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The path to eternity

A man on his path through life has to drink from one of the two cups. One grants him a glimpse of eternal flames that burn inside him, another shapes his path to ruin. The man has to choose one, but he doesn't know which in particular is which until he tastes the first tang of it.

Schriftsteller123 · Fantasy
Not enough ratings
12 Chs

Morsian fields

In the vast Morsian fields of the East, two opposing forces stand, ready to clash in an epic battle. At the heart of the battlefield, an enormous wall stands tall, housing a valiant army of 70,000 brave men. They form a formidable shield wall, determined to defend humanity against the relentless onslaught of a fearsome horde numbering 200,000 corrupted souls. This monstrous horde seeks only to bring chaos and destruction upon the human world, plundering and enslaving it.

The smaller force only has the shadow of the great 60 ft Chiron's wall to thank that it is still remaining among the living.

This colossal structure, crafted from a magical combination of stone, wood, and steel, gleams under the sun, exuding a mystical aura that renders it almost impervious to spells and incantations. Hand-carved by master craftsmen from the finest quarried stone of nearby mountains, this awe-inspiring wall boasts not only impressive thickness but also an array of formidable defenses. Giant spikes jut out at regular intervals along its length, deterring any would-be climbers. Ballistae, fearsome siege weapons, line the wall, their immense power capable of launching heavy bolts at approaching armies. As if that weren't enough, enormous cauldrons filled with boiling oil rest at the ready to rain scalding horror upon the invaders. Smaller spikes along the wall's base ensure that any daring intruders suffer before they can even get close. Protecting the wall further, a deep, wide moat filled with water forms a natural barrier, making stealthy approaches virtually impossible. The gates themselves are colossal, forged of iron and reinforced with steel bars, designed to withstand the most relentless attacks. Above the gates, a portcullis stands poised, ready to seal the entrance in an instant, turning away all threats.

In short, the wall symbolizes the empire's indomitable might and unwavering determination to protect its lands from all threats, no matter how formidable. It represents the resilience of humanity, a testament to their ingenuity and strength, joined with the magic that flows through their veins, uniting the natural and the supernatural.

Amid the preparations atop the wall, one figure stands out, draped entirely in dark steel armor as black as onyx. He commands the army, wielding authority with a small magical spyglass in hand, scanning the distant horizon.

Through the lens, there was a vast plain stretched between the forest and the formidable wall. The dense foliage concealed its secrets, but it couldn't muffle the horrifying sounds that echoed from within. At first, a low, ominous rumble akin to an earthquake accompanied by the distant beat of war drums filled the air. As time wore on, the growls grew deeper and more guttural, unlike those made by any natural creature. They intensified, drawing nearer, until finally, immense gray silhouettes emerged from the twisted trees and gnarled bushes. These towering monstrosities embodied a complete and utter wrongness, their highly muscular and contorted bodies a grotesque sight to behold. Sickly gray skin marred by boils and scars, devoid of hair, noses, and lips, their blood-red eyes and jagged teeth were the only defining features they had.

Addressing his men for the last time before the imminent battle, the man in black armor spoke. ''Men take a good look at the sight in front of you. It's absolutely terrifying, isn't it? It is a sight that I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy. Now imagine this is the last sight your parents, wives, and children gaze upon before they go into the night. Imagine these beasts slowly tearing them apart before devouring them. Because this is the fate that awaits your loved ones if you do not stand today and bravely look into the jaws of death. This is what will happen if you don't fight. Now let's show them the glory of which humanity is capable.''

His powerful words ignited a spark within the men, restoring their courage and resolve. The sounds of the beasts' growls and the rhythmic clanging of shields and spears filled the air, a symphony of war.

As the monstrous creatures slowly approached the defense line, the men clad in black armor watched intently. The general signaled the artillerists to fire, and a volley of 18 enormous boulders and 50 giant bolts rained upon the enemy, inflicting heavy losses. The onslaught continued as archers and magicians joined in, further devastating the enemy forces.

In a somewhat cheery voice, the captain beside the general remarked on the advantage of facing the orc army with the words: ''It's a good thing we are dealing with ugly stupid beasts, makes our job one hell of a lot easier, wouldn't you agree my lord''

The general, however, expressed uncertainty, aware that these relentless creatures would soon be within the sword's reach. ''I'm not so sure captain, every sane person would have retreated a hundred times by now, but these creatures just don't know when to give up. But you are right about one thing captain, they sure are ugly.

