Facing the Darkness

(The author has never played the Tyr's Tomb dungeon and couldn't find a map online, so please forgive any inaccuracies in the terrain.)

The Vrykul were astonished by the Shaman spells. After all, many years had passed since the Vrykul came into being, and much had been forgotten. To them, the spells these outsiders cast were almost like divine skills.

"Let's go in now." Jarod patted Apophis, who stood frozen beside him.

"Ah, yes, let's go!" Apophis was startled by Jarod's sudden pat, but quickly recovered.

"You two stay outside and keep the Water Elemental under control until we return," Jarod said to the two Shamans.

"Yes, sir."

And so Apophis and Jarod set out at the head of an allied elven force of a little over twenty people.

They soon reached the entrance to the tomb. After pushing open the ancient, heavy watertight door, the allied force regrouped in a dry spot.

The Warriors drew their weapons, while the spellcasters took out their various potions and placed them where they could easily reach them.

"Jarod, once we're inside, the Vrykul will follow your command," Apophis said, leading all the Vrykul present over to Jarod.

Hearing their chieftain's words, the Vrykul accompanying him bowed their heads in salute to show they would obey.

"Thank you for your trust, Apophis."

"Spellcasters, check the energy readings inside."

At Jarod's command, several spellcasters stepped out of the group and began casting energy detection spells with their staves.

Clusters of detection magic emerged from the wands and passed through the tomb's doors into the tomb.

Before long, the detection magic flew back out.

"Sir, the tomb is filled with shadow power. Only a small amount of golden energy is opposing it, and that golden energy is full of warmth. It should be the power left behind by the Keeper Tyr."

The mage speaking for the others told Jarod and Apophis what was happening inside.

"It seems the situation is not to be underestimated."

"Everyone! Listen to my orders. Spellcasters in the center, Warriors on the outside. We're going in together."

Jarod gave the formation orders, and the allied force quickly assembled, ready and waiting to enter.

"Apophis, let's push the doors open together."

"All right."

Relying on their powerful physiques, Apophis and Jarod pushed open the heavy doors.

Creak, boom. The old doors opened, and dust that had accumulated on them for ages fell loose.

Seeing this, a mage hurriedly cast a cleaning spell, sparing the allied force from the dust.

The tomb's construction was full of the style of the Titan-forged, sacred and peaceful, but now it was occupied by the resurrected minions of the Old Gods. There were many Faceless Ones inside.

"Advance! We will never allow these filthy creatures to defile this place!" Seeing that large numbers of Faceless Ones had occupied the tomb, Jarod gave the order.

The allied force began to advance, relying on the advantage of their formation. The Faceless Ones here had not expected anyone to dare intrude, and their ferocity was roused as they launched an attack.

The Vrykul fought especially hard. Guarding this place was their duty to begin with, and the presence of the Faceless Ones was a desecration of it.

The elementally enchanted weapons they had received from Jarod proved tremendously useful now. The power of the elements, combined with the sharpness of the weapons, drove the Faceless Ones steadily back under their assault.

The spellcasters began chanting their spells, while the Warriors beside them swung their weapons to kill the Faceless Ones that came close.

Whoosh. A Shadow Bolt struck a Vrykul Warrior who was absorbed in killing enemies.

Thud. The Vrykul Warrior was knocked down by the attack. Seeing their enemy fall, the surrounding Faceless Ones swarmed forward, intent on killing him.

The mages had also finished chanting, and several Arcane Blasts struck the Faceless Ones about to surround him.

One of the nearby Warriors used a rescue Charge and pulled the wounded Warrior up. The wounded Warrior was moved to the rear, and a Shaman quickly cast a healing spell to restore his health.

"Apophis! Help me kill that spellcaster!"

Jarod kicked aside the Faceless One's corpse in front of him and charged toward the Faceless One spellcaster. Arcane energy began gathering in his weapon as he charged it. Apophis also swept back the Faceless Ones in front of him and ran toward Jarod.

Seeing the two of them running toward him, the Faceless One spellcaster hurriedly summoned other Faceless Ones to protect him, then began charging up a shadow ray.

Jarod and Apophis pressed swiftly forward, killing every Faceless One that stood in their way. The blood of the Faceless Ones had already soaked their tabards, but neither of them felt tired.

The mages kept casting frost and fire spells to reduce the number of Faceless Ones, while the Shamans cast enhancement and purification spells to maintain the allied force's fighting strength. The Warriors held the battle line at the front, steadily compressing the fighting area to give the spellcasters a good environment in which to cast.

Jarod finally reached the Faceless One spellcaster. He leaped and brought his blade, charged with Arcane magic, crashing down on its head.

The powerful energy, combined with the sharp blade, smashed the Faceless One's head apart. Seeing the enemy spellcaster killed, everyone felt better and struck at the other Faceless Ones even more fiercely.

Thud, thud, thud.

A series of heavy footsteps reached the ears of the allied force, and a Faceless One larger than any of the others present appeared.

The weapon he carried was also different from those of ordinary Faceless Ones. His spiked club was covered in shadow runes, and his body was more muscular than usual.

The giant Faceless One's appearance wiped away the good mood they had just gained.

"Shamans! Use Tremor Totem!" Seeing fear about to spread through the allied force, Jarod immediately ordered the Shamans to use Tremor Totem to dispel it.

"We have no way back! For our home! Destroy them!"

The totems dispelled the allied force's fear, and Jarod charged ahead of everyone toward the giant Faceless One.

"Warriors of the Vrykul! Help these spellcasters eliminate the lesser enemies. Jarod and I will buy you time!"

With that, Apophis also charged toward the giant Faceless One.

The brutal battle officially began. The Faceless Ones were all strengthened by the arrival of their powerful ally, becoming even more ferocious.

Jarod and Apophis closed in on the high-ranking Faceless One while dodging his magical attacks.

The two used their weapons to deflect the high-ranking Faceless One's energy balls, then both leaped and slashed straight at his vital points.

But how could the high-ranking Faceless One be subdued so easily? He swung his spiked club and sent them both flying.

The two steadied themselves in the air, landed firmly, and attacked the Faceless One again.