My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 209: Return To The Island

Kace led the survivors onwards towards the gate. Most of them were tired with some form of injury. Everyone's expression clearly showed that they were looking forward to a warm meal and bed.

The idle chatter that was going on behind him was extremely welcome. A weight had on his mind since he realised his time here was over. 

'We gained another pillar, but how do we destroy the gate?' It was a bittersweet victory. He had only expected to gain the support of another pillar. However, they had uncovered the location of one of the gates that he had to destroy.

Even Yul, when questioned, did not have an answer for them. 'All we can do is secure it on our end until we find a way to deal with them.' His eyes rested heavily on the structure as it came into view.

'Then there's the other problem. Where do we go from here? The vampires were our only lead. We have no idea where the other pillars and gates are.' Kace shook his head in frustration.

'There's no point worrying about it just now.' Sylvan tried to reassure him. 'We can use this time to thin the heroes ranks.'

Kace felt a wide grin being projected into his consciousness. It was clear what Sylvan's motives were. 'I guess you're right.' He agreed, there really was nothing else for him to do until they had reliable intelligence they could act upon.

Vaskra was snoring loudly from her chair, a goblin was standing at each wheel holding it aloft. She looked similar to one of those ancient queens that were carried around in their palanquins.

The chatter behind him grew in intensity as they drew closer to the gate. Everyone was eager to get this over with. Nobody more so than Kace and Grugda. They had been away from Stonefall for over a year.

They were keen to see the changes that had happened in the three years that had passed on their homeworld. The group slowly gathered around the gate, staring at it with hungry eyes. Kace flashed a look towards Grugda. He was the one who had the unfortunate responsibility of carrying the 'rock' that Vaskra had dropped on Phillip.

With a heavy sigh, the Eljein stepped forward. He had already concluded that all he had to do was place it on the ground. The gate would take care of the rest. As if it had been tuned to be powered by Yul's body all along.

When Grugda placed it down, he retreated hastily. Taking his place beside the Orcs who were carrying Dao's injured body. A humming noise began, as yellow lights spread across the surface of the structure.

They traced intricate lines and patterns as a feeling of extreme power washed over all of those present. Within a few minutes, the humming had grown in intensity. Until, eventually, what seemed like a tear in space opened up. 

The edges were pulled away from the centre of the gate until they connected with the structure. Leaving a cloudy grey sort of whirlpool. Kace understood that the gateway was complete. With a solemn expression, he glanced around at everyone.

"Let's go home!" He said as a small smile appeared upon his face.

One by one, they stepped into the strange magic. They were disappearing before the eyes of all those there. Sophia gave Kace a soft smile before stepping in as well. Kace was now left alone. He took one last, long look at the world. 'Somehow, I feel like we'll return here.'

Shaking those thoughts from his mind, he followed his comrades. His figure became blurry, and then he was gone. The portal slowly closed, leaving silence to reign in that place.

Kace kept his eyes closed as he fought against a wave of nausea. He felt like his mind was spinning, and he was struggling to gain control of it. The sound of retching could be heard from what he assumed were the others. Apparently, quite a few of them were unable to contain the feeling.

He slowly opened his eyes, the smell of the sea had already reached him. The cave that he remembered was a complete mess. The ceiling was gone, and the area looked like it had enlarged.

A loud cheer suddenly rose from the area overhead. Hundreds of goblins, orcs, trolls and treants stood there smiling down on them. Weapons we're raised in the air as they cheered at their return. Kace was completely surprised.

'What about the heroes? Or the creatures that were here?' He highly doubted that all the creatures could have been wiped out with their strength. At the same time, why would the heroes give up on this place?

From somewhere behind the cheering crowd, loud explosions could be heard. 'Oh, I guess they haven't.' Kace smile sheepishly while letting out a chuckle. This was more like it, of course, he would be thrown straight into another fight as soon as he arrived.

"With me!" He roared, gaining the approval of the group that had travelled with him.

The crowd cleared the edge of the remaining roof in surprise. Kace leapt with Sylvan in hand. Ready for another brutal fight. However, his eyes went wide in shock as he heard the rest quickly approaching. 'Oh, fuck!'

Kace really wanted to smack himself right now. He had gotten many monsters worked up, only to discover there was nothing for them to do. 

Three giant steel ships hovered in the air over the sea. What seemed to be cannons continuously fired on a group of ships attempting to reach the island.

Kace smiled though, as he saw a bunch of goblins cooking up some food. The familiar sight of meat being roasted on a large spit made him feel nostalgic. Many monsters were just enjoying the show, waiting for the food to be ready.

Kace joined the cheers whenever another ship was sunk. What a thing to come home to. Some dinner and entertainment. He began to laugh loudly while he watched the airships suppress their enemies entirely.

'I wonder how long it will take to get to Stonefall on one of those...'