How To Use Console Commands

Chapter 15

The loss of Kalastraad was felt by all. It was the first major loss for the Alliance since the battle for Gobhood began. Even with the defection of the Head Chef and the death of the Emerald Mage, the greatest impact was felt by the goblins. Kalastraad was their lone leader in a sea of humans and Grigori. The recently freed goblins who were little more than animals were barely contained by the Level 100 goblins that had been raised by Kalastraad. Their ranks were in disarray and many would-be Goblin Kings were already petitioning Payton to be the next in line to inherit the role.

Payton had little patience for it all.

"We're still in the middle of a war goddamnit," he rumbled, making a sweeping motion through the air. "We've got a one-day grace period between the two sides and the goblins are squabbling amongst themselves for who gets to be the next King!" He ran a paw down his muzzle in exasperation. "It's just like the goddamn politicians back home..."

Ghorrend looked out into the battlefield from where they stayed in their command tent far from the front lines. This night, they would not leave for Avergreen. A funeral was going to be held for Kalastraad in the morning. With the loss of their leader, the goblins were looking for some other figurehead and Payton was the next closest thing they had. It didn't seem wise to flee to safer shores.

"It makes little sense to me why the goblins would pick now of all times to vie for power," admitted the orc. "But I suppose that's why humans live differently from them. Look..."

He pointed to the river of lanterns and refugees making their way out of Gobhood. The death of the Emerald Mage and Daronllier's defection had crippled the morale of the defenders. Faoster was true to his word and allowed anyone who did not wish to stay withing Gobhood or had lost faith in him and his defenders to flee the city. Payton made it clear to those arriving that they were under no obligation to fight. Caravans and transports were being set up to the many villages and towns who had opted not to participate in the battle. They would wait out the war and return to whomever was the victor.

"Among those men and women are heroes of all shapes and sizes," said the orc. "If they were goblins, they would be swarming to Faoster seeking to be the next Speaker. But because they have all been so pampered, they are now defeated and have given up hope. Honestly, I would prefer if they were more like the goblins than the way they were now. At least then they'd have some backbone."

Payton gave the orc and his lover a wry smile. "Even if it means that they'd be in our way towards Faoster?"

"More blood on my blades is always welcome," chuckled the orc.

"Of course." Payton sighed heavily and lay down on the rough bed in the tent, draping an arm over his eyes. "It's just hard to believe that the goblins are now looking to me to elect their next leader. Back where I come from, I wasn't even responsible for getting anyone's coffee. Just thinking that I'd basically be put in charge of coming up with who will be the next leader of the Wastes is... it's insane."

"Not just the Wastes."

He glanced over to tent and was surprised to find Durandal stepping in. The soldier boar gave him a light wave with one hand. In his other three he was carrying what appeared to be a cheese platter, a jug and glasses. The boar set them down on the wooden table off to the side. The smell of cured meats, fresh fruit and sweet wine drew Payton over to the table, Ghorrend joining him.

"Exclusively from Daronllier," Durandal announced. "He wanted to thank you personally for what you've done for him and ending Aldurin but he's currently busy seeing to it that the refugees have enough food on their way to the neutral towns."

Payton had received a rather large request from Daronllier for supplies and Ichika was overseeing their flow to the refugees and the Head Chef. Payton was passively generating more and more supplies thanks to a macro he just kept invoking every five minutes or so.

"He just doesn't stop, does he?" Payton chuckled softly. "He hasn't slept for three days and now he's spending his fourth night after an enormous battle seeing to the refugees." He grabbed one of the grapes on the platter and tossed it into his muzzle. For a second, he forgot that canines generally had trouble with individual spherical pieces of food but remembered he wasn't any general canine and had more flexibility with his lips.

"I think what Ravenus said really struck a chord with him," said Durandal. "He is working to make amends."

Ghorrend let out a thoughtful noise. "Maybe he'd make a good replacement for Kalastraad. He is another Speaker and he owed a debt to the goblins. What better way to keep him in check than to make sure he keeps office as a public servant? Not to mention if we're going to break him free of his role as a Speaker anyway, the Dark Lord will need to summon a Shade. Might as well turn him into a Goblin King while we're at it."

That a really good point. It would kill two birds with one stone...

... Though I don't like the idea of politicizing someone's rebirth.

"We can't force him to do that."

All of them suddenly looked upwards at the top of the tent. Payton nearly choked on the grape when Ravenus unfurled from where he was hanging upside down and dropped down beside them. The bat cheerfully plucked a few crackers and pieces of cheese from the platter and began munching on them loudly.

"How long have you been there!?" exclaimed Ghorrend.

"Not long," said the bat, reaching for one of the other pieces of cheese. "I followed Durandal here when I saw him carrying this platter. It looked delicious and was going to ask him for some."

"You have yet to ask," Durandal muttered but was ignored.

Payton swallowed the grape and snickered softly. "I'm with Rav, though. We can't force Daronllier into that position and while it's tempting, I don't think we should lay it on him like that. He's a good guy. Just got trapped in a bad situation. The poor guy has served the people for hundreds of years, doing things he never really wanted to do. I think when we save him from being a Speaker, he deserves to be free to pursue his own desires for once."

"Then that still leaves us with someone to fill the role of leader of this nation."

The tent flaps suddenly brushed open. Tartarius and Axter slipped in.

"Why don't we elect the former-fucking-axe-wielding-executioner?" suggested the rhino, pulling up a seat and parking himself right next to Ghorrend with a playful nudge. "You're already the mayor of Avergreen. Maybe we should move the capital there and you should rule, eh?"

"Me!?" Ghorrend exclaimed. "Don't be stupid. My Governing Skill isn't nearly high enough."

"But it could be," replied Axter, having taking it upon himself to start pouring some wine for everyone. "Your growth into the ruler of this nation would be spectacular and an excellent learning experience. You would be relatable and could grow into your role."

Payton winced softly. "There was once a ruler that was elected into office in my world. Had no experience whatsoever and was kind of a terrible person. Didn't do very well at the job."

"See?" Ghorrend exclaimed. "I am only good at chopping off heads. I am not fit to be a ruler."

"You didn't let me finish." Payton leaned forward against the table, clasping his paws together while smiling at Ghorrend. "You're nothing like that guy. You're strong, capable and you've actually had a few months of leading already. Let's not forget you're actually fighting on the front lines, you've learned how to negotiate with other towns to the point we've had reinforcements from them and you fought your own inner demons, literally. I honestly think you'd make a great ruler."

Ghorrend's green cheeks turned bright red. "Well... Uhm... I am still unsure... What about the goblins? I can't rule them. I'm an orc Grigori. Not a Goblin King. I don't fancy being changed."

He's right...

"Maybe let the goblins have their own representative?" Durandal suggested. "Have a human representative as well. No doubt the goblins will split into factions and in all likelihood, you'll have humans who were initially loyal to the Dark Lord and those from Gobhood. Maybe having these opposing people, offering differing perspectives would not be a bad thing. Faoster surrounded himself with Yes-men that showered him with platitudes to the point that he's become completely delusional to his role and power. It came as a total surprise to him that Hagden betrayed him and I don't think he was expecting either Daronllier or Aldurin to turn on him."

"I haven't agreed to anything yet!" barked the orc. "Why can't we pick one of you? Or maybe Ichika or Amberline? Hell, why don't we just ask the people who they want to elect?"

"Because everyone here is too stupid to make a decision," grunted Tartarius. "No one has any ambition. The humans will never agree to have a goblin lead them and you sure as hell can't expect the goblins to fall under human rule after they were being fucking served as dinner every day."

"Lord Payton could always give a name to someone he finds worthy," suggested Axter. "The named could be transformed into a Grigori and put into power. What about that boy you rescued? Verinas was it?"

"No. Nope. Hell no." Tartarius waved his big, grey hands through the air. "The kid has been through enough and he's still recovering. The last thing you need to give to someone that just went through hell is to give them absolute power." He pointed at Ghorrend. "But elections. That's a good idea! Have a vote. That's democracy!"

The natives of Lexcia gave the rhino a confused look. None of them had any idea what a 'democracy' was though Payton understood the value of it.

Still, sudden shift in regime like that would be far too devastating. Gobhood would likely tear itself apart in civil war as it tried to adjust.

I need to nominate someone. But who?

"Maybe we can rule from a distance?" suggested Ravenus. "I mean, we can basically teleport all over the place instantly, right? Can't we just go to the next province and if we're needed, just jump back right here?"

Durandal shook his head. "Too risky. While we certainly have the mobility, there's not guarantee we will even teleport to somewhere safe when we land. And what if there are two crises between the two regions? We'd either have to split up our forces or sacrifice one crisis for the other."

"Sacrifice is part of the job description," Ghorrend grunted, taking a gulp of wine. "Though I suppose that's the bloody message throughout this entire ordeal. Daronllier and Kalastraad have had to make sacrifices to keep their nations running. Are we willing to do the same?"

Damn... It's a good question.

But I can't be like Inferiorix and do everything myself.

