Chapter 9: Angel Tower

The ship glides smoothly into the harbor of Junk Town, its wooden hull contrasting sharply with the rusted metal and broken machinery that litter the shoreline. As Ryu, Nina, Garr, and Peco disembark, they find themselves in a town like no other. Metal scraps of all shapes and sizes are strewn across the beach, some half-buried in the sand, others piled high in makeshift heaps. The buildings, if they could be called that, are cobbled together from parts of long-broken machines, their jagged edges jutting out like the bones of forgotten giants.

Despite the chaotic landscape, the people of Junk Town move with purpose and familiarity, navigating the maze of rust and ruin with practiced ease. Men and women, young and old, labor under the hot sun, salvaging metal and machinery to repurpose and sell to those who can afford their services. The air is filled with the clanging of hammers on metal and the murmur of busy conversation.

Nina looks around, her eyes wide with curiosity. "This place is incredible. I've never seen anything like it."

Ryu nods, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling town. "It's amazing how they've made a life here, among all this... junk."

Garr, ever pragmatic, surveys the area with a critical eye. "We should keep moving. Urkan Tapa isn't far, and we need to reach it before nightfall."

As they walk through the town, they pass stalls and shops filled with all manner of mechanical parts and contraptions. The townspeople, though rough around the edges, greet them with a nod or a grunt of acknowledgment, used to the presence of travelers seeking the unique services Junk Town offers.

The air is thick with the scent of oil and rust, and the constant hum of activity buzzes around them. As they leave Junk Town behind, a sense of anticipation builds. They are one step closer to reaching Urkan Tapa and uncovering the secrets that lie ahead at Angel Tower. Peco, with his usual boundless energy, bounces along happily, fascinated by the myriad of shiny metal objects scattered around.

The road to Urkan Tapa proves arduous. The air is dry and searing, reminiscent of a desert, with each step kicking up small clouds of dust. The landscape is barren, save for the occasional scraggly bush or cactus. Thieves and monsters lurk along the path, but none dare approach, wary of Garr's imposing presence.

Ryu glances at Garr, curiosity piqued. "Why do we need to go to Urkan Tapa?" he asks.

Garr, eyes fixed on the road ahead, responds, "We need the blessing of Sudama, the elder of the town. Without his blessing, we wouldn't be allowed to enter Angel Tower."

As they continue, the arid landscape begins to change. Grass starts to grow, sparse at first but becoming more verdant the closer they get to Urkan Tapa. The sight of greenery is a welcome relief after the dry, desolate road. Soon, they see people in holy garments moving about the town, their presence lending a sense of peace and sanctity to the area.

Garr turns to Ryu and Nina. "Restock our supplies while I speak with Sudama," he instructs. Ryu and Nina nod, taking Peco with them as they head towards the market.

They find a bustling market filled with stalls selling fresh produce, dried meats, and various other provisions. The townspeople are kind, offering friendly smiles and helpful advice as Ryu and Nina purchase food and vitamins. Despite their hospitality, there's an underlying theme in their conversations—a reverence for God that permeates every interaction.

Curious to learn more about the town's beliefs, Ryu and Nina wander around Town and into a sandstone house. Inside, they are greeted by an astonishing sight: several statues of demons that bear an uncanny resemblance to Garr. The statues stand proud and honorable, their poses exuding strength and nobility.

Nina, intrigued, approaches a nearby woman. "Who are these statues of?" she asks.

The woman smiles gently. "These are the guardians of Urkan Tapa. They are a race of Endless created by our God to destroy evil. Once their mission is complete, they enter a deep sleep as statues and ascend into heaven."

Ryu and Nina exchange glances, their minds racing. "Do you think this is why Garr wants to help you with your destiny?" Nina whispers.

Ryu nods slowly, contemplating the possibility. "It would make sense. If Garr is one of these guardians, maybe he sees helping me as part of his mission."

Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Garr. "I've spoken with Sudama," he announces. "We have his blessing. We can proceed to Angel Tower."

With renewed determination, Ryu and Nina gather their supplies and prepare to continue their journey. The knowledge they've gained in Urkan Tapa weighs heavily on their minds, adding a new layer of understanding to their quest. As they leave the town behind, the path to Angel Tower stretches out before them, promising both challenges and revelations.

