Rise Of The Death Monarch

Dante got comfortable on a nearby bench while his monsters slaughtered the remaining humans holding up around the city. He was high on the experience pouring into him as the Death Lion, Luna and the other powerful monsters slew all the high ranked warriors throughout Blackharbor.

The Wendigos collected chests, sacks and all kinds of wealth, dumping it in the city square where he was resting. He took all the storage rings he found in a box and stored everything away, feeling the weight pulling at him, causing him to think. 'What's going here? Too much golf maybe?'

Following that, Dante ignored it and took of the rings before moving toward the harbour where Amara was waiting. The Death Army threw all the dead bodies into the Domain, filling it to the brim. When he entered it the stench of rotten flesh emanated all over the realm, forcing him to back out.

Moments later, Luna returned from her hunt for the city's formidable mages. Her fur was matted with blood, her eyes blazing with fury. Yet, upon seeing him, the older woman's rage softened. She shifted into her humanoid form and pulled him into a warm embrace. ''Master! The city is dead now, are we moving on?''

''Yes, we'll sail to Dawnfen to find the Death Witch,'' he revealed, sitting down just outside the docks gate. ''The pain is getting to much, especially when I use magic. Feels like I'm being burnt from the inside out.''

The wolf woman looked concerned but Dante urged them toward the Dark Elf ship at the end of the docks. He hobbled through just as the last human body was thrown into the Domain, allowing him to send them all back to the realm, including the Zombies, Ghouls, Feeders and the Brute.

Dante was surprised that the nightmarish creature was still alive but was happy none the less. Once all the monsters were back in the Domain he stepped toward Amara's ship that was getting ready to sail. Luna joined him. ''I've heard about Dawnfen, it's a lush land without all the forests like Nemorath.''

''Yes I've been told about that,'' he replied. ''Mary mentioned it while we travelled through the forest.''

Following that, they were greeted by a grinning Amara. ''Seems like you're a man of your word. The journey will be rough but I'll get you to Dawnfen.''

Dante nodded, stepping on board as the Dark Elf captain led him toward a room at the back of the ship while speaking. ''I have a big enough room for you to rest in, it looks like you'd need the break from all the walking you've been doing.''

He chuckled. ''Yes, damn S-Rank managed to hurt me during my trek through the forest so the rest will help.''

When Amara heard this, her red eyes widened in shock as she moved in his direction and started checking him over. This surprised Dante and Luna, the wolf woman moved first. ''What are you doing?''

The Dark Elf glanced up, answering. ''Making sure there isn't any light trackers on him. I don't want the Hunter Fleet chasing us to our destination.''

Following that, she left them at the door to their room and went back, glancing over her shoulder. ''I need to get out of Blackharbor before the king sends reinforcements.''

Dante stepped into the room, his gaze sweeping across it. A big bed dominated the space, its heavy wooden frame decorated with faded linens that hinted at better days. In one corner, a table stood beside a single chair, both worn smooth by time and use, positioned thoughtfully by a wide window.

The glass, streaked with soot, framed a harrowing vista: the city beyond lay engulfed in flames, tongues of fire licking the skyline as plumes of dark smoke curled into the night. The distant crackle of destruction mingled with the faint screams for help, casting an ominous glow that flickered across the room.

''This place will do,'' he said, sitting on the chair. ''It only has to last until we get to Dawnfen, then we can stay in a decent inn.''

Luna nodded in agreement, replying. ''I don't mind where we stay, I lived in a forest for decades, so this place is luxury to me.''

Dante chuckled at this and rested his head back thanks to the exhaustion taking hold. After a few minutes he fell asleep while the older woman watched form nearby, recovering the mana she used fighting all the strong warriors in Blackharbor. After half an hour, the ship left the port and headed south just as a storm hit.

The swaying of the vessel only relaxed him even more. Hours passed as they travelled toward Dawnfen as thunder boomed overhead, finally waking him up. Dante rubbed his eyes only to see the windows covered in rain, he glanced over to Luna and she was curled up under the sheets, escaping the cold air that seeped into the room.

The ship lurched violently, its timbers groaning as waves slammed against the hull, sending a shudder through the deck. The ceaseless rocking stirred him from his thoughts. Rising from his seat, he steadied himself against the sway, his boots thudding softly on the worn planks, making his way to the heavy oak door.

Moments later, Dante stepped out into the briny air, the sharp tang of salt and damp wood hitting him immediately. Outside, chaos reigned. Dark Elves darted across the deck, moving despite the ship's jerky movements. Shouts cut through the howling wind as they hauled on ropes, securing the billowing sails against the storm's fury.

Others scrambled to lash down crates and barrels, tying knots that held firm against the onslaught of seawater crashing over the rails. The sky above roiled with dark, swollen clouds, flashes of lightning illuminating the elves' sharp features and the glint of determination in their eyes.

Dante stood at the threshold, gripping the doorframe, his gaze drawn to the turbulent horizon where sea and storm waged their ancient war, pulling the ship deeper into it's embrace. Just then, Amara's voice echoed from behind. ''Chaotic ain't it? But don't worry we'll be safe.''

''Good, I heard there is dangerous monster in the water,'' he replied, staring over the edge of the railings.

''That's true, S-Rank and above linger in the shadowed depths waiting to attack ships without their protection,'' the older woman revealed, red eyes glinting with amusement.

''Above? A monster like that would be the worse thing to encounter while stuck on a boat,'' Dante said, shocked by her words.

Amara began laughing and waved him away. ''I've got protection on this thing that will hide us from all but Primordial Monsters but they won't bother us.''

Following that, the grey-skinned woman rushed off to shout orders to her crew as a massive wave appeared on the horizon. He noticed a translucent shield envelop them when Amara activated some runes using mana. This caught Dante's attention but he retreated downstairs thanks to the water splashing over the edge.

Once back in his room, Luna dragged him under the cover after stripping him out of his clothes. The older woman gave him a tight cuddle before the duo fell asleep while outside the storm got even worse. Moments later the ship shook thanks to the waves slamming against the shield.

Dante remained unbothered by the violent lurching of the ship, its enchanted bed cocooning him in a stillness that ignored the assault on the vessel. The runes etched into the bedframe glowed faintly, weaving a magic that absorbed every jolt and sway, cradling him in an almost otherworldly calm.

He slept soundly, untouched by the waves battering the hull as the wind howled its fury. As dawn broke, he stirred, awakened by a warm cascade of sunlight pouring through the window. The rays sliced across the bed, painting the faded linens with a soft glow that seemed to banish the lingering shadows.

Stretching slowly, Dante rose, the bed's warmth clinging to him. His feet tapped softly against the floorboards as he approached the wide window, drawn by the light and shadow spilling across the room. He felt a cool breeze, slipping through the cracked pane, carrying the faint scent of salt and ash.

He rested against the windowsill, his gaze settling on the world beyond and only saw water in all directions causing him to mutter. ''I wonder how long it will take to reach Dawnfen?''

Suddenly, a disturbance broke the surface of the water, a series of massive, glistening shapes rising from the depths. Enormous whales, their sleek, dark bodies arcing through the waves, breached in the distance. Their barnacle-encrusted backs caught the sunlight, sending sprays of water cascading like liquid diamonds.

One let out a bellow, the sound carrying faintly across the expanse, deep and primordial before diving back under as more jumped out of the water causing a massive eruption of water. Just then, Luna appeared behind him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders and began nibbling his ear, sending shiver down his spine.