Elden Monarch [Dark Souls 2 SotFS X Elden Ring Crossover]

I stood up as soon as I finished my miracle, rubbing my sore eyes and realizing I was standing next to the Site of Grace at the Siofra River Elevator.

"Can someone explain what happened?" Blaidd asked, disoriented, blinking his watery eyes.

"I simply conjured a miracle that returns its caster to the last bonfire they rested at. Traditionally, their destination was the caster's homeland, but the curse slowly erodes the person's memory, until their birthplace is reduced to a figment of a clouded past. But the bonfires are constant, a beacon for the tragically afflicted."

"Okay, I'll pretend I understood what you said." He grumbled, choosing to sit next to Rennala instead.

"Well, that was interesting. You seem to have something for every occasion, don't you?" Godwyn stopped beside me, probably smiling if he could.

"Yes, to the point of being redundant, now allow me to heal you." I cast a miracle but frowned when the nicks and dents remained on his armor, so I tried something different. I raised my staff and cast Repair, making the damage disappear.

"Thanks, but what did you do?" He raised an arm, surveying my work.

"My miracles don't work because... Well, because there's nothing to heal, so I used Repair, a spell designed to repair damaged equipment."

"HAHAHA! You're the greatest enemy of all blacksmiths!" Godwyn patted my shoulder friendly.

"HA! Just don't tell Hewg, he'll get angry and probably charge me more for his services." I chuckled lightly.

"You should be the one charging other tarnished for easy repairs! It's a good way to get runes!"

"I would make more enemies than I already have, but it's a good future profession." I removed a golden knuckle-shaped ring from my bag and handed it to Godwyn.

"Very well, what does this mysterious magic ring do?" He held the object up to his face, examining the details curiously.

"This is the Bracing Knuckle Ring that once belonged to Rhoy the Explorer. It slows the degradation of equipment, as expensive and fancy equipment doesn't always make your life easier. This ring has a stronger version of the enchantment, found in the Undead Crypt of Drangleic."

"Interesting, but if this artifact is in your possession, then I assume Rhoy is dead." He put the ring on.

"Not exactly, I found most of his magic rings scattered throughout Drangleic. He was a prodigious adventurer, with great presence of mind and a knack for escaping traps and dangers. There is even a bonfire at the Shrine of Amana called Rhoy's Resting Place. But that's beside the point, he is probably part of the Rat King's covenant and has invaded me several times at the Tomb of the Saints, carrying invisible weapons and armor and offering quite a challenge, as well as being a good source of Awe Stones."

"Wait, wait, wait! Shrine of Amana? Invisible weapons and armor? Covenant? Rat King? Tomb of the Saints? Those are a lot of unfamiliar terms to me!"

"It's a long story, but I believe we have more important matters at hand." I pointed to Rennala and Godwyn nodded, so we approached, seeing Blaidd stare at the Queen with a distant look.

"We need to get her to a safe place, but we still have Miss Ranni's mission to fulfill."

"I would suggest the Round Table, but recent events have revealed that it is not as safe as I assumed. Fort Height would be a good option, as Rennala is well-liked there, but security is weak and there are many strangers. Ranni seems like the best choice, but I don't know how Rennala would react to waking up and seeing a doll possessed by her daughter's spirit, which leaves us..." I held my chin in deep thought.

"Tell me! If there is a safe place for Miss Rennala then tell me and I will do everything I can to get her there."

"Don't worry, it's not a difficult journey. Rennala and I met a troll knight at Caria Manor, and she gave him a duty."

I quickly explained the events that had occurred at the manor and the knight's mission, surprising Blaidd. Then we approached the Grace, where I touched it, transporting us to our next destination.

-XXXXXX-

We resurfaced in the arena where we had faced Loretta, only to recoil in surprise upon finding dozens, if not hundreds, of swords and staffs with spells ready, pointed at us.

Sorcerers, soldiers, and footsoldiers from Raya Lucaria, Carian knights, and troll knights. All of them were watching us intensely, ready to attack, and Rennala unconscious next to us only worsened the tension and assumptions that must have been going through their heads.

I considered that it had been a bad idea to come here, and prepared to conjure the same miracle and flee, but to my surprise, Blaidd saved us.

"What is the meaning of this?! Don't you recognize allies even when they are in front of you?!"

The weapons lowered and the spells dissipated immediately, with their owners exchanging incredulous looks of surprise and confusion. That was until a thin, stooped, pale figure wearing a wizard's robe and a long, dark cloak shuffled toward us.

"L-Lord Blaidd! This humble servant is glad to see you at home again!" He prostrated himself fanatically in the shallow waters of the pool.

"Who is he?" I whispered, disconcerted by the sight.

