Final Floor - End of an Era

A few hours passed in silence, as each decided to rest in their own ways. The moment Dylan stirred awake, they all stood up, ready to head to the third floor.

The moment the barrier disappeared; they were greeted by another set of stairs. However, this time, the stairs were not winding like a castle. It led straight to the darkness, and a cold feeling radiated from the place, making them feel slight goosebumps.

In response, Nora concentrated for a moment, forming a fist-sized fireball in front of the team.

"Let's proceed with caution. We don't know what is lurking there."

From their expressions, Nora and Marie was still slightly hesitant to leave. As the group ascended the stairs together, the two of them kept on glancing behind them, as if expecting something or someone to jump up at them.

Charles decided to stay silent, for he himself would do so if he was in their position. He could understand what they were going through. After all, losing a companion that has went through a kind of suffering together was not easy. It was like losing a part of yourself.

Though the fireball helped illuminate the stairs so they could see their way, the place was still dark. The sound of liquid dripping echoed every so often, eroding the already mossy stone stairs.

A few minutes later, they arrived at a cold, damp place. The room was wide, yet suffocating, with moss and mold growing in the air. Compared to the cacophonic parties that once dominated the second floor below, the place felt dreary.

[You have reached the final floor: The Kobolds' Throne Room]

In front of them, there was a pair of double doors, the scent of dust and cobwebs indicating the place had long since been abandoned. Along with the choking dust, the scent of rot hung heavy in the air, an indication that the place had been abandoned long ago.

Charles, Nora, Marie, Henrietta, and Dylan nodded at each other. There was no need for words, for they all seemed ready.

Then, Charles touched the door, allowing it to swing open. Right after it did…

BANG!

The double doors had collapsed onto the floor, creating a noise almost loud enough to wake the dead.

From the dreadful smell of rot outside, they had prepared themselves for the worst, only for the sight behind the door to exceed even their expectations. The smell was now much stronger, coating the room in thick green miasma.

Behind the veil of green, they were able to see skeletons and remains of corpses. Both human and kobold corpses alike were stacked haphazardly near what seemed like a dilapidated, cracked throne made of carved stone.

On top of the throne, a muscular kobold with red eyes stood, holding a massive axe. Some of its skeletons were exposed from amidst gaping wounds, white bones and fangs reflecting the orange light from the flame.

When it stood, the pile of corpses and skeletons started to stir, then bones, stacked in a haphazard manner, formed a massive creature with the vague features of a wyvern. On its head, numerous skulls both human and kobold alike was stuck together, creating the illusion of the wyvern having a sea of unblinking red eyes.

[The End of an Era – Final Battle have started!]

[Face the Eternal Spirit Kobold Monarch and clear the quest!]

Right after the notification disappeared, Charles saw the kobold monarch rush towards him. He jumped to the side, barely feeling the rush of wind as the creature smashed onto a wall.

He took the opportunity to glance behind him, finding that the door was now covered in an impenetrable reddish barrier.

"Charles! Focus!"

Henrietta shouted, right before Charles felt his feet leave the ground.

Right as he landed with his partner, he saw the bone wyvern creature had shot a magical breath onto the place he stood on moments ago.

The attack left a greenish liquid pooling on the floor. A soft hissing noise could be heard from the liquid as it bubbled, and each pop of the bubble created a pungent smell.

"Dammit, this smell is really—"

"Marie!"

Nora fired a storm of flaming blades towards the creature's claw, forcing it to back off. While Charles was distracted, it had almost clawed Marie's face off.

As the creature stumbled backwards, Nora aimed another bunch of fire blades, putting some distance between them.

"Marie, are you—"

"I'll be fine," Marie shook her head. She looked pale as a ghost, her hand covering half of her face as she struggled to breathe, "This place is…"

"It's alright, Marie, save it for later,"

Marie nodded, gritted her teeth, and raised her hand, creating a circle beneath her.

[Construct Creation – Soul of Luxuria]

Dozens of small turret-like devices, each equipped with chains made of white light, appeared from the ground. As if it was guided by an invisible magnet, the chains darted towards the bone wyvern, wrapping and restraining it until it was unable to move. It thrashed and roared, breathing more acid and throwing the corrosive liquid everywhere.

"This is… all I can do for now," Marie spoke through gritted teeth, "Now, quick, get the king—"

Marie clenched her fist tighter with her eyes narrowed, causing the chains around the wyvern to wind up tighter.

"—as this will only hold until my consciousness fades!"