Angel Tower looms before them, a colossal pyramid that has stood the test of time. The large sandstone blocks are worn by centuries of relentless winds, and moss clings to the crevices, giving the structure an ancient and venerable appearance. At the base of the stairs leading up to the prayer shrine at the top, Garr steps forward, addressing the guards in white robes.

"We have received Sudama's blessing and need to enter the tower," Garr informs them.

The guards nod in acknowledgment and step aside, allowing the party to ascend. As they reach the top of the pyramid, Garr stops to pray, his deep voice resonating in the still air. Once he finishes, he leads them down a side path to find the entrance to Angel Tower.

At the entrance, Garr turns to Nina. "This is as far as you and your companion can go. Only he and I are allowed to enter the holy place."

Nina's eyes widen with worry. "But what if something happens to him? Ryu, you could die in there."

Ryu places a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I'll be fine, Nina. Just wait here with the guards. I'll come back."

Nina bites her lip, reluctantly nodding. "Be safe, Ryu. Promise me you'll come back alive."

"I promise," Ryu replies, giving her a determined look before following Garr into the depths of the tower.

Inside, the air is cool and heavy with the scent of ancient stone. The passageways are narrow and winding, lit by torches flickering with an eerie glow. As they venture deeper, they encounter monstrous guardians patrolling the corridors. With swords drawn, Ryu and Garr fight side by side, their movements synchronized as they cut down their foes.

In between battles, they come across intricate puzzles designed to test their wits. Each puzzle requires a combination of logic and physical prowess to solve, opening pathways that lead them closer to their goal. Ryu's agility and sharp mind complement Garr's strength and experience, making them an effective team.

After what feels like hours of navigating the maze and defeating countless monsters, they finally reach the holiest place within the tower—a vast chamber adorned with ancient symbols and illuminated by a soft, ethereal light. At the center stands an altar, its surface inscribed with runes that pulse with a gentle, otherworldly glow.

Garr steps forward, his expression one of reverence. "This is it, broodling. The heart of Angel Tower. Here, we will find the answers you seek."

Ryu nods, feeling a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Together, they approach the altar, ready to uncover the secrets that lie within and to face whatever challenges may come next.

The altar is surrounded by numerous stone tablets, each inscribed with an ancient language that feels both alien and familiar to Ryu. Strangely, he can read the text as if it were his native tongue. The first tablet he examines reads, "Guardian Gaw, 198."

"What is this?" Ryu asks, his voice echoing in the vast chamber.

Garr, standing beside him, replies solemnly, "These are the names of those who fought against the Brood. The numbers represent the dragons they slew in the war nearly half a century ago."

Ryu's eyes scan the tablets, watching the numbers rise with each name. He then reads the final tablet aloud, "Guardian Garr, 399." His eyes widen with shock as realization dawns upon him. He turns to find Garr already holding his weapon, the air around them thick with tension.

"This place," Garr begins, his voice heavy with the weight of centuries, "is the burial ground of the dragons we defeated." With a snap of his fingers, the dim light intensifies, illuminating the room to reveal thousands of dragon skeletons encased in chrysm surrounding them. Restless spirits drift around; whispers of the dragons can be heard telling Ryu to run away.

Ryu took a step back, his breath shallow, his heart pounding in his chest. The tower was silent, save for the hollow clang of Garr's spear striking the ground in a slow, deliberate rhythm. The echoes bounced off the walls, reverberating through the ancient burial ground of the Brood, where countless dragon bones lay scattered like discarded relics of a forgotten age.

Garr's expression was unreadable, his eyes shadowed beneath his heavy brow. "I am sorry, Ryu," he said, his voice steady, almost resigned. "But this was always meant to be. Just one more dragon… and my mission will finally be complete."

Ryu's stomach twisted as the weight of those words settled over him like a crushing tide. He had trusted Garr. Fought beside him. Called him a friend. And yet, here they stood, surrounded by the remains of his ancestors, with Garr—his ally, his mentor—preparing to strike him down like all the others before him.

"No… No, Garr, please," Ryu's voice wavered, desperation creeping in. His fists clenched at his sides. "We're friends. We don't have to do this. You don't have to do this."

Garr's eyes are resolute. "We are friends. And as your friend, you owe me an honorable fight. I am one of the last of the Guardians, and I cannot ascend until I defeat 400 dragons. It is our destiny to fight!"

