Solomon and Henry's eyes widened in stunned disbelief as the implications of the dark figure's words sank in. If what he had just uttered was indeed true, then the being standing before them was none other than the infamous demon, the dark lord, ruler of the underworld. The very thought sent shivers down their spines.
According to ancient lore, this dark lord had allegedly abandoned his throne in the underworld, leaving behind the realm of eternal darkness to reside among mortals on earth. The mere notion seemed unfathomable, yet the dark lord's words carried an air of conviction that was hard to ignore.
As the brothers struggled to wrap their minds around this revelation, they couldn't help but wonder if the stories they had heard were true. Had this dark lord indeed walked among mortals for millions of years, pulling the strings of fate from behind the scenes? The prospect was both fascinating and terrifying, leaving Solomon and Henry with more questions than answers.
Solomon's brow furrowed in confusion as he asked, "How do you know Ezra?"
The dark lord, Pyro, gazed at Solomon and Henry with a mixture of disdain and amusement, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he spoke. "Ah, finally, a name worthy of mention has managed to escape the vast expanse of your ignorance. The name of Ezra, a boy who I had the pleasure of transforming into a formidable man, has finally crossed your lips."
Pyro's expression turned nostalgic, his eyes gleaming with a hint of pride as he continued. "Ezra's greatness was cemented, stamped, signed, and sealed on the day he stumbled upon my resting place, a feat that few have ever accomplished. And to my surprise, he managed to summon me from my deep slumber, a testament to his innate power and potential. Even at the tender age of 9, he demonstrated a mastery of the arcane arts that surpassed both of you combined."
A hint of melancholy crept into Pyro's voice as he spoke of Ezra's current state. "But alas, the limitations of mortality have taken their toll, and Ezra has transitioned into another phase of existence. I brought you here, not out of any affection or love for your pitiful selves, but as a favor to a student who has become a friend. Ezra possessed an uncanny ability to grasp even the most complex elements of wizardry, often learning in a heartbeat what would take others years to master."
Pyro's gaze turned introspective, his voice taking on a contemplative tone. "He remains the only student I have ever taught who has managed to find favor in my sight. And now, I find myself wondering what it was about you two that Ezra saw, what potential or quality that made him ask for my help. It's a question that I must admit has piqued my interest, and one that I intend to explore further."
Solomon and Henry stood frozen, trying to process the revelation about Ezra's connection to the dark lord. The silence between them was palpable until Henry finally spoke up, "Ezra never mentioned him."
The dark lord, Pyro, turned his attention to them, his voice dripping with amusement. "You look tired. Get some rest and find something for your wives to eat. Your training begins at dawn, and that includes you, true Heir," he said, his gaze flicking towards Damian.
Pyro's voice boomed with a mix of frustration and amusement as he gazed at Solomon and Henry. "It seems I'll have to create something from the ashes of your pathetic excuses for bodies. Trying to extract potential from you two is like attempting to coax water from a volcano - a futile endeavor! Aaaaah, hopeless indeed!"
He shook his head, his expression incredulous. "Ezra must have been intoxicated by something potent to claim that you two possessed potential. Get up from the dust and prepare yourselves, for tomorrow we embark on a journey to transform you into something worthy. Rusty creatures, indeed!"
Pyro turned to leave, but paused, his back still turned to them. "And, by the way, your guards are here too." The group exchanged confused glances, unsure which guards Pyro was referring to.
Suddenly, two figures emerged from the right corner entrance. Idris and Mahir, their loyal guards, rushed towards them, relief etched on their faces. "My king!" Idris exclaimed, hastening towards Solomon and Henry with a mix of excitement and concern.