The Forsaken Hero

The campus of Western University bore the brunt of the assault, yet, miraculously, suffered the least damage. Despite the outward signs of the attack, powerful enchantments woven through the wood and stone had preserved many of the structures, leaving the streets eerily clear. Only the Heart of the West, the enormous crystal hovering above the citadel, was broken. Its glimmering facets had dimmed, and a series of jagged fractures radiated out where the Dragon’s claws had rested.

Amidst the chaos, swells of terrified students emerged from buildings, fleeing the campus in droves. As they passed us, many gawked at the massive Earth Spirit, then at me riding in its palm. Without slowing, they rushed past, their hurried steps never faltering, as though the colossal elemental and I were but phantoms in their nightmare. Their expressions spoke of pure terror, not the determination to aid the city that one might expect in such dire circumstances. The constant explosions and magical residue surrounding the citadel reinforced that thought.

I kept a vigilant eye on the crowd, searching for a glimmer of golden hair amid the chaos. The campus was meticulously organized, with dormitories forming the outer layer and educational facilities encircling the citadel. My heart sank as we passed the final residential streets, and the flow of students dwindled. Despite the thousands we had passed, not a single student possessed Elise’s beautiful soul.

With a heavy heart, I turned my attention to the battle that must be blazing in the center. Both Soltair and Trithe were there, meaning whatever foe they fought was formidable enough to persist this long. The soaring towers of the university blocked my vision, yet I felt a heavy resonance in my soul. Demons.

Immediately, I cast a few protective spells, shrouding myself in a haze of magic. A few spirit-sized steps later, we rounded the final corner, entering the inner campus. Fires burned across the gardens, and the outer layers of the structures had all but been demolished. Long troughs and fissures marred the ground, the scars of various magical onslaughts.

Battles raged across the courtyards. Demonkin cultists, swathed in dark cloaks, clashed with students and professors. The air was filled with the clash of steel, the cries of the wounded, and the screams of the dying. In the heart of the campus, before the towering heights of the citadel, a colossal demon engaged Soltair, who stood as a tiny flicker of light against its darkness.

This monstrous creature stood as tall as the Earth Spirit, its very soul brimming with power, surpassing even the seventh level. Its form seemed to be composed of nothing more than plate and blades sheathed in shadow, an uncanny copy of the curse demon we fought before. Countless ribbons of curses wove throughout the battlefield, ensnaring students and professors, leaving them writhing helplessly on the ground.

My eyes widened as I recognized the monster, and I quickly scanned the battlefield. The demonkin’s souls were bound in curses as well, which manifested as an uncontrollable rage in their expressions. They fought like savage beasts, throwing themselves into the fray regardless of their injuries. Just how had such a force made it to the heart of the city?

"Xiviyah!" My head jerked over as Soltair’s desperate cry reached my ears. "Help Trithe!"