This chapter proved quite challenging, but Aran, Laura, and Jill were able to push through and defeat Jarod!
Chapter End-1 - Daein Arise: Finished.
Party: Everyone stuck together, with Jill and Aran swapping the lead from time to time and Laura staying behind them to heal and provide ranged cover. They headed for the stairs to start, taking care of the nearby foes before carving their way to the second floor and taking on the first major wave of foes. They had to slow down and hold their own against the stream of foes, taking out the poison-weapon reinforcements without any issue, but having trouble managing them and the other foes. Once they had dealt with the foes, Laura made sure they were in the best condition, and they advanced up to the next area. They drew out the nearest enemies before they climbed up the ledge and laid waste to the remaining soldiers in the area. Aran then stabbed his way through the door leading to the top floor, and Laura stayed with him while Jill flew off to take down the foes on the treasure bearing... ledge areas. Not really sure what those are. Regardless, Jill took down those foes, suffered some heavy damage, got healed by Laura, and then took down some more foes while Aran slowly fought his way through armor knights that he couldn't double. Kind of sad, but it happens. After those foes were cut through, Aran fought Jarod and saved Daein!
Nailah: Ran around and devoured the thieves thanks to the awesome Pass scroll.
Sothe: Stole all of the treasure, and babysat Micaiah until they reached the top, and she could seize.
Burger King: Took down the reinforcements who came in from the bottom entrance, and had them his way; bloody, and in multiple pieces.
Jarod: Fought Aran, Aran started the fight, and they traded blows on the first round. Jarod attacked him, got his attack blocked by Aran, and then got impaled through the face by a critical hit.
VS Jarod: "So, you have the audacity to approach me at last. Don't expect an easy fight. Before I die, I will see each of you dead before me."
What a pain. Causing trouble to the very end. Well, you can make your threats, but no one is going to die here. I absolutely won't let you hurt Laura or Jill, and I can't lose until I know they'll be safe.
Jarod lunged forward, driving his spear forward at Arans side, but Aran pivoted to the side and forced it back with a shove from his shield, before he took the Silver lance and drove it into Jarods foot. The lance struck home, but Jarod grit his teeth and ignored the pain, slamming his shield into Arans helm. Aran reeled from the blow, and barely dodged the thrust that followed, hearing the shriek of the spears tip slicing into his chestplate as it went past. Aran was put on the defensive, dodging strike after strike, unable to retaliate when he had no openings to use, and unable to defend when he had no time to reset his guard.
Damn... If this goes on, I'll eventually slip up, or he'll get lucky, and then it's over. If I can't find an opening, I suppose I'll have to make one... I hope this works...
Aran waited for Jarod to launch a strike at his left side. He then dropped his shield, lunging to grab the spear as it retreated to Jarod's side. He caught it by the tip, and used the moment of surprise to force his spear forward with all his strength, driving it through Jarods face plate and into his skull. Jarod fell to the floor, and Aran called to Micaiah to make the announcement, and was greeted by an overjoyed Laura running towards him, simultaneously preparing to heal and hug him.
Up Next: I'll be meeting you back in Crimea, where the next returning team member makes his reappearance.
