Chapter 189 - It flinched
[Quest completed: Slay the Abyssal Vilewyrm]
{Skill points awarded: 7}
The Vilewyrm’s cavern was a chaotic hive of activity as the duke’s men scurried back and forth, tending to their wounded comrades and carrying the fallen. Allyssa, Shin, and Fynn were all helping, with Allyssa distributing healing potions to those in need.
Considering it took the young Shielder a day or two to concoct even the smaller batches of healing potions, Scarlett intended to make sure the duke compensated her handsomely for those.
Of the few dozen who had ventured on this expedition under the duke’s banner, roughly half were still in a conscious state. Of those, roughly half were well enough to move around freely after some healing.
Scarlett stood alongside Sir Home, gazing at the lifeless, teeth-filled maw of the vanquished Vilewyrm. Strangely, the demon’s carcass still emitted a smoldering light from beneath its scales, even though Scarlett had dismissed her magic a while back. Peculiar, but as long as it posed no threat, she didn’t care much.
Sir Home’s expression bore an air of grim seriousness as he examined the Vilewyrm. The sweat and grime from the battle still clung to his face. “It seems you were correct in that we were dealing with something far beyond our expectations, Baroness,” he said. “This was no mere dragon.”
“The lake outside was a rather telling sign, I would say.”
The man knelt down beside a pool of dark, ichorous blood that had begun to congeal. Drawing a dagger from his belt, he collected some of the viscous liquid and inspected it. A faint, golden light danced along the blade, and wisps of smoke rose from the blood.
“It’s been a long time since I last encountered one, but I suspect that what we just faced was a demon of the Blazes.”
Scarlett observed the blood. “I believe you are correct.” Her eyes swept the surroundings. “It would explain the unusual state of the lake, and why the creature chose this specific location as its lair. Due to its connection to the Wandering Realm, the Faywild Basin is a realm diametrically opposed to most demons, which would have deterred it from venturing further in. At the same time, the Faywild offers abundant prey for a demon seeking to accumulate power in the Material Realm.”
The knight captain regarded her as he rose. “Perhaps you’re right. You seem well-versed in these matters.”