Chains of Corruption

The demon throws a powerful punch, but you quickly evade and swing your sword hard, cutting off half of his hand and a good chunk of his arm. He roars in pain and tries to grab you, but again you dodge and this time you take his other arm. The demon staggers backwards and you try to slice his neck, but he clamps down on your blade with his teeth. His wounds regenerate very quickly and he grabs you with his new hand, slamming you down to the ground before he kicks you back. He spits out your sword and it lands a few feet away. He lunges at you and you roll out of the way, picking up your sword along the way.

He roars again but you yell, "Enough!"

You charge the demon at full speed, releasing arc after arc of white energy that slice through the demon's flesh and dismember him. The pieces fall to the ground as you reach him and, amazingly, he's already starting to regenerate. You quickly raise both your hands and unleash a substantial firestorm upon the mutilated body. The demon's flesh sizzles and quickly dissolves under the intense heat until there is just a black scorch mark on the ground. You rush back to Vivienne and with her help, you finish off the remaining demons. You lean against a large rock and try to catch your breath. Fighting over and over like this is draining your energy, and you know you can't rely on magic this much until you fight Iliya.

"Mika, there's another large group of demons over there, but, it sounds like they're fighting someone." Vivienne says.

You nod and say, "It has to be one of the others, let's go!"

Vivienne follows your lead as you sprint towards the sound of fighting. Behind a few large rocks, Priscilla is fighting alone, and she seems to be injured. The demons have her surrounded and you quickly leap into the air and over the crowd of demons, landing next to Priscilla.

"I was beginning to wonder if anyone else made it." Priscilla says with a smile.

You don't have time to reply as the demons attack without hesitation. Vivienne jumps on top of a large rock and readies her bow. Her eyes begin to glow and a small flame appears hovering over her finger, and as her arrows pass through it they ignite, setting demon after demon ablaze. Astrid taught you how the demons moved and you try to conserve your magic by relying on your training with her.

You deftly avoid a demon's claws and cut him in two as another lunges in and tries to stab you. You turn your face and move your head back as the demon's blade grazes against your cheek, leaving a thin streak of blood. You slam your elbow into his stomach and as he staggers backward you slash him across the chest, sending him crashing to the ground.

Another demon charges in and throws his sword at you. You dodge to the side, but the demon tackles you, sending both of you tumbling. The demon comes to rest on top of you and begins pounding away as you raise your arms in defense. As you are being pummeled, you notice another demon picking up a large rock and holding it above your head. A flaming arrow pierces the demon's chest and he loses his grip on the rock. It crushes him and lands precariously close to you.

Priscilla leaps on top of the demon attacking you and digs her claws into his neck, tearing out chunks of flesh before she smashes his head into the ground. You and Priscilla take a few breaths before she looks back and helps you to your feet. You stand back to back with Priscilla as the demons slowly encircle you.

Vivienne is fending off some of the demons that noticed her and are now trying to jump up towards her. The demons swarm you and Priscilla, but no matter how many you kill, their numbers don't seem to be thinning. The desperate struggle continues until a wave of black fire streaks across the air and sets a large portion of them on fire. The demons shriek in agony and as they bump into each other, the fire continues to spread.

"Are you guys ok?" C.C. yells as she flies towards you with Astrid in tow.

"Yeah, glad to see you're alright too." You respond as you block a demon's sword.

You push back, throwing the demon off balance and then slash down. With everyone working together, the demons stand little chance, and soon succumb to your combined might.

You sit against a rock and say, "This isn't good, we're wasting too much time and energy."

Priscilla nods and says, "Indeed, all of us could use some rest."

Astrid folds her arms and says, "And how are we supposed to do that?"

"It's true none of us would be able to sleep if we were being attacked, but if I use my magic, some of us could stay awake on guard while the rest slept soundly." Priscilla explains.

"No way! I'm not letting you put me to sleep, what would happen if we were ambushed?" Astrid protests.

Priscilla responds, "I would stay awake so that if anything were to happen, I could undo the spell and you would be back on your feet in seconds. It certainly isn't without risks, but I don't see a way we can continue on like this and still have the energy left to fight Iliya."

