Dark Lord: Rise to Power

Arin had realized one thing, all the fights he had fought before today, were really nothing compared to what he had experienced today. And he knew it well that he could defeat the Archer and the Fighter because only because they were already very much exhausted and probably wounded as well. Else this day was going to his last.

He thought of resurrecting them, but dropped the idea because of the rogue who was lying dead. The mysterious person who had employed the rogue to tail Arin, would get cautious if he thinks Arin had killed him. So, he needed to leave the total scene intact so that the people realize that the rogue died in crossfire, or better he died while fighting these two. Arin decided what story he would share with outside world. The Archer, the Swordswoman and the Rogue got into a fight and killed each other.

Now he needed to search the Rogue to find any clue that could lead him to his employer. But he only found some lockpicks, a pouch full of potions, a pouch of gold, few excellent daggers. But there were no letters or amulets or rings that seemed out of ordinary or could give him any clue. But, to his disappointment, he found nothing.

Arin used his Scrying skill to identify them-

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Item: Healing Potion

Grade: Enhanced

Effect: Restores 50 HP instantly

Duration: Instant

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He took them two vials of potions with himself for emergency. He hoped no one would notice or take it seriously.

As he was leaving the scene after not being able to find any clue of the Rogue's employer or his affiliation, a strange sensation tugged at the back of his mind. He couldn't explain it, but something urged him to take one last look. Without a clear reason, he knelt beside the corpse and lifted the ear—an action that seemed almost out of his control. There, hidden in the folds of flesh, was the clue he had been seeking. A strange tattoo was made at back of his ear. It was a tattoo in the shape of an ouroboros, where a chain forms a circle and appears to eat its own tail, but the chain is broken at the mouth. Arin could feel in his bones, that it was not a simple tattoo, but symbol of some group. He etched the symbol in his mind, and decided to leave the cave keeping these three corpses untouched.

But suddenly he recalled, he had no idea of where Ragna was right now. She was not with her team. There was a chance she was with the dwarf. But the way they replied there was something strange. He needed to find her. He exactly did not know why he was feeling such, why was he feeling urge to check on her. But he had to.

He dragged his aching bruised body to the third level. He knew well that at this state he could not fight anymore. It was suicidal. But, for some unknown reason he kept on pushing. But suddenly he heard in his mind, "Milord it is near Midnight. Do we have your permission to arrive at the upper world?"

It was Zulkarnash. Arin had forgotten about this matter being lost in all these events. For Arin, it was an welcome news. He advised them to come out secretly, so that no one can not see them emerging rom the underground; cover their tracks; hide the entry point; and rush to Cave of Echo where he was now.

"Would will be done!" Zulkarnash spoke. Arin did not know how long it would take for them to arrive. He had a hunch, if he was late to find Ragna, something might go wrong. He went to the entrance. There were carcasses of various creatures on his path, most probably they were killed by the four. Well, it was good for him, as he was not in condition to fight anymore. He followed trail of corpses to arrive at mouth of innermost level.

He took a deep breath, and hoping to prepare for worst, he went down.

It was strangely bright for a cavern which was very deep in the underground. There were strange big crystals protruding from the surface. But it seemed there were some other sources of light beside these crystals. The surface was surprisingly smooth which was strangely odd for a wall. But it was not time to investigate the secrets or geography of the cave. Arin could smell a foul smell. Like something burnt very badly. He decided to follow the smell.

Arin walked a bit following the stench to discover a strange but gruesome scene. It was literally a mountain of burnt corpses of various strange beasts. He looked a bit closely and was shaken to discover a human hand which was hanging out from the pile of carcasses of creatures. Arin pulled the hand, but it seemed the main body was buried deeply under pile of the charred heavy dead bodies. He had to pull it harder. After a few tries the body came out. Well, it was not the whole body, but the upper half of it. It was not Ragna, but the Dwarf.

Arin had an idea. Most probably the dwarf was surrounded by the beasts or was at his last legs. He casted an explosion spell to take as many of the creature as possible with him. But where was Ragna, he wondered.

Arin walked a few more while to discover Ragna. She was lying face down. One hand stretched towards Arin. In that hand she was still firmly holding hilt of a broken sword. Arin held her hand to check her pulse. It was beating faintly. Arin flipped her on her back gently. She was covered in blood and numerous bruises. Arin raised her head a bit, "Ragna, I am here!". It seemed she was not in state to reply. He asked her to open her mouth. But there was no response. Arin could no more wait, and he poured both of the vials in her mouth back-to-back.