Act 1

“The passage of time forever turns, men live and foregone, some destined for greatness leaving an engraving on the world becoming legend, soon legends fade turning to myth becoming an obscurity long forgotten through the passage of time. As time turns so does the world, new life is bred legends continue again an endless cycle. Eventually all fades to dust in the shadows but is this all? Doomed in this endless cycle will no one break this curse?

An unhollow moon reigned, dyed crimson, gleaming overhead. Its eerie radiance blanketed the skies, glistening and illuminating its surroundings blood red as if overlooking the atrocities committed after dark in the obscurity of night. A dreadful scene took place, within an ancient crypt a ghastly smell of death lingered in the air engulfing the atmosphere. In the innermost point a wicked, demonic tree was erected, its blood strained petals strewn across the cracked stone flooring, freakish runes were inscribed on nearly every surface flickering a deep vermilion. Extensive rusted chains shackled the chamber's walls. Emanating from within the tree these fiendish chains clutched souls of those lost inside the chambers halls. Sounds of crushing resonated throughout, followed by screams of agony, echoing. Corpses hung, bled dry, dangling from the tree's thorny branches. Grotesque mutations grew on these deceased. A ferocious evil and vile presence loomed overwhelming the chamber, that would cause any to dismay.

The tree emanated a feeling of hopelessness and despair, continuously pulsing as though it had a heartbeat. The corpses, riddled with holes, some still alive conjoined inside the tree's branches. Low moaning and cries emerged from the damned endlessly, the bodies were absorbed by the tree sucking their very essence akin to a nightmare. From within the obscurity, the shadows moved peering out, the shadows withdrew themselves as if alive assembling, forming at the pith. Fully manifested the penumbra dissipated revealing a lone figure. Darkness radiated from the figure like the shadows were its own skin. A putrid decaying aroma immersed the figure, a devilish simper announced itself from within its cloak. The seemingly elated figure disturbed the conjoined its presence alone cause their faces to reveal more terror, anguish permeated their eyes wailing in desperation.

No creatures of the night dared reside in the dwelling of Ceron…

...

The night was deathly still, natural sounds of twilight forgone replaced by ominous whispering among soulless trees. The trees mourned revealing ghoulish faces a coating of human flesh intertwined within them, this revolting display painted the scenery. A crazed forest of pure torment, the souls of once humans now absorbed, by the roots of these trees powering a great evil... Moonlight shrouded behind a void of murky clouds its glaze barely gleaming upon a figure's back. The figure dressed in a shimmering black leather coat, fluttering in the breeze its luster lightly illuminated the surroundings. Complemented with inscribed steel gloves its exquisite craftsmanship evident even through the shroud of darkness, followed with sable plated trousers and grey greaves, light mail. The wearer no other than Ceron, staring down the seething intruders who dared tread on his unhallowed grounds. The atmosphere was heavy from within his raven black hair, eyes shone crimson its glimmer enveloped the insolent as if intruding on their very souls. A band of paladins stood, upon the forests cusp. Seemingly assembled out of elites, outfitted in enchanted silver weaponry and Mithril Plated Armor. The equipment gave of a holy radiance their presence caused the demonic trees to retract their roots, squealing fearing the holy light- However, all of this was but a farce in the face of Ceron.

Soon a harmony of metallic sounds emanated from the band of paladins as they parted, their movements were executed with excellence, a testament to the training they had endured. Once fully parted a silhouette appeared deriving from the center this figure slowly walked into the light, vastly different in contrast to the surrounding paladins. Wearing golden trimmed armor that radiated an even more powerful holy aura compared to the rest, this was the captain. The golden paladin with a stoic expression and a hand over his heart, "Ceron you evil incarnate... Your reign of death and despair ends now. You've plagued this world with your devilish acts we of the holy order cannot allow such evil as you exist. I Niel will put an end to your reign!!!" The paladin preaching to this evil he loathed, in unison, the other paladins displayed the same stance. Immediately Niel retreated back within the paladin formation, retaking its previous arrangement.

Seeing this spectacle Ceron scoffed "Repulsive creatures you dare walk upon my domain. Spouting that idiotic nonsense the gods you aimlessly worship will offer no guidance here." Filled with contempt and disgust, a sinister visage revealed itself. His gaze penetrated through to the bone, in this act alone the killing intent emanating from Ceron skyrocketed, its immense pressure caused many of the paladins to go wary under the strain. Unable to stand the pressure screams were heard some of the paladins collapsed, lifeless their bodies but husks around a fifth now departed motionless among the grime. Even years of endless training barely made an effect all for naught in the presence of Ceron in the midst of this nightmare, one of the paladins dressed in white released a prayer, chanting a spell to soothe the company mitigating effects of mind based attacks. However, the meager third rate spell only partially managed to suppress the killing intent, causing them to ease up this slight relief didn't last long.

