The Mystic Forest had never felt so alive, so threatening. Shadows twisted unnaturally among the ancient trees, and the wind carried guttural roars that made the hairs on the back of every soldier's neck rise. Alex stood at the edge of a clearing, scanning the distorted forms of corrupted mystical beasts.
Dukes Henry, Valerian, and Lucien had rallied their forces alongside Princess Selene, forming a disciplined line ready for battle. The gang was at the forefront, Edrin and Kael flanking Alex, their Air and Earth affinities guiding precise strikes.
"They're advancing faster than we expected," Kael murmured, his eyes narrowing as a hulking creature charged from behind a thicket.
Alex tightened his grip on his weapon, heart steady but mind racing. "Remember their cores—the heart of their Mana. Aim there, and we can stop them without unnecessary casualties."
The first wave of monsters collided with the army. Metal clanged against claws, spears plunged, and Mana bursts illuminated the clearing like lightning. Alex moved with calculated precision, signaling to the soldiers where the vulnerable points were. Each strike that pierced a creature's core caused it to collapse in a burst of corrupted Mana, dissipating into harmless smoke.
Hours passed in relentless combat. The clearing was littered with defeated beasts, and yet more appeared, drawn by the residual corruption. Just as the army began to gain the upper hand, the wind shifted, carrying a chilling, commanding voice that froze every soldier in their tracks:
"Stop."
From the forest's edge emerged Lord Darius, his presence radiating dark Mana, but tempered by grief and restraint. The corrupted creatures slowed, uneasy at their master's command. Soldiers gripped their weapons tighter, while Alex stepped forward.
"You—" the general of the army started, but Alex held up a hand.
"We know everything, Lord Darius," Alex said, voice steady. "We oppose what the King of Hensville did, but we will not let innocent people die. You don't have to destroy lives to seek justice."
Lord Darius's dark eyes softened, a flicker of vulnerability breaking through the stoic mask. "You… understand nothing of the burden I bear. My husband… my son…"
Callum stepped beside Alex, his Earth-affinity aura calm and grounding. "Father, I know. But there is a way to have your revenge without sacrificing innocents. You can stop the corruption and still confront the King for his crimes."
Lord Darius faltered, dark Mana flickering around him like a storm held in check. He sank to one knee, a hand clutching his chest. "If I continue… I will become the very monster I hate. I cannot bear this any longer."
Callum reached out, placing a hand on his father's shoulder. "I miss him too, Dad. But we can do this together. You don't have to be alone."
Tears streaked Lord Darius's face, and for the first time, the army saw a man torn between vengeance and compassion. Slowly, he raised his head. " I will call back the creatures and remove their corruption. I will listen to your plan, Alex Rosetta, but know this—I will confront the King myself. Every deceit, every atrocity… it will be revealed, and justice will be mine."
The corrupted monsters hesitated, then, as if understanding the shift in their master's will, their forms shimmered and began to revert. The dark aura surrounding them faded, leaving the mystical creatures restored, bewildered but no longer hostile.
Alex exhaled, a mix of relief and determination flooding through him. "Then we prepare. Together, we can stop this, save the innocents, and ensure the King's crimes are exposed."
Around him, the army adjusted their formations, the dukes nodding in agreement. Even the gang allowed themselves a brief moment to absorb the surreal victory: they had faced the corrupted mystical beasts, and now, with Lord Darius tempered by reason and his son at his side, a new path toward justice had opened.
The forest seemed quieter now, the tension lifting, but everyone knew the battle was far from over.