The Vengeful Tide-Ch. 26 (Patreon)

Hello everyone!

I hope you've been having a great november. We're already in the thick of it and I hope you're doing well wherever you are. Now, we'll continue with the November Roadmap which includes chapter 26. I hope to also have chapter 27 out before the end of the month, but that's up in the air right now.

Anyway, the story takes a turn as Eric learns just how different Delverhold is between his former life, and now. I hope you enjoy.

Patron Highlight: Wan Vapers!

WttW

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I groaned as I opened my eyes. The taste of sand filled my mouth and I groaned in agony, taken aback from the explosion that made the whole island tremble. My ears rang with the sound of screams. My body shivered like I was back in the damned troll’s domain. When I opened my eyes, my field of vision blurred. I felt like I’d just crashed to the floor out of my bed.

I coughed a shitload of sand out of my mouth. My ears picked up on a chorus of screams. Each of them from people I recognized. As my eyes trailed upwards, they fell on Nei. She and the other fairmaids were tossed into the sand with me, each of them obviously hurt. They groaned weakly to each other.

As my vision cleared, so too did my ears. I heard the sound of crashing waves and more screams. I looked up and a sea of green fire laid in front of me. Those of my crew who had been with me screamed as the flames overcame them. It didn’t take me long to see the same accursed magic that infected Diane on the second island. I recognized them as the Flames of Raganthor.

One by one, my life in the eyes of my crew became soullessly green. The familiar green crown-like headdress adorned their heads. Those who became corrupted quickly grabbed and converted those who weren’t.

“Mother, Aesteal,” I said to myself as I struggled to stand.

I saw a woman running away from about three men, threatening to shoot them if they got any closer. When she fired her gun, one of them blocked the bullet with a magic shield. She was quickly taken when another opened its mouth, releasing the green flames. The crown adorned her head as well.

“Ellime!” someone shouted.

When I got myself right, I saw a beach filled with chaos, magic, and explosions. Those who survived tried to escape, but they were quickly caught. I saw neither hide nor hair of my mother, or Aesteal.

Stumbling, I grabbed Nei and the other fairmaids out of the sand. They wiggled in my embrace before I placed them in my pockets. I was still relatively low on mana but I still felt the familiar essence within me. With my pitiful state, it was enough to get me moving.

“Daelomonium!” I heard one of my crew members cast. Five green arrows of fire were shot at me. I ran as quickly as I could, dodging each one that kicked up earth and sand. If only one of those fuckers could cast some ice magic, then at least I could put up a proper defense. However, I doubted those overtaken by a formidable fire spell would be wielding the powers of ice any time soon.

That said, I wasn't such a simple prey to be taken down!

I reached into my pouch and pulled out three black pills. I tossed them in the air and fired at them with my triple-barrel. A crashing explosion of fire and sand appeared in front of me, all corrupted individuals focusing upon me. From the pills, three fireballs as large as the human body expelled.

“Shalliem!” Five corrupted members said as they raised up a giant shield while another howled.

“Ankreaeth!” she said.

A large array of green appeared over my head. I narrowly managed to jump out of the way of the large pillar of green flames that dropped down from them. When I landed, I panted. My chest burned something fierce.

“Head into the forest! Head into the mountains to the north! Hide there until I find you!” I yelled at anyone that could hear me.

“Save your sorrows, Racaell! We'll aid them later!” I heard Gurok say as he pulled the Gun-Sorcerer’s arm. The two quickly ran into a part of the forest that hadn’t been destroyed. The corrupted forms of Brant, Daen, Hannath, and Truon tried to follow after them.

Acting quickly, I fired at them, knowing they would block the shot and focus their efforts one me.

Of course, that’s exactly what happened. Daen, the man I’d never seen cast a single spell, summoned a fire wall that melted my bullet. The casing turned into piles of ash in mere seconds. However, that got me the results I wanted.

Everyone’s eyes were trained on me. I felt Nei squirm in my pocket. “Aye, another day in the life of Eric Drakclaw. Surrounded on all sides by his treacherous crew members. Only this time, they’ve been infected by ancient magic,” I said to myself as I saw them all advancing upon me.

Even now, there was no sign of my mother or Aesteal. Something had cut my bond with the latter. I thought that to be nearly impossible, but the feeling doesn’t lie. Either Aesteal became a part of the army of Raganthor, or something else happened to her. I wasn’t sure which fate was worse.

Well, at this moment, I wondered if mine was any better. They all looked ready to devour me and add me to their collective. I didn’t even know how all of this started. It might have been that flash of light and the explosions that followed. Even now, those dragon heads lingered in the sky, the mark of a grand ascension taking place on the fifth island.

I took a step back, wondering just how things had gotten so fucked up so quickly. Now, I’d had plenty of sweet nights turn sour in my days beneath the sail of a ship, but this was a new record. Hell, I still didn’t even know what had caused that little… orgy in the first place. Unfortunately, I wasn’t given the luxury of figuring that out now.

Too many things were happening at once and I needed some time to think. An’raie’s soul was going crazy with barely contained rage. In her anger, I wondered if she would tear my body to pieces in order to escape and combat the Alchemist.

Unfortunately for her, the spell that the alchemist used to bind the Lonely Wail to the second island was still active. The instant she broke her soul from mine, she would be pulled back to the second island beneath the waves. I would get my answers and she would get her vengeance. I just hoped she could be patient.

That led me back to the predicament I was in now. The circle grew smaller. I reached into my pouch again. “Indeed, everything seems to be going wrong for me today. Now my own crew has turned against me for a second time. At least this one was a bit more involuntary,” I said as I pulled out another set of black pills.

I threw the pills on the ground, a loud boom moving through my ears. The side of the beach we were standing on lit up in black smoke. The screams of my corrupted crewmembers gave me the opening I needed. I dashed through the smoke, covering my nose and mouth. I left the beach and entered the forests, or whatever part of them was still standing.

I persevered through the pain, my legs giving out more than once. Whether that was from the acts committed a short time ago or from the usual pain, I didn’t know. All I knew was to head to the north, where the island’s mountains lay. There I’d be safe to think about what happened for a little while along with anyone else who made it out. I could also recover my mana and mount an attack against the alchemist.

I just hoped Liara was alright. Even in my eyes, there weren’t too many people who could contend with her, but there was a reason she desired these isles. I still remembered when I intrigued her with the tales of it. The power in these isles and the knowledge they possessed made her ascension possible. In my last life, these isles were abandoned, but that clearly wasn’t the case now.

If by some chance the alchemist was still alive, then that would mean I was up against someone even stronger than the Witch of Draegnar. Just that thought alone was rather frightening. Yet, even more frightening than that was the idea that maybe this was my fault. As sure as my heart be that of a salty scourge, I hadn’t seen any living person on Delverhold before. Could I have truly changed so much?

Though these concerns plagued me, they weren’t the immediate concern. Nei poked her head out from my shirt pocket. When I looked down, I could see just how worried she was. Her friends were no different. They all looked at me with great concern, wondering if I had the means to protect them, wondering if maybe they were wrong to venture out with us. In their eyes, I was reminded of how my crew felt when I first dragged them through the Coffin’s Mouth. I was reminded that I was the captain. My own goals aside, I still had the responsibility to the lives of my crewmembers. I couldn’t be like I was before. I would have to be better so that I would not need to see those concerned stares.

“Cast away those crestfallen looks, you wee lasses! I’ve gotten out of shittier situations than this! I am The Son of Poseidon. No one may challenge me and live!” I boasted as I continued to run, watching the sea of green flames back at the beach. Yet, I oddly heard no more screaming.

My travels took me through the fourth island. I stopped for nothing, no matter how tantalizing the rewards might be. I couldn’t afford the luxury anymore. However, I did stop at a stream that hadn’t been disturbed. I quickly took a gulp of water before pulling out one of the empty jars I used for Kavtha’s Urn from my scroll.

…fuck, I’d forgotten that damned thing as well. I guess I was gonna have to deal with a pissed off god from C’ula now.

Anyway, I filled up the empty jar with a load of water. I scooped the fairmids up and placed them in it. It seemed that their shared intimacy brought them closer than before. They stayed fairly close together.

At the risk of getting my clothes wet from an open jar, I decided to just cover the lip with my palm. I then continued my way north. Along the way, I decided that now was a good time to start speaking with An’raie.

“Alright, what the fuck happened? Why did the Flames of Raganthor reveal themselves like this?” I asked.

“‘Tis the result of immense power from the fifth island. Those five dragon heads are said to be the Guardians of Ascension, masters of the primary elements just below the true gods and the divine realm. ‘Tis by their power that they shall judge if one shall become worthy of their ascension. That one shouldest receive their gaze, they should at least attain the capability of tenth-tier magic. Even then, not every individual is worth their judgement. I too have felt the sudden rise of the Witch’s power. So too have I felt the Betrayer’s. ‘Tis likely as thou hast feared. The Betrayer hath attempted to control the witch with Raganthor’s flames. As the judgement takes place, one must put their full mana into their gaze lest they be overwhelmed. For the Betrayer to have lived for so long, he would have been able to counter any spell or artifact that might be on her. ‘Tis quite possible she repelled the flames only momentarily and they dispersed to here,” An’raie replied.

I sucked my teeth. Well, that was just fucking perfect. It had taken me a long time, and a lot of fucking fighting, to remove the flames from Diane. I sure as hell wasn’t sure I could do it for everyone one by one. I doubted I could handle such a mental strain.

“What happens should she fail the judgement?” I asked.

“Such matters are not known to me. However, mine wager wouldest be that thou rather not know. Especially for one such as her, I am unsure. ‘Tis not impossible that she hath met these creatures under different means. Hast thee ever considered why this all-powerful witch still resides upon this world of mortals and beasts?” An’raie questioned.

As I ran, I thought over the question. Indeed, I hadn’t considered it. I always assumed it was Liara’s way of having subtle control over the world and its affairs. Even now, I hadn’t discarded the idea that she was somehow involved in my death prior to my resurrection. However, I couldn’t piece together what she would gain from my dying or from bringing me back to the past. She also gave me her memories, albeit not all of them at once. I had no clue where all of this was supposed to lead me or where any of us would end up.

