Having sobered up at Riell’s remark, the party of warriors pressed through the cave once more. Now cooperating more closely, they made short work of any Feyul that they encountered. The combination of their abilities was simply too much for the non-Awakened creatures to handle. Though, there was only so much cooperating that could be done while near Riell; the woman’s Field of Uncertainty made itself known to ally and enemy alike. More than once, Dharen had found himself almost impaled after being teleported unexpectedly, with only his high agility and reflexes allowing him to escape. After that, he had chosen to continue fighting alongside Riell - while keeping a healthy distance of at least ten feet from her. Ethan, on the other hand, didn’t seem to mind overmuch. His high Vitality and damage absorption meant that he could take quite a beating. Still, Dharen didn’t understand Ethan’s actions. It certainly looked painful. Really, what is wrong with him?

It wasn’t long before they had razed their way through the entirety of the cave, defeating almost each and every Feyul that inhabited it. Out of curiosity, Dharen had pushed past his revulsion and attempted to lick some leftover blood that had coated his warhammer while in the midst of clearing the cave; either the Feyul had no language capability or they simply weren’t in the mood to converse with him. Honestly, he wouldn’t be surprised either way.

Finally, only one Feyul remained. Still, this one had proven to be much more problematic.

The final Feyul remaining was, unlike its Unawakened brethren, empowered by a soulseed. This meant that it not only had the benefit of Boons, but it was also more dangerous simply due to its increased attributes. Similar to Nulzan, Feyul had much stronger base attributes than humans. Thus, the increases provided by soulseeds were significantly more pronounced.

The Feyul, fortunately, held a recognizable Seed. From its coloration and the change in the creature’s movements, it was likely to be a Seed of Rage. However, Dharen knew that just because the monster’s Seed was relatively common did not mean that it wasn’t powerful. And the Awakened Feyul set out to prove just that.

With enhanced strength in its limbs, it shot forward like a rocket, prehensile tail darting for Held’s throat. Riell stepped in closer, bringing the monster within the range of her Field of Uncertainty. The creature found itself teleported to the side, its deadly tail striking at only air.

Dharen, wary of stepping within Riell’s Field with his low amount of Luck, chose to use the moment to prepare himself. He swung Restraint at the stone floor of the cave, creating small fissures due to his newly-increased Strength - even under the reduction effect caused by Restraint.

After a few more swings, he was ready.

In the meantime, the others had continued to battle the creature. Ethan had taken a number of blows. Unlike Dharen, he appeared to have no real qualms regarding staying within Riell’s Field effect, and often suffered blows for his decision. He was a bloody mess, a mangled mockery of a body. Still, he fought on.

Finally, Ethan brought his fist, emanating a crimson miasma, to bear against the Feyul’s tail as it darted for him once more. The tip of the monster’s tail was crushed inward, eliciting a pained shriek. Ethan returned to a healthy state once more.

Beran and Held, unfortunately, were slightly less useful against the lone Awakened. Their abilities were centered mostly around creating changes in an enemy’s mental state to cause havoc in the ranks of numerous enemies. However, with one lone enemy, that lost much of its effect. Still, they did what they could to chip away at the powerful creature as it clawed and gnashed at the group.

Dharen found himself sneaking around the flank, skirting Riell’s active Field. Having found a better position, he waited for the creature to step slightly out from within the ranks of his allies.

Finally, it did so. With the path of his warhammer clear, Dharen brought Restraint down in an powerful arc, the shimmering lights that glowed from the warhammer providing their illumination to the chamber. With great force, Restraint slammed into the creature’s skull - and the monster, with no chance to react, took the blow fully. The powerful beast’s skull split, its brain bursting from the transferred force.

“Gross,” Ethan mumbled in response to the scene. Dharen, along with the others, looked at him with confusion.

“Clearly you don’t see yourself when you fight,” said Riell, laughing uproariously all the while. “Gross, he says!”

Once more, Ethan only responded with a shrug, causing Riell to fall into an even greater fit of laughter.

Mission completed, the group made their way back to the teleporter through which they had entered. Having adjusted to the sensation over the previous few days, Dharen was hardly affected by the previously-disorienting effect and briskly made his way over to the Golem manning the Plaza along with the others.

After a brief conversation, Riell exchanged the completed quest notice for a number of vouchers. She quickly passed out each participants’ share of the rewards, ripping her own and absorbing the energy contained within.

Dharen followed suit.

