Location - Shiu (Athena's president headquarters)
The headquarters of Athena's president trembled under a relentless demon assault, echoes of battle thundering through every corridor. Amid the swirling chaos, Alexa stood unwavering-her black sword a beacon of smoldering power.
With a swift, precise arc, her blade severed a demon's head, black flames licking the severed flesh as it clattered to the blood-soaked floor.
Three more demons charged from behind, weapons raised in deadly intent. Alexa's voice rose in a fierce chant, "Power of fire-"
She shifted her stance with the grace of a poised dancer, a light tilt of her leg guiding her blade into a diagonal flash, the black sword erupting in blazing fire.
As the demons lunged, she spun, her sword carving through the air in a fiery dance, "Dancing fire god!"
Waves of enigmatic flame burst forth, engulfing the demons. Their terrible bodies were cleaved and consumed in the inferno, turning to ash that scattered like smoke on the wind.
On the other side, Alex Barty charged forward with relentless fury, his massive axe cleaving through demon after demon. Bodies split in brutal halves beneath his blows as he roared his defiance.
Soon, ten demons encircled him, faces twisted with malice. Alex's breath grew heavy, his jaw setting in frustration.
As the demons closed in, weapons poised to strike, Alex raised his axe high and unleashed a fierce incantation, "Power of wind-"
His blade whipped through the air, conjuring a tempest of swirling wind around the axe. Leaping into the air, he continued, "-Tempest fury!"
Sweeping his axe in a wide arc, a raging whirlwind erupted, shredding demons into pieces as their bodies were swept into scattered ash by the furious storm.
Landing gracefully, Alex suddenly heard the sharp tear of fabric. Casually glancing downward, his face flickered with awkward disbelief. "What the hell... my pant's torn... Luckily, no one saw."
A burst of loud, mocking laughter echoed behind him. Alexa doubled over, hands clutching her stomach. "Hahahaahaa... Hahahhaa..."
Flushing, Alex spun angrily. "Why are you laughing so loud, you idiot?"
Between giggles, Alexa pointed a teasing finger. "Did you rip your pants trying to land all gracefully? What a shame!"
Alex Barty gritted his teeth, "Shut up! Stop laughing."
Alexa chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Careful, Alex, or those ripped pants might become your new battle armor."
Alex rolled his eyes, trying to hide a grin. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to keep."
Alexa's laughter faded into a grin. "So? Can we head out to rescue Ryugi Ken's squad now? I think we've cleared the demons here."
The battlefield was a grisly sight-dozens of demons bodies reduced to smoldering ash, the air heavy with the scent of smoke and victory. The sorcerers also stood amidst the vanishing ashes of demons bodies.
Alex exhaled deeply, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Yeah... I think we're clear."
Together, they readied themselves to rescue their sorcerers squad.
Location - Laconis City, Masafu's House
Kendra sat at the dining table, her face clouded with worry. Her fingers nervously traced the grain of the wooden surface as she stared into the fading light. "Where is Azad? I haven't seen him since yesterday. He wouldn't just leave without telling me. This... this is the longest he's ever been gone."
The front door suddenly swung open, and Masafu stepped inside, his expression tired but cheerful. He walked over and sat beside Kendra, reaching for his plate. "Mom... I am hungry.... Do you have anything to eat?"
Still silent, Kendra watched him closely. After a moment, she finally spoke, her voice soft but strained. "Masafu… do you know where Azad is?"
Masafu chuckled lightly, trying to keep the mood light. "What are you talking about, Mom? He still hasn't come home? It's been over a day?"
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Yes… and I don't know where he's gone."
A flash of anger crossed Masafu's face after he saw Kendra's face. "Has he lost his mind? Where the hell would that idiot be off to?"
Kendra shook her head, voice trembling. "He didn't tell you either?"
Masafu's frustration mixed with deep concern. "No. Azad usually tells someone when he leaves. This... this isn't normal. Azad, where have you gone? Please come back soon. If you make my mom worry... I will kill you..."
A heavy silence fell between them, broken only by the soft ticking of a clock. Outside, the sun dipped lower, bathing the room in a warm but melancholy glow.
Location - Shiu Battlefield
The chaotic roar of the battlefield suddenly stilled, suspended for a heartbeat beneath the sinking sun.