Ryu's voice trembles as he pleads, "Garr, please… there must be another way."

Garr shakes his head, the resolve in his eyes unwavering. "This is the only way. Now, member of the Brood, transform into your dragon form and fight!"

Ryu hesitates, the weight of their friendship and the gravity of the situation pressing down on him. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath, feeling the familiar surge of power within him. When he opens them again, they glow with the fierce light of his dragon heritage.

With a roar that shakes the chamber, Ryu transforms into his dragon form, his scales shimmering in the ethereal light with his wings spreading across. Garr braces himself, weapon ready, as the two prepare to face their destinies.

The battle between Ryu and Garr was nothing short of cataclysmic.

Ryu, now in his full dragon form, was a tempest of raw power. His scales shimmered in the chrysm light, his golden eyes burning with fury and betrayal. With a deafening roar, he unleashed a torrent of flames, the inferno sweeping across the cavern like a storm of destruction. The heat warped the air, scorching the ancient bones that lay forgotten around them. But Garr stood firm. The flames licked at his skin, but he had endured the fire of countless dragons before—he would endure this too.

With a powerful leap, Ryu surged forward, claws extended like gleaming daggers, swiping with bone-shattering force. Garr met him mid-air, twisting his massive spear with the grace of a battle-hardened warrior. Sparks erupted as claw met steel, the force sending tremors through the cavern walls. The echoes of their struggle filled the chamber, a symphony of rage and regret.

Garr moved with the fluidity of a predator, his every motion calculated, every counter precise. He struck with the power of a being who had spent centuries slaying dragons, driving the blunt end of his spear into Ryu's ribs, forcing the dragon to stagger. But Ryu did not relent. With a vicious snarl, his tail whipped around, catching Garr in the side and sending him crashing into an ancient pillar.

Stone crumbled, dust filled the air, but Garr emerged, undeterred, blood trailing from his lip. He spun his spear, the blade whistling through the air as he lunged forward. Ryu met him in a violent clash, his fangs snapping inches from Garr's face. The Guardian ducked and drove his spear forward, piercing through the thick scales on Ryu's shoulder, drawing a roar of pain that shook the very foundations of the chamber.

But Ryu refused to fall. Summoning every ounce of his power, he reared back and let out a thunderous roar, the air itself trembling as raw energy erupted from his body. The cavern walls cracked, chrysm crystals shattered, and a blinding golden light filled the chamber.

Garr planted his spear into the ground, bracing against the force, his eyes locked on the dragon before him—not as an enemy, not as a target, but as something far greater.

As the battle rages on, Ryu's energy wanes. His breath comes in ragged gasps, and his massive form shudders. With a final, exhausted roar, Ryu reverts to his human form, collapsing to his knees.

"Transform back!" Garr's voice thundered through the chamber, echoing off the chrysm-lit walls. His grip on his spear tightened, frustration boiling over. "We are not done! I want my final battle to be against a dragon, not a mere child!"

Ryu lay sprawled on the cold stone floor, his body battered, his breath ragged. His dragon form had faded, leaving only the exhausted boy behind. He could barely lift his head as he rasped, "I… I can't. I'm out of strength."

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Garr's eyes darkened, disappointment settling into his features like a heavy weight. His fingers curled into fists, his knuckles blood red from pressure. "Is this how it ends?" His voice was low, almost to himself. "So soon?"

Then, something shifted in his expression—a flicker of something colder, something cruel. His stance stiffened, and when he spoke again, his tone was laced with malice. "Then you leave me no choice." He turned, his heavy footsteps echoing with purpose as he stalked toward the exit.

Ryu forced himself onto his elbows, pain lancing through his body. "Where are you going?" he wheezed.

Garr stopped, his back still turned. A slow breath escaped him before he looked over his shoulder, his golden eyes burning with something almost unrecognizable. "If you won't fight," he said, his voice chillingly steady, "then I'll just bring you the head of the Windian. Maybe that will bring the dragon back to me."

Ryu's blood ran cold. The chamber, already suffocating with tension, seemed to shrink around him. He could feel his heart pounding, not from exhaustion, but from something deeper. Something primal.

