Chapter 17: Chapter 17 (Rising)
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The day had been long and draining. As the camp settled into silence, I found a quiet spot beneath a sprawling tree, the cool bark pressing against my back as I gazed at the silver glow of the moon. The night was calm, its stillness a welcome contrast to the chaos of our journey.
The sound of faint footsteps broke the solitude. I turned my head to see Arrika emerging from the shadows. Her cropped top clung to her frame, the damp sheen of water on her skin glinting faintly in the moonlight. Her confident strides faltered for just a moment when she saw me, but recovered quickly, walking closer.
"Didn't expect to see anyone awake at this hour," she said, her voice lighter than usual.
"I enjoy the quiet," I replied, letting my gaze drift. "It stimulates contemplation."
She stepped closer, leaning casually against the tree beside me. The faint glow of the moon caught her features, highlighting the determination etched into her expression.
She gazed the horizon. "I used to think I knew everything about the threats in our lands.."
"I had just enough to doubt if I truly knew," I said, glancing at her. "Believe in yourself and act with confidence. That's all we can do."
Arrika's gaze shifted, a shadow of something deeper crossing her features.
"Sometimes…" she began, her voice quieter, "I wonder if acting with more confidence could've saved my parents."
I remained silent, letting her speak.
"If I had been braver," her words tightening, "I could've run to them—warned them—the moment I saw the Noxian banners cresting that hill." Her fist curled tightly at her side, trembling faintly.
"..it wasn't bravery you lacked," I replied evenly, my tone steady and deliberate. "No child could outrun war, no child could bear that weight alone and unscathed."
She flinched slightly, her grip loosening as my words settled.
"Even if that's true—" she muttered, her voice faltering.
"Regret is a slow poison, Arrika," I said, my voice softening but firm. "But you can still look forward, wearing as armor against what lies ahead."
Her eyes flicked up to mine, guarded, but there was a glint of understanding in them. After a moment, she nodded lightly, though her expression remained clouded.
As silence settled between us, I noticed her wince slightly, her hand instinctively going to her side.
"You're hurt," I said matter-of-factly, standing and pulling a small circular tin from my pocket.
"It's nothing," she replied quickly, though I saw through her lie.
"This will help," I said simply, unscrewing the lid and scooping out a portion of green salve with my finger.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as I approached, but she didn't pull away. I moved her hand gently aside, exposing a faint wound on her waist.
"This gel is made from medicinal herbs," I explained as I applied it carefully. "It'll speed the healing and take the edge off the pain."
Arrika's sharp gaze softened as the balm immediately had taken effect, the tension in her shoulders easing.
When I finished, I met her eyes. Her expression flickered, a faint blush rising in her cheeks as she quickly turned away, standing abruptly.
"T-Thank you," she muttered, her voice sounding different than usual. "It's late, we should rest. Until tomorrow."
I watched as her retreating figure marched toward her tent.
'Remarkable. A teen with such dilemmas yet carrying herself so well.' I closed the tin with a soft click, slipping it into my pocket. 'She could be a strong piece in my forces. The challenge lies in aligning her sense of duty to Demacia with the truth of what she craves: retribution.'
My gaze slipped towards the moonlit horizon as the cool night air brushed against my skin. The camp was quiet now, save for the distant crackle of fire and the occasional murmur of soldiers.
"Love may yet be the key to tempering her fire and binding her to my cause."
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Later that night, Cedric arrived with his unit, their exhaustion evident in every movement.
Scratched armor, dirt-streaked faces, and hollowed eyes—his men were just as battered as he was. He scanned the camp with a sharp gaze, his expression tightening when it landed on my eyes.
Cedric's jaw clenched, but whether from envy or frustration, I couldn't tell. He said nothing, turning sharply to lead his men to their area.
In silence, he collapsed among them, too drained to offer any of his usual remarks.
. . .
. . .
The following morning, the camp was alive with preparation, soldiers packing supplies and readying themselves for the march ahead. I stood near the outskirts, assisting one of Arrika's blacksmiths with repairs on a soldier's armor.
