Your Shadow Is My Light

Chapter 25 - Don't make me kill you again...

Normal text
Thinking
Onomatopoeia

Rayne's POV
I stopped before a pair of familiar gates. Placing my hands on the cold metal surface, I pushed lightly. The heavy doors swung open with an echoey creak. However, different from my last visit, there were no oppressive gusts of death rushing out in torrents. No residual bloodlust tingling in the air. Instead, it was dead silent. Lifeless. There's no one left to defend the throne room. No one left to intimate unwelcome marauders. And it's all because of me.

Suppressing the pangs of guilt pricking my conscience, I entered the dilapidated chamber. It was just as I remembered-completely trashed from the last battle it hosted. Hazardous potholes and ravines were blasted out. Most of the pillars and supporting beams have also been obliterated to pieces. In fact, it's more surprising that the dungeon hadn't yet collapsed at this point.

I surveyed the wreckage grimly, before my line of sight landed on the throne. Or what was left of it. It was once a magnificent sight. Now... The seat of power was in utter shambles. Chopped and smashed to smithereens. That bigot of a dragon knight had intentionally vandalised the symbol of Igris's unwavering faith. All in an attempt to spite him. A blatant spit at the Commander's revered sovereign.

An indescribable emotion surged in my heart. I feel conflicted. Even though that psychotic red demon had almost killed me, to see him fall from grace and end up in such a miserable state did not sit well with me. This was an unparalleled warrior who fought till his last breath in order to defend the remnants of his king's legacy. Not many knights have the loyalty nor the strength to stick to their creed without falter. Igris deserved every ounce of respect. Even in death. To be able to devote to his cause unquestioningly... He doesn't deserve to die like this.

Fists clenched by my sides as I slowly took in the desolate aftermath of the fortress that once struck fear in the hearts of intruders. Igris had dedicated his entirety to guarding his ruler's territory. Yet, the moment those revolting goblins posing as heroes came, everything was reduced to ruination. With all the possible riches plundered, and every remaining smudge of dignity trampled into the dirt.

I turned to face the general lying motionless against the wall. If corrosive miasma hadn't clung onto his corpse, I reckoned he'd be completely stripped and dismantled into metal scraps. After all, how could those greedy donkeys NOT have other thoughts about his S-rank armour?

My lips pursed tightly. Igris was once my enemy. The terrifying foe who's batshit obsessed with cutting me down. But now, I can't help feeling sour inside. What I've done thus far-colluding with deplorable rats to raid his domain-left a rancid aftertaste in my mouth. I couldn't swallow this bitter pill. However, regret as I might, there's no reversing this depressing outcome. It's too late to cry over spilled milk. What I had to do now was to continue treading down the accursed path I had chosen myself. Atone for my sins. I can offer Igris a deal-help me protect Ahri in exchange for his freedom. I will liberate his soul. Release him from the shackles of fragile mortality. Like this, at least he has a second chance to resolve his dying regret. Get the proper closure he deserved.

I will give you the sword to slay your enemies.

Even if that includes me...

My feet lifted as I walked over to the slumping figure. After days of not seeing each other, rust had already begun to accumulate on the once pristine armour. A long time has passed since the Blood Knight perished. Not to mention the insane stats he possessed when he was alive, the chances of resurrecting him were low. If I want to rouse the Commander from his slumber, he himself must have the desire to continue fighting. Which might be a tall order after having his conviction brutally crushed like this.