When a Filipino got Isekai'd with a twist!
(Volume 2 Pinoy Isekai)
"Only I can summon those!"
Chapter 18 : DREAD!
A few months later....the group finally reaches the demon continent threshold as the group is about to enter the bridge of doom. That connects the two opposing sides, the demons, and humans.
"This is it, guys, we're here. Now everything from here and out will be tough. So yeah, I'm wishing us good luck." Kieth says to his party.
"Heh, let's start this never-ending journey so the humans will no longer be in fear! but wait a minute, are you sure that kid is supposed to come with us?" Antares asked, pointing at the kid that Kieth saved from the pillar attack a few months ago. As it turns out after they defeat the demon pillar and leave the kid at the nearby demon town. She follows them because she thinks Kieth is her father.
"Hahahahaha, you have an unwanted child now, brat! Hahahaha" Dern Riona say and laugh. Clutching her stomach from laughing.
"Cinque, is it fine that we bring the demon child with us?" Priestess Lycana asked, and Cique just nodded.
"We don't have any choice here, and maybe the child might be a good help for us to navigate the place. Isn't that right child?" Cique said and kneeled down to the kid's height and smiled while brushing his long white beard.
The child, whose name is Aria, looked up at Cique with wide eyes, nodding enthusiastically. "Y-yes! I can help! I know the bridge!"
Kieth smiled, relieved that the child seemed willing to cooperate. "Alright, let's get moving then. We don't know how much time we have before the demons notice us."
As they stepped onto the Bridge of Doom, the air grew thick with an eerie energy. The group exchanged nervous glances, their footsteps echoing off the dark stone beneath their feet.
The Bridge of Doom stretched across the chasm like a gargantuan serpent, its dark stone arches piercing the sky. Twin gargoyles guarded the entrance: colossal dragon statues with wings outstretched, their eyes glowing like embers. Beside each dragon stood imposing demon statues, their twisted faces snarling in malevolent fury. The demons' eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire as if warning potential trespassers of the horrors that lay ahead.
The bridge's surface was cracked and worn, with vines and moss clinging to its ancient stones. A faint hum of dark energy emanated from the structure, making the air vibrate with foreboding.
As the group approached, the statues seemed to loom larger, casting long shadows that stretched like skeletal fingers across the ground. The atmosphere was heavy with dread as if the very bridge itself was watching them, waiting for them to make a wrong move.
"This bridge is said to be cursed," Antares whispered, eyes scanning the surroundings. "Let's hope it's just rumors."
Dern Riona chuckled, her laughter still tinged with amusement. "Man, I'm so scared. Shut up, you freak!"
Priestess Lycana shot her a look. "Let's focus on the task at hand."
Cique led the way, his long strides eating up the distance. "Stay sharp, everyone. We don't know what's waiting for us on the other side."
Aria trotted alongside Kieth, her eyes fixed on the bridge's end. Kieth smiled down at her, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over him. What lay ahead? But Kieth noticed something faintly familiar about her appearance that resembled someone he saw before someone like. And then that's when it hits him.
Aria stands beside Kieth, her small frame and innocent face a stark contrast to the ominous atmosphere. Her skin has a subtle, otherworldly sheen, and her eyes gleam with an intensity that belies her age. Jet-black hair cascades down her back, framing her heart-shaped face. Kieth notices the striking resemblance to a figure from his memories – Mephistopheles, the Demon King of Incarceration. The same piercing gaze, the same sharp features.
Kieth's mind whispers warnings, but he pushes them aside, focusing on the child before him. She's just a kid, after all. Maybe the resemblance is just a coincidence. He smiles and ruffles Aria's hair. "Ready to face whatever comes next?"
Aria nods, her eyes sparkling with determination. As they venture onto the Bridge of Doom, Kieth keeps a protective hand on her shoulder, unaware of the potential significance behind her uncanny resemblance.
The group's banter and camaraderie provide a sense of normalcy, but Antares shoots Kieth a curious glance. "You okay, Kieth? You seem distracted."
Kieth shakes his head. "Just focus on the task ahead."
The Bridge of Doom creaks beneath their feet, and the air thickens with malevolent energy. Aria's grip on Kieth's hand tightens. "Dad...?"