"This is Pidia, a servant of the Carian family and responsible for the upkeep of puppet soldiers." Blaidd stepped aside, introducing the individual.

"I am honored to receive your attention, noble Carian knight, and I am grateful for the protection you have given our lady even after the house has fallen so far."

"Oh, I am not..."

I was about to clear up this misunderstanding, but the half-wolf placed a hand on my shoulder, interrupting me and saying something unexpected.

"This is Alden, the newest Carian knight to join our ranks, a capable warrior and sorcerer, personally chosen by me! He and his companion Drummond ensured our Lady's safe passage, rescued her from recent danger, and brought her to us completely unharmed! Treat them respectfully, for I hold them in high esteem!"

A few seconds passed in silence, until the crowd cheered, uttering praise and glory to our name.

"Not that I am complaining, but what is the meaning of this?"

"It will raise fewer questions, believe me. Now, Pidia, prepare a room for my mother and please, call for some healers."

"I will certainly do so, Lord Blaidd." He bowed one last time before crawling away, assisted by a pair of soldiers.

We sat Rennala down on one of the many chairs around the pool, letting her rest while we talked with the curious knights, soldiers, and sorcerers.

Hm... I suppose not all of Raya Lucaria's members betrayed her, considering one of them fought alongside the knight and tried to stop me from reaching the queen. However, I'll keep my eyes open in case this is nothing more than an attempt at deception.

I removed the Crushed Eye Orb from my bag and tried to make discreet conversation with the onlookers, which was extremely uncomfortable due to the unfamiliarity, though Godwyn was faring better, bragging about his prowess on the battlefield and flirting with any woman who caught his eye.

Surprisingly, the orb didn't react, showing the genuineness of everyone's loyalty. A smile crept across my face as I saw Thops waving at me while a sorceress wearing a feminine stone mask stood with her arms crossed at his side.

"Teacher Alden, I am glad to see you again!"

"Hmph! I see my apprentice wasted no time in becoming a teacher. I was right about your potential, I hope you don't mind teaching me as well."

"Sellen?"

"Correct, I am aware that we met a long time ago, but don't you think you forgot about me too quickly? Or perhaps becoming a teacher has made you arrogant and now you think you no longer need me?" She teased in her usual mocking tone.

"N-no, I would never dare forget the one who introduced me to the magic of the Lands Between and..."

I stopped as soon as I noticed the Eye Orb reacting, and closed my eyes tightly, praying that the artifact was defective due to wear, but to my dismay, it completely ignored Thops and reacted to Sellen.

"My apprentice, what is that in your hand?" She looked at the object curiously, taking me out of my stupor. Thops did the same, but I quickly put it in my bag, surprising them both.

"Nothing, just a broken magical artifact. Changing the subject, what are you doing here? We parted ways days ago."

"I heard rumors from a troll knight that Miss Rennala had left the academy and was now traveling the Lands Between accompanied by a Carian knight, and that she wished to gather all her loyal servants for some great purpose. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that this knight was you, teacher." Thops spoke in awe, like a child seeing his idol.

"Like Thops, I also heard rumors of our Queen's return, and, as a loyal subject, I answered her call. I admit that I envy you, as you went from being a nobody to a royal guard in such a short time. Could you explain to us how this happened?" Sellen said next, tilting her head.

I remained impassive, internally pleased with Thops' happiness, but furious with Sellen's blatant lie. I looked aside and saw Blaidd and some knights guarding Rennala, and Godwyn leaning his arm against a wall with a blushing sorceress in front of him.

"Of course, I believe we have time." I smiled forcedly.

I told both of them the events that led me here, hiding some details such as traveling with a dead demigod, Rennala's insanity, traveling through time through memories, and other dangerous matters.

-XXXXXX-

"...Now we seek the city of Nokron."

"I will not miss Seluvis, that despicable man may have aided me in the past, but his fate was deserved, though it is not a name I wish to hear again... But fine, if it will help you, my apprentice, then I will offer my knowledge. As you may know, the stars alter the fate of the Carian royal family, with its members observing the night sky to predict the future and the fate of your master, Ranni. But long ago, General Radahn defied the swirling constellations and, in a crushing victory, halted their cycles. Now, he is the force that repels the stars. If the general were to perish, the stars would resume their movement, as would Ranni's fate, and as a result, the passage to Nokron would be free." Sellen assumed the posture of a wise teacher, explaining everything proudly.

"That is impossible, how could anyone hold the stars?! It is a feat too great for any being! It must be a lie! I refuse to believe it is true!" I exclaimed, my mouth falling open in disbelief.

