Medusa's declaration filled the halls of Cor Vilgium with a deafening silence. The captives, bound by chains and faced with the looming threat of death, remained still, not a single person daring to step forward.
The Dark Mother's serpentine hair hissed with displeasure as she surveyed the crowd, her gaze filled with disdain. "What say you, Braver?" she asked, a mocking smile playing on her lips. "Will you make the sacrifice for your people?"
Finn, his expression stoic, remained silent. He stood tall, refusing to cower before Medusa's might, yet he made no attempt to protest.
Bell, his heart racing, spoke up in desperation. "Medusa, you got what you wanted!" he protested, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Now let them go!"
The Queen of the Monsters chuckled condescendingly, her eyes glinting with malice. "Silly rabbit," she purred, her tone dripping with disdain. "Negotiations are for kids."
Riveria, her expression darkening with pure hatred, fixed her gaze upon the snake woman. Medusa, noticing the Ljos Alf's intense stare, sneered. "It looks like you have something to say, Ljos Alf. Why don't I cut that thing you call a baby out of your belly?"
Loki, struggling in vain against the coils of the creature that held her captive, shouted, her voice reverberating through the chamber. "Ya promised you wouldn't harm them!"
Medusa's sneer only grew more pronounced. "What blithering fool keeps their promises?" she scoffed, her eyes glinting with cruel amusement. "I promised nothing. I merely said I wouldn't do it if you surrendered."
As the realization of Medusa's true intentions dawned upon him, Bell's eyes widened in horror. The Dark Mother, reveling in her newfound power, continued, her smirk growing wider with each word. "With Loki as my prisoner, I have leverage over the gods. They will do anything to prevent me from killing Loki... And it looks like I caught the virgin Goddess Hestia in my net, too."
Bell, his jaw tightening with anger and frustration, struggled against his bonds. "Leave them alone!" he demanded, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. The young hero, determined to protect those he held dear, refused to let Medusa's threats go unchallenged, even as the gravity of their situation weighed heavily upon them all.
"Hestia, there is someone extremely eager to have reunion with you."
Medusa's smile widened, a sinister glint in her eyes. "Hestia, there is someone extremely eager to have a reunion with you."
The doors to the chamber creaked open, and a tall, cloaked figure stepped inside. The sound of his boots echoed ominously against the stone floor. As the figure approached, the flickering torchlight revealed his face—Kleptos, the false God of Greed, an artificial monster that was cultivated inside Hestia.
Hestia's face paled, her eyes wide with terror. "No... not you..."
Kleptos grinned, his sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. "Ah, Hestia. It's been far too long," he said, his voice dripping with malevolence.
The air grew thick with tension as everyone in the room realized the gravity of the situation. Bell's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing with thoughts of how to protect Hestia and his companions from this new threat.
"You see, Hestia," Medusa continued, her voice dripping with mockery, "I always keep my word. I promised you wouldn't be harmed... by me. But I never said anything about dear Kleptos here."
Kleptos approached Hestia, his eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger. She flinhed away from him, her hands trembling as she backed up against the wall.
"That's right," Kleptos purred, his voice a low rumble. "You remember what I said that day, don't you? That one day, I would come back for you..."
Hestia's eyes filled with fear as she gazed up at the towering figure of the false god. "Please... please don't do this," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Please..."
The creature laughed, a cruel, mirthless sound that sent chills down the spines of everyone present.
Bell struggled against his bonds, his muscles straining as he tried to break free. "Hestia, don't give up! We can still fight!"
Kleptos chuckled darkly, glancing at Bell. "Ah, yes, you. The "hero". You've caused me much humiliation. I will have my revenge."
Medusa watched the exchange with amusement, her serpentine hair writhing in anticipation. "You see Bell, Kleptos here was so desperate for retribution against you, how could I refuse to offer up your goddess to him?"
Bell's mind raced, his thoughts swirling with fear and desperation. "Hestia!" he called out, his voice breaking with emotion. "I'm coming! I promise, I'll save you!"
Hestia's eyes met Bell's, and for a moment, their gazes held.
Medusa's laughter echoed through the chamber, cold and cruel. "The story of the last hero, Bell Cranel, comes to a tragic conclusion. When they read about you in the history books, you will be forever remembered a failure."
Bell shook his head furiously, his eyes blazing with defiance. "You're wrong! I will save her! I will save Hestia! I will save Loki! I will save my unborn child! And I will save my wife!"