Arrika approached, her steps purposeful yet unhurried, the sunlight catching the sharp lines of her polished breastplate. She stopped a few paces away, her arms crossing as she watched me work.
"So, you didn't bring a blacksmith because you're one yourself," she remarked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of amusement.
Maintaining my usual relaxed demeanor, I replied,
"That's true. But mostly because you already brought one."
Her brows furrowed briefly at my response, but before she could comment, I added,
"How's the wound?"
Her expression softened as she replied,
"Oh, it's perfect! Feels like it was never there at all."
"Good."
I glanced at her briefly as she spoke, my thoughts lingering.
'People in this world are far more resilient than normal. The salve's effects are more than just effective—they're almost magical.'
Her gaze lingered on me for a moment longer, thoughtful. But as her expression shifted with a faint blush crept across her cheeks. She quickly turned away, resuming her tasks with a quiet determination before we continued the journey.
. . .
After hours of marching,
We finally arrived at the second leg of our journey: the Field of the Sleeping Giants.
The expanse stretched before us, a vast plain scattered with massive stone figures that resembled petrified giants. The rocks, varying in size and posture, loomed ominously—some upright like silent sentinels, others toppled as if felled in a forgotten battle. Their weathered surfaces bore the scars of time, streaked with moss and veins of silver-gray.
The terrain was uneven, dotted with sparse vegetation struggling to thrive amidst the shadows of these ancient colossi.
Arrika's unit and mine moved with steady discipline, their spirits high after a night of rest. Cedric's group, however, lagged visibly, their exhaustion from the previous night etched onto their faces and reflected in their sluggish pace.
As we approached the narrowest part of the field, Arrika stepped forward, her voice steady but cautious as she addressed the gathered units.
"This area is infamous for its hidden dangers," she began, her sharp gaze scanning the rocky expanse. "We could encounter golems—living sentinels that still guard these ancient grounds. To minimize risk, stick together and take the narrow paths. If a golem emerges, its movement will be restricted, and we'll have the advantage to evade or defend."
Her explanation was met with murmurs of agreement. A few soldiers turned to me, waiting for my input.
I stepped forward, folding my arms as I surveyed the field. "That's a solid plan, but…" I turned to my unit, raising my voice so all could hear. "We'll do it differently. Prepare for battle. If a golem emerges, we'll destroy it!"
A ripple of shock ran through the assembled soldiers.
Dorian, my most influential soldier, hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward. "I don't know what you're thinking, sir. But…" His hesitation gave way to a grin of determination. "LET'S CRUSH THEM!"
"DEMACIA!" the soldiers roared, their enthusiasm electrifying the air.
"WOOOH!" came the thunderous response as they rallied behind the call to arms.
Arrika's jaw dropped, frozen in place. A mix of disbelief and admiration flashing in her expression. "I don't understand you," she said flatly, shaking her head.
Cedric, standing off to the side, crossed his arms with a sneer. "You're insane. There's no way you can defeat it without breaking your weapons. You'll just tired yourself."
Arrika judged with her eyes and ignored him, stepping closer to me. "You'll need backup," she offered, her tone more measured than his.
I smirked slightly, brushing off her concern. "Thanks, but we'll be fine."
For a moment, she lingered, her sharp eyes scanning my face for any sign of hesitation. Finding none, she sighed and gave a short nod. "Good luck, then."
As she turned back to rally her own unit, I caught Cedric muttering under his breath, "Foolish confidence will only get him killed."
But I paid him no response. My soldiers were already assembling into formation, their resolve set.
"A fool must be met with silence. Responding it just proves there's two." I whisper to myself, pondering about my teachings.
. . .
Once Arrika and Cedric had marched off with their units, I turned to mine, ready to lay out the plan.
"Shield bearers," I called, stepping forward, my voice carrying authority as I amplified it with that convenient power once again, "you'll be the bait. Form up and draw its attention." I turned toward the archers. "Archers, harass the creature! Keep it distracted!" Finally, I pointed to the hammer-wielding soldiers. "Hammer units, this is your moment. Flank the bastard and take it down!"
