129 Met an expected resistance (1/2)
On the other side of the gate, things were far calmer and composed. Not that no one had any worries, just that none of those still alive at this point hadn't encountered such a situation. Well, not exactly that one, in particular, they never ended up on a planet ruled by the Ancient with a sleeping Saksa and some nasty gods willing to gave up energy just to kill them. But something similar, yes. Therefore, even when they were slightly fearful of the power of those Heroes, it was just them in the end.
”The portals to Archet had already been prepared.” While everyone was frantically gathering men and weapons for the ongoing war, there was one island of peace. Well, peace may not be the correct term, but Archet was extremely calm. Nearly all the adventurers and merchants had fled at the dawn of the second day, leaving Ymir with the shell of a city. With the numerous problems related to the daily lives of his subjects, he, fortunately, had the help of Gwendoline to fix a lot of messes.
And he made a lot of them. Not that everyone was surprised by that, an Akûl in charge was never a good idea if it was not a fight. But he was still the biggest bait they had at their disposal, and the most resilient. With his new castle built and the restless guards that were the undead, no one could spot the hidden room with a portal in the basement. As such, even if something unexpected happened, they would be able to easily retreat.
”Was that necessary to let the ghosts die in such a way?” Meridiana was still looking at the small screen reflecting the situation outside of their base. Another group of humans was marching fearfully toward the deep hole that was nearby. in truth, it was just sheer curiosity that made her ask that question since she knew they wouldn't last very long anyway.
”Yes, as such, the others still residing in the statues will die in the exact same way. Only after having their hearts pierced, of course.” While saying this, the lich began to laugh evilly, soon joined by the chuckles of the duvodiad nearby. If someone wanted to find the weak spot of an Akûl, aiming for that place would amount to nothing. In fact, even hitting the head would only turn the giant monster into something more terrifying. But the humans won't know about that before it was too late.
”Ymir will thank you for that later, Malakov. When they will desperately try to destroy his heart, only to realize the useless thing they have done. But, concerning the rest, will we truly abandon this base?” For the moment, only four of them were in the room. The absence of Leilade did not really scare them, even if they had no idea where she went. But because of that, they could only predict things or retain their secrets.
”If the might of the Heroes is too important and the gods are willing to waste all their energy, so be it. That was her words. Also, if the other thing is awakened, none of you wants to stay here.” That was something they all agreed. Even from where they were, they could hear the faint rumble of the last skeletons heading toward their positions. Those last days, both Kardel and Davion had watched every corner, every corridor, to see how they could be utilized at their maximum potential. They even prepared something that was called crazy by Meridiana.
”And the trolls?” The orodil took the parole for the first time since he came back an hour earlier. At those words, they all looked at the lich, wanting to know. Not that they cared, but they still had done a lot of things for them. It would be a shame to all be for nothing. ” Right now they are ... late. Once more. A second.”
The body of the lich stood still for a brief moment, before returning to its past condition. ”Those braindead savages only listen to the giant and the troll girl. Yes, don't repeat that to the Empress, otherwise, she would blame us.” As for who the term troll girl referred to, it was not hard to get it. Maybe those trolls found it funny, but the four inside the room knew that it was closer to a death sentence than a joke.
”From what stupid hole in their brains did they came up with that?” At this point, even the duvodiad was impressed by their wish to die a slow and painful death. Sensing that the discussion was heading to a dangerous direction for all of them, Davion focused everyone on the main topic. ”What did they said Malakov?”
”Nothing they will be able to repeat in the future. Not that they can talk anymore, I made them all sleep and have to take some skeletons just to transport them. Coupled with the seeds and the cattle, it will take days before they reached Archet. But truthfully, I had totally forgotten about them after I told them to follow the lich when they were ready to go.”
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