War of The Valley of The Dead (Part 2)

Varys ordered the soldiers to hide Lordhair’s lifeless body and said, "Schwön, take him to my room and lay him down as if nothing happened."

As the soldiers carried Lordhair away, Varys followed them to make sure everything was in order. The soldiers laid Lordhair down just as he was and left the room. Varys then approached Lordhair and ordered the soldiers to leave. He stood beside Lordhair and said, "For all this time, they forced people like you and me to fight for a madman’s prophecy. But now, that will change. For now, continue to sleep, the great one of the prophecy."

Varys left Lordhair's side and walked between the tents toward the outer valley, heading towards a spot seen as the peak of the valley. With a determined expression, he raised his hand toward the sky. "Only the great lion will be sent to us as our savior, and the great lion is our one true god," he said, and a white light ascended toward the sky. It glided upwards, forming a large lion motif in the sky.

Seeing this, the Draugr soldiers knelt and said, "Our great god."

Varys, thoughtful but determined, continued toward the valley and found his generals sitting by the fire. He joined them.

The camp of the Draugr army was wrapped in a peaceful silence. A fire burned in the center of the camp; its warm flames illuminated the faces of three figures as they shared a rare moment of relaxation before the chaos to come—Melthon, Schwön, and Varys.

Schwön set his hammer down, took a deep breath, and spoke while gazing at the fire.

Schwön: "I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the stars in this valley seem brighter than anywhere else."

Melthon, slowly placing his bow on the ground, looked at Schwön with a slight smile.

Melthon: "An interesting observation, Schwön. It's hard to imagine you looking up at the stars, but I like it."

Schwön chuckled softly and shrugged.

Schwön: "Everyone has a soft side, Melthon. I don’t always have to look like a wild one, do I?"

Varys, his blue aura subtly glowing, tilted his head and smiled at Schwön’s comment.

Varys: "It’s rare to see you admit to having a soft side, Schwön. But you’re right, the stars here are truly bright. Perhaps the valley’s history has been shaped by these lights in the sky."

Melthon picked up a small pebble from the ground and turned it in his hand, his gaze fixed on the fire as he spoke earnestly.

Melthon: "You know, sometimes war makes us see the stars more brightly. Because we never know what the next day will bring. That’s why we need to appreciate moments like this."

Schwön paused for a moment as if thinking about Melthon’s words, then smiled and shook his head.

Schwön: "I think you’re right. But before this conversation gets too deep, let’s keep the fire burning a little longer. No one wants to wake up to a freezing morning."

Varys threw a log onto the fire and watched as the flames flared up. He then spoke in a calm, authoritative tone.

Varys: "Tonight, the stars and fire are with us. Tomorrow, fate will be with us. But for now, let us set aside the burdens of everything and enjoy this peace. Perhaps we should experience these moments more often."

As the three of them shared the night filled with the crackling of the fire, they exchanged a brief but meaningful look. The silence made this moment of friendship even more significant.

A few hours later:

Lordhair's secret plan was running smoothly, with only one small flaw. Vermithor, the Draugr King, had raised a massive army against them. His best generals were set to face off against their counterparts. Vermithor would fight Varys, Nidea, a magician and archer capable of creating diamond arrows, would fight Melthon, the Draugr archer, and Moltr, known for his close combat abilities, would fight Schwön, the Wild Draugr. Meanwhile, the ancient wizards would continuously support with healing and attack abilities, and Solve would guard Vermithor’s rear. On paper, all preparations were complete, and the "Legendary Wolf’s great army" was now on the move.

Vermithor, leading his army, marched through paths dominated by darkness and cold. The steps of dozens of powerful warriors shook the earth, and the sounds of their shields and armor echoed, becoming a hum throughout the valley. This mighty army, heading towards the Valley of the Dead, marched with determination for victory.

On the road, they met Solve’s army, which was waiting around the black fortress, just as planned. Solve stepped forward from the front of his army to greet Vermithor.

Solve: "Vermithor, at last we are united. Now, we can combine our strength and move against our enemy."

Vermithor responded to Solve with a determined look.

Vermithor: "Yes, Solve. We will move together. We will execute our strategy precisely to defeat the Valley of the Dead and the Draugr King. We will carefully take every step based on the information we received from Lordhair."

