Location - Planet Vardok
The entire place was burning. Flames devoured the cities, smoke clouded the red sky, and the people of Vardok screamed as they ran for their lives. Demons had swarmed their world, tearing through streets and homes without mercy. Their claws ripped through bodies, their roars drowned every cry for help.
The blue-skinned people, bald and wide-eyed with fear, tried to escape — but there was nowhere left to run. Blood stained the ground, painting everything in a grim shade of red.
Amid the chaos, a wounded woman stumbled through the wreckage, clutching her two children close. Blood trickled from the wound in her stomach, but she refused to stop. Her face was pale, her body weak, yet her arms held her children tightly.
She found a ruined building, barely standing, and rushed inside. In one corner, she found an old cupboard and opened it hurriedly.
Her voice trembled as she tried to smile. "It's okay, dear… don't cry. Mama's here, alright? Everything's fine. Your dad will come soon…"
The children sniffled, their small faces streaked with tears.
A few feet away, their father lay motionless on the ground, his limbs torn apart, his face destroyed beyond recognition. But she didn't look for long — she couldn't.
"Wait here," she whispered softly, trying not to let them see her fear. "Don't make a sound, okay? Mama will bring back Dad." She placed her hand on her elder son's shoulder. "Reshazif, take care of your little brother."
The two children nodded through quiet tears. She smiled weakly, closed the cupboard doors, and stepped out.
Through a small crack, the children watched her go. The younger one whispered, "Mama…?"
A few seconds later, a scream pierced the air — loud, sharp, and full of pain. Blood splattered across the nearby wall.
Then silence.
The children froze. Their eyes widened when they saw a severed hand fall to the floor — their mother's hand.
Before they could react, a deep growl echoed from the doorway.
A demon stepped inside — tall, terrifying, and dripping with blood. Its claws gleamed, and its eyes scanned the room.
Reshazif quickly covered his little brother's mouth, holding him close, trying to stop their breathing. The demon sniffed the air and started walking slowly toward the cupboard.
It stopped for a moment, then turned to leave. Relief flickered in the boy's eyes — but then, the demon noticed a faint line of blood leading to the cupboard.
It let out a monstrous roar and charged forward.
Reshazif's eyes widened in terror. He held his brother tighter — but it was too late.
The demon slashed through the cupboard, tearing it apart. Blood sprayed across the walls and floor as the creature struck again and again.
Then everything went quiet. Only the fire outside continued to burn, crackling in the silence.
A tall demon with four muscular arms and a massive spiked mace resting on his shoulder walked through the scorched battlefield. The air was thick with smoke and the stench of burning flesh. Flames rose from the ruins around him, lighting up his dark, scarred skin.
He approached a towering figure standing in the center of the fire — Lord Feroza, the Fourth Ranked General Commander of Böser Geist. Feroza's crimson eyes glowed faintly through the haze, his body wreathed in a sinister dark aura.
The four-armed demon stopped in front of him, lowered his head, and knelt. His deep voice rumbled through the crackling fire.
"Lord Feroza, our soldiers conquered the Planet Vardok successfully." This demon was Schezwan Seriata, General Commander of Feroza's army.
Feroza's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Excellent work, Schezwan. You captured this planet in just thirteen days." He let out a low chuckle. "You never fail to surprise me."
The ground around them was blackened with ash. The bodies of the Vardok people burned in heaps, their flesh melting under the flames. The scent of blood and charred skin filled the air.
Feroza inhaled deeply, his face twisting in disgust. "What a filthy stench… What pathetic creatures they are."
Then, suddenly, he stopped. His expression froze. A strange, heavy sensation gripped his mind — like a wave of raw pain and dread.
Every demon around him felt it too. They staggered, their eyes widening in disbelief. "It can't be...."
That sensation was the death of Mirauza, the Sixth Ranked General Commander. Azad beheading Mirauza and this Feroza sensation happening simultaneously.
Schezwan looked up in shock, his voice trembling. "My Lord… General Mirauza…"
Feroza stood silent for a moment. Then, unexpectedly, a deep, booming laugh erupted from him.
"HAHAHAHAHAH!" His laughter echoed through the burning ruins.