The scenery paralyzed as if time had stopped only a chilling breeze swayed even the mourning trees were quiet only dreadful silence weighed. The paladins gripped their keen blades, various magical artifacts bracing themselves peering into the abyss before them. Deep hums sounded from within the terrain's depths, a wicked expression surfaced from Ceron’s cloak... Instantly Ceron raised his palm, sparks began to permeate around his body, an intense azure coated the surroundings, lighting began to form dancing between his fingertips its brilliance intensified. This shocking display affected the paladins invoking some to go agape, soon the lighting started to bulge, and warp forming into a dazzling whip- Crisp crackling sounds resonated, hairs stood on end immediately Ceron stiffened, then thrust a downwards strike the whip descending at unfathomable speeds in a mere moment it traveled over a hundred meters. Helpless many of the paladins were vaporized this single attack alone engulfed half the squad, some still alive even after being struck experiencing unrelenting pain they screamed in agony. Fear crept into the hearts of the paladins. The demonic forest started to wail, in anguish, the ground was torn trembling beneath them the landscape scorched charred black, some parts were even glassed. Its impressive aftershock caused surrounding dirt, gravel, and trees to fly in all directions some unlucky souls crushed by the debris. An eerie sky loomed soon deafening thunder was heard, emanating above, in but a flash intense lighting streaked down striking the battlefield. Its roar shook the scene as if enraged pelting the forest in flames.

A cloud of dense fog rose from the destruction, the outside world had seemed inconsequential, the ground layered with death. Countless paladins were turned into ash, some infested with gouges and others simply cut in half entrails, blood was strewn everywhere. Anguish and torment were brimming stuffing the scenery with this horrid sight. Distraught Niel rolled backward, only him and a few paladins remained edging slowly back from the carnage they just witnessed. In their hearts, the squad knew if they were to falter and run they'd surely die. Only one option remained, fate was sealed they needed to fight gazing upon Ceron, Niel knew a match of brute force alone wouldn't win this battle. In reality, they were pebbles under his impressive might. Niel raised his arm, forming a fist the paladins exchanged eye contact, expressing a serious resolve. Fortunately Niel wasn't a Buffoon, his countless years of training shone on the battlefield he had come prepared for similar circumstances.

Silent within the shadowy depths, two more squads of paladins appeared steadfast running under the cover of twilight quickening their pace towards the epicenter of destruction Ceron. Shrouded in darkness a layer thick fog enveloped their advance, the flanking squads became faint silhouettes then nothing. No paladin could see through this haze to the onlookers this ambiguity caused many seeds of worry bud within their hearts, the remnants including Niel stood by. An eerie stillness coated the surroundings, abruptly sounds of battle radiated from within the haze, screams, powerful shock-waves and ear-piercing sounds were heard however this scene only lasted moments. Soon silent after it abruptly started, If answering the prayers and doubt the fog began to diminish revealing the battlefield, what laid upon the demonic forest floor was not that of Ceron's corpse...

Ceron stood in the center, unaffected his image was pristine the butchery he inflicted hadn't stained his cloak. With only a twisting expression on his face, surroundings were stained crimson, the ground was torn, bodies scattered across the landscape. Hollowed husks shells of what used to be, both squads sent to flank Ceron where sucked dry- Beyond recognition souls engulfed, agony and dread afore eradication. These withered departed bodies lifeless disposed of motionless among the grime... A vermilion mist lingered, it warped and twisted around the dead emanating from their pores as satanic roots overtook them. The ghoulish trees seemed elated as their branches impaled many of the deceased, pulsing with vigor as they sucked them dry.

Seeing this hell the paladins knew, they couldn't weep there was no time for sorrow if but a moment was left unguarded they'd surely perish just as their comrades. Still, the scene arose anxiety within them even though the deaths were recent, a vile stench loomed one of decay and disease. The possessed roots retracted their pulsing membranes stopped, coming from whence they came in the depths below... Unanticipated once stiff corpses began to swell, screeching- Bone popping sounds rose from within the perceived deceased. Seeds sprouted, a devilish root consumed them seeing this the squad shrieked. As if terror in the paladin's hearts excited them these former bodies of comrades now home to grotesque monstrosities, abominations of rotting flesh, conjoined with a devilish tree horrifying mutations began to emerge, barely bound together the roots dangled. In but a moment the battlefield was turned on its head.

