We step out into a vast colosseum. It's an open field, the stands are filled with monsters of all shapes and sizes. They seem to be waiting for us, their eyes filled with anticipation. Their cheers echoing through the air, eager for the fight that's about to unfold.
My heart sinks. The hope I'd felt moments ago is replaced with a crushing despair. But the Hero remains steadfast, his gaze scanning the crowd for a leader.
His eyes land on a figure sitting on a throne-like seat, high above the rest. It's not the Demon Lord he had slain, but someone else. A new leader? The Hero's grip tightens on his weapon. Whoever this new enemy is, we have no choice but to face them.
A thunderous roar silences the crowd. All eyes turn to a massive monster standing beside the figure on the throne. After a moment of tense silence, the figure stands and addresses the crowd.
"This is the man who defeated our Demon Lord," he declares, his voice echoing throughout the colosseum. "The man who beheaded him and took his unholy crown. What judgment shall we give this human who has slaughtered our master?"
A chorus of voices rise from the crowd, their words filled with hatred and anger. "Kill him!" they cry. "Torture him!" The cacophony is deafening, but a second roar from the monster silences them once more.
"As the remaining general of the Demon Lord's army," the figure continues, "I will deliver the judgment." The crowd waits with bated breath, their eyes fixed on the figure.
Throughout this, the Hero remains silent. His thoughts are solely on me, the Apothecary. I can see the determination in his eyes, his resolve to keep me safe, to get me home.
But I'm not the same Apothecary who set out on this journey with our comrades. I'm not the same person who believed we could conquer anything as long as we were together. I'm damaged, emotionally scarred, and on the verge of breaking down. The sight before me is overwhelming, and I can't help but feel a sense of despair.
Before the figure can pass his judgment, he turns his attention to the Hero. "Before I deliver your fate, allow me to introduce myself," he says, his voice echoing throughout the colosseum.
"The Demon Lord's army is led by seven generals, not six as the world believes," he begins, his eyes meeting the Hero's. "Each of us commands a portion of the Demon Lord's forces. You and your comrades defeated three of us. The other three were slain by other heroes."
The Hero's eyes narrow in confusion. If what this figure is saying is true, then...
"I am the seventh general," the figure announces, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "I am Vorak, the Castle's Sentinel. I am the second strongest entity in the Demon Lord's army, tasked with the protection of this castle. Even during the final battle against the Demon Lord, I was not permitted to leave my post."
The crowd falls silent at his words. The revelation hangs heavy in the air, a new threat in an already dangerous situation. The Hero's gaze hardens, his grip on his weapon tightening. As for me, the fear is almost paralyzing. But I push it down, determined to stay strong.
The Seventh General, Vorak, addresses the Hero and me once more. "I assure you, these monsters will not harm you," he says, his voice carrying an eerie calm. "I am a man of mercy, and thus I will give you a final chance to save yourself and the girl."
He proposes a one-on-one battle. If the Hero prevails, we will be allowed to leave. If not, our fate is sealed. The Hero remains silent for a moment, then readies his weapon. With a sword in his hand and a shield on his back, he turns to me. "Stay behind," he instructs, his voice steady. "This won't take long." He then turns to Vorak, his gaze determined.
"I accept your challenge," he says, his voice echoing throughout the colosseum. "But if I fall here, the girl goes free."
Vorak laughs, a deep, rumbling sound that echoes off the walls of the colosseum. "You're in no position to negotiate, human," he retorts, his voice filled with amusement. "You're surrounded, outnumbered. Your Divine protection gone. You have no advantage here."
He glances at me, his gaze softening for a moment. "I guess we don't have a choice," he says, his voice barely a whisper. He turns back to Vorak, his gaze hardening once more. "Once I defeat you, I expect you to keep your promise. Even if you are a demon."
Vorak's smile doesn't waver. "We always honor our promises," he says, his voice carrying a note of finality. "Even as demons."
A sinister smile spreads across Vorak's face. With a powerful flap of his wings, he descends into the colosseum. The demons around us erupt into cheers, chanting "Vorak! Vorak!" over and over again.
