The Deviant Dominant

Chapter 17 - The Rematch

"Okay," Lukas said to Elvira, willing to entertain her scheming since it would be to his party's benefit. "What's your plan?"

"A couple days ago," Elvira began, "a quest came in from the nearby town of Greinhold. They had requested a team of experienced Adventures to investigate a series of mysterious disappearances. A team accepted the quest and left shortly after. I thought nothing of it until one of the Adventurers returned alone. He told a wild tale of an overpowered mage with corrupted magic. He claimed a necromancer had taken up residence in the outskirts of Greinhold. The other guild officers were having a hard time believing him until he mentioned something that made my blood run cold. He said he witnessed husks of people roaming around, doing the necromancer's bidding. He mentioned the mage had a gnarly staff that was sucking the life out of a corpse. Then he said the mage looked Anoran."

"Frelich?!" Lukas gasped out. "We never got that staff back."

Elvira nodded, her face a little more somber. "That's what I was thinking. I want to send someone who knows what they're doing. There's no one else that I know of that has dealt with necromancy at this level. Lukas, you are best suited to take on Frelich, or whatever this is. David wants to see it with his own eyes. He insists that he is going as well."

"We can take care of Frelich," Lukas said, "but what does this have to do with the tournament?"

"Necromancy is a big deal," Elvira continued. "You complete this quest, I can select you. It would make a lot of sense. You will essentially earn your way to the tournament, even though I'm pulling the strings behind the scenes. I'm sure David will be impressed by whatever mage-slayer show you put on. Also, my parents are coming in tomorrow morning, and you will all conveniently be in Greinhold until they leave. I'm solving soooo many problems here with one genius idea, don't you think, Lukas, dear?"

Lukas thoughtfully nodded. "Okay, Elvira. It's a good idea."

"It's a genius idea," Elvira said with a victorious smirk. "Say it."

"Don't push it," Laera said, chiding her sister.

Lukas flashed a smile at the older Anoran. "I'm impressed."

"You leave early tomorrow morning," Elvira said. "David will have some horses ready over at the guild stables." Gemma groaned; Elvira ignored it. "Let's go eat dinner!" The Anoran twirled around and practically skipped into the dining room.

Fiona sidled up to Lukas. "She's definitely smitten. I've never seen anyone so desperate to impress a man."

"Have you looked in the mirror lately?" Lukas teased. His comment earned him a pinch on the arm.

The weary Adventurers joined Elvira in the dining room. After their meal, they quickly retired to their bedrooms. Gwyn never made it to hers, however. She silently padded towards Lukas' room, determined to keep the promise she had made.

***

The party of eight rode towards Greinhold. David led the group with Travis close behind. Travis was the mage who had raced back to Vandhoven after losing his team. With his guidance, they planned on heading straight to the abandoned monastery to face their enemy. Lukas and Gemma brought up the rear, but managed to keep pace with the rest of the group.

Most of Lukas' attention was devoted to the mundane task of horseback riding, yet he still found his mind contemplating Elvira's plan. It was quite brilliant. Despite being willing to use questionable methods to get his team to the tournament, he didn't want to be given a free pass. Earning their way was far more palatable to him, and this quest was perfectly aligned with his team's strengths and aspirations. Elvira was a powerful friend to have, Lukas thought, as long as he had a firm grasp on her leash.

The monastery loomed ahead, its ancient stones silhouetted against the gray morning sky. Tall, crumbling walls rose up like jagged teeth, adorned with remnants of carvings that hinted at elegance, but had turned sinister with age. Vines snaked their way across the surfaces, creeping through cracks and gaps. David held up a hand to signal the group. They gathered around, waiting to hear what the older Adventurer had to say.

"We have an interesting dynamic." David said, "and a critically important mission. I have the most experience and levels out of everyone here. Travis has personally engaged with the mage we are about to face. Lukas, I understand that you've not only seen the type of magic we are fighting against, but have actually defeated it. Am I correct in also assuming you are the leader of your team?"

Lukas nodded.

"I believe it would be best to let you take point in this operation then," David wisely admitted. "I'm an Assassin with some poison skills and speed boosts. Travis brings a good assortment of support magic to the table." David looked over to Travis, giving him a cue.

"Yes," Travis said. "I have a dispel, a heal, and a stun."