''Do you remember when we fought in the South? There was a tribe called Zaherran people, now those are the guys I never want to fight again. Cunning, vicious little bastards that never surrender.''

'' I remember, thankfully we had the numbers back then. But this time we are in the role of the Zeherran people. Let's just hope we don't end up like them.''

As the two men regaled in their past glories, the orc horde had nearly closed up to the wall. Swiftly responding, the general replied, "Well then, I'm glad this isn't the South," before issuing vital orders to his men. "Archers and magicians, fall back and fire from the rear! Spearmen, prepare for battle! Support units, ready boiling oil, and boulders!"

The giant moat and relentless barrage of the defenders posed a daunting challenge for the invaders. The orc bodies filled the moat to the brim, making it difficult for their leaders to gain a foothold. However, as the attackers began to scale the defenses, the general called for the support units to use hooks to push back the ladders.

Combined efforts of the defenders seemed to work well for them, as the orc casualties continued to mount, creating a gruesome spectacle of destruction and death. Thousands upon thousands of lifeless bodies lay below, impaled, mutilated, or burned.

Yet all the massive casualties and all the abuse that the orcs have received hasn't stopped them one bit and finally, their effort has paid off because there on the top of the wall first of their units could be seen.

''Now is where the real battle begins,'' said the general and pulled his sword out of the sheet. ''Push these bastards from this wall.'' The men were rhythmically thrusting their spares into the abominations and slowly started to gain ground. And as the tide of battle intensified, an immense apparition scaled the wall, wielding a massive hammer that wreaked havoc on the defenders. The onslaught caused gaps in the defense line, allowing more orcs to break through.

Fearing the line might collapse, the general ordered the captain to reinforce the least affected areas while he confronted the monstrous adversary. He faced three orcs, swiftly dispatching them, saying only the word ''inferno'' that produced a destructive torrent of green fire.

Amidst the chaos of battle, the general swiftly dispatched the orcs, their bodies falling beneath his powerful blows. Meanwhile, the colossal monster had finished crushing a knight's head, feasting on another's lifeless body. As the general's new adversary turned to face him, a grotesque smirk twisted its monstrous features. Spitting out a portion of the knight's torso, the creature let out a deafening roar, its gaping maw filled with malice.

Reacting with agility, the general invoked the "Wings of Zephyr," propelling himself over the monstrosity. In mid-air, he unleashed "Njord's Lances," six water currents piercing through his enemy. But despite his efforts, the attack proved insufficient against the beast's resilience.

Determined to overcome this fearsome foe, the general focused his will upon his sword, chanting, "Decaying Blade, arbiter of natural cycles, destroyer of matter, I summon thee!" His weapon shrouded in black mist, he charged at the enemy, aiming for its leg. Yet, the creature deftly blocked the attack with its giant hammer, sending the general hurtling back, armor caving under the impact.

The monster taunted him, relishing its dominance, while slowly approaching the man who was currently in the mids of coughing up his lungs, ''hahaha weak little man flies and then he dies.''

As the general struggled to rise. Amidst the pain, he found amusement in the orc's crude rhymes and grasp of human language. Who knew such a stupid ugly thing could speak the language of men and in rhymes at that? It would almost be a shame to kill the poor freak of nature.

Summoning a healing spell, the general eased his pain, rising to one knee. However, the monster loomed above, its weapon raised, anticipating the taste of victory. Seizing the moment, the general swiftly chanted another spell and tried to distract the creature with mockery. ''Since you are obviously such a poetry lover let me tell you another rhyme as well,

"A big ugly thing stands, but then suddenly his grotesque body bends." As the orc was distracted, a swift strike severed the creature's legs, making it collapse to the ground

A shadow, resembling the general's form but much larger, loomed over the orc. In a swift motion, it beheaded the beast, dispatching it with precision. With only enough energy for one final spell, the general invoked "Inferno," reducing the orc's quickly regenerating body to ash, never to rise again.

Yet, victory came at a cost. As the last orc forces closed in, the general succumbed to unconsciousness. Just in time, the captain and his men arrived, shielding their fallen leader and allowing him to live to fight another day.