There, standing tall and unyielding, was Azad-his figure radiant with a golden aura that seemed to burn brighter than the fading daylight.
Before him lay Mirauza's severed head, a silent testament to Azad's overwhelming power. The head, blackened and broken, began to crumble into ash, swirling away on the breeze. The demon's body followed, melting into dust and vanishing with the twilight.
Azad remained, a beacon of fierce light at the edge of a battlefield that was now-finally.
Azad moved forward across the battered battlefield, each step resolute and unyielding. Wu Chan, Nirav, and Firoaz watched him approach, their eyes wide with a mix of awe and tension, sensing a storm about to break.
Wu Chan rose, his voice firm and steady. "The battle isn't over yet, boy. There are still demons locked in deadly fights with our sorcerers."
Nirav's voice was grim, edged with urgency. "Our sorcerers are barely holding on. We must finish this—now."
Azad inclined his head slightly, the fire of determination burning in his eyes. "I know that..."
Suddenly, power surged through him. His eyes flashed, twin storms brewing behind the visor. Thunder rattled inside him as his twin katanas ignited with crackling energy—arcs of lightning dancing fiercely along their blades.
The very air around him vibrated, charged with raw destructive force. With a sudden burst, he lunged into the armored chaos; thunderclaps exploded across the battlefield as he moved. The ground shattered beneath his feet, bolts of lightning spiraled wildly—a storm unleashed.
The battlefield erupted into disorder. A towering demon raised its hammer to crush a weary sorcerer, ready to deal a fatal blow. But in an instant, a streak of pure thunder split the air—a phantom flash so swift it left no time for fear. "Whoosh!!" The demon's head flew loose, spinning and crackling with sparks before turning to ash on the scorched earth. The sorcerer's eyes widened in disbelief. "W-what the…?" it was Azad's work.
Like a tempest incarnate, Azad tore through the demon ranks again and again. His strikes were electric symphonies of destruction—monstrous bodies severed before they could react, heads spinning, limbs shattered amidst showers of blue-white lightning. Each blow unleashed violent bursts that sent weaker enemies flying, their howls swallowed by thunder.
Azad was unstoppable, a living storm where every motion was sharpened to deadly perfection. The earth trembled beneath his wrath; demons fell by the dozen, terror wide in their eyes as they tried to flee only to be struck down in blinding lightning arcs.
Wu Chan's eyes widened in astonishment as he watched Azad tear through the battlefield. "He's using his thunder power to accelerate his speed."
Wu Chan muttered, disbelief thick in his voice. "That kind of acceleration should drain his Aki energy completely... his body shouldn't be able to keep up after all this fighting. How is he doing this?!"
Nirav's gaze sharpened, equally stunned. "Who in the world is he?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of Azad's power.
Firoaz's eyes grew impossibly wide, a mixture of awe and excitement flashing across his face. "Fantabulous!" he exclaimed, unable to hide his amazement.
Like a streak of lightning incarnate, Azad surged forward, striking demons one after another with relentless speed and precision. His movements were a blur—each attack echoing like thunder, leaving devastation in his wake. The battlefield became his storm, crackling with electric fury as he cut down demons after demons with unstoppable force.
Around him, sorcerers watched in stunned silence, unable to grasp the scale of his ferocity. Wu Chan, Nirav, and Firoaz exchanged amazement; Azad's lightning-fast acceleration defied all logic, his spirit fueled by nearly boundless power. In that electrified chaos, it was as if the heavens had chosen a champion and sent him crashing into the war.
When at last Azad halted, the battlefield smoked and cracked, bodies of countless demons lying defeated. His breathing was heavy, exhaustion tugging at his bones, yet his fierce spirit remained unbroken.
Wu Chan's mind flooded with amazement. "Incredible… After draining so much Aki energy, I expected him to fall—but here he stands, steady and strong. His Aki reserves must be enormous, and his body incredibly resilient to endure such strain."
Wu Chan stepped forward, awe and curiosity blending in his voice. "Tell me, boy... At such a young age, wield this much power? Who are you?"
Nirav's tone cut sharp, demanding answers. "Where did you come from? And why are you hiding your true self?"
Firoaz struggled upright, eyes wide with wonder. "Remove your helmet! Show us who you are!"