Well, it didn’t matter in the end. I was here now and I already had my own convictions. I’d cut down every last member of my former crew who betrayed me. I’d also find the reason for my death. If I so happened to keep the world from dying in the process, then that would just be a bonus.

Finally making it to the base of the mountain, I exhaled. Once I was rested for a moment, I began my trek around the base of the mountain. The air was a little cold and filled with the stench of the arcane. One wouldn’t think that a fucking orgy occurred just minutes ago.

I carefully continued to walk, trying to find my way through the dark. Luckily, An’raie had recovered enough that she could allow me to see at night. I looked over the massive mountain. Through the dark, one couldn’t even really call it a natural one. I recognized the steel pipes that jutted out and around the mountain’s surface. Each pipe was lined with violet, pulsing veins of magic. All of them led out from one way and back into another.

Due to the alchemist having performed so many experiments on the islands, the waters had also become enchanted. Just like the first island, the water was rich with benefits that any fucker of the Mage Association would kill to obtain. I wasn’t sure what he was experimenting with, but he’d created the steel pipes with hundreds of runes. That allowed the water to be pumped from the ocean through the pipes and into the mountain. I was sure there was something mysterious going on that I’d like to explore but this just wasn’t the time.

After a moment, I found an entrance into the mountainside. I also found the barrel of a gun in my face.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t shoot you?”

Through the dark, I saw Ellen. She glared at me something fierce. Had this been any other time, I might have been turned on. “Well, I ain’t glowing with green magic. Now, get the damn gun outta my face. I already got the shit kicked outta me once by you. I’d rather it not happen for a second time,” I replied, moving her gun out of my way.

Sothshore gave me a frown, but pocketed her pistol as I walked past her. I noticed how red her cheeks were. Her forehead was covered in sweat. I hoped an illness hadn’t befallen her. I stopped to face her. “If you’re sick, you best tell me. I’ll do what I can for you,” I said.

Sothshore sucked her teeth. “How fucking gracious of you. I’m not sick, so you can stuff it. I’ll be fine!” she said, walking past me without another word.

My mouth thinned, but I decided not to pursue the matter. Instead, I walked deeper into the cave with her until I came upon the orange glow of a warm fire pit. Surrounding the pit were the last vestiges of my crew. Along with Ellen, there was Diane, Nz’ia, the still sleeping Rieth, Gurok, Racaell, two men and one woman. I saw no one that resembled my mother nor Aesteal.

“They got taken.”

I turned and noticed Diane staring at me, reading my thoughts easily. Her coat laid draped over her back, covering her nude form. Clearly, she hadn’t been able to get dressed in the chaos.

Her news shook me. “What do you mean they were taken?” I asked lowly.

“Fucking got me. I got separated from them when I knocked out a few of the fuckers. Kinda hard to fight when I’m not trying to kill them! I’m not about to get controlled again. Fought off who I could, but as expected of very ancient magic, it’s hard without my own mana. At the very least, they aren’t dead. They were dragging off all the unconscious ones. Those still awake were turned by the Flames of Raganthor. You’re the one who knows these islands the most. Where would they take them?” she asked.

Soothed by the news of their fate, at least for now, I thought about the isles. Once again, I found myself just like all those years ago. Navigating a land I had no true idea about. It was just all wrong. It was all so damned wrong.

A blow to my pride, I shook my head. “I don’t know,” I replied.

“Well that’s just fucking great,” Racaell said, pounding her fist against a wall. She held her head down while Gurok tried to console her.

“Aye, I fear we shall all be in the land of Hades soon enough. Perhaps he shall be merciful and spare us the Ten Circles. However, I feel the call of horn upon us all. The night bell tolls,” one of the men said while the other jabbed him in the arm.

“Shut your damned shithole! I ain’t survived this long to die on some haunted isles! Captain, call down the ship! Let’s get the fuck outta here! We got enough treasure right? Let’s just leave the fuckers! Ain’t no sense in saving those who can’t be saved!” the other said.

I spoke not a word to him, choosing to ignore his insubordination. It’d be easy to kill the fucker for such an offense, but I wasn’t in the mood to carry out the punishment.

“Askun valmarid wet fre anton?” Nz’ia asked.

I tiredly made my way over to him and placed my hand on his head. He merely asked, “What do we do now?”

I took my hand off his head and exhaled. Bastard though I was, I would not leave my mother nor Aesteal to such a fate. It wasn’t in me.

“We’ll rest for now. We ain’t in the best shape to be fighting against the Flames of Raganthor. Once we’re done, I’ll lead us through the fourth island quickly. If this is the same place then we can get to the fifth island quickly. There we can find some way to stop whatever happened to the others,” I said.

The group looked at each other. One of the men suddenly started laughing. “You can’t be fucking serious! You know, this is as good a time as any! I’ll go with you on one condition, Captain! Move the sweat from my brow for me!” one of the men said, grinning at me.

My eyes narrowed. “Careful that the plank is not pulled from your feet,” I said.

The man laughed. “Ya can’t, can you? You haven’t been able to for a long while now. Those other guys probably had the right idea to take their chances on their own! I stayed because I thought it might be better than facing what I don’t know, but now I be unsure! Better to die on my own terms than for someone else’s. The path your feet lead is one wrought with curses, Captain! We’re all suffering for it!” he said.

“If you’d like to die, then how about I just fucking blow your brains out right now? You’re talking too much, you cocksucker,” Ellen said with an irritable look on her face, fixing and polishing her pistols.

“And once again, one of the captain’s sl-”

Before the man could finish his insult, his mouth was clamped by the lone woman who survived with them. “Will you shut the hell up for a change? If you’ve got a death wish then at least make it when I ain’t around dammit!” she said while he struggled against her.

After a moment, Burnwood sucked her teeth. She then blasted the man across the face, knocking him out cold. “There. Now let’s get to sleep. I know Lady Liara. I have yet to see any mortal or god take control of her. Plus, if she’s ascending then we’ll need to protect her while she does so. It’ll take quite a bit of time for her to consolidate her mana,” she said.

One by one, everyone fell asleep. Racaell slept next to Gurok while Nz’ia fell asleep against the wall. I barely managed to see Ellen stumble down to the ground. She too fell asleep.

I decided to move away and guard the entrance. Don’t take it as a noble act, I just didn’t feel like I earned the right to sleep next to everyone else. I placed the jar with the fairmaids on the ground. Their splashes of water sounded so far away as I finally allowed exhaustion to take me. I absently felt Nei climb up my shirt. I was too tired to stop her. Her wet, scaly fin slapped against my chest as she crawled on my chest. She fell asleep as well and my eyes drifted off.

I thought of my mother. I thought of Aesteal. I thought of Liara. I thought of my own worth as a captain. Where was all of this leading to?

As I slept, I felt An’raie’s growing rage. Even now, I wondered if I’d still be alive when I woke up. I was no fool to think I’d successfully contained her under my own power. She could easily break out if she so desired. Still, she seemed keen to wait and not cause me too much displeasure. I sure as hell couldn’t say I’d done the same over the last few days. Either way, my mind was pulled away.

I opened my eyes when I felt someone kicking me. I turned and saw Ellen standing over me. “It’s morning. Hurry and get up,” she said, her face still red and sweaty.

I narrowed my eyes, but stood to my feet. I then pulled up my captain’s coat with a small groan. It seemed that yesterday’s activities and unwanted excitement had left me rather stiff. That said, I felt the surge in my mana. I’d been properly restored. I surmised that this was the best I was going to get. I placed Nei back in the cup and gathered the fairmaids.

“Aye, let’s go then,” I said, returning with her to the others. They were all getting up. The man who stood against me rubbed his cheek, moaning pitifully.

Racaell was to the side, loading her guns with a fierce look on her face. The same went for Diane. Once everyone took notice of me, they stood to their feet.

“Let’s go,” I said.

They all agreed. So, I led them through the cavern, Nz’ia picking up Kavtha’s Urn as we traveled. With no fear of monsters threatening to devour us, we were allowed to use whatever spells we wished. That said, instead we lit a few pieces of wood with torches.

“So Captain, these Flames of Raganthor, what exactly do they do?” the woman who survived with the two men asked, her voice echoing through the tunnels.

I exhaled. Though I wasn’t in the mood to regale the others with these tales, I knew it was very important. So, I did just that. I spoke of Raganthor just as An’raie told me. My tale filled nearly everyone with worry, but some stood resolute.

“So how do we break it?” Racaell asked, the flames of the torch revealing her fierce look.

“Defeat the caster or break the spell,” I answered.

“You can’t break it like you did for her?” Gurok asked, pointing at Burnwood.

I spared her a glance and my mouth thinned. “Not unless you can restrain the other members of the crew while I work. Even then, it’d be done one by one. Thanks for having faith in my mental fortitude, but I ain’t that resilient,” I answered.

“So our only choice is to fuck the bastard up that’s causing all this? Well, that’s just fine with me. I’ve got a damn bullet with his name on it!” she claimed.

“I don’t know lass. According to the Captain, ain’t no one been on this island for hundreds if not thousands of years. How has he survived for so long? Better yet, can we best a legendary fucker like this on our own?” one of the men behind us asked.

“Quit shaking your cock in your boots. We’re not as defenseless as you might think,” Burnwood replied.

I knew I didn’t need to be told that. I could feel Diane and Nz’ia’s immense power now that we’d all rested. The flames for battle from the latter did not dwindle. He seemed ready to prove his might against such a formidable person.

I can’t say I enjoyed his enthusiasm. All I desired was that my mother and Aesteal would be back in my arms. I would then free Maeloson and the others. Whether I collected anything else upon this island was inconsequential. I wouldn’t say this plight dampered my desire to go further into the isles, but it definitely shifted my priorities. For as much as I grieved her with trials of her and Maeloson’s acceptance onto my ship, I knew I favored both highly. It was not them who were lucky to be aboard my ship. I was the one lucky to have them. This sea-damned trip revealed that to me. Perhaps it was my reckless need to control everything that led me on this path.