No one looks particularly happy about being put in such a vulnerable position, but no one has a better idea either.

"I think Mika and Astrid should go first, the rest of us can keep a look out." Priscilla says.

"What! Why do I have to go first?" Astrid objects.

"You and Mika have the largest stores of energy, so you will need all the time you can get to replenish it. Take the chance now while you have it, C.C. can distract the demons and if we need to move, I can carry you and Vivienne can carry Mika." Priscilla explains.

Astrid looks skeptical and you say, "She said she can undo the spell if something happens, I think we should rest while we can."

Your group climbs up onto the raised ground but you don't see anymore demons in the area. You spot more large rocks in the distance and take refuge behind them.

"This is as good a spot as any, well?" Priscilla says.

You and Astrid lay down on the ground and Priscilla walks over and kneels down. Her eyes glow a soft purple color as she passes her hand in front of your face. You immediately feel drowsy and yawning is the last thing you remember before you fall asleep.

Chapter 30: The Fortress

Your eyes open as Priscilla's hand moves over you and Astrid again. You feel re-energized and sit up and look around. Everything seems alright. but you notice you are in a different part of the island now.

When you ask Priscilla what happened, she says, "Not much. A few patrols passed by but they were getting closer each time, so we thought it was better to move to a less noticeable spot and let you two rest as much as possible."

You think for a moment and say, "Any sign of Kira and Hakon?"

Priscilla shakes her head and says, "None. Let's just hope they can avoid that serpent."

You nod and say, "I guess I'll take watch first then."

"Actually, after we moved, the demons seem to have lost track of us and we were able to switch off and get some rest too. We're ready to go when you are." Priscilla responds.

You look to Vivienne and C.C., who look to be rested up as well and say, "Alright then, I wish Hakon and Kira were here, but we can't waste any more time, is everyone ready?"

Astrid clenches her fist mid air and says, "Hell yeah! Let's do this!"

Your group climbs on top of some rocks and surveys the area. "Any of this look familiar Astrid? Do you know which way we should go?" You ask.

"I haven't been here in years, but one thing hasn't changed." She says pointing to the sky, "Just follow the smoke and we'll end up on Iliya's doorstep."

You trace the smoke over a large hill and surmise that the factory must be beyond it.

"Keep your eyes open." Priscilla says as she leaps off the rocks to the ground below.

You follow her lead and make your way deeper into the island. Wanting to avoid expending energy, your group moves stealthily through the wasteland and after climbing a large hill, you can see the factory clearly now, as well as the fortress like structure they've built around it.

"That's Iliya's stronghold. It doesn't look that big, but it extends underground a few hundred feet and at the very bottom, is the only entrance to the factory." Astrid explains.

"Why would they need the factory to go that far underground? What exactly goes on in there?" Priscilla inquires.

Astrid responds, "I don't really know. It would be suicide to challenge Iliya alone and she already had the rest of the demons under her thumb. I tried to stay away from that place as much as I could."

"Well whatever it is, we're gonna stop it, right?" C.C. asks.

You nod as you make your way down the hill.

You are deep in thought when Priscilla asks, "What's wrong Mika?"

You shake your head and say, "I was just thinking about what Iliya was saying about that knight in the white armor. She said he was also blessed by Mara, but she was able to corrupt him. I was just wondering why no one had heard of him before."

"That's a good question. It's true that there were many powerful allies that fought against the demons in the past, but none have demonstrated the capabilities you possess, at least as far as I've seen. Perhaps he met Mara on the verge of death, and that's when she blessed him. It took you a while to get used to your powers, if the same was true for him, it would explain how Iliya overpowered him. It's not very scientific of me to be spouting theories based on assumptions, but right now, we need to be unified in our resolve." Priscilla says as she presses on.

You agree and then notice Vivienne's ears perk up.

"Something's coming, quick, get behind those rocks!" Vivienne says and your group dashes behind some boulders.

A loud screech is accompanied by the sound of massive wings flapping through the air. A hideous creature lands at the base of the hill about fifteen feet away from your hiding spot. You crouch down and hope that the gigantic creature can't see you over the rocks.

