CHAPTER NINE: Confronting the Netherwyrm

As Elias and his companions arrived at Kai's hometown, they were met with a scene of desolation. The once vibrant streets now lay quiet and still, the air heavy with the weight of sickness and despair. Villagers moved about slowly, their faces drawn with exhaustion and fear, as they struggled to cope with the looming threat that hung over their community.

With Kai leading the way, Elias and his companions navigated the winding streets until they reached the familiar sight of his family home. As they approached, Elias could sense the tension building within him. He knew that reuniting Kai with his family would be an emotional moment, one filled with both joy and sorrow.

Upon reaching Kai's family home, they were greeted by the sight of his parents, their faces etched with worry and fatigue. Tears welled up in their eyes as they embraced their long-lost son, their relief palpable in the air. It was a moment of bittersweet reunion, tinged with the knowledge that their troubles were far from over.

After the joyous reunion between Kai and his parents, the family sat down together, their faces alight with smiles as they exchanged stories and caught up on lost time. Kai eagerly recounted his adventures to his parents, regaling them with tales of his journey and the friends he had made along the way.

As the conversation flowed, Kai's parents turned to Elias and Lily, their expressions warm and welcoming. "We cannot thank you enough for bringing our son back to us," Kai's mother said, her voice choked with emotion. "Please, join us for dinner. It's the least we can do to show our gratitude."

Elias waved off the apology with a reassuring smile. "Please, there's no need to apologize. We're grateful for your hospitality. Can you tell us more about the pollution in the water?" Elias inquired, his curiosity piqued. "How did it start?"

Kai's father sighed, his expression growing somber. "It began several months ago," he explained, his voice tinged with regret. "We first noticed a strange discoloration in the water, and soon after, people began falling ill. At first, we thought it was just a passing sickness, but as more and more residents became sick, we realized it was something more serious."

Kai's mother nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with concern. "We suspected that something was contaminating the water source, but we couldn't determine the cause," she added. "It wasn't until one of the villagers stumbled upon the Netherwyrm lurking near the river that we realized the true source of the pollution."

Elias and Lily exchanged a glance, their interest piqued by the mention of the mysterious creature. "The Netherwyrm?" Lily echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kai's father nodded gravely. "A fearsome creature, said to have plagued our lands for generations," he explained. "Legend has it that it possesses the ability to corrupt water sources with its toxic presence, rendering them undrinkable and causing sickness to those who consume it."

Elias felt a chill run down his spine at the mention of the creature's sinister abilities. "And you believe this Netherwyrm is responsible for the pollution in the water?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Kai's father nodded solemnly. "There's no other explanation," he replied. "We've tried everything to purify the water, but the contamination persists. It's only a matter of time before the entire community is affected."

Kai's eyes sparkled with hope as he turned to Elias. “Mom, Elias is really strong! he can definitely take down the Netherwyrm."

His parents exchanged a worried glance, their expressions filled with concern. "Kai, don't cause trouble for Elias," his father cautioned, his voice tinged with apprehension. "He's already to helped us enough by bringing you home, we can't ask more of him and put him in danger."

Elias listened carefully to Kai's parents, understanding their concerns. "I appreciate your caution," he said, his tone sincere. "But I've faced many challenges before, and I'm confident that together, we can defeat this threat."

Kai's mother placed a hand on Elias' arm, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Elias," she said softly. "We're truly grateful for your willingness to help our community. We have some spare rooms you can both rest for the night. How about you make your move tomorrow after meeting with the elders"

“That's fine.” Elias replies as he and Lily follows Kai who showed them to their rooms. That night Elias carefully thought of how he could solve the community’s dilemma and the best way to take out the Netherwyrm. Elias hadn't faced anything threading since he left the withering woods. Could the Netherwyrm pose threats on the level of the horned beats he fought in the past? Elias wondered as he slowly fell asleep. 

The next morning, Elias convened with the elders of the community, who provided him with detailed information about the whereabouts of the Netherwyrm. Despite their doubts and warnings of the dangers involved, Elias remained resolute in his decision to confront the creature. Some residents shook their heads, fearing for Elias's safety and expressing skepticism about his chances of success.

Undeterred by their apprehensions, Elias set out towards the location of the Netherwyrm. Kai, eager to assist his newfound friend, attempted to accompany Elias, but was firmly refused. Elias insisted on facing the creature alone, believing it to be his responsibility.

However, Lily, determined and persistent, approached Elias and pleaded to accompany him on his mission. After a lengthy debate and deliberation, Elias relented, recognizing Lily's resolve and acknowledging her capabilities. With Lily at his side, Elias sets out towards the cave where the Netherwyrm is said to dwell, his heart filled with determination and resolve.

As Elias and Lily approached the cave where the Netherwyrm resided, a palpable sense of dread hung in the air, accompanied by the unmistakable aura of poison emanating from the cave entrance. Elias, accustomed to facing such dangers, remained steadfast, but concern etched across Lily's features.

Sensing her apprehension, Elias engaged in a hushed conversation with Lily:

Elias: Do you remember the plan?

Lily: Yes, once you engage the Netherwyrm, I'll prevent it from running out of the cave into the town with fire.

Elias: Good the Netherwyrm is said to fear fire so you don't have to worry too much. Here, drink this.

Lily: What’s this?

Elias: it's a potion I made this morning after checking out the polluted water. It'll protect you from the poisonous fumes emanating from the Netherwyrm. It only lasts 10 minutes though, so if it's not defeated before then, you have to run! Okay?

Lily: But I can't just leave you

Elias: it'll be fine so promise me.

Lily: O-okay!

Determined to fulfill her role in their plan, Lily accepted the potion with gratitude, understanding the gravity of their mission. With resolve in her eyes, she positioned herself by the entrance of the cave, ready to execute her part of the plan. Armed with flame sticks to ward off the Netherwyrm, Lily braced herself for the imminent confrontation, her heart pounding with anticipation.

“E-Elias, are you sure about this?" Lily's voice trembled with uncertainty, her eyes darting nervously around the dimly lit cavern.

Elias glanced back at her, his expression determined yet reassuring. "I won't let anything happen to you, Lily. Trust me, we can do this."

With a hesitant nod, Lily forced herself to push aside her fears, drawing strength from Elias's unwavering confidence. Gripping the potion tightly, she opened the bottle and drank its content and braced herself for the impending battle, her resolve bolstered by the knowledge that Elias was by her side.

Sighting the Netherwyrm, Elias swiftly engaged in battle. However the creature, feared by the residents of the community for its formidable strength, proved to be no match for Elias. Despite its monstrous appearance and venomous aura, the Netherwyrm was swiftly overpowered by Elias's unmatched prowess and skill in combat. 

Even Elias himself couldn't help but be taken aback by the relative ease with which he dispatched the creature. Though the Netherwyrm was by no means weak, Elias's own strength and abilities far surpassed its own, rendering it helpless against his onslaught.

As the battle concluded and the creature lay defeated at their feet, Lily's eyes sparkled with admiration and awe at Elias's astonishing display of strength. A subtle blush graced her cheeks as she gazed upon him, newfound respect and admiration blossoming within her heart.

With a sense of accomplishment and determination, Elias wasted no time in disposing of the Netherwyrm's remains. Drawing upon his mastery of flame magic, he unleashed a torrent of scorching fire, reducing the creature's corpse to ashes in a blaze of righteous fury. As the flames consumed the last vestiges of the fallen beast, Elias stood tall, his resolve unyielding, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.