Azad's reply was calm, almost distant. "I also come from Sparta. My identity is not important—at least not now. When the time comes, you will know about me. But there is a more urgent threat than knowing my identity."
Confusions flickered across their faces. Wu Chan pressed. "What threat?"
Azad's face hardened, voice grave. "A greater evil approaches our world—one far worse than any we have faced."
Shock and dread washed over the trio.
Wu Chan's voice wavered. "Stronger than this... What could be worse?"
Azad's tone was cold steel. "Yes. Demons are worse than Mirauza ready to conquer us all."
Fear darkened their expressions. Nirav's whisper was filled with disbelief. "More powerful than him? Are you certain?"
Firoaz asked, voice tinged with awe and terror, "How did you know that?"
Azad's eyes burned with conviction. "Mirauza told me before I beheaded him. But I had known long before that moment."
Firoaz's disbelief deepened. "What...?"
Azad's voice dropped, heavy with ominous certainty. "Their forces are stronger and larger than these demon army"
Panic tightened their features, their minds racing with dread.
Azad's gaze sharpened further. "And they answer to a single monarch—the king of demons himself… Agragar."
Their faces are drained of color. Wu Chan echoed the name, voice trembling, "Agragar…"
Azad nodded, grave and unyielding. "He is the true ruler of all demons."
Nirav's voice cracked with fear. "How do you know all these?"
Azad said steadily, "I told you, that's not important now—the looming threat matters now. Agragar was searching for something here—something that, if he finds, that will bring destruction to humanity."
Wu Chan frowned, confused. "Searching for something?"
Nirav's voice was tight with anxiety, "Do you know what it is?"
Azad fixed them with a steely gaze. "I don't know what it is exactly, but I know this—if he obtained it, it will the humanity's final day."
Terrified silence spread over them like a suffocating fog as Azad's words settled. The sun's dying light stretched long shadows across the battlefield.
Their battered sorcerers staggered toward them, bodies marked by deep wounds, blood seeping from torn flesh. Many had lost limbs—hands, legs—yet still, they pressed on, struggling behind the trio.
Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the tension. "Hey, guys…"
Azad and the three turned toward the source. There stood Alexa, flanked by Alex Barty and hundreds of Athena's sorcerers, emerging in force upon the bloodied battlefield.
Alexa's voice thundered, "Who are you? I don't recognize a single one of you from Athena's Sorcerers."
Wu Chan stepped forward slightly. "We aren't Athena sorcerers, Mrs..."
Alexa's eyes narrowed. "Not Mrs… Miss. Alexa. I'm not married yet."
A chuckle escaped Wu Chan. "Sorry, Miss Alexa. We're special grade sorcerers—from Sparta—and the others all are our Sorcerers squad."
"Sparta?" Alexa sneered. "Who gave you permission to step foot in our land? Illegal entry?" Her black sword flashed as she drew it.
"No, no," Wu Chan replied with a calm chuckle. "You've got it wrong. Athena's president, Alastor Barty, aids our help to battle the demons in your country, that's why we all are here."
Confused, Alexa looked toward Alex. "Did your father really ask for help from another country?"
Alex nodded. "Yes, he did. From Sparta."
Alexa scoffed, lowering her sword. "What a useless president we have, to beg for foreign help."
Alex's temper flared. "Watch your mouth, moron."
Alexa smirked. "Only an idiot gets mad at another idiot for stating facts."
Her gaze then drifted over to Azad. "Who's that guy? Is this some cosplay costume? Why is he wearing that in the bloody battlefield?"
Azad stood silent, unmoving. Then, with a sudden ground-shaking burst, he took flight—vanishing up into the night sky.
"Why did he fly off?" Alexa asked.
Alex furrowed his brows, puzzled. "Who is he?"
Wu Chan shrugged. "He's one of our sorcerers. But we don't even know much about him."
Alexa's tone turned wary. "Something doesn't feel right about him…"
Wu Chan nodded. "Anyway, our job here is done. We're heading back to our country now. Goodbye."
The trio, along with the Sparta sorcerers, began to walk away slowly.
Then Alex called out, "Wait! One minute…"
They stopped and turned back.
"Do you have any information for us about these battles and demons?" he asked.
