Epilogue
Death by magic that was supposed to heal, death by fire, by blades and spears - with so many losing their lives, was there any difference between their deaths at this point? Even so, they pushed back until the end, until no bandit was left standing. Although logic would dictate that the enemy would otherwise prioritize survival, the bandit’s king champion aura had got the best of their minds, unbeknownst to all the adventurers. Loud rumbles could be heard as the battle reached the end and more zones collapsed, taking with them the dead and the contrasting red and white everywhere.
With almost half of the courtyard crumbling to pieces and when adrenaline was slowly losing its effects, you came to realize the wind is howling strong again, a clear sign of another incoming blizzard. The silence ended abruptly, however, as a loud explosion occurred coming from one of the castle’s walls. More bandits poured in, shouts of courage breaking the chilly silence and fighting back the natural, powerful wind. Yet, it all came to a halt when they properly assessed the situation. Almost half of the courtyard was gone, several bandits buried alive, but most importantly - the large and unmistakable corpse of their leader was amidst the rubble. Weapons and magic tools were dropped and arms raised in unison as the bandits ceased any offensive activity.
Meanwhile, the second in command recovered her consciousness, eyes wide at the state of the battleground. Her eyes shot between the remaining lions, but thankfully there weren’t many losses. Although her words were fitting of the catmage, they weren’t as active and energetic as before. It was unfortunate, but at this point, even their second in command was a bit drained of her energy. She stood up, looking around again before speaking up.
Alright nya bunch, we’ve done it… Phew. Thanks for saving mah fur back then! We’re still halfway there though, so we must continyue kickin’! Anyone who still has guts, git the bandits that surrendered and bind them!
We gotta secure the fortress for Astorea so the enyemy has no stronghold to return to! Anyone who can’t, git a healer to treat yeself! I repeat, we're still not done here yet! We’re still not done here!
After the dance of death, the remaining few hurried inside, seeking shelter from the incoming cold. Even the dimly lit and alien interiors of the enemy fortress felt more accomodating and welcoming than the white storm outside - you can finally rest, for the main goal of this quest has finally been achieved. All the pain, the despair and losses you had to go through came to an unceremonious and quiet end.
The scene repeated itself throughout the entire fortress as the pride occupied the large halls and rooms, subduing each and every single encounter met with dropped weapons and shattered realities, despite it all being just a simple… Game. The king has been slain, the king has been slain…
It was obvious that their leader meant a lot to them - regardless of which walks of life they came from, he still took them under his wing.
What a shame,
Even though this was all a game
The good old despair was all the same.
Even so, despite all these losses, Astorea can walk forward towards a brighter future. Towards a new day where the player nation will grow and thrive - all thanks to your efforts.
The bandit king has been slain. The Pride has been reclaimed.
Yet, uncertainty fills the air. Nobody knows, and nobody dares bring it up for no one knows the answer. What happened to the man who brought you here?