The air around Ryu shimmered, distorting like heat rising from sun-scorched earth. A deep rumble filled the chamber, the very walls trembling in response. At first, it was subtle—a faint glimmer of light flickering around his broken body. Then, in an instant, it erupted.

A vortex of raw energy spiraled around him, lifting him from the ground as if the very world recognized what was awakening. The chrysm in the chamber pulsed in harmony with the transformation, bathing everything in an eerie, otherworldly glow.

Garr instinctively halted, feeling the shift in the air. He turned back, eyes narrowing as the figure within the vortex became clearer.

Ryu was no longer the battered warrior struggling to stand. He was ascending—becoming.

His skin darkened to a deep, scorching crimson, glowing tribal markings etching themselves across his face like ancient battle scars. His eyes, now ablaze with a fierce emerald glow, locked onto Garr with something beyond anger—something primal, something unstoppable.

A guttural growl rumbled from deep within Ryu's chest as wings tore from his back, unfolding in a magnificent, fearsome display. Black horns erupted from his forehead, twisting upward like the crown of a true dragon. His fingers stretched and reshaped, talons gleaming like obsidian blades. His boots shredded as massive talons burst from his feet, gripping the ground with deadly intent.

The energy radiating from him was overwhelming, a force so immense that even Garr—who had slain countless dragons—felt his breath hitch. The chamber groaned as if it, too, could feel the immense power being unleashed.

Ryu hovered within the storm of his own making, his gaze locked onto Garr, his voice low and thunderous. "You wanted a dragon?" He spread his wings wide, the force of his presence alone sending a shockwave through the chamber. "Then face one."

He screams, a blinding light filling the chamber, forcing Garr to shield his eyes with his wings. When the light fades, Ryu stands before him transformed, face to face with Garr in his ultimate form: a massive twenty-foot-tall dragon with shimmering blue-purple scales, armored like a fortress and wings that burn like fire.

Garr, in a state of shock, mutters, "Impossible! You are the Kaiser Dragon?!"

Ryu lets out a shattering roar. At this point, the dragon before Garr is no longer the boy he knew. His emotions have gone out of control, and what is left is an empty husk of destruction that he has unleashed. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Garr steels himself, gripping his spear tightly. "Very well," he says, preparing for the battle of his life. "Let's see if you can truly earn that title."

The battle between Garr and the Kaiser Dragon was nothing short of legendary, a clash of titanic strength and unshakable resolve. The chamber itself seemed to tremble beneath the weight of their struggle.

Garr moved like a tempest, his spear striking with the force of a warrior who had felled dragons for centuries. Each thrust was calculated, precise—yet each time the blade connected, it met the impenetrable might of the Kaiser's gleaming scales. Sparks flew as his weapon ricocheted harmlessly off the dragon's hide, leaving not so much as a scratch.

The Kaiser Dragon loomed above him, its very presence suffocating, the air thick with raw energy. Its glowing emerald eyes locked onto Garr, unreadable yet terrifying in their sheer intensity. Garr refused to falter. With a roar of defiance, he launched himself forward, his spear driving towards the beast's heart.

Faster than thought, a massive claw intercepted him mid-strike. The impact sent a shockwave through the chamber, cracking the ancient stone beneath their feet. Garr barely had time to react before the dragon's wings unfurled, sending a powerful gust that nearly knocked him off balance.

His muscles burned, his breath came in ragged gasps. He had faced countless dragons before—but never had he faced this.

Then, the Kaiser Dragon reared back, its chest swelling as golden light surged within its maw. A deep, earth-shaking rumble filled the air, signaling the coming of something devastating.

Garr's eyes widened. With a deafening roar, the Kaiser unleashed its Kaiser Breath. A blinding inferno of pure destruction erupted forth, a concentrated blast of golden fire hotter than the heart of a volcano. The sheer force of it bent the very air, sending shockwaves rippling through the chamber.

Garr had only seconds to react. He spread his wings wide, crossing them in front of him as a makeshift shield, bracing against the unstoppable onslaught. The heat was unbearable, searing his flesh even through his thick skin. The force alone sent him skidding backward, his feet carving trenches into the stone floor.

Then, the breath struck him full force. The impact sent Garr hurtling like a comet, slamming into the sandstone walls with an earth-shattering boom. The ancient structure crumbled upon impact, massive chunks of debris cascading around him as dust filled the air.

