Level Up: Voidwalker

Chapter 256 She's My Companion

Grishna's green eyes narrowed as she replied, ''What's brought this on?''

''When we saw those lion demi-humans crucified I've had a lot on my mind and quickly realized that my lost apology wasn't sincere,'' the blonde explained while sitting on a nearby bench. ''You're a lovely woman and good friend, even though I treated you like shit you've shown no hate towards me.''

The green-skinned woman let out a laugh, collapsing onto the bench with a tired thud. She tilted her head back, gazing at the night sky with a thoughtful smile. ''You used to piss me off,'' she said, her voice light with a mix of amusement as she continued.

''But when I found out you were a princess, I figured that was it. You had a stick up your ass, acting like you were better than everyone else. I do see the change you're trying to make now. And honestly? I respect that.''

Estelle smiled when hearing this and spoke up with a determined voice, ''I will try to do better and treat people better, spending time with you guys has opened my eyes to a lot of my bad behaviors.''

Grishna looked at the blonde knight before giggling, ''You're still a bitch though and I won't let you live it down,'' she said in an amused voice.

The two of them started laughing as a new page in their friendship had just started when Estelle admitted to her wrongdoings. In the meantime, Atlas got used to his healthy body before turning to the old wolf woman.

She grinned at him before holding up the Monster Vault and speaking, ''I can heal your little friend but it will cost you.''

Atlas's eyebrows rose as he asked, ''And what's that?''

The older woman stepped forward while revealing, ''A piece of your soul and a mission to help the Shadowfang Royal Family?''

''I guess you're connected to them somehow? You felt my power and appeared with good offers,'' Atlas replied while taking the vault back.

She started laughing before speaking, ''The mission is dangerous but you also have a chance to take out the general who controls Northern Astoria which will disrupt the empire.''

When Atlas heard this his azure eyes glowed as he answered, ''We will do it, Lilith is worth it.''

The wolf woman started giggling as she questioned, ''You talk of this creature as a good friend but she's a monster.''

''So what? I don't care, she's my companion,'' Atlas responded in a serious tone as he was protective over the honey badger. ''Now what's this mission?''

She extended her arm, pointing toward the southern horizon where a jagged row of mountains loomed. ''See that?'' she said, her tone serious. ''There's a massive imperial fortress hidden among those peaks. It's the barrier that cuts us off from the south.''

Atlas looked in the direction as she continued, ''They've got the royal family held hostage there, using them to control the Black Wolves. If you want my help, I need you to free them. Do that, and I'll heal your friend.''

When hearing her words, he glanced at the Monster Vault, summoning Nulia, Grishna, Estelle, and Artemis with a swift nod. Atlas turned back to the green-skinned woman, his voice steady and determined.

''I'll free them,'' he promised. ''But once we get them out, where do we take them?''

The old woman smiled, ''Take them to the Black Forest in the west, our forces are stationed there ready to take back the Shadowfang Kingdom.''

When Nulia heard this her blue eyes widened causing the woman to laugh, ''Yes it's dangerous but with you six it won't be a problem.''

Everyone agreed to it as it was their only chance to help Lilith, following that Atlas spoke to the helpful stranger, ''Thank you for your help but I will head south now.''

The woman nodded with a friendly smile as she bid farewell, ''No thank you for aiding my kingdom in our time of need Azhar'Zul, it seems like the legends are lies.''

Following that she vanished into nothingness shocking the group but they started heading out of the city. Grishna and Artemis joined him while the others scouted ahead as the brunette commented with a big smile, ''I miss the scars but at least you don't have to worry anymore.''

Atlas chuckled, ''I know and she said it has secrets that I will eventually unlock which is cool I guess,'' he revealed.

The Orc woman spoke with a big smile that showed her tusks, ''As long as you can use your swords and punch enemies there isn't a problem?''

''You're right Grish,'' he replied with an excited smile. ''Now to cause the empire trouble in the north which will be fun, they've messed with us too many times.''

They moved through the quiet streets before they slipped into the shadows. Atlas led the way, with Nulia scouting ahead, her eyes sharp in the darkness. Grishna's heavy footsteps were surprisingly quiet, while Estelle and Artemis kept to the rear.

As they passed through the city, the moonlit plains stretched out before them The wind carried the scent of rain and the faint sound of wolves howling in the distance. Atlas looked around before glancing at the women while asking, ''Do we attack or night? Or first thing in the morning?''

''Let's scout out the fortress first,'' Estelle replied which everyone agreed to.

Following that, the group traveled south and butchered any Achaemendian patrols they came from. In one brutal encounter, Atlas let the Ghouls ambush the men and women before dragging them back to the Otherworld.

Hours later they were now sitting on a mountain ledge that overlooked the fortress which made Atlas gulp,

'Wow that's loads of soldiers.'

Torches and banners flickered along the battlements, casting an eerie glow over the sea of soldiers below. Thousands of enemy troops filled the courtyard and outer grounds, their armor glinting like a swarm of metallic insects.

The air was thick with the sound of marching boots, clanking weapons, and shouted orders. Siege engines were stationed along the walls, ready for any attack.

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