Petrified, stricken reality took ahold of the paladin's hearts. Hastily they formed their group, drenched in an ocean of sweat only seven paladins remained with ashen expressions. Coming to the realization of having to kill these creatures, once home to bodies of comrades and loves ones they had no choice, only by decapitating these abominations could they be put to rest. Even though outnumbered and surrounded victory was paramount, no supporting squads nor reinforcements they were alone. Niel knew if they were to die, not fulfilling their mission the entire world would turn dark, consumed by Ceron's rule. Extreme hatred for the living that's who Ceron was pure evil, an overlord of death. A devil who could eradicate thousands of men effortlessly in an instant.

Deafening howls rang as if awoken from their slumber these horrifying sounds arose from the infernal abominations. The howls intensity shook them, vibrating the paladins to their core. Immediately afterward the creatures bolted towards them, leaving behind gusts of smoke in their wake. In a flash, the creatures arrived Niel tensed up shocked by the mere speed of these recently deceased. Quickly regaining his composure Niel pulled out a vial of blackish liquid pouring it on his blade, all the while these abominations were already tearing through the squad. It was evident, they were no match those abominations, one latched onto a paladin despite the excellent moves he performed. The myriad of slashes, spells didn't affect them as those creatures grabbed the paladins.

Within the creatures grasp, taking hold of a paladin the nightmarish abomination squirmed, horrific crackling emanated from its chest then it trembled the entire creature began to deform pulsing. Abruptly an eerie snapping occurred its chest cavity came to life splitting open, a ghastly picture painted itself demonic roots germinated from its chest impaling the paladin the ghoulish creature released low hums of amusement watching its prey being sucked dry as the demonic roots throbbed turning him into an empty shell. Rapidly all of his bodily liquids were consumed, this paladin's hollow body instantly was discarded thrown to the ground. Unexpectedly the creature too fell on the ground, falling apart the demonic roots unraveled wiggling wildly, dropping onto the muck they quickly buried themselves as if awaiting the next victim. This brutal display occurred throughout the battlefield eventually only one was left.

Seeing this Niel was frightened nonetheless, he noticed something from that carnage. However one stood in front of him, not attacking letting him prepare almost taunting Niel like as if not perceiving him a threat, an insect. With a swift motion Niel finished pouring the black substance over his blade, the pair motionless both glaring at each other."Show me what you got damned beast." Niel spoke in a ragged voice, hastily striking flint on his blade. As he struck the blade a flash of sparks surfaced, soon the mysterious liquid was ignited his blade now in a cloak of fire.

His sword now home to a raging inferno, its blazing heat radiated filling him with warmth in this chilling hell immediately the abomination hissed, retracting in fear. Niel lunged forward rapidly, with the cards in his favor went for a piercing attack. Without time to counter the creature sprung its roots towards the blade taking the brunt of the attack, letting out a high-pitched shrill as the blade penetrated. Soon its roots were consumed by flames flaring up the surroundings with an increasing intensity, realising the danger it cut off its arm preventing the fire from spreading. but, this weakness fleeting, instantaneously roots reformed born again from its arm healing the fatal wound. Even on the ground its burning arm caused the surrounding tendrils to curl, cowering in fear fire frightened these demonic roots.

Without delay the roots were fully healed, repairing its charred arm effortlessly. In a flash, it let forth a sweeping attack, despite its ferocious attack the speed was far less than before Niel immediately raised his blade blocking, quickly fire engulfed its arm yet it's force still impacted. The shockwave sent Niel flying, then knocked him down rolling among the muck traversing a length of almost ten meters.

Instantly the abomination caught up, towering above Niel it seemed bigger than ever blocking out the moonlight. Determined to end this fight a powerful slash came down barreling towards Niel, however, its thrusting attack was avoided hurriedly Niel rolled left with desperation, narrowly escaping its claws. The creature was slightly stunned by this paladin's impressive reflexes, just as it began another barrage of attack Niel threw a vial of black liquid over the creature causing it to be soaked in the mysterious liquid. Drenched the creature became frantic recklessly slashing towards Niel with no discernible strategy. Soon Niel blocked it's unrelenting attack's a fatal mistake, the creature was enveloped in flames it spread like wildfire throughout its body, screeching in misery, causing Niel to hunch up in pain his ears began to bleed.

