Scene at the Demon General's Palace
Deep within the heart of the island, far from the roar of the ocean and the scattered outposts, rose a colossal structure carved from obsidian and crystallized fire. The Demon General's Palace towered above all else—an ancient monument of authority and fear. Jagged pillars spiraled toward the sky, pulsing with dark-red mana that shimmered like living veins.
Commander division 2 Zephyros approached the main gate, his cloak fluttering in the charged air. Two guards, armored in forged steel, watched his approach with intensity.
"I request to meet with the Demon General," Zephyros said, tone firm yet respectful. "There are matters we must discuss without delay."
The guards exchanged glances, then sent a runner into the palace. Moments later, the massive gates shifted open with a deep groan, revealing a chamber bathed in wavering crimson light.
At the far end stood Xyron Inferno—the Demon General.
Master of four elements: Fire, Water, Lightning, and Dark.
His aura was a force of nature—an oppressive blend of heat, crackling static, and shadowed cold.
Ritual Portal Discussion
Zephyros bowed slightly.
"We must begin preparations for the portal ritual. The summoning of the Demon Lord cannot be delayed."
Xyron's gaze sharpened. "I know. But the ritual is no trivial feat. Mana Stones will be the greatest obstacle. Even with our reserves, "The amount required is enormous—far more than our current reserves."
Zephyros stepped forward.
"Other resources are sufficient. Sacrificial catalysts, artifact runes, dimensional creature corpses—all can be arranged. But if the stability of the portal is perfect. Zerath is fragile... especially compared to our world."
Xyron inhaled slowly, the air around him fluctuating in temperature.
"You underestimate one thing. Even if the portal opens, the Demon Lord's power may collapse this world upon arrival. His energy density exceeds Zerath's limit. If the stabilization fails by even a fraction…"
He snapped his fingers.
A ripple of destructive mana burst outward, cracking the floor.
"…the entire region will implode."
Zephyros nodded grimly.
"That is why I came. To warn you—and to push preparations forward."
But then his tone shifted, quiet and cautious.
"There is… another issue. A few weeks ago, intruder entered the island. The seal should have prevented any intrusion."
Xyron's crimson eyes narrowed.
"I sensed him long before the report reached me. His presence is subtle… but sharp, like a blade hidden in moonlight."
Zephyros folded his arms.
"I analyzed his aura. He is not one of the three ancient warriors from the great war. His energy does not match any of them."
Xyron's jaw tightened.
"But strong enough to kill one of my familiars."
Loss of Familiar & Discussion of Strength
A cold silence fell. Xyron's fingers curled slightly, anger flickering beneath the surface.
Zephyros continued calmly, "The intruder is strong. Strong enough to challenge our Captains without much trouble. But against Commanders… that is another matter entirely."
Xyron's gaze lifted.
"You say that with confidence. Why?"
Zephyros hesitated—only for a moment.
"Because I have seen the Commanders fight. Especially Voltraz."
Xyron scoffed quietly.
"That bastard… yes. I know his strength well."
A faint smirk touched his lips, though it carried no amusement.
"We crossed blades centuries ago, back in the Underworld. Both of us were still Commanders then."
Zephyros raised an eyebrow.
"I've heard a few things about that battle, but never from you directly."
Xyron leaned back a little, recalling.
"Voltraz was relentless. His lightning tore apart half the battlefield. My fire countered him—but barely. He forced me to retreat twice, and I forced him to do the same. Neither of us walked away unscarred."
His eyes glowed darker.
"But what bothered me most was his growth. Every hour, every exchange, he adapted. Evolved. As if battle itself was teaching him."
Zephyros exhaled softly.
"Which means he'll observe this intruder as well."
Xyron nodded.
"And when he does… either he will destroy him, or recruit him."
Elsewhere — Division 3
Far from the palace, the atmosphere in Division 3's base thrummed with tension.
Voltraz, long cloak trailing behind him, observed a distant projection—Zero's faint presence flickering like a shadow in the forest.
Beside him, Captain Tharion shifted uncomfortably.
"Commander… may I ask something?"
Voltraz didn't look away. "Speak."
Tharion swallowed.
"Why were you want to speak with Commander Ignarion? You rarely meet him. And… you're stronger. Much stronger. It feels unnecessary."
Voltraz turned slightly, his golden-red eyes narrowing with a faint amusement.
"Tharion, do you know what strength truly is?"
Tharion stiffened. "Power… authority… dominance—"
"No."
Voltraz's voice cut through the air like a blade.
"Strength is information. Knowing your enemy before they know you. Understanding the battlefield long before you step into it."
He stepped closer.
"Ignarion sees the world through fire and lightning. I see it through the fractures between destinies. That makes our insights different… but useful."
Tharion's brows furrowed. "So you're gathering intel?"
Voltraz smiled thinly.
"On many things. The intruder. The changing behavior of Seraphel. Even Captain Lysandor's silence… despite his condition. One more thing i must ask him about his captain division 1 behavior through division 4."
Tharion exhaled, suddenly uneasy.
"And what do you see now? & about the new Captain of Division 1… no comment.""
Voltraz's voice lowered to a whisper.
"A storm approaching. And the center of that storm… is not a Commander. Not a General. Not even a Demon Lord."
He tilted his head slightly.
"It is a boy."
Tharion froze.
"…The intruder?"
Voltraz's smirk deepened.
"We shall see."
Stabilizing the Demon Lord
Back at the palace, Zephyros returned the focus to the mission.
"The Regenerator of portal must be adjusted to handle the Demon Lord's energy. If not, the portal will tear open the island."
Xyron nodded.
"We activate the portal first… stabilize him after arrival."
"And the familiars?" Zephyros asked.
Xyron's expression darkened.
"The remaining ones must be monitored. If one was killed so easily… the intruder is evolving."
Zephyros's final words echoed through the chamber:
"He will grow stronger. And if we do not act fast… This island will become a battlefield once more."
Outside, hidden in the forest shadows, Zero remained unseen—breathing quietly, observing everything, knowing that a war far greater than himself was beginning to unfold.
The island trembled with secrets.
And Zerath's fate hung by a single, thinning thread.