Upon closer inspection, the Hero notes Vorak's three long horns - one straight as an arrow in the center of his head, and two twirling ones on either side. He's clad in heavy armor adorned with intricate golden designs, a huge shield in one hand and a massive bastard sword in the other.
An arbiter descends into the center of the colosseum. He announces the impending fight between the Hero, the slayer of the Demon Lord, and Vorak, the last general and the Demon Lord's sentinel. It's to be a battle to the death, and no one is permitted to enter the colosseum until one of them has fallen.
A tense silence descends upon the colosseum, both the Hero and Vorak carefully observing each other. Then, a shout rises from the crowd. "Fight!" With that, the battle begins.
The Hero lunges at Vorak, only to be deflected by his massive shield. He's thrown off balance, and Vorak seizes the opportunity to thrust his bastard sword at him. The Hero manages to dodge the attack and rolls behind Vorak, landing a punch on his back. Vorak flinches and swings his shield around, but the Hero deflects it with his sword and is pushed back a few steps.
Suddenly, Vorak casts a fire-breathing spell, hurling a massive fireball at the Hero. With a swift movement, the Hero slices through the fireball with his sword, dispersing the flames around him. But when the smoke clears, Vorak is gone. He's in the air, summoning icicle spears and launching them at the Hero. The Hero narrowly dodges the spears, receiving only minor scrapes.
The Hero attempts a high jump to reach Vorak, but the demon evades his attack and kicks him out of the air. The Hero plummets to the ground, and Vorak lands, his massive foot stomping on the Hero's back. The Hero writhes in pain as Vorak laughs. "Is this all the Demon Lord's killer has?" he taunts.
From the sidelines, I watch in horror. The Hero, always so strong and quick, is being overwhelmed. I grip the health potion in my hand, wanting to help but knowing I can't interfere. If I do, our slim chance of survival will be gone. I watch as the Hero slowly recovers, Vorak giving him a bit of space. My heart aches with each passing second. I can't believe what's happening. I've never seen the Hero struggle like this before. It's terrifying.
The Hero, battered and weary, slowly rises to his feet. He takes a moment to steady his breathing, his gaze never leaving Vorak, who stands confidently across from him. I can't help but worry for the Hero. He's had little time to recover from his previous battles, and the betrayal of our comrades has taken a toll on him. But there's no avoiding this fight - it's our only hope for survival.
Despite his exhaustion, the Hero doesn't falter. He knows this is his only shot. He charges at Vorak, his sword shimmering with magic. Vorak, caught off guard by the sudden attack, barely manages to block the Hero's assault. Their swords clash, sending sparks flying and casting eerie shadows across the battlefield.
Vorak, now fully aware of the threat the Hero poses, regains his composure. With a powerful swing of his sword, he forces the Hero back. The Hero stumbles but quickly regains his footing. He can't afford to make a mistake.
Vorak lunges at the Hero, his sword aimed straight for the Hero's heart. But the Hero is ready. He sidesteps Vorak's attack and retaliates, slashing at Vorak's exposed side. Vorak howls in pain as the Hero's sword slices through his armor.
With a swift and powerful swing of his sword, Vorak sends the Hero sprawling to the ground. He steps back, a cruel smirk playing on his lips as he watches the Hero struggle. "Get up," he taunts, his voice echoing through the colosseum. "Show me the strength that supposedly defeated the Demon Lord."
The Hero, despite the pain wracking his body, slowly rises to his feet. He steadies himself, his grip on his sword unyielding. His gaze meets Vorak's, a silent vow of defiance etched in his eyes.
The battle rages on, the Hero matching Vorak blow for blow. Despite his injuries and exhaustion, he fights with a ferocity that is awe-inspiring. Vorak, for all his arrogance and strength, finds himself pushed back. The outcome of the battle hangs in the balance, but one thing is clear - the Hero will not be defeated easily.
