Book 4. Chapter 8: Final Battle for Life's Haven, Pt. 2

Book 4. Chapter 8: Final Battle for Life's Haven, Pt. 2

It appeared that it would still be some time before the creature would start its fight, so Jake urged Ophelia and Fhesiah to speed up their attacks on the dragon, and shifted the ranged beastkin to the dragon.

This now became a damage race, and Jake was glad that Fhesiah had lowered its health significantly already.

Ophelia activated her Valkyrie Champion ability, and she grew to be four meters tall, as she was filled with the flames of Hestia. Jake grew wings, and he flew himself toward the dragon, as well. He added Einherjar to Ophelia, her being engulfed in runic light, but stayed in his [Unbound State] for now. He did his best to stab at the creature in the air while still holding his shield, his strength now being quite respectable.

Ophelia gave powerful thrusts with her now-large lance, stabbing the frost bone dragon and removing large swaths of the creatures health with each stab. The creature tried to swipe at her with its claw, but Ophelia easily interposed her floating shield and continued with her assault.

The knight stood, and immediately drained the life of many beastkin, and began its assault with unholy might. The knight swung its sword, and Jakes old shield held by Kevin completely shattered, and the knight glowed green and followed it up with a supernaturally fast second blow as if a skill was activated, cleaving Kevin in half.

Kevin disappeared in motes of light, and Darris the turtle beasktin increased his water shield of auril and now got in the way of the large creature. Bloodberri surged forward and smashed her maul into the creatures knee with all her force that she could bring to bear, causing the knight to stumble.

The death knight quickly recovered, but Ophelia switched back to it and had gotten her shield pushed into its body, making it hard for it to swing its blade. She cut into the creature, the death knight pushing against the shield with its might.

The bone dragon started its breath attack once more as its health got low, and Fhesiah sucked in the flames again. She continued drawing in the frost flames, her orb being diminished more and more as she went.

The breath attack continued, and Jake cast his [Sacrificial Barrier] near her, to allow her to repurpose his flames. She continued to draw the flames in, as the creatures health bar finally reached zero. She continued drawing on something, until Jake thought he saw something different fly out of the bone dragon, the light leaving its eyes.

A majority of her saved orb of flame and torch flames entered her mouth with the dragon soul, and she smiled. Once again, she had found profit from the outsiders.

[I was mad when I didnt get one from the other encounters, but those were just reanimated corpses of dragon descendants. This really had the soul of one in it, some kind of evil undead frost dragon. It will take some time for me to purify, and Im really low on energy now, husband. I will have to spoil my surprise, and Im not sure how these reptile beastkin will react, besides.]

Jake wasnt sure how they would react either, having some idea on what her surprise was. But he could feel how fervent their attacks had become once they saw her golden sun attack. He felt that she had willed her sun to set and her moon to rise, whatever that meant.

The invulnerability was removed, and a new health bar appeared. The creatures movement slowed, its empowerment somewhat removed.

Despite being close to the death knight, Ophelia used [Intervene] on Darris, blitzing her large body into the enraged knight from behind. Her spear entered deep, and she pushed the flames of Hestia through her spear and into the creatures body.

It roared and used the area drain life again, and a malevolent aura was released, weakening and slowing the entire battlegroup. At the same time, several of the creatures from earlier in the encounter spawned as twisted, undead versions of themselves.

The giant scorpion, beetle, and golem appeared, and everyone received a prompt.

[All additional Bosses and Tower must be defeated before Death Knight can die.]

Jake took note of the prompt, before lightning struck and hundreds of ghouls spawned as well. He quickly willed the beastkin back into ranks to address this new threat.

For now, it appeared the tower was unable to be damaged. Many immediately leaped and attacked beastkin nearby. The rest, started releasing blighted smoke onto the ground. Even the three undead versions of the scorpion, beetle, and golem had a blighted aura.