Lukas scratched his chin before laying out his strategy. "Okay, our plan will be very similar to when we faced the Dark Warlock in the caverns. Laera will buy us a huge headstart by using back-to-back silences as well as bewitching two of the minions. Is your mana all set?"

Laera gave him a nod.

"I want the two Assassins to tackle the mage right away. Gemma and I will keep the minions occupied while our ranged support backs us up. Lucy, if we can reduce the minion threat to a reasonable level, I want you to switch your target to the mage, understood?"

Lucy, likewise, gave her silent acknowledgement.

"Best-case scenario," Lukas continued, "we drop this mage before his magic activates. If not, the Assassins will drop back and engage the minions, and I'll take on the necromancer."

"Best-case scenario," Fiona interjected, "is Frelich pisses his pants when he sees us and surrenders."

"Assuming it is Frelich," Laera said, "I don't understand what he's doing. He has always been power-hungry, but necromancy is strictly forbidden in Anora. His dad holds a prominent position in the Parliament. It doesn't make any sense."

"If Frelich wants to be taken alive," Lukas added, "he will need to surrender while his magic is blocked. Even if he has only half the spells the Dark Warlock had, we can't take any chances. My team, have your Aegis orbs ready."

As Lukas laid out the plan, David was enthralled by the young Adventurer's leadership. Lukas exuded confidence, articulating a strategy that was both tactical and flexible, adjusting to the uncertainties of the battle ahead. Travis, still jittery from memories of the last encounter at the monastery, looked substantially less confident. "Let's roll out," Lukas commanded.

They rode closer to the monastery before finding a clump of trees to tie down their horses. They approached the crumbling structure from the east, where the entire wall was caved in. As the enemy force came into sight, Lukas drew in a breath. Roaming around within the shadows of the decrepit building were close to twenty human forms. The mage had collected many more minions than the Dark Warlock had.

Lukas' eyes finally locked on to the undead army's master. A ghastly Anoran stood amongst the minions, gripping the black staff in his hand. Despite his warped and villainous appearance, Lukas easily recognized Frelich.

The team of Adventurers crept closer, avoiding detection until they were well-positioned to launch their offensive. With Laera's magic at the ready, Lukas gave the signal to commence the assault

Frelich's signature sneer shimmered in the shadows as he saw the rapidly approaching party. His staff waved hungrily in the air, welcoming more victims to its haunted sanctuary. The elf's gleeful look didn't last long, however, as he spotted the group's tallest member. A flash of fear crossed his face as he recognized the mage-slayer charge into the monastery.

Lukas and Gemma barreled into the minions with blazing success. Many of the zombie fighters were not fighters at all. They lacked armor and weapons, and even under the necromancer's curse, they failed to pose any threat to the fury of the trained brawlers. There were, however, some heavily armed undead Adventurers interspersed throughout the battlefield. Laera quickly identified a couple of the more menacing minions and seized control of their allegiance. Fiona and David snuck past the minions along opposite edges of the battle and swiftly caught Frelich in a pincer move.

A silenced Frelich could only draw his saber to counter the agile Assassins. The nimble allies worked in tandem to keep the Anoran on his toes and whirling around in an attempt to block their jabs. The pair of them scored several strikes on the enemy, though they had to contend with his curved blade. The magical silence that vexed the evil sorcerer was refreshed by Larea, and the battle raged on.

Lukas, Gemma, and their two minion allies held the line, giving their ranged support the opportunity to wreak havoc. The weaklings were eliminated and the minion army was swiftly reduced to just a few elite undead. With Gemma's flaming sword on one side and Gwyn's Dire Wolf on the other, Lukas skillfully eradicated the strongest of the minions. Lucy decided to take a few shots at Frelich, hoping to bring the Anoran down within their opportune time frame. The silence expired, however, and the enemy elf was still fighting.

A timely teleport from Fiona allowed her to escape the grasp of the necromancer's magic. She opted to land in the midst of the minions and set off her frosty Ultimate. David, however, risked one more hit on Frelich before beginning his withdrawal -- a hit that would cost him dearly.

Frelich brandished his staff, summoning his protective purple sphere. With another wave, dark fingers sprung out and seized the retreating David, holding him in place. A streaming blood ribbon followed, threading through every member of the Adventurers' party. Then a flash of green flames engulfed the captive assassin, causing him to scream out in agony. All of the Adventurers also felt the corrupted magic burning away at their HP.

