Luz had just left, beginning his journey toward the Minoan Maze. He knew this mission was important, but something inside him felt wrong. A deep unease settled in his heart as if something terrible was about to happen.
Meanwhile, Den wasted no time. He stood alongside Hook and Matthew, watching as their army spread across the land. The cities of Aetheris burned one by one, reduced to ashes. Screams of the innocent echoed, but Den felt nothing.
"This is meaningless," Den muttered as he walked through the ruins of another fallen city. "These weak souls hold no power. I need warriors… the army of light. Their spirits will make me even stronger."
In Biringan, panic spread like wildfire. With Luz gone, the people felt hopeless. Fear filled their eyes as they looked to Munfa and Elena for leadership.
Then, the three dark leaders arrived. Den, Hook, and Matthew stood at the entrance of the city, their army behind them.
Den smirked. "Where is your leader?" His voice echoed through the streets.
Munfa and Elena remained silent.
Den stepped forward, his grin widening. "Is he hiding? Has the great Luz finally realized he is too weak to win?"
Munfa clenched his fists. He knew Den was trying to break them, but he wouldn't give in to fear.
Den sighed and shook his head. "Since Luz isn't here, I have an offer for you two." He spread his arms. "Join me. Stand by my side, and together, we will rule Aetheris. No more war. No more suffering. Just power."
Elena and Munfa looked at each other. They both knew the truth—Den wasn't offering peace. He was offering control. If they joined him, Aetheris would be ruled by fear.
Without hesitation, they refused.
Den's smile disappeared. "Wrong answer."
He charged at them, his Sword of Oblivion glowing with dark energy. Munfa stepped forward, blocking the attack with his wrist blade.
"Elena! Go! Evacuate everyone!" Munfa shouted.
Elena hesitated but knew Munfa was right. She turned and ran, guiding the innocent to safety while Munfa kept Den and his forces distracted.
Back to Luz—he kept walking, his heart feeling heavier with each step. Something was wrong. He could feel it.
Back to Elena—she ran through the city, leading the people away. But Hook followed, moving quickly through the shadows.
"You really think you can escape, girl?" Hook taunted. "There's no way out."
Just as Hook was about to strike, Munfa appeared from behind, stabbing him in the back with his blade. Hook let out a pained cry and retreated, vanishing into the darkness.
Munfa and Elena, along with the remaining survivors, escaped. Behind them, Biringan burned. It had fallen into the hands of Den.
Hook returned to Den, clutching his wound. "They're escaping, master."
Den didn't seem angry. Instead, he chuckled darkly. "Let them go. They can't hide forever. We've already won."
Aetheris had fallen.
In a small cave, Munfa and Elena sat with the survivors, exhausted.
"What did you do, Munfa?" Elena whispered. "We were supposed to defend Biringan."
Munfa looked at her with tired eyes. "We will fight. But not now. We have to wait for Luz. We are no match for them."
Elena wanted to argue, but she knew he was right.
For now, they had to survive.