The stairs spiraled endlessly upward, each step echoing like a drumbeat in the suffocating silence as the trio ascended. The oppressive weight of dark magic seemed to grow heavier with every level they climbed. Lorelai glanced at her companions—Kael's sharp eyes scanning the shadows bow in hand, and Thrax, faint traces of blue flame still licking his axe blade slung across his shoulder.

  As they reached a small landing, Lorelai raised her hand to halt them. “This is as good a place as any to catch our breath,” she said, her tone steady but showing traces of exhaustion. “Raziel’s next trial isn’t going anywhere.”

  Kael crouched near the wall, pulling a flask from his belt. “No arguments here. That thing we just fought wasn’t exactly easy.”

  Thrax leaned against the cold stone, exhaling a low growl of agreement. “We’ll need to stay sharp, its important to get a breather when we can.”

  Lorelai exhaled while lowering her sword and closed her eyes briefly, focusing inward. She called up her status sheet, her gaze locking on the newly updated section for [Smite]. Rank II had been unlocked, and the ability’s description now glowed faintly as she read it. The power of the skill had grown stronger, and the words seemed to shimmer faintly as she read them.

  Now, when she used smite to vanquish an enemy, its radiant energy would ripple outward, granting a minor healing effect to allies within range, it even replenished some stamina. The strength of the healing wasn’t overwhelming, but it would grow with her skill, and even the smallest reprieve could be the difference between survival and death.

  A small smile tugged at her lips, but she quickly stifled it. “That’s better,” she murmured to herself.

  Kael, who had been watching her curiously, raised an eyebrow. “What’s better?”

  “Smite is stronger now,” she said. “If I finish something off with it, you two will get a little healing. It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing.”

  Thrax let out a dry laugh. “About time your angel tricks started pulling more weight. Maybe I won’t regret letting you tag along after all.”

  Lorelai shot him a look but chose not to respond. She could feel the new power coursing through her, the warmth of it a faint comfort against the chill of the castle. They would need every advantage if Raziel’s trials continued to escalate.

  After a brief rest, the group resumed their climb. The staircase seemed endless, winding ever higher into the castle’s shadowy depths. The oppressive air thickened, and the faint light of Lorelai’s sword helped to illuminate the candlelit staircase.

  Eventually, the stairs opened into a vast circular chamber. The room was lined with grotesque statues, each depicting a twisted, monstrous figure poised as though ready to strike. In the center stood a pedestal, glowing faintly, and atop it rested an orb pulsating with dark energy. The oppressive silence was broken by a deep, disembodied voice that filled the room.

  “Only those willing to sacrifice may proceed. Step forward, mortals, and prove your worth.”

  Kael’s gaze darted between the statues and the orb. “This is definitely a trap,” he muttered.

  “No kidding,” Thrax rumbled, his grip tightening on his axe.

  Lorelai stepped cautiously toward the pedestal, her sword at the ready. She sliced her hand with her blade just before brushing the orb, the room shuddered violently. The statues around them groaned to life, their stony forms cracking as they animated. Crimson light flared in their hollow eyes, and each brandished a weapon, their movements unnaturally swift.

  “Figures,” Lorelai muttered, raising her blade. “Stay together and watch for openings. We’ll take them one at a time.”

  The battle erupted in a chaotic storm of stone and steel. Lorelai’s smite proved invaluable, her strikes laced with divine energy that seared through the animated guardians. When each statue fell, its destruction sent a wave of warmth through the group, mending their wounds just enough to keep them fighting.

  Kael’s arrows struck true, targeting joints and weak points in the animated forms, while Thrax’s frost-coated axe shattered limbs with devastating efficiency. The trio fought with the precision of a seasoned team despite Kael being a new member, their movements synchronized by necessity as the relentless statues advanced.

  Finally, the last guardian crumbled to dust, and the orb shattered with a deafening crack. The oppressive magic in the room faded, and the deep voice returned, resonating with dark amusement.

  “You have passed the trial of sacrifice. Ascend further, if you dare.”

  Breathing heavily, the trio exchanged weary glances. Lorelai wiped her blade clean on her sleeve, her expression grim. “That wasn’t a sacrifice,” she said softly, “but it was a warning.”

  Kael retrieved his arrows and slung his bow over his shoulder. “If this was a warning, I’m not sure I want to see what comes next.”

  Thrax rolled his shoulders, his bloodied form still brimming with defiance. “Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it. Same as we always do.”