I wanted to blame something on my melancholy mood. Unfortunately, I had no scapegoat this time.

After a few moments, I turned my head to the wall. Everyone stopped with me. “Stand back,” I said as I touched the stony surface.

“Lien re,” I cast as I pushed mana into the wall. Everyone stepped back when they saw a light blue magic matrix appeared. Like the sound of a locked chest, the array spiraled until it came undone. The wall then shook, a few stones from above fell on top of us until a passage was granted to us. A set of stairs led up and into further darkness.

“This will take us into the mountain even faster. This route will also get us to the path to the fifth island. It’ll also take us through the mountain and right to the fifth island. While we walk, you all best make preparations. I know not what we’ll experience on the fifth island,” I said as I stepped into the pathway.

“‘Fer someone who be guiding us through these lands fer the first time, ya sure know yer way around,” one said behind me.

I frowned. “If you got time to flap your gums, then you should sooner move your ass. Let’s go,” I said as I climbed up the steps. Somehow, I could just feel Diane grinning like a bitch behind me, aware of my plight.

We all continued up the pathway, feeling unnerved whenever we felt a sudden surge in magical pressure. We could only hope that was Liara continuing her ascension and not the person currently assaulting her.

On our way up, we made it through a couple of traps. Most of them were magical. The others were ones that Diane and Nz’ia easily disarmed. I would never forget the sight of the Xhaluter pushing, and breaking, the walls that threatened to enclose around us. Clearly, his strength grew ever further than what I thought it did.

As we ascended, our torches revealed a few of the steel pipes lined with violet veins. A wayward hand reached out to touch them, but I smacked it away. The man whose hand I smack bristled. “The pirate’s hand seeks great gold, but beware that ya don’t get it cut off,” I said. He swallowed and nodded.

As we walked, I caught the stench of strong magic. It only got stronger the further up we came until finally we were at a door. “You know, I’ve had this thought. If this guy’s the only one who lived on the isles, then why’s he got all this fucking traps ‘n shit? Some fucker was after him or something?” the woman asked.

“It’s been said that the Alchemist of Delverhold had many allies, all turned enemies when he disappeared, taking his secrets with him. Probably knew he’d be discovered one day. Fucker certainly made more enemies of both man and god than even the beautiful witch,” Gurok uttered.

“Fucking hell,” the woman said.

Our little group finally made it to a door. An’raie didn’t warn me of any danger, so I grabbed the handle and pushed the door open. What greeted us was a massive hall that looked more like a mansion estate than a piece of mountain. I recognize this as the Alchemist’s home. This was what should have been on the fifth island.

“Fucker sure thinks lofty of himself,” Ellen said as we all looked at the beautiful interior. Walls were lined with precious stones and cut to the curve expertly. Multiple staircases led to different levels. The scent of magic was so rich, I could feel my veins being strengthened again. I was sure it was no different for the others behind me.

“Alright, we’re inside. Where do we go now?” Racaell asked impatiently.

I opted to ignore my inner pirate and resisted the urge to take the shiny trinkets laid around the walls, tables, and stands. Some of the shit in here was beyond my comfortability handling. A few mirrors lined the wall, some An’raie told me to avoid at all costs. When asked why, she merely told me that there were things mortals were better off not knowing. I decided not to question her, but I recognized one of the items.

It was the Staff of Orloon imbued with so much Insight Essence that one could view the future for up to a thousand years. Knowing my circumstances, it was rather tempting, but there was a great curse upon the staff. All who wield it shall have their eyes gouged out and their tongue ripped off, to keep them from sharing the secrets of the future. Now I wondered if such a curse was needed given that Liara sent me back to the past.

“Well, where do we go? I take it we can’t touch this shit or you would have said so,” Ellen claimed.

I looked around, careful to not trip any other magical traps. The mansion seemed odd. It was not rundown like I assumed it would be. It definitely wasn’t like the first island. Books worn out by time laid there and yet this place was clean, almost… lived in. I assumed it was probably that old bastard who kidnapped Maeloson. Still, who the hell would be crazy enough to live here? It couldn’t be that the alchemist was still alive, could it?

“An’raie, what be the possibility of a castaway upon the island?” I asked.

“‘Tis possible, though highly unlikely. Given that thee hath landed thine feet upon this ground, then thine hands have broken the seal upon the stones to get here. I had been forced to monitor them for many years. It showed no signs of breaking before thee arrived,” she said.

If that was the case then someone was on this island with the alchemist? More and more it seemed like the Alchemist himself was behind all of this. When he had Maeloson attack me, he spoke of a time being at hand. I knew not what that meant. That said, if the alchemist was alive then clearly that elixir of youth wasn’t just a farce. Such a thing would prove invaluable to me, even as a trading option. Naturally, I had no desire to live forever. I just desired fun adventures on the way to my grave.

“Head downwards. Thine goal rests there. However, be aware that should you descend, then he shall know thine group hath ventured to where thee should not go,” An’raie answered.

I quickly relayed that to the others. That didn’t seem to bother the Gun-Sorcerer of Raven’s Shadow. “Good. I’d like to see a bullet go between his eyes anyway,” she said, clenching her fists in anger. Gurok came from behind her and eased her temper.

So we walked through the massive estate, pondering the many materials that littered the ground. With An’raie’s guidance, we found the path to the lower floors. As expected of the alchemist, every way to other parts was connected through very teleportation arrays on the ground. The one we stepped on brought us to what looked like an underground library hall. It reminded me of the library we’d all taken refuge in on the third island.

I stepped in front of everyone cautiously. We made our way through shelves of books and rooms, the beautifully shaped wood splitting off into various rooms. Each room was lined with experiments not yet finished. In fact, some of them still boiled and bubbled to this very moment.

“I got a bad feeling about this, Captain. This place reeks of evil. I feel it in me bones. Each step be a shiver and a strain on my eyes. You’re a young lad! Perhaps we best turn back!” one of the surviving men behind me said.

It seemed I didn’t need to reply, Racaell did that for me. “Fuck this up and so help me, I’ll make plug your ass myself! Now shut up, you’re pissing me off!” she growled.

“A-Aye ma’am. Shutting up now!” he said while she scowled and turned her head forward.

An’raie hummed. “The lass is quite fierce. Her spirit seeks out her compatriots with earnestness. ‘Tis rather odd. What hast thee call these men and women? Adventurers? I had expected less of such lower class professionals,” She said while frowned.

“I’ve seen strife tear some apart and bring others together. Who knows what those fuckers have been through,” I replied as we continued walking.

We came to a descending staircase. At the very bottom, there was a magic array, same as all the others. In no time at all, we descended upon the array. It seemed ready to use. Just like the above floor, it was surrounded by a stack of bookcases filled with ancient texts. We also noticed a few giant statues with swords in their hands.

We also noticed that the portal room, unlike the other islands, didn’t exactly signify the end of the island. There were three tunnels which led into different places. I wished we had the time to explore. Instead, I turned back to the portal. I held out my hand. “Well, this wasn’t how I imagined us getting through the fourth island, but we’ll continue onward,” I said.

“Though I loathe to prevent the death of a mortal, human male, I would advise against that. You’ll get yourself and your little group killed, child of the water.”

I stiffened. Even An’raie stirred within me, perplexed at how our mental barriers had been broken through so easily. A voice came to both of us, one that sounded like it was pleasure and lust incarnate. Her voice was like the purest form of milk and honey. It was so smooth, it was like the finest sheets of an emperor’s bed.

“Please tell me that was you, Wail,” I said, knowing full well it wasn’t.

Unfortunately, An’raie reaffirmed what I already knew. “‘Twas not I. ‘Tis the voice of a demon that much mine thoughts suggest. A very powerful one at that. Even more powerful than the blood demon on the third island. Dare I say nearly as powerful as I,” she answered back.

Confused, I stopped channeling mana through the runes on the floor. Everyone looked at me, wondering why I’d stopped. Others were more vocal about it. “Why did you stop?! You said we…”

I cut Racaell off.

“Quiet. Give me a second,” I said as I stepped away from the group and the runes, An’raie deactivating the traps around me as I ventured in the direction of the three tunnels.

“Make sense, lass! How did you invade my head? Also what do you mean this will kill me?” I asked. Naturally, I’d used this array before. It shouldn’t lead to anything remotely close to my demise

I received no response for a moment. “My my, very forthright as well. It’s been quite a few centuries since I’ve met someone who dared speak to me that way. In spite of your considerable strength, you’re no match for the one who’s behind the events happening upon this island. Come to me, you and your friends. I shall aid you if you aid me,” the voice said.

Despite the tempting, almost hypnotic offer, I wasn’t swayed. “It takes more than a beautiful voice from a siren to lull this vessel to its probable death. What reason have I to help what I can’t see?” I asked.

“Mmmm, smart too, if a bit cynical and rude. I’ve felt your presence ever since you first landed on the island. Had I the strength, I would have contacted you much sooner. That you made it here allowed me to do so. Enter the tunnel on the right. It is laden with traps so do take care. However, should you make it here, I shall offer the means to put an end to all that is happening. Should you not do so, then I fear you shall watch your… mates succumb to the will of this island’s current master. I’d say you ought to take your alias where you can get them. Or, you can go and die. It truly makes no difference to me. However, to one that The Great Witch entrusted a piece of the Mark of Hoɖ, I’d say she expects great things of you. Things you won’t fulfill should you perish, especially without your unique aquatic abilities,” the voice then said, intriguing me more.

My mouth thinned. It was true that I desired not to overlook any aid I might get at this point in time. I also didn’t doubt my own capabilities, but I’d also become aware of just how out of my element I truly was. Everything I thought I knew about Delverhold amounted to a fat barrel of cowshit. Nothing happened like it was supposed to. I certainly didn’t remember some voice speaking to me. Well, aside from the Voice of the Alchemist that Liara encountered on the fifth island. I’d encountered that in my last life.

