Chapter 105

Chapter 105

A/N: It seems that both the voting majority and the vocal majority both wanted normal releases, so that's what I'll go with...at least for this chapter. At least the last chapter and epilogue will go together in any case. What happens in between? Nobody knows. Also, for those that are worried about the Enemy's form, he'll keep shifting during the fight according to the situation, so no worries. As usual, point out any typos you see, and I hope you'll enjoy.

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Gabriel obliged Nelehs command and ran her power into the enormous magical formation beneath her feet. As the formation begun glowing, several magical formations appeared above her. The magical runes formed several circular glowing streams rotating slowly; forming what looked like a glowing tunnel. Gabriel lifted her hands above her head and aimed down the open center along the tunnel. Above her hands appeared a rapidly growing orb of golden energy. After few seconds of packing power into the orb, Gabriel released the orb that shot towards the sky with a speed impossible to perceive, leaving behind a stream of golden energy.

The stream showed that the golden orb had taken a slightly arcing path, homing towards the intended target. After several seconds the sky was lit with a golden explosion of energy that covered most of the sky despite the obvious distance to the explosion.

Flashy as always. Khali commented from the side.

Ill have you know that was a spell designed by Neleh, so dont blame me for it. Gabriel replied with a small grin.

In that case, I stand by my statement even more. The two of you wouldnt recognize subtlety even if it kicked you in the head. Shes even worse than you sometimes. Khali scoffed with some disdain.

Hey, I resent that statement! Im nowhere as bad as Neleh is! Gabriel said in mock outrage.

I simply understand the value of theatrics. The psychological effect can be just as important. Neleh pointed out from the side. Can anyone tell what the result was? I lost my searching spell in the explosion and you two jokers dont want me casting any extra spells.

The two got more serious and both sent their senses towards the sky. Well, as expected the Enemy is still there, although I did get a direct hit. Not that we expected to win with just that. The Enemy is heading this way, so we did get his attention. Gabriel finally said with a distant look.

The two helpers are also still there. It seems they are separating. Khali added.

Im guessing theyre planning on dividing our strength. Assuming we had only one or two people capable of putting up a real fight, that wouldnt be a bad idea. Now it suits us just fine. Well, you know what to do. Neleh guessed, giving the signal to pick their targets to Khali, Asariel and Shiori.

It seems one of them is aiming for the beastmen continent while the other seems to be going towards the elven lands. Im not sure if thats a good thing or a bad thing. Gabriel reported.

Right, Ill take the one going to beastmen lands. We have much easier time getting to our target since we are much faster fliers. Since the doorways in the beastmen continent are few and far between, Ill try to intercept the target before it gets there. Asariel commented and took off with a blinding speed towards the doorway they had prepared in advance.

That leaves the other one to me and the girl. Khali commented, pointing at Shiori. Luckily the elven lands are peppered with doorways and arches. Odds are its aiming at Nan Yanoi anyway.

Shiori was lagging behind as the two took off, looking longingly at Neleh. The two knew this could very well be the last time they saw each other. I love you. Shiori silently mouthed while running towards the doorway.

I love you too. Neleh mouthed a reply, looking after the doorway as it closed behind her lover.

Come, we have an enemy to kill. Gabriel finally said to bring Neleh out of her daze. Her expression was unreadable, but within she was jealous of the words of goodbye Shiori had gotten. At least Gabriel would be the one to face the real threat alongside Neleh. What more could she ask at this point?

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Asariel was the first of them to reach her target, but the target had already been engaged before she arrived. From the distance she could see the celestial stationed on the beastmen continent engaging an enormous red skinned demon. The blood red skin of the demon was covered in black runes, as were the leathery wings behind its back. The demon was wielding a long fiery whip along with equally sized battle-axe in its other hand. The celestial seemed to be having trouble, and the demon looked to be toying with its prey.

Well, no risk, no reward. Khali thought and dove straight into her opponents reach. Her plan was simple. Her opponents weapons were larger and would not be able to be used at extremely close range, whereas she was also an expert in unarmed combat. She used the edge of her blade to deflect her opponents first strike, and the pommel of her blade to slightly redirect the aim of the second. The second attack managed to clip her shoulder, and she knew immediately that the blades really were holy swords as her shoulder suddenly felt numb, and the numbness wouldve spread if not suppressed by her ki.