Shortly, only the sound of flames were present its scorched body remained lifeless the cries of misery no longer reverberated in Niel's ears. Unable to think, dulled by what just happened his stance was down, caught off guard a powerful blow struck his chin. snapping sounds could be heard as he fell back falling among the dead bodies of his comrades, Ceron was towering above Niel smiling, before he could move his neck. It was already within the grasp of Ceron who just punched his now broken chin, unable to get loose from the unbreakable iron grip displayed their eyes met.

The glare shook Niel causing him to go limp with a chill down his spine, struck with the realization he'll die here. Just like his squad thrown away trash without even a proper burial perhaps destined to become a monster. Either way, no matter what he does death loomed Niel laughed in a somber tone. Looking down on Ceron gathering his resolve, quickly reaching for a magical item within his breast pocket. A translucent crystal revealed itself, strange charms were bound to it giving off a threatening glow in its core an unknown black orb resided. Hastily Niel pressed down, attempted to crush the crystal but he felt nothing... A red liquid gushed from his wrist, Niel turned pale his hand was gone.

Overwhelmed with torment, Niel screamed as pain filled his wrist, collapsing onto the floor vision blurred, only Ceron could be seen holding his hand. Leaning down he inspected the hand, smiling "I've got to hand it to you Niel, I didn't expect you would try and pull a stunt like that." Ceron mockingly snorted still smiling, "YOU BASTARD JUST KILL ME ALREADY... YOU HELLKITE!" Niel retorted in anguish still wavering his consciousness fading. "..Hmm" Ceron quickly grabbed Niel's head tugging at his hair than begun to walk with haste, even greater pain enveloped Niel. Stopping Ceron let go, Niel's face flush, his body was numb knocking on death's door.

"Don't you die on me." Ceron said whilst his hand begun to shine an ominous radiance, soon a black smog manifested within his palm, reaching forward Ceron masked Niel’s wrist in the smoke. Soon his wrist begun to revitalize, sensation came back and its pain scampered off, the gouge healed, through the bleeding had stopped his hand was still gone only a deformed hump laid. Ceron threw the crystal and Niel’s hand to the side, rapidly snatching Niel by his neck. Having failed multiple times and seeing his squad die Niel's will was crushed his eyes lost its luster lifeless filled with defeat, Ceron chuckled at that moment the sensation around his neck lifted and he fell back once more into the bloodstained muck.

"Killing you wouldn't be any fun I'd like to watch you suffer."

Ceron spoke looking towards the gloomy sky, "Heed my words, Niel I won't kill you on this day I'll watch you live in agony. Pain and suffering will consume you, the failures you make and the inability to protect those you care about shall break you." Niel couldn't look up into the eyes of this devil, he was right… A failure that's who he was a disgrace to his creed unfit for the service in the church. There are peaks of unimaginable power I'll never be able to obtain after all I'm just human worthless in face of Ceron Niel thought while still lying upon his fallen comrades at this monster's mercy.

Abruptly Ceron raised his hand, once doing so invoked a small incantation. His body began to shimmer a bluish hue, wrapping around his entire body like a new set of skin before he vanished, only leaving but a moment's afterimage. Soon Niel lost consciousness passing out, with Ceron's presence gone the atmosphere lifted. Ghoulish trees morphing back once more into ordinary ones, the devilish roots slowly decomposing, as if they were only alive due to Ceron being there. Fog starting to diminish, the haze clearing up and shortly after the sun was excited awoken from its rest rays of sunlight seeped in throughout the dead forest.

The sun's warmth bred new life into the forest, in the field of death even sun shined showcasing the unsettling scene bodies still strewn across the battlefield. Vultures could be seen, hovering above overlooking their next meal, intending for a feast on those already dead and soon to be. The area was charred black, cracks and fissures were present across the earth, mud, dirt, and gravel were regurgitated from the depths, smoke lingered in the distance seemed something was still burning.

Niel woke not even realizing Ceron's disappearance his unrelenting intent no longer affected him. Still gazing upon his fallen comrades in despair, as he stood up almost faltering he saw the world in a new light. Niel stood in a daze for what seemed like an eternity, before reaching into his tattered, bloodstained clothing pulling out his churches crest. With a solemn expression tightly gripping the crest to the point blood began to bleed through his gloves, he tensed up then threw the crest, hardest he could. "I'm too weak... It just isn't fair." Niel muttered while thinking of his comrade's corpses being left to rot, he started to dig graves for them using his only hand. "This is all I can do for them now..."