Jake sent Bloodberri after the scorpion, and Fhesiah to handle kiting around the golem, and he sent Darris, Jarrix, Vesuvius, and Roxo after the giant beetle and additional enemies.

Jake felt like his movements were sluggish, and the effects of his spells were all reduced. Ophelia even shrunk slightly as she removed her spear from the body of her target, and continued her assault, a near one on one against the boss.

Jake and Tanda were both aiding people around the battlefield. Jake was both piercing through ghouls with his spear, but also casting barriers and heals throughout the battlegroup.

Orans plants it was growing now looked like a wreath. It now grew, as it was pulling in the blight. It now had a sanctuary, where beastkin could escape for reprieve from the creatures. Ghouls attempted to attack, but they were rebuffed by the strong feeling of life, and Tandas vinelasher plants.

Jake realized that the blight was doing more than just weakening the beastkin. Whenever they died while covered in blight, they quickly transformed into ghouls. He thought that eliminating the blight took priority, and had Bloodberri pull out the epic censer he had crafted.

She infused it with holy energy, the holy smoke and wave of energy spreading out in a nova of holy light. This struck all ghouls and removed the blight near her, and even restored the beastkin that had been harmed by the blight.

The various beastkin rushed around in teams together, killing the creatures and protecting one another, either with melee or ranged attacks. The proficient hunters with shields formed battle lines, and were able to take on the ghouls somewhat safely, despite their low level. Jakes aura caused explosions all over the battlefield, hundreds of beastkin attacking or defending each second.

Despite all efforts, periodically beastkin would die. The enemy density in the encounter was high, and even a casual swipe from one of the four bosses would kill one of them. The death knight would move around, and occasionally its life drain would hit a target unprepared.

Bloodberri was smashing her maul into the scorpion with fervor one-handed, her face filled with anger at fighting the arachnid once more. The censer pulsed, pushing holy energy and smoke out in waves, protecting the beastkin by pushing away the blight and harming the ghouls slightly.

She had already smashed one of the pincers open, as it limply hung off the creatures body. It appeared that these elements were destructible components, the beam not healing them right away, unlike other damage.

Blood and Berri had danced out of the way of pincer attacks and blocked the stinger with her maul, but eventually the stinger struck her in the tail. Another nova echoed out from the censer, the holy domain spreading and counteracting the three sub-bosss blight.

She hissed as she was injected with harmful venom, but she used her [Maul of Hestia-Echidna] to smash into the creature. This purged the wound and venom, and debuffed the creature further than her dance accomplished.

Fhesiah faced off against the giant golem, having switched to being a Dark Kitsune to use her bloodline energy. It now took under ten seconds to switch, and she had merely lowered herself to the ground and covered herself with her large fan as she did.

She now burned away at the creature with ruinous flames, the golem chasing after her fruitlessly as its bone body broke down, covered in the dark purple flames. She spun and summoned foxfires with waves of her fan and torch, creating minor illusions to protect the beastkin against the other roaming creatures or burning them away.

Jake hadnt caught on to her change just yet, but it was inevitable as they fought around the large plaza. He rushed around with his enhanced strength, piercing through enemies and casting barriers and heals to protect and guard the beastkin.

The death knight swung its two-handed sword with increased speed and precision, but it was matched with Ophelias superior skill. She was smaller and not as strong as the knight after having been weakened by its deathly aura, but she deflected the blows and countered with better technique.

The battlegroup switched to the various opponents, spreading their attacks to creatures nearby, doing their best to work together and stay safe. Taking damage with only Jake healing in combat was quite difficult for him to keep up with. Jake wanted them to finish their nearby targets, and join against the nearest boss creature.

He would want them to all focus on one, but the reality was that this was not like an MMORPG, where characters phased through one another and dozens of people could stand on top of each other and attack the same target. People could get in each others way in melee, and projectiles could potentially hit your allies.

Viable attack angles were needed, and there was a limit to the number of people that could attack even a large creature in melee effectively at once. The plaza was large, and even moving between targets took time. Many just attacked the enemy nearest them, their battle formations moving across the plaza.

