Lich for Hire

Driven by powers beyond mortal comprehension, Alkhemia rose into the sky. As it ascended, most of the city's buildings were reduced to drifting ash.

In the end, the entire city vanished outright, leaving behind nothing but a colossal crater.

James Watson stared at the horrifying sight before him, silently grateful that he had retreated quickly enough. Had he hesitated even a little, he too would have been swept away by that dreadful force.

The disappearance of Alkhemia was tantamount to the destruction of one of the Nine Kingdoms. Such an event was bound to trigger upheaval across the continent. James Watson could not linger here any longer. He had to return to the Lyon Empire at once and prepare for the coming shockwaves.

The paladins had arrived in haste and were now leaving just as hurriedly.

Ambrose, meanwhile, returned to his own castle with a lingering sense of frustration.

Aside from his phylactery, he hadn't suffered major losses. Before leaving home, he had already suspected that the alchemists were plotting something nefarious, so he had transferred most of his valuables away in advance. Even his phylacteries had largely been moved—the ones left behind were nearly expired knockoffs that he deliberately kept as bait.

As for the humans in his territory, it seemed that most of them had already fled. Ambrose did not particularly care. Alkhemia was gone, and it was time for him to relocate as well.

Without the protection of a kingdom, a lich was far too easy a target for adventurers.