off.Selene gestured toward the city around them. “Corruption, power struggles, people too scared to fight back. Dean’s hold on this place is strong, but there are others waiting to take his place the moment he falls. If we’re not careful, we’ll end up replacing one tyrant with another.”“And you think you have the answers?” Vardy asked, his tone sharp.“I have a plan,” Selene said, her smirk returning. “But it’s going to require more than brute force and your fancy undead tricks. We need allies, influence, leverage.”“You’re talking about politics,” Ferah said, her voice filled with disdain.“Exactly,” Selene replied, unbothered by Ferah’s tone. “Haven’s chaos is its strength and its weakness. If we want to win, we
Chapter 43: I Can’t Let Him Die
“Just go on with it..” Vardy responded.“Vardy, don’t,” Ferah said, her voice pleading.“We don’t have a choice,” Vardy replied, his tone grim.Selene reached into her cloak and pulled out a small bottle of liquid. “This will keep him alive. But it’s not a cure. He’ll still need time to heal.”Vardy nodded. “Do it.”Selene uncorked the bottle as she poured it onto Luthor’s wound. The effect was immediate. The bleeding slowed.Luthor’s breathing steadied, his eyes fluttering open.“You’re going to be okay,” Ferah said, her voice trembling.“Thanks,” Luthor whispered weakly, his eyes closing again as exhaustion overtook him.Vardy stood, his gaze locking onto Selene. “You’ll get your favor,” he said, his voice cold.Selene smiled faintly. “I know.”Ferah knelt beside Luthor, her hands trembling as she adjusted his bandages. Tracy leaned against a crumbling wall, her spear still in her hand, though the battle had long since ended.Vardy stood rigid, his gaze fixed on Selene.The spectra
Chapter 42: The Baited Trap
In another part of the city, Marcus stood in a darkened room, his arms crossed as he listened to the report from one of Dean’s informants.“The Dud’s grown stronger,” the informant said, his voice shaking slightly. “He’s got some kind of... spectral beast with him now.”Marcus frowned. “A beast?”“A wolf,” the informant clarified. “It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. Glowing, silent, dangerous.”Marcus turned toward the window, his gaze fixed on the city below. “And Dean knows about this?”The informant hesitated. “I... haven’t told him yet. Thought it best to bring it to you first.”Marcus nodded slowly. “Good. Keep quiet about this for now. Dean doesn’t need distractions.”“But what do we do?” the informant asked.Marcus’s lips curled into a faint smile. “We let the Dud think he’s winning. And when the time comes, we'll remind him who holds the real power.”---Back in the alley, the group rested briefly.“You think Dean’s already heard about this?” Luthor asked, glancing nervously at
Chapter 41: The First Trial
The cave was silent, the kind of silence that pressed against the ears and made every breath feel louder than it should. Vardy stood at the entrance, his staff glowing faintly.The artifact pulsed in his hand, the whispers louder now.“This is it,” Selene said from behind him, her voice low.“Your first Trial Quest. It’s not going to be easy.”Vardy glanced over his shoulder at her, his expression grim. “They never are.”Ferah stepped up beside him, her sword resting on her shoulder. “You sure about this? You don’t even know what’s waiting for you in there.”“I don’t have a choice,” Vardy said, his tone firm. He turned back to the cave, his grip tightening on his staff. “If I don’t do this, I won’t survive what’s coming.”“Then we’ll wait out here,” Tracy said, leaning against the cave wall. “Just don’t take too long.”“Be careful,” Luthor added. “These Trials aren’t just tests. They’re meant to break you.”Vardy didn’t respond.The air grew colder as Vardy went deeper into the cave.