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  Lorelai nodded, gripping her sword tightly. They had passed the first of Raziel’s trials, but the path ahead promised only greater challenges. Together, they pressed onward, climbing ever higher into the shadowy labyrinth of the castle, their resolve unshaken despite the darkness waiting above.

  The spiral staircase ended abruptly at a set of towering double doors, their surface carved with intricate depictions of battles long forgotten. Each panel told a story of defiance, sacrifice, and bloodshed, and the oppressive aura emanating from the doors was palpable. Lorelai hesitated for a brief moment, her hand hovering near the handle.

  “This is it,” she said quietly, her voice steady despite the tension thrumming through her.

  Kael nodded, his grip tightening on his bow. “Ready as we’ll ever be.”

  Thrax snorted, stepping forward to push the doors open with both hands. “Let’s see what the king of this nightmare has to say.”

  The throne room beyond was vast and foreboding, its high vaulted ceiling disappearing into shadows. The walls were lined with ornate columns, and a dark crimson carpet stretched down the center of the chamber, leading to a raised dais. Atop it sat a massive obsidian throne, and in it lounged Raziel.

  The vampire king was a picture of dark elegance, his long coat draped over the armrests as though he hadn’t a care in the world. His sharp, pale features were framed by familiar plum colored hair that fell to his shoulders, and his crimson eyes gleamed with amusement as he regarded the trio. The room was silent save for the faint hum of unseen power.

  “You’ve made it further than most even with your measly levels,” Raziel drawled, his voice smooth and sardonic. “Though I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. An angel with an array of rare magic, a dragonkin with frost-fire blood, and a beastman whose arrows fly truer than most could dream. Quite the assembly.”

  Lorelai stepped forward, her sword at her side but ready. “We didn’t come here for compliments, Raziel. We came to negotiate.”

  Raziel chuckled, the sound low and resonant. “Ah, straight to the point. Very well. You’ve proven yourselves capable enough, but I wonder... do you truly understand what you’ve stepped into? Protecting Aeryn is no simple task, no matter how talented you may think yourselves.”

  Kael spoke up, his voice tinged with frustration. “We’ve fought through your castle, survived your tests, and we’re still standing. Isn’t that proof enough?”

  Raziel rose from his throne with a fluid grace, descending the steps one at a time, the look of amusement vanished. “Proven yourself? Against whom? Many that reside in this castle have levels over seventy and you think you made it here by determination?! Lil beastman dont make me laugh." His eyes grew bright, "Kneel."

  Kael couldn't even put up an ounce of struggle, he immediately fell to his knees and remained there. Lorelai and Thrax willed their bodies to stop trembling, they remember the overwhelming power he displayed in the slave's camp. "Strength," He continued as if he wasn't bothered, "alone is not what concerns me. Aeryn’s gift is unique, thousands of years worth of traditions and rules is what keeps my kind alive. She carries an obligation greater than herself, and if she fails to marry and start her own covenant... well the consequences will ripple and you will face the insurmountable task of protecting her.”

  Lorelai’s jaw tightened. “She shouldn’t be forced into a union just because others fear her power. We can protect her. We’ve faced countless threats already, and we’ll face whatever comes next.”

  Thrax nodded, stepping forward. “She’s not some pawn to be bartered. If anyone comes for her, they’ll have to get through us.”

  Raziel’s gaze flicked between them, his expression unreadable but the rage was palpable. Then, a small, almost imperceptible smile curved his lips. Raziel dropped his cloak “Bold words, let's see how you intend to do that...”

  The air in the room shifted, and the temperature plummeted. Shadows coalesced around Raziel, and his form blurred, disappearing into the darkness. His voice echoed from all directions. “Let us see if your resolve is as unyielding as you claim.”

  The chamber exploded into chaos. Raziel’s silhouette reappeared, his movements impossibly fast as he darted toward Thrax. The dragonkin reacted instantly, flames erupting from his axe as he met the strike head-on. The azure fire burned brighter than ever, its searing heat countering the oppressive chill of Raziel’s presence.

  Lorelai wasted no time, channeling crimson lightning through her blade. The magic crackled with volatile energy as she dashed forward, her speed leaving afterimages in her wake. She struck at Raziel’s flank, but the vampire king sidestepped with ease, countering with a blast of shadowy force that sent her skidding back.

  Lorelai's wings erupted outward, bathing the room in divine light, Thrax followed suit and dragonized . She called upon her gravity magic [Gravity Centrifuge], the air around her rippling as an invisible force pulled Raziel toward her. He faltered for a split second, just long enough for her to unleash a devastating smite. The radiant energy collided with his form, forcing him to stagger.

