The Forsaken Arts

Chapter 42: Aftermath

Chri, Evenharth and Llaw were forced to watch helplessly as their friends continued to fall one by one.

With Cecilee and Naitosai now incapacitated, along with Krinx's rift preventing any reinforcements from joining in, Mikhail and Dai were left to fend for themselves against the dark assassins.

Krinx turned to rest his attention on the last standing member of the legion, "Pathetic, this is what JinX sacrificed himself for?"

He cut a quick glance to Mikhail, then back to Dai. With a gentle nod, he signaled to his generals to show no mercy as they began to sinisterly circle their prey.

"Then again, maybe there's more to you than you're letting on, let's see shall we?" he said sarcastically in response to Dai mustering everything he had and taking a defensive stance.

Mikhail watched as the generals closed in, Dai had been through so much in the past couple of days and he knew the obvious, that he would be dead in a matter of seconds if he didn't act fast.

For the first time since the battle had begun, he took the time to briefly look at the wreckage of the corridors and recovery center, but more importantly his family who both lay unconscious.

Amongst all the chaos, he understood that despite his reservations, he would have to surrender in order to save his loved ones. You may have won this round, but I know how to beat you, we will come out victorious in the end.

He reassured himself while returning his glare back to Krinx. For Rendarg. He forcefully swallowed his pride, took a deep breath and announced that he would go.

"I'm sorry, say that again?" Krinx responded with delight as he leaned closer.

"I said I'll go, just leave the others out of this...please."

With a smug expression, he raised his index and middle finger, signaling for his generals to halt.

"A minor request, very well."

Puzzled, Dai watched as the generals backed away.

"Wise choice you little shit, now get moving." cackled Pippy as he shoved Mikhail towards the rift.

There will come a time in everyone's life when they must make a decision that others won't quite understand, this was clearly Mikhail's, as apparent by the look on Dai's face.

The others watched helplessly in silence as he was pushed into the rift, Mikhail looked at them desperately while mouthing the single word, "Curran." then vanished along with the generals.

"Did you see that?" Chri asked as he nudged Evenharth in the ribs.

"Yeah..." he replied back, swatting his elbow away.

Already too invested in wondering what exactly he expected Curran to do, Llaw did not respond.

Dai and Krinx were now the only two that remained. Trying to keep his composure, Dai shifted his weight to his good leg while keeping a close eye on Krinx's subtle movements. Seeing him react so cautiously made Krinx chuckle.

"Well a deal's a deal right? Your pathetic life in exchange for the complete and utter destruction of the world." he said with a pleased smirk on his face.

Krinx then turned, clasping his hands behind him and passed through the rift, disappearing as it slowly dissipated behind him. With the rift gone, access to the stairway was now clear and they quickly rushed up to Dai.

"Are you okay?" Evenharth asked while scanning his wounds.

"Yeah, I'm fine." he replied as Evenharth helped to prop him against the wall.