Truth be told, it wasn’t the dying part that made me consider this. Perhaps it should have since I was only looking for a chance at persuading Ilzahold to join my ship. With her resources at my side, it’d be much easier to find these fuckers who orchestrated my death at the hands of my crew. Well, that was how it started out anyway. I’d become quite taken with her, more than I thought I would. It seemed she felt the same, but I wasn’t sure. One can never truly tell with a lass like that.

Either way, what bothered me was that I’d possibly die while my mother, Aesteal, and the rest of my crew laid in the snares of the Flames of Raganthor. I’d already been bested by my pride once. I’d rather not make the same mistake. Especially with those around me.

“Change of plans. We’re going into the right tunnel. Apparently, someone thinks we might need some help. Keep your wits about you,” I said as I led them down the right tunnel.

Every step we took was met with lit candles. The tunnels from rock into miles of enchanted stone. Each stone was etched with runes. They weren’t just any runes. They were ones particularly meant for restraining, controlling, and suppressing high-tiered magical creatures. In fact, I dare say these were meant to control more than that. I trailed my hand along the runes as they lit up one by one.

These specific runes were strong, very strong. They were so strong they could even suppress a high demon. As expected of a legendary figure like the Alchemist. Then again, perhaps I shouldn’t have been so impressed. When I thought back to that array on the wall in the castle of the troll’s domain, even I shivered. If he was willing to go that far, then runes like those ought to be expected.

We finally came up to a door. Runes, black like oil and stretched like rope, covered it. The length of the runes covered the very top of the walls. At the very center, the runes formed some kind of circle. In that circle was an obsidian jewel.

“An’raie, can you get inside?” I asked.

“‘Tis worth the attempt. However, be prepared. A powerful curse lies within these runes. Pray that thee can break them for my efforts shall be focused on undoing the locks of the runes themselves,” she said.

I smirked. “That won’t be a problem,” I said as I touched the stone. Instantly, a flurry of curses fired themselves at me. The force of each was strong enough to push me back, but I wasn’t perturbed. In fact, I felt mighty confident. I challenged the curses on the door, a wide grin on my face despite the pain and pressure I felt. One by one hundreds of thousands of curses flew at me and my group, threatening to do the most unholy shit to us if I slipped up. Yet, I did not.

I could see it. I could see all of it. With my mana restored, no strengthened since I’d set sail, I saw the very tethers of each cursed spell. Like a written line of text, my eyes were opened to the words written there. With but a magical touch, I possessed the power to rewrite those words. Like the thesis paper to some prissy brat for his teachers, I deconstructed the words hidden in the cursed spells. I took out a letter, a word, a sentence, a paragraph. The spells fell before my fingers as I worked, a sudden sense of accomplishment on my face. I could break them all or rewrite them to my desire. Every line, every tether, every string of magic bound together was in front me. I broke them all, even as the waves of powerful magic threatened to push us all back.

Before I knew it, the thousands of curses stopped and the magic power dispelled. The door crumbled into a thousand pieces, unable to withstand the onslaught of countermeasures I used against its slew of cursed magic. When I looked up, I saw a look of astonishment on An’raie’s face. It seemed my many nights of practice bore incredible fruit. It seemed I didn’t need her to take care of the door after all.

“At the risk of raising thine own self-worth, ‘twas impressive. I hadn’t even finished deconstructing the locks in the runes before thou had torn the door down. I see the Scarlet Witch’s judgement remains sound,” she said before she slipped back into my body.

“Alright, let’s go see the one who caused us all this trouble,” I said, turning around.

I was oddly delighted, and oddly creeped out, by the looks of shock on the faces of my men. Even Ellen had forgotten her anger for the moment. They all looked at me, no speech to be found.

“Stop staring at me like that! You lot are freaking me out! Let’s just get inside,” I said as I cautiously stepped over the door.

As soon as I entered, a pleasant aroma filled my nose despite the decrepit state around me. Just like outside, runes littered the walls as high as the stone ceiling. Up there was a chandelier of burning stones. Next to the chandelier were two molten stones embedded in the walls. A small trail of lava ran down a groove in the wall, not spilling at all. It trailed from the wall and to the floor where my eyes took notice of a lot, and I fucking mean A LOT, of holy and divine runes etched into the ground.

The molten rock traced each rune, powering them up one by one. My eyes followed the trail until I noticed what I could only describe as a bed of skulls and torn, bloody human tissue. The blood that dropped from that bed sizzled on the ground. For it to dry up so fast, I wondered where this heat came from. I certainly didn’t feel anything, even with the molten lava running along the walls and the ground.

“Mmmm, quite capable after all. Especially for a human male. I’m quite impressed,” came words filled with the very spirit of seduction. As the lava trailed through the floor, it’s orange glow lit up the very center of the room. There, I saw the reddest, demonic eyes staring back at me.

As my eyes got used to the slowly illuminating darkness, I spotted a black, scaly tail flying through the air. The very tip was lined with the color of blood and lined like the flower petal of a rose. I saw the most beautiful pair of legs I’d ever laid eyes on. They rubbed each other sensually, almost purposefully and unashamedly, drawing my gaze to them.

As my eyes moved over this slim, utterly attractive body. No doubts could be placed in my mind that this was a woman, a very beautiful woman at that. I moved up to those wide, lithe hips. They were beautifully olive colored. I then moved to her stomach. It was very slim, covered by some type of sensual clothing. A black suit of demonic material hugged her skin, covering her beautiful breasts from my view.

Finally, as if I was now worthy to look upon her face, I noticed the female creature’s neck. There was a beautifully sinful black necklace around it. A perfectly, well-crafted jewel laid in the middle of it. I could feel a swell of demonic energy radiating from that piece of finely cut stone.

When I laid my eyes upon hers again, I was greeted with a face of superb beauty. It was a face no natural woman could have held. There wasn’t a single flaw to be found anywhere. Everything was perfect, almost inhumanely so. She stared at me like some hungry predator that just found its prey in its territory. She brushed a hand through her long, silky black hair, her eyes never leaving mine. The way she bit her lip, like a woman ready to give a man the fucking time of his life nearly overwhelmed me. This sensation felt oddly similar to the time I first locked eyes with Liara. A hot need, every thought in my mind telling me to lay with this beautiful demon in front of me.

I could tell she knew it as well. That said, it was made easier to stave off these thoughts when I saw her rolling along that bed of bones. She seemed to be eating two hearts, picking at them slowly. Her sharp nails sliced a piece of one of them off and slowly rolled it around her red lips. She then ate it. While grotesque, the act had… some type of otherworldly charm to it.

“Hmmm, ‘tis a succubus. A very weakened one at that, but a very powerful one as well. From the sharpened jewel around her neck, mine guess suggests her to be an Arch Succubus. Her title boasts great power. The horns from her head denote her experience. No doubt she has her own territory within the very depth of Haganthar. Take care Drakclaw, surely such a creature has been summoned to the mortal realm before. No doubt she’s deceived kings, queens, tacticians, and mages alike. Between her and the Betrayer, mine abilities might not hold against them at the same time without thine other unique capabilities,” An’raie warned.

I slowly nodded. Aye, I knew of Archdemons. Fought one or two of them myself. Within the Ten Circles, demons torture the souls of the unruly. However, just like humanity, they also constantly fought for power and rule. A demon was usually a soul so corrupted that it desired to shed off its humanity or divinity. It deprived its power from the most horrid, despicable acts done below the very realms themselves. As they are prideful and very territorial, demons always had conflicts with each other. I remembered seeing Liara walk amongst the carnage, some of them snapping at her heels like dogs. As expected of her, she shoved them off with nary a concern, continuing about her business.

Demons usually gained power from the souls they tortured, the contracts they made with humans, or from devouring other demons. As this one was a succubus, she must have fulfilled a lot of contracts with men and women. No doubt she also gained her power from feasting on the life essence of men who fell victim to her charms. She was probably a minor demon who managed to keep her head down, slowly gaining more and more power until she was strong enough to challenge for her own territory. Battle-hardened, and honed in her seductive acts, she must have overcome many and drained them of their own power to add to her own. Then, she settled her territory and her dynasty, killing any demon that threatened to oppose her.

Of course, even for her, there were other demons she just couldn’t overthrow no matter how many souls she took. I doubt that fucker Hades would allow such a thing. However, she was as fearsome as An’raie claimed, then I would indeed need to tread carefully. Even now, I felt my cock grow hard at the sight of her. Such beauty a normal man couldn’t resist, especially not one such as I.

However, I managed to keep enough of my senses to not walk closer to her. I’d been in Liara’s presence and felt her touch. That brought me at least some measure of resistance to this creature that oozed the very essence of sexuality and lust.

I knew there was no point attempting to hide my erection. It would only make me look more ridiculous. This demon and I knew what she was doing to me as I stared into those red eyes that burned like the lava on the ground.

“Save the compliments, seductress. Even now as I speak to you, I want to make haste to those the fucker on this island has taken from me. What do you want?” I asked. I was in no mood to try and play this little dance of pleasantries. I continued to pray for the wellbeing of my mother and Aesteal.

The succubus smiled, rubbing her right hand over her waist. Her nails slid sensuously against her wicked clothing. Her tail moved through the air, almost threatening my eyes to look at it. Yet, I didn’t take my gaze from her.

“Well, if we had time, I would want to give you the best experience of your mortal existence. I’ve never smelled a man like you before. You drive the men and women around you crazy. I wonder what you’ve plunged into recently to gain such a powerful aura,” she replied.

My frown deepened. Had my thoughts not been so preoccupied, I dare say she could have made me cum with just her seas-damned voice. However, my mind thought back to my time in those pools on the third island. “I’m fine to leave you in here,” I returned.

The Succubus chuckled as she continued to take a bite of her… meal. She hardly seemed perturbed by my impatience. “Mmmm, are you sure? I sense your attraction. It smells quite delectable, much better than these two delicacies my dear son has provided for me,” she said.

I took a moment to register her voice. Had my ears not deceived me? Did she say son just then?