In the midst of their fierce exchange, the Hero's sword is knocked from his grasp. Seeing this as an opportunity, Vorak lunges forward, aiming a powerful punch at the Hero. But the Hero is quicker. He catches Vorak's fist, pulls him forward, and with all his remaining strength, lands a solid punch in Vorak's gut.
The force of the punch sends Vorak reeling backward, stumbling a few feet away. He drops to his knees, gasping for breath. The colosseum falls silent, the crowd watching in stunned silence as the Hero stands tall, unarmed but undeterred.
Vorak's confidence remains unshaken despite his transformation. He discards his sword and armor, addressing the Hero with a newfound respect. "You are a formidable warrior," he acknowledges. "Your strength could shatter mountains. But I cannot let you live, for you have slain my master. This will be your final resting place, hero."
The colosseum, once filled with raucous cheers, falls into a stunned silence as they witness the impending climax of the duel between the Hero and Vorak, the Demon Lord's Sentinel. Vorak reaches into his chest, extracting his own heart. "This is my final battle. Give me everything you've got, Hero. As I will give mine," he proclaims, consuming his heart.
His form alters dramatically. He morphs into a monstrous beast, with ten horns crowning his head and spikes jutting from his body. His size is colossal, equivalent to two large houses. Four additional arms sprout from his back, each wielding his massive bastard sword, now doubled in size. His claws are sharper, and he now possesses six eyes. With a roar that shakes the colosseum, he signals his readiness for the final showdown.
The Hero retrieves his sword and raises it high, his voice echoing throughout the colosseum. "I am the Hero of Solandis," he proclaims, his voice resolute. "Chosen by the Goddess, I am the shield against the darkness."
He points his sword at Vorak, his gaze unwavering. "I stand here for peace, for hope, for Solandis. I will not falter. I will not fail."
With that, he lowers his sword, ready for the final clash. The crowd is silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. The final battle is about to begin. Tears well up in my eyes as I watch the scene unfold. The beast that Vorak has become is terrifying, an insurmountable adversary. Yet, the Hero remains steadfast. Despite his weakened state, he stands tall, prepared to confront this monstrous foe. This is our final stand.
Vorak lunges at the Hero without hesitation. Their swords collide, the sound reverberating throughout the silent colosseum. They exchange blows, each leaving a fresh wound on their bodies. Despite his injuries and missing arm, the Hero is still a formidable opponent. He deflects most of Vorak's attacks, but he can't evade them all. His side is slashed, his right eye injured. Blood splatters around them, staining the colosseum floor a gruesome red.
After a fierce exchange of blows, both the Hero and Vorak are pushed back several feet, the force of their simultaneous punches creating a shockwave that reverberates through the colosseum. They stand apart, each catching their breath, their chests heaving from the exertion. The silence in the colosseum is palpable, the crowd holding their breath as they watch the two warriors prepare for the next round of their epic duel.
From the sidelines, I watch in horror. The Hero looks grim, his body marred with wounds. His sword is knocked away, leaving him with only his shield. Vorak is also injured, but he stands firm, ready for the final clash.
The Hero glances at me, and I see a renewed determination in his eyes. He stands tall, ready to face Vorak once more. He looks to the heavens, praying for the strength to protect me. A warm glow envelops him, a sign that the goddess hasn't abandoned him.
Vorak charges at the Hero, ready to deliver the final blow. The Hero stands his ground, ready to counter. A brilliant light engulfs the colosseum, blinding everyone. When it fades, the Hero collapses. Vorak remains standing, but he's motionless. A gaping hole is visible in his chest. He falls, lifeless.
I rush to the Hero's side, tears streaming down my face. His wounds are severe, his left side is obliterated, blood gushing from his side. He looks at me, his eyes filled with determination. "I did it," he says weakly. "I can send you home."
I shake my head, sobbing. "We have to go home together," I plead. But he just smiles, reaching up to touch my cheek. "Live your life," he tells me. "The world is free of the Demon Lord's grasp. Go back to your shop. Your master is waiting for you...I promised him years ago that I'd bring you home."
With those final words, his hand falls limp. His chest rises and falls one last time before falling still. The Hero is dead.
