After the battle against the Hydras, Benjamine casts a spell that cleans him instantly.
"Mundus."
Not a trace of the battle remains on Benjamine after the spell is finished. He and Greigore exchange a look of secrecy to not tell the other's what happened. Greigore attends to the passed-out Henry while Benjamine heads to Wilter and Freyja. He gazes on their limp bodies as he gently casts a healing spell over them.
"Gentle Healing."
A soft glowing light envelopes Wilter and Freyja as the spell begins healing them slowly. He looks over at Greigore who shakes Henry vigorously trying to wake him. When he sees its not working, he slaps Henry on the cheek, almost breaking his neck but he starts opening his eyes.
"Grei… Greigore, is that you?"
He gives Henry a reassuring squeeze before helping him up. Henry is still disorientated as he looks around.
"Where is lady Freyja?"
Greigore points towards Benjamine who is supporting her in his arms. Henry immediately forgets what just happened and charges towards Benjamine ready to fight. When he gets closer, he sees Benjamine giving her a healing potion. All the anger and tension disappear from Henry as he gazes upon Freyja.
"How. How is she?"
Benjamine replies without looking up.
"She's going to recover; her injuries weren't life threatening. Wilter on the other hand, his injuries were serious. He's currently stable but requires advanced healing magic which Freyja possesses."
Freyja slowly opens her eyes and sees Benjamine watching over her, a light blush colours her cheeks and she looks away. Henry Stands there pouting like a six-year-old as he sees Freyja blush. Benjamine asks her in a gentle, comforting voice.
"How are you feeling?"
She gathers her senses before responding.
"I'm feeling fine for someone who got hit by a Hydra. That creature was much stronger than any we have faced. Where is Wilter?"
"He's over there but requires advanced healing magic which I believe is your specialty."
She nods as she slowly stands up and gains her balance before walking towards Wilter. She sees he is stable but requires urgent attention. She casts a healing spell over him, and it begins working immediately.
"Eden of Healing."
Benjamine looks over his shoulder and instantly recognizes that spell, but he says nothing. Henry begins talking to him, but Shadow draws all his attention.
"You really enjoyed yourself, didn't you?"
"It's been a long time since I've had that feeling of battle. It made me reminisce of the battles those millennia ago."
"I'm worried about what you'll do when you encounter him on the next floor. I'll leave you with this; Have fun."
Benjamine smiles to himself before Henry's voice draws him back to reality.
"Did you even hear what I was saying?"
"Sorry. Got sidetracked."
Greigore joins up with Henry and Benjamine before they head to Freyja. They all stand around Freyja as she casts her healing magic on Wilter. He slowly opens his eyes and sees everyone surrounding him.
"How are all of you alright after encountering that beast?"
Greigore kneels on one knee next to him and responds.
"Powerful warrior-- saved us-- from beasts."
"He must have been incredibly powerful to defeat both of those monsters. I'm greatly indebted to him."
Wilter is eventually returned to full health and the entire party rest and recover from their harrowing ordeal with the Hydras. Wilter looks at Benjamie before speaking.
"So, what did you do during the battle? I bet you hid behind Greigore the whole time."
Benjamine just smiles at him. The others check through their supplies to see how much they have remaining. Unfortunately, they only have four healing potions remaining and two enhancement potions. An awkward silence fills the dungeon floor as the group gets restless over the remaining supplies. Freyja speaks up to break the silence.
"I wonder how many floors are left for us to explore in this dungeon?"
Everyone is anxious to respond except Benjamine.
"There is one more floor left in this dungeon. The commander of the soldiers is down there waiting for us. The battle will be even more intense because we'll be going up against a god."
Silence fills the air again as the others try and wrap their heads around fighting a god. Wilter speaks up but he shows no hostility towards Benjamine.
"If we were defeated that badly fighting Hydras, how can we think to stand up to a god. We all hate the gods but have never dreamed of fighting them."
Benjamine remains in deep thought before replying.
"You all have the potential to stand on equal ground with the gods. You just haven't had anyone who can teach you how to do it. Under the right mentor, all of you can become god killers."
"Where are we going to find someone who can do that? The only one who could mentor us on that level was last seen two-thousand years ago. There is nobody alive in this world who could fight the gods."
Benjamine mauls over Wilters words, but decides the time is not right to tell them the truth and drops his shoulders. Greigore continues where Benjamine left off.
"Man-- who saved-- us-- spoke to-- me. He said-- he will-- be-- with us-- until dungeon finished."
Benjamine shoots Greigore a concerned look, but Greigore gives a short nod. The tension subsides a bit after what Greigore said. Freyja stands up and speaks.
