The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 71: The story after the End. (Part 1)

I smiled weakly, "I'll look into it for you. If what's happening is going on all across the world, then I'm sure we can open up a discussion."

"Thank you," Crozen spoke, sincerity pouring from his words.

"Hopefully it won't take long fo-," I shut my mouth as something twitched against my senses.

Crozen realised soon after I did, "Douse the fire and quiet!"

A ready bucket of water splashed over the flames, snuffing them out. Everyone was on high alert, waiting for the inevitable sign.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are!" a voice called a distance away. "Don't you want to play some games?"

"Kerezon," one of Crozen's companions cursed.

"It's fine," Crozen replied back in a whisper. "I hid us in a barrier. We'll be fine."

"Who's Kerezon?" I asked quietly.

"He was one of Kazu's mages. He led the charge against those of us who turned sane." Crozen grit his teeth, "He's stronger than I am."

"Great," I replied tiredly. "How good is your spell?"

Crozen sweated, "Decent. I lost the system when I became a demon, but I learnt since then."

Kerezon's voice called out again, this time singing eerily, "Where are you, my friends. Where are you, my pals. Where are you my dearest, my dearest oh dear." His tone shifted to anger, "I said to come out! Don't just hide like vermin. Come play a game. It's called head and pike. Your head goes on the pike!"

"If he's one of Kazu's mages then decent won't work," I grumbled and tried to stand but couldn't. "Help me up."

"Are you sure? You're injured," he hesitated.

"If he finds us, we're screwed. I can't fight right now so quickly get me to the centre," I urged him stronger.

Crozen responded and lifted me by supporting the one arm I had across his shoulder. Even with him doing the moving my body screamed but eventually we made it to the centre of the room.

"Is this okay?" Crozen asked. "This is where I cast the spell."

"Yeah," I replied, a shiver crossing my words as sweat leaked from my ailing skin. I could feel Crozen's spell. It was actually better than decent, well-crafted even, but it wasn't quite there. There were cracks and I poured in my mana to seal them. By the time I was done, all my weight was on Crozen and he gently lowered me to the ground.

"Did it work?" one of the demons asked.

Outside an answer came as Kerezon angrily called out, "Hey! Where'd you go? You can't just hide like that. We're not done yet! Oh... you think you're so smart? Snuffing the trace you left behind. Then try this! I'll blow it all up till there's nowhere for you to hide!" An explosion of force shook the entire room, causing loose debris to scatter down from the ceiling.

"Damn it," I heaved a sigh. "You wouldn't have an escape route, would you?"

"No," Crozen shook his head. "We were looking for somewhere safe and found you here. We haven't moved since."

Another explosion resounded, this time shaking the room even more. It was only a matter of time till we were exposed.

Crozen looked at the timid and frightened faces of his companions, "Lockie you're in charge. Take him with you all and find the Isles. I'll buy you time." The him referred to me.