Schezwan blinked in confusion. "My… Lord?"
Still grinning, Feroza spoke through his laughter. "I thought he would conquer Yathra on his own… But—" he broke into another laugh, "—he was defeated by mere humans! HAHAHAHA!"
His laughter slowly faded, replaced by a dark smirk. His voice dropped to a low, cruel tone.
"I thought I overestimated your power too much… my foolish little brother."
He turned his gaze toward the blood-red sky, his eyes glimmering with malice.
Location – Shiu Battlefield
Night had fallen over Shiu. The once-fiery sky was now buried beneath a heavy shroud of darkness. Smoke drifted over the ruined land, and the faint smell of blood still lingered in the air.
Alexa moved among the debris, her eyes scanning desperately. Her black sword hung loosely in her hand as she muttered under her breath, voice trembling, "Where in hell are you, Ryugi…"
Across the battlefield, Alex and his squad were lifting a collapsed wall, using every ounce of strength left in them. The wall groaned as it shifted—and when it finally fell aside, everyone froze.
"Alexa! Come here!" Alex shouted, waving his hand frantically.
Alexa turned sharply and ran toward him, her boots splashing through puddles of blood and ash. She reached Alex, breathing heavily. "What is it, Alex?"
Alex didn't speak. He just pointed at the ground.
Alexa followed his gaze—and the sight hit her like a blade through the chest.
There, lying lifeless in a pool of blood, was Ryugi Ken. His body was torn apart, his sword shattered beside him.
Her voice broke. "R-Ryugi…"
Alex looked at her solemnly. "Alexa… now I understand what that old sorcerer from Sparta meant."
Alexa turned toward him, confusion flickering through her grief. "What do you mean?"
Alex didn't answer right away. He looked around the battlefield—at the countless bodies of fallen sorcerers, at the broken weapons and burned ground. "Whatever it is," Alexa finally said quietly, staring down at Ryugi's body, "Athena has lost a great warrior…"
Alex inhaled deeply, his voice heavy. "Not just one… Athena lost many great warriors today."
"Yeah…" Alexa murmured softly.
The two of them stood in silence, surrounded by the aftermath of war. The cold wind brushed through, carrying with it the faint echoes of screams that had faded hours ago. Around them, other sorcerers bowed their heads, their expressions filled with sorrow.
---
A few hours later, several transport vehicles arrived to collect the fallen. The battlefield, once alive with chaos, now moved in a somber rhythm—soldiers carrying corpses, the hum of engines filling the silence of death.
Alexa and Alex climbed into one of the vehicles. Alex took the driver's seat while Alexa sat beside him, staring blankly out the window. Her mind wasn't in the present anymore.
It drifted back—to a memory that still burned brightly in her heart.
---
(FLASHBACK)
The training ground blazed under the midday sun.
Alexa and Ryugi faced each other, swords drawn. Sparks burst as their blades clashed again and again. Alexa pressed forward with relentless precision, her black sword cutting through the air in a rhythm that left Ryugi on the defensive.
Ryugi gritted his teeth, barely keeping up. With a quick back leap, he jumped high and began a chant. "Power of Blood—"
Alexa smirked. "Now it's getting interesting."
"—Swirling Blood Slashes!" Ryugi spun in midair, unleashing a storm of crimson blood arcs of slashes.
The slashes screamed toward Alexa, but she deflected each one effortlessly, her movements swift and controlled. Ryugi's eyes widened. "She's improved again… faster, sharper than before."
Landing on the ground, Ryugi began another chant, his blade glowing red. "Power of Blood—Thrust of Blood Sword!"
He lunged at her, but Alexa bent slightly to the right, deflecting his thrust with his sword on perfect perfect timing. His balance faltered—just for a second—but it was all she needed.
"Power of Fire—" she chanted, flames bursting to life around her sword.
Ryugi turned and eyes widened. "Too fast!"
Alexa roared. "Blazing Crescent Strike!"
She swung her sword in a fiery arc. Ryugi tries to block that strike with his sword, but the blast of heat and power crashed impact sent his sword flying, and he fell to the ground, the fire's glow reflecting in his stunned eyes.