We step out into a vast colosseum. It's an open field, the stands are filled with monsters of all shapes and sizes. They seem to be waiting for us, their eyes filled with anticipation. Their cheers echoing through the air, eager for the fight that's about to unfold.
My heart sinks. The hope I'd felt moments ago is replaced with a crushing despair. But the Hero remains steadfast, his gaze scanning the crowd for a leader.
His eyes land on a figure sitting on a throne-like seat, high above the rest. It's not the Demon Lord he had slain, but someone else. A new leader? The Hero's grip tightens on his weapon. Whoever this new enemy is, we have no choice but to face them.
A thunderous roar silences the crowd. All eyes turn to a massive monster standing beside the figure on the throne. After a moment of tense silence, the figure stands and addresses the crowd.
"This is the man who defeated our Demon Lord," he declares, his voice echoing throughout the colosseum. "The man who beheaded him and took his unholy crown. What judgment shall we give this human who has slaughtered our master?"
A chorus of voices rise from the crowd, their words filled with hatred and anger. "Kill him!" they cry. "Torture him!" The cacophony is deafening, but a second roar from the monster silences them once more.
"As the remaining general of the Demon Lord's army," the figure continues, "I will deliver the judgment." The crowd waits with bated breath, their eyes fixed on the figure.
Throughout this, the Hero remains silent. His thoughts are solely on me, the Apothecary. I can see the determination in his eyes, his resolve to keep me safe, to get me home.
But I'm not the same Apothecary who set out on this journey with our comrades. I'm not the same person who believed we could conquer anything as long as we were together. I'm damaged, emotionally scarred, and on the verge of breaking down. The sight before me is overwhelming, and I can't help but feel a sense of despair.
Before the figure can pass his judgment, he turns his attention to the Hero. "Before I deliver your fate, allow me to introduce myself," he says, his voice echoing throughout the colosseum.
"The Demon Lord's army is led by seven generals, not six as the world believes," he begins, his eyes meeting the Hero's. "Each of us commands a portion of the Demon Lord's forces. You and your comrades defeated three of us. The other three were slain by other heroes."
The Hero's eyes narrow in confusion. If what this figure is saying is true, then...
"I am the seventh general," the figure announces, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "I am Vorak, the Castle's Sentinel. I am the second strongest entity in the Demon Lord's army, tasked with the protection of this castle. Even during the final battle against the Demon Lord, I was not permitted to leave my post."
The crowd falls silent at his words. The revelation hangs heavy in the air, a new threat in an already dangerous situation. The Hero's gaze hardens, his grip on his weapon tightening. As for me, the fear is almost paralyzing. But I push it down, determined to stay strong.
The Seventh General, Vorak, addresses the Hero and me once more. "I assure you, these monsters will not harm you," he says, his voice carrying an eerie calm. "I am a man of mercy, and thus I will give you a final chance to save yourself and the girl."
He proposes a one-on-one battle. If the Hero prevails, we will be allowed to leave. If not, our fate is sealed. The Hero remains silent for a moment, then readies his weapon. With a sword in his hand and a shield on his back, he turns to me. "Stay behind," he instructs, his voice steady. "This won't take long." He then turns to Vorak, his gaze determined.
"I accept your challenge," he says, his voice echoing throughout the colosseum. "But if I fall here, the girl goes free."
Vorak laughs, a deep, rumbling sound that echoes off the walls of the colosseum. "You're in no position to negotiate, human," he retorts, his voice filled with amusement. "You're surrounded, outnumbered. Your Divine protection gone. You have no advantage here."
He glances at me, his gaze softening for a moment. "I guess we don't have a choice," he says, his voice barely a whisper. He turns back to Vorak, his gaze hardening once more. "Once I defeat you, I expect you to keep your promise. Even if you are a demon."
Vorak's smile doesn't waver. "We always honor our promises," he says, his voice carrying a note of finality. "Even as demons."
A sinister smile spreads across Vorak's face. With a powerful flap of his wings, he descends into the colosseum. The demons around us erupt into cheers, chanting "Vorak! Vorak!" over and over again.
