Chapter 59 - Hell Takes No Prisoners
The smell of blood lingered in the air, thick and nauseating, mixing with the stifling heat of the hall filled with bodies. The floor was drenched in crimson, and the knight's scattered entrails gave the scene a grotesque appearance. Rygar took a deep breath, suppressing the fury burning within him. There was no time for mourning now. His gaze shifted to one of the hanging bodies. Still intact and breathing.
Poulak.
The beastman of the Adoldia race was hanging from a hook, bound by chains, his breathing ragged and uneven. Rygar quickly approached and woke him with a slight shock. His eyes shot open, wide with terror. He choked on a sob and tried to move, but his body was still weak. When he finally focused on the figure before him, his fearful gaze turned into pure relief. Tears welled up in his eyes as he mumbled, his voice trembling:
"Finally... Boss... The others... they..."
Rygar cut him off abruptly. The rumbling from the upper floor echoed through the mansion, reminding him of the urgency of the situation. Milis reinforcements were on their way, and he couldn't afford to waste any more time here.
"There's no time for explanations. Taes and Fehel are still alive. Take them back to Tinaver." His voice was firm and unwavering. "And take this bag. It has their missing limbs. The journey will only take a few hours, but I'll meet you on the way."
With precise movement, Rygar raised his blade and cut the chains binding Poulak, healing his wounds swiftly. The beastman collapsed onto his knees for a moment, still trying to process everything, but soon his expression changed. The fear clouding his eyes was now replaced by determination.
"I won't fail you again, Boss." He nodded and, with effort, carefully lifted Taes and Fehel onto his shoulders.
Wasting no time, Rygar raised his hand and focused his mana. The air vibrated around him, and with a single sharp glance from his magic eye, he fired a concentrated blast of fire at the ceiling. The stone structure gave way, opening a hole wide enough for Poulak to pass through. Then, he quickly molded an improvised staircase with earth magic, creating a safe path for escape.
Poulak didn't hesitate. With his comrades on his shoulders, he climbed through the passage without looking back. Rygar watched his figure disappear through the opening before turning his attention to the priest, who still stood motionless amidst the massacre.
"Are you a Saint-level healing mage?" Rygar asked, his voice returning to its usual cold tone.