Kieth's reassuring smile calms her. "We're here together. We'll face it as a team."
As they progress, the bridge's darkness seems to respond to Aria's presence, whispering secrets only she can hear...
Grath pov ....
Serena's vision blurs as she lies on the ground, her body aching from Frank's attack. Jack's blade flashes, and her friends rally to defend her. Grath and Lara stand firm, their determination palpable.
"Keriel, go! Get Serena to safety!" Grath yells, his voice carrying above the din.
Keriel's face contorts with worry, but he knows better than to argue. He scoops Serena into his arms, and they flee into the unknown.
The sounds of battle fade, replaced by the pounding of Keriel's footsteps and Serena's labored breathing. Darkness closes in, and Serena's thoughts grow disjointed.
Keriel's hands glow softly as she channels her healing energy into Serena's battered body. The gentle light illuminates Serena's pale skin, casting an ethereal glow on her face.
Serena's eyes flutter open, her gaze unfocused. She tries to speak, but her voice is barely audible. Keriel leans in closer, her concern etched on her face.
"Stay with me, Serena," Keriel whispers, her voice gentle. "I've got you."
As the healing energy flows, Serena's wounds begin to close, but her breathing remains ragged. Keriel's brow furrows with worry; she's not sure if she'll be able to stabilize Serena.
The world around them fades into the background as Keriel focuses on saving Serena's life. Time becomes a blur, measured only by the ebb and flow of Keriel's energy and Serena's fragile vital signs.
Keriel's fingers brush against Serena's cheek, a soft touch filled with care and affection. "Please, Serena, don't leave me."
With renewed determination, Keriel helps Serena to her feet, supporting her as she sways unsteadily. Serena's eyes lock onto Keriel's, gratitude shining in their depths.
As they turn to face their friends, Keriel's voice rings out across the battlefield. "I'll come back! Please be safe, guys!"
Grath and Lara, still fighting off Jack and the Butcher, catch Keriel's words. Grath nods, a fleeting smile on his face. "Go! We've got this!"
With a final glance, Keriel and Serena make their escape, disappearing into the shadows. The sounds of battle fade into the distance as they flee, Keriel's focus solely on getting Serena to safety.
Serena's weight presses against Keriel, her labored breathing a constant reminder of the urgency. Keriel's determination fuels her every step, driving her forward through the darkness.
The battlefield erupts into chaos as Lariel and Grath face off against the Butcher and Jack the Ripper. Lariel's mermaid tail glimmers, her long hair flowing like seaweed as she summons a torrent of water to crash down on the Butcher. The earth trembles beneath Grath's feet as he charges forward, his beastly physique rippling with muscle.
The Butcher, a hulking mass of scarred flesh, swings his cleaver in wide arcs, the blade biting deep into the ground. Jack the Ripper dances around him, his eyes gleaming with maniacal intensity as he lunges forward with his blade.
Grath blocks a blow from the Butcher, his massive arms absorbing the impact. Lariel unleashes a blast of water magic, striking Jack with a force that sends him stumbling back. The Butcher retaliates, his cleaver slicing through the air, but Grath dodges with a speed belied by his bulk.
As the fight rages on, Grath's gaze sweeps the battlefield, and his eyes narrow. Frank Abigneil, the chameleon, is nowhere to be seen. A spark of unease ignites within him. Where has the shapeshifter gone?
Suddenly, it clicks – Frank's absence can only mean one thing: he's tracking Keriel and Serena. Grath's instincts scream at him to follow, to protect his friends. But he's pinned down by these two monstrous foes.
"Lariel, we need to end this fast!" Grath bellows, his voice carrying above the din of battle. "I think Frank's gone after Keriel and Serena!"
Lariel's eyes flash with determination. "Let's finish this, then!"
Together, they unleash a fierce onslaught, their movements a blur of water and earth magic, beastly strength, and deadly precision. The Butcher and Jack the Ripper stumble back, their faces twisted in rage and fear.
But Grath and Lariel won't be swayed. They'll protect their friends, no matter the cost. The battle rages on, the outcome hanging in the balance.
