Eight years ago, three men were deep in discussion.
"This year… three thousand people have died," one of them said grimly. "All because of the Devil and his demon army. And we… we couldn't stop them."
Another shook his head. "Even thirty Demon Butchers fell. Thirty of our best."
The first man's eyes darkened. "We need to understand who we're up against. This Devil… he's unlike anything we've ever faced. The most powerful demon alive. His army… eight ranked demons, each with their own terrifying abilities."
A third man spoke up, his voice steady. "Then there's no choice. Dhruv Roy and his team must be sent."
At that moment, another person entered the room, glancing at the clock. "Sir… it's time."
The scene shifted. Silence filled the streets. Evidence of destruction was everywhere. Bodies lay scattered, a grim reminder of what had happened eight years ago.
Eight years later…
A young man awoke from a strange, restless dream. His phone rang immediately.
"Where are you? Hurry!" the voice on the other end demanded.
As he rushed out, he noticed someone running frantically towards him. Another man commented, almost disdainfully, "The one coming… he's the weakest of them all."
And then, he arrived.
The newcomer was immediately cornered by a couple of people, but before they could act, another young man appeared. Calm, confident, he said, "Talk to me before you try anything with him."
The hero smirked. "Fine. Let's see what you've got."
In an instant, he grabbed both of them and threw them aside effortlessly.
"Such strength…" they muttered, stunned.
And then, just like that, the hero collapsed, unconscious.
Soon, the group entered a mysterious cave. Shadows danced along the walls as they moved deeper.
There, they saw a demon—yet it was unlike any demon they had ever seen. Something felt… off.
Cautiously, they approached. But as they got closer, they realized—it wasn't a demon at all. It was a human.
"Run… get out of here!" the man shouted, panic in his eyes.
Before they could react, a huge hand shot out, grabbing him by the head and dragging him back into the darkness.
"Run! Hurry!" he screamed.
A deafening roar echoed through the cave.
Panic erupted. People scattered, trying to flee. One man managed to escape… but the cave's entrance collapsed, sealing shut with a deafening crash.
Jay Verma and Arjun Das, along with the others, were trapped inside.
Unknown to them, the cave was no ordinary cavern. It was a portal—one that led straight to a hellish realm.
Meanwhile, outside, the man who had escaped reported back at the office.
"Team 23… the cave they entered… there may be an 8-rank demon inside," he said, apprehension in his voice.
"Understood," the officer replied solemnly.
Back in the cave, Jay turned to Arjun, bewildered. "What just happened?"
Arjun's eyes narrowed. "Stay close to me. There might be an 8- or even a 9-rank demon here."
Jay shivered. "It's happening… again."
"What's happening… again?" Arjun asked, concern etched on his face.
At that moment, a shadow appeared in the distance. Everyone froze.
"He's coming…" someone whispered.
And with that, the chapter end's