Chapter 7:

Chapter 7 — The traitor

Eternal Sin: Until Death Dies

After completing their guild tasks, they celebrated with a grand feast. They spent the night dancing, eating, and enjoying each other's company while Eldrin watched and smiled quietly at them all.

The next morning arrived and while they were loading bodies and belongings into the carriage, an ominous aura suddenly filled the air. A pressure descended that was so overwhelming that Arin and the others found they couldn't move even a single finger.

Only Eldrin remained standing.

"Run," he said calmly. "Arin. Shoruka. Take Hanase and Neblaheim. Run."

They struggled against the weight to rise. Shoruka gritted his teeth through the strain.

"Master… I will fight with you!"

"No. You'll only be in the way. Go."

Shoruka obeyed with trembling hands. Arin lifted Hanase and together they escaped toward Klorade while Eldrin remained behind.

"Come out now… Kurishobe."

A human shaped monster stepped out from the shadows. He wore shining armor tinted in black and crimson.

"Are you really letting those meat shields escape?"

Eldrin tightened his grip on his sword.

"I don't need help to defeat a traitor like you."

Kurishobe moved first in a blur of death. Their swords clashed and the impact was so great that Eldrin's blade cracked. Kurishobe laughed at the sight.

"Mortals cannot hurt me."

Inferno magic rained downward until the ground was scorched. Eldrin jumped back and looked up as a giant, shining barrage of light rained down. Eldrin moved quickly to the side but Kurishobe was already standing right there. He struck Eldrin and gave him a deep wound on his chest.

Eldrin took the opportunity and cast an ice spear. Kurishobe deflected the spell but suddenly Eldrin came in from above and cut down Kurishobe's arm. In retaliation, Kurishobe crushed him with gravity magic.

Eldrin's arm flew from the force. He dropped to one knee.

"…Let's end it. Without making this more painful."

Kurishobe nodded.

"For the sake of our old friendship."

Eldrin began to chant.

"Destruction is all I see. Destruction is all I feel. Destruction is all that exists— ERADICATION."

Kurishobe chanted in return.

"Engulf. Ravage. Destroy. Exterminate all life before me— GHASTLY ASSAULT!"

They collided and a massive explosion swallowed the forest.

Kurishobe spoke while dying. "…Was it worth sacrificing your life… for those kids?"

Eldrin smiled faintly. "He will grow stronger… far stronger than the Death God."

Kurishobe closed his eyes. "…I hope he can defeat him."