"Ah yes, your wife." Medusa's lips curved into a cruel smile. "Riveria Ljos Alf. Such a powerful mage, reduced to tears at your expense."
Riveria struggled against her bonds, her face streaked with tears.
"Prepare a harness for her. Get the scalpels ready. Cut out the embryo. The last thing I want her to see before she dies is that she will never be a true mother!"
Riveria gasped in horror as Medusa's words pierced through her like a blade. "No... no..." she whispered, her voice trembling with grief and fear.
Finn watched helplessly as Medusa's creatures prepared to carry out their horrific task, his mind racing with thoughts of how to save his people. His heart sank as he realized there was nothing he could do, his own powerlessness a bitter pill to swallow.
Riveria lay bound to the cold, metallic table, her jade eyes wide with fear and desperation. The harness cut into her skin, pinning her firmly in place, leaving her no room to struggle. Her breaths came in ragged gasps, each one a struggle against the overwhelming terror that gripped her heart.
A trolley rolled into view, its wheels squeaking ominously against the stone floor. The cloth draped over it concealed its contents, but the air grew heavy with a sense of impending dread. The creatures attending to her moved with eerie precision, their expressions devoid of empathy or hesitation.
One of the creatures reached for the cloth, its movements deliberate and unhurried. With a swift motion, it yanked the cloth away, revealing an array of menacing surgical equipment. The instruments gleamed under the dim light, their sharp edges promising pain and suffering. Scalpel, forceps, clamps—all meticulously arranged for the grotesque task ahead.
Riveria's overcoat was roughly removed, leaving her clad in her black tank top. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat a painful reminder of her vulnerability. Another creature, its hands cold and unfeeling, grasped the hem of her tank top and pulled it up, exposing her belly to the harsh light of the chamber.
Her skin, usually so smooth and unblemished, now felt like it was on fire. The cold air of the dungeon bit into her exposed flesh, sending shivers down her spine. She clenched her teeth, her body tensing in anticipation of the impending violation.
Medusa watched from a distance, her serpentine hair writhing with malevolent glee. "Proceed," she commanded, her voice dripping with sadistic delight.
Riveria's eyes darted around the room, seeking any sign of hope or salvation. Her gaze met Bell's, his red eyes filled with anguish and fury. Bound and helpless, he struggled against his own restraints, his desperation mirroring her own.
"Hold on, Riveria," Bell's voice echoed in her mind, a beacon of hope in the darkness. "I won't let this happen. I promise."
The creatures began their preparations, their hands moving with mechanical precision. The instruments glinted menacingly as they were brought closer to Riveria's exposed belly, each one a harbinger of the unspeakable pain to come.
One of the creatures, an Archyad, wore a sinister-looking surgical mask that covered all but their eyes. It picked up one of the scalpels, and the blade made contact with her skin. Riveria cried out as the cold metal sliced through her flesh, carving a crimson trail across her belly. She felt every sting of pain like a whip across her soul.
With each stroke of the blade, Riveria's screams grew louder and more desperate. The Archyad was in complete control of the situation, its movements unhurried and methodical. There was no remorse in its eyes, no trace of mercy or pity as it cut into Riveria's vulnerable flesh.
Show Bell's reaction to the horrific scene unfolding.
Bell's heart pounded like a war drum in his chest, each beat resonating with a fury that threatened to consume him. His eyes widened in horror, taking in the ghastly tableau before him—the surgical instruments glinting malevolently, the cruel precision of the Archyad's movements, and most of all, Riveria's anguished screams piercing the oppressive air of Cor Vilgium.
"No!" Bell's voice broke, raw with desperation and helpless rage. He strained against his bonds, muscles taut and trembling with the sheer force of his effort. The leather straps bit into his skin, but he paid them no mind, his focus solely on the nightmare unfolding before him.
Every scream from Riveria felt like a dagger to his heart, each one driving deeper into his soul. Her pain was palpable, a living, breathing entity that filled the chamber with its oppressive weight. Bell's red eyes burned with unshed tears, his vision blurring as he watched the Archyad's scalpel trace a crimson line across Riveria's belly.
"Stop it! Stop it, you monsters!" Bell's voice cracked, his pleas echoing hollowly against the stone walls. His struggles grew more frantic, his body thrashing in a desperate bid to free himself. The bindings held firm, cruelly mocking his impotence.
