The last assembly was scheduled to take place tomorrow, and Asclepius returned defeated.
In response, Tai gathered his elite, including the undead and those living in the Cathedral of Nastron, in order to formulate a plan. Hagen, Asclepius, and even the robin--who was wise enough to know what was dangerous--were standing beside Mrs. Searle and Anne at a large table covered with Lyon Area map.
"Now that the lich is back and Medelot's army has not dispersed," Hagen said, pointing at Asclepius, "we must assume that he will not back down."
"He doesn't listen to reason." Asclepius shook his head. "He doesn't want to see anyone survive this current cycle."
Just as Tai feared, his old friend wouldn't stop until he consumed all worlds in eternal flames. "How much power does he have?"
"Follow my spies in their camp and scout the vampire rats with you," said Robin. "Four and a half million people."
The War Machines of the Scourge outnumber Nastrom's defenders by more than five times; they are flanked by undead knights and mythical heroes. Mrs. Searle, who was familiar with the legends, managed to provide the defense with a theoretical curriculum for the Fianna team. They are all at least level 70, and each has a powerful job set.
"Fionn, the leader of Fianna, can use both pyrotechnics and weapons." Mrs. Thrall gave everyone a piece of paper with drawings of warriors wearing ancient armor. His leadership lessons made the troops he commanded even more deadly. Dia
Muid was the most powerful warrior of his era, using a variety of weapons in battle, including spears and swords. "
"Medlot would probably keep these two close to him and direct them from behind, where they would be safer," Hagen said. "Oscar and Kyle are both warriors on flying mounts, so will likely lead the air force."
"Luhid Stronghand is the only true spellcaster among them, and the most powerful [druid] ever created," said Lady Salt. "He was known for turning entire battlefields to his troops' advantage."
"Caílte, illustrious bard and master of beasts, commands the wolf-children of Fenrir," Robin continued. Kornhal, a powerful berserker, fights in the vanguard with the knight Gorr. Only Co
á
The Gangster and the Oisí
The priests are unknown and may be deployed anywhere. "
"Our first goal is to eliminate Medelot and his ten commanders," Hagen explained. "His other troops, although numerous, rarely reach level 30 or above, although some war beasts have been observed reaching level 50."
"These are the powers he currently has," Tye noted. "Once the rendezvous begins, the fire giants will send out reinforcements." Maybe even Calamity Su
t
myself.
"Is there a royal knight like Lancelot?" asked Madam Serena. "We know Medlot assassinated him and impersonated him"
"As part of the ritual, Loki's imitation spell destroyed the victim's body, grafting the flesh onto the murderer's body," Asclepius explained. "I doubt he could lift the real thing."
"There are immortal royal knights in the army, but none in a position of command," said Robin. "They also seemed unconscious."
"That makes sense," Tai said, clasping his hands together. Unlike Fianna, Medelot didn't have much time to raise them. Perhaps he feared they might escape his control if not tied properly; it was safer to treat them as disposable, mindless shock troops. "
"There's something else," the criminal mastermind said. "As far as I know, the Death Knight has also tamed a level 60 dragon."
"Confirmed?" Hagen asked, and the rogue shrugged and walked away; she had only rumors and hearsay, nothing certain. "We have to assume it is."
"What about Gwen?" Anne asked, as the princess left town shortly after her conversation with the Necromancer.
"We know she has been in contact with the remnants of Avalon's army," Robin answered. "As far as I know, she's here to reinforce us; but I'm not sure she'll make it here in time."
"We have to assume she won't be any different and act accordingly," Tye decided, although he secretly hoped the princess would make it to the city in time. He prepared a surprise for her. "How are our defenses doing?"
Hagen detailed the defensive strategy, the location of each unit, where to deploy the steel golems, where he set up traps and long-range defenses... everything was optimized to slow the enemy's advance and prevent them from reaching Na strong.
"We do have an advantage they didn't expect." Hagen waved to Annie. "That girl's teleportation system."