"But she speaks the truth, Professor Alden! Radahn, the Stardcourge, is the strongest of the demigods, being the son of Miss Rennala and Lord Radagon! A master of gravity magic due to the gift inherited from his mother and lessons from a powerful teacher. He used it to hold the stars in place for an unknown reason!"

His words made my legs weaken and sweat drip down my face. To think that I would have to face such a warrior.

I had survived encounters with the most powerful figures in the Lands Between, but I saw no escape from this challenge. I would have to duel and probably kill one of Rennala's children.

"I thank you both for the information. I will report everything to my companions immediately."

"Wait, before you leave! Thops told me that you taught him a new type of sorcery, I imagine it originated in your homeland. Could you tell me more about it?"

I shifted my gaze between the sorcerers, pondering my answer as they both stared at me with varying degrees of anticipation.

"Forgive me, but I will not do that now. I will proceed with my mission, but feel free to ask Thops for a few demonstrations. I trust in his abilities and I believe he would not mind, would he?"

"Of course not, professor!" He replied seriously, readjusting his hesitant posture.

"That should do, for now, show me what my apprentice has taught you and I will judge his teaching capabilities." Sellen sighed in disappointment.

So I left them both behind, listening to snippets of their conversation along with the sound of spells being cast. On the way, I reviewed everything I had learned. Sellen is a traitor, which sadly did not surprise me.

Blaidd is Rennala's son, and she has a younger sister who left long ago for the Land of Shadows, wherever that is, and Radahn is manipulating one of the fundamental forces of the universe to hold all the stars together.

But that is impossible, right? Sellen and Thops tried to convince me otherwise, but such power is incomprehensible. How has someone so eminent not won this war yet? Did something happen to Radahn after Malenia released her rot?

I remembered how Rennala would watch the stars through her telescope, taking notes and muttering that something was wrong. Maybe... Maybe it was true?

I dragged Godwyn away by the back of his armor, ignoring his protests for stopping his annoying flirtations, and signaled for Blaidd to follow us to a secluded spot. There I went over the information given to me.

"Hmm... So Ranni's fate is held in stasis by the Starscourge... I believe it has to do with the festival where warriors face him. You will two come too, right? To the Radahn festival at Redmane Castle in Caelid. The path forward is pleasantly simple, we fight with swords and fangs, but..." Blaidd looked apprehensively at his mother.

"We will probably have to kill her son, and who knows how she will react, considering her mental state." I replied, sharing the sentiment.

"We will not take her with us, that is certain, but if she finds out what happened..."

We reached an unspoken agreement. Rennala would not come with us but would rest in her chambers, protected by a contingent of Carian knights.

Blaidd ordered the knights in question, and we took one last look at the sleeping Queen in her comfortable bed in a once luxurious room. Her loyal warriors had sworn to protect her with their lives, standing alert and ready for combat in front of the door and nearby corridors.

With that done, I touched the Grace and transported us to the Third Church of Marika in Limgrave, and from there, we rode to Caelid.

According to Blaidd, the castle was on the far outskirts of the region, on an island connected to the mainland by a large bridge, so we followed the coast, touching any Grace we found along the way.

We saw what we were used to, red land and sky, bubbling swamps, monstrous plants and animals, all slowly losing their life energy.

We reached a depression between two hills where two forces were fighting. According to my companions, the humans wearing red armor of varying quality were Radahn's soldiers and Redmane's knights, respectively.

They faced the grotesque dogs and crows of the region, however, there was no coordination, they just swung their weapons wildly, indicating that the rot had consumed their minds.

We avoided the conflict and moved on, spotting the castle fortifications, its towers, and walls on a small island beyond a fortified stone bridge built in the waters below. There were more crazed warriors in our path, but with no way around them this time, so we dealt them a quick death.

Spells, incantations, and blows tore through the air, destroying our enemies and the few defenses that remained, clearing the way to the castle, however, the barred gate was closed.

It was the kind that would open upwards by a crank mechanism, but we saw no one around to open it.

"Hmph! What's the point of organizing a festival if you will not allow the guests entrance?"

"I believe the obstacles serve as a test, after all, you'll need the strongest warriors to kill a demigod." Blaidd replied.

"I hope they've at least thrown a welcome party." Godwyn said shortly after.

I sent Torrent away and we approached the gate. Like the castle rock, the metals were gradually crumbling, corroded by the scarlet rot, so it wouldn't be difficult to enter. I lit my flame and focused its power on the tip of my index finger, turning it blue, then melted a rectangle into the gate, pushing it inward with a thud.

"Interesting trick." The half-wolf chuckled, giving me a friendly push.

"It takes focus, but it's useful for opening locked doors, although I can simply kick them down or explode them currently."

"I know what you mean, and it's frustrating. Why are most doors locked from the other side?" Godwyn commented irritably, making me nod in understanding with a sympathetic look.