"A chimera? Damn you Iliya..." Astrid says under her breath.

"What the hell is a chimera?" You ask peeking around the boulder at the beast.

Its body is covered in white and grey fur and it stands on all fours, folding its massive silvery wings onto its back. The head of the beast looks like a lion, but it has two large fangs protruding down from its mouth. Out of everything though, the creature's tails are the most frightening. There are six of them, and each one is a living snake, about ten feet long.

"Everything that's alive has magical circuits, regardless if they are ever able to use them, they're there. Animals and even plants have them too, but they are all laid out very differently. Normally, trying to cross breed species would never work, the circuits wouldn't mesh together and they would overload, destroying both creatures, but humans are special. Their circuits are slightly different, even the most magically inept human is still capable of successfully merging together with another set of circuits." Astrid explains.

Priscilla tilts her head and says, "So that's how the people were transformed?"

Astrid nods and continues, "Yeah, but what a lot of you don't realize, is that Iliya gave human attributes to animals too, which is why some of you look more... bestial, while others look mostly human still. She's been experimenting on humans ever since she awoke and took control over the demons. She was never able to replicate the results with animals though, without the human element, they would inevitably die shortly after creation. There's no mistake though, she has perfected her technique and merged several animals into that, thing." Astrid says looking visibly upset.

You ask, "Why does this bother you so much? Is it too powerful to take on?"

Astrid shakes her head and says, "Look at that thing, of course it's strong, but that's not what I meant. Iliya's test subjects are made to experience things that even a demon would fear. Even if she managed to successfully merge them, without a human pattern as a template, its circuits are decaying. Iliya must be suppressing it somehow with her dark energy. I'm sure you can feel that chaotic frequency with your powers Mika, this creature is in incredible pain."

You do feel a very strange frequency coming from the creature, but you're more surprised at how much Astrid cares about this. You knew she wasn't a typical demon, but if it weren't for her red skin and horns, you wouldn't even know she was a demon.

Astrid sees the look on your face and says, "What? I told you not all demons are bloodthirsty sex addicts, so wipe that stupid fucking look off your face before I..."

Her words are cut short by another loud screech as the creature lifts off and spots your group.

"Shit!" Astrid says as she leaps on top of the boulder and then at the creature.

The chimera swipes her out of the air and Astrid crashes down hard onto the ground. You run towards the beast and almost get hit by its claws, but manage to dodge and get in close. You sink your blade into its right hind leg, but it barely cuts it at all. You charge electricity into your blade and continue to push with all your might. The blade sinks deeper but still not even halfway. You withdraw your sword as two of the chimera's tails lunge in and strike. You slice hard, but they both clamp down on your blade, pushing back with much more strength than you expected. Vivienne fires two arrows in quick succession at the snakes holding your sword, but the rest of the tails come around and catch the arrows mid air.

"What?" Vivienne says in disbelief.

C.C. glides past her and says, "Leave this to me!"

C.C.'s eyes glow and black fire accumulates around her hands. She throws the fireball at the creature's head, but suddenly, its tails release your sword and the creature's massive wings unfurl and begin to flap. As the chimera lifts into the air, the gusts push the black fire back towards C.C. Priscilla pushes C.C. out of the way while leaping in the opposite direction, narrowly avoiding the flames herself. Astrid gets to her feet and wipes a small amount of blood from her lip. The chimera roars and swoops down trying to grab you with its claws. You send a shockwave of energy towards the beast, but it rolls to the side and it misses as it slides across the dirt. The chimera lifts off again and climbs high into the sky.

Priscilla makes it over to Astrid and says, "What's it doing now?"

The chimera's silvery wings spread out fully and it looks like its feathers are pointing towards the ground. The beast roars and flaps its giant wings, sending feathers raining down from above at blinding speed. A feather races by your face and cuts into your skin. They are razor sharp! You don't now what kind of feathers this thing has but you know they could easily kill you if you aren't careful. You deflect the incoming feathers with your sword as Priscilla creates a barrier for everyone else.