Jack's laughter echoes through the battlefield, his eyes gleaming with madness. "You think you can defeat us? You, mere mortals, think you can beat the Chosen Ones?" His voice drips with contempt, his Russian accent thick and menacing. "Да, это то, что они думают." (Yeah, that's what they think.) The butcher said.
The Butcher charges forward, his cleaver flashing in the dim light. Grath and Lariel prepare to defend themselves, but they're caught off guard by the ferocity of the attack. Jack joins in, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision.
Grath blocks a blow from the Butcher, but Jack's blade bites deep into his arm. Lariel unleashes a blast of water magic, but the Butcher's sheer strength allows him to shrug it off. The two Chosen Ones press their advantage, their attacks relentless.
Grath clicks his tongue in frustration, realizing they're outmatched. "We're not going to make it," he growls, dodging the Butcher's cleaver by a hair's breadth.
Lariel's eyes flash with determination. "We have to try!"
But they're fighting a losing battle. The Chosen Ones are too powerful, their abilities honed to deadly perfection. Grath and Lariel stumble back, their movements desperate as they struggle to keep up with the onslaught.
The battle rages on, the air thick with tension. Grath summons the earth's fury, calling forth a massive boulder to crush the Butcher. The ground shudders as the boulder hurtles towards its target, but the Butcher stands firm, his body glowing with an iron-like aura.
"Iron Defense!" he bellows, his voice like thunder.
The boulder crashes into him, but he's unfazed, his body absorbing the impact. The Butcher retaliates, his cleaver flashing in the dim light.
"Slice and Dice!" he roars, unleashing a flurry of swift, precise strikes.
Grath leaps back, avoiding the worst of the attack, but Lariel isn't so lucky. She's pummeled by the Butcher's relentless assault, her scales dented and bruised.
Meanwhile, Jack creates a human-sized scalpel, its blade glinting with an otherworldly sheen. "One Hit Kill!" he whispers, his eyes locked onto Lariel.
Lariel summons a wall of water to block the attack, but Jack's scalpel slices through it like paper. She dodges at the last second, the blade whispering past her ear.
Grath charges forward, his earth magic bursting forth in a wave of jagged rocks and debris. Jack leaps back, his scalpel flashing as he parries the attack.
The battle is a chaotic dance of earth, water, and steel. Grath and Lariel fight valiantly, but the Chosen Ones are too powerful. The Butcher's cleaver bites deep into Grath's shoulder, while Jack's scalpel dances around Lariel, always just out of reach.
As the fight rages on, it becomes clear that Grath and Lariel are outmatched. Can they find a way to turn the tide, or will they succumb to the Chosen Ones' merciless blades?
Lariel and Grath dance around the battlefield, their movements desperate as they struggle to dodge the Butcher's cleaver and Jack's scalpel. The Butcher's blade bites deep into the ground mere inches from Lariel's tail, sending shockwaves through her body. Grath's earth magic falters as Jack's scalpel slices through his defenses, leaving gashes on his arms and torso.
Their breathing grows ragged, their movements slowing. They're cornered, their backs against the wall. The Butcher advances, his cleaver raised high, while Jack's scalpel gleams with menace.
Grath's eyes flash with determination, but he knows they're beaten. Lariel's gaze meets his, and for a moment, they share a look of resignation.
The Butcher's cleaver comes crashing down, and Grath raises his arms to defend himself. The impact is crushing, sending him stumbling to the ground. Lariel tries to summon a final blast of water magic, but Jack's scalpel slices through her spell, leaving her vulnerable.
The Butcher and Jack close in, their blades poised for the killing blow. Grath and Lariel prepare for the worst, their bodies battered and bruised.
Grath and Lariel stand tall, their bodies battered but unbroken. They gaze into the eyes of their tormentors, their determination burning brighter than ever. The Butcher's cleaver rises high, poised to deliver the final blow, while Jack's scalpel gleams with an unholy light, ready to claim another victim.
With a fierce battle cry, Grath summons the last vestiges of his earth magic. The ground shudders beneath their feet as he unleashes a massive shockwave, sending the Butcher and Jack stumbling back. Lariel seizes the opportunity, calling forth a colossal wave of water to crash down on their enemies.