Annie smiled, a little embarrassed at the attention. She shouldn't be like this.
It seems like a lifetime ago, when he was still running his shop, Tye and Annie discussed her idea for a permanent teleportation system; using a spell that would transport targets away from the invisible barrier between the nine realms Bounce back and reach the target destination with the help of rebound.
Even if the project is approved, establishing a workable system at the college will take years. But in an environment with empathetic allies—and plenty of fodder—Anne managed to create a working prototype. "
"I haven't done much," replied Anne very modestly, glancing at Asclepius. "Master Asclepius did all the calculations."
"Apprentice Anne laid the foundation," the Lich replied. “I just shared my own research with her to help her fill in the gaps.”
"Are you kidding me?" protested the young witch. "I didn't even consider the error percentage during convergence until you pointed it out!"
Master and apprentice. She was already one of them, and the way she exchanged ideas and discussions with the lich made Ty secretly proud of her choice of lieutenant.
"Congratulations, Annie." The Necromancer congratulated his apprentice, who smiled in response. "I told you, you could do it."
"This is a marvelous invention," Asclepius agreed. "It makes me wonder what things would be like if our castle had such an emergency exit."
The thought flashed through Ty's mind. He set up teleportation relays inside the city to deploy his troops, and he also designed an emergency exit to get some people out of Lyon in case he had to take extreme measures. Mrs. Sert and Anne, in particular, had received explicit orders to escape by this hidden route once Nastrang fell.
Hagen had clearer orders.
After the group exchanged final plans, Tai fired everyone. "Except you, Hagen," the necromancer said to Dullahan. "There's something we must discuss."
Everyone else dispersed, leaving only the Necromancer and his trusted knight in the room. "Done?" Tai asked in a low voice, making sure no one could hear.
"Yes," Hagen answered. "Everything is ready."
"Did any of them notice?"
"Except maybe the Lich." He was already involved in the plan anyway. "Per your request, I used a different team for each part of the design."
"Very good. I said that I will only execute those who oppose the great cause." Taiyi said, his heart had turned to iron. "I will deliver. When the sun sets tomorrow, either all of our enemies are dead or we are dead. There is no in-between."
Dullahan put a hand on his waist. "What about Laufey?"
"I have a final, special mission for her," Tye said. "If all else fails, Medelot gets here."
"Are you sure, boss?" She is a descendant of Loki; even tied up, she is still dangerous and deadly. "
"That's why I know she's going to do well."
Dullahan chuckled and started to walk out.
"Hagen." Taiyi stopped the knight, a question bothered him for a while. "Why are you still here?" I know you don't care about the world, humanity, or even the great project. "
"That's true. I don't want to die, but I don't want other people to live either."
"If you didn't believe my visions, why did you follow me so far?"
"I've done a lot of dirty things, first in the service of nobles who used me as a scapegoat, and then myself," Hagen said. "But I've never met anyone who has earned my respect. Never. Before you, that is. I follow the person you are, simple as that; the kind of person who is willing to do anything to achieve his dreams. I admit, living in the shadow of greatness is a great way to live .If you want to burn the world down, I'll still hand you the match."
Tae smiled, genuinely this time. "Thank you for your friendship, Hagen," the Necromancer said to his most trusted lieutenant. "I promise you, no matter what happens... we will both get through this." Start over. "
"There's no other way, Walter."
Ty nodded at his best friend, telling him to return to his duties. The necromancer glanced at the roots and foul waters of Yggdrasil, for which he had sacrificed so much. Tomorrow, it will all be over, one way or another.
He spotted a ghost and glanced back. "Annie".
"Hey, Ty," she said, walking into the church and glancing at the mural. "So it's finally here. The destruction of the world."
"Not if we win."
"How strange," said the witch, looking at her feet. "I've trained for years for this moment, and now it's here...I'm scared." Even with your elixir, I...I'm still afraid of death. "
This is very natural. They were facing the incarnation of death. "Annie, do you believe me?"
