Chapter 15.3. Hordes of undead.

The king rose with grating screech of steel on stone, hunched form radiating malevolence palpable, as heat rising from forge flames. He spread arms wide in twisted parody of embrace – welcoming guests to his domain.

Lilith stared back unflinching, her eyes blazing in defiance even as icy tendrils of dread wormed way down spine! A battle of wills commenced – two forces clashed; masterful mage and warrior against malevolent monarch, vying to control fate in sealed room.

King laughed, but then he screeched in pain.

– Holy Light! – Lilith’s word’s casted echo across the throne room. Bright light illuminating every corner of the room.

Smoke curled from skeletal frame, the stench of charred bone filling throne room. The monster flailed arms wildly, talons raking air like a beast gone mad! Azael surged forward to engage, his blade flashing, as he unleashed divine fury upon undead menace. Sharr darted serpentine at king’s flank – his short sword in steady hand!

Kragor charged with axe raised overhead, the minotaur roaring challenge to ages old evil! Cian leapt in from other side – his blade seeking vulnerable chinks in skeletal armor.

The king bellowed in wordless rage, crushed crown falling away as he thrashed against Holy Light’s assault. Lilith pressed attack with relentless volley of spells – each one scoring glowing wound across undead monarch’s form.

Lightning, Holy Word, Destroy Undead, one after another her spell fell on the undead, while her companions assaulted him with their blades. But even as they battered decaying husk, the party sensed greater power stirring!

Lilith squinted her eyes, seeing invisible to other’s magic circle, filling with Undead King’s mana. Lilith recognize the spell. It was Death Wave. She was familiar with it. Spell drained life from its victims. It was useless against her, thanks to her Magic Resistance skill, but her mercenaries will slowly weaken and die.

As Death Wave spell took hold, Lilith noticed in grim resolve as its devastating effects began to manifest! Azael staggered suddenly – his angelic form growing wan and translucent. The fallen angel gasped raggedly, as if struggling against invisible noose tightening around neck!

Sharr convulsed violently, snakeman’s scales paling sickly gray hue. His movements grew sluggish. Sharr slumped weakly to the ground – life force draining visibly before horrified eyes of comrades.

Kragor roared in defiance. but even minotaur’s mighty form began to waver under spell’s insidious assault! Muscles bulged less impressively against hide; once vibrant color now dulled shadow of previous glory. The axe swung slower with each swing – until finally clattering uselessly from numb fingers.

Cian managed the longest. Tuatha Dé Danann warrior channeling inner strength to push back tide of death approaching inexorably. Yet still, lilting battle cries faded to hoarse whisper; nigh invulnerable flesh sprouting spiderweb of cracks from strain holding off inevitable end!

But Lilith was not waiting. Casting Haste, while on the run, and then Holy Aura on her sword, as she approached her undead opponent.

Undead King raised his arm to protect himself, but imbued with Life magic, sword hacked through his bones. Blade continued and struck his head. Lilith’s sword got stuck inside a skull.

Undead King grinned and launched his fist. He was strong enough to kill even a minotaur with single strike, and light from Holy Light spell already weakened, and was not causing him pain and damage. But, to his surprise, Lilith caught his hand and squeezed it. Cracks appeared on his bone, when comparingly small female squeezed his arm.

– Holy Word! – hissed Lilith and King’s jaw flew away, blasted by her magic power. Lilith noticed a crack in his armor and faint light. Without hesitation she stuck her free hand inside Undead King’s ribcage and ripped out his magic gem. For a moment undead monster’s skull bones looked surprised, but then his bones fell on the ground.

With the Undead King finally vanquished, Lilith turned her attention to her weary party. Azael, Sharr and Cian lay crumpled on throne room floor – their forms still weak from Death Wave’s insidious effects. Even mighty Kragor appeared drained, leaning heavily on his axe for support.

She knelt beside each companion in turn, placing hands upon fevered skin and channeling Life magic healing effects through slender fingers. Radiant light pulsed beneath fingertips, as it mended damaged flesh – restoring vitality bit by laborious bit.

The process took considerable time, but gradually, the party began to stir. Groaning and grumbling, they dragged themselves upright on shaky limbs. Lilith grinned to herself, in relief at their recovery, before addressing them all:

– Well fought, my friends, – she declared, voice ringing with pride amidst ruined chamber: – We’ve conquered yet another challenge together! But our adventures here are far from over.

She paused for dramatic effect, eyes gleaming with anticipation!

– We have tarried long in this dungeon, – she continued: – Mapping its depths and growing ever stronger. Now, I believe it is time to return above ground. To collect my well-earned reward from Gobniu!

A murmur of excitement rippled through the group! The prospect of leaving behind crumbling halls proved tempting lure indeed! Lilith nodded in satisfaction before turning towards exit – eager footsteps echoing as they followed their Master out into sunlight once more.