"There's one alternative," Payton suggested with a wry smile. "Unlikely as it is, Faoster might just surrender peacefully. If he did and decided to ally with us, I might just make him governor of the region."

He got a few incredulous stares from his party members.

"You're serious," Tartarius said bluntly. "I love ya, boss, but Faoster is fucking nuts!"

"Maybe but he'd only be in a temporary capacity as ruler. I'd make sure that he trains a replacement,” Payton reasoned. “It has to be a smooth, easy transition. We're already setting things on fire with this war. Any further changes might just incite the masses into civil war." He ran a paw down his face and grimaced. "I mean, those neutral townships and the refugees might not accept that I've taken over Gobhood. We might have war between us even after we finish off Faoster."

"Well then... who says that we must find a ruler immediately?" suggested Axter, refilling Payton's cup. The wolf hadn't realised he had drained it and mentally warned himself to ease up on the wine. "Can we not simply wait a little while things calm down? Perhaps we can spend a bit of time in Gobhood to rest and make sure the nation is secure before moving on?"

Durandal lifted a paw as the chimera was moving to refill his cup indicating that he had enough wine. "Because Orphan is on his way. We need to elect a strong leader as soon as possible so they can bind themselves to the Master Tower of Dominance and prevent the Reader from entering the Province or at least utilizing his full powers."

"But we don't even know where the bastard is," protested Tartarius. "He could be months away by now."

"All the more reason to hurry. He could be months away or mere weeks. Maybe even days. We do not know. The sooner we can secure our defences, the better."

We're getting nowhere and there's still Kalastraad's funeral to do tomorrow.

"Why don't we leave this for when we beat Faoster?" Payton suggested, lifting his cup. "We'll reassess our situation then. For now, let's just take comfort in this moment. It's the first moment of peace and quiet we've had since we marched on Gobhood."

"I'll drink to that!" Ghorrend exclaimed. "And no more talk of me becoming Governor of the whole fucking Province."

They toasted and drank. Even Axter joined in.

But a thought entered Payton's mind.

What about King...?

******

Kalastraad’s remains had been permanently fused with Aldurin's up to their chest. Without the Emerald Mage's expertise in goblin-human hybridization, they had no way of separating the two. It only felt right to burn the merged Speakers and lay the ashes on a shrine.

The problem came with who to dedicate the monument to. Many wanted to it to be dedicated just to Kalastraad. Others understood that this served as an opportunity to bring show they were not barbaric invaders and wanted to feature Aldurin.

Surprisingly, Carlisle came up with the best idea of them all.

In the span of half a day, the master architect had constructed a mausoleum outside of Gobhood's walls and out in the middle of the lake. There was a small island that could only be reached by boat. Against the backdrop of Gobhood, Carlisle had a Tower of Dominance erected and interred the ashes of the two Speakers within a secret compartment. This Tower was no ordinary Tower, however. Two, enormous, marble statues stood on either side of the Tower, both of them facing Gobhood. On the right was a human and on the left was a tall Goblin King. Both had a hand placed against the Tower like they were holding it up.

A plaque was placed at the base of the Tower.

'Dedicated to all the men, women and children, both human and goblin, adventurer or Speaker, named or unnamed and all the Grigori who died during the Battle for Gobhood. May their souls find peace in the hereafter. Let future generations never forget that death and freedom knows no race, age or mercy.'

The service itself was touching. Many goblins came up to the shrine, offering small bouquets of flowers and sentimental pieces while several humans cut pieces of their hair and lay it around the shrine. The biggest surprise, however, came when a boat arrived, bigger than the rest and with shiny armor glinting off the noonday sun.

"What the...?" Payton whispered.

Durandal was instantly reaching for his swords as Faoster Goblincaller stepped off the boat, escorted by some of his guards. Alliance members were immediately on edge while the refugees who had attended the service cowered behind their Alliance protectors.

The Listener approached Payton, eyes never leaving the monument. He was silent for a long moment... before reaching over his shoulder and drawing his enormous sword. Payton was just on the verge of activating God Mode when the Listener embedded his blade into the ground, blade first, and knelt down, pressing his head against the pommel of his sword. The remaining guards did the same.

They were praying.

Whoa...

Maybe somethings are sacred after all.

He turned back towards the Tower. Somehow, this moment of humanity had stopped the war even if it was only for the day. That could not go unforgotten for future generations. Holding out a paw towards the Tower, he announced, "SetDurability. One million. SetDefence. One million. SetArmour. One million. SetVitality. One million."

The tower and its monuments immediately glowed a soft, golden glow before fading. On the outside, it didn't seem to have any outward effect but to the stats, it made a world of difference. The shrine would be resistant to all weather and attacks. It would stand till the end of time.

It's the least I could do, Kalastraad. Thank you.

"I hope you did nothing sinister," Faoster said, drawing his blade from the ground and sheathing it again.

"No. I just made sure that the Tower will still be here even when we're long gone."

The Listener snorted softly. "Even you, Dark Lord? Have you no plans to rule from not until eternity? To usurp Inferiorix as Godmage?"

Payton shook his head and turned his back to Faoster, quietly activating God Mode. "No. I am a Dark Lord that is well aware of the consequences of death. The reason I haven't gone around wantonly resurrecting everyone that has died is because I have come to this world to remind everyone that death comes for everyone eventually. Everyone. Including myself."

Bit of a long shot there and probably overhyping myself but I can't let Faoster intimidate me.

"How novel," laughed the Listener. "I can't imagine why anyone would be proud to reintroduce death to the world."

"Because you can build a house to withstand any storm but the world will just make an even bigger disaster to shake you to your foundations," Payton countered. "You've got to keep evolving and growing or else you'll grow stagnant." He looked towards the memorial Tower. "That's what happened with Kalastraad and Aldurin."

Faoster lowered his gaze. "Is it better to live in sin for eternity or die in peace?"

Wow... He's surprisingly deep.

"Listen to me, Payne Red," the Listener began. "This war between us has cost too many lives already."

Oh shit! Is he going to sue for peace?

"No one else needs to be hurt or killed," Payton agreed. "What do you propose?"

Faoster's eyes remained hard and determined. "I will not merely lie down and die. Nor will I relinquish my role as savior of both goblins and humans." Those same eyes turned towards the monument. "But I can see now that you are after the exact same thing admittedly going through a different route. I wish to maintain a lasting peace between goblins and humans. You seek to revert them to a chaotic state where they argue and clash against one another but maintain a strong understanding forged through constant change and conflict."

"I like to think of it as the two species challenging one another so that they can constantly grow," Payton countered. "To me, your solution is one of constant oppression and subjugation; the sacrifice of one's free will in exchange for never-ending and unchanging bliss through ignorance."

"Indeed," laughed the Listener. "Our ideals are incompatible. But we need not let anyone else die for them. So I propose this." Faoster turned back to Payton. "Tomorrow, at dawn, at the courtyard of my palace, we settle this once and for all. You and I. No interference from anyone else. You are free to bring as many witnesses as you can and so will I but no one else will interfere."

It'll lead to the least number of people getting killed... but it'll just be me. I can't use my own commands on myself so if he gets a fatal hit in, I'm done for.

God Mode might save me but there are other ways for him to kill me without it.

I’m not strong. I don’t have the stats to back up a fight against a Listener. He could literally bury me in rubble and I’d never be able to physically dig myself out. If he’s got some stasis spell like the Emerald Mage, I can’t break out of it in some flashy anime-style reveal.

"Pretty ballsy of you to think a mere Listener can stand up against the Dark Lord," he huffed.

"Then you would have little to worry about if you are so confident."

Fuck...

"Do you agree to a peaceful transition of power should I win?" he asked, rising to the challenge.

"Do you agree to the same?"

Payton nodded firmly. "Is this to the death?"

"Death or until one or the other surrenders," Faoster agreed. "If need be, you can slice off my limbs, kill me and resurrect me as many times as you want but the moment I surrender, I will honor our pact and publicly announce my defeat." The Listener's lips twisted slightly. "Should you survive."

"And I suppose if I lose, I'll disband the Black Halo Alliance and you'll never hear from me again. If you survive."

Faoster held out an armoured hand towards him. "Then it is agreed."

He took the hand and shook it.

"Yeah. It's a deal."

******

"Are you insane!?"

Ghorrend was pacing back and forth in Payton's manor back in Avergreen. News quickly spread of the challenge between the Dark Lord and the Listener of Goblins with people clamoring to view the spectacle. There had to be some irony in the fact that Payton had once stood to watch a death match between Tartarius and several goblins and now he was going to be participating in one against the Listener of Goblins. Naturally there were mixed reactions from his party members.

"It's the quickest way to end the war and we might even get Faoster to cooperate with us," Ravenus said, hanging upside down from one of the rafters. "But I just don't like the idea of you going out there alone."

"I completely agree," Durandal snarled. "Tactically speaking, you'll be at a disadvantage. You've never been to Faoster's courtyard. He is familiar with the environment. We should see if he'll be wiling to accept a second. I volunteer."

"Hell no," Tartarius shouted, stamping a foot. "This is a classic grudge match. If we back out now, we'll look weaker for it. Besides, Payton has God Mode and he's the fucking Dark Lord. Have some faith!"

