Ascension of the Nephilim

The Champions continued to discuss their plans, and scouts were sent to warn those at the bottom of the mountain. Mezal also began to relay certain instructions that Kyros had told him to suggest for the battle.

Gojirrah also revealed the might and power of the Commander and Champions, as well as the Captain. He estimated that the army could arrive a few hours, which urged the Champions to make haste.

"Yes. Right now, the Lowlands are preparing for war. Airom is the first battlefield. We cannot expect reinforcements very soon!" He gave the grim report.

"Wait! Things are not as hopeless." Champion Faye spoke up as she held her vacuum cleaner and channeled magic to see things clearer. Finally, an image appeared before them for all to see.

The projected vision revealed the eagle of Champion Faye flying with great speed, and it was closing in on several eagles that had gathered together.

The Champions watched in envy. Mages had the advantage of communicating even without using the Message talisman as they had other means to communicate.

The eagles began to hover in the air without even flapping their wings. It was as if strange magic held them in their place.

Faye closed her eyes and fell into some trance. After several minutes, she awoke.

"Good news, Mezal family. Lady Diana has appeared. She was able to escape with the help of a certain Bowheart."

"Bowheart? Here in Airom? Then it has to be that outcast. Martha Bowheart!" The other Champion recognized the name.

"She goes by Martha Steele now. Erm... Congratulations, Sir Aron. The report states that she is your wife." Faye had a strange expression which Mezal and Branze noticed. They ignored it but shook their head.

"What a waste." The two thought silently.

"Oh..." Aron pretended to look shocked.

"Accept it, brother. That lady saved my wife. And you fancied Martha Bowheart, if I'm not mistaken." Branze interrupted.

"I guess." Aron shrugged.

Faye still wore a dissatisfied expression but continued with her report as the eagles began to screech at each other.

"The report that Diana and Martha recounted is good for us. There is also chaos in Airom Vagat that is forcing the orc armies to send their forces there. Several orc groups had been attacked as a powerful vampire capable of killing squadrons of Captains has appeared. Dryklash, the Balefire Butcher, is also dead."

"That orc? He was expected to be Champion soon!" one of the Captains nearby exclaimed.

"This powerful vampire is in opposition to another vampire. A vampire called Cracky Batcheeks. And the report that Lady Diana stated that this vampire was pursued by some Paladin that could be from the Midlands or the Highlands! But even this paladin died and is feeding on the orcs in Airom Logat. And Diana said that dragons are wreaking havoc in that land as well. Whether they are allied to either vampire is unknown. In short, the Orcs are rather busy and cannot attack. This information has already been relayed to the various kingdoms. My Commander is even on his way here." Faye explained.

"While Dragons and powerful vampires are concerning news, let's focus on the immediate threats. The reports mean that it's possible to send an army here!" Ordeus exclaimed.

"Yes. Don't worry, Ordeus. It seems Champion Drake Vestitude is already on his way here. The report that confirms the support of the Eldrich to these orcs has caused all human kingdoms to prioritize retrieving these Golems. Drake is on his way with an army with several energy stones."

"Then, for now, we hold the line here. Tell your respective teams..." Ordeus then began to list the strategy that they would employ.

As Ordeus kept talking, Kyros continued to think about the miracle that he discovered.

"Necromancer Xilen was also one of the strongest Necromancers who led the Dark Shine Kingdom and was the reason why the key battles in the Midlands ended in their victory. They are future threats of Fate!" Kyros realized it. 

"I didn't give it much thought after killing Dryklash. But now that I think about it, he was still a Captain. Why did Fate reward me in killing him when I have been fighting much worse? I killed so many that it should have surpassed the worth of Dryklash, and yet no reward."

"So Fate knew about that alternate timeline?"

"Yes. It fought Destiny even in that timeline. Fate and Destiny's battle seems to be far more than we've given it credit for."

"What do we do with... those two Champions." The other champion pointed at the two lizard champions.

"We wish to serve the Steele Family." Reptilia declared.

The group was shocked.

"Indeed. We have grown quite fond of Branze and his son. The schemes and tricks of this boy have saved us several times. It was good that we decided to save him. Otherwise, our journey back here would only end in death." Gojirrah added.

"We welcome both Lizards. Unfortunately, our family doesn't really care for races."

"Oh? That explains the orc that claims to be a spy from your family." Faye gave Mezal a meaningful glance.

"Grugnyr is from a fallen kingdom of the Orcs. Do you remember the Underhill kingdom? Grugnyr is a noble in that kingdom. He fled to us, and we aided him in one period of the Steele family's tribulation. He is not a spy but will join us in destroying the Foreshire orc kingdom." Mezal glared back.

"Please, don't react that way, Mezal. I am merely doing what I am ordered to do. I shall relay that information to them to let him join the rest." 

"How long until my daughter-in-law's reach here?"

"They are traveling with one of the mages and are using magic. With the war coming, we can forget about the flight limitations set in this place. They will be here within an hour." Faye answered.

"Then allow us to meet with them. The Steele family has much to discuss, and we need to recover. We will retreat for now, if it is alright with you, Champions. After all, what more can our exhausted team do?"

"We can fight here if needed." Reptilia offered.

"No. These humans don't trust you. Go with us for now. We will be focusing on healing and rejoin the battle as soon as we are able to." Mezal added.

"Mezal. Can you stay behind? We need all the Champions we have. This war against lizards and men is the first in a long, long time. And I know you have experience fighting against Lizardkin." Ordeus asked.

"I will go and formally wed my son to that Martha Bowheart. Champion Ordeus, this life is but a borrowed life. Allow me to fulfill my last tasks as a father." Mezal smiled.

Branze and Aron turned silent as they heard Mezal's claim.

"Grandpa..." Kyros voiced out.

"Come, Kyros. I have yet to meet you. I'm quite surprised that Branze decided to adopt you. Let this old man talk and here the tail of Kyros the wise!" Mezal laughed.

"I trust that you don't have any problems with this, Ordeus?"

"... Of course. Go ahead and return. You won't need an escort?"

"And lessen the soldiers defending here? No need, Champion Ordeus."

"That cart is quite interesting, Gojirrah. We can take away the herbs that were given to us with that carriage and mount of yours." Branze pointed out.

"Men! Transfer the items and gifts of the Steele clan to their cart!" Ordeus ordered.

"Father. Your grandson has found a small cave back near the entrance. There is also an underground river nearby. We can rest there." Branze suggested.

And so, the Steele family began to set out and return.

Kyros was stopping his face from showing excitement. He was so close to finally building the Library Library of the Nephilim.

"We can finally build that library!" Calaminus was excited.

"The hour that the Temple reactivates is near. Even mom and Aunt Martha are just on time! Now the Steele family can have the knowledge of gods and fallen. War is won not by might alone, after all."