Upon closer inspection, the Hero notes Vorak's three long horns - one straight as an arrow in the center of his head, and two twirling ones on either side. He's clad in heavy armor adorned with intricate golden designs, a huge shield in one hand and a massive bastard sword in the other.
An arbiter descends into the center of the colosseum. He announces the impending fight between the Hero, the slayer of the Demon Lord, and Vorak, the last general and the Demon Lord's sentinel. It's to be a battle to the death, and no one is permitted to enter the colosseum until one of them has fallen.
A tense silence descends upon the colosseum, both the Hero and Vorak carefully observing each other. Then, a shout rises from the crowd. "Fight!" With that, the battle begins.
The Hero lunges at Vorak, only to be deflected by his massive shield. He's thrown off balance, and Vorak seizes the opportunity to thrust his bastard sword at him. The Hero manages to dodge the attack and rolls behind Vorak, landing a punch on his back. Vorak flinches and swings his shield around, but the Hero deflects it with his sword and is pushed back a few steps.
Suddenly, Vorak casts a fire-breathing spell, hurling a massive fireball at the Hero. With a swift movement, the Hero slices through the fireball with his sword, dispersing the flames around him. But when the smoke clears, Vorak is gone. He's in the air, summoning icicle spears and launching them at the Hero. The Hero narrowly dodges the spears, receiving only minor scrapes.
The Hero attempts a high jump to reach Vorak, but the demon evades his attack and kicks him out of the air. The Hero plummets to the ground, and Vorak lands, his massive foot stomping on the Hero's back. The Hero writhes in pain as Vorak laughs. "Is this all the Demon Lord's killer has?" he taunts.
From the sidelines, I watch in horror. The Hero, always so strong and quick, is being overwhelmed. I grip the health potion in my hand, wanting to help but knowing I can't interfere. If I do, our slim chance of survival will be gone. I watch as the Hero slowly recovers, Vorak giving him a bit of space. My heart aches with each passing second. I can't believe what's happening. I've never seen the Hero struggle like this before. It's terrifying.
The Hero, battered and weary, slowly rises to his feet. He takes a moment to steady his breathing, his gaze never leaving Vorak, who stands confidently across from him. I can't help but worry for the Hero. He's had little time to recover from his previous battles, and the betrayal of our comrades has taken a toll on him. But there's no avoiding this fight - it's our only hope for survival.
Despite his exhaustion, the Hero doesn't falter. He knows this is his only shot. He charges at Vorak, his sword shimmering with magic. Vorak, caught off guard by the sudden attack, barely manages to block the Hero's assault. Their swords clash, sending sparks flying and casting eerie shadows across the battlefield.
Vorak, now fully aware of the threat the Hero poses, regains his composure. With a powerful swing of his sword, he forces the Hero back. The Hero stumbles but quickly regains his footing. He can't afford to make a mistake.
Vorak lunges at the Hero, his sword aimed straight for the Hero's heart. But the Hero is ready. He sidesteps Vorak's attack and retaliates, slashing at Vorak's exposed side. Vorak howls in pain as the Hero's sword slices through his armor.
With a swift and powerful swing of his sword, Vorak sends the Hero sprawling to the ground. He steps back, a cruel smirk playing on his lips as he watches the Hero struggle. "Get up," he taunts, his voice echoing through the colosseum. "Show me the strength that supposedly defeated the Demon Lord."
The Hero, despite the pain wracking his body, slowly rises to his feet. He steadies himself, his grip on his sword unyielding. His gaze meets Vorak's, a silent vow of defiance etched in his eyes.
The battle rages on, the Hero matching Vorak blow for blow. Despite his injuries and exhaustion, he fights with a ferocity that is awe-inspiring. Vorak, for all his arrogance and strength, finds himself pushed back. The outcome of the battle hangs in the balance, but one thing is clear - the Hero will not be defeated easily.
