Infinity's End - Quismeral's Requiem

Chapter 2 - The flight of the heroes

I

            It was a magnificent sight. The two sides shared a common enemy which translated into an instant alliance. The armies turned and faced the black robed creatures. They shouted and charged, directing their force on the new enemy. Any army faced with the combined forces of the Altamians and the Illuminarians would have retreated immediately but the black robed creatures didn’t. They stood their ground even though they are outnumbered one to a hundred or even a thousand.

The robed creatures didn’t flinch, instead they slowly moved forward to meet the huge force. Their eyes shone like tiny red lights.

            The black fireballs continued to rain on the Altamians and the Illuminarians, killing hundreds every second. Soon, the huge force was reduced to an army of hundred soldiers. The soldiers stopped and watched in silence as the robed creatures slowly advanced. Their senses told them they are no match for these creatures. Blade emerged from the survivors. He sheathed his sword and looked at the new monsters. Flames started to lick his wrist, spreading faster and faster until it completely engulfed him. He walked slowly to meet the advancing robed creatures. Gabriel joined him, staring at their enemies, his wings glowing brighter.

            A column of fire appeared directly in front of one of the robed creatures. Blade emerged from it, swinging his sword in an attempt to sever the creature’s head. A blinding light emerged in front of another and Gabriel was suddenly there, sword swinging. Both champions’ attack failed. Their weapons went through the robes as if they were ghosts. Blade and Gabriel disappeared fast enough to dodge the robed creatures’ attacks. Soon, it was clear that they didn’t have a chance against such opponents but both champions knew that they must fight no matter how futile it is.

            Deep in their hearts, the heroes knew what they are up against. They were so absorbed with their war that they failed to see the danger that was upon them. Now, they must suffer the first wave of Phantasms. Gabriel conjured a shining shield with the Illuminarian logo on it. It protected him from the Phantasm’s spells and attacks. The other eight Phantasms continued to advance towards what’s left of the Illuminarian and Altamian armies. Gabriel lowered his shield and started attacking wildly. His attacks were useless as his sword went through the creatures. In his frustration, he concentrated his essence in his sword, making it shine bright. He swiped it and the Phantasm teleported behind him, casting a spell that hit him in the back. The spell sent him flying for several feet. He staggered as he stood up. Then it hit him. The Phantasm was afraid of his attack. Maybe the only way to defeat these Phantasms is to use magic. He concentrated his essence on his sword again. In a flash of light, he vanished, reappearing in front of the Phantasm. He swung his sword, aiming for the creature’s head. Instead of going through it, his sword sliced the creature’s head. The robed creature’s head was separated from its body. A strong jet of black energy shot through the sky, creating a column of black flame. The robe seemed to lose its form as it fell to the ground like a another piece of clothing. The Phantasm was defeated. Gabriel felt his strength leaving him. It seems that killing a Phantasm takes a lot of essence.

            As if on cue, Blade killed the other Phantasm. Blade went down on his knees as the robe fell to the ground. The war has only begun and for the Champions, they know there’s no time to rest.

II

            The remaining eight Phantasms continued their slow charge. As soon as they were three horses away from the remaining Altamian and Illuminarian forces, they started casting spells. The rest of the army started fleeing knowing that they were no match for the monsters. Henry tripped over a dead Illuminarian. His helmet fell and this time, he didn’t pick it up. He stood up and resumed their hopeless retreat but the voice still hounded him. It was soft as the wind, caressing his aching body, soothing his mind, telling him to flee. The person beside him screamed, making him forget about the wind’s voice. The person stopped running, he was literally frozen. His face became blue, almost transparent and then he shattered. Henry ran faster.