The air crackled with tension as the party convened, their minds racing with strategies for the impending challenge of the Galldrell Coliseum and the enigmatic presence within Matthew Gondor. Specter suggested a direct confrontation with Matthew to draw out the hidden entity, but the group favored a more subtle approach, opting for investigation over incapacitation.
During their downtime, Spec ventured to the Wode Elves near the Galldrell Coliseum, immersing himself in their language to better understand the local culture. The party speculated that fear might provoke Matthew’s hidden side, prompting Lady Antkeep to attempt a mental connection with the entity inside him, though her efforts were met with silence. Marin probed Matthew about his past, particularly regarding Evangeline Gondor, but Matthew dismissed any fear of her despite her previous harsh judgments. Gorda theorized that Matthew’s memories could be false, while Matthew revealed that his home city embraced all gods, though he did not worship any. In a bid to provoke the hidden entity, Marin insulted Matthew’s family, igniting his anger. As their respite came to an end, Marin discovered a note about a completed job involving goblins, leading the group to decide against pursuing the employer immediately. Meanwhile, Lady visited the Onyx Chest Mansion alone to discuss future opportunities with Lavitz Onyxechest, learning that the sewer threat had been neutralized and that Lavitz Onyxechest was interested in her potential rise to nobility. She arranged for her team to enter the Galldrell Coliseum, eager to showcase their skills.
The next day, with the match against a Slime Dragon looming, Matthew shifted his research toward understanding his own black blood, uncovering that it was ink rather than blood, suggesting a divine gift. After a prayer to the unknown being behind this gift, Matthew received a cryptic response demanding better service and warning of vengeance against those who had wronged him. Confused yet resolute, he planned to share his discoveries with the group.
As the party approached the Galldrell Coliseum, officials recognized them, and Lady confirmed their team name, the Hellbreakers. The match began with the dragon covered in thorns unleashed from its restraints. Matthew placed a judgment on the dragon covered in thorns, while Lady and the others spread out to engage. The dragon covered in thorns retaliated fiercely, injuring both Lady and Matthew, but the party pressed on, utilizing their unique abilities to counter the beast’s attacks. Spec manipulated shadows to restrain the dragon covered in thorns, while Gorda and Marin coordinated their strikes, marking the dragon covered in thorns and redirecting its assaults. Despite the dragon covered in thorns’s formidable defenses and life-draining aura, the Hellbreakers remained steadfast. Lady’s magic provided vital healing, allowing the team to endure the dragon covered in thorns’s onslaught.
As the battle escalated, the dragon covered in thorns unleashed a series of devastating attacks, but the party’s teamwork began to wear it down. Spec’s critical strikes and Matthew’s judgment culminated in a decisive blow, knocking the dragon covered in thorns to the ground amidst the roar of the crowd. In a swift motion, Spec severed the dragon covered in thorns’s head, a grim testament to their victory. Yet, the implications of their battle—and the mysteries surrounding Matthew—remained unresolved.
Threads to Watch:
- The nature and implications of Matthew’s black blood and its connection to the unknown being.
- The unresolved mysteries surrounding Matthew’s past and his relationship with Evangeline.
- The potential consequences of the Hellbreakers’ victory and their future endeavors in the Galldrell Coliseum.