The Butcher and Jack struggle to regain their footing, their faces twisted in rage. Grath and Lariel stand firm, their eyes locked on their foes. They know this is their last stand, and they're determined to go out with honor.
As the Butcher charges forward, Grath meets him head-on. The two collide in a flurry of fists and cleaver blows, their battle a testament to their unyielding resolve. Lariel faces off against Jack, her water magic swirling around her as she unleashes a barrage of attacks.
The battle rages on, the outcome hanging precariously in the balance. Grath's earth magic falters, his strength waning. Lariel's water magic begins to dissipate, her body weakened by the relentless assault.
But they refuse to yield. With a final, desperate surge of energy, Grath delivers a crushing blow to the Butcher, sending him stumbling back. Lariel unleashes a blast of water magic that sends Jack flying across the room.
In the brief respite that follows, Grath and Lariel share a look of triumph. They may not have won the battle, but they've proven their strength, their courage, and their unwavering loyalty to each other. As the Butcher and Jack prepare to deliver the final blow, Grath and Lariel stand tall, ready to face their fate with honor.
Their bodies battered, their strength waning, they stand as one, united in their determination to protect each other, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The Butcher's cleaver rises high, and Jack's scalpel gleams with deadly intent. Grath and Lariel close their eyes, prepared to meet their fate, their hearts filled with pride and their spirits unbroken.
As Grath's body crashes to the ground, he gazes up at the dark sky, his vision blurring. Memories flash before his eyes, and he daydreams about Kieth bursting onto the scene, saving them all.
In his mind's eye, he sees Kieth's determined face, his sword flashing in the sunlight as he charges towards the Butcher and Frank. Grath imagines the relief on Lariel's face as Kieth dispatches their enemies, his strength and skill proving more than a match for the monstrous duo.
But reality intrudes, and Grath's gaze falls on Lariel's lifeless body beside him. His heart wrenches with grief, and he whispers, "I hope Kieth won't blame himself for our deaths. "But I still have a fight in Me; I won't back down!" he shouted with His heart wrenched with grief and rage. He summons his last ounce of strength to launch a final attack.
With a mighty roar, Grath charges a compressed stone bullet and spins it like a drill. The tip glows bright red as he unleashes it. However, the Butcher casually catches the projectile and crushes it with his bare hand.
Frank, the chameleon, chimes in, "Disappointing, but at least you put up a good fight." He tosses Keriel's severed head in front of Grath, a cruel smile spreading across his face.
Grath's eyes widen in horror as his will to fight dissipates. Frank steps closer, his fist glowing with energy. Grath attempts a final blow, but his arm is cut off before it can land.
As his life slips away, Grath's thoughts are consumed by the longing for Kieth's presence, for his friend's safety, and for the chance to fight another day. The bitter taste of defeat fills his mouth as he realizes Kieth is nowhere to be found.
With a final surge of energy, Grath launches his last attack, but it's futile. Frank's cruel smile spreads across his face as he delivers the final blow, ending Grath's life.
"You're brave, I'll give you that," Frank says, his voice dripping with condescension. "But it won't make you survive this."
With a swift motion, Frank beheads Grath. As Grath's vision fades, he prays for Kieth's safety, hoping the others will find him before these monstrous beings wreak havoc on the kingdom.
As Grath's vision fades to black, he sees flashes of his memories with Kieth, Lariel, Keriel, and Serena. He remembers their laughter, their battles, and their quiet moments of camaraderie. A sense of peace settles over him, and he knows that even in death, their bond will endure.
As the darkness closes in, Grath's thoughts turn to Kieth, and he prays that their friend will find a way to avenge their deaths and protect the kingdom from the monsters that threaten it.
The last thing Grath sees is Frank's cruel smile as he delivers the fatal blow. His vision blurs and everything goes dark.
Jack's voice breaks the silence, "Hey, chameleon. Where's the other one?" Frank's response is calm and collected, "Oh, I didn't finish her. She fell into the river. But well, with her wounds and the strong current, she won't survive."
The two monsters share a laugh, and their figures slowly vanish into thin air, leaving behind a trail of destruction and death.
To be continued.