"Why are we like this? Have we not made it this far by working together? So, what if we're going up against a god? If we fight together, we have a chance at victory which is better than just giving up."
"But Freyja, we were powerless against those Hydras even working together. How could we hope to stand a chance against a being that dwells in the divine realm?"
Freyja slaps Wilter hard across the face then again on the other side.
"What's happened to you? It's like you've become a different person since meeting Benjamine. You're not the leader I followed into this dungeon. Unless you go back to being the Wilter we know, I will not listen to any order you give, and I'll do my own thing. So, what's it going to be? Will you go back to being the brave and courageous leader we know or are you going to stay like a dog who had its breakfast taken away?"
Freyja's words hit Wilter harder than the Hydra, making him open his eyes to just how much he's changed. He feels very embarrassed about how he acted and apologizes to Benjamine. Benjamine smiles with acceptance and forgiveness. Shadow speaks up again.
"That's so sweat. I think I'm going to cry. What about you Benjamine?"
"Wow. I never knew you were capable of harbouring emotions."
"What are you talking about? Living inside you has changed me for the better."
"Sure. Until you feel like killing me again."
Shadow remains silent for a while then responds.
"You do have a point. Alright, I'll leave you to it."
Benjamine lets out a sigh after talking to Shadow and quietly mumbles.
"I'm definitely going kill that primordial one day."
Freyja perks her ears up before turning towards Benjamine.
"Did you say something, Benjamine?"
"No. Just thinking out loud. So, when are we heading to the last level to deal with this god?"
All eyes turn to Wilter, waiting for his order. He scratches his head and sighs before standing up and speaking.
"Let's complete the quest and get out of this cursed place. Even if we must fight a god so be it. I will not let the presence of others change me ever again. Here and now, we will move to the last level and conquer this dungeon."
He pulls out his sword and raises it up. The others stand and follow his actions, confidence and trust start coming back into the group as they prepare to take on the final floor and the god who defends it. Brimming with a new resolve, Wilter leads the other's down to the last level. Tartarus grows impatient waiting for the Hydras to return, not realizing both have been defeated. The soldier who escaped the stampede stands next to Tartarus and speaks.
"Lord Tartarus. You don't think it's possible the Hydras have been defeated?"
"Impossible! The Hydras are remnants of the battles of a bygone era. There is no species alive today that stands a chance against a Hydra never mind two."
"Your word is absolute my lord. Please allow me to go and see what is happening on the floor above then I'll report what I see."
"Very well. I'm counting on you to bring me good news."
The soldier heads up the stairs, unaware that the party of adventurers are making their way down. Tartarus moves to an open space in front of the door to the chamber where the sword lies. There he stands, prepared to do battle. The soldier continues climbing the stairs and stops as he come face-to-face with the party. Before he can do anything, Wilter detaches the head from the body and sends the head rolling down the stairs. Tartarus hears a sound getting closer. He focuses on the stairs and sees the head of his last soldier come rolling down the stairs.
He closes his eyes and shakes his head, realizing all his men have been defeated. But his confidence of being a god keep him steadfast. The group eventually arrive at the last floor where Tartarus is waiting. Benjamine is the last to emerge and recognizes the god right away. His blood starts boiling and his anger begins to grow. Wilter is the first to speak.
"My name is Wilter Eastwind and I am the Leader of this group. I believe you are a being from the divine realm."
Tartarus has a cold gaze on his face, his armour shining like the sun with carvings so intricate it states a different level of craftmanship.
"Wilter Eastwind, my name is Tartarus, and I am from the divine realm. I am the god of prisons and a force to be feared."
Benjamine can't help but snicker at his remark which infuriates Tartarus.
"Is something the matter, human?"
"Please ignore him. We are here to explore this dungeon and find any treasure or valuable items that we can take back to the city we reside in."
Tartarus thinks for a moment, a wry smile covers his face.
"There is an item of great value hidden behind these doors, but in order to claim it you need to beat me in a fight."
Benjamine's eyes light up at the sound of his taunt, but he remains silent, letting Wilter handle the talking. After a few more exchanges, they remain at a stalemate one not giving the other their wish. Tartarus starts getting worked up and finally snaps at Wilter.
"THIS IS GOING NOWHERE! I've changed my mind, all of you will fight me for the right to claim this treasure. You can all attack at once if you want to."
Wilter, Feyja, Henry, and Greigore assume their battle positions while Benjamine remains in reserve observing. Wilter and Freyja make the first move, charging towards Tartarus ready to strike. He laughs as he swings his ax towards them, but it is blocked by Greigore allowing them to press on the attack. Both thrust at the same time, but Tartarus moves faster than a flash and dodges the attack before coming down on them, swinging a ball and chain.
