XXXVI: Lazarus against Christos

As Christos and his warband ventured forth from the hermit's abode, they were filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Little did they know that the hermit who had guided them was not merely a mortal sage but a divine entity in disguise. God Himself had taken the form of the hermit to offer them guidance on their sacred quest.

As they turned back to bid farewell to the hermit, they were astonished to find that he had vanished, leaving no trace behind. It dawned upon them that they had been in the presence of the Almighty, who had chosen to guide them on their perilous journey.

Undeterred by the revelation, Christos and his warband pressed on towards the location of the Holy Scroll. Their hearts were heavy with anticipation and trepidation, for they knew that they would face the eternal guardian of the sacred artifact—Lazarus, Christos' old friend and the manifestation of death itself.

Lazarus, now transformed into an archangel and entrusted with the duty of guarding the Holy Scroll, stood resolute in his purpose. He understood the weight of the decision that lay before him. On one hand, he recognized the dire consequences if the scroll were to fall into the wrong hands. On the other hand, he knew that its removal from Yaegrafane would have far-reaching implications for the delicate balance between worlds.

A bittersweet reunion unfolded as Christos and Lazarus locked eyes. The memories of their shared past flashed before them, forging a bond that transcended time and space. But the circumstances demanded that their friendship be set aside momentarily, for the fate of Yaegrafane hung in the balance.

With their weapons drawn, Christos and Lazarus engaged in a duel of immense magnitude. Each strike resonated with the echoes of their respective fighting styles—Christos' Eastern Roman finesse against Lazarus' Germanic prowess. The clash of their blades echoed through the ethereal realm, a testament to their unyielding determination and skill.

At first, it seemed that Lazarus held the upper hand, his divine power and centuries of experience lending him an advantage. But Christos, fueled by his dark and unholy side, tapped into a well of forbidden strength. Embracing the shadows within him, he unleashed a torrent of devastating attacks, overwhelming Lazarus with raw power.

The battle raged on, the clash of steel and the crackling of divine energy filling the air. As Christos fought with a newfound ferocity, his warband rallied behind him, channeling their own strengths and abilities to support their leader.

In a climactic moment, Christos struck a final blow, shattering Lazarus' defenses and breaking through his celestial aura. The archangel, wounded but not defeated, recognized the determination and conviction in Christos' eyes. He realized that this was the turning point—the moment when fate would be decided.

With a heavy heart, Lazarus yielded, acknowledging Christos' unwavering resolve and the necessity of their cause. The Holy Scroll, once protected by Lazarus' divine guardianship, was now entrusted into Christos' hands. The fate of Yaegrafane and the worlds beyond now rested upon their shoulders.

As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded, Christos and Lazarus shared a silent moment of understanding. Their friendship, tested through trials and transcending the boundaries of life and death, remained unbreakable. Lazarus, now free from his duty as guardian, offered his wisdom and support to Christos on his journey to expel Lakthor forever.

With the Holy Scroll in their possession and the guidance of Lazarus, Christos and his warband prepared to face the next phase of their quest. The fate of Yaegrafane and their worlds intertwined, they would unite the warring factions, challenge the darkness that plagued the land, and bring about a new era of hope and harmony.