“What do you mean ‘son’?” I asked.

The succubus smiled. “The man causing havoc to your little pirate group and taking your crew mates, the one trying so hard to complete his little ritual, that would be my spawn. Talented he is, though perhaps a little too ambitious,” she replied.

Confused, I could feel some unsettling shimmers in An’raie’s spirit. So the old fucker who’d kidnapped Maeloson was this demoness’ son. However, that didn’t make much sense. From Liara’s memories, I was shown the biology of the succubi and incubi. They weren’t capable of having children.

“I didn’t think demons could grow attached to picking up brats off the street,” I answered back.

Her tail continued to swing through the air unperturbed by my words. “Well, we’re not. Those are quite delicious if I could get my hands on some. No, my dear savior, what stands before you is indeed a spawn of my being. One of myself and my former mate, Ondolor Deucihan. Perhaps you would better know him as The Delverhold Alchemist,” she answered.

As soon as those words left the succubus’ mouth, a great magical power erupted from my body not of my no volition. I could already tell this was the Lonely Wail’s great rage, the very rage she kept hidden while we worked together. I knew this pain well. It was the rage and sorrow from a broken heart. For all her plans for vengeance, her capture to the second island, and her unfulfilled desires, it seemed the witch still loved the Alchemist. At least, that was what I got from these intense feelings exploding from within me.

The white cracks quickly began to show on my body. The pain quickly began to intensify as her power cracked the walls around this little… prison. I could feel the seal, which she allowed to hold her, coming undone. Had I not gained so many benefits while here and had my body strengthened, her power would have torn me to pieces in an instant. Instead, I could only drop to one knee, painfully clutching my body to keep from being ripped apart.

“Wail, calm yourself! No matter how angry you are, if you kill me then you’ll go right back to that island! You shall not have your vengeance!” I replied hastily. I coughed into my hand and noticed a glob of blood on my palm.

When I looked at the succubus, she looked more amused than anything. However, she quickly smiled. “As much as I enjoy such a saturation of hatred, jealousy, and greed, unfortunately, it doesn’t serve me right now. Tell your irate partner that she may calm down. I hold no special attachments to my former mate. In fact, I’d rather see him tortured ruthlessly. Do with his soul what you will. However, when you permit him the true death, do hand him over to me. I spent so many days and nights beneath his care, it would do well to give him many under mine!” she said, a slightly crazed edge in her voice.

Thankfully, her words seemed to do the trick. An’raie calmed down enough to where she wasn’t threatening my life. The others ran inside. Diane quickly ran to help me. I saw Nei swimming frantically in the jar.

“Who in the fucking realms is that? She… she’s beautiful! I-I-I must have her!” one of the men behind me claimed.

With great speed, and even greater lust, one of the men behind me ran for the succubus, his mind completely corrupted by desire. I couldn’t say I blamed him. It would be hard for even the most devout monk to resist her beguiling ways.

The man ran for her, but Nz’ia was faster. The Xhaluter grabbed the man by his neck and threw him out the door. He then grabbed the second man and woman, leading them outside. I’d have to make sure to give him a reward later. He just prevented that idiot from becoming her next meal.

“Now that was mean. I helped prevent your death and I haven’t even earned myself a reward? Then again, you have brought me quite the delectable and starved treat. Perhaps that is my reward,” she said, her eyes landing on Ellen.

Sothshore inhaled and exhaled deeply. Her face looked worse than before. Her forehead was even sweatier. I was sure she was sick with something, but I wasn’t sure what it was. Her chest was beating and she kept staring at the succubus like she too would charge for her. In fact, I wondered how she was still standing.

“A Succubus. I’d read about them, but this is my first time laying eyes upon such a malicious demon. The books do not do them justice. Indeed, they are being seeped in the evils of Aphrodite and meant to serve the realms lower than that of Hades himself,” Gurok said with a gulp.

“Yeah, it sickens me how much I desire her to fuck my brains out. Captain, please hurry up with your business so we can get out of here. Of all the things I thought I’d lose my damned soul to, a succubus wasn’t on the list!” The Gun-Sorcerer claimed much to the succubus’ amusement.

“Mmmm, then you’re in luck, in more ways than one. All I need is for the dear male right there to fuck the woman to his right,” she said.

I turned my eyes to the right. They landed on Ellen who looked just as equally shocked as I was.

“What?” Ellen growled, shivering almost uncontrollably.

The succubus turned on her bed of bones. “I have no reason to lie. After all, I spent the time contacting your captain for help, thus saving all of us in the process,” she said.

Having had enough of these roundabout games, I slowly stood to my feet with Diane’s help. “Make sense. What are you talking about?” I asked. Though Ellen and I were on very thin terms, I desired not her death.

“Very well, I’ll make it short. You, my mortal male filled with lust and allure, have been bathed in a bountiful pond of succubus essence. Even now, you get me hot. Had I the power, I’d fuck you here and now, leaving your body with neither soul nor essence. I sense the power of Vilinlith within you, the most powerful succubus to ever roam the Vxeoran. All of us know of her, for she was supposedly the mother of all our wickedness. All Succubi are tied to her mighty hand. I sense that same aura around you,” she said.

I raised an eyebrow. That would make sense, seeing as how everyone lost their fucking minds after I got out of those pools. It would also explain why Nei suddenly became so fucking playful with me. Even now, that orgy back in the woods, though a delight, was rather odd. It definitely wasn’t something we would have done normally, if at all. So that was all caused by me.

“Vilinlith, so that fucking bitch is still alive,” Diane said with a scowl.

“Who the hell is Vilinlith?” Racaell asked.

“None know the full history, but some like to claim that when Aphrodite first experienced jealousy, it was so great that her love became a wicked obsession. That wicked obsession became the personification of lust, greediness, revelry, and ecstasy, and every horrible trait dared to be linked with notions of love. From that wickedness, Vilinlith was born, Mother of all Succubi. Others claim that Vilinlith was born from an orgy of wicked men and women, engaging in mind-numbing sex as they burned themselves alive. From the ashes of the women, she was formed. From the ashes of the men was spawned her counterpart, The Father of All Incubi,” Gurok explained.

“Not even Lady Liara likes her,” Diane said.

Now that was a story I wanted to hear at a later date, but I would have to set it aside for now.

“Mmmm, please keep going. All this wicked talk is getting me in the mood,” the succubus said.

Ellen scowled. “How about you m-move onto the part where I fucking die!” she exclaimed.

The demon woman exhaled. “Poor, poor thing. It’s quite simple. Your captain’s body has been reformed with the essence of Vilinlith. Of course, you mortals with your weak wills and feeble bodies can’t properly function around such a satisfying aura. When such lust, need, and desire go unfulfilled it shall grow, fester, and surge from within. If not expelled, don’t expect us to help you expel it when you come to us. Your tortured expressions are very gratifying after all. This effect is only doubled when there are… feelings of love and attraction. Rather sickening aspects if you ask me,” she said, rolling her eyes as she did so.

Love and attraction?

Stunned, I turned to Ellen. She looked away from me, scowling to herself. “You still love me. Rather, you actually fucking love me?” I asked.

“You’re a fucking piece of shit you know that?! Why do you always gotta piss me off all the damn time?! Can’t you ever just fucking shut up for one goddamn minute! Dammit! Fucking galthoravor shit!” She cursed as she trembled, curling her fingers into a tight fist. I thought she might actually punch me, but she didn’t follow through like last time.

I wasn’t sure why I was so relieved but I was. If I could, I would have held Ellen in my arms like I used to.

We all heard the demon woman scoff. “Yes, yes, love. I would dean us to move on. Such talk is utterly revolting and vile. That I even speak it burns my tongue with the most holy magics ever used. I hope I don’t vomit,” she said, taking a bite of one of the hearts in disgust.

“And how does that benefit you?” Diane asked, suspiciously.

The lustful demon laughed. “Well, if you hadn’t felt it before, my power has drained considerably since I’ve been kept here. When Ondolor summoned me, I thought myself lucky. Few demons have a chance at claiming a soul like that. I was willing to do whatever it took to siphon out his essence. Unfortunately, I underestimated his resourcefulness. I’d been subjected to his ruthless experiments. Some of them even I had to praise for their cruelty. He would have made a fantastic Archdemon if he slipped into our realm. The days of experiments seemed without end, all of them deliciously painful and sadistic. Then, one day when I was resting… he entered my chambers. He spoke not a word and neither did I. I’d been commanded not to,” she said with a faraway look in her eyes.

“Neither day nor night mattered to him. He took me when he pleased. As part of our contract, I couldn’t resist him. I hoped to siphon off his essence slowly, but his body was rather odd. I couldn’t suck any of it no matter how hard I tried. As the years went by, I grew weaker and weaker, and he experimented more on me. Nowhere upon my body had his sinful touch not been. I was actually rather impressed. It had been a long time since someone bent me to their will without even a chance to fight back. However, that is the way of the demons. If you’re weak enough to be claimed, then your own will doesn’t matter. In fact, you remind me a little of him, Child of Water,” she said, staring at me which made me frown.

I wasn’t sure what to say to her comment of comparing me to the Alchemist. One might usually take it for pride, but I didn’t like being compared to anyone. My life and my destiny were my own. No one shared them with me.

“As the days went on, I grew bored. I wondered what he pursued me so vigorously for. However, one might imagine my surprise when my body grew a spawn of my own, something I thought utterly impossible. Then, I realized that man had done what none have ever done, impregnate a demoness. Even now, I’m unaware of how he did it, but it was then that I named him as my mate. Couldn’t call the dear much else. Then, one day he must have experimented one day too many. He never returned to me. I gave birth to his son. I’ll never forget the incessant wailing and pleas for food from me, something I thought ridiculous. Begrudgingly, I fed it only to make it shut up. As it grew older, I let it know where we stood. It was my spawn, but not my problem. The hurt, the shattered dreams in its eyes were quite delicious. Then one day, it grew bigger, taller, stronger than me. It must have learned a lot from its father, like father like son in the end. Now our spawn tries a ritual to find my mate. I don’t really care either way, but if he leaves I’ll be stuck here for an eternity. I’d rather not have that,” she said.