"I have faith in him. It's Faoster I don't trust."

Axter bent down and picked up the half-finished dinner sitting in front of Payton. "From what I have seen, Faoster has been nothing but honorable and wants what is best for his people. He has allowed the civilians to leave the war zone. He has kept up his end of the bargain struck when we defeated Aldurin and he even came to pay respects."

Ghorrend sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair. "This was a man who founded the city and ruled it somewhat fairly for centuries. He's a bit twisted believing he's the savior of all goblins and humans but I think that's a result of being fed bullshit by his Speakers for centuries. I say we give him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, if he betrays us, it'll be on show for everyone to see." The orc grinned savagely. "Wouldn't it just be delicious to see him try and betray us only for our Dark Lord here to stride out completely unharmed?"

"Morale for the defenders would plummet," agreed Durandal with a grunt. "It might even make him vulnerable to being attacked directly by Payton's abilities. But it is still a risk. What if his betrayal isn't directed at Payton but at us? At his troops?"

"What do you mean?"

"He still has thousands of troops of higher level than us and his elite guard. No doubt they will be watching the fight. Our troops will want to watch as well. What if, as he is losing, he decides to threaten us instead?"

I hadn't thought about that, Payton thought miserably. If he did that... I don't know what I'd do... I don't have everyone's references. The main party, yes, but everyone else...? I mean I could make a macro to get them before tomorrow but still...

Strange as it was, it seemed that while there were some commands that he could use to protect himself, those ones limited his ability to protect others. At the same time, he could empower others but couldn't do the same to himself. Maybe one day he would find some way to cross the gap between the current limitations but that day was not now.

"If they try to screw us, we'll just have to screw them right back!" Tartarius announced. "This is as much a publicity stunt as it is an actual fight. If Faoster decides to go the backstabber route, he's going to show his true colors and lose the support of the public."

"Will he though?" Axter countered. "The people of Gobhood seemed all too willing to turn a blind eye to the atrocities they were committing for the sake of their own comfort. Perhaps they'd forgive Faoster one betrayal if it would mean things could go back to the way they were."

God knows we've seen that on Earth many times before...

"Faoster is still a warrior," Ichika said grimly. "I would like to believe that he has a warrior's honor in him but given how he has ruled Gobhood and indeed what the world has become under his rule, I harbor my doubts.” She averted her gaze, her dark, almond eyes looking in the direction of Gobhood. “It might surprise you what will break a man." She lifted three fingers. "He was betrayed by three of this Speakers with his staunchest ally having died in the first volley. Any lesser man would be driven insane by that fact."

Carlisle slammed his tankard of mead hard into the table, spilling some of the amber liquid on the wood and floor. "I say we beat him to the punch! Everyone thinks we're the 'evil invaders' anyway so let's stoke the fires! Sabotage! Assassination!"

"No!" Daronllier exclaimed. "Those men are just doing their jobs! Let's not forget that we want to conquer Gobhood, not destroy it. If we destroy the city, there will be nothing left!"

"Of course you would say that," scoffed the architect. "Besides, Lord Rendshaw could always just recreate it all with a wave of his paw. In fact." He stood up, his cheeked flushed with inebriation. "Why don't we just level the whole city and I can remake it in Lord Rendshaw's image! Make a new fucking city! Hell! Rename it entirely!"

"You are drunk, Carlisle," huffed Gustav. He was playing with a couple of vials in his long, spindly hands, flipping them expertly between his fingers. "While I was never a fan of Gobhood's architecture and would welcome a cultural and architectural Renaissance, I am in agreement with most of the others on this council. What we do now will be the foundation of a nation and will effectively be our grand entrance to the world stage. How we define these moments will haunt us for the rest of our lives."

Amberline tilted her head to the side. "I have watched civilizations crumble and fall and anything can be healed and forgotten with enough time. Eventually, people will forget and you could always sing songs to the contrary that will change opinion one day."

So gaslight the public? Urgh... that sounds even worse.

Ghorrend lifted his gaze. "Wait... I think I may have a solution. Lysandria Ophelia Ocularia Seraph Eveline Haven Oberon XXVI."

There was a sudden eruption of green streamers everywhere and from behind the council table, a large green vine grew from the ground. This vine quickly multiplied, growing into an enormous bulb that rapidly flowered into a beautiful, pink rose the size of a small car. At the centre of the rose, perched on a yellow, pollen-covered bed, was Lysandria the fairy merchant.

"Oh my dear, Ghorrend, it has been so long since you last called," she swooned. "Did you get bigger? More muscular? You simply radiant strength, darling."

Ghorrend took the time to quietly slam his forehead into the table, hold it for a few seconds before lifting it again. "I have no time for your games, Lysandria. We have an urgent matter to discuss."

The playful fairy's features darkened. "Yes. Even the world of fairies have been abuzz with the upcoming battle between Faoster Goblincaller and the Dark Lord, Payne Red. While I have heard tell of Faoster's nobility and honor, I don't think he has ever faced a situation where he was at a severe disadvantage. There is no telling how he would react."

That's true. He was probably raised on the idea that Listeners were basically demigods and Readers were the gods themselves. When he became a Listener, he must've felt like he was on top of the world and was basically untouchable.

"So you agree then," Axter began. "He is unpredictable."

"Which is why we need to get him to sign an agreement," Ghorrend said. "Remember, there is a geas on me. What if we do the same for Faoster?"

I had forgotten about that... Maybe I should remove it.

"What are you thinking?" Lysandria asked, batting her eyes at him. "A magical agreement between the Dark Lord and Faoster? What are the terms?"

"Simple," Ghorrend said, rising from his seat. "The agreement was that only Lord Rendshaw and Faoster would fight one another to determine the outcome of the war but there was never anything to say that any forces outside could fight one another to determine the battle. I say we eliminate that possibility. Put it in writing that total and complete ownership of the entire province will be determined by the fight alone. No one else is allowed to act on behalf of one or the other and if any attempts at coercion will immediately cause the pact to favor the aggrieved."

"That seems a little on the nose..." Payton warned. "He'll call us out on not trusting him." He snapped his fingers. "I know. Let's make it so that we're protecting the audience. Under the magical spell, no one from either side of the war can be harmed. We'll say it's for everyone protection. This is the Dark Lord and a Listener fighting, after all. There's bound to be collateral damage."

Durandal slammed a palm against the table with a grin. "That's brilliant! On the surface, it sounds like we are just making sure no one will get hurt as per the original intention of this fight. In reality, it is preventing anyone from getting hurt until the battle is decided. This means that even if Faoster decides to betray us, we will not get harmed under the spell!"

Lysandria giggled and clapped her hands rapidly. "Oh! That is some fairy-like thinking! I love it!" Her features darkened. "But this is some incredible magic. I would be protecting an entire city and its population. That might be beyond my own abilities."

Carlisle drained his mug of mead and tossed it over his shoulder. "Let's use the damn Towers! Let's channel the pact through the Towers themselves. I can get it set up!"

"Will Faoster even go for that?" Tartarius asked. "We're asking him to basically trust us to drop a Tower everywhere in his city and hope that we don't use it to influence the battle."

"We'll throw it into the pot," Payton said. "Faoster knows the effects of the Tower by now. We'll say that as part of the agreement, the Towers will be nullified with its only influence being that everyone is invulnerable to damage so long as the battle is going on. We're trusting him as well not to mobilize his troops through the conquered territories. If I lose, the Tower deactivate. It'll sweeten the deal with him."

"Love it!" Carlisle exclaimed, stumbling over to Lysandria. "Come on, green lady! Let's get to work on this thing!"

The fairy laughed softly. "Oh! Well aren't you the character. A pleasure to work with you."

Payton looked to Axter with a nod. "Let's get a message to Faoster. Get him to agree to the terms for tomorrow's fight as soon as possible."

His chimera butler bowed respectfully. "Of course. I'll have a message sent right away."

Payton leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes.

This is it... The final battle.

_ _

_ _

******

Around this time in any RPG, Payton would have been making the final preparations before the fight. He'd have one final chat with each of his party members, saving his game and then marching off to the final battle. Contrary to the trope, however, time did not stop and he quickly found himself running out of daylight as there were too many things to do. Faoster has some amendments to the agreement including, but not limited to, the effect of any other Towers in the province and a stipulation that no one was allowed to fight under the influence of the Towers. It seemed that he also had his misgivings about people fighting on their behalf.

Payton was happy enough to agree to those terms but it still took an hour to get the message back to the Listener and then another for Faoster's response indicating that they would sign the pact on the battlefield while Lysandria acted as a witness and enforcer. The messengers had to relay everything by voice as well since no one else knew how to write or read - not even Faoster. Apparently, even the Emerald Mage barely understood what he was writing and most of the time and was just copying symbols that he had learned either from Faoster or Orphan. Payton had to question whether that kind of limitation was what led to all of Aldurin's failed experiments.

When that was all said and done, it was time to make preparations. Tartarius did a fitting of his attire, making sure it was durable as can be and infusing it with as much protection as his budding crafting skills would allow. He stocked up on potions as well from Gustav while downing some food from both Axter and Daronllier that would provide him with some much-needed buffs for the battle ahead.