"Travis!" Lukas shouted. The mage sprung into action, casting his dispel on David, freeing him of the restraints and the fiery attack. His healing ability followed, giving their beleaguered teammate strength to complete his hasty retreat. Frelich's wicked staff then slammed into the ground, sending the expected shockwave rushing towards the Adventurers.

Having triggered his magic immunity while in full stride, Lukas rushed towards the Dark Warlock wannabe. He smashed into Frelich with tremendous force. The elf took a slash from his assailant's blades and then spun back to his feet. Recovering from the clash, the Anoran enemy sought out the nearest minion for an HP-boosting sacrifice. To the dark mage's dismay, Fiona eliminated the last minion before he could cast. "Fuck off, Anoran!" she yelled.

Lukas sunk his blade into his foe. Frelich roared in pain as swung his saber around to parry the Dominant's attacks. Frelich was skilled in wielding his curved sword, but Lukas had a significant height and strength advantage -- and new legendary armor. Activating the chest plate's boost, he was completely invulnerable to both magical and physical damage.

The two Assassins had done plenty of damage. Lacking any minions to steal health from, the necromancer was on the verge of final defeat. Lukas slashed away the remaining HP of his foe, not worrying about the razor-sharp edges of the enemy saber trying to slice through his enchanted armor.

The abandoned monastery fell back into its ancient silence as the battle concluded. Despite the larger undead battalion and a brief, but scary moment for David, the Adventurers emerged decisively victorious. Travis recognized some of his former teammates amongst the fallen minions and began to collect the corpses.

Lukas secured the evil wizarding staff, promising himself that it would not be leaving his sight. He also felt the burning tingle as his eleventh level manifested. Turning to his team, he saw his girls hurry over to him and the fallen Anoran.

"You were even better the second time, Daddy!" Gwyn exclaimed.

"You're not feeling extra evil, are you?" Fiona said, eying the staff in his hands.

"No," Lukas replied. "I think the Dark Warlock is gone for good. I'm still going to take added precautions about how this staff is handled."

<<<

Dark Warlock's Staff

Legendary

Wizardry: +40% boost to magical damage

(hidden) - abilities and boosts from the staff are only available to those who are possessed with a necromancer's spirit

>>>

"A forty percent boost to magical damage?" Lukas asked incredulously.

"It's standard for a wizard's staff to provide such significant boosts to magical output," Laera clarified. "If they didn't, mages would be more inclined to use conventional weapons instead. In fact, staves typically offer more enhancements than any other equipment."

"Interesting," Lukas remarked, then scrutinized the staff with a puzzled look. "I guess Frelich got possessed that night when we faced the Dark Warlock. I let it slip by."

"We barely made it out alive that night," Laera reminded him. "We were all exhausted. There's no need to place blame."

Lukas nodded, then saw David approaching. "Glad to see you survived," Lukas said with a weary smile.

"No kidding!" David responded. "That magic was unlike anything I've ever seen, and that's saying something. I'm glad Elvira sent the right Adventurers for the job. Let's gather any remaining loot lying around and gather the bodies together. The people of Greinhold can come retrieve the corpses."

"Are we headed into Greinhold?" Lukas asked.

"Yes," David said. "We need to collect the quest reward. There will likely be a place for us to stay, but you could make it back to Vandhoven if we're quick. It will likely be after nightfall though."

"Greinhold sounds great!" Lukas said enthusiastically, knowing Laera's parents were staying the night in Vandhoven.

The group sorted through any items of possible value quickly, then began the short journey to Greinhold. The afternoon sun was high overhead as they mounted their horses. Fifteen minutes later, they were galloping into town.

David led the way past several guards and into the town square, where a bustling market was in full swing. Vibrant stalls adorned with colorful produce and handmade goods lined the cobblestone paths, and the aroma of grilled street food wafted through the air. As the group dismounted and secured their horses, a small congregation formed around them, composed of armed guards, curious bystanders, and a few nobles.

One of the nobles lunged forward with a crazed look on his face. "David, glad to see you here. Will there be more coming? There's rumors that the first party of Adventurers failed and have joined the necromancer's undead army. You will surely need more reinforcements."

"Lord Gregory," David responded, "I come with good news. The necromancer has been defeated. We headed straight for the monastery when we arrived."