“Wow, what a great fucking mother you are,” Ellen groaned, too weak to even stand. She leaned against my shoulder, panting furiously.

The demon hardly seemed perturbed by Ellen’s words. Well, I sure as hell wasn’t about to expect a demoness to be capable of such strong parental guidance. Definitely not ones like her that enjoyed feasting on the hearts of men, women, and children.

“‘Tis my nature. I’m not a mortal. I have no reason to deny what I know I am. Anyway, the hundreds of years without essence have left me very weak. Between the child of water and the woman to his right, there is just enough aura for me to feast on that will give me a moderate amount of power. I’ll siphon it off which will grant me enough power to destroy these insufferable holy runes and divine relics that restrict me. Then I’ll help you defeat my spawn. You will be allowed to collect everything upon these isles before they submerge and I shall have my freedom. I believe we both benefit from this,” she said.

Diane put her hand on my shoulder. “Tread carefully. I don’t know your experience with demons, but they are tricky fuckers,” she warned. She definitely didn’t need to let me know that. I experienced such trickery many times.

“Well, now that you told me what’s plaguing Ellen, why don’t I just leave you here and cure her myself?” I asked.

The succubus sighed. “You mortals and your attempts at these meaningless questions. Perhaps I am better off becoming a waste here,” she said to herself before she looked at me.

“Enjoy your brief fuck and head to the fifth island. I hope to hear your screams when my spawn rips your bones from your flesh bags. My spawn has researched every piece of these isles. You have only been here for a few weeks. The Witch also continues her ascension. She cannot help you. I am willing to rescind the deal if you would prefer,” she said, smiling. Her finger moved a piece of the bloodied hearts from her lips.

My eyes narrowed. So, I wasn’t facing the Alchemist. I was facing his fucking son, spawned from him and a fucking archdemon. Perhaps everyone was right, maybe I was born with a penchant for trouble. Nothing like this happened to me before.

I stared at Ellen. She seemed to be in terrible shape. “Perhaps… someone else should do it,” I said. I assumed the last person she’d stomach to fuck on these damned isles would be me.

“Impossible. You’re the only one with enough essence to aid me in breaking free from these shackles upon the ground restricting me here. No one else has as much essence as the two of you at this moment,” the demoness said.

I sucked my teeth, barely holding Ellen in my arms.

“You still haven’t told us what this dangerous thing that will kill us is!” Raccaell exclaimed.

The demoness wiggled her tail tauntingly. “Well, you wouldn’t release me if I did. Worry not, so long as I’m with you, there shall be no concerns,” she said confidently.

I turned back to tell. “It be your call, Sothshore. I ain’t a righteous man, nor a pleasant one, but I shall not push you further,” I replied with all the sincerity a pirate like me could give.

“S-S-Save me the fucking hog shit. Let’s just get this over with. I’ve had enough of this fucking place to last me a lifetime,” she said, her blue eyes staring back at me. Her hands on my chest, she already started unbuttoning my shirt.

I grabbed her hands and turned back to the succubus. She looked at us amused by our state of affairs. For my own pride, I knew I had to throw her off. “Very well, we’ll agree on one condition,” I said.

“And that would be?” she asked.

“Tell me your name of names, your true name,” I said.

Ah, there was the reaction I wanted. A deep frown marred the succubus’ face. However, she then giggled. “My, much more interesting than I thought. Now, I don’t believe that’s fair. That would be the same as handing my freedom over now. Not very much of a deal if I do say so,” she replied.

“Ye’ll find no man goes into a wayward deal without a gun behind his back. He’ll then have another beneath his crotch just to be sure,” I answered.

The succubus stared at me a little longer. She remained silent for a moment or two, keeping us all in suspense until she finally answered.

“Very well, I can agree to that. So long as you agree that should you divulge my name without my approval, then I shall be guaranteed your soul when it leaves that pitiful husk of meat and bones.”

I heard Gurok gasp behind me. Aye, it was quite the hefty trade. I didn’t think I’d be making one like this on these isles. Still, she was another card to be used. I was sure she wouldn’t lie, but there were other countermeasures I could think of to handle her. However, she didn’t need to inquire about those. “I agree to those terms,” I said.

I felt magic burn my tongue for a moment. No doubt our little contract had been established.

“Very good. Then, you’ll have to come to me. I can’t move out of this barrier. The rest of your crew should move out. Wouldn’t want that essence flying towards them after all,” she said as I Gurok held Ellen for a moment.

I stood up and walked over to the succubus. I could feel An’raie’s unease. “This demon of deceit could provide false words,” she said to me.

“Aye, she could, but I’ll know it. I’ve dealt with her kind before,” I said as I stood in front of the sexy demoness. I then leaned over. She whispered in my ears, her voice enough to make precum flow through the slit of my cock. She gave me her name. Do not ask me how, but I knew she was telling the truth.

I tried to keep the surprise off my face. I had heard this name before, but I knew not that it came from this woman.

Having the information I needed, I walked back over to the others. “Aye, alright. Let’s get this over with. You lot wait outside,” I said to the others.

One by one they filed out, leaving me and Ellen alone with a trapped succubus. “Mmmm, and I get the front row seat. Entertain me now. I’ve been bored for nearly two thousand years. I could use something stimulating,” she remarked.

I turned to Ellen. “This be your last chance to change your mind, Ellen. We don’t-”

“God fucking dammit! Will you just shut up and kiss me?!” Sothshore snarled as she grabbed the back of my head and crashed her lips into mine. Not even a few seconds passed before she started trembling. She writhed in my arms, letting me know just how aroused she actually was. The flames of her unsatisfied passions fired into my very bones.

Ellen Sothshore just came with nothing but a simple kiss.

“Nnnnngh! Yesssss! Such wonderful essence! Don’t stop now on my account.”

Though the words of the succubus rang through my ears, though my cock felt ready, those Ellen felt great need, my mind, for once, was not consumed by sex. Ellen’s lips tasted just as pleasant as always, but I knew not the best way to go about this. It should have been fucking simple. I’d fucked her without complaint before, but I noticed my own hesitance. I worried for my mother and Aesteal.

Even now, as I enjoyed Ellen’s sweet kiss, I thought about the fate befalling them. I knew I ought to hurry, but I wasn’t a man meant to rush such affairs. It just wasn’t the way I conducted my fucking business. This wasn’t how I desired to repent for my actions to Ellen either. It all felt wrong.

Ellen must have picked up on my hesitance before she pulled away from me. “Dammit, what the fuck’s wrong with you? Hurry up and do what you always do! I’m literally dying cause you won’t fuck me!” she exclaimed.

When I stared into Ellen’s single uncovered eye, I saw some measure of concern within it. I chuckled to myself, suddenly feeling pretty damn vulnerable. How quaint that I might feel this way right next to a fucking demon of insatiable lust. This must have been boring her.

Perhaps I knew this wasn’t the time, seas it wasn’t the fucking time, but… my spirit moved me.

“I love you, Ellen Sothshore,” I said, my voice piercing through the room. My former quartermaster looked at me in blissful shock. Her body shivered beneath my gaze. I wasn’t sure what she saw, but I hoped it was a pirate’s true sincerity.

“I love you more than every piece of fucking gold and jewelry that I’ve found on these cursed isles. You were right. I was the fucking idiot. I was the piece of shit captain who put his crew in danger. Everything you said I was, you were right. I’m a pirate. I ain’t a good man. By fire and smoke, my body was tested. By music and revelry, my pride was laid. I be a possessive, greedy, shit that should be feeding the fucking worms beneath the ground. Perhaps all of this happened merely because of my own incompetence. I…”

What I was to say next stopped as my head whipped to the side from a punch across my jaw. The blow made my vision go blurry as I fell to the side of the floor. I used my right hand for leverage. Oddly enough, even though that punch fucking hurt, I noticed it wasn’t as painful as the first time.

When I turned, Ellen pushed me to the ground. Before my senses could right themselves, I felt her pelvis against mine. My eyes opened and I saw her straddling me, her eyes clouded with lust. “Shut up. Just fucking shut up. If I listen to you fucking talk anymore, I’m just gonna grow more unspiteful of your cocksucking ass!” she panted as she grabbed my shirt.

As she worked on the buttons, she scowled. “I’m just another fucking idiot like you are. That’s what Draegnar is. It’s the goddamn birthplace of fucking idiots! Cause only a shit-eating idiot would believe a damn word coming out of a mouth like yours. Fuck, at least we both realize it,” she said, lowly as she leaned on top of her. Her face came dangerously close to mine.

“You like to make deals and fucking bets, right? Fine, we’ll make a new one. I bet we’re all gonna fucking die on these damned isles because of you. I won’t even get the chance to leave this cursed crew of yours if that happens. You just need to prove me wrong and fix all this damned shit. If you win, then I guess I’ll have no fucking choice but to stay. I’ve already concluded that I’m an idiot for wanting to stay around someone I hate so much!” she said.

I offered no reply before Sothshore finally decided that enough was enough. She quickly kissed me with great fervor, spreading her love and lust through my body. I raised one of my hands and touched her cheek, her body quaked from my touch. Our tongues mixed together wonderfully, her fingers hastily trying to disrobe me.

She succeeded and threw off my shirt before she moved onto my pants. “Ain’t got time for the usual shit and I’m too fucking turned on for anything else. Ever since you stepped out of that damned pool, I’ve been craving your cock! Nearly lost my nerve when you all started fucking and sucking each other. I even tried to masturbate, but all I could think about was your cock! Now, fucking give it to me!” she said as she grabbed my belt buckle and all but yanked my pants off.

The combination of Ellen’s assertiveness, the lust permeating my body, and a bit of my spirit being eased, led to a rise in my dick’s girth. The head was filled with blood, pumping and pulsing rapidly. Sothshore was mesmerized by it, licking and biting her legs.