Only then was he allowed some time to himself and it was well-past midnight. With dawn coming within six hours, he found himself anxious and unable to sleep. While he could down some anti-exhaustion potions from Gustav, he didn't want to rely on them. But it was hard to find rest when the fate of millions of people was about to be decided by him in a matter of hours.

He tossed, turned, kicked off his blanket, got cold and dragged it back on top of him and even did that weird thing where he stuck out one leg in the hope he'd find some beautiful equilibrium between hot and cold.

Sleep still eluded him.

That was, of course, until big, strong arms wrapped around him, pulled him close to the powerful, muscled chest and gave him a light kiss on his ear.

"When did you get in here?" Payton asked softly.

"Just a few moments ago," Ghorrend responded. "I've been standing outside your door for an hour. I heard you tossing and turning when I was walking by and waited to hear you snore before I would go to be myself."

"I snore?"

"Softly. It's cute."

Payton's cheeks burned and he snuggled up against Ghorrend's strong arms. The warmth from the orc was strangely comforting and he found himself drifting off to sleep. "Thank you."

"I should be thanking you. Come what may tomorrow, you have made a positive change in my life. I could not have gotten here without you." His grip around Payton tightened slightly. "So please... win tomorrow. Win so that you can change the rest of the world."

Payton held the orc's meaty forearms tightly.

"I promise."

A soft ding rang in his ears and just before he fell into a comfortable sleep, he noticed an announcement on the bottom right hand side of his screen.

Relationship status with Ghorrend is now: Loved.

That brought a smile to his lips, one he carried well into his softly snoring slumber.

******

Part of Payton had expected a grandiose spectacle with streamers, balloons, fireworks and all sorts of flashing lights to commemorate the momentous moment when the battle for Gobhood would be decided. He was only partially surprised when no such decorations were plastered all over the walls or no propaganda was on display. Faoster's palace was nonetheless still very impressive. Positioned on the crest of a small cliff overlooking the lake, its towering walls were reminiscent of the Flourishing Walls only much smaller in scale. The banner of Gobhood still hung over the edges. Towering bastions and stone structures loomed over the walls, polished and covered in black marble while being gilded with emerald. It spoke of extravagance but at the same time hid a degree of practicality. The walls, siege weapons and structures were still very practical. Overly decorative and flashy but still practical. Payton guessed that Faoster never expected any enemy to get so close as to attack his walls directly.

The broad, black, wooden gates were swung wide open while an honor guard of Faoster's most loyal men - all Level 100 soldiers - stood with their spears at the ready. Payton, escorted by Durandal, Ravenus, Axter and Tartarius strode down the corridor of armoured bodies to the courtyard. Faoster stood at the opposite of the said yard with Lysandria standing at the exact center. Men and women from both Gobhood and the Alliance were perched on the walls, safely away from the battle and watching the scene unfold.

The air was grim and a heavy sense of gravitas hung in the air. Payton was reminded of all those times back in high school or college when he had to stand up in front of the class and give an oral presentation. All eyes were on him. What those eyes truly hid and said was a mystery to him though he could guess that the majority of those in Gobhood armor prayed that he would fall to Faoster.

He took a deep breath as he approached Lysandria. Faoster did the same. As his gaze scoured his surroundings, he noticed a big, brown, furry hand hovering just over his shoulder. He smiled softly, grasped Durandal's hand and pulled it towards his shoulder. The boar tensed for a moment before gripping his shoulder tightly.

"I see much of myself and my Speakers in your little group," commented the Listener. "It makes me wonder which of them will betray you."

"I don't know," replied Payton coolly. "How many of them did you actually listen to?"

Faoster’s eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"

"Did you listen to Hagden's misgivings about how he much preferred a world where goblins are killed and used instead of preserved? Did you listen to Nevaught's techniques on how he disciplined not only the goblins but also his own men? Did you listen to Daronllier's feelings of being trapped under obligation and expectation? What about Aldurin's longing for his long-lost love and deep regrets?"

Faoster was quiet for a long moment and there was a flash of regret in his eyes.

"Perhaps I was somewhat deaf to their silent pleas. I suppose there is a lesson to be learned here. It is when it is most quiet that turmoil brews the loudest." He laughed softly and shook his head, donning his helmet. "When this is over, I will have to adjust my means of ruling. I won't sit idly by in my castle and rule from a distance. I will be among the people and listen to their misgivings with my own ears. I won't wait to hear it from the mouths of others who only seek my approval."

He's not a bad guy... Just... naive. Though I don't know if he's to blame or the Readers who coddled him.

"It's not too late to just call a truce," Payton offered. "Let's work together to make Gobhood better than it ever was."

"And I suppose that would mean that I would swear fealty to you, turn my back on the Readers and abandon everything that I believe in?" Faoster frowned deeply. "No. I stand by my convictions and my beliefs. I represent everything that Gobhood is, was and ever will be. If you seek to rebuild this province, you will have to do so through me."

He is what Gobhood is, was and ever will be... So he represents how this nation will never change.

I'm sorry, Faoster, but you'll have to go.

"I see," Payton responded calmly. "Then I suppose we have nothing else to say." He held out his paw towards Lysandria. "Let's sign the pact."

"Agreed."

Lysandria lifted her head and when she spoke, her voice echoed in everyone's minds like her words spawned from the base of their necks and rang through their ears. She gave a quick summary of the terms of the pact. So long as both combatants are alive and standing, the Tower of Dominance will create an area of effect that will not allow any physical, mental or spiritual harm to come to anyone under their umbrella. This was to protect anyone from getting in the crossfire of their epic battle. Victory would be declared the moment a combatant is either knocked unconscious, dead or verbally announces surrender. As per the terms of the agreement, the victor would be declared the undisputed ruler of the entire province.

The fairy provided a quill which Payton took first. He pricked the end of his finger, piercing his pawpad to draw some blood. Then he turned towards the floating parchment in front of Lysandria and quickly signed his name. Then he offered the quill to Faoster. The Listener took off his gauntlet, pierced his own finger and signed the parchment as well.

There was a thunderous boom as the Towers immediately began emitting their field.

"Those Towers are quite powerful," chuckled Faoster. "I would have to commission their distribution when I win."

"If your Readers had listened to a certain architect when they had the opportunity, you would have them in your possession. Would've made my conquest slightly more difficult."

The two combatants nodded at one another but not before Faoster offered him a harsh smile. They turned and gave one another a good distance. Durandal squeezed Payton's shoulder one last time before Ravenus leapt forward and pulled the Dark Lord into a tight hug. Axter pushed Durandal forward, urging the boar to join into the hug before joining in himself. Durandal still hesitated until Tartarius snuck up behind him and used his meaty arms to pull the boar into the show of affection.

"Good luck," Ravenus whispered.

"You can do this," Axter assured.

"Knock 'em dead, boss," encouraged Tartarius.

"Just remember," lectured Durandal, "he is deceptively fast. Keep your guard up and look for an opportunity to strike. Attacking blindly will only lead him to countering your moves."

Payton smiled and nuzzled each of them in turn. "Thanks. I've got this."

His party left him, hurrying up the steps of the walls to their best viewing positions. Payton took a deep breath then turned back towards Faoster. It surprised him that the Listener drew his bow first.

Here we go.

"Begin!" shouted Lysandria and she immediately vanished in a flurry of green sparkles.

Emerald lightning ran up and down the elegant curve of Faoster's moss-covered bow. There was no arrow pressed against the bowstring and yet as he pulled it back, the crackling green energies coalesced between his fingers, forming a scintillating projectile of bright green energies.

Oh shit!

"AGM!" Payton exclaimed.

Faoster let the arrow loose. It slammed directly into Payton's forehead and shattered into a burst of angry viridescent lightning. There was no pain but the shock of being struck right between the eyes did cause the wolf to stagger back a moment. The bright flashes also left him seeing stars. As his vision cleared, he noticed Faoster's stunned look. The soft murmurs of the crowd accompanied the stunned silence from the Listener.

Durandal was right. He's surprisingly fast.

Okay. Got to play this right.

Straightening, Payton calmed and slowly strode forward towards Faoster. Shaking free of his surprise, Faoster notched another lightning arrow and let it fly. Payton made a vague waving motion like he was swatting away a fly. The timing was a little off but the arrow struck his bicep and dissipated in a flare of energy. To the casual observer, it would have looked like he had swatted it away into nothingness. The awed looks from the audience empowered him and frustrated Faoster even more. The Listener pulled back at the bowstring, his bow itself glowing a faint, green light.

He's using a Skill.

The dialog box announced that the Listener was using the skill known as 'Thousand Arrow Barrage'.

Payton held up his paw right in front of him as the arrows came flying towards him in a near-constant stream. The projectiles slammed against either his paw or his body but did nothing more than cause a bit of discomfort as the flashing lights of the lightning dissipating upon touching him. It didn't even slow his advance as he kept the same pace forward.