Solve: "Our armies are ready. Let us march together and defeat our enemies. But first, we must be cautious. We need to observe the entrance of the valley carefully. Everything is ready, but we have one issue."

Solve: "My sphere cannot reach Lordhair’s life signal. He might be dead, or something else could have happened. Something that deeply affects his life."

Vermithor: "Are you serious? If he died that easily, the entire war would lose its meaning. I hope nothing has happened to him. We need him."

Solve furrowed his brows and turned to Vermithor.

Solve: "Don't you think you treat Lordhair like an object? He's a human, just like you, just like me."

Vermithor, with a somewhat angry and sarcastic expression, replied: "He’s just an object to me. I hope you’re not putting too much meaning on him."

Solve laughed and said: "I wonder if I am?" Then the two of them continued moving forward.

Solve: "By the way, why isn’t Nira with you?"

Vermithor: "Nira suddenly disappeared with the cat the day you set out for your mission. None of us know what happened."

Solve: "I hope nothing comes of it."

Vermithor and Solve continued to move forward in coordination. The two armies, adjusting to each other, became a unified force. Their eyes were focused on the enemies they would face in the Valley of the Dead.

As they neared the entrance of the valley, a thick fog and a magical atmosphere surrounded them. Both armies moved carefully as the leaders reassessed their strategies. Solve and Vermithor made their final preparations and took their positions for the great battle.

As Vermithor and Solve advanced, dawn began to break.

With the first light of the great battle rising, these two armies, united in strength, were ready to write their fate.

The army positioned near the valley, waiting for Vermithor’s orders. Vermithor got closer to the valley, and Draugr soldiers searched the area. Except for 1-2 sentries, everyone else was in their tents. He silently signaled Nidea from a distance to come to him.

Nidea quickly and quietly approached Vermithor and asked, "What are your orders, my lord?"

Vermithor: "Can you see the sentries in the distance? I want you to take them out."

As soon as he said "Take them out," Nidea’s eyes sparkled. "At your command, my lord," she said, and with a wave of her magic, she conjured magnificent diamond arrows and a splendid bow. Without hesitation, she focused her eyes like a hunter and brought down all the sentries in a single instant.

Vermithor placed his hand on Nidea’s shoulder and congratulated her: "Well done, Hunter Nidea. Now, let’s return to our position."

While the Draugr soldiers continued to rest in their tents, unaware of what was happening, Vermithor and Solve’s armies silently took their positions. The uneasy silence of the valley was a herald of the approaching battle. As Solve reviewed the final details with his generals, Vermithor stepped forward to examine the battle plan.

Solve: "This is our greatest opportunity. The Draugr soldiers seem defenseless for now, but we must not lose this advantage. We must be silent and swift."

Vermithor: "We’ll move silently. When we strike the first blow, we’ll trigger an alarm throughout the valley. But be careful, Solve this attack must completely disrupt their order."

Solve nodded and signaled for silence to his armies. They divided their teams into small groups to surround the positions of the tents. Archers took strategic positions near the Draugr tents. Mages were ready to support the attack and heal the wounded. Close combat fighters were positioned to form the main wave of the assault.

Moving stealthily, the armies caught the Draugr soldiers completely off guard. Vermithor raised his hands to the air, signaling the attack. Solve gave the order for the archers and mages to move.

Solve: "Now is the time. We’ll start quietly and turn it into chaos. No one forgets their role!"

The first arrows pierced the darkness and struck the Draugr tents. Explosions and flames emerging from the silence shocked the Draugr soldiers awake from their sleep. Vermithor let out a powerful roar, drawing his glowing sword as he charged toward the enemies.

The Draugr King’s forces were quickly trying to regroup, but Vermithor and Solve’s armies trapped the Draugr soldiers in their tents. While the close combat fighters entered the tents, archers provided support from the outside.

Solve, coordinating a group of soldiers, gave orders in a steel-like voice: "Forward! No Draugr will escape. This war will end with our victory!"

Vermithor, knocking down the enemies in front of him one by one, heard the echoing command of the Draugr King from the depths of the valley.