The soldiers nodded in unison, their resolve clear.
. . .
As we advanced across the uneven terrain of the Field of the Sleeping Giants, I could feel the growing tension and anticipation in my unit. Yet beneath it all was a palpable sense of trust—they believed in my command. The rhythmic crunch of boots on dirt accompanied our march, each step deliberate.
We searched the beast for some time, navigating the shadowy maze of towering stone figures.
Then it happened.
A section of rock began to shift. A low rumble reverberated through the ground, drawing every gaze toward its source. Before our eyes, a massive Stone Golem began to rise, its hulking form casting an imposing shadow over my unit.
Its arm moved with unsettling speed, preparing to deliver a crushing blow to one of my soldiers.
"Move!" I shouted, lunging forward. I shoved the soldier out of the way, throwing myself to the side as the Golem's massive fist smashed into the ground, sending debris and dust into the air.
"Thank you, sir!" the soldier gasped, scrambling to his feet.
I stood, "Formation, now!" I commanded, my voice cutting through the chaos. "Archers, aim for its joints! Hammer units, get into position!"
The Golem roared—a deep, guttural sound—its massive limbs grinding as it turned toward the shield bearers. The soldiers held firm, their shields interlocked as they baited the creature, retreating just enough to draw it into the trap.
"Now!" I shouted.
The hammer units surged from behind him, their heavy weapons smashing into the Golem's exposed joints. Stone shards flew with each impact, and the beast's movements grew slower, more erratic.
The archers maintained a relentless barrage, their arrows striking to disturb, while the hammer units continued to exploit the Golem's vulnerabilities.
Finally, with one last coordinated strike, the Golem collapsed. Its massive form crumbled to the ground, leaving only a heap of fractured stone and a cloud of settling dust.
Cheers erupted from my soldiers, their voices echoing through the field.
"Victory!"
"We did it!"
While they celebrated, I approached the remains of the Golem, examining the broken stone carefully. My fingers brushed against the jagged edges as I focused on the faint traces of energy still lingering.
'I wanted to test something but, the flow of mana has dispersed completely,' I noted, my gaze narrowing. 'There was a string of mana. It functions like a puppet. Something is controlling them.'
Straightening, I murmured under my breath, "What a complicated world this is."
Turning back to my unit, I raised my voice once again to be heard over their cheers. "We're moving on! Stay alert—this won't be the last of them."
The soldiers quickly fell back into formation, their confidence bolstered by the victory. Together, we pressed forward, ready for whatever lay ahead.
. . .
A commotion reached my ears—faint at first, then louder.
CRASH. BOOM. CLANG.
'It's coming from the others.'
"Unit, with me!" I barked, immediately breaking into a sprint toward the sound. "Move, now!"
. . .
When we arrived, chaos unfolded before my eyes. The units under Arrika and Cedric were locked in a desperate battle against a colossal Stone Golem. The creature towered over them, its massive frame absorbing every attack like it was nothing. The soldiers' strikes barely left a mark, and each retaliatory blow from the Golem sent shockwaves through the ground.
Suddenly, a second normal sized Golem rose from the earth, its jagged form twisting into a humanoid shape. Its sights locked onto Arrika, its massive fist drawing back for a devastating strike.
Her sharp instincts kicked in, and she began to evade.
But she wouldn't make it unscathed.
Without hesitation, I surged forward, using telekinesis to lighten my body and amplify my speed.
THUD
I intercepted the Golem's strike, the impact clashed with my dark warhammer raddled my arms, but I held firm.
"Get back!" I growled, pivoting on my heel as adrenaline flooded my veins, the armor's mana heightened telekinesis beyond. The weapon blurred as I swung upwards a devastating strike.
CRUNCH
The hammer connected with the Golem's torso, shattering it into rubble.
'Powerful.' I thought, judging the amplified power.
Dust hung in the air as I turned toward the larger Golem. Its hulking frame stood over ten meters tall—nothing like the one I just shattered—its movements shaking the ground with each step.