However she had managed to get inside her opponents defense, and slammed her hand filled with ki towards his chest. To her shock, one of the shields that had been at his shoulder just a second ago suddenly blocked her strike. The shield shattered into tiny fragments, but the power of her attack had been lost. Her hand still struck his chest, but it merely pushed him away, helping him create distance. She looked on in annoyance as the shield she had just shattered started slowly reforming.

She looked at her hand in suspicion. Even with the low power of her attack, the feedback to her strike had been weird. She couldnt explain what was wrong, but there was something odd about her opponent.

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Do you think you can manage another shot before the Enemy gets here? Neleh asked Gabriel.

Timewise probably, but I dont think this magic circle can handle another shot. Id rather not have it explode right in our face. Gabriel replied, looking skeptically at the magic circle that had notably deteriorated.

Neleh also checked the magic circle and agreed with the possible risk. Well, its not like that attack was the most efficient way to go, even though it was powerful. It was mainly meant to get his attention, and it accomplished that job.

Gabriel answered by drawing out her large blade and golden shield. Hes coming. You have an operation to lead, so get to it. She tried to get Neleh out of the immediate line of fire.

Fine, fine. I never knew you were such a worrywart. Here, something to keep you safe. Neleh replied with a rueful smile, knowing Gabriel was trying to protect her. She closed her eyes for a moment, as the golden light of one of her favorite defensive holy spells surrounded the both of them.

Gabriel could of course recognize the protective light of Fateguard, that would protect her from a certain amount of attacks regardless of their severity. The upside was that the light would block even an attack from the Enemy, but a layer could be lost to a stray pebble just as easily. There was also no real way to know the number of protective layers.

Neleh pulled away towards the side of the valley, where she could use her power to attack the Enemy, while Gabriel distracted him. She prepared to summon some of her spirits to support Gabriel in the battle, while another golden layer of power surrounded the celestial, this time belonging to Gabriel. The golden light would protect her by reducing the strength of the attacks aimed at her, while for the rest she would rely on her shield and armor.

They both looked up as they felt the approaching enemy, and saw the hazy form of a black cloud in the rough likeness of a monster made of smoke. An oppressive aura spread over the battleground, messing with the emotions of everyone present. The aura lessened their strength, confused them and tried to find the emotions it could draw on for more power.

Well, I guess you get to shine before me after all. Gabriel sent a magical message to Neleh.

As the Enemy could change forms, it was Nelehs job to force him into something more concrete as well as get him grounded. Their plans wouldnt really work if this turned into an aerial battle. The dark cloud settled above the valley, and they felt as if he was about to speak, but Neleh was not about to give him the chance.

Suddenly a large hole in space opened above the dark cloud and tons upon tons of lava suddenly flowed through the opening straight into the cloud. This was why they had chosen this spot for the battle. The volcano below their feet was not in danger of erupting, but that didnt mean there was no lava within the rocky ground below their feet. While teleporting large distances was not feasible, creating a gateway across the distance of few hundred meters wasnt impossible, it just took a lot of power. So Neleh had positioned several wells magical power into the ground, and channeled that power into a large portal entryway within the lava. The exit point was above the cloud.

As the black smoke got bathed in lava, it suddenly coalesced into a large form while landing on the ground. The reason for the form became immediately obvious as it stood unharmed among the molten rock. The Enemy had taken the form of a large red dragon, a race that not only didnt get hurt by heat like this but positively enjoyed it. This too had been within their expectations as it fit their plans perfectly.

A deep booming voice suddenly sounded within the valley. That was a rather impolite greeting Destroyer. Is that how you greet all your old acquaintances?

Only old enemies that dont have the decency to stay dead. Besides, complain to Gabriel instead. She almost killed me a few decades ago when she found me. Neleh replied lightly, alluding to her Awakening ceremony that got interrupted by Gabriel so many years ago.

Gabriel of course had not been dumb enough to stand under the rain of molten rock. The lava parted before her as she moved closer to the large dragon. Gabriel. How kind of you to gather all my most dangerous enemies in one place. That was Khali I felt earlier wasnt it? How rare to see the three of you cooperating. Where did she run off to?

You wont need to worry about her. Ill make sure to kill you before she gets her turn. Gabriels words were only answered by a deep laughter. She replied by running golden power into her blade, which tripled the swords size, and swung at the dragon.