Draugr King: "Gather and form a defense line! Stop this attack!"

The Draugr army quickly recovered. With orders echoing from within the mist, they re-established their formation. The initial attack of Vermithor and Solve’s united armies had shaken the valley, but the Draugr soldiers were now ready to shift from defense to offense.

At this moment, Draugr King Varys stepped forward in front of his army. His surrounding blue aura represented magic and power. His voice echoed throughout the valley, and both armies fell silent:

Draugr King: "There is no need for everyone to die! We can end this war in a more honorable way. Let the generals' battle decide the outcome."

In the deep silence of the valley, Vermithor considered the Draugr King's offer. Solve looked at Vermithor with worried eyes, but after thinking for a moment, Vermithor nodded and spoke gravely:

Vermithor: "A generals' battle… Perhaps this is the most honorable way. But first, you will answer me. Where is Lordhair? What is his condition?"

Draugr King, after a brief pause, responded calmly: "Lordhair is safe and alive. We are holding him captive in one of the tents."

Vermithor looked at Draugr King with suspicion, but he could sense some truth in his words. He took a deep breath and accepted the offer:

Vermithor: "Very well. Our generals will fight, and this will reduce the bloodshed."

On the battlefield, the generals immediately stepped onto the field. Both armies withdrew, creating space for the generals chosen by their leaders. Everyone held their breath. This was more than just a battle; it was a contest that would determine the fate of both sides.

Vermithor was set to fight Draugr King Varys in the center of the two armies. The encounter between the two leaders would be a clash of two lights.

Nidea, known for both her magical and archery skills, with her diamond-tipped arrows, would face the sharp-shooter Melthon from the Draugr army. These two would fight in the open right section of the battlefield.

Moltr, a warrior known for his close combat abilities, would engage in a deadly duel with the Wild Draugr Schwön. The left side of the battlefield would bear witness to this fiery battle.

The Generals' First Moves and the Beginning of the Clash

In the deep silence of the valley, the generals took their positions. Both armies withdrew, ready to witness the battle of their leaders. This moment was a trial that would determine how fate would unfold for both sides.

Vermithor and Varys: The Clash of Forces

The encounter between Vermithor and Varys was to be a battle of light and shadow. Vermithor's golden armor glimmered under the sun, radiating strength, while Varys's surrounding blue aura threatened with a dark allure. The two men studied each other carefully.

Vermithor: (sharply) "The despair and darkness of this valley will end, Varys. Today, this order will be shattered!"

Varys: (coldly) "The only thing that will be shattered is your naive beliefs, Vermithor. Let’s see your imagined light."

With the first strike, the ground trembled. Their swords reflected not only the power of steel but the power of magic itself. Vermithor’s attacks, glowing with light, pierced through the valley’s darkness, while Varys’s sword consumed the air around him like a dark lightning.

Nidea vs. Melthon: The Battle of Two Women

As Nidea prepared her diamond-tipped arrows, she concentrated her magic. Melthon stood cautiously against this mage-archer. The first shot demonstrated both sides' speed and precision.

Nidea: "My arrows don’t just hit targets; they break your will. Get ready!"

Melthon elegantly deflected the incoming diamond arrow and smirked: "Is that all?"

As the two continued their assault, the dance of arrows and spells lit up the battlefield. Each showcased their full abilities, trying to overcome the other.

Moltr and Schwön: The Battle of Raw Power

Perhaps the most brutal struggle on the battlefield was between Moltr and Schwön. Moltr showcased his martial arts mastery, while Schwön’s wild attacks grew more deadly with each strike.

Moltr: (mockingly) "How far can you go with this savagery? Ever heard of strategy?"

Schwön: (roaring) "My strategy is to tear you apart! I need nothing else!"

In this fierce duel, every strike sent dust into the air, showing the brutal intensity of close combat. Though Schwön’s attacks appeared chaotic, Moltr’s skill kept the chaos in balance.

As the clashes raged on, the battlefield filled with magic, weapon strikes, and war cries. Each general fought their own battle, and both sides’ armies held their breath as they watched these duels unfold.

However, Draugr King Varys’s cold expression revealed that this was only the beginning for him. Vermithor noticed the calm in his opponent’s eyes and felt a moment of hesitation.