And then, through the settling dust, the Kaiser Dragon took a step forward. Its wings folded back, its glowing eyes locked onto Garr's exhausted form. This was no mere battle. This was judgment.

Garr gritted his jaw, ignoring the pain searing through his body as he forced himself back to his feet. Blood dripped from deep gashes across his arms and torso, but his grip on his spear remained unshaken. He had devoted his life to slaying dragons—he would not falter now.

The Kaiser Dragon loomed over him, its emerald eyes burning with an intensity beyond mortal comprehension. Each step it took sent tremors through the crumbling chamber, its sheer presence suffocating. The glow of its molten breath flickered within its maw, a silent warning of the devastation it could unleash at any moment.

With a roar of defiance, Garr lunged forward, channeling every ounce of his strength into a final, decisive strike. His spear, an extension of his will, shot forward like a bolt of lightning, driving directly toward the beast's heart.

For a fraction of a second, time seemed to freeze. The tip of the spear met the dragon's shimmering, golden scales, and then it shattered.

The explosion of metal rang out like a dying bell. Shards of the once-mighty weapon scattered through the air, catching the light like dying stars before embedding themselves into the cracked stone. Garr's eyes widened in shock, but before he could react, the Kaiser Dragon struck.

A massive claw, faster than the wind, slashed across his body. The force sent Garr flying, his massive frame careening through the air like a broken doll. He crashed against the far wall with a deafening boom, stone and debris cascading around him. The impact left a crater in the ancient structure, dust swirling in the aftermath.

Pain flared through every fiber of his being, but Garr refused to surrender. With sheer willpower, he pushed himself up, his body shaking with exhaustion and agony. His weapon was gone. His strength was failing. But still, he fought.

Summoning every last ounce of his power, he let out a guttural war cry, the very force of it shaking the chamber. His eyes burned with golden fury as he slammed his fists into the earth.

The ground answered. With a violent tremor, the stone beneath the Kaiser Dragon erupted. Hellfire spewed forth, molten rock splitting the battlefield apart. The very ground shattered beneath the dragon's weight, and in a deafening roar of destruction, the great beast sank into the seething lava. The chamber filled with the furious hissing of stone melting away, an inferno consuming everything in its wake.

Garr staggered back, his breath ragged. His vision blurred, but he could see it—the dragon had been swallowed by the abyss. It was over. Or so he thought.

The ground beneath him trembled once more. His heart clenched as a deep, earth-shaking growl echoed from below.

And then— With a deafening roar, the Kaiser Dragon burst from the molten depths, scales glowing from the heat gleaming in the firelight, completely unscathed.

Lava cascaded off its body, hissing into steam before even touching the ground. Its wings spread wide, creating a storm of fire and wind, the sheer force of its emergence sending shockwaves through the chamber.

It landed before Garr with a thunderous crash, the earth splitting beneath its feet. Its glowing eyes locked onto him—no longer just predatory, no longer merely fierce. They were furious.

The Kaiser Dragon, undeterred and relentless, grabs Garr in its powerful grip. The dragon's eyes burn with a primal rage as it brings Garr close to its face, growling menacingly. Garr, accepting his fate, pleads, "Kill me dragon! Avenge your fallen kind, AND FULFILL YOUR DESTINY!"

As the Kaiser Dragon opens its scissor-like jaws, ready to devour Garr, a strange phenomenon occurs. Voices begin to echo around them, the ethereal whispers of The Brood's spirits. They plead with Ryu to stop, urging him to remember the true way of The Brood. The voices grow louder, a cacophony that overwhelms Ryu's mind.

The Kaiser Dragon, tormented by the spirits' pleas, begins to lose control. Kaiser releases Garr to cover it's ears, trying to silence the voices. Ryu slams his head against the walls in a desperate attempt to drown out the voices of The Brood, but they only get louder and more numerous. With a final, earth-shattering roar, Ryu spreads his flaming wings and ascends, crashing through the ceiling of Angel Tower. Debris rains down, destroying the altar and leaving Garr behind.

Garr, battered and beaten, kneels on the ground. He gazes up at the sky where the Kaiser Dragon disappeared, and with a heavy heart, he whispers, "Goddess, I have failed my mission." He lowers his head, feeling the weight of his goddess's expectations and his own shattered resolve.