Hollie led them into the council chamber, a large, dimly lit room adorned with tribal art and symbols of their culture. The council members, seated around a grand table, eyed Azire and Suna with skepticism.
"There's no way a citizen would steal from the villages; none of them are even capable," one elder declared, his voice deep and commanding.
"But we can't go back empty-handed," Azire interjected, his tone firm. "The villagers explained it was coming from here!"
The debate escalated, arguments flying back and forth for nearly thirty minutes, neither side willing to budge. Just as the tension reached its peak, a sudden roar pierced the air, followed by a bright flash outside.
"What was that?" a council member exclaimed, rushing to the window. Before he could react, a laser beam shot through the glass, hitting him with a thunderous explosion. Debris flew everywhere, sending Azire, Suna, and the remaining council members tumbling.
Hollie sprang into action, leaping off the derelict furniture and catching Azire and Suna mid-fall. They landed hard behind a nearby house, gasping for breath as dust settled around them.
"Thank you," Azire said, wincing from the impact. Suna nodded in agreement.
"I can't let my guests die now, can I?" Hollie replied, her voice steady despite the chaos.
As she peered around the corner, her eyes widened in shock. "It's a fallen angel!"
Suna's eyes flared with anger, her fists clenching tightly. Azire noticed the storm brewing inside her but said nothing, unsure of how to comfort her.
"His name is Rubak, the Angel of Despair," Hollie explained, her voice trembling slightly.
"Are you sure he's a fallen angel?" Azire asked, scanning the skies.
"Look at his wings—those aren't normal. They're dark," Hollie insisted, pointing.
"Let's kill him!" Suna declared, her voice low and threatening.
"Are you crazy? He'll kill us easily!" Hollie shouted back, panic creeping into her tone.
Just then, Uno appeared behind them, clad in his dark robe, his presence radiating authority. "I'm already here with my subordinates," he stated matter-of-factly.
Azire and Suna jumped, eyes wide. "What the hell? How'd you get here so fast?" Suna exclaimed.
"That's not our main focus. There's a general here, and we have to figure out why. How about we fight?" he suggested, summoning an air palm that obliterated the nearby house.
Hollie reacted quickly, her magic glowing as a massive symbol appeared above the cave. "My people, please evacuate! I cannot ensure your safety. Guards, escort everyone out immediately! This is not a drill!"
"Let's go!" she urged, determination set in her features.
Rubak, seeing the air palm, shot a beam back. "Who dares to challenge me?" he boomed, eyes glinting with malice. "Well, if it isn't the Demon King and friends."
"Demon King?" Suna echoed, confusion washing over her.
Rubak laughed, a chilling sound. "You'll see what I mean."
"Uno!" Azire shouted, regaining his composure. "Don't get distracted by his words! Focus! We're likely dealing with someone who's been framing this village for attention!"
Uno nodded, determination etched on his face. He summoned a bolt of lightning, launching it at Rubak while Azire leaped toward him, using his magic to gain height and swing at Rubak.
With incredible agility, Rubak dodged both attacks, retaliating with a powerful kick that sent Azire crashing into another house. "Huh, I don't like this battlefield very much. Let's change it," he taunted, summoning a massive ball of light with one hand and a platform of earth with the other.
"Get on!" he commanded. Despite their reservations, they had no choice but to comply. He floated them into the air, throwing the ball to the ground. An explosion rocked the area, creating a massive crater for their new battlefield.
"Much better! Now I can finally land without stepping on your filthy beast houses!" Rubak sneered, looking down at the devastation with disdain.
Hollie's rage boiled over as she witnessed her home destroyed. Her eyes burned as she whispered, "You'll pay for this!" She charged toward Rubak, Suna at her side. Suna conjured a water spear, thrusting it at Rubak with rapid precision.
Rubak laughed, catching the spear and sidestepping Hollie's strike with ease. "This is a great workout!" he exclaimed, dodging their attacks effortlessly.
Hollie clenched her jaw, pulling her sword from a magic circle. The blade gleamed a deep emerald, ancient symbols glowing along the hilt. "Meet Verdant Fang," she declared. "A blade powerful enough to cut down even you!"
Uno's eyes widened. "The Verdant Fang... It was once wielded by the guardian of the enchanted forest, Sylvaine the Verdant. After her death in battle, the sword was lost to time. Legend says Sylvaine's spirit speaks to its chosen wielder."
Rubak tilted his head, intrigued. "Hm. The Verdant Fang, huh?"
The sword pulsed, glowing brighter as Hollie engaged Rubak again. Their blades clashed, sending sparks flying. She matched his speed, the sword's magic flowing through her veins.
Rubak jumped back, smirking. "That was a good warm-up!" He raised his hand, divine energy crackling.
Uno surged from underground, aiming a punch at Rubak, but he sidestepped effortlessly and countered with a Divine Punch. His fist, glowing with holy power, struck Uno hard. Azire lunged to help, but Rubak was faster, grabbing him by the throat and lifting him off the ground.
"I've hated demons for a long time. Killing you will ensure the demon race has no king left," Rubak sneered.
Before he could strike, a blinding light erupted from the cave entrance. A robed figure crashed into Rubak, sending him sprawling against the wall. "I apologize for the inconvenience," the newcomer said. "Our king has ordered Rubak's retrieval."
He turned to Azire. "You are being hunted. The next god seeks his rival—the Demon King. Our king wishes to negotiate an alliance. This letter will summon me when you decide."
Azire took the letter, nodding. The figure vanished with Rubak.
hollie rushed in, kneeling before Azire. "I didn't know you were the Demon King. I apologize."
Azire knelt as well. "I don't deserve to be called a king after today."
Uno scowled and punched him. "You have some explaining to do, Azire Han."