"You defeated the mage?!" Lord Gregory exclaimed. "Even with your experience and reputation, that's an impressive feat."

"We brought the right team for the job," David said. "It was actually young Lukas here who finished him off."

The crowd murmured in awe. Lord Gregory's eyes narrowed as he regarded Lukas with sprouting interest. "Indeed, a remarkable feat for one so young. Tell me, what exactly happened in your encounter?"

"I may have dealt the last blow," Lukas explained, "but every contribution from each team member was needed. The necromancer was an Anoran Adventurer who became possessed with the spirit of a Dark Warlock. By the time we engaged, he had amassed an army of twenty undead minions."

"Is there any way to restore those minions?" the noble asked. "Many of them were stolen from our town."

Lukas shook his head. "Unfortunately, whatever magic the mage possessed drained them completely. There was nothing left when we fought against them."

Lukas continued recounting the events of the battle to a growing audience. The town was captivated by the tall Adventurer's storytelling, leaning in close as he painted the picture of their harrowing fight. As he concluded, the townsfolk exchanged glances of amazement.

Lord Gregory stepped forward, his voice carrying authority and gratitude. "I, Lord Gregory, extend my heartfelt thanks to you for liberating Greinhold from such a vile menace. Henceforth, I shall bestow upon each of you the esteemed title of Protector of Greinhold. We will send carts out to retrieve the corpses. I will charge my servants to prepare a celebration for our brave heroes. Follow me to the keep to receive your reward. Then I will take you to my manor."

A ripple of excitement ran through the crowd at Lord Gregory's proclamation. The townsfolk began to cheer, their voices melding into a chorus of gratitude and celebration. Lukas couldn't help but smile as they followed the lord through the streets.

Greinhold was larger than Oakenhood, where they had completed their last quest. They arrived at the keep, which loomed majestically over the surrounding town. Constructed from precisely-cut gray stone, it stood tall and proud with thick and formidable walls. As they approached the entrance, the massive oak doors, reinforced with iron bands, creaked open to reveal a spacious foyer.

Once inside, Lord Gregory addressed a guard stationed nearby. After a brief exchange, the guard nodded in acknowledgment and quickly disappeared through a doorway. "Initially, the quest was an investigation, with a reward of eight hundred gold. However, in light of recent discoveries, I believe it's only right to double that reward."

The guard returned with a pouch of coins, which was handed over to David. Without hesitation, the Deputy Guildmaster transferred the reward directly to Lukas. Despite being assured he was under no obligation, Lukas awarded two hundred gold to both David and Travis.

Lord Gregory then insisted on giving Lukas and his team a tour of Greinhold, eager to showcase the town's beauty and history. David chose to decline, having visited Greinhold numerous times in the past. Meanwhile, Travis decided to return to the location where the carts would arrive, keen to make arrangements for his fallen comrades.

Lord Gregory showed the young Adventurers the townhall and the training grounds. They met a fighter, just younger than themselves, practicing using a lance atop a horse. "This is Noel," the noble tour guide introduced them. "She is preparing for her Scribing next month, after which she will be joining the Wyvern Guild."

They next visited a well-engineered bridge that crossed a river that bisected the town. Lord Gregory enthusiastically told them about the large bat colony that roosted in the eaves underneath the bridge. "You'll notice we have a lot less of those pesky insects flying around here thanks to those bats."

The Adventurers attempted to hide the grumbling coming from their stomachs as the noble led them to his manor. Arriving at the grand estate, they were greeted by the sounds of sizzling meats and the smells of freshly baked bread. They stepped into an elegantly furnished dining hall where a long table was set with an array of dishes.

"Have a seat," the noble welcomed them to his feast, "I hope to honor you the best way we know how -- with delicious food."

As they settled into their seats, the Adventurers began to serve themselves. With their plates piled high, they glanced at each other with delight. Lord Gregory officially commenced the celebration by raising his goblet of wine and toasting to the Adventures. "To the heroes who freed us of the necromancer's dark clutches."

"To the heroes!" echoed the gathered guests, lifting their goblets in a toast. A minstrel seated in the corner began playing soft music while the hungry crowd dug in. As the Adventurers indulged, they shared a sense of fulfillment, both from the meal and from their deeds. The atmosphere remained jovial for several hours as the celebration carried into the night. Eventually, the guests trickled out and the servants began the process of cleaning up.