The razor rain finally ends and you know now is your only chance. The beast's wings flap again and you see more feathers growing in already. You have to do something about the wings first, otherwise, you're at a disadvantage against a hailstorm of razor sharp feathers. You sprint towards the creature and leap high into the sky. As you fly towards the chimera, you charge ice magic in your hand and release it as you pass above the beast. You didn't charge enough to freeze it completely, but its left wing ices over and the chimera can no longer stay afloat.

The creature comes crashing down and you yell, "Now, before it gets up!"

As you fall back down to the ground. The chimera tries to stand, but Priscilla and Astrid each latch onto one of its front legs, keeping it immobile.

C.C. glides up to the monster and gently rubs the fur around its eyes while saying, "I'm sorry, but this is the only way we can help you now."

C.C. releases black fire into the beast's mouth as it roars and within seconds the entire creature is engulfed in flames. It cries out in agony as it melts and eventually slumps onto the ground.

"Damn it! I don't agree with Iliya transforming people, but at least they don't feel pain like this thing. What she's doing makes me fucking sick!" Astrid exclaims clenching her fist.

"Let's go before any demons find us." Priscilla suggests.

After a short walk, you come to a path clearly used by the demon soldiers leading straight down to the factory. Near the factory, a small army of demons prowl around and await your arrival.

"She knows we're coming, they're going to wait down there and use their numbers to overwhelm us, just like they did all those years ago." Priscilla says.

Astrid grits her teeth but you have an idea.

"C.C., I'm gonna boost your powers, use your black fire and take out as many as you can." You say as you place your hands on C.C.'s shoulders.

You let your energy flow into the succubus and she says, "Oh wow! Yeah, this'll be easy!"

C.C. raises her hands and a huge cloud of black fire appears overhead. She quickly points her arms towards the demons and the black cloud swoops down the path. The cloud impacts the ground in front of the stronghold and erupts, spewing black fire everywhere and melting countless demons along with a good chunk of the fortress wall.

"Let's go!" You yell as you lead the charge down the path towards the demons.

As you reach the fortress, a massive demon crawls out of the gaping hole in the building and towers over the battlefield. It roars but before it can attack, a long icy spear pierces the monster's chest and it falls to its knees. Hakon swoops in with his icy wings and slashes the beast a few times before driving his spear of ice into the demon's skull.

As the towering beast collapses, Priscilla says, "Hakon you old bastard, took your sweet time getting here didn't you?"

Hakon lands gracefully and says, "Priscilla, as unrefined as ever I see, I hope you have also retained that bestial strength as well?"

Priscilla looks irritated and says, "This is why no one visits you up on that mountain."

"Mika!" Kira yells as she finds you amid the chaos.

"I'm glad you're alright, you were taking a while to get back so I was worried." You say.

"Yeah sorry, but Hakon gave me a bunch of his energy, so I can help out more now!" Kira says excitedly.

"Alright, just remember, try to conserve as much as you can until we fight Iliya." You reply, relieved she is alright.

Kira nods and joins the fight as demons swarm your group from all sides. Demonic blood sprays into the air as they keep pouring in and tightening their ranks.

Over the fighting, Priscilla yells, "Vivienne and I will hold them off here, the rest of you get going, or else we won't make it to Iliya at all!"

You cut down a demon and ask, "Are you sure you can handle it?"

Priscilla holds out her hand and says, "Give me one of those potions just in case." You hand over the vial and Priscilla yells, "Now get going!"

You don't want to leave her and Vivienne here, but she's right, by the time you kill all the demons, you wouldn't have anything left to fight Iliya with. You turn your head away and leap over the crowd of demons into the fortress. You land in a corridor that looks almost like a military bunker back home. The passages are tight and the ceiling is low, which will inhibit combat greatly. Not many demons followed you into the fortress and once they're dead, you make your way deeper into the complex.

There are several rooms on either side of the long corridor and all of them seem to be holding cells, but they are all empty. At the end of the hallway, there is an elevator leading further down. You and your companions step inside and notice it only travels down one floor before stopping, and there are no buttons to activate it again. The doors open and you see what appears to be some kind of lab. Strange monstrosities are suspended in green goo inside large glass tubes, bathing the entire floor in an eerie green haze.