It was all over now. The Golem had crumbled away with a roar, terrified as its last moments of life were ripped from it. Bodies and blood covered the entire city, and once proud buildings now laid in ruins while others burned from magic and incidents. It was just like with the Dreadnought. At any other time, he would have been disgusted and horrified by the sight and his actions.
Yet Leon felt nothing but pride. He had proven himself as a formidable threat to the world at large, and this time, there were no rebels waiting to blow everything up and kill him in the process.
That left one more task for him to accomplish. He had been very careful not to reveal his name, even to the one warrior who found it necessary to attack him. The poor fool... In the end, it was a futile attempt. Even saving the people would have been a better option than fighting the destruction’s architect.
The only ones who knew his involvement aside from Romulus himself were Lord DeRosso, his lieutenant, Kunsel, and the firestarter, Claire.....and Ashe. That spoiled, idealistic princess turned out to be a traitor in the end, not that the Dark Knight was shocking in any way. He knew she was as bad as Hilda. Their first meeting alone had proven so. No, he would hunt her down, arrest her, and present her to Romulus. That way, he left no loose ends to pull threads from.
Calling a meeting for the entire town, he helped his own soldiers usher the frightened, heartbroken people of the mining city to the remains of the town square. Not many had survived the slaughter, but the few that had seemed to be traumatized and looking for answers, any answers at all that would explain the nightmare they had just endured.
Leon knew their pain well. He knew he could help them at least cope.
“Citizens of Sheffield, this is a day of great loss. Many of our close friends and families have passed on due to invading beasts within our town. The death toll includes most of our dear leaders and standing army as well as all of the Quartier’s family. It will take much time, maybe even years, to rebuild even a semblance of what we have lost.”
“However, it should now sadly be clear Raksana has abandoned us as has Joyce and her heroes. Where were they as their people were slaughtered? Why weren’t any of them fighting off the monsters like the rest of us? The answer is disheartening: survival. As long as the Quartier lives, they can perpetuate their failed religion, even if this means sacrificing her entire family to live.”
“Now, I consider you all like my family. You’ve all taken me in, allowed me to grow and flourish, and for that, I’ve given back to the community. I protected us from bandits and monsters before, and I tried my best to protect innocent lives today. It pains me to know I couldn’t protect enough people.”
“If you would allow me to, I wish to help Sheffield rebuild in any way I can. Allow me to make executive decisions on your behalf and protect you from any and all threats as we move forward. We have lost much, but the world will see our city rise from the ashes without a Quartier or a god. We can become great again, but only if we all work towards that goal. I only wish to act as your shield until we can stand on our own feet again, a shield against the other cities and any outside threats wishing us harm.”
“I understand the fear you all hold while looking into the future. This is not the first time I’ve experienced it myself. However, that’s how I know we can become great. I’ve been felled multiple times, only to pick myself back up and continue on. I feel I can help you do the same. In time, Sheffield will become a powerful city once again. Please trust me.”
Everyone in the audience seemed to ponder his words for what seemed like forever before they began applauding him. They trusted him fully now. Even his lies were believed. This was the final nail in Raksana’s coffin. The town was his, which meant it also belonged to Romulus. His master would be pleased with his success, and he would become the envy of the other villains.
Leon was triumphant. The Dark Knight had finally won.
Leon stood in the shadows of the lowest tier of Sheffield, preparing to summon the beast as he was instructed. Romulus had given him this mission as a chance to redeem himself from his earlier mistake. Succeeding meant atonement and a huge reward, but failure meant death. Failure just wasn’t an option here, not when he knew he had no reason to fail.
No Quartier to deal with. No active heroes to destroy. Even his own allies in the town deferred to him and his schemes...for the most part. Then again, why would any of them try to stop Romulus’ plan? Surely, they didn’t want to die like that.
Finally ready, Leon began the incantation. Summon magic was something he never had to deal with before in his world, but it seemed simple enough. Soon, a sigil was created under him, and the rocks began to tremble, yet he kept focused. Arcane energy swirled around him like a storm, and before long, it focused into a single point before him. This point then created the form of a giant made of stone, one Leon even recognized. He had fought with and against many of its kind, though the ones he knew were never as massive as this one.
“A Golem,” he breathed in awe as the titan let out a roar. Turning to the one who summoned it, the beast waited for its order. So this was what a summon was like, a powerful being in obedient service to you alone. Leon grinned at the prospect. Oh yes, this would be fun, especially when no one stood in his way.
“Go and strike the house of the Quartier! Leave no survivors!”
The creature roared again and charged in the direction the knight pointed in, directly toward the targeted house. He soon heard screams from all ages as the estate was wrecked and the people were battered. Running out into the light to get a better view, he smiled viciously as his new pet tore into the old mansion and its occupants. Generations of Quartiers past would weep. Raksana would soon lose her Quartier if Barbariccia did her job well, and now, she had no heir to the role. The Earth Crystal now belonged to Romulus.
‘This is madness! I’m a murderer for this!’
Growling at what remained of his conscience -how did it even survive?!- he shook it off and raced after the Golem, watching as the deed was done. Romulus would be happy. He had been faithful, and it paid off. Now no one could deny his power or mock his strategies. Sheffield was his to rule, even from the shadows.
In an experimental experiment gone awry, there appears to be unexplainable appearances of the oddest variety in Asteros! There are SIX NEW RESIDENTS within our world, causing all sorts of chaos and havoc, and the only way to be rid of them is to figure out who brought them here!
Rules of the Event:
Take note of the blogs (Mr. Cat, Jack Frost, Purple Man, GlaD0s, Patrick Star, Brock, and Smaug) and try to figure out which of our lovely group mods is behind them!
Once you’re sure, submit your guesses to the group blog! You are only allowed one submit, so be sure to include your guesses for each blog, and be confident in your answer!
You and your muse will receive 200 Gil for each correct guess!
Guesses will be tallied up at 12AM, April 2nd! You must send in your guesses before then!
Take this chance to interact with some crazy muses in the CT Universe while you can, and have fun!
Keep track of the tag #ct!af to see all the antics!
WARNING! : C H A L L E N G E R ・ A P P R O A C H I N G
[ a new foe has appeared - a new foe has appeared - a new foe has appeared ]
SMAUG THE GOLDEN, SMAUG THE IMPENETRABLE,
SMAUG THE MAGNIFICENT, SMAUG THE TREMENDOUS,
SMAUG THE UNASSESSABLY WEALTHY, SMAUG THE MIGHTY,
SMAUG THE TERRIBLE, SMAUG THE STUPENDOUS,
SMAUG THE TYRANNICAL,
CHIEFEST AND GREATEST OF CALAMATIES;
YOUR MAGNIFICENCE, THE DRAGON DREAD;
TRĀGU BURNS FOR BATTLE.