We entered the castle and passed through its inner courtyard of cracked red earth and grayish-dead grass, spotting aging supplies and empty hallways and rooms. The stairs leading to the upper levels on both sides were in the same state of disrepair, with everything falling apart, but we heard muffled noises in the distance.

Finally, we found a sign of life as we turned a corner and passed through an entrance archway, ending up in a plaza surrounded by passages and stairs leading to different sections of the castle.

There were chains with swords and shields hanging above us, connecting both sides of the place. Tables remained scattered around us, with fresh, partially eaten food and mugs of ale next to large open barrels.

However, our presence caught the attention of the individuals present, revealing familiar faces, the Warrior Jar Alexander, and Patches. I was glad to find the first one, but I fought the urge to punch the second.

There were also three other men present, a tall man wearing extremely heavy brown armor, with a large pair of goat horns on his chest and a gigantic hammer, giving him the appearance of a living statue adorned with his bearded helmet.

A thin man wearing black and red oriental plate armor and carrying a katana. I initially thought he was an old man with white hair, but as I got closer, I realized it was a wooden mask depicting the face of an angry old man with bared teeth and wild gray hair.

The last one was the most bizarre-looking, wearing black armor with normal bracers and leggings, but a large metal hat that hid his face, and a bulging chest that made him look dangerously fat, like an inverted turtle shell. He also carried a Great Epee and an unfamiliar staff.

"Alden, my friend, you've come, how wonderful! I thought I might find you here!" Alexander broke the silence, offering a handshake that lifted my feet off the ground.

"Coming to Caelid was not my initial plan, but it has become the next step in my journey."

"Wonderful, by the way, do you know who this festival is being held for? Well, it is none other than General Radahn himself! To think that I could face a great champion of shattering, a demigod in the flesh... I shudder at the thought, such is his fearsome reputation! But fear simply assures me that the ordeal is worth facing! Now, make sure you have a good view, my friend! I, Ironfist Alexander, promise to face this ordeal without hesitation!"

"Your joy is contagious, Alexander, I will count on your help on the battlefield, but I hope you don't mind if my friends join in." I pointed to Blaidd and Drummond, who were watching us curiously.

"Greetings, my name is Blaidd."

"I am Drummond, it is a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh, welcome to the festival, noble warriors! Now allow me to introduce my companions! This is Greathorned Tragoth, a famous knight who has helped countless tarnished face adversity and survive thanks to his aid." He pointed at the man with the hammer.

"It is as the jar said, if you need help, just ask, but I expect you to do your part and not leave all the work to me." Tragoth laughed in a deep, rumbling voice, making my ears hurt slightly.

"This is Okina, a wandering swordsman from the distant land of Reeds, a trustworthy but silent comrade."

The masked man bowed politely, but the eyes behind the mask focused intently on me before he returned to a relaxed position with his arms crossed.

"Finally, we have Lionel the Lionheart, a fearless and chivalrous, yet mysterious knight."

"HA, you flatter me too much, I am not that important." The black-armored man replied in a playful voice.

"Finally, we have our bald friend, Patches. You seem familiar with each other."

"Yes... Yes... You could say we've had a rough start..." I narrowed my eyes, glaring at the bandit who sweated nervously, offering a shaky smile in return.

We exchanged introductions, greetings, and questions, creating a friendly mood and knowing each other better, until we reached the topic of the festival and our assumptions proved true, all of this was organized to kill the demigod driven mad by Malenia's rot corroding his mind, and he still held the stars above.

They told us to speak with the festival organizer on the battlements overlooking the wastelands where Radahn was located, so we ascended the stairs, discussing the recent matter.

"Is there nothing you can do about Radahn's condition, Alden? Any other convenient magical items?" I want to do this with as little bloodshed as possible and spare Rennala this pain." Godwyn asked anxiously.

"Perhaps, but I would need more information before I act. I share your concern and have an idea of ​​what to do, but using the wrong artifact or spell could worsen the situation."

"If you have a plan to save my brother, then do it, and I will be eternally grateful. Mother does not deserve to suffer the loss of a child again." Blaidd spoke next, giving me a pleading look.

We arrived at our destination and found the person we were looking for watching the horizon.

A bearded and hooded old man, wearing colorful mercenary clothes and holding a flamberge, the person I saw in Rennala's memories. However, for just a second, I saw the person with the red hood and broken sword.

"Jerren!" Blaidd exclaimed excitedly, catching the old man's attention who smiled beneath his large mustache.

"Blaidd, long time no see, boy!" The old man replied, and soon both of them found themselves in a hug.

"You're alive after all this time! I figured you'd fallen to the rot!" The half-wolf grinned widely, revealing his fangs as his ears twitched.