Medusa's laughter, cold and mirthless, cut through the air like a blade. "Ah, Bell, your heroics are futile," she taunted, her voice dripping with venomous delight. "You are powerless here, just as you always have been."
Bell's fury surged anew, a tempest of emotion that threatened to overwhelm him. "I won't let you hurt her! I won't!" His voice was a roar, a primal scream of defiance that reverberated through the chamber. His muscles bulged, veins standing out in stark relief as he fought against the restraints with all his might.
The sight of Riveria's blood, bright and stark against her pale skin, sent a wave of nausea crashing over him. He felt sick with helplessness, the bile rising in his throat as he watched the Archyad continue its grisly work with mechanical detachment.
"Hold on, Riveria," Bell whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I will save you. I promise." His eyes burned with a fierce determination, a fire that refused to be extinguished even in the face of such overwhelming despair.
His mind raced, grasping for any semblance of a plan, any way to turn the tide. The weight of his own helplessness pressed down on him, but he refused to succumb to it. Riveria's screams, her pain, her blood—each one was a catalyst, fueling the fire within him, stoking the flames of his resolve.
"Medusa," Bell spat, his voice low and dangerous. "You will pay for this. I swear it."
Medusa's serpentine hair hissed in response, her eyes glinting with sadistic amusement. "Bold words, Little Rookie. Let's see if you can back them up."
Bell's eyes never left Riveria, his heart aching with a mixture of love and anguish. "Hold on," he whispered again, a vow, a prayer. "I will save you."
The other creatures gathered around the table, their hands moving in unison to clamp her legs open. Riveria struggled in vain against their iron grip, her body shaking with effort and adrenaline. But the futility of her efforts was clear; she was at the mercy of their will.
The Archyad continued its work, carving intricate patterns into her skin. Each stroke of the blade sent bolts of agony through her body, the pain excruciating beyond belief.
Finn's usually composed demeanor shattered as he watched the scene unfold. His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. "Riveria..." His voice, usually so steady, broke, betraying his helpless rage. He strained against his own bonds, eyes darting around the room, searching for any means to stop the horror. But there was nothing, only the cruel laughter of Medusa and the sickening sound of the scalpel slicing through flesh.
Ais stood frozen, her golden eyes wide with shock and horror. She had faced countless monsters, endured endless battles, but nothing had prepared her for this. "Riveria!" she screamed, her voice a mix of anguish and fury. Her body trembled with the need to act, to fight, but she was powerless, her strength useless against the iron bonds that held her.
Lefiya's tears flowed freely down her cheeks, her sobs filling the air. "Please, stop! Please!" she begged, her voice breaking with every word. She looked to Finn, to Ais, to Bell, desperate for someone to intervene, but found only shared despair. Her heart ached with helplessness, the pain in her chest mirroring the agony on Riveria's face.
Tiona and Tione's faces twisted with rage, their eyes burning with fury. "You bastards!" Tione roared, her voice echoing through the chamber. She thrashed against her restraints, her muscles straining with the effort, but the bindings held firm. "I'll kill you! I'll kill you all!"
Asfi's usually calm and calculating demeanor was replaced by a look of sheer horror. She turned away, unable to watch, but the sounds of Riveria's suffering filled her ears, a haunting symphony of pain. "This is monstrous," she whispered, her voice trembling. "This can't be happening."
Haruhime clung to Lili, her eyes wide with terror. "Bell... Bell, do something," she pleaded, her voice barely a whisper. Lili, equally horrified, could only shake her head, her own eyes filled with tears. "We have to... we have to save her," Lili whispered back, but the hopelessness in her voice was palpable.
Even Amid, known for her stoic composure, looked stricken. Her eyes were wide, her hands trembling. "This... this is beyond cruel," she murmured, her voice filled with a sorrow that seemed to weigh down her very soul.
The chamber was filled with the collective horror and despair of Bell's companions, their hearts breaking as they watched the nightmare unfold. The air was thick with the sound of Riveria's screams, a haunting echo of the pain and suffering inflicted upon her.
"You... you bastards...." Riveria said, her voice barely above a whisper. She knew it was useless, but she couldn't help but hope that there was some tiny shred of compassion hidden somewhere inside the Archyad.
"You foolish elves always thought yourselves superior to the rest of us." Medusa mocked. "Always looking down on the rest of us as if we were beasts. Now look at you, pinned down, crying for mercy like a pig awaiting slaughter."