The four reptile auril heroes and Rookard were taking on the large beetle, the other nearby melee beastkin aiding them. They cut and slashed into it, as Darris interposed what was now boiling water from Jakes Aura to push into the creature and keep in its way and keep it focused on him.

Vesuvius and Jarrix both rocked the creature back with their auril-enhanced attacks, Vesuvius occasionally blasting the creature with his flames in addition to Jakes aura.

Rookards wolves rushed around, helping to kill the additional creatures that spawned and protect fellow beastkin. His auril-infused arrows pierced into the creature, the beetle taking significant damage from the five auril heroes combined.

After finishing off the additional creatures, many wailed on and attacked the knight, the venomous auril really adding up to reduce the health rapidly. Blows struck the knight from various reptiles, including many with their large glaives, spears, javelins, and arrows from all types of beastkin.

Other beastkin targeted weak points with ferocious auril and miniature explosions of holy flame erupting all over their respective creatures thanks to their attacks combined with Jakes heavenly aura.

Tandas golden light was near a fever pitch now, and she now switched from her bow to the crescent moon spear. Jake had her blaze after the beetle as it looked to be going down first, and Jake was more than impressed with her capability as he joined her.

Her attacks didnt yet have the power of his own, but they were quite close, with each piercing thrust taking out large chunks of the massive beetle.

Jake was doing his best to stab into the creature with all his enhanced strength. His Champions spear dug deep into the creatures carapace repeatedly along with the large reptile beastkin wailing on it, and the creature eventually was the first to die.

It was just in time, as diseases cast from the death knight started cropping up all over the battlegroup, requiring Jake and Berri to focus on utilizing purifying flames. Berri also used the censer to eliminate the blight and weaken all the undead on the battlefield.

Ophelia was focused on defending against the knight, using most of her mana and focus to prolong her [Valkyrie Champion] ability as she kept the deadly enemy busy.

The beastkin involved with killing the beetle once again split up among the different boss monsters, many ranged attackers joining Fhesiah as she kited the giant undead golem, and melee attackers joining against the scorpion.

The auril heroes joined Ophelia against the knight so that she could have some respite, her mostly maintaining herself against the main boss that was capable of cleaving most level twenties in a single attack.

When the death knight glowed green, its additional attack was difficult to counter, but not for her. She would interpose the shield and counter with her lance, continuing to tank the creature effectively.New novel chapters are published on

Jake and Tanda both joined Fhesiah, the golem near death at this point. He hardly had time to be surprised when he saw Fhesiah, her face like that of a dark purple fox as she sent flames into the creature. It was easy for him to ignore, them being so busy.

He knew she wanted it to be a fun surprise, but it ended up not quite working out. It simply took too long for her to finish her transformation before she needed the energy from her other form. He could tell she was going for making her form much more like the beastkin, having only the cosplay furry features that she was sure he would enjoy.

Bloodberri had trouble finishing the scorpion, as she had been maintaining the lives of those in the battlegroup, and only fighting one-handed with her maul, the censer in the other. Berri was focused on healing, while Blood was using her dance to land powerful blows to crush the scorpion. The other pincer was now mostly crushed too, but the stinger was a lot more than a mere annoyance to her.

The golem eventually died, leaving the scorpion and the death knight. It was at this point, that the tower lit up, and began shooting its mortars periodically. Beastkin could move out of the way, but only if they were paying attention amongst all the other danger in the plaza.

The girls were shocked at what they were feeling over their bond. Jakes body drew mana and Qi from each of the girls. Bloodberri and Tanda too were filled with anger. Even the beastkins songs changed, seeking vengeance.

Only Fhesiah and Rookard could feel something was wrong, the two fighting against the effect. Fhesiah gathered her foxfires, preparing a final attack Even though what was happening to Jake was a problem, they had to defeat the enemy first.