Vermithor: (to himself) "This man is much more controlled than I expected. Ending this war will be harder than I thought."

Vermithor took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Suddenly, the aura around him began to ripple. His golden armor lost its shine, replaced by a dense white aura. The air began to tremble. A powerful flow of energy spread across the battlefield.

Solve and his soldiers, sensing this immense energy, halted. At the same moment, Draugr King Varys also focused his attention. His blue aura rippled slightly as his eyes locked onto Vermithor.

Vermithor let out a scream, which morphed into the howl of a wolf. His body shifted, taking on the form of a massive wolf, with sharp claws and a form reminiscent of a great beast. This was the Legendary Wolf form. As the aura shifted from white to red, everyone on the battlefield watched in awe and fear as this transformation unfolded. Vermithor’s determination became almost tangible.

Vermithor vs. Varys: The Shattering Clash Continues

Vermithor, now a ravenous wolf in his Legendary Wolf form, lunged at Varys with the ferocity of a beast. With each swipe of his claws, he unleashed Kutsal Yankı, an energy shockwave that vibrated through the battlefield, shaking the very air around them. Varys tried to evade these energy-infused strikes, but with every near miss, his defenses were steadily weakening.

Vermithor: (with fury) "You've ruled this valley for years, but today, it ends, Varys!"

Varys, wielding his sword imbued with ancient magic, retaliated, but each swing was met with a powerful recoil from Vermithor's sacred energy. The blue aura surrounding Draugr King began to ripple, signaling that his composure was faltering under the pressure of Vermithor's relentless assault.

Vermithor surged forward again, bringing Varys down with a massive swipe of his claws. Varys struggled to rise, his composure faltering for the first time. Vermithor’s mocking voice echoed through the air:

Vermithor: "You're weaker than before, Varys. You've become nothing more than an ordinary warrior."

With effort, Varys pushed himself to his feet, his cold demeanor cracking slightly, revealing a hint of tension in his expression. But his eyes were sharp, focused—he was planning something.

Varys: (in a low voice) "Power, Vermithor? What you see is just the beginning. Sometimes, what you see with your eyes is not all there is. I am the white lion, and now you will feel my true power."

Still in his Legendary Wolf form, Vermithor relentlessly attacked, each swipe of his claws gouging deep grooves in the ground. The divine echo sent ripples of force through the valley, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. But Varys was not easily overwhelmed. He moved like a shadow, dodging each strike by mere inches, his sword scraping the ground with a sharp screech as he evaded. The eerie sound of the blade against the earth sent unsettling vibrations through the battlefield, disturbing both Draugr and Vermithor’s allies alike.

Watching from a distance, Solve clenched his teeth, muttering under his breath: "If Vermithor can’t land a blow, this might drag on forever…"

Vermithor’s claws continued to miss by the narrowest margins, and with each slip, Varys’ sword left a trail of sparks, adding another layer of tension to the already fraught battle.

Vermithor: (with rising fury) "Your evasions won't save you, Varys! Whatever you're planning, I won’t let you finish it."

Suddenly, Varys paused. With a swift motion, he plunged his sword into the ground, the blade sinking deep into the earth. The ground trembled as markings began to form, slowly connecting to create a dark, ancient magical circle. Vermithor stood within the center of the circle, unaware of what was to come.

Varys, his voice steady and calm, spoke with a deep resonance:

Varys: "This spell was learned thousands of years ago. There could be no better test of your strength."

The circle began to glow, and a concentrated burst of energy gathered at its center, spiraling toward Vermithor. The ancient magic erupted in a blinding explosion, shaking the entire battlefield. The force of the blast sent shockwaves that reverberated through the valley. Vermithor, however, dug his claws deep into the ground, bracing against the force, reducing the impact. Despite the immense power of the spell, his aura remained strong as he stood firm, his resolve unbroken.

Vermithor: (laughing mockingly) "Is that all, Varys? This spell can’t even dent my power. I see now—you're just a shadow of your former self."

Varys took a step back, his calm expression still intact, though there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Vermithor had withstood the ancient spell with ease. However, Varys’s planning gaze remained undeterred, a quiet intensity still burning in his eyes.