"Hmph! Those old bones won't be breaking any time soon! If you're here, then that means you'll be participating in the festival, and I see you brought company." Jerren focused on Godwyn and me.

"Greetings, my name is Alden, a sorcerer in service to the Carian house." I bowed politely.

"And I am Drummond, just a traveling warrior." Godwyn nodded casually.

"I am honored to meet you, I am Jerren, foolish old warrior, witness, and guest commander of General Radahn. And now I am here to fulfill an oath." The old man nodded with regret in his posture.

"What type of oath?" I asked curiously.

"Should the worst happen, Radahn and I would grant each other an honorable death. That is why I have organized the festival." He solemnly slammed his sword on the ground.

"Jerren, could you reveal me more about Radahn, his status, and the ongoing events?"

"Very well, before we begin, allow me to paint you the full picture. General Radahn is cursed ever to wander, eaten from the inside by Malenia's Scarlet Rot, his wits are long gone. Now, he gathers the corpses of former friends and foes alike, gorging on them like a dog, howling at the sky." Jerren spoke with sadness and regret, his voice barely above a whisper as if he were telling a horror story or fearing that the general himself would appear before him.

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

As if the force of destiny had escaped the general's grasp, a guttural roar pierced the air, raising clouds of sand in the wastelands in the distance. A shiver ran through my being as my mind created the possible appearances of the voice's owner.

Several thoughts ran through my head after this revelation. So, the demigod is not generating the rot, but has had his body and mind affected by it, similar to a degenerative disease or potent poison.

I believe the second option is likely, so I have the possible cure for such a condition, albeit a rare and valuable one.

"Oh, I know that look! You have a plan, don't you?" Godwyn teased, elbowing my side.

"I don't understand, what is he talking about?" The old warrior questioned us.

"Perhaps I have a way to cure Radahn of the scarlet rot and prevent more unnecessary deaths, but it is only a guess, and it will be a nearly impossible task." I removed a golden-adorned vial full of a shiny liquid of the same color.

Everyone looked at the object curiously, with Godwyn showing the greatest reaction.

"Where, in the name of the Erdtree, did you find a divine potion?!" He exclaimed, surprising everyone.

"This is a Divine Blessing that heals any ailment immediately as if the damage never occurred. Holy water blessed by an ancient goddess whose name is forgotten and whose existence is denied by the Melfia Magic Academy."

"Well, they are nothing but blind fools to deny it when the proof of her divinity is right in front of them! How did you get your hands on this?!"

"I looted it from a corpse." I said dryly.

"Why do most of your things seem to be looted from corpses?!" He asked, disconcerted.

"Because they are." I replied, not seeing the problem with such an action, making him retreat silently.

"Is what you say true? Could you heal my brother-in-arms?" The old man asked hopefully, a glint appearing in his old, tired eyes as his posture faltered.

"Possibly, but we would have to make him drink the potion, which will not be easy."

He fell silent, several emotions passing across his partially hidden face. Simultaneously, we waited in anticipation, with me praying internally that he would agree.

Then Jerren sighed and spoke:

"Tell me, do you like a good festival, from time to time? Well, it's true, this fortress houses only the vanquished. But when the stars align, we celebrate, a war festival honoring the healing and return of General Radahn, the mightiest demigod of the Shattering, and bearer of a Great Rune."

We all cheered in relief, sharing Jerren's joy, but his next words worried us.

"I'm not against your plan, but the warriors waiting for us down there have come from afar and braved many dangers to earn the right to face a demigod, and in the case of some, earn his Great Rune and a special prize."

We understood the severity of the situation, but the last words caught my attention.

"What do you mean by special prize?"

"Oh, Patches came here hoping to sell some exotic equipment to those who wish to face the general, but well, there aren't many sane customers around here. I was kind enough to buy some of his wares as an extra incentive for the warriors, in case the Great Rune and the challenge weren't enough. I didn't get everything due to the exorbitant prices, maybe he has something you'd like?"

I knew Jerren wasn't aware of the full story and didn't mean to insult me, but I couldn't help but look bitter knowing exactly what he talked about.

"Leave the rest to us, we'll convince the other participants of our plan and start the festival. I'll also talk to Patches, I believe he'll give an old friend a discount." I replied, trying and failing to keep the venom from my voice.

"Very well, I'll wait here to start the festivities."

We said our goodbyes and headed back the way we came, while I thought about how to convince them of my point of view. However, Godwyn took the initiative, climbing onto a crate, speaking in a pompous voice, and making exaggerated gestures.

"Attention, everyone, I bring wonderful news! As you may know, General Radahn has been affected by the Scarlet Rot, but fear not, for our dear friend Alden holds the cure for such an affliction!"