  Thrax seized the opportunity, his azure fire blazing as he delivered a powerful overhead strike. Raziel blocked the blow with his bare hand, the clash of energy and shadow sending shockwaves through the chamber. “Good,” Raziel murmured, his crimson eyes alight with something akin to approval. “Very good, you actually caught me by surprise.”

  The battle raged on, Lorelai unleashing her full arsenal of abilities. Crimson lightning danced across the room as she combined it with her electromagnetism, her spear being fired off like a bullet. She continually threw and called the spear back to her hand. It creating devastating arcs that coated the throne room, but none struck Raziel. She dashed in and out of the fray, her afterimages keeping Raziel off-balance while Thrax waited for openings to unleash his strongest attacks.

  Thrax’s attacks grew more ferocious, his azure flames scorching the air with each swing. The heat forced Raziel to retreat briefly, giving Lorelai a chance to press the attack. Together, they pushed him back, their combined efforts a relentless assault that even the vampire king couldn't help applaud.

  Finally, Raziel raised a hand, a pulse of dark energy rippling outward and forcing the onslaught to a halt. He stood in the center of the chamber, his form unharmed but his expression serious. “Enough,” he said, his voice resonating with authority. “You’ve proven your point.”

  Breathing heavily and covered in wounds, Lorelai lowered her sword. “Then you believe us?”

  Raziel’s lips curved into a faint smile. “For now, but know this: the consequence for your stubbornness may not turn out the way you want, I hope you stay vigilant. Protect Aeryn if you can, but if you falter, the fallout will be catastrophic.”

  The room fell silent as Raziel stepped back toward his throne. “Go,” he said, his tone dismissive but not unkind. “I will delay the forces that would prevent her from returning to you for now. Make sure to grow your strength if you wish to keep her around.”

  Kael finally managed to get off his knees, a cold sweat trickled down the back of his neck. The trio exchanged a glance before turning to leave, their resolve strengthened while Kael's was shaken. Raziel’s words hung heavy in the air as they left the throne room to retrieve Aeryn.

  class: Martial Force

  Agi - 24

  Will - 22

  End - 21

  Int- 20

  Lightning Animus: Scarlet Thunderbird

  Aura of Purity - emanate a protective aura that radiates from you granting allies protection and curing against poison, charm effects, and status ailments such as paralysis and petrification. Cures minor curses.

  Bolt Slash/Piercer: A slash(sword)/Punch (Spear) that sends out lightning/radiant magic attack from a weapon. Small chance of paralysis effect, duration 1.5 s

  Gravity Slash/Piercer: The slash presses down, the punch presses to a wall or other object. Str of gravity effect coordinates with WILL stat.

  Daylight(light magic)- illuminates dark areas, weakens undead, and dispels magical darkness below a certain level/tier

  Zakir- large bolt of lightning shot with two fingers, high piercing effect

  Oppression- greatly increase the gravitational force in an aoe

  Gravity Centrifuge-you create a focal point to create your gravitational pull point. Any enemy within a fifteen meter radius is pulled towards the center. The closer to the center, the stronger the pull. The ball of gravity explodes at the end of the spell dealing damage proportional to proximity to the center

  Repulse- can repel or pull any metal object under the effects of lightning clad

  Weight Manipulation (upgrade pending)- Alter the weight of yourself or target, concentration required. Drastic changes are available at a higher tier

  Spatial Storage: Provides a pocket dimension to store non-living things in, the size of the space is dependent upon your INT stat.

  Rapid thrusts - Give numerous quick thrusts, number of thrusts dependent upon AGI stat power of thrust dependent upon STR stat

  Dash(Rank II)- rapidly increase movement speed for up to 2 meters cd 15 seconds. Speed of dash is dependent upon AGI stat, distance is dependent upon STR stat. At a small mana cost create an after-image to confuse enemies

  Counterstrike- Parry and counter strike with a higher chance to critical. crit chance dependent upon WILL stat, damage dependent upon STR

  Smite(Rank II) - coats weapon in radiant energy and provides a minor heal/stamina to allies within 60 feet when an enemy is slain by smite. Radiant dmg is scaled off of STR and WILL

  Affinities: holy, radiant, light, lightning, gravity, spacetime, electromagnetism

  basic skills- dash unarmed combat

  Swordsmanship: Diamond Cutter: Dragonslaying Sword (second form)

  Spearmanship: Spear of the Divine: Precision and Punishing (second form)

  unique talent - shapeshifting (human only)