'Ha! He's pulling a fucking Jedi!' laughed Tartarius in the Guild Chat. 'You go boss! Go Darth Vader on his ass!'

'What?' came the puzzled reply from Ichika.

Payton allowed himself a little chuckle as he reached halfway across the arena before Faoster stopped his assault.

Retaining a modicum of calm, Faoster shouldered his bow and reached for the twin, green-edged daggers hanging by his side. Emerald lightning wreathed his body. Before Payton could react, the Listener was suddenly gone. His instincts screamed at him. Perhaps there was some lupine sense about his body but he just knew Faoster had appeared behind him. He didn't feel anything when the Listener slashed at his neck with one dagger and slammed the other - tip first - into the small of his back. There were bursts of lighting that arced out in all directions but Payton remained untouched.

Damn. He's so fast the dialog box just now registered what attack he performed.

I guess that's why he's technically broken the system as well. His stats are beyond the normal levels that the system supports.

I've got to be careful.

Payton casually turned to look over his shoulder, offering the Listener a casual smile.

"No point holding back, Faoster," he commented loud enough for those on the walls to hear. "Things like that won't break through my defenses."

Gritting his teeth, Faoster leapt back and sheathed his daggers. He reached over his shoulder and drew the enormous, green-bladed greatsword. With a cry, he spun around multiple times, swinging the sword around to build momentum. Payton anticipated the direction the blade was coming from and held out his paw...

... Only for Faoster to immediately leap into the air, turn his body horizontally and use all that build up momentum to bring the sword crashing down on his head.

There was a dull thud and a burst of lightning that cracked the stone around him.

But other than that, nothing more than some mild surprise.

"Ooh. That tickled," he mocked.

Faoster sneered and immediately leapt back. He sheathed his sword before reaching for the long staff across his back.

This guy seems to have mastered all the disciplines. Even the Speakers were restricted to Grandmaster Classes but it's like Faoster has access to all classes.

An enormous rune circle appeared in front of the Listener, pointed straight at Payton.

Okay... Got to be careful. If this is some sort of restraining spell, I don't think I'll be able to do anything about it unless I immediately teleport away.

Thankfully, the dialog box gave him some information.

Faoster Goblincaller is preparing Verdant Lightning Beam.

The moment Payton finished reading the notification, his vision became consumed by bright, green light. All sound was drowned out by the crackling of energy and the angry roar of a constant beam of energy flooding over him. Again, he felt nothing and he curiously held out his paw, watching the lightning speed between his fingers like he was running his paw through water.

Huh. Neat.

The beam roared for a full ten seconds and continued.

I wonder how long this is going to take.

Another ten seconds later and Payton poked his head out of the side of the beam, peering at Faoster who was sustaining the attack.

"Uh... Hey, dude?" he offered, waving a paw. "Is it my turn yet?"

The question caused Faoster to lose concentration and the spell to end. Without the constant flood of green light, Payton was able to see the full extend of the damage. The ground beneath his feet had been carved by the circular laser-like spell. Behind him, the walls of the castle has been scorched and eaten into almost like someone had taken a drill to the magnificent marble walls.

I'm pretty sure that would have killed me if I didn't have God Mode on.

"Alright," Payton said, turned back towards Faoster, flexing his paws. "My turn."

Shield Wall!

Three huge instances of the Goblin Knight's shield suddenly appeared in front of him and without warning, they surged forward at Faoster. The Listener didn't have the time to sheath his staff and draw a blade so all he could do was hold up his staff. The shields slammed into him, pushing him back a few feet. The purpose, however, was to keep Payton from the Listener's view.

Cannon Burst!

Two cannons - the same model as what Hagden used against them - appeared on either side of him. They immediately went off, shooting fiery goblin heads straight at Faoster just as the shield disappeared. The Listener took both attacks straight to the chest, the burst of fire and ash sending him stumbled back several more feet.

Keep it going! Emerald Storm!

Above the Listener, five huge emerald spikes appeared, just like the ones that Aldurin had summoned in their battle. They immediately rained down on the stunned Faoster. The crowd gasped as they pierced Faoster's armor and the first sign of blood was shown in the battle. But it was minimal damage at best. While Payton could only see the Listener's health bar as a constantly glitching mess, he could make out enough to see that it had barely taken off a slab of damage. Nonetheless, it was a win for him.

Faoster suddenly roared. His war cry shattered the crystals around him, scattering the shards in all directions.

Now's my chance! SetLoc!

Payton vanished, immediately appeared right behind the Listener.

Melting Splash!

With a swing of his paw, the same acidic, green sludge that Daronllier had used flung from his fingertips, splashing across Faoster's coat. The Listener staggered forward and swung at Payton with the staff. The move was sloppy and made out of shock so Payton was able to catch the weapon. Regardless of God Mode, Payton was still privy to the rule of physics. Faoster’s swing was much stronger than his footing and he was flung back a few feet while still managing to maintain a grip on the weapon. The crowd watched and gasped as the Listener's glorious, emerald cape with the furry lining began to melt away.

Melting Splash!

The same green acid seeped out of Payton's fingertips, eating away at Faoster's staff.

Realizing what was happening, the Listener of Goblins jumped back, the vaulting leap empowered by crackling lightning. He flew all the way back to his corner of the battlefield where he quickly dropped his staff and undid his cape.

"I never thought I'd see my own Speaker's skills and abilities used against me," huffed Faoster, barely fazed but clearly damaged. "You continue to surprise me."

"I'm here to change things," Payton responded, placing his paws confidently on his hips. "But I'm not going to forget everything that's led up to this moment. There are good qualities about the world you've build. Gobhood wouldn't have managed to survive for as long as it did without some merit. I mean, multiple walls? That's great! Those tunnels that the goblins use to get everywhere? Genius! Basically free food for everyone? Who wouldn't want that? It just needs some tweaks to ensure individual freedoms and ambitions."

"Still campaigning I see," Faoster rolled his shoulders as he drew his greatsword once more. Lightning crackled around his body. "I will silence you!"

He's up to something. He knows a normal attack won't be enough.

Without warning, Faoster vanished, a streak of green lightning immediately indicating that he had bolted far to his right. By the time Payton had turned, there was another crackle of energy and Faoster was zipping somewhere else. The Listener was bouncing all over the courtyard, the trail of lightning just barely catching up with his speed.

Shit! He's fast!

THUD!

It was only the dull noise of the greatsword slamming against his neck and the following cascade of emerald energies that signified that Faoster had struck him. Payton was still registering the attack when Faoster was already dashing away in a flood of lightning. The impact caused Payton to stagger.

THUD!

The next strike came from behind, causing him to stumble forward.

THUD!

From above, the blade slamming against Payton's shoulder, spinning him around from the momentum alone.

THUD!

Then from the front, the sword slamming against his chest. He was lifted up into the air momentarily, eyes going wide in shock. Faoster retreated and Payton fell to his knees, clutching his stomach.

No damage was inflicted but the force of the blows was enough to disorient and shock him.

I can't rely on God Mode. Faoster is beyond the system. He might end up breaking my invulnerability somehow if he keeps doing this. It's like I'm using console commands and he's using glitches or a trainer. I can't get complacent!

Payton lifted his paw into the air.

I can't catch him because he's too fast. So I'll just hit everything!

Greenfire Meteor!

An enormous, fiery, green orb appeared above them. The black rock of the perfect sphere crackled with the fel energies that the Goblin Knight had summoned. Everyone recognized the familiar spell and even Faoster took a second to gawk as the tremendous fireball came descending down upon them.

"Are you mad!?" demanded the Listener. "You'll kill us all!"

"Are you sure about that?" countered Payton with a smirk. "Remember, no one else will get hurt because of the agreement we signed. The only people that are going to get damaged is you and me. Thing is, I faced the Goblin Knight when he threw this at me and I'm still standing. Question is, can you?"

Faoster snarled at him. "That depends. Do you have enough time to complete the attack?"

With a roar, emerald lightning wrapped around the Listener, gathering around his legs. The Listener crouched and immediately launched himself into the air, charging straight at the descending fireball.

I was hoping you'd do that.

Green electricity gathered all over Faoster's sword, following the length of the blade and then expanding beyond it to make the entire blade at least fifty feet long, almost as wide as the meteorite. He let out another roar and swung the tremendous lightning blade at the projectile. There was a second when time seemed to stop... and then the meteorite split right down the middle.

In true anime fashion... Except.

Golem Fist!

With all his focus on the meteorite, Faoster never saw Payton summon a huge golem fist that came rushing at him from below. Faoster gagged as the metal fist that came from Hagden's mech rammed into his spine and sent him hurling right towards the split meteor halves. He was too stunned to react as Payton summoned another two golem arms, grabbed the two halves of the meteorite and then brought them slamming back together with Faoster right in the middle.

The flaming meteorite exploded, sending green fire and debris showering down everywhere. Some hit the stands but the people there remained unharmed. Others rained down into the town. Faoster himself tumbled towards the ground, parts of his armor completely shattered and broken, his grip on his greatsword loosening until the blade fell from his fingers. The Listener slammed into the ground with a tremendous boom.