The warriors listened attentively with what I thought was doubt. It was hard to tell with their hidden faces, but they soon focused on me, making me remove the potion from my bag and reveal it to everyone.

"This is a Divine Blessing, capable of healing any wound or poisoning! We intend to administer it to the General, but we need your cooperation so that he can consume it all!"

Amazed gasps and curious whispers entered the plaza, but this gave way to doubt and hesitation initiated by Alexander.

"Forgive me for questioning you, friends, but wouldn't the General turn against us if his sanity was restored? I doubt he would appreciate a group of strangers trying to kill him and take his Great Rune, even if I have no interest in the latter."

"Alexander is right. What guarantees that Radahn won't crush us with all his power, gather his remaining forces, and march toward the capital? It was the demigods who started this whole mess, we would be facilitating the victory of one of them." Tragoth spoke next.

"The news you bring is wonderful, I would love to help, but my friends are right. We should take advantage of the demigod's weakened state and put him out of his misery, obtaining the Great Rune and getting one step closer to ending this chaos." Lionel finished while Okina and Patches remained silent. Allowing Godwyn to continue.

"I understand your concerns and they are justified, after all, we would all hesitate to try to help someone so powerful with his sanity shaken when killing him would be the easiest way, leading to an immediate reward! However, you are only seeing the negative side! General Radahn is an honorable demigod who has always kept his promises and rewarded those deemed worthy. Don't you think he would be grateful to have his mind and body restored?! That instead of killing you, he would shower you with glory and riches?! That he would recruit you as his trusted men to fight by his side?! Radahn was a worshiper of the battlefield, always moving from one fight to the next, don't you think he would love to continue that way?!"

The change in tone was immediate, doubt disappearing and realization taking its place as everyone stared at each other. However, Okina stood out from the rest, tensing his relaxed posture for less than a second before returning to normal.

"Rennala, The Queen of the Full Moon, has left the confines of Raya Lucaria Academy and now gathered her forces, including the three of us! You must know the tragedy behind her isolation, can you imagine how grateful she will be that a group of brave heroes has brought her beloved son back?! Think of the rewards, spells, magical weapons, and invaluable knowledge! Or if you are pure of heart, in the joy of a mother reuniting with her child! Yes, the risks are high, but the rewards are worth it!"

Silence returned, but the air was palpable with the excitement of our audience. Blaidd and I stared at Godwyn with surprised and disbelieving faces at the regulation and half-truths being told.

The demigod glanced at us with his expressionless helmet, but I imagined him smiling broadly as he wiggled his eyebrows. Surprisingly, Patches acted first, rising from his usual crouch and slamming the side of his spear against his shield.

"Well, you don't need to say anything else! I'm in for the loot... I mean! For the beautiful reunion of a mother with her child! This whole situation reminds me of my dear mother, she would be proud if she could see me now!" He quickly corrected himself, placing a hand over his heart as he wiped away fake tears.

The disappointment I felt was overwhelming, and I nearly cast a fireball at his contorted dramatic expression. However, his little act had the desired effect, and all the other participants joined our cause.

"I made it my mission to aid the tarnished, but now look at me, aiding a demigod! Well, I guess it doesn't matter, you can count on my hammer in this endeavor!" Tragoth slammed his weapon on the ground, shaking the plaza.

"My fists are ready for combat, my friends! Do you think the General would accept my request for a formal duel when this is all over?" Alexander punched his palm, sending a crack through the air.

"Hm... It will be an interesting challenge, and as a user of the magical arts, getting in the good graces of the Queen of the Full Moon would be beneficial. So, when do we start?" Lionel spoke next, rubbing his bulging armor.

"Right now!" A voice chimed in. Glancing at its source, we saw Jerren watching us from a stone and wood podium on the walls overlooking the plaza.

"A fine speech, Drummond, almost as good as mine, now if you'll excuse me..."

"Forgive me, but I need a minute!" I held up a finger, interrupting Jerren who sighed in frustration, and walked toward Patches.

"If I recall correctly, you mentioned that you had sold all my stolen equipment, but Jerren revealed that you came here intending to sell more. Care to explain?" I cracked my knuckles, glaring at the coward who backed away with every taken step.

"Stolen is too strong a word! I just forgot I had some of your stuff in storage! You left so fast I didn't get a chance to warn you! I would have returned it, I swear!" Patches held up both hands in surrender, looking around for help that never came as everyone feigned ignorance.

"You can return them now." I punched the wall beside him, cracking it and making him jump aside.

"Of course I can, for the right price!"

"Are you seriously trying to sell me what belongs to me?!" I exclaimed, making him jump again.