She grabbed my cock, the warmth of her fingers and her gloves gave me a wonderful feeling. “Mmmm, fuck I’ve missed this damn thing! Just touching it is making me lose my shit! You better hope I don’t break your damn pelvis cause I’ve got a lot of frustration to get through!” she said.

Ellen quickly discarded her clothes. She gave my cock a few jerks, sending pleasurable shocks through my entire body. I couldn’t deny it. I enjoyed being under her whims at the moment. The sound of her shuffling clothes sounded like music to my ears. I watched her kick them away, standing before me in her nakedness.

“Do you now?” I asked.

“Aye, that I do, but before we get to that, I’ll actually help myself for a moment. You owe me some fucking relief!” she said and I quickly got her point when she hovered her ass over my face. The results of her arousal slid down the side of her thighs like a fucking waterfall. I couldn’t help licking my lips before she descended upon me.

“Fuck, I’ve missed you!” I said as Ellen placed her cunt right over my mouth. My tongue pierced her little hole, splitting the flaps of her pussy.

“Mmmmmmnh! Fuck yes! Lick my cunt, you bastard! Nnnnnngh! Hahaaaaa!” she groaned before she came again, drenching my mouth, chin, and face with her thick waters. I slurped it all up. Even as she came, I never stopped licking. Her pussy convulsed and quivered.

While I worked on her, she worked on me. Her mouth dove onto my cock, sucking me off with a fire that I hadn’t felt from her in awhile. Even through our most intimate interactions, I realized she never actively sought me out like this. It was always me that went after her, showing the greatest desire for her. Now, she came after me. Her hot mouth and slick tongue sucking and licking my cock something fierce.

Her head bobbed up and down, loud sucking and slurping noises through the room. My thoughts completely distracted by the surges of lust, I absently heard the succubus moaning. It seemed the lust coming from us was indeed fueling her. I sensed her wells of magic being restored at an inhuman pace.

Ellen must have forgotten about the succubus all together because she fervently started rocking her hips against me. I kissed and sucked on the flaps of her cunt, my tongue striking her nub of a clit every once in a while. Her voice vibrated over my cock. Her tongue licked the hole of my cock, her gloves hands roaming my legs.

“Hhaaaaaaah! Yeah! Ooooooh fuck yeah!” Sothshore sighed before she released my cock. She stood up and faced me. Squatting her legs down, she grabbed a hold of my sleek prick. She lined it up with her cunt.

Contrary to how we started, Ellen slowly speared herself with my cock. My toes curled. Her cunt was unbelievably warm. Every inch of my dick was bathed in a hot inferno of sticky lust that seemed unending. My cock climbed through her glorious cavern until her pelvis met mine.

Her hands on my chest, Sothshore shook. I wasn’t ashamed to say that I did as well.

“Why does your damn cock always feel so good? Fuck, I nearly came again just from sliding on the fucking thing,” she said.

“Cause it desires to have you!” I said as I grabbed her hips.

I gave her no time to prepare this time. I slid my cock out and shoved it back inside. Ellen’s glorious breasts shook in my face. My quartermaster’s nails scratched at my chest. “Ooooooohhhh! It’s a greedy thing!” she panted.

I smiled, a few of my reservations gone. I lost myself in Ellen’s embrace. I fucked her and she reciprocated by bouncing on me. She leaned over and kissed me as I wrapped my arms around her back. My legs worked hard, thrusting into her, making her moan and groan wantonly into my lips. She bit my lip, gasping like a dying fish. “Oooooooh yeah! Fuck me dammit! Fuck me good! Stuff that shit right in my cunt! Nnnnnngh!” she said.

Wanting to make her desires come true, I did just that. My balls ached as I slapped them against her ass. Her gloved hands grabbed my face, allowing us to continue our kiss. When we parted with a smack, she leaned up. She grabbed her breasts, pinching her nipples as her long blond hair became soaked in sweat. The room became covered in the smell of unrestrained sex, loud slaps echoing through each wall.

With so much unhinged lust, it wasn’t long before her pussy became a coiling viper on my cock. She gritted her teeth, grunting like a wild female animal. A torrent of female cum covered my cock and my pelvis. We stopped for a moment for her to catch her breath, taking in the torrent of demonic power next to us. It seemed we were making good on our deal, especially from the unholy sounds that demoness was making.

“Mmmmmm yes! Fuck her harder! Be rougher! Cover yourselves in the sin of pleasure. Woman, feel every vein of his mighty cock tear through your insides. Massage that vessel of virility! Drive him mad! Drive him insane with unholy desire!” the succubus said. I heard rapid squishing noises from where she sat.

I think Ellen was listening to her too. She quickly started to grip me again in her sleek vice. I bit my lip while she looked insufferably pleased with herself. Of course, I didn’t mind.

“Satisfied?” I asked, a light huff.

“Ain’t you supposed to be a young bastard? Where’s that fucking grit now?” she asked, a cheeky grin on her face.

We switched positions. With me behind her, our bodies melded together in a linear fashion, I plunged my cock into her again. Our sideways thrusts on the ground moved us well. I lifted one of her legs while she vigorously rubbed her clit. “Nnnnnnnngh! Mmmmmmmmngh!” she huffed, cumming again.

I came too, rather unexpectedly. The flames of her pussy and the lustful essence flowing through me released my control over my cock. My eyes closed as I fired a stream of sticky male juice right into her walls.

“Mmmmmmn, yeah! Fucking fill me up! Put all that cum inside me!” she cried, rubbing with her fingers while her other hand rubbed my balls. Her actions already got my cock hard, my stamina rejuvenated. She easily took notice.

“As weird as that feeling is, it’s one of the things I don’t hate about you,” she said.

I brushed a piece of her hair from her face. “I love you,” I said, feeling the need to say it again.

She scoffed again, but sighed pleasantly. “I know,” she replied.

Ellen and I fucked and fucked. I was thoroughly covered in her sweat and she’d been filled up by me at least three or four times. Nevertheless, all the lust that she hadn’t been able to get out yesterday was being let out now. We tried to hurry as the situation demanded, but there was solemn joy to be found in our union. I’d dare compare us to a married couple on their blissful night, never being able to get enough of each other.

Ellen wrapped her legs around my waist as I plunged into her. Her back arched, egging me on to fuck her harder, thrust into her deeper. “Come on! Fuck me like you m-m-m-ean it! Shove you fucking cock all the way inside me! oooooooOOooh! Fuck, it’s big! It feels so good! S-So deep inside me!!” she growled as she came for the… whatever-th time.

My hips bucked, my cock shivered, and her cunt eagerly took more and more of my cock inside. “Ngh! Oooooh! Hnnnnnngh! Yeah! Oooooh yeah!” Ellen gasped, her raspy voice moving while she pinched her clit. I grabbed one of her legs and trailed my tongue over it. Each strike of my kisses and licks made her tremble. Over this voyage, I quickly came to learn that Ellen was very sensitive when it came to her legs.

Even now, I felt her cock choke and strangle my cock as I licked one of her toes. “Ooooooooh! You’re such a nasty fucker! But fuck that feels amazing!” she said.

I decided to take it a step further. Grabbing both her legs, I pushed them all the way up to her chest. She got the idea and held her legs for me while my hands pressed against the floor. Between my heavy thrusts, driving the length of my girth into her sticky slit, I had her fucking cumming again in no time. The lust from us fueled the demoness next to us.

Unfortunately, the pleasure couldn’t last forever. Though the lust being siphoned from Ellen’s body was going into mine as well, I still had other things on my mind. There was a purpose to this. We both realized it. It seemed our bodies did too. In our current position, Ellen got off me and sucked my cock a few times. She didn’t have to do it for long before I was firing a steady stream of my cum down her throat.

My legs shook when she sucked the tip a little more. Sothshore looked positively beautiful, her face sweaty and her lips dribbled with a line of my essence. With a finger, she flicked some of it off. “Well, I’m still fucking horny, but I think we’d better stop there. I’d rather not give that thing over there anymore power that we’ve already given her,” she suggested, thumbing over to our guest.

“Hehehehehe! Hahahahahahahahaahaha!!”

I had to agree with Sothshore. The both of us braced for impact as the holy runes and divine seals of magic were blown away. The succubus laughed and cackled. “Magnificent! Finally! It might not be all of my power, but it shall do! You both were wonderful! I’m half-tempted to keep you as my pets!” she exclaimed, black and dark purple waves of energy exploding from her body like a thousand shockwaves.

I grabbed Ellen, protecting the both of us with a barrier as the explosions continued to destroy the prison that the succubus was trapped in.  Diane, Nz’ia, and the others bursted into the room. I barely had the time to cover Ellen with her clothes before the succubus rose herself into the air.

“Hahahahahah, it’s not much! But it will do for now!” she cackled like the demoness we all knew her to be.

A vicious swirl of magic circled around her. She broke the walls which kept her contained for so many centuries. The archdemon’s power was so great that she made the entire island tremble. The ends of her black hair took on a more reddish color. Her beautiful face became as red as blood. Her mouth bore the sharpest teeth. Four wings, like those of a hellish angel, sprouted from her back. Each of them was black and shaped like those of a bat.

Slowly, her nudity was covered up by a long, regal dress of skulls and tormented souls. Each of them wailed in utter torment, reduced to naught but her playthings to torture as she saw fit. Like the flames of hell themself, the lava used to power the runes etched in the ground exploded all around us. Flames burned stone to nothing as the succubus landed on the ground. With an open palm, she willed the flames to come to her. They did so, coiling together in his hands, being corrupted by her touch.

The archdemon walked towards us.

“I can’t say I’ve not doubted you while we stake our claim upon these cursed lands, Captain. However, I hope this be a good idea!” the female survivor said behind me, hoping to make herself small as she stood behind Nz’ia.

I pulled Ellen back and Diane grabbed her. I stood in front of the succubus while she looked at me, a wide grin on her face. “Careful who you make deals with lest you find your soul lost. I’m tempted to strike you all down now. However, I congratulate you. I have just enough power that it wouldn't be impossible for you to deal with me. I certainly don’t have the power to contest with that detestable cunt working on her ascension at this moment. It looks like I have no choice, but to abide by our deal,” she said.