I almost feel a little bad for deceiving him like that... But it's not like I did much damage.

He had maybe chipped off an eighth of Faoster's health based on what he could tell through the glitching health bar. The armor he wore was heavily damaged, however, and that left him a that much more vulnerable. A look around the crowd revealed that faith in the Listener was wavering. The locks on Faoster's character sheet were also starting to waver.

Getting there.

Faoster slowly propped himself up on his feet, gritting his teeth. Apart from a few scrapes on his face and pieces of shattered armor, he was mostly fine. The Listener yanked off his helmet and removed the broken pauldrons.

"I suppose I shouldn't have expected something so straight forward from the Dark Lord," snarled the Summoner of Goblins. "But as flashy as that was, you barely did any damage. I had nullified most of the meteor already and the fist of Koboldemussensterben didn't quite have the same punch as the real thing." He grinned at Payton savagely. "Your copies are just cheap imitations."

He's right. I haven't had the chance to really perfect them.

"Perhaps," Payton said with a shrug. "But you've got to give me props. I've already been able to replicate them in just three days of being exposed to them. Does make me wonder what I'd learn from you." One paw on his hip and the other extended to Faoster, he said, "You know, I'd honestly value your experience and knowledge. Give up now and be my tutor in all things goblin-related and I'll even let you continue ruling Gobhood. Under my supervision, of course."

Not to mention I only spent half a day making all these attacks. Didn’t have much time after the funeral and comping up with the geas.

He knew it was going to be rejected the moment he said it but he needed to appear as confident as possible to those around him. Each little line delivered with bravado and confidence subtracted from Faoster's support that much more.

The Listener laughed heartily. "A generous offer but I've already made my stance clear! Only one of us will remain standing!" Lightning began crackling from the Listener again.

"Then perhaps I'll take your legs so you can't stand anymore!"

Rising Golem Fist!

Another golem fist came bursting out of the ground, sending a stunned Faoster high into the air. Payton charged forward.

Cascade of the Golem Fist!

Six individual mechanical arms appeared around him and immediately shot forward, striking Faoster one at a time in a blistering staccato. He timed each blow so that as soon as one struck, the fist immediately vanished so that another could quickly make its blow. The moment the sixth fist had vanished, the first one reappeared for a second blow. Over and over again, Faoster was pummel by the blows until the Listener slammed against the wall of his own palace, constantly bombarded with crushing blows.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

A crater appeared against the wall, each blow causing cracks to appear against the porcelain walls of the palace.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

Faoster suddenly let out a roar. A blast of electrical energies erupted from his body, shattering the fists around him and causing Payton to stall his charge. The Listener suddenly launched into the air, shooting straight upwards in a beam of lightning, disappearing into the sky.

Wait...

Payton's animal instincts kicked in and he immediately scrambled to the right.

WHAM!

Faoster came crashing back down where he had been standing, the impact of the blast sending the wolf back several feet. Though he wasn't hurt, the subsequent crater that appeared from the landing was enough to freeze his heart.

Holy shit!

Then Faoster, eyes crackling with green energies, launched back into the air.

Fuck! SetLoc!

He immediately vanished, reappearing a short distance away.

WHAM!

Faoster against landed where had been standing mere moments again. In the same second as he landed, Faoster was leaping into the sky again.

Shit! I've got to find some way to stop him!

But there was no time to think as he had to immediately use SetLoc again and teleport away before Faoster crushed his skull. The Listener was attacking mercilessly. The gaps between each leap and landing was getting shorter. Payton could only use SetLoc so quickly and Faoster was catching up.

Think! There must be something I can do!

Wait!

Inspiration struck him.

SetLoc! Emerald Wall!

He appeared on Faoster's side of the arena before a wall of sharp, emerald crystals sprung up around him.

SetLoc!

He immediately teleported away again and, as expected, Faoster came crashing down on the emerald shards. The force of the blow shattered the Emerald Mage's near-impregnable defenses.

Okay. So somehow, high in the air, he's tracking me and that's how he knows where to land. Which means...

Emerald Wall! SetLoc!

Another crystal wall appeared far to his left and he vanished from sight just as Faoster leapt into the skies. He reappeared pressed up against one of the corners of the courtyard. Faoster predictably came crashing down exactly where the crystal wall was. Naturally. It was the far more obvious target.

SetLoc!

Payton suddenly appeared right beside Faoster. The Listener gawked as Payton wrapped a paw over his helmet. Unwilling to be caught off-guard, Faoster jumped. The ground dropped away as Payton suddenly found himself being carried high into the air, gripping Listener's helmet desperately. The lightning crackling from Faoster slammed against his body but did little more than send dazzling sparks off his body while Payton tried to fight motion sickness.

Shit! Shit! Shit!

"It was a mistake to hold onto me!" roared Faoster. His powerful arms wrapped around Payton, one curling around the wolf's neck and the other around his neck. "Now you are mine!"

That's what you think!

Melting Splash!

The corrosive goo erupted from his paws, seeping all over Faoster's arms and eating away at his armor.

"That won't be enough!" cried the Listener.

They began their descent and the ground came rushing back to meet them. Even though he knew he wouldn't get hurt, Payton still squeezed his eyes shut as -

SLAM!

... the ground came to meet him.

Faoster Goblincaller was panting hard in his ear even as the acid began to tear away at his armor leaving him with nothing more than the tunic he wore beneath. With a snarl, the Listener got up, tearing off the remnants of his chestplate and gauntlets. Payton, for the sake of playing it up, remained face first into the ground, letting the Listener rise up and pump a fist into the air.

He let out a victorious roar.

Gobhood soldiers joined his cheer...

... until Payton began to get up.

As the silence descended, Faoster's confidence began to falter. For effect, Payton let out a pretend sneeze which caught the Listener's attention.

"I think a fly went up my nose as we were coming down," commented the wolf. "Totally gross." He ran a paw through the hair between his ears. "Also I feel like my hair got messed up. Does it look weird to you?"

Faoster staggered back in shock. "What...? You... you don't have a scratch on you!"

Those locks on Faoster's character sheet were waving more consistently now.

"For what it's worth, you did dirty me up a little," Payton said, brushing shoulders theatrically and dusting off his trousers. "Shall we continue?"

"Wait -"

SpawnItem.

Goblinfall suddenly appeared partway embedded into Faoster's stomach. There was a second when the sword just seemed to hover there. Then it fully materialized. Faoster gagged. Without his armor, it was now possible for the shortsword to pierce his flesh directly, spawning within the Listener and cutting into vital organs. Faoster gagged, staggering back and staring at the sword sticking out of his stomach.

SpawnItem.

Another appeared against Faoster's left shoulder.

Splat!

Blood burst from the appearance of the weapon. Faoster was forced to stagger back and Payton advanced slowly.

SpawnItem.

Another pierced Faoster's left lung and this time, when the Listener gagged, there came a burst of blood from between his lips. The Listener was strong and determined, however. He still managed to lift his arm, lightning crackling from his fingertips.

GetItem. ACM

Payton summoned Goblinfall into his paw and pushed the blade right through Faoster's arm, piercing his palm and leaving the blade just touching the man's bicep. There was a moment of shock and confusion when the sword just passed through the Listener with no effect. Then...

ACM.

SPLAT!

Faoster cried out in pain as the sword fully materialized in his arm. The sudden unexpected weight and the fact that the long, stiff weapon prevented him from completely bending his arm caused him to fall to his knees. The audience watched in a mixture of mute terror and shock as they watched the Listener of Goblins fall before the Dark Lord.

Payton summoned another Goblinfall and activated clipping mode again. This one he plunged right through Faoster's chest, piercing the Listener's heart - or if not that, his spine. He didn't deactivate clipping mode yet, however.

"Surrender, Faoster," he demanded. "You can still make it out alive. I'm willing to show you mercy. Rule Gobhood with an even hand, with equality to both goblins and humans. Stand up against the Readers that would keep you oppressed. Learn more than just summoning goblins. Become more than you have been for the past hundreds of years."

Faoster coughed... only it wasn't really a cough. It was a dry, bitter laugh.

"Ply your wares all you want to me, Dark Lord. I will not buy."

Seriously dude!? I'm going to kill you!

"You are going to die," Payton pressed. "Is your life so meaningless to you that you won't do whatever it takes to keep living?"

"What is a life if one betrays one's convictions?" countered Faoster. "I'd rather die having lived by my code than die turning my back on what defines me."

Payton's grip around his sword tightened.

Fuck... That's... That's fucking noble. I could just imprison him...

"Then surrender," he pressed.

"The only way I will surrender is if you kill me," snarled the Listener, baring his bloodied teeth. "If you are to be the leader of this nation, you must make the hard decisions others are unwilling to make! The crown is more than a glorified symbol of your authority. It is a weight on your soul! If you cannot slay me here, you will never be able to rule!"

He's right. It was that kind of hesitation, that naivete that led Inferiorix into his current situation.

I can't save everyone...

... and it'll mean that everyone that's died up to this point will have meant nothing...

Damnit!

"Kill me," urged Faoster softly. "Let me die as a warrior, fighting with every ounce of my being to protect the world and ideals that I represent." His eyes grew watery. "Please... Lord Red."

