I Am Alucard [Ongoing]

CHAPTER VI - THE PYRAMID SHOWDOWN

As the realization of Grant's transformation sank in, one of the allied bandits couldn't hold back their tears, overcome with grief for their fallen leader. The sight of his once noble form twisted by darkness was a devastating blow to their spirits. They wept uncontrollably, their sorrow echoing through the chamber.

Adrian, witnessing the bandit's anguish, approached them with a gentle touch and a reassuring voice. "I understand your pain. Grant was a respected leader. But we won't let him remain like this. We'll find a way to save him, I promise."

The bandit looked up, their tear-streaked face filled with a mix of hope and doubt. Their voice trembled as they asked, "Can we truly bring him back? Can we reverse this darkness?"

Adrian met their gaze, his eyes filled with determination. "Yes, we can. Grant's your friend and your leader, and we won't abandon him. We'll do whatever it takes to rescue him from this malevolent influence. Besides... You guys are the first ones who asked us to tag along anyway and we can also save you guys too. I believe we can save your leader Grant. Yet, I and my party also has something to do here too, right guys?"

Adrian gazes at Maria and Richter pinpointing if they agree his confidence. They both nodded.

Touched by Adrian's words, the bandit found solace in his conviction. "Thank you, Adrian. I want to believe we can save him too."

With a reassuring smile, Adrian nodded. "That's the spirit. We'll need your help, and together, we'll overcome any obstacle."

Richter interjected, breaking the solemn atmosphere. "Adrian, have you finished comforting our friend? We must press on and find Grant."

Adrian turned to Richter, his expression resolute. "Yes, Richter, we're ready. Let's not waste any more time. We need to rescue Grant."

The trio, accompanied by the bandits, set forth on their perilous journey towards the pyramid's peak, their collective determination fueling their steps. The path was treacherous, filled with hordes of monstrous creatures lurking in the shadows. Yet, they fought side by side, their camaraderie growing stronger with each victorious battle.

Finally, their arduous ascent led them to a towering door at the peak, emanating an ominous aura. Maria, with her keen instincts, sensed the door's arcane nature, realizing it required a specific key to unlock its hidden secrets. Maria on the other hand felt a sinister magic beyond the door.

"Hmm? This power... It must be Grant." Maria said.

"Then I guess, beyond this door - we can face him now." Adrian followed.

Examining the door closely, Maria shared her observation with the group. "This door seems to possess an enchantment. It requires a particular artifact to grant us entry."

Curiosity piqued, Richter voiced his thoughts. "A door that demands a specific item... It must be of great significance. But what could that artifact be?"

One of the bandits, who had studied ancient legends and rituals, stepped forward, their voice brimming with knowledge. "I believe the door's seal can only be broken with the power of a rare and ancient relic called a Pentagram."

Adrian curiously asked. "A Pentagram? Isn't that the relic - that manipulates mystical energies?"

"Indeed..." The bandit agreed.

Maria's eyes widened, intrigued by the mention of the Pentagram. "Is there any chance we can find such a relic within this pyramid?"

Richter's sharp gaze scanned their surroundings until it fell upon a shimmering portal nearby. Richter points it out. "Perhaps that portal holds the answers we seek. It may lead us to the very artifact we require."