"Hey, a man's gotta eat! But let's just say that trapping Slayers of Demons with monsters, kicking Undead in catacombs, and tricking Hunters has softened my heart to the plight of others, so I'm willing to give you a discount, how about that?"

"Wait, you know about the Undead?" I asked, almost whispering.

"I'm a well-traveled man, and you have no idea how far from home we are, but that's beside the point right now, is it? You want your stuff, don't you? Unfortunately, there's not much left."

"Show me what you have." I sighed in frustration, planning to ask more questions in the future.

"Sure, sure, with pleasure!" Patches opened a small jewelry box hanging from his waist and removed a set of armor, surprising me by the fact that it had bottomless storage, just like my bag.

The armor consisted of a silver helmet with a small horizontal opening for the eyes and a vertical one for the mouth and nose, hiding the wearer's face in the darkness, a crest extending from the top to the back of the helmet, and an ornament of a warrior facing a dragon on the forehead.

A blue scarf with a white furry collar, silver-colored shoulder pads, bracers, and chest plate adorned with chainmail and brown leather belts for added protection. Black pants, brown boots, and a blue cape embroidered in gold wrapped around its waist and extending to its shins.

Next, he removed a standard-sized, dark gray shield with the image of a woman embracing a glowing orange jewel in its center.

Patches struggled to remove the next item repeatedly, using both hands as he grunted in the effort, turning red and sweating profusely, until with an angry cry, he slammed a dark, ultra great sword into the ground, cracking the earth and sending a thunderous noise through the plaza.

"How the hell do you swing that thing around?! I nearly broke my arms and back!" He exclaimed, rubbing his sore parts.

The sword was dark as night, heavy, large, and thick, but extremely sharp, despite being a piece of steel in the shape of a blade. Its grooves, hilt, handguard, handle, and pommel were a lighter color, adorned with patterns and ancient language unknown to me.

I looked at the equipment with a mixture of joy, admiration, and longing, because they were too perfect for the challenge that awaited me, and they matched the local theme.

My best weapon, my best shield, and one of my favorite armor. It was almost... Almost as if Patches had saved them for this occasion. Am I seriously feeling gratitude towards this vigarist?

"My armor blessed by the war god Faraam, the Vessel Shield representing a priestess of Eleum Loyce who dedicated herself to appeasing the ancient flame, and the Crypt Black Sword, symbolizing the protection of the Undead Crypt, a weapon that has never seen the light of day, and is steeped in dark."

I fondly stroked each of the aforementioned pieces, as I had carried them for most of my journey, and they had remained until the final battle, cutting down my enemies and granting me strength, saving me from the impossible countless times.

"I see you've done your history lesson. I could have avoided trouble if I had done the same, so I would have known what I was dealing with. But, leaving aside the memories of adventures, you can have them all back for a special price. How about twenty-five thousand runes?"

I almost screamed in Patches' smug, smiling face at the outrageous price, but I really wished my artifacts back, so I relented and paid the required amount.

"It was a pleasure to trade with you, friend." The bandit chuckled, smilingly at the golden mass of runes floating in his palm.

I walked to a secluded corner of the plaza and changed my armor, returning with the sword in my right hand, shield on my left arm, chime on my waist, and staff on my back, receiving nods and whistles of approval, then allowing Jerren to continue.

The old man took a deep breath and opened his arms, beginning the festival, shouting in a voice too booming for someone his age, speaking with joy and desire for combat that had been stored for years, ready to be released in a glorious showdown.

His tired, downcast posture disappeared, giving way to the soldier he claimed to be, for his body was old, but his soul still shone.

He had a way with words, knowing how to speak and lift the spirits within us all, for at that moment, I felt something burning in my chest, anticipation, pride, belonging. I felt I was doing something worthy of heroic tales.

"CHAMPIONS, WELCOME! THE STARS HAVE ALIGNED! THE FESTIVAL IS NIGH!"

With each word spoken, blood ran through my veins.

"GENERAL RADAHN, MIGHTIEST DEMIGOD OF THE SHATTERING, AWAITS YOU!"

With each word spoken, my dead heart threatened to leap out of my chest.

"A CELEBRATION OF WAR! THE RADAHN FESTIVAL!"

With each word spoken, we raised our weapons to the sky.

"ARE YOU GOOD AND PREPARED, YOUNG CHUM? THE FESTIVAL BEGINS"

With each word spoken, we sent our voices through the air.

"FOLLOW ME TO THE BATTLEFIELD WARRIORS! TODAY WE MAKE HISTORY!"

Then Jerren turned, his cape flowing in the wind, and led us toward a rickety wooden and metal elevator leading outside the castle, but a shout of protest stopped us midway.

"WAIT!"