Alexa stepped forward and pointed her sword at his throat. "Again," she said with a small grin, "you lose."
Ryugi exhaled, shaking his head. "I hate to admit it… but as a former master, it's starting to get embarrassing losing to my student."
Alexa chuckled and offered him her hand. He took it, and she helped him to his feet.
"But still," Ryugi added with a faint smile, "I'm proud. My student has surpassed me."
Alexa smirked. "Well, try to catch up then." She turned to leave.
Ryugi called out after her, "Hey, Alexa! When are we dueling again?"
She looked back over her shoulder, laughing softly. "Try to catch up to me first, Then we'll see about that… Old man."
Ryugi grinned. "Damn, you're still as arrogant as ever."
The two shared a light smile—one that would soon become a memory burned forever into her heart.
---
(PRESENT)
Back in the present, Alexa's eyes glistened faintly. She looked out the vehicle window, watching the stars fade into the night.
Alex glanced at Alexa and immediately noticed the sorrow in her eyes. His voice softened as he said, "I know… he was your mentor back in the early days. The one who helped you to create and manage the guild. He was a good man."
Alexa gave a faint, melancholic smile. "Yeah… he really was."
Her mind drifted to memories of his warm smile, and before she knew it, a single tear rolled down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away, trying to compose herself.
Alex saw the motion but said nothing. The hum of the vehicle filled the quiet air as he drove on in silence, letting her grieve in peace.
Location – Laconis City
The morning sun poured its golden light across Laconis City, casting a brilliant glow over the bustling aircraft hangar. The entire area was buzzed with excitement — sorcerers, politicians, and citizens had gathered for a grand welcome ceremony to celebrate the Sparta Sorcerers' victory at Shiu.
Colorful garlands hung from every beam, and the air was alive with the sound of drums and jubilant music. The scent of fresh flowers filled the hangar, and people clapped and cheered, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their heroes.
Giyu and Malish stood near the far end of the hanger, each holding a small souvenir in hand.
Giyu looked around with a faint smile. "I think this is the first time one nation has ever asked another nation for help against a demon invasion."
Malish frowned slightly. "Maybe… but one thing still keeps lingering on my mind."
Giyu glanced at him. "What's that?"
Malish continues, "Why would they ask for our help when they already have capable sorcerers in their nation? Were those demons really that powerful?"
Giyu nodded thoughtfully. "Most likely. The invasion happened in Shiu's capital itself — probably with a much larger force than usual. Our capital, Sparta, is almost near to call rather than gathering the all over sorcerers in the nation. If they had waited to gather their own sorcerers, the demons would've caused even greater destruction before help arrived. They had no choice but to reach out to us for a safety."
Malish exhaled and nodded quietly. "You're probably right."
A voice suddenly broke through their conversation. "Well… you two seem to be enjoying yourselves."
Both men turned to see Kaguya approaching, arms folded and a faint smirk on his face.
Giyu chuckled mockingly. "Look who decided to show up."
Malish greeted politely, "Ah, Mr. Kaguya! I thought you'd be busy helping Eddie Carol to organize the ceremony."
Kaguya shook his head lightly. "No, Malish. I don't get involved in such things. I'm here to welcome our sorcerers myself — to celebrate their victory with them."
Giyu let out another mocking laugh. "Ha! I thought you'd be busy writing on another one of your 'fantasy tales' about the invasion — just like that fantasy you told in the sorcerers' headquarters."
Kaguya narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying to pick a fight with me, you imbecile?"
Giyu smirked. "Been waiting a long time for that moment… old man."
Both glared and stepped closer, tension rising.
But before either could act, a commanding voice cut through the air. "Hey, you two!"
Eddie Carol strode toward them, looking more exasperated than angry. "You're still bickering like children! You two are some of Sparta's greatest leaders — start acting like it."
Both Giyu and Kaguya looked away, muttering under their breath with annoyed expressions.
Eddie sighed and turned to Malish. "Mr. Malish, President Vincent Roger has arrived. He's expecting all three of you. Bring them along."
Malish nodded. "Understood, Carol."
The three of them followed Eddie to the main platform, where President Vincent Roger stood proudly with a gleaming souvenir in hand.
