The Pillar of Enera

[Book II Chapter 88] ZENTRIAS: Another Field of Graves

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They watched the gashadokuro crumbled. The ten story giant skeleton had been child’s play compared to the changeling. Since I could use my eyes this time. Opponents without a fixed form were his bane, as it was impossible to pinpoint their weaknesses.

“That boss fight went well.” Cindy exhaled.

“All thanks to Zentrias.” Dawn added. “He kept shattering its spine and arms, so it never got the chance to do much.”

Ignoring the grateful looks around him, Zentrias examined his recently acquired gauntlets. His fingers were covered by form-fitting metal layer which felt like part of his skin. Despite this, they offered great protection, increasing the strength of his blows.

He attempted to remove one and was relieved when it slid right off. He’d come to suspect the artifacts were indeed cursed. Normally, he could use his sight all day against the undead without negative repercussions, but this time he was feeling it to a small extent. It’ alright. We’re more than halfway, and it isn’t that bad. They were far too powerful a tool not to use this deep in a challenging dungeon.

Carol approached him. “Is everything alright?”

“More or less.” Zentrias responded quietly. He didn’t want to lie to her. “These have some sort of barely detectable taint. Once we’re out of here, I’ll get them checked out.”

“Say Zen.” Dawn called out. “Could you tell us about your eyes? How exactly do they work?” Everyone turned curiously towards him at the question.

Zentrias sighed. “It’s something I developed as a child. I can ‘see’ the makeup of physical objects and tell where to apply chaos magic to destabilize their form. Apparently, it’s due to my deep affinity towards destruction.”

“Does it work on everything?” Dawn inquired.

“Virtually anything with a fixed form.” Zentrias confirmed. “The only exemptions are flawless items of legendary quality.”

“That’s such an amazing ability.” Dawn said reverently. “I’m frankly a little jealous.”

“When it first manifested, I brought down my family home. I was the only survivor.” Zentrias stated coldly.

Dawn froze. “I’m sorry. I got caught up in its power without considering its demerits…”

“It’s fine.” He waved away her apology. “We should move on. Remember this is a race.”

Everyone grew serious at this reminder. Alana Mason’s dirty trick with the changeling was fresh on their minds. “Do you think we can catch up to Stannis?” Cindy asked.

“We did so once before, and we can do so again.” Zentrias answered. “The knights of Oranda are ahead of us. With their help, I’m certain we can win.”

The HEAVENLY DAO knew there’d be a scrabble for this dungeon’s prizes, he reflected. Every floor was sprawling open space leading to multiple boss arenas. This design allowed competing groups to proceed on parallel tracks.

They left the walled garden which had served as a boss arena and entered one of the long passageways which divided the floors. From this sanctified ground, they peered out at their next challenge.

The first thing they noticed was the setting sun. Half covered by the horizon, it shone out over a landscape of reddish ridges. Glistening weapons of all types stood embedded in the ground, casting long shadows.

“Another Field of Graves…” Rose mumbled.

When they ventured out, glowing undead eyes tracked their movement from the shadows of the rust-colored hills. “How safe are we in the sunlight?” Cindy asked.

“Depends on what we are facing.” Carol answered. “Archers and such can harass us. Fully armored undead can withstand the light of dusk and dawn. So can most immortal-level ones. We may also be forced to cross the shade——”

Screeching rang out as a wave of skeletons charged out from the nearby darkness. Behind them strode out an undead wearing clothes, its bony hands clasped in prayer. Long strips of black clothe hung over its gray robes.

“Glok,” Carol said sharply, “eat him.”

A deformed toad appeared and shot out its tongue, gobbling up the priestly undead. The instant it disappeared in the over-sized maw, its brethren recoiled from the sun, retreating.

Impressive as usual. Glok was one of Carol’s most threatening summons. He could make short work of any singular target. His only downside is the time he required to digest his meals.

“That was an unholy priest.” Carol explained. “Their sin is piety, which forbids them from attacking directly. Don’t be fooled though, they’re a royal pain. Their prayers greatly enhance their companions, and they’re experts at canceling magic. Never let them touch you or they’ll drain your life away.”

Besides them, Glok started wriggling and stamping its foot. Carol got close and patted his side, “There, there… Sorry, I didn’t know their ‘blessing’ could penetrate even your stomach. Just hold on, I know you can do it.” With her encouragement, the creature’s unease eventually faded.

The difficulty of this area became apparent once they crossed the next hill, and undead artillery began raining explosive crimson fire down upon them. This never-ending barrage prevented them from resting, forcing them to rush from place to place while fending off unholy priests and armored undead. The worst were the cavalry, knights on skeletal steeds who attempted to trample over them.

As they moved, Zentrias kept his eyes open for other groups. While immortality was so close he could taste it, the stakes were too high to focus on anything but their mission.