"Yes," she said without hesitation.
"Then take this." He handed her a small black box the size of a palm. A magical seal protects it, preventing anyone but a select few from peeking into it. "Keep".
"What is this?" she asked, observing the device curiously.
"If all else fails, this is the key to our victory," Tye said. "You're the only one I can trust. You can only open it when Nastron falls, and you can only open it when you leave the city via the teleporter. Not before. Not after. I can't trust anyone. "
"Why me?" Anne asked a little doubtfully. "I'm touched, yes, but..."
"There are others who could have taken it away. Hagen, Mrs. Thrall, but they are too famous. The enemy will target them, and you, Anne, have a chance of escaping unscathed." Tai sighed sadly. "Now that you have learned my knowledge, I hope you survive. You are my legacy, Annie."
The witch seemed to be in a state of emotion, holding the box under her arm and nodding. "Ty, can I...can I ask you something? A favor?"
"Of course, Annie. What is this?"
"I can..." She took a deep breath, as if she mustered up all her courage. "Can I stay at your place tonight?"
"You already knew that," he pointed out, wondering why she felt anxious.
"Just us," she replied quickly, her cheeks getting even redder. "Just the two of us."
"Do you want to play chess and conquer one last time before the world ends?"
"No. Ty, I...I have never..." At this time, Annie's face turned red and she put her hands behind her back as if to hide something. "The world may be destroyed tomorrow..."
…
oh.
OMG what an awkward moment.
"Annie, I may not look like it, but I'm old enough to be your father," Ty pointed out. "I died in my 20s, but that was 30 years ago. I was also your teacher, not your rival, which makes a possible relationship questionable. Of course, Percy is more suitable."
"If we live forever, then when I am 120 years old, you will be 150 years old." "Tai, I... you are so smart, so smart..." Even if you are a bit scary sometimes, you are not unattractive. . I...I like you. Even after everything. "
He had been dreading the subject for months. Now, despite all his preparations, Walter Tai doesn't know how to handle this responsibly.
"You don't like me, Anne. You only like the shadow on the wall, your impression of me."
The necromancer returned to his true form; no cloak to hide most of it.
His body swells into a nightmarish fusion of countless corpses and souls bound within a single vessel; the snake has vestigial legs and humanoid arms, and its skin is made of a silent face. His snake bones oozed venom.
"Do you still love me now, Anne?" He hammered these words into his apprentice's mind, when she took a step back, frightened by the suddenness of the incident. "This is the real me, the immortal body in human skin. The face I painted died thirty years ago."
Her reaction surprised him. Her reaction was not one of shock, disgust, or despair.
She giggled.
"Tai, you are not material for beauty contests in real life!" Your eyes are red and your hair is white!" She smiled slightly. "Yes, I...your appearance has never been important. I mean, you can shapeshift however you want. I just...I just feel like we have a connection, that's all. "
She was fidgeting where she was, feeling uncomfortable.
"I thought... this was just an extension of that."
"Annie, how do you say this..." The necromancer tried hard to restrain his words. "I also appreciate your intelligence and your charming company, but first of all, since I became immortal, I have lost these... physical urges. I believe that immortality will help humans grow beyond them. "
She didn't say a word, which made Ty uneasy. He wanted to answer so as not to hurt her feelings.
"You see, sex, in its most primitive form, is simply an expression of the mortal life form's fear of extinction; the desire to perpetuate the family lineage is merely an escape, not true immortality. While it may be an effective survival strategy, today's Pleasure distracts us from looking for real alternatives—”
"I understand, Ty," she interrupted.
"Your best friend and I will continue to fight, despite your best efforts." "If I kill Princess Gwenhyfar, will you forgive me?"
"Yes, she asked me to leave with her."
The necromancer froze.
"She asked me to leave with her," Anne said. "but I do not have."
"Why?" he asked confused.
"I know you and her...I know your ending will be tragic, but..." Annie sighed. "You're always there to encourage me. You believe in me, guide me, and you know so much. You can do so much."