As they approached, Vincent's face lit up with warmth. "Welcome, my great Pillars of Sparta."
"Hello, Mr. President," the three greeted in unison.
Vincent's voice carried with pride. "Today marks a historic moment for Sparta. Our strength and unity have been proven to the entire world. Without the three of you, this victory would not have been possible. Now, let's stand together and welcome our warriors — make this a day to remember!"
A deep roar filled the sky as three massive aircraft descended, gleaming under the sunlight. The sound of engines mixed with cheers and music as Eddie Carol raised his arm.
"Everyone, play the music! Welcome our heroes — the pride of Sparta!"
Drums thundered, trumpets blared, and the entire hangar erupted in applause. Faces glowed with happiness and pride as the aircraft touched down one by one.
Malish smiled proudly. "Finally, they're here…"
But as the first aircraft's door opened, the crowd's cheers faded. The music stopped abruptly. A horrified silence spread through the hangar.
The president's smile vanished — replaced by shock.
From the aircraft emerged not triumphant warriors, but wounded and broken soldiers. Some limped, others were carried out — their uniforms soaked in blood. The stench of iron filled the air.
Bodies — lifeless and mangled — were carefully lowered from the crafts. The crowd gasped in horror.
Kaguya, Giyu, and Malish stood frozen, disbelief etched on their faces.
Kaguya whispered, "What… what the hell happened to them?"
The silence broke as medics and sorcerers rushed forward to carry the wounded.
Among the survivors, Wu Chan, Firoaz, and Nirav stumbled out, their bodies wrapped in blood-soaked bandages.
Kaguya, Giyu, Malish, and Eddie sprinted toward them.
Giyu caught Wu Chan before he collapsed. "Uncle! It's me — Giyu! Don't worry, I've got you."
Eddie looked around, eyes wide. "What in the world happened to all of you?!"
Nirav's voice was weak and weary. "We… can't explain right now."
Firoaz added, barely able to stand, "Treat the wounded first… We are not in the state to explain."
Wu Chan nodded faintly. "Yeah… we have a lot to tell you. But not here."
Eddie took a sharp breath and nodded. "Alright… alright. Get them to the infirmary — now!"
The once-celebratory crowd stood in stunned silence, watching as their heroes were carried away — battered, broken, and bloodied. The joyous music of victory had turned into a dirge of disbelief.
---
Suddenly the scene shifts.
five men stood, their presence ominous and unyielding. One voice pierced through the heavy silence, cold and threatening, "Your day isn't too far…" The entire vision bled red with violence and fear.
Suddenly, the air exploded with the terrified screams of humans, sharp and desperate. Blood spread across every surface, splattering walls and floors as fire engulfed the buildings, flames roaring hungrily, devouring all in their path.The scene shifted rapidly, alternating between piercing screams, scorching fire, and pools of crimson.
Out of the chaos, a figure lunged through the smoke—two swords raised high, aimed directly at Azad's chest with a fierce, unrelenting rage.
The night was quiet and endless, the sky glittering with distant stars over a sea of golden sand.
Then Azad's eyes suddenly opened. His vision blurred, his body trembling. Every breath burned in his chest. "Huh... That horrific dream..."
Location - Athena and Sparta border desert
The night was quiet and endless, the sky glittering with distant stars over a sea of golden sand.
He tried to move but pain shot through every muscle. "Damn… my whole body feels like it's been crushed."
He staggered to his feet, barely managing to stand. His head throbbed, and his Aki energy felt completely drained.
"I must've overused my power…" he muttered weakly. "My body still couldn't handle that much power. This… this is the first time I've pushed it that far. I still have to train a lot."
He looked around, realizing he was surrounded by sand dunes. "Huh... A desert…"
The silence was broken only by the whisper of the wind as he started walking, each step heavy and uncertain.
After a few hours, the horizon began to glow faintly with the first light of dawn. Through the shimmering heat, Azad spotted a small cluster of huts — a village nestled in the dunes.
He squinted, forcing a weak smile. "Looks like… I'm not completely lost."
Slowly, he dragged his tired body toward the distant village.
Chapter 18 – TO BE CONTINUED...