Chapter 538: Impervious Will (1/2)

Morti roared for the tenth time in as many seconds before sitting down and nudging the Titan Warleader with his black nose. ”Nope. Papa is still sleeping.”

”It's fine, follow me.” The Ravager scurried toward the door, where Fey and Del were talking. ”Let's see how Donri is doing.”

Nix had assigned the Necrofire Mage to try to break open the Black Ice Sculpture that encased Lilac Rem. An area was cordoned off where seven sleeping prisoners were being kept. Although they were outside, the six who weren't bound in black ice were shackled. The sculpture had been dragged a few meters away and was currently being bombarded with black flames.

”Damn it!” Donri released his flames with a look of utter disgust. ”Fucking Black Ice is a total scam.”

The Ravager arrived with Fey, Morti, and Del in tow. Nix advanced through the waves of heat rising from the ground. ”I only know of two things that can break it.”

Donri's face relaxed when he spotted the Inferno Leader. The Blackfire mage hated his bone form and had acquired a [Thine Enemy] ring from somewhere for his own use. ”Would take a real strong flame.”

”That's one way,” Nix agreed. He studied the Blackfire mage for a moment; someone had given him a haircut. ”Is that the Ronnie special?”

Donri ran one hand over the top of his head. The dark archer loved to give Mohawks. ”Like it?”

”No.” The Ravager approached the chunk of Black Ice. Although it had been bathed in flames for several minutes, it was still frighteningly cold to the touch. ”Double paw, Morti.”

”Yep!” Morti reared back on his back legs before coming down with both paws on the Ice Sculpture; the distinct cracking of ice echoed the loud slam of his strike.

”Good enough, step back and let the fire mages finish the task. Try not to roast the prisoner.” The Ravager followed Morti a few meters away while silver and black flames enveloped the damaged sculpture. This time there was a visible melting as the chunk of ice started to shrink away.

”Hold her down, Morti.” Nix returned to the frozen witch's side and started using his claws to break away the remains of the weakened sculpture. The bear cub plopped down on the other side of her and rested a huge paw on the woman's abdomen.

Within a few seconds, she inhaled deeply and then coughed. Her purple eyes blinked open as her faculties slowly returned.

The cub observed the witch. Her purple hair reminded him of Pinky's pink hair. ”Hey, your eyes match your hair.”

”W-What? Who are you?”

”Morti.” The cub glanced at the Ravager, who was still clearing off the remnants of his black ice spell. ”Don't move.”

”The word you want is 'FREEZE.'” Fey pointed her long white staff at the prone witch. ”Of course, she was already frozen.” Fey smiled at her own joke, although no one else seemed to catch on.

Lilac's purple eyes focused on the bear cub. ”Not going to hurt me?”

”I don't think so,” Morti replied. ”Unless you attack one of my friends. I'll definitely swat you if you do that.”

”Where am I?” Lilac scanned the immediate area. There were two fire mages, a vicious looking creature that she couldn't identify and a monstrous black bear.

”Let me sum up.” Ravager Nix moved closer to her head so she could see him clearly. ”The trap that your Faction set up in the Honor Burrough was triggered with an unexpected result. The Blessed Viel is cycling across the width of Agony, Misery, and Dawn. Everyone that was in those Burroughs was instantly put to sleep.”

”Put to sleep?” Lilac tried not to stare at the long claws of the bear holding her down. ”Everyone's sleeping?”

The Ravager leaned against Morti's paw so that his yellow eyes were staring downward at the witch. ”They were until I killed them.”

”The Burrough Commanders? My Squad? They've all been killed?”

The creature's yellow eyes stared calmly as if he was discussing bird watching. ”Welcome to Inferno, where we kill people who get in our way.”

Morti's rumbling laugh caused the witch's already white complexion to look sickly. ”We have a lot of sayings like that.”

”True...” Nix held up a sharp claw. ”I'm not above making deals if you act in good faith.”

[The will of one of your companions has strengthened your resolve]

You have learned a new resistance.

You have been reconnected with your mortal anchor.

Guild and personal messaging have been established.

Nix glanced at Morti and Fey; neither seemed to be paying him any attention.

/Inferno: Nix: Looks like I'm back.

/Inferno: Ronnie: Outstanding! On my way. Are the others waking up?

/Inferno: Nezbit: No. I'm in the infirmary; everyone is still sleeping.

The Ravager puppet darted toward Fey's feet and then collapsed lifelessly on the ground. A moment later, Nix slowly sat up in the med-tent. ”Off my feet, Del.”

Del moved closer, pushing her soft muzzle into the side of his face. ”Finally!”

You Kill count has risen to 3,143.

You have leveled up.

The Bone Density of your Skeleton form has been upgraded to 7.

You have received a new title. [Lich King]

You have remembered your Elemental Abilities.

[Fire][Earth][Water][Air][Lightning][Black Ice]

Nix [Gemini Lord]