Varys: (in a low tone) "You still don't understand, do you? This is only the beginning..."

Nidea vs. Melthon: The Sharpshooters' Duel

On the other side of the battlefield, Nidea, a master archer and mage, combined her skills to rain a storm of diamond-tipped arrows down on Melthon. The deadly projectiles whistled through the air, homing in on their target like a relentless hurricane. Melthon, though agile, struggled to avoid the onslaught. Despite her nimbleness, many arrows found their mark, embedding themselves in her Draugr body.

However, what kept Melthon alive was the Draugr’s natural regenerative abilities. Though the arrows pierced her, her body healed almost instantly, allowing her to remain in the fight. With a moment’s respite between the attacks, Melthon gathered her strength and prepared a counterstrike.

Melthon summoned fiery arrows, launching them at Nidea. These flaming missiles were not just physical threats; they radiated deadly heat, creating a zone of danger that would scorch anything in its path. But Nidea was quicker. With elegant movements, she dodged each attack with finesse, not a single flame touching her.

The two sharpshooters were locked in a deadly dance, with Nidea's precision and Melthon's fiery counterattacks lighting up the battlefield. The struggle between these two formidable forces intensified as the battle continued to rage on.

The tension in the air was palpable. Vermithor’s fierce transformation and relentless attacks were met with Varys’s ancient magic, while Nidea’s unyielding pursuit of victory in her duel against Melthon seemed unstoppable. Both sides were pushing their limits, and the battle's outcome would hinge on who could maintain their composure and strength until the very end.

Nidea vs. Melthon: The Dance of Flames and Diamonds

Nidea’s smile was subtle, but her eyes glinted with confidence as she faced Melthon's relentless onslaught. She nimbly dodged the fire arrows, her movements a blur of grace and precision.

Nidea: (with a faint smile) "Melthon, your attacks may seem deadly, but until they hit, they’re nothing but a dance of flames."

Melthon, her gaze sharp and focused, didn’t flinch. She released another flaming arrow from her bow, her voice quiet but resolute as she responded:

Melthon: (in a low, determined tone) "I never surrender until the final step of the dance. Don’t underestimate me, Nidea."

The two warriors continued their deadly dance across the battlefield, their weapons and magic flashing in the light. Nidea’s agility and precision met Melthon’s raw endurance and inventive spellcraft. Each shot, each movement, was a crucial step in the next moment of their battle.

The arrows filled the sky in a whirlwind of light and fire as Melthon suddenly changed tactics. Nidea sensed the shift just in time, her instincts kicking in as Melthon’s sudden charge caught her attention.

Melthon focused her energy and conjured an infernal sword, a blade that radiated the fury of a firestorm. With fierce intent, she rushed at Nidea, her steps as brutal as the storm itself. She swung the sword with devastating speed, the blade cutting through the air like a blade of fire.

In the blink of an eye, Nidea leaped into the air, dodging with incredible agility. She twisted in midair, landing gracefully and conjuring a diamond sword in one fluid motion. She met Melthon’s fiery sword with a clash of light and heat, the sound of their blades colliding ringing out across the battlefield.

Melthon: (with a sly grin) "Did the arrows not suffice, Nidea? Are you just as skilled in close combat?"

Nidea: (with determination) "If you want to test my skills, you’ll see them firsthand. But be careful, each move you make could be your last."

The clash of their swords continued, each blow echoing with the power of their respective elements. Melthon’s flame-infused sword sent waves of heat through the air, while Nidea’s diamond blade gleamed with radiant light. Each strike was a test of endurance, skill, and power. The soldiers around them watched in awe, holding their breath as the two combatants battled with a deadly elegance that was as mesmerizing as it was dangerous.

Nidea’s speed was a match for Melthon’s fiery fury, and each moment brought them closer to the defining blow that could determine the winner of their duel.

Moltr vs. Schwön: Strength Meets Strategy

Meanwhile, another battle raged on—a clash of raw power versus precise strategy between Moltr and Schwön. Moltr, a master of martial arts and tactical intelligence, faced Schwön, whose brutal and chaotic fighting style was as ferocious as it was unpredictable. Schwön’s title as the "Savage Draugr" wasn’t just a moniker; it embodied his ruthless power and primal rage.

