99

One by one, Ashur, Neve, and Dorian round off their battles with blood magic cultists and join you in the fight against the grotesque tentacle demon. One of its protrusions catches you across the face, leaving a stinging sensation that gives way to a slow, deep burn—but you can’t worry about that right now. You’ll get someone to heal it later. In the meantime, you demonstrate your displeasure by lopping off the tentacle that injured you, as well as a couple nearby (and the ones that regrow) for good measure.

You’re finally getting the better of it when a cage of lightning descends around you, trapping you inside it.

“Oh, what now?” Dorian snaps, shoving the wicked blade at the end of his staff through the middle of the demon’s wriggling body in a conclusive final blow. He’s clearly at the end of his patience and, from the looks on their faces, everyone agrees with the sentiment.

There’s a slow clap from behind you and you turn as one to see a man in simple, but richly made robes.

“Very well done,” he says with a smile. “You know, I was looking forward to selling the famous Neve Gallus to the highest bidder—but I never imagined a prize like this.”

• If you try to fight the evil magister, turn to page 100.
• If you try to trick the evil magister, turn to page 103.