"Fall back and regroup!" I commanded, my voice cutting through the din of battle. "I'll handle this!"
Arrika hesitated briefly, her eyes locking with mine. Her lips parted as if to protest, but instead, she nodded and began rallying her troops.
"Tch." Cedric clicked his tongue in frustration but begrudgingly followed suit. "The peasant wants to die that much," I overheard him mutter as his unit retreated.
Sigh
I turned my focus fully to the Golem.
Resisting the trembling in my muscles, I steadied my breathing, synchronizing my body and mind.
'Let's end this quickly.'
A duel.
The Golem lumbered forward, its footsteps booming like thunder. The flow of mana coursing through its head revealed its secret—it was tethered to the earth itself, with uncountable strings of mana emanating out of it, like a converter.
'So it's him. The perpetrator behind the dispersed mana from earlier.'
My stance shifted, preparing for battle.
"Analysis complete," I murmured, my lips curving into a disturbing smile.
Energy cursed through me as it fortified my body. The Golem prepared another devastating strike. The mana still flowed through me, amplifying my strength and resilience.
I darted forward, targeting the creature's leg. With my hammer enhanced to its maximum telekinetic pressure.
WHACK-BAM.
The impact sent tremors through the air, forcing the Golem to stagger. But its dense structure absorbed most of the damage, leaving it largely intact.
'Damn. It's too massive.'
The Golem roared in fury, retaliating with a massive swing of its arm. I braced myself, using telekinesis to countered its arm weight, facilitating the redirection of momentum with a precise strike that deflected the blow.
BOOM
The huge rock arm stabbed the ground as I leaped onto it, dashing the creature's body propelling myself upward. My strike is amplified.
CRACK.
The hammer slammed into the Golem's head, fissures spreading across its surface.
The beast roared, thrashing wildly in an attempt to dislodge me.
Each movement caused its already-weakened structure to deteriorate further.
"You truly embody the phrase 'rock-for-brains.'"
I tightened my grip on the hammer, sliding my hands to its center for maximum control. My muscles coiled with tension as I leapt high into the air.
With a final, devastating swing, I brought destruction down.
BOOM.
The hammer crashed into the Golem's head, shattering it into fragments. The creature trembled, its massive frame crumbling as its magic dissipated. Finally, it collapsed, its remains scattering across the battlefield in a cloud of dust and stone.
Rising from the debris, I hoisted the hammer onto my shoulder, its weight resting against my frame like an extension of my will. With a calculated motion, I raised a hand in acknowledgment of the soldiers' efforts.
Cheers erupted around me, breaking through the tension.
"He did it!"
"Victory!"
"Commander!"
Amid the cries of triumph, many remained frozen in awe, their wide eyes following every motion as if questioning the reality of what they had just witnessed.
Arrika and Cedric stood a few paces away, their expressions stark contrasts. Arrika's sharp gaze flickered with disbelief and reluctant admiration. Cedric, meanwhile, seemed caught in the throes of frustration, his jaw clenched as though he was biting back a retort.
"H-how?" Arrika asked, stepping closer, her voice unsteady. "We couldn't even make a scratch."
I turned to face her, brushing the dirt from my armor with practiced ease.
"Believe in yourself," I said, my tone calm yet firm. "And act with confidence. Remember?"
Arrika's eyes narrowed slightly, but there was a flicker of understanding in her expression.
I turned to Cedric, whose sneer was barely hidden behind a mask of composure.
"And also, the Golem wasn't exactly intelligent," I added, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "Striking itself repeatedly made it vulnerable."
Cedric scoffed, folding his arms and muttering something incoherent as he turned away.
A sharp wind swept through the battlefield, scattering the last remnants of dust. I straightened, letting the silence linger before addressing the soldiers.
"This is not the end," I said, my voice cutting through the aftermath like a blade. "We press on."
The soldiers fell into formation, their energy renewed, their movements disciplined. I took the lead, my gaze fixed on the horizon as the towering shapes of the Magical Forest loomed in the distance.
'The final stretch of this mission awaits.'