Wilter and Freyja evade the attack just in time and Tartarus exposes his back to Henry who has been charging up his arrow.
"Vortex Arrow."
He fires off a powerful wind infused arrow that heads straight for Tartarus' back. His cheer of victory is cut short as Tartarus catches the arrow mid-flight before throwing it towards Wilter. Luckily Greigore gets in front of Wilter and shields him from the arrow.
"Thanks, Greigore."
Wilter uses the opportunity to close the gap between him and Tartarus while Freyja follows suite. It is unfortunately all in vain as Tartarus deflects one attack after the other before he retaliates. He attacks Henry first, punching him square in the gut which sends him crashing into the wall unconscious. He then attacks Greigore and overpowers him instantly, smashing his face into the ground with a satisfied smile. This angers Benjamine even more. A pool of blood forms around his head and his body is not moving. Tartarus then selects Freyja as his next target. She is incredibly light on her feet as she does her best to avoid his relentless attacks.
Wilter tries to help but Tartarus backhands him into the wall and his body also goes limp. A dark expression fills Benjamine's face as he witnesses everything unfold. Freyja continues dodging but is running out of energy to maintain her speed. When she moves to avoid a thrust, her foot slips causing her to fall back with a sword moving towards her. She closes her eyes knowing that was the opening he needed to finish her off.
"Burning Inferno!"
Freyja opens her eyes expecting to see a stab wound but all she sees is Benjamine standing in front of her, his arm shaking with anger. He looks back at her, a merciless expression on his face.
"Are you hurt, Freyja?"
"N-n-no. I'm fine."
Tartarus is intrigued by the man who managed to push him back.
"Hey human! You surprised me there with that attack. What else are you hiding I wonder."
Benjamine remains silent as a sinister mist surrounds his body causing Tartarus to take a step back. Freyja is unable to handle the sinister energy, but she summons all her will power to see this through. Benjamine speaks in a voice devoid of emotion.
"I was going to enjoy fighting you, but after seeing how you enjoyed harming and almost killing these people, I have decided to make you suffer instead."
"What is a mere human going to do even with a mist of-."
Before Tartarus can finish, he feels blood come from his mouth. When he looks down, he sees Benjamine against his body. Thinking he's passed out; Tartarus goes to deliver the final blow.
"Not happening!"
His whole body becomes immobilized, and he can't land his attack.
"What is happening to me? Why can't I move."
"Because your soul is in my hands now. If I will you to punch yourself hard, you can't resist."
"Impossible! You're just trying to fool me with your cheap tricks."
Benjamine smiles as he looks at Tartarus.
"Hit yourself."
Tartarus' body starts moving on its own, each hand punching him in the face repeatedly. Freyja tries to focus and can see a dim orb in Benjamine's bloodied hand sticking out Tartarus' back.
"Do you understand now, Tartarus. Your soul doesn't belong to you anymore. It is in the palm of my hand and anytime I feel like it, I can kill your soul. Do you understand what that means you pathetic excuse for a god."
"How can this be. The only one who can manipulate the soul was sealed away for eternity, so how can you use it?"
"I never told you my name, did I? It's Bloodgrave, Benjamine Bloodgrave."
Tartarus goes whiter than a ghost after hearing that name. Panick begins setting in and Freyja watches on unable to take her eyes of the situation.
"No. Please no. Don't kill me."
"Don't kill you? After what you did to the people I cared about and warned all of you not to go after them. You can have the pleasure of never being able to be reincarnated. That is the only death you deserve."
"NOOOOOOO------"
Benjamine crushes his soul instantly, causing his body the go limp. He has a smile on his face like someone who just fulfilled a lifelong desire. Freyja looks on in disbelief, as memories from her mother's stories flood her brain.
"Come, Freyja. Let me tell you the story of a human so powerful he could control the souls of people and the gods themselves. He was a brilliant warrior, never faltering and only focused on one thing. The complete destruction of the gods, and his name was Benjamine Bloodgrave."
All Freyja can do is look on in fear but also amazement after what she just witnessed. A smile crosses her face as she realizes this is the prayer she wanted answered to fulfil her lifelong dream of killing all the gods. She looks at Benjamine, swallowing before speaking.
"Are you. Are you the one who was feared as the god killer paladin? The powerful human my mother always spoke of when I was a child?"
Benjamine turns around, his arm covered in Tartarus' blood and a face devoid of emotion. Freyja flinches a little but remains composed as she waits for his response. Silence fills the vast, empty space as the two hold their gazes on each other. Benjamine drops his blood-soaked hand and responds with a short nod.