The scalpel's edge gleamed menacingly as it cut deeper into Riveria's exposed belly, but just as it was about to pierce her womb, a brilliant light erupted from within her. The light was warm and pure, a stark contrast to the cold, malicious atmosphere of Cor Vilgium. It radiated from her abdomen, growing stronger and brighter with each passing second.
The creatures surrounding Riveria recoiled, shielding their eyes from the intense glow. The Archyad dropped the scalpel, its once-steady hands now trembling with fear and confusion.
"What is this?" Medusa hissed, her serpentine hair writhing in agitation.
The light continued to intensify, enveloping Riveria in a protective cocoon. Within the glow, a faint, ethereal figure began to take shape—a young girl with flowing hair and eyes that sparkled like stars. Eirlys, Riveria's unborn daughter, had awakened, her power surging forth to protect her mother.
The creatures attempted to advance, but an invisible barrier repelled them, sending them stumbling backward. Eirlys's presence grew stronger, her form becoming more defined as she hovered protectively over Riveria.
"Stay away from my mother," Eirlys's voice echoed through the chamber, filled with an authority that belied her youthful appearance. Her eyes blazed with determination, and the light surrounding her pulsed with a fierce, protective energy.
Medusa's eyes narrowed, her expression a mix of anger and curiosity. "So, the child has power," she muttered. "But it won't be enough to save you."
Eirlys extended her hand, and the light responded, forming a shimmering shield around Riveria. The creatures lunged forward, but their attacks were futile; the shield held firm, deflecting their blows with ease.
Bell watched in awe and relief, his heart swelling with hope as he witnessed the power of his unborn daughter. "Eirlys... Thank you," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
Riveria, though still bound, felt the warmth of the light enveloping her, soothing her pain and filling her with renewed strength. She looked up at Eirlys, tears of gratitude streaming down her face. "My brave girl," she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. "You've saved me."
Eirlys turned her gaze to Medusa, her eyes burning with defiance. "You will not harm my family," she declared, her voice unwavering. "Not while I am here."
Medusa's lips curled into a snarl, her fury evident. "You insolent wretch! I will destroy you and your pathetic mother!"
But Eirlys stood her ground, her light shining ever brighter. The creatures cowered, their fear palpable as they faced the unstoppable force that was Eirlys's protective power.
The tide had turned, and for the first time, hope filled the hearts of Bell and his companions.
The chamber fell silent, the only sound the faint hum of Eirlys's protective light. Bell and his companions stared in awe, their eyes wide with wonder and disbelief.
Finn's face was a mix of relief and amazement. "Incredible," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Eirlys... she's saved Riveria." His eyes glistened with unshed tears, the weight of his worry and fear slowly lifting from his shoulders.
Ais's golden eyes shone with a newfound hope, her lips curving into a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Eirlys," she murmured, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "You've given us a chance."
Lefiya's sobs turned into laughter, a sound of pure joy and relief. "It's a miracle," she exclaimed, her face breaking into a wide grin. "Riveria's safe, and it's all thanks to Eirlys!"
Tiona and Tione exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of astonishment and pride. "That's Bell and Riveria's kid, alright," Tione remarked, a smirk playing on her lips. "Tough as nails and full of surprises."
Asfi's analytical mind raced, trying to comprehend the extraordinary event she had just witnessed. "The power of their bond, the strength of their love... it's manifested in Eirlys," she mused, her voice filled with wonder.
Haruhime and Lili clung to each other, tears of happiness streaming down their faces. "Bell's daughter... she's incredible," Haruhime whispered, her voice filled with awe. Lili nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with pride for the family she had become a part of.
Amid's stoic mask cracked, a small smile gracing her features. "The child's power is beyond anything I've ever seen," she admitted, her voice filled with a rare hint of emotion. "She truly is a blessing."
Bell's heart swelled with love and pride as he gazed upon his unborn daughter. "Eirlys," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "You're amazing. Thank you... thank you for saving your mother."
Riveria, still bound but no longer in pain, looked up at Eirlys with a mixture of awe and adoration. "My brave, beautiful girl," she murmured, her voice filled with love. "You've given us hope in our darkest hour."
The chamber, once filled with despair and anguish, now buzzed with a newfound energy. The miraculous intervention of Eirlys had not only saved Riveria but had also reignited the fire of determination in the hearts of Bell and his companions. They knew the battle was far from over, but with Eirlys's power on their side, they felt a renewed sense of strength and purpose.