Tanda was far too weak to aid in the fight, but she stumbled over to the plants she and Oran had created, which were still giving off a light healing effect despite him now being gone.

Bloodberris monster instincts took over, and coiled her tail around the large knight, and slammed her maul strongly into it. The knight stumbled as her tail pierced several spots in her attempt to shred the creatures armor.

The knight raised its weapon to slash into her, when Jakes staff released a condensed version of his Hearth like a beam of light.

A scorching ray of powerful energy blazed through the edge of Bloodberris tail and through the knight, taking no heed to her snake body being in the way. She hissed in pain, but the flame burst through her armor and entered the knight, bringing its health down to zero.

The flame engulfed the creature as it roared, the divine flames of Jakes hearth burning it. Even the flames on Bloodberris tail burned and scorched her, beginning to spread.

Fhesiahs dark flames added onto the knight, and she wrestled control of all the flames to harm the knight further, and was just barely able to dispel Jakes flames on Bloodberri.

The beastkin all rained anger-filled attacks onto the creature, the armor no longer being repaired and the creatures body no longer being healed.

The death knight fell to the ground before it could get off another attack, and Bloodberri landed one last hit to the skull of it, the creature finally dying. Its skeletal structure shattered, and the large armor fell with a thud on the ground, as the bones scattered into dust.

The tower released a wave of blue light in a sphere, expanding rapidly for miles as the conquest was completed.

But the flames in Jakes body only built further, as it looked for a way to release its wrath. It turned to the giant monster in front of him Vesuvius. Even Bloodberri looked at him and started to prepare their maul, but then they snapped out of it.

Vesuvius could feel the desire coming from Jakes body. The desire to release his wrath on him. Even some beastkin turned their weapons toward him.

W-Whats wrong, Chief Jake?

Fhesiah then created an illusion of Ophelia over herself, and hugged Jake from the side. Thankfully, she had finished her vocal cords, even in this form. She did her best impression of Ophelia, which was quite good.

Im fine, Jake! Everything will be okay. Im not gone. Im right here. She touched his chest, and pushed feelings of confidence and reassurance over their bond. This seemed to snap Jake out of it, his body slumping, the mana and various energies gathering for his powerful spell dissipating.

Fhesiah caught him as he fell, his body passing out. She sighed. That was very close. She then activated her Torch of Hestia, the single charge healing Bloodberris heavily burnt tail.

Vesuvius looked over at Fhesiah and Jake in question, though it was mostly worry. Goddess What happened? Are you two okay?

Fhesiah smiled with her vulpine face, as she picked up Jakes head to rest it on her lap. Rest assured, your goddess is fine and will be back to her visage shortly.

Vesuvius gave a nod, and she continued, Regarding Jake, we have a lot to learn about what happened, but I have a guess. Even he had suspicions earlier.

He said, It was a challenging battle. Many died, but Chief Jake protected everyone with his aura. To turn on me From the moment I met him and heard his song, I didnt think it was possible.

She nodded. It wasnt him, in a way. She looked over to Bloodberri. Are you able to resurrect Ophelia before he wakes up?

Berri closed her eyes to feel over their bond. She gave a weak, but tired smile. I think so. I just needmore mana. That fight really pushed us to our limits. To think we, she looked down at the remnants of her shattered necklace, and even her scorched tail, almost died.

Tandas ears were flat, her filled with weakness from releasing her attack. She looked over at the dead, and was filled with sadness at all those killed.

She ordered the beastkin, Everyone, gather the dead. We need to loot the creatures, and see how many Berri can resurrect.

The auril heroes including Vesuvius began directing the beastkin around, and aiding their people in organizing the dead, and the dismantling and looting operation. While Jake and Ophelia could loot many creatures rapidly, it still cost mana. Mana that they required for resurrections. It appeared many that became ghouls didnt have a body left to be resurrected. Not all were, depending on if they had blight covering them when they died.