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Contribution Added:

+2000 Points

Remaining Contribution Points: 4250

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Along with the others, Dharen had been donating the lion’s share of the Contribution Points that he gained to the Vezian Alliance. Though Duende had not requested them to do so, they each felt that it was their duty to contribute. The man had inspired each of them to the point that they almost felt compelled to do so. They met with the Vezian Leader personally each day - and each day, they found themselves increasingly grateful to be a part of his Alliance. Still, he and the others had planned to keep around 2500 Contribution Points for themselves as a safety net.

They travelled quickly through the Vezian sector. Dharen took the opportunity to question Beran and Held on the abilities that they displayed, looking to gain a better insight. On the way, they stopped shortly to grab a small bite to eat from a nearby street vendor. Dharen marveled at the Vezian Alliance’s influence once more, as simply flashing the badge was enough for them to receive food from the vendor at a significantly reduced rate.

It wasn’t long before they were at the foot of the Vezian Spire. They stepped through the monolithic entrance, moving towards the winding steps. Unlike most, their status allowed them to climb to the upper landing of the Spire without worry. Though, Dharen had to admit that Beran always looked slightly concerned when looking at the steps from below. Then again, he might be concerned as well if he had similarly reduced stamina.

Rather than enter Duende’s office, the group walked down the hallway to the left. It culminated in an entrance to a large chamber. Inside the chamber was an empty noticeboard, a single Golem, and a lone teleporter.

Beside the teleporter stood Duende and Anand, holding a relatively congenial conversation. Dharen found it quite interesting, the way that Anand conducted himself in the presence of Duende. In front of the man, he was the picture of deference. Of course, the moment that Duende was no longer around, he returned in some ways to his overly-prideful self - more than once expressing his desire to become leader of an Alliance of his own, though that inclination seemed to be fading slightly as the days went by.

They approached the pair, and Duende ceased speaking momentarily in order to smile a greeting. Just as he always did when they met, he made it a point to shake each of their hands individually. Dharen felt a spike of appreciation for the man’s consideration.

Duende opened his mouth to speak, yet a flash of light caused him to halt his efforts. Upon the previously blank board, a single notice appeared. Duende rushed to the noticeboard, ripping it from its place. He turned to his six warriors, a beaming smile upon his face.

“This is it, my friends. It is time for the Vezian Alliance to seize our rewards.” He gestured for each of them to come nearer. “Come, I wish to converse with you all once more before you leave.”

Dharen took his place among the other warriors in front of the Vezian Alliance leader. He took a moment to look around, noting the steely determination that filled the gaze of his fellow warriors. Their determination to not let the Alliance down, a determination that he had grown to share. The past few days had cemented their determination quite firmly; each moment speaking with Duende had a way of allowing you to see the true importance of such matters.

Duende paused for a moment, looking each of them in the eyes. “First, I would like for you to look at this.” He held out the notice, allowing each of them to take in the information enclosed.

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Spire Notice:

The Seeds of Nulzan

Objective:

Eradicate The Tribe Of Awakened Nulzan.

Reward:

200 Contribution Vouchers per Nulzan Defeated

Spire Objective:

Prove Your Alliance To Be The Strongest

Reward:

Take Over A Nearby Alliance’s Sector

Difficulty:

Special

Party Size:

Up to 6

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“As you can see, Spire notices hold an additional objective - though the rewards for defeating each Nulzan are monumental, it is the Spire objective reward that is the most important. Fortunately, in this case, the two objectives coincide. You must merely prove that we are the most worthy. That we are the strongest. As a reward, the Vezian Alliance will be able to expand its influence. I - we - will be able to reach many more people. This is paramount,” Duende said with a steely look.

He gave each of them a meaningful glance. “And remember, defeating the Nulzan is not the only way to prove ourselves the strongest. Do what you must.”

Dharen, along with the others, gave Duende a nod of confirmation. Over the past few days, he had grown to trust the man fully. So, if he said it was important to be the strongest, they would be. No matter how many died so that they could prove it.

“One more thing. To prevent the Alliances from drowning one another in endless troops and conducting a massacre, this teleporter functions slightly differently. Once you transport in, you will each be keyed to the teleporter through which you enter. Should any of you die, I will not be able to send another to replace you. But in the same way, the other Alliances will not send replacements either.”

“Based on the information provided by our informants within the other Alliances, they have not been able to prepare teams in advance for this moment as we have. Their teams will not be sent in fully prepared. Because of that, the trust their members hold for them would likely fall notably if something were to befall their chosen warriors. Already, we have begun recruitment efforts within their ranks. Give them more room to doubt their Alliance, and many of their members will choose to align themselves with us, instead. We must make them realize the errors of their ways. Only aligned under a single banner will we be able to become the shield and sword that humanity so desperately needs.”

With grim and determined expressions, the party of six made their way to the teleporter, activating it and disappearing in a flash of light.