The city was ablaze.
It wasn't a single fire that could be put out. It was a force of nature that had spread through the streets like a wave of rage. The fire consumed the roofs, windows shattered under the intense heat, and smoke rose toward the sky, blocking out the sun.
The screams of the people mingled with the roars of the demons.
Bodies lay on the cobblestones — both residents and demons from Azrok. Some were still twitching; others were already motionless, covered in dust and blood.
The units split up as planned.
Shadow of the Raven and the Mechanicus moved south, their figures disappearing among the narrow streets and rooftops, where the fighting was swift, silent, and precise.
The Burning Sand and the Forest Shield headed north; their presence was like a clash of two elements — sand and nature — which, despite their differences, now acted as one.
The east belonged to the Wolf's Edge and the Black Void — there, the aura was heavier, more brutal, as if the earth itself were preparing for something far worse.
And to the west…
The Dragon's Pursuit and the Fallen Crosses raced.
The square in front of the great cathedral was one of the last bastions still holding out.
The massive doors stood open, and people were gathering inside—the wounded, the terrified, led by priests and holy mages.
Barriers of light surrounded the entrance, pulsing weaker by the moment.
Valdor stopped in the middle of the square and looked around quickly.
— The situation is tense. — he said calmly, though his voice was firm. — If this falls… everything behind us will fall.
Harn, captain of the Fallen Crosses, walked up beside him.
He was tall, clad in heavy armor bearing the scars of battle.
— The barriers cast by the priests won't hold for long. —he said curtly. — These demons are no ordinary foes.
Valdor nodded.
— In that case, we won't let them get any closer.
He turned to his team.
— Mayuri.
The girl looked at him immediately.
— You'll go inside and help treat the wounded. They won't last long without help. — Valdor said.
Mayuri clenched her fists but nodded.
— I understand.
— Arwen. — Valdor continued.
The girl's wolfish gaze flashed.
— You protect her. Don't take your eyes off her.
Arwen smiled slightly.
— I won't let anything happen to her.
Mayuri looked at her for a moment.
— Thanks…
— Go! — Valdor ordered.
Both of them ran toward the cathedral.
Harn looked at Valdor with admiration.
— You're a good leader.
Valdor didn't answer right away.
— I'm just doing what needs to be done… After all, I used to be a military commander.
Harn smiled slightly.
— In that case… let's show them what it means to stand in our way.
Valdor looked ahead.
A wave of demons appeared on the horizon of the street.
— Noah. Kael.
They both stood beside him.
— We fight together.
Noah clenched his fists.
— This time… I won't back down.
Kael, despite his wounds, raised his sword.
— Good. Because I don't intend to either.
Valdor raised his blade.
— Let's go.
And they ran straight into the heart of the chaos.
In the north, the situation was even more tense.
Kiyoshi and Mira stood shoulder to shoulder, and before them…
He stood.
A tall, unnatural figure.
Four arms. Two held swords that radiated dark energy, and the other two… tomes.
He wore a white mask over his face.
But the aura…
It was overwhelming.
Mira gripped the hilt of her sword.
— Do you feel it…?
Kiyoshi stared at the opponent without blinking.
— Yes.
— He's dangerous. — Mira added quietly.
Kiyoshi smiled slightly.
— That's good.
She looked at him from the side.
— Good!?
— Because I'm not here alone.
Their eyes met for a moment.
— We'll defeat him together, he said.
Mira nodded.
— Together.
At the same time, their teams fought all around them, repelling wave after wave of demons and leading people toward safe zones.
But they all felt the same thing…
This battle would decide everything in the north.
Far away from all of this…
Silence reigned in the realm of demons.
Nathan sat on his throne, leaning back comfortably, as if watching an ordinary spectacle.
Before him floated a huge sphere, reflecting the events unfolding in the capital.
Flames.
Blood.
Battle.
Nathan smiled slightly.
— Beautiful.
A figure in a cloak knelt before him.
A Demon Arc glowed on his right wrist.
Nathan looked at him calmly.
— How are you feeling, Elio?
The boy raised his head.
His eyes were black.
His pupils were green.
He smiled broadly.
— Very well… my lord.
Nathan leaned back more comfortably.
— Perfect.
The sphere in front of him displayed another battle scene.
— In that case… you'll be joining them soon…
Elio's smile only grew wider.