Moltr watched Schwön carefully, his calm demeanor betraying no fear, even as the monstrous Draugr charged at him with incredible speed. Schwön swung his enormous war hammer with all his might, the impact creating a crater in the earth. Moltr, however, was ready. He gracefully leapt backward, narrowly evading the crushing blow.

Moltr: (with a smile) "Is that all you’ve got, Schwön? Relying solely on brute strength won’t get you far in this chaos."

Schwön growled, his rage growing with every word.

Schwön: (roaring) "Do I need strategy? We’ll talk after I’ve sent you to the ground!"

Schwön’s attacks came faster and harder, his immense strength making each blow a deadly force to be reckoned with. But Moltr remained calm, observing Schwön’s rhythm and movements, looking for an opening. The more Schwön attacked, the more Moltr understood the patterns in his strikes.

Moltr deflected Schwön’s war hammer with his sword in a perfectly timed move. The sound of metal against metal echoed across the battlefield, a sharp reminder of their deadly duel. Schwön’s rage only grew as he continued his onslaught, but Moltr’s composed defense showed his confidence in his technique and mastery.

Moltr: (raising his sword) "If I fight you only with raw strength, it wouldn’t be fair, Schwön. Let’s truly learn how to fight."

With those words, Moltr surged forward, launching a series of swift strikes with his sword. Schwön, though powerful, managed to deflect or block most of them. Yet, some blows broke through his defenses, the sharpness of Moltr’s strikes piercing his armor.

Schwön, unbothered by the pain, fought back with renewed fury. His hammer swung like a force of nature, each blow becoming more destructive than the last.

Moltr, sensing an opening, used his agility to evade Schwön’s hammer, and in one precise strike, he hit Schwön in the shoulder, knocking him back several meters. Schwön, unfazed, quickly regained his footing and shot Moltr a fierce glare.

Moltr’s calm and control contrasted with Schwön’s unrelenting aggression. This battle wasn’t just about physical strength; it was becoming a test of mental resilience and tactical superiority.

Moltr: (to himself) "I need to break his rhythm. Every move he makes is fueled by rage, but that's his weakness."

Schwön: (roaring in defiance) "Give up, Moltr! You can’t handle me!"

The battle between them had reached a critical point. Schwön’s savage power and Moltr’s calculated strategy would determine the outcome of this brutal confrontation. Every moment counted, and the next move could very well change the course of the war.

The Dawn of the Draugr King : Rise of White Griffin

As Schwön’s savage strikes continued, each blow of his hammer sent shockwaves through the earth, attempting to corner Moltr. However, Moltr remained calm, observing Schwön’s violent rhythm and analyzing his every move.

With a swift sidestep, Moltr evaded Schwön's hammer and seized the opportunity to strike. He expertly twirled his sword and targeted the gaps in Schwön’s armor. This maneuver slowed Schwön’s attacks, causing his movements to become more sluggish.

Schwön: (with fury) "It’s not over, Moltr! I’ve got more strength to bring you down!"

Schwön swung his hammer once more, but Moltr quickly dodged and made a tactical move, aiming to unbalance the beast. As Schwön’s hammer lodged itself into the ground, Moltr swiftly spun his sword and struck at Schwön’s final weak point. The sharp blow sent Schwön staggering, and he fell to the ground, unable to maintain his footing.

Moltr approached Schwön’s fallen form, his calmness a stark contrast to the raging Draugr.

Moltr: (coolly) "Strength alone is not enough, Schwön. Without strategy, war is nothing but chaos."

Schwön gasped for breath but couldn’t retaliate. Moltr, victorious, withdrew with humility, ensuring Schwön didn’t suffer any further harm.

Meanwhile, Nidea and Melthon’s battle was reaching its peak. Their swords clashed with a deafening sound that echoed across the battlefield. Melthon’s fiery blade radiated intense heat, while Nidea’s diamond sword sparkled with every parry, reflecting the ferocity of her strikes.

In this close-quarters fight, Nidea’s agility was matched against Melthon’s brute force and resilience. However, Nidea had a strategy in mind. With a sudden move, she pulled back and conjured a diamond arrow, shooting it at Melthon’s armor from point-blank range.

