>>>>>Raid Coverage

The banner flashed across the screen.

“The build up of the black horde this spring season has been irregular”

“Yes Tod, it has been. In an unprecedented move the raid council began operations on the south front of the dungeon Dduraduum”

“Despite the rookie teams still making their way to the actual dungeon boundaries”

“Yes currently, surprisingly, the Arbellornddaryn raid team is still on the top of the leaderboards. The first group to ever score a passing mark in a week. I think we are seeing the emergence of a legendary group reminiscent of Liam and Ian”

“Even though raid footage from them has not been shown, their team is top of subjects typed in the search engines”

“Liam must be excited and proud, especially of his young protégé Amy”

“Yes Tod, the only pure human capable of magic in history. We all saw the ice sculpture she crafted with the leader of a pack of Kobalds. It is top tier magic. There have been many comments and speculation regarding her background but the magic guild has been tight lipped about it”

“As they should be especially after being earnestly attacked by a rival party. I can certainly understand their hesitancy in revealing information”

“Yes Tod, but still the Mercenary Guild’s team has been attaining excellent results. They are one hundred points away from qualifying in the second round”

“Although it can’t be compared to the prowess of the Magic Guild party, it is still impressive”

“Tod, we have breaking news! Shyryla is on site for the latest development”

“Here we go people!”, the dragon studio executive said.

He was once just a lowly producer but now he was executive program director; he was grateful for the Arbellornddaryn raid team, they were the reason for his recent rise in the Broadcaster’s Guild. Still, he insisted on helming the live coverage of the raid. In the background of the studio the montage of raid footage, the swirling images of swords, axes, and magic decimating the black horde had ceased. Now the familiar face of the beautiful Shyryla filled the screen. Her blond hair danced in the breeze, her dazzling smile, even with two elongated alven fangs, she caught the hearts of millions. Shyryla had become an inspiration for all other onsite anchors.

“Hi Tod!”

The executive nodded his head. Her carefree, familiar personality had captivated the public. She was sure to become a sensation.

“So, tell us what is the situation like on the ground?”

“Well Tod, it has been strange. For the last week the black horde has been focusing on this point. Then they all retreated early this morning. It seemed they were pushing to escape the confines, then as if they were never there, as if their goal was forgotten cast aside to never be picked up again, they vanished. It is a bizarre development despite the Raid Council’s prediction of a possible dungeon break scenario. We have Bob from the Information Guild to give some input”

The executive watched intently, Bob had become a familiar name in draegun and Earther households alike. The public felt sympathy for his mediocre mundane name. Although, the secret that he was secretly having a fling with Shyryla had not become public yet. He was a relatable representative of the common everyday draegun, that garnered even more viewers than ever before. It was like the whole studio was on top of a tsunami, from the guild master to the new initiates in charge of custodial assignments.

Bob once again showed his common appearance. Blonde hair, green eyes, he wasn’t unhandsome just average in every aspect.

“Yes, as you said early this morning, the black horde disappeared”

“Get some shots of the forest!”, the executive excitedly barked.

“Yes sir!”, someone responded equally enthusiastic.

He watched as the Camera wandered through the lifeless black dead branches, they seemed to dance in the wind as if they were twisting, turning, with the swirling fog. This was why Bob was their man, he had paused his report to give time for the pan shot without even being in the loop.

“The information guild is currently investigating this phenomenon, but we cannot offer any answers at this time”.

