The council members then summoned beast soldiers, who carried the angel Elioud into their maximum-security dungeon, a prison designed especially for him. Meanwhile, Azire and his friends made their way to the council building, where they were handed a bag of cash as a reward for completing their mission. Azire accepted it, but the small prize felt hollow—nothing could justify the loss of Uno. Without a second thought, he conjured a magic portal to his inventory and tossed the bag inside.
As the group stood in silence, Suna spoke up. "We should get clothes for Uno's funeral. We can't show up in these—it would be disrespectful."
Everyone nodded in agreement, and they headed to a nearby tailor. The moment they stepped inside, the owner recognized them. Their faces had been all over the town news. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and asked, "What would you like?"
Belial responded, "We all need suits and dresses. We're attending the funeral tomorrow—and the parade."
Understanding the gravity of the request, the tailor brought out a glowing magic ball and set it before them. "Place your hand on the ball," he instructed. "It will create an outfit suited just for you."
Maya stepped up first, placing her hand on the orb. Before her, a dress materialized—one half a deep blue, the other a soft purple, mirroring her earrings. Next was Suna, who touched the ball and received a white dress—elegant yet understated. Hollie followed, and in response, the ball conjured a green dress along with a holster for her sword. Belial stepped up next, and a sleek tuxedo formed before him, adorned with an eclipse symbol on the back. Lastly