Melthon, caught off guard, swung her flaming sword to block the arrow. The sword’s heat seared through the air, but Nidea’s quick and precise attacks forced Melthon to struggle to maintain her defense.

But then, Melthon saw an opening.

In a flash, Melthon gathered her energy and unleashed a powerful strike with her fire sword, pushing Nidea backward. The force of the blow sent Nidea flying several meters. As she tumbled across the ground, gasping for air, she felt her strength fading.

Melthon, seizing the moment, intensified her magic and summoned fiery chains that wrapped around Nidea, restraining her. The intense heat enveloped Nidea, leaving her no room to fight back.

Melthon savored her triumph, but Nidea’s army of ancient wizards quickly sprang into action. They used their healing magic to counteract the heat and pulled Nidea out of the flames. With their powerful restorative spells, they worked to bring her back from the brink of collapse.

The Final Confrontation: Vermithor vs. Varys

The tension in the valley was reaching a boiling point as the final confrontation unfolded between Vermithor and Varys. When Vermithor struck with his sword, Varys parried the blow with practiced ease, dodging back as his blue aura intensified. The ancient magic in his sword surged, radiating a threatening power.

Vermithor: (with fury) "There’s no more hiding, Varys. Are you planning to run?"

Varys: (with a cold smile) "Run? No, Vermithor. I’m just waiting for the right moment. Now let’s quicken this dance."

Varys focused his magic, and a powerful blue wave of energy shot toward Vermithor. But Vermithor, digging his claws into the earth, deflected the attack. The energy crackled in the air, scorching everything it touched, but Vermithor stood firm, using his strength to resist it.

Vermithor, undeterred, surged forward, sword raised. Varys, agile as ever, dodged the attack and thrust his sword downward. From the ground, a wave of energy erupted, advancing toward Vermithor, incinerating everything in its path. Yet Vermithor called upon his divine energy, shielding himself from the blast.

The two warriors clashed in a spectacle of holy light against dark magic, their powers shaking the valley. The soldiers around them watched in awe, some trembling in fear, others amazed by the intensity of the duel.

Vermithor: (shouting with power) "I’ve seen your strength, Varys, but it won’t be enough to snuff out the light of this valley!"

Varys: (to himself) "Slow but steady... I won’t wait much longer."

Just as the battle seemed to reach its climax, a blinding burst of light erupted from one of the tents on the edge of the battlefield. The light pierced through the darkness of the night, overwhelming everything in its path. The soldiers paused, stunned by the intensity of the illumination.

Vermithor, momentarily distracted, stopped his attack to gaze at the source of the light. Varys, too, stood still, his sword lowered as he studied the glow.

The light expanded until the top of the tent was torn apart, and from within, a figure emerged, floating upward into the sky.

It was Lordhair, with white wings unfurled, soaring above the battlefield. The dark aura that once surrounded him had dissipated, replaced by a blinding, pure white light. His new form, resembling a majestic griffin from ancient legends, commanded both awe and fear in equal measure. His eyes shimmered with an ethereal glow, radiating power and authority.

Vermithor: (staring, confused) "What is this? What is happening?"

Varys: (with a slight grin, pride in his voice) "Everything has gone according to plan, Vermithor. No, even better—he’s evolved. He’s no longer a mere white lion. He’s a White Griffin. The transfer of power has been successful. He is now the Draugr King."

Vermithor: (shocked) "The Draugr King? What does this mean?"

Varys: (with a sharp expression) "Didn’t you want him to become the Draugr King? Well, here he is."

Lordhair’s wings beat, sending ripples through the air as he descended to the ground, landing directly between Varys and Vermithor. As his feet touched the earth, his white aura filled the entire area, calming the surrounding atmosphere. Both leaders, stunned, stood still, unable to make a move.

Lordhair’s voice broke the silence, soft yet commanding, like that of a leader issuing an edict:

Lordhair: "There’s no need for more fighting. I didn’t bring you together to have you slaughter each other."

His words reverberated through the valley, and Vermithor’s shock deepened.

The rise of Lordhair as the Draugr King was a game-changing development, one that disrupted the balance of power completely.