Turning toward its source, we spotted the Roundtable tarnished, the armored woman, the turbaned woman, the oriental warrior, the hooded man, and the half-naked woman.

As if that wasn't enough, there were new additions to the group, a tall, thin man with a well-defined build, wearing an iron mask that covered his head and one of his eyes, an open gray shirt, and blue pants, a sword, staff, and a shield.

A thin, short, blindfolded man with straight black hair and fair skin, wearing golden robes and a seal just like Choryn.

A tall, muscular, bald, dark-skinned man wearing barbarian armor similar to Nepheli's, carrying an axe and leather shield.

A man of athletic build, of medium height, with tanned skin and blond hair tied in a ponytail, wearing dark bandit attire, including a mask that hid his mouth and nose, and carrying a large knife, parma, and short bow.

And a pale, thin woman with curly brown hair, wearing sorceress robes the same color as her hair, but with a white hood, short sword, staff, and wooden shield.

Most of them looked tired and covered in blood, from what I expected to be the enemies they encountered along the way. A varied group, who will travel far if they work together, as I'm assuming.

It was made clear that I wasn't the only one on the hunt for the Great Runes, but I didn't expect to find so many competitors so soon. I was about to greet them and wish them some friendly competition, but the half-naked woman acted unexpectedly, pointing an accusing finger at me.

"YOU, THE GREAT RUNE IS MINE!"

Then she charged forward with a club raised above her head, screaming at the top of her lungs. I braced myself for the blow and kept the situation from escalating, but was surprised when I barely received any damage.

"SO, ARE YOU LIKING THAT, OLD MAN?! THERE'S PLENTY FROM WHERE THAT CAME FROM! YOU MAY HAVE TWO GREAT RUNES, BUT THE NEXT ONE IS MINE!" She struck me repeatedly, sending metallic clangs through the area as everyone watched the pitiful display in silent disbelief.

"Tell me, did you strengthen yourself with runes?" I asked worriedly, seeing sweat and fatigue forming on her face.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK I AM, A CASUAL?! I WILL BECOME AN ELDEN LORD WITH NO RUNES, NO ARMOR, NO TALISMANS, NO SPIRIT ASHES, NO ASHES OF WAR, NO SHIELD, NO UNNECESSARY ITEMS! JUST MY CLUB AND ME SPLITTING THE SKULLS OF EVERYONE IN OUR WAY! NO EASY FIGHTING, FOR I AM NOT A COWARD!"

I didn't know whether to commend her bravery or reprimand her for her foolishness. The feeling seemed mutual to all onlookers. Thankfully, the armored woman pulled my attacker away by her ear, giving me a forgiving look.

"YOU'RE LUCKY SHE'S HOLDING ME OR I WOULD KICK YOUR ASS!" She pointed her weapon at me, failing to hide her exhaustion.

I tried and failed to pinch the bridge of my nose. Just my luck! What is wrong with these lands other than the obvious that I encounter so many lunatics? What have I done to deserve this?

"Listen, if you've traveled all this way to waste our time, then you better turn back, as we intend to cure the general! Obtaining the Great Rune is just a secondary objective! If you agree, then you're free to come, but if you prefer another way, then I recommend you watch the battle from the walls!" Jerren exclaimed, saving us from this awkward situation.

"I'm not the leader of our group, in fact, we've recently come together in a collaboration. But I believe I can speak for everyone that if there's a fair chance of obtaining the Great Rune, then we have no problem helping with your plan." The armored woman replied as her companions nodded.

"Hmph! Then let's go, the more the merrier!"

We split into two groups to go down the elevator, with my group going first and the tarnished after.

"Finally, I thought we'd be staying there forever!" Blaidd clicked his tongue while crossing his arms.

"I share your sentiment! It's like a writer making last-minute corrections in his book because he had an interesting idea out of nowhere!" Godwyn said next, slamming the handle of his axe into his shoulder.

"Look on the bright side, at least we're reaching somewhere after all this time." I shrugged, trying to comfort them both.

On the way down, I equipped several magical rings to aid me in battle, in addition to the four I already wore, the Ring of Dexterity, Knowledge, Prayer, Strength, Blades, and Steel Protection, and placed the Crystal Tears of Strength and Dexterity in my Flask of Wondrous Physique.

I knew I shouldn't rely on my equipment to gain an advantage in a fight, but the situation demanded it.

The elevator stopped in a basin of sand and rock where a small body of water separated the castle from the plains where Radahn was. I also saw a small waygate portal with a swirling whirlpool in its center.

"Ready? Once you walk through, there's no turning back." Jerren spoke and stared into our eyes.

We nodded just as the second group arrived. Then we touched the portal one by one, transporting ourselves toward the demigod who roared to the heavens.

END OF CHAPTER.