Liam’s eyes were glued to the Waga tablet hung on the wall like a television. Flop! Flop! It was the sound of boiled noodles being strained. A bowl of hot steaming ramen noodles had been placed in front of Liam. The steam wafted around his face, more thick, more voluminous in the cold spring air, paying homage to winter’s chill. He did not notice the food before him. Clunk! The Orc chef swung his knife on the cutting board with prejudice, severing the noodles brashly brazenly. He grunted as he eyed Liam and looked at his bowl. Pulled away from his thoughts, Liam looked away from the screen and smiled at the chef. To which the chef responded with a throaty orcish grunt, that had hidden affection tucked inside. Ever since ramen had become a trend in America it was imported to Arbell, Liam had come here for lunch every week; but that was nearly twenty years ago. For draegun hungry for the wares and food of humans, it had become extremely popular. Another fad to add to the list of fads. Click click! Liam picked up his chopsticks in anticipation. He ate, he looked around the cobbled city streets. This shop, was just a street stall; yet Liam still patronized it, not caring for his standing as head of one of the most prominent and vital guilds. It was conveniently close to his lair. After reading Ian’s report he was deeply and greatly troubled. Slurp! He took his first mouthful of the delicious handmade noodles. The velvety pork broth clinging to every strand. There was something nefarious and ominous at work here. Trouble was brewing. Liam couldn’t help but sigh. He looked at the happy faces walking by. He gazed up at the reaching residential tower. White, tall, full of families, surrounded by stores and shops like foothills before a great mountain. It was a vibrant community right in the heart of Arbellorn near the guild tower, yet he remained tied to his residence for the day. He needed time to think and meditate with all the bizarre events thus far. He felt that they were on the threshold of a major event that would reshape the world his clan had built in the confines of the tower. He returned to enjoying his meal, while keeping his eyes fixated on his tablet hanging in the air. It had been a week or so since the party had made contact; however, that was not uncommon deep in the dungeons. Still, Liam felt anxious eagerly awaiting a message, a text, a letter, anything.

Jeremy walked silently along. He looked at Amy in the center of the formation. After weeks of hoping beyond hope, feeling like a fool wrapped up in his own foolishness, here she was. She was noticeably different, there was purpose her steps, confidence in her strides. It was something he had wished to see. He could feel it though, the frail, delicate woman he loved had killed with extreme prejudice. She studied her surroundings studiously, with earnest seeking out the dark corners out of reach of the glowing torches lining the hallway. He looked at her butt. ‘Hmm”, he thought to himself. Her body had become more toned and excellent. As if sensing his desire, she turned and shot him a cold glare. He could not help but notice the regular looking tablets that orbited around the party members. There were too many things he did not know, and Amy seemed to be amongst the unknown.

Jeremy looked down sullenly; he wanted to apologize, he needed to apologize. His judgement was rash, his emotions were unstable after returning home from his last tour. He did not want her to live in the hell his mind had created. Several of his men had died. It was his fault, he gave the order, and as a consequence several of his closest brothers had exited this world. The guilt crushed him. Why did he survive? He wanted to die so they could live, but they died so he could live. ‘Take care of Amy!’, Brian had said, before his eyes stopped moving, and his breath had ceased. Yet what did he do with the time they had given him: nothing. He hated himself for that. It was a disrespect, disregarding their memory. Yet here he was, and he feared it was too late.

“Cheer up mate!”, a hand slapped his back.

Lorenn, he said his name was. Thud thud thud: the sound of his feet impacting the solid stone below. The stretching passage before them, who were these people? He looked like an elf, but he was not what Jeremy imagined; of course, his looks were flawless as expected. The dark pitch-black hair, blue eyes a dignified chin. The two orcs he imagined would be more boisterous were taciturn, and quiet, while he was the most vociferous. The other elf, Veve was it? She was more refined and elegant. Her platinum blond hair matching her non-descript modern service duty styled cargo pants and shirt they all were wearing. She would look good in anything. ‘What were those fangs for though’, he wondered. There were not many elves he saw in the refuge, but he only saw them from a distance. She never once took her gaze off of the large orc who took the lead. He smirked as he saw the dwarf marching next to Amy clutching a hammer. Satriana the orc was in front of him, and he and Lorenn were the rear guard in the formation. She was luscious with thick thighs, and a curvy waist. Even with the two tusks on her lower jaw she was still attractive. Then that woman, she looked like a regular human. Brunette hair in tall leather boots, shorts, and a green shirt extended below her tan leather armor. She very much felt like someone from the barracks. What were they doing here? Why? There were so many questions he had, yet he dared not ask first before apologizing. Chan and Wan walked alongside Amy in the middle of the group, as they had less combat strength.

Throughout the journey turning left, turning right, as if they were in a maze, travelling through barely lit passage ways that had not been stepped on for countless years. Still, they walked unfazed, they were extremely well trained as if they had had done this thousands of times. Not once despite thinking their own thoughts had they let their guard lower.

