Corruption

“Kali, Anna, go check on Sadie! Maya, protect them. I’ll handle...whatever this is.”

The girls nod and race off, leaving you facing the thing that used to be Halid. It laughs as you approach. “Yes, you will try. This shell is weak, but it’s disposable anyway!”

It leaps forward, bringing its sword around in an arc. You block with your shield glove, staggering slightly from the impact. Silently you thank Ky Dura for the gift. Your old shield spell would have shattered immediately. More blows rain down, the Halid-thing seemingly tireless, and laughing maniacally the whole time.

The reckless attacks leave openings, however, and you take advantage when you can, your blade carving through armor with ease. Every wound you inflict leaks more black blood, oozing like oil or tar.

You leap back to gain space and hurl a blast of fire from your sword. The fire washes over the creature, staggering it for a moment. Some of the wounds on it blaze as the fluid catches fire.Once it recovers, it laughs again, smoke rolling off its body. “Is that it, mageling? No, it should be done like SO!”

It hurls a blast of black fire, which you attempt to block with your shield. With a screech, the shield shatters, and you are knocked backwards on your back. The spell was dissipated, but you can feel that your shield is useless for the moment. You roll to your feet and eye the creature.

“What even are you? You’re not Halid!”

It grins, black liquid dripping from its mouth, and its movement growing more erratic and uncontrolled. “I am your chosen nemesis, fool! This vessel cannot contain my power, and its failing. A pity he’s too weak to finish you. No matter. I will be back to crush your little alliance once I’m done swatting these flies that returned from your world. Until then, enjoy your last days of freedom!”

As he speaks, Halid’s body begins dissolving, unable to contain the massive power guiding it. Still laughing, the body slowly turns to dark sludge. Finally turning, you find that the fighting nearby has stopped to watch the duel.

As you look at them, the opposing soldiers begin throwing down their swords. A man in armor decorated to show his rank approaches, and drops his sword at your feet.

“I thank you, master mage. We knew what he was, but we feared to resist his orders. If you will accept, I will surrender my division to you.”

You look at him for a long moment, then nod. “Very well. Disarm and stand down, and we accept. I will send someone to handle the rest.”

He nods, and you turn, looking for one of your officers. Passing along your orders, you leave the responsibility to him, and leave. You can’t think about that right now.