The beastkin were all exhausted from all the fighting through the city, but they pushed through to gather the bodies of the dead. Berri rested while drinking mana water, and even Fhesiah did as well. That energy was still pulled into Jakes Hearth with him unconscious, and Berri was able to draw from it.

After several minutes of recovery, she was ready. She latched onto Ophelias soul in Jakes hearth through their bond, and cast [Resurrection]. Her spell worked with the Framework, to reconstitute her body. Her heavily damaged equipment was drawn through Jakes storage bracelet and placed on her, as she appeared covered in white light.

Ophelia sucked in a breath, and looked around in confusion. Everything okay? She spotted Jake lying on Fhesiahs lap. What happened to Jake!?

Fhesiah said, Well talk about it later, but hes fine now, for the most part. Dont worry, sister, he shall recover.

Fhesiahs body began shifting, her covering her body with her fan once more, providing some level of privacy.

Berris face was filled with regret. Oh, sister. Im so sorry I wasnt in position to block or take the blow, attacking the tower!

Ophelia had a proud, but weak smile on her face. She was sick from being resurrected. Since her body was recreated and attached to her spirit, it would suffer severely reduced parameters called resurrection sickness.

For several minutes, she would be at nearly 10% of her normal attributes, rising to under 50% for the next day within the hour. It would take an entire day for her to be near 100% again, with some time spent in their Refuge.

She said, Im just glad that Jakes okay. She looked at her broken spear on the ground, and to the two large rents in her armor. Half her body was now unarmored, being cut in half as it was.

Ophelia added, I was more than strong enough to beat that knight, but my weapon gave out. Even after all my hard work, my weapon wasnt enough

Fhesiah smiled as she finished shifting, her dragon wings, horns, and tail returned.

Dont feel down. We all know that Jake can always count on you, as youve proven. If your weapon wasnt enough, then his shield wouldnt have been, either. You were really Clan Harts shield, protecting both Jake and Tanda at the same time.

Tanda was beyond weak, but she stumbled over to Ophelia and hugged her. Ophelia, oh, Im so glad youre okay You only died because of me, being too weak still. Thanks to you, I was able to finish becoming an auril hero

Ophelia hugged her weakly. Im just glad youre okay, new sister. That malevolent energy I felt like if it killed you or Jake, it would take your spark. I had to protect you both. Besides, you took out that tower.

Jake groaned as he awakened. He received a prompt that the conquest was complete among a flurry of others, but Jakes worry about Ophelia caused him to hardly process this. He woke to see Fhesiahs normal face rather than that of a fox. Jake realized his head was on her lap.

Thanks, Fhesiah.

Fhesiah helped him up, and Ophelia hugged him.

I Youre okay? But I remember and I got so mad

Berri resurrected me already. Im fine, just weak for the next day. But my spear

Jake chuckled. Its just like you to worry about that. Im so glad youre okay. I suppose I should have thought of that, but the anger overwhelmed all thought. Jake grimaced as he looked over all the dead.

It looks like we have a lot of work to do, but we did it, girls. We won.

Rookard came over, looking worriedly at Jake. You okay there, Chief Jake? I was worried when I felt

Jake nodded. I am fine now, Rookard. I dont think thatll be happening again, so dont worry.

Rookards face changed from worry to a tired smile, just at hearing Jakes voice and song.

Im happy to hear it. While its true were somber from losing so many of our brethren, you should still call the victory. We won, and our spirits should be emboldened by this. Some of us will be resurrected today, but the rest of us will be alive within the week. It is cause for celebration.

Jake nodded and recovered for a few more minutes. His entire body ached, and his hearth core actually felt hurt and strained.

When he was ready, he leaped up on a runic platform, and his girls arranged themselves near him.

Hearthtribe and people of Highlands, we faced Tartarus to reclaim our home. We took back Lifes Haven, and won the first major victory of this war!

The many beastkin cheered and roared, their people landing an immense victory against the invaders. Their counter-attack had been successful.