Chapter 665 The Goodbye
Chapter 665 The Goodbye
The metallic fortress, now under resistance control, buzzed with activity. Those who remained behind worked tirelessly to familiarize themselves with the structure's protective weapons.
Engineers and soldiers delved into the building's mechanisms, hoping to transform its defensive capabilities into a shield against potential counterattacks.
Squads moved through the halls, setting up fortifications and patrols, ensuring the fortress remained secure.
Commander Varok, however, had other plans. After careful deliberation, he assigned his most trusted squad leaders and their troops to stand guard over the stronghold.
They were to hold the line in this foreign world, ensuring that this hard-won victory would not be in vain.
With his orders given, Varok joined Erend and Eccar at the portal, a shimmering gateway that would take them back to their homeland.
The soldiers stationed at the fortress saluted their commander and the two Dragonborns one last time with faces a mix of determination and respect as they watched him disappear into the light alongside the two Dragonborn.
---
Stepping through the portal, Varok, Erend, and Eccar emerged into the vast cavern that housed the underground homeland.
The air was heavy with anticipation, the dimly glowing crystals that lined the cavern walls casting a soft, ethereal light over the gathering crowd. Hundreds of faces turned toward them with eyes filled with both trepidation and hope after Varok and the two Dragonborn walked outside from the portal.
The people of the underground homeland had been waiting for this moment. Whispers rippled through the crowd as Varok stepped forward.
Behind him, Erend and Eccar observed silently, their eyes scanning the sea of anxious faces. They could see the weight of desperation and their yearning for good news.
These people had placed their faith in Varok and his army to bring them one step closer to freedom.
Varok raised a hand, silencing the murmurs. His voice, steady and resonant, echoed through the cavern.
"My people," he began, his eyes sweeping across the crowd. "The resistance has achieved a great victory today. We have defeated one of the enemy's main strongholds and claimed their fortress as our own."
For a moment, there was silence as if they can't believe what he just said. Then, as his words sank in, the crowd erupted into a cacophony of cheers and cries.
Tears streamed down the faces of a lot of them, their relief so clear. Families embraced, friends clasped hands, and strangers found solace in each other's joy.
Varok stood tall amidst the celebration, his expression softening as he allowed the people their moment of triumph.
Behind him, Erend and Eccar exchanged a glance. Though they remained stoic, the sight of the people's happiness stirred something within them.
It was a reminder of why they fought so hard. Its not just for victory, but for the hope it gave to those who had suffered for so long. Its all become so worth it, and they realize it.
---
As the crowd began to settle, Varok's voice rose again.
Varok nodded, his eyes reflecting gratitude. "And you two can trust me that the doors of this homeland will always remain open to you. If ever you need allies, you know where to find us."
Eccar smirked faintly. "We'll keep that in mind."
With a final nod, Erend and Eccar turned toward the elders' chambers. As they walked away, the murmurs of the crowd faded behind them, replaced by the quiet hum of their thoughts.
---
The elders' room was dimly lit, the glow of crystalline lamps casting long shadows across the intricately carved walls. The air inside was cool and still, a stark contrast to the lively energy outside.
The two Dragonborn entered, their heavy footsteps echoing softly. The elders, a council of wizened figures draped in brown robes, awaited them in a semi-circle around a central stone table. Their eyes studied Erend and Eccar with a mixture of curiosity and reverence. They seem to know that the two of them are going to meet them.
"Lord Dragonborn," one of the elders began, her voice warm. "You've returned victorious. Thankyou."
Erend inclined his head respectfully. "The victory belongs to the resistance. We only played our part."
Eccar stepped forward and speaking with direct tone. "But we didn't come here to bask in praise. There are matters we need to discuss—events that unfolded during the battle that raise questions about the enemy's reach and intentions."
The elders exchanged glances, their expressions growing more serious. "Speak, then," another elder urged. "What troubles you?"
"The blue skeleton," Erend said.
The elders exchanged uneasy glances. The elder man with deep-set eyes and a voice lined with age said. "The blue skeleton... it is indeed what remains of our god from an era long past. When the god fell, its body turned to dust and only the bones remained. We had thought it dormant, lost to time and incapable of affecting the world further."
Erend shook his head. "It's not dormant. The invaders have proven that the power inside it can still be drawn out. We managed to stop them before its complete."
"You're saying they can extract the power of the gods even after death? How is that possible?"
"Yes." Erend and Eccar nodded.
"If what you say is true, then our god's skeleton is not merely a relic. It is a power waiting to be claimed," one of the elder said.
Erend nodded.
The elder woman stunned. She asked, "Is there anything we can do? Do you know a way to use it?"
"I'm sure there is. The power inside that skeleton can be claimed. Maybe by someone who knows how to channel and contain it. You should figure this out by yourself," Eccar said.
The elders looking at each other and realized that they have found a revelation.
"Then, if you understand that, we must take our leave now," Erend said with a smile.
---
themonasnovels