“Aye, trust that those who turn against me shall all come to regret it sooner or later,” I replied.

She looked down and chuckled. “Mmmm, then I’ll look forward to seeing how you make me regret it. Unfortunately, we don’t have the time. The smell in the air, my spawn continues to complete his ritual. The arcane energies gather together. The moon sprinkles its aura upon the dark ceremony. If you wish to save your crew, then we’d better move. I don’t have the power to break through the barriers to teleport your group to the last island. The barrier is much stronger there than any other. I will go first. If any of you go first, then it’ll be no different to you dying. Naturally, seeing your pathetic faces shriveled in terror would be rather entertaining. Don’t stop on my account,” she chuckled as she walked past us and out the door.

As soon as she left, the two men and one woman dropped to their knees. The smell of urine came into the air. I wasn’t surprised. Not many could hold themselves together when faced with such a dense magical power as that. While I was a bit upset that I couldn’t fully satisfy Ellen, I gave her credit in her foresight. That demoness didn’t need any more power than what we’d given her. As she stood now, she could beat that damned troll without much, if any effort.

With this matter closed, Ellen and I quickly got dressed. We then followed after the archdemon, taking special care in case she did anything. Hell, An’raie and I were already discussing the worst case scenario of us having to battle her. Luckily, we could handle the bitch at her current level, especially with the combined efforts of everyone else.

We entered back into the room with runes for the next island. The succubus was already waiting for us, seemingly annoyed at our slowed progression. “Make haste with the teleportation array. Surely you know how to cast something like that since you’ve gotten all the way here,” she said, the souls in her dress groaning in agony.

“Captain, I’ll give you all the treasure I’ve collected if we put her ass back in the damn place we found her,” Racaell said.

A tempting offer, but one I’d have to refuse for now. “Best you change your career then. Should you die, I imagine she’ll be waiting for you in the deepest pits of the abyss,” I said as I quickly began activating the array beneath our feet.

The portal opened. We stood to the side, waiting for the succubus to pass us. She smiled at us, licking her lips and scratching her nails. She proceeded through the portal and we followed her.

As soon as we stepped through, I felt the surge of incredible mana. Indeed the succubus had been telling the truth. The archdemon shielded us from the black ray of magic I’d ever seen since the first island. Her gave was one of boredom, yawning as if to exemplify her point.

I quickly understood that I indeed made the correct choice to free the succubus. The portal brought us in front of a large, white door. On the head of the door was a dragon-shaped eye. It was that eye that currently assaulted the succubus with magic. However, I wonder if I could even say it was assaulting her.

Thanks to Liara’s memories, I recognized that magic as the ancient spells from a ruined stone. Such stones were the stuff of myths and legends. Pieces of rock so evil, so vile, that they can only be touched by a being of equal vileness and evil. For those who touch it that are not completely aligned with the evils of the realms, the fate is one I couldn’t even subject to my crew who betrayed me. The mortal who touched it would suffer every perceived act of recorded cruelty from the beginning of the earth to its very end. In the end, they will become the very essence of evil itself, not a single trace of good to be found. It was that fate that led to the race of those who I shall not name.

Just as Liara said, there were some evils that not even demons enjoyed messing with.

“Oh my spawn, so much knowledge at your disposal, yet you bring this ruined stone before me. A wonderful trap for a mortal. Such evil within it. You almost do me proud,” she said before she held up her other hand.

“Ỡrựl” She said.

From the archdemon’s hand came a flurry of wailing lesser demons. Each of them screeched angrily as they wrapped themselves around the black magic from the ruined stone. The burst of magic she used pushed the blast of the stone back into its eye. The exploded into a thousand pieces upon the ground before it sizzled away in a black mist.

The demoness stood triumphant against the source of great evil. I could also feel her power had grown again. No doubt she took the opportunity to siphon off power from that ruined stone. For demons, a ruined stone was a great power enhancer. Any mana from the First Evil, the originator of the ruined stones, would be well worth the price. It ain’t something I would dare touch on my own.

“Are you done?” I asked.

The succubus rolled her shoulders. “Indeed, Child of Water. I’ve done my part. Whether we make it to my spawn or not depends on you. I said that I would help you defeat my spawn should we run into him, but I never said I’d find him for you,” she said with a smile.

I frowned. Clearly, this cunt of a lust demon was trying her best to raise my ire. I knew it was well within her means to locate her son, but it seemed that she thrived on the chaos around us. I could sense Liara’s power growing stronger and stronger. Between her ascension and the Alchemist’s bastard son, I’ll admit I felt a tad out of my depth. That said, I wasn’t very discouraged.

The only reason I’d freed the succubus was for this very threat. As far as I was concerned, she was just an added bonus against the fucker that took my crew from me. I could already feel An’raie growing anxious as well. Minor spirits started to rise from beneath the ground. The very walls themselves were becoming more grotesque, the magic in them being sapped away to sustain whatever ritual was being done.

I stepped forward. I grabbed the door handle and pushed the door open. All of us ready for combat, we entered. Our journey took us into a monstrously high library. It seemed wherever Liara had been teleported, she didn’t need to encounter the ruined stone. I saw the efforts of her meddling here. Hundreds of thousands of books floated in the air, and others littered a rotten grassy field. I imagined it would have looked quite beautiful if not for all the mana in it being drained from it.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the time to ponder.

“Alright, so what do we do? Something tells me we ain’t got the time to search high heaven and low hell of this place before the others join that bitch attached to you. How are we gonna search a whole damn island for them?” Ellen asked.

I took a step forward. “There’s no need to search for them. Once we passed this door, An’raie and I discovered where they were. It ain’t hard to tell,” I said.

“Yeah, I sense it too. Not that the uerantite isn’t draining my mana, I can sense the giant swells of magic beneath the ground. In fact, Captain, i think he’s fucking telling us where he is on purpose,” Racaell said as I slammed my hands together. I could feel An’raie mimic my motion.

“Aye. Then let’s not keep the son of a bitch waiting!” I exclaimed.

Everything about this damn trip turned to shit around me. Many lessons were learned and regrets were made. However, through it all. I had a lot of shit I wanted to get off my damned chest. My entire pride as a captain got thrown back in my face time and again, forcing me to realize just how fucking inept I really was. It forced me to acknowledge my own weaknesses, ones I thought I never had.

In the end, this trip fucking pissed me off!

“Dnoghium: Ahsvaen Sangul!” I cast, pouring my mana into my spell while I felt An’raie chant as well.

“Shuovwle Casvael: Ghlunon Ẽhme.”

I felt the immense mana surge within my body. The ground beneath my feet splintered in two, shaking and trembling like the end of all days. Books fell on top of each other. The strength within me exploded.

Shelves and tomes crashed into each other. I warned everyone to back away from me as a large spike of the island ruptured through the library’s entire structure. From that spike, thousands more protruded from it. They pierced the walls and struck the ground. The once beautiful abode of the fifth island became buried in dust and earth. However, all of this destruction was not what An’raie and I fully planned.

“Haen.”

The tinier spikes shot into the air above the biggest. They each pointed their tips towards each other. Ancient runes covered their surface. “Ohn: Shthlun!” An’raie cast right after me.

Between the tips of every earthen spike came a large ball of lightning. The streaks from it tore from east to west and north to south. However, it wouldn’t remain this way for long. From the walls, came a myriad of spirits. Each of them wrapped around the lightning orb, darkening it with undead strength. Five or six arrays appeared in the air, each of them spinning and ticking like the time on a grandfather clock.

With a great shout, I slammed my hand on the ground. The ball of greyish black lightning crashed into the ground.

“Holy shit!” Ellen said from far off.

As if Zeus himself had struck the ground, the mightiest explosion erupted in front of me. The lightning sailed through the beds of disturbed rock and magic caused by An’raie and myself. Faster and faster it flew down, crashing into labs and knocking over tables. One part of the island crashed down into the other.

A chorus of undead souls screamed from the abyss where the grey ball of lightning and thunder magic. At this point, I cared not for the treasures or the valuable notes of alchemy. Instead, once the spell stopped, I honed my senses on the wealth of mana and archaic magic below me. The ball of lightning had destroyed everything, going all the way down right to the heart of the island.

Even from so far away, I could make out the faint green glow of the Flames of Raganthor. I could also sense Ellen. She was in pain, a lot of pain. Her aura called out to mine.

Like the crazy bastard that I was, I jumped off the ledge. I fell into the crater An’raie and I created. The wind rushed through my hair, I flew through the darkness. The green light got stronger. “There were more suitable ways to announce thine presence than this reckless act,” An’raie said, her tone notably much fiercer.

I smirked. “First rule of being a pirate, witch. Give your enemy an entrance they shall never forget!” I claimed as I fell all the way to the bottom. There, my eyes finally laid upon that familiar dress of sackcloth and body of wrinkled bones.

Every member of my crew, still breathing, had been taken. I now saw where Alteria and the men and women of Hilvir had gone. They too had been overwhelmed by the flames, the green crowns adorning their heads. I also saw Maeloson. Aye, it felt like it’d been so long since I’d seen his stern face as he held a blade at Aesteal’s throat. Just like the others, there was a green crown upon her head as well, but… she gripped it painfully, trying to keep it from overtaking her.

Even Goron, that big fucking lug, was there. He held my mother in his arms, his nose bloodied and the veins in his arms pulsing with green magic.

“Faelgirium An He!” I chanted as a swirl of wind broke my fall and landed me on the ground in front of everyone.

As I stood up, I finally stared into the eyes of the one who’d taken so much from me since I came here. I could feel An’raie unraveling with anger, the mana from her pouring out of my body. It seeped into the ground, pulling out countless ghouls and dead spirits.

I pointed my rapier forward. As I stood in front of the horde of my crew, and this legendary alchemist’s son, I smirked. Aye, this definitely didn’t happen the first time.

“I think you’ve got some people that belong to me, Bastard!”