Nirav leaned toward Wu Chan, whispering, "Don't tell them what the boy told us. We need to report this to our government first."
Firoaz chimed in nervously, "Yeah… Nirav's right."
Alex pressed, "Hey... I'm talking to you!"
Wu Chan paused. "Yes… Mr…?"
"Alex Barty," he said firmly.
Wu Chan took a deep breath. "We fought a demon army leader stronger than special grade sorcerer."
Shock rippled through Alexa, Alex, and the gathered Athena sorcerers.
"Are you serious?" Alex said, disbelief heavy in his voice. " There is no demons are stronger than special grade sorcerers."
Nirav snorted. "We believed the same… but, this battle shattered all Our beliefs today. Even the three of us couldn't stand a chance. Then, this mysterious boy showed up and saved us."
Alexa's laugh cracked through the tension. "So you're saying that fancy-dressed kid saved you from a demon stronger than special grade sorcerers? Am I right?"
Wu Chan nodded solemnly.
Alexa burst into mocking laughter. "Hahahaha… Hahahaha!"
The Athena sorcerers joined in, their laughter echoing mocking and loud. The Sparta sorcerers and the trio bristled with anger.
Firoaz stepped forward, gripping his hammer, ready to strike. Wu Chan held him back. "Hold it, Firoaz. We don't need a fight here."
"But, Mr. Wu Chan, they're humiliating us!" Firoaz growled.
Wu Chan clenched his fists with anger, but his voice was steady, firm. "Violence isn't a solution to all situations, Firoaz. Right now they seem too arrogant to believe anything, which makes them feel less credible. We have to Stay calm, Firoaz." Firoaz clenched his hammer with frustration.
Wu chan turned to the Athena sorcerers with a dry chuckle. "That's quite the joke, isn't it? But what we say is true. It's not our loss if you refuse to listen."
The laughter died down, silence settling over the crowd.
The Sparta sorcerers and the trio walked away quietly.
Wu Chan glanced back, voice low but heavy with warning. "I can say only one thing to all of you… PREPARE YOURSELVES."
They disappeared into the distance.
Alex turned to Alexa. "Do you believe what they said?"
Alexa scoffed with a mocking chuckle. "Demons stronger than special grade sorcerers? That's nonsense. Probably they all are a bunch of weaklings blowing smoke."
Alex frowned, confusion creasing his face.
Meanwhile, the trio and the surviving sorcerers boarded their guild aircraft.
Wu Chan moved to the controls, pressing a button to send a message to the tracking team of Sparta. "This is Wu Chan speaking here. Our battle in Athena is over—we're returning to Sparta. We have important information to report to all. We will arrive soon..." He exhales deeply with exhaustion, "....Finally.... the victory is ours." after he speaks, he inhales deeply with a deliberate smile and takes off their aircrafts.
Location - Sparta President's Headquarters, Laconis City
In the vast, quiet hall, President Vincent Roger sat, worried deep in his gaze. Suddenly, the creak of a door opening broke the stillness.
Eddie Carol rushed in, a bright smile lighting his face. "Sir! Sir! We finally received a message from our sorcerers squad we sent to Athena. They finished the battle with victorious and they are returning with important information to tell us."
Vincent's expression blossomed into joy. "We must have to celebrate this victory with a grand welcoming party. Arrange everything—our nation has to be proud of this victory."
Eddie nodded. "Yes, sir. I'll take full responsibility for the preparations." He hurried out, leaving Vincent's face shining with pride.
Location - Athena's Desert
Azad soared above the desert under the night sky, a lone figure surrounded by darkness.
Suddenly, a crushing weight bore down on his chest. Sharp pain flared—a searing headache that stole his breath. His body stiffened, losing control.
Without warning, he plummeted, crashing violently onto the cold desert sand.
Dizziness spun his vision as exhaustion claimed him—his overused Aki energy and pushed limits took their toll. Azad lay still, fading into unconsciousness amid the quiet desert night.
The narrator's voice thundered, "The battle of Shiu has at last reached its fierce conclusion. But this victory is only the opening move in a far darker game. Brace yourselves—for the true storm is yet to come. Stay tuned as the coming chapters unravel hidden threats and long-buried secrets that will change everything..."
Chapter 17 - TO BE CONTINUED...