Goddamnit.

ACM.

Faoster suddenly went rigid as the sword materialized within his chest. Payton let go of the sword and the Listener bent back, his eyes wide. The sword tip slammed against the back stone beneath him and he was stuck there for a moment, body partially suspended while being skewered by the sword.

Payton turned his gaze away, shutting his eyes and fighting the sickening feeling in his chest that he hadn't won fairly. Maybe if he didn't have God Mode on... maybe if he had been stronger and taken the Listener with his own Skills instead of using macros manually constructed from the abilities copied from the Speakers... Maybe the victory wouldn't have felt like he was cheating...

.. But those thoughts vanished when he heard the soft, triumphant laugh from the Listener.

"Why are you laughing?" Payton demanded.

With his one, free hand, Faoster pointed upwards. He was pointing at what appeared to be a green star high above their heads. "Kobolde Asterii."

"Huh?"

"I was not so foolish to believe that there wasn't a possibility that I would lose to you, Dark Lord," chuckled the Listener. "So I deployed my trump card. Kobolde Asterii." A mad, wide-eyed look crossed Faoster's eyes. "Under Aldurin's storm, I sent an enormous device into the sky powered by my very soul. In mere moments, Kobolde Asterii will activate. Its light shall bathe all of the province, reaching from corner to corner!"

Payton began transmitting exactly what Faoster was saying into the Guild Chat. He instructed Ghorrend to reach out to Lysandria as well.

"What will it do?" he demanded.

Loudly, Faoster announced, "Under its light, everyone will be turned into a goblin!"

Payton's heart stopped.

What!?

"You're kidding! Why?"

Faoster turned his sole working hand into a fist. "Because once everyone is transformed into a goblin, they will all devolve into warring clans. Their Horde Strength instincts will kick in. Even if you remain immune, you will be the king of tribal factions that will tear each other apart, vying for power! The goblins might even breach the walls of the province and invade other nations! They'll once again be a threat to the world! Orphan will realize this and he will deploy the other Listeners or even take to the battlefield himself! Another Listener will eventually rise to control the goblins again or they will be rendered extinct entirely! It matters not!"

The Listener let out a mad laugh, breaking into coughs to end the tirade. "If I must die, this entire nation dies with me! You will be left with nothing! Just ash and war! Without Kalastraad, you won't have a single ruler either! No one will control the goblins! You will spend months, maybe even years trying to bring them all under control. Orphan will descend upon you well before then!"

The audience heard all this and panic began striking each of them.

"It's no use! Kobolde Asterii is powered by my very soul! Now that you have destroyed this body, my essence will go up to it! I will power it completely! Even if I must die, its effect will spread all over the nation! The transition will be painless but the moment it exhausts ever last drop of my spirit, the goblins will tear one another apart! I may lose, Dark Lord, but so will you!"

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! FUCK!

'We have to get everyone out of here!' exclaimed Ravenus.

'It's no use,' Durandal lamented. 'It's powered by Faoster's soul. It will spread all over the province.'

'Maybe we can reconfigure the Towers to repel the effect?' suggested Axter.

Tartarius sent a few helpless emojis. 'They're occupied by the pact. Unless Payton declares he's lost and then uses the Towers, it won't work. Plus, what about those not being protected by the Towers?'

Payton looked towards the sky, paws closing into fists. 'I have to try. Get everyone as far from Gobhood as much as possible. Faoster said that it only affects those touched by its light. Get them to hide underground or indoors. Somewhere the light won't touch them until I'm done!'

He got a confirmation from his party and the rest of his council. As panic began to spread across the audience, Faoster laughed.

"There is nowhere to run! You will all be turned!"

"Not if I can stop it," growled Payton.

"There is nothing you can do! It's impossible!"

He let out a soft snort and regarded the Listener with a smirk. "A month or so ago, if you had told me I'd play a text-based adventure game and end up in an isekai of my own in the body of a wolf, I would have told you that's impossible. But here I am." He turned towards the brilliant green star that was slowly growing larger and larger. "Just watch, Faoster. I will do what you could not and save both humans and goblinkind! SetLoc!"

He vanished, reappearing high in the sky and far above Gobhood. The city looked absolutely massive from below but the glowing star was still some distance away. The height made him sick again but before gravity took over and started to drag him back to the ground while leaving his stomach in his chest, he immediately invoked another command.

SetLoc!

The star grew bigger and from his distance, he could tell that there were some spinning, concentric rings around a brilliant, green star. With another invocation of SetLoc, he drew even closer, close enough to see the device had to at least be fifty meters in diameter and consisted of a brilliant green light enclosed by four, spinning concentric rings engraved with runes. When the rings managed to align themselves, he momentarily saw the sigil of Gobhood flare up.

Think! There has to be some way to stop this all. Some way to disable it...

Gravity began to pull him back but he quickly invoked SetLoc again to reposition himself. He tried retrieving the reference of the Kobolde Asterii but found that the reference number was glitching out much like Faoster's character sheet.

It's powered by his soul. It's still bound to him. He's outside of the system so I can't manipulate it...

The glow was glowing brighter. He was running out of time.

Destroy it? No time. I just have to block its light. How?

He ran through all the items he memorized for battle.

Yes! That'll work!

He used SetLoc one more time to position himself right above the Asterii. With a sweep of both his paws, he shouted, "Shield Sphere!"

Multiple iterations of the Goblin Knight's shield suddenly came springing out from all directions, clamping down on the Kobolde Asterii and locking in with one another. Where they overlapped, instances of Faoster's own greatsword pierced their metallic frame and held them together. Layer by layer, piece by piece, he quickly wrapped the Kobolde Asterii in a dense layer of Level 100 material and equipment. He effectively made a miniature steel moon hovering through the power of the Asterii. When the last shield and swords fell in place, he let out a sigh of relief.

He landed on the sphere, grunting softly as his footing was momentarily disturbed by the quiet humming of the device contained within his metal prison. Holding out his paws on either side of him, he maintained his balance until he was confident enough in his position to not tumble off the steel moon.

Please tell me that'll be enough.

"Heeeeeeey!"

He jumped suddenly at that cheerful voice and spun in surprise.

Inferiorix came bounding over, beaming brightly.

"What are you doing here!?" Payton demanded.

"How could I not be here?" replied the Godmage. "I mean, it's your first fight against a Listener! I had to come see it! I was actually down on the stands watching it all. I mean, the way you played it... Wow!" Inferiorix performed a little chef's kiss. "Totally badass. Very Dark Lord. Awesome job." The Godmage's features softened a little. "I actually came here to see if you needed help with the Kobolde Asterii. The last thing I want to happen is for you to be turned into a goblin. Then that'd mean you'd be under my jurisdiction and won't be able to kill me."

Thanks. Nothing about all the other people that would have their lives ruins.

"I've got it under control," Payton sighed, rising to his feet and dusting off his paws.

"I can see that! Awesome job!" Inferiorix clapped his back. "I guess we'll just need to wait until Faoster's energy dies of its own accord and then we can release this spell."

The steel sphere beneath their feet began to rumble.

"I will not surrender. Ever!"

The disembodied voice came from behind them. As the two Dark Lords turned, an ethereal, green energy began seeping through the metal. Payton's heart froze as the energies, both gaseous and electric, formed into a transparent version of Faoster only twice as big.

"What the...?"

"It's his soul," Inferiorix said darkly. "That's some pretty dark skills you've manifested there, Faoster. Using your own soul has always been frowned upon. While the Reader of Time's abilities can keep you effectively ageless, using your own soul to fuel your magic is something that is irreversible."

"Is there a Reader for that?"

The Godmage shook his head. "Once. At least from what I heard. In ages past there was a hero that came from another world that could use the power of his soul, manifesting it and using it to triumph against a past Dark Lord. However, legend says that when his best friend and love of his life used the same techniques to save his life, he swore never to teach it to anyone again as it rendered that person incapable of resurrection. I mean, apparently he tried but she came back a hollow husk. The body was alive but the soul was just gone. When he died, he took the skill with him and there's never been a Reader or Grigori that could mirror that ability." Inferiorix's eyes narrowed. "So it makes me wonder how you can use this technique."

The spirit-Faoster laughed darkly. "Why would I divulge the key to your defeat so readily? I don't even know who you are."

Inferiorix's shoulders slouched. "God... Come on, man. I'm -"

Payton slapped a paw over the Godmage's lips. "Don't bother. This actually makes things easier." He turned back towards Faoster. "It means that we can destroy his soul directly and end the Asterii! Blade Barrage!"

Goblinfall instances appeared over his shoulder and launched themselves at Faoster. This time, it was the Listener's turn to just stand there as the blade merely passed through his transparent, green frame with no effect.

Uh-oh...

Payton narrowed his gaze on the manifestation... and found himself incapable of seeing a health bar... or a character sheet!

What the...?

"Nothing you do can stop me!" roared Faoster. He reached down, his fiery, green fingers sinking into the metal and starting to melt it. "All will be turned into goblins!"

"We have to stop him!" Payton cried.

