Chapter 5 – Last Scream
The ground shook as Helkaiser took the first step.
Cael didn't think. He moved on instinct, activating the newly acquired skill.
— Phantom Slash!
His body vanished in a blur. He reappeared behind the dragon, blade already in motion. The magic sword Abysslight drove itself between two scales. The dragon roared—more in irritation than pain—and spun, its tail slicing through the air.
Cael was thrown across the hall, crashing into a wall.
Coughing. Blood.
— Hey, technically you hurt him! Progress!
— Shut up…
Helkaiser opened his mouth. A surge of purple flames swept across the floor. Cael rolled aside and activated the Grimoire: Nemesis Flame.
— Burn!
A wave of crackling fire struck the dragon head-on. Light engulfed the hall. When the smoke cleared…
Helkaiser was still standing. And furious.
The dragon charged. Cael raised the book as an improvised shield, but was sent flying again. The white armor absorbed part of the impact, gaining a new glow. It was evolving… but not enough.
— Life level: critical. Uh… Cael? Time to use everything you've got.
He fell to his knees, breathing raggedly. The sword still in his trembling hand.
And then, a purple blob jumped in front of him.
— …Slimy?
— Summon time remaining: 5 seconds.
Helkaiser raised his claw to crush them both.
Slimy looked back… and smiled.
The Questionable Luck Amulet hanging from its "neck" shone like a tiny star. For some reason, it was working now.
Slimy screamed. Loudly.
— GLAAARRRGH!!
And exploded.
A wave of purple, acidic, chaotic energy filled the hall. Helkaiser roared. The impact flung Cael against a wall, where he collapsed, unconscious.
Silence.
— Congratulations… mission complete. By some absurd miracle… you survived.
Helkaiser was still standing—but weakened. Flames seeped from cracks in his scales. One eye shut. One side of his body charred.
And Cael, unconscious… but alive.
Beside him, the black-armored knight began to move.