In the midst of their fierce exchange, the Hero's sword is knocked from his grasp. Seeing this as an opportunity, Vorak lunges forward, aiming a powerful punch at the Hero. But the Hero is quicker. He catches Vorak's fist, pulls him forward, and with all his remaining strength, lands a solid punch in Vorak's gut.
The force of the punch sends Vorak reeling backward, stumbling a few feet away. He drops to his knees, gasping for breath. The colosseum falls silent, the crowd watching in stunned silence as the Hero stands tall, unarmed but undeterred.
Vorak's confidence remains unshaken despite his transformation. He discards his sword and armor, addressing the Hero with a newfound respect. "You are a formidable warrior," he acknowledges. "Your strength could shatter mountains. But I cannot let you live, for you have slain my master. This will be your final resting place, hero."
The colosseum, once filled with raucous cheers, falls into a stunned silence as they witness the impending climax of the duel between the Hero and Vorak, the Demon Lord's Sentinel. Vorak reaches into his chest, extracting his own heart. "This is my final battle. Give me everything you've got, Hero. As I will give mine," he proclaims, consuming his heart.
His form alters dramatically. He morphs into a monstrous beast, with ten horns crowning his head and spikes jutting from his body. His size is colossal, equivalent to two large houses. Four additional arms sprout from his back, each wielding his massive bastard sword, now doubled in size. His claws are sharper, and he now possesses six eyes. With a roar that shakes the colosseum, he signals his readiness for the final showdown.
The Hero retrieves his sword and raises it high, his voice echoing throughout the colosseum. "I am the Hero of Solandis," he proclaims, his voice resolute. "Chosen by the Goddess, I am the shield against the darkness."
He points his sword at Vorak, his gaze unwavering. "I stand here for peace, for hope, for Solandis. I will not falter. I will not fail."
With that, he lowers his sword, ready for the final clash. The crowd is silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. The final battle is about to begin. Tears well up in my eyes as I watch the scene unfold. The beast that Vorak has become is terrifying, an insurmountable adversary. Yet, the Hero remains steadfast. Despite his weakened state, he stands tall, prepared to confront this monstrous foe. This is our final stand.
Vorak lunges at the Hero without hesitation. Their swords collide, the sound reverberating throughout the silent colosseum. They exchange blows, each leaving a fresh wound on their bodies. Despite his injuries and missing arm, the Hero is still a formidable opponent. He deflects most of Vorak's attacks, but he can't evade them all. His side is slashed, his right eye injured. Blood splatters around them, staining the colosseum floor a gruesome red.
After a fierce exchange of blows, both the Hero and Vorak are pushed back several feet, the force of their simultaneous punches creating a shockwave that reverberates through the colosseum. They stand apart, each catching their breath, their chests heaving from the exertion. The silence in the colosseum is palpable, the crowd holding their breath as they watch the two warriors prepare for the next round of their epic duel.
From the sidelines, I watch in horror. The Hero looks grim, his body marred with wounds. His sword is knocked away, leaving him with only his shield. Vorak is also injured, but he stands firm, ready for the final clash.
The Hero glances at me, and I see a renewed determination in his eyes. He stands tall, ready to face Vorak once more. He looks to the heavens, praying for the strength to protect me. A warm glow envelops him, a sign that the goddess hasn't abandoned him.
Vorak charges at the Hero, ready to deliver the final blow. The Hero stands his ground, ready to counter. A brilliant light engulfs the colosseum, blinding everyone. When it fades, the Hero collapses. Vorak remains standing, but he's motionless. A gaping hole is visible in his chest. He falls, lifeless.
I rush to the Hero's side, tears streaming down my face. His wounds are severe, his left side is obliterated, blood gushing from his side. He looks at me, his eyes filled with determination. "I did it," he says weakly. "I can send you home."
I shake my head, sobbing. "We have to go home together," I plead. But he just smiles, reaching up to touch my cheek. "Live your life," he tells me. "The world is free of the Demon Lord's grasp. Go back to your shop. Your master is waiting for you...I promised him years ago that I'd bring you home."
With those final words, his hand falls limp. His chest rises and falls one last time before falling still. The Hero is dead.