Inferiorix lunged forward. "Way ahead of you!" He spread his hands forward. Molten metal sprang up from a big, white rune circle that sprang up in front of him. The metal spread all over the ground, surging towards Faoster. The spirit barely flinched as the steel covered the gap the Listener had created and sealed it up. The spirit, however, continued to just burn through the metal. He wasn't so much as melting the metal, more like anything that touched it just disintegrated upon touching him.

"Okay... That helped... sort of," mumbled the Godmage.

"Fall!" shouted Faoster. "All of you shall fall!"

Suddenly, the entire miniature moon plummeted. Both Inferiorix and Payton were thrown off as the sphere of shields began tumbling straight down towards Gobhood.

"He's forcing the Asterii to crash down!" Payton cried. "If it smashes into the ground, it might go off! We have to stop him!"

The Godmage nodded at him, eyes focused and fierce. "I've got an idea. The moment we land on the sphere, call up a weapon. Any weapon. Give it to me."

What is he planning!?

Gah! No time!

"Alright. I'm trusting you."

Inferiorix flashed him a smile and a thumbs up.

Both men slammed their arms against their sides, making a beeline straight for the falling orb. Faoster's soul screamed. The ghostly green spirit swung his hands at them. Bullets of fiery green energy flung from his fingertips, screaming towards the two. Inferiorix flung his hand forward, summoning an enormous perfect cube of rock to block one of the bolts. The green energy just ate right through the block before barely dissipating a few inches past.

"Do not get hit by those things!" cried the Godmage. "They're pure soul energy! By the laws of this world, they'll tear into you!"

I don't know if that includes my God Mode so better be careful.

Payton was not going to take any chances. He had no idea how to control a free fall so the moment he saw a clearing through the barrage of green fireballs, he immediately invoked SetLoc and drew that much closer to the falling sphere. Flames burst from Inferiorix's feet and a pair of brilliant, white wings sprung from his back. The might of the Godmage on full display. Payton inched forward closer and closer.

Far beneath them, Gobhood was getting bigger and bigger. He could actually make out the palace now.

Got to hurry!

SetLoc!

He dropped right on the surface of the tumbling orb. Inferiorix landed a few seconds later.

"Die!" roared Faoster. He slammed his fists into the ground. A wall of scintillating green fire surged forward, charging towards them. Inferiorix summoned a very thick wall of steel encased in shimmering blue energies, a physical wall as well as a magical shield. The flames seemed to dissipate on the other side, giving them a moment's respite.

"Now, Dark Lord!" demanded the Godmage.

"Got it! SpawnItem!" Payton brought out Goblinfall and handed it towards Inferiorix.

Inferiorix held the sword in front of him, gripping the sword while pointing the blade straight down. "Protect me while I do this. I'll need a few seconds." The while rune circle of the Godmage appeared around him with several instances surrounding the blade. There was another audible boom from the other side of the wall and Payton could only guess that Faoster had unleashed another attack.

Payton turned towards the wall. At least that had a reference.

SetDurability One Million!

The wall and its shield shimmered. Another boom and he gagged when he saw the durability drop down to half.

Fuck!

The Godmage began his chant. "By the name of Inferiorix the Godmage, bend to my will."

Another strike and the wall dropped down again by half.

Wait... Soul damage cuts the durability by half with each strike. Does that mean he can't actually break the barrier?

"My rule is absolute and all are under my rule."

BOOM!

Cracks began appearing on the wall and Payton jerked back in surprise.

Or... maybe he can actually attack it physically! Fuck! SetDurability!

"Space I mold to my whim, Time my every wish fulfill."

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Payton could just barely see the green light Faoster's spirit was emanating on the other side. He was striking the wall faster than Payton could invoke the command.

"I command thee from your heart to your every molecule."

SetDurability! SetDurability! SetDurability!

For a second, the constant booming seemed to end... Then he saw the durability's wall drop rapidly. Not by increments or halves but by tens of thousands at a time. He couldn't understand what was happening until he saw Faoster's fingers start to emerge from the steel.

He's walking right through it like he's clipping!

"Obey these words that I have read."

Payton stepped back, quietly pleading for Inferiorix to hurry as Faoster's face began pushing through the wall.

"Listen and Speak to what I have said."

The ghostly Listener grinned at them, his torso emerging from the barrier.

"I name thee!" Inferiorix roared. "Ragnarok!"

A brilliant scintillating light erupted from the runes around Goblinfall, blinding to even Faoster. The spirit groaned, shielding his ethereal eyes. Payton was forced to close one eye, lifting a paw to shield the other. As the light faded, he gawked.

The simple shortsword that had been Goblinfall had been transformed into a magnificent weapon. The pommel of the sword was shaped like a snarling wolf's head, the eyes embedded with sapphires and what appeared to be a flaming sun in the wolf's jaws. The core of the sun itself was made out of a big, blue gemstone. The grip was wrapped in polished, black leather with golden wiring outlining the strips. The crossguard was shaped like a crescent moon with intricate filigree on the broad moon that depicted two wolves swallowing the moon and the sun. The broad blade itself was a brilliant, dark blue that was almost black in coloration. When the light hit it just right, it was possible to see specks of silver amongst the abyss almost like it was reflecting the night sky.

"Now, Dark Lord!" shouted Inferiorix, tossing him the blade. "Use it!"

Payton regarded the sword, opening its statistics. His eyes widened. Its durability was set to five trillion. It had maximum damage and was a Level 100 weapon. It had no skills, unfortunately, save for one that had no level restrictions.

Spirit-Killer: Deals no physical damage whatsoever but deals direct damage to a target's soul.

Perfect!

Payton immediately got the reference of Ragnarok and turned towards Faoster.

"Blade Barrage!" he cried.

Two swords appeared over his shoulder but instead of being Goblinfall, they were replaced by Ragnarok. The swords were immediately sent flying forward. They sliced into Faoster's enlarged hand. The ghost roared. Where the blades touched, his transparent flesh began to burn like cinders on the edge of dry parchment.

"It's working!" he cried.

"You've got this!" Inferiorix shouted. "I'm lowering the barrier!" With a sweep of his hands, the huge wall dropped, revealing Faoster in his entirety.

"It's over!" Payton roared, rushing forward. "Crossblade!"

Two instances of Ragnarok sprang up against his flanks, sweeping upwards in a slash. Faoster made to block but the moment his arm touched the swords, the limb was instantly severed and began to burn away. His arm slumped to the ground, no blood but still witching until it was completely consumed by the flames.

"Blade Barrier!"

Payton drew in closer as six instances of Ragnarok appeared around him and spun in a tight circle. The swords sliced into Faoster's legs, crippling the spirit and sending him toppling backwards. The wolf charged up to the giant spirit, still gripping the original Ragnarok. He stabbed the vengeful Listener's flank and charged right up to the soul's neck.

"I am the saviour of goblins and mankind!" roared the spirit.

Payton hesitated a moment as he held the sword above the Faoster's forehead. "They don't need saving."

Them he plunged the sword down.

******

Everyone in Gobhood watched as the enormous ball of steel came crashing down towards Faoster's palace. They all watched as there was a sudden burst of emerald energies that encased the entire sphere in angry, green flames. They all watched as it crashed into the palace with a tremendous boom. Few, however, watched as Faoster's dead body, still impaled on Goblinfall, blackened and withered, flaking off into dark dust as every last ounce of its soul was consumed.

The impact shattered the entire palace and sent shockwaves throughout the city. The outer walls of the district were shaken, some parts shattered. Buildings near the walls had their walls thrown off and windows shattered. Those closer to the palace were completely flattened. The very walls that the audience had formerly stood upon watching the colossal battle between Payton and Faoster were obliterated. Nothing remained of the castle except for rubble, dust and debris.

Even before he got over the shell shock of the blast, Durandal was rushing towards the palace ruins. Beside him was Ravenus, Axter and Tartarius. Others followed close behind but they were in the lead. They trudged through the clouds of dust, worked their way through the ruined buildings. Hearts racing, they crossed the threshold of what had once been the palace and was now just a single mound of crumbled blocks, powdered marble, cracked emeralds and twisted gold.

Atop the mountain stood a single figure.

Durandal gasped... and fell to his knees.

Seeing the gesture, everyone did the same even those soldiers from Gobhood.

Payton Rendshaw smiled down upon them, gripping his new sword. He pushed Ragnarok into the air.

The cheer that followed was deafening.

"All Hail the Dark Lord! All Hail Lord Payne Red!"

_ _

******

Orphan stood on the very edge of Faoster's province. He didn't need to turn around to know that his Listener had fallen. He had felt it the moment the Kobolde Asterii had manifested. Most men would be worried that one of their most powerful lieutenants had suddenly fallen to an average Grigori. Some would seek vengeance. Others would call his armies to retake the region.

But not Orphan.

No, the Reader of Summoning smiled to himself and crossed his arms in satisfaction.

"It's about fucking time."

His attendant looked to him curiously. "Master Reader?"

He waved the concern away. "Nothing. I'm just quite happy." The Reader beamed brightly. "Now things get interesting."