"I have made so many sacrifices, can you still say that?" he asked doubtfully. "Those people I killed?"
"You're an asshole," Anne told him bluntly. "But... do you know how I tested the teleportation relay?"
"Yes, I feed those mindless undead and scavengers."
"You know, using live subjects and animals as subjects, I think it bothers me," Anne said. but it is not the truth. When it works, I feel really happy. I proved that my theory was correct and could be done. It helps everyone. I never really thought about the cost. "
"Your accomplishments are what matter," Ty reassured her.
"I won't go as far as you, but...further and closer to you than Gwen," Anne added. "I've made so many excuses for not caring about your behavior... I feel like I'm just kidding myself. If I cared as much as Gwen, I would have left a long time ago. I don't like what you do, but I do nonetheless You. I still think you can do a lot of good in the world."
Tai was silent for a moment, trying to digest it. "I still don't get it," he admitted.
"You don't have to do that," she replied. "I'm not asking you what you think, but how do you feel about me?"
How does he feel?
Puzzled.
Her feelings for him meant nothing, just like Haile. However, unlike that crazy goddess, he really enjoyed Anne's company. She is smart, charming, and although naive, has the same heart of stone as him. He tries to protect her every time, even if it complicates his plans. He wouldn't mind keeping her with him for centuries to come.
Is that love?
he does not know. He didn't even know if he could reciprocate her feelings with the same intensity.
But maybe he can learn. He had plenty of time to think it over.
Finally, the Necromancer returned to his human form, and the young witch watched him silently. "Not today, Annie," Tai said disappointingly, "but maybe in a few years." When you grow up and gain wisdom, you will no longer be my apprentice, but my equal. "
"But we may not survive long-"
"We will," Ty interrupted, putting a hand on her shoulder. "No matter what, we'll get through this. I won't let you die."
Anne hesitated, then put her arms around his waist and they embraced, her head resting on his shoulder.
On the morning of the final battle, Calamity Nidhogg sat on a throne of bones, just in front of Nastrom. For now is not the time for men, but for beasts.
His troops were in position, traps set, and final weapons in place. There was nothing else to do, and his fingers twitched uncomfortably. He got distracted and divined the whole kingdom at once.
Walter Tye will make his final stand in the city he fought to conquer. No one will take it from him. no one.
The sun rose, but was shrouded in darkness. This celestial body has darkened because the moon's movement has obscured it; turning it into a ring of fire. All the stars in the sky were dead, leaving only darkness. There were no clouds, no wind, and no rain. The whole world seemed to be holding its breath.
Then it started.
Fiery lines spread across the sky and earth, fissures spewing fire and ash. The giants of Muspelheim forced their way through with their hands and iron swords, eager to set the universe ablaze.
Hearing this fatal signal, Metro's army began to march, and thousands of people immediately entered the territory of Tai; undead and humans walked on the ground, while monsters, dragon knights and demons flew in the dark sky . Their battle lines surrounded Leonis, a circle converging toward the center.
The final fusion begins and the hordes of Hell are unleashed.
Even Tai received a notice detailing the bet.
ygg
asil Quest: Víg
íð
, the place of Ragnarok
Prevent [Medraut, the Bringer of Doom] from destroying the roots and triggering the end of the world.
Bonus Objective: Prevent [Disaster Survivors] from entering Midgard.
Bonus Objective: Kill [Medraut, the Bringer of Doom] personally.
Bonus Objective: Defeat all enemy commanders.
No doubt Medlott had received similar requests. Finally, Yggdrasil takes no sides; its systems are no more sentient than plants. Just as it empowers the undead and the gods, it doesn't matter to it whether this cycle continues.
The wood is ready.
"Medlot, Hel...I'm going to kill you all, once, once, once!" Tai roared, raising his staff and calling upon Nastrom's ancient power. "As many times as you like!"
The stars fall from the sky and the twilight of the gods begins.