“Here we are!”, Shatira proclaimed from in front of Amy.

The procession came to halt as Jeremy looked at the pale stone wall in front of them.

“I’ve got it”, Amy said as she stepped forward.

She began chanting in a tongue Jeremy had still to understand. Yet it was different, stronger, bolder. There was distinction and power behind the words spoken, on a level higher than what he had heard thusly. Her words seemed to shake the air of the flame lit tunnel. Dust once again sifted on the floor as the facade of smooth stone had been stripped away. Without a word between them Amy opened it, stepping boldly forward. Wouldn’t the party want to protect her? He had loved her before, but now, but now he felt as a combat veteran he could relate to her more than he ever did. He was stupid for running away. She would have been salve for his mental wounds.

Amy motioned for them to advance. Osgur stepped out first. Clad in a rough angular breastplate, gauntlets, and gaiters. He stepped in front, while Shatira followed immediately behind. She turned and nodded, and they all emerged. Jeremy looked in awe at the chamber before him. Columns, columns everywhere he could see. It was so large the light diminished before the boundaries could reveal itself.

Jeremy looked at the wand Amy had raised. He felt something from his sword, his hand rested on it as if it beckoned for his grip.

“Magic Detection”, she uttered in the still stale stagnant air.

Jeremy watched her squeeze the wand and saw her shoulders become tense. She waved her free hand as if telling everyone to get back. Then Jeremy saw it. A tall lean, figure with skin as white as snow, wreathed in raiment so black it seemed as if it was covered in darkness itself. It emerged from the pocket of a shadow clinging to the adjacent column. It bore a wicked smile, hunger ablaze in its ruby red eyes. Scratch, scratch, its long nails stroked its face.

“I see, so what The Great White Duke has said is true”, it spoke with a surprisingly dry raspy insipid beguiling voice.

The creature looked at Wan and Chan, and chuckled a wicked, disturbing, perplexing laugh, “Your people hiding pathetically in your holes, you will be the first course, then we will feast upon them in their world. So, my master has decreed”, he pointed his claws at Amy, “You I will relish the look on your face as I rip apart and devour your friends around you!”

Anger flashed in Jeremy’s eyes, his muscles moved, he began to draw. Then a hand was placed on his shoulder. The dragon Sean, shook his head with a grin. ‘Huh’, Jeremy thought, ‘Why weren’t they launching forward into an attack’. They should protect this delicate flower with the looming threatening form about to stomp it out of existence.

‘Cheesy’, Amy sighed as she patiently waited for this idiot to spill all the secrets in a typical villainy way.

“Threats, blah, blah, blah,”, it was a dialogue she had read a thousand times, “You I will enjoy last with each exquisite drop until your struggles cease, and your body grows cold and limp. Your fea-”.

“Do Re Ka Ndun Fuum Don”, Amy interrupted the monologue with sharp and clear words.

“What is thi-”, again its words were interrupted as it looked around shocked, perturbed, frightened.

Amy could feel it, her magic power surrounded the creature, with a whoosh, it blew out, pressing aside the dust on the ground like they were hems of a curtain. Then it sucked in and focused on the malicious malignant figure who wasn’t worth the words she just spoke. Whoom! It then burst into flames. The haughty vampire screamed. A most terrible scream that would cause the body to halt, frozen like a lone tree in the tundra. Yet Amy looked down silently as it sank to its knees. She could feel the heat on her cheeks, the fire danced in her pupils. Its wicked existence burned out in a shocking manner.

Boom, Boom. The ground vibrated violently. Amy looked at Glyn then Osgur. She was firmly set on her next action.

“We need to hurry and go back to Arbell”, Amy looked at Jeremy in a shocked stupor with soft teary eyes, “We must save them, they are Draegun!”.

Memories of that horrible dream danced in front of her eyes. Osgur nodded with a dumbstruck face. All pacing, and conservation of energy was discarded. The party showed the meaning of haste as Shatira sprang forward with the map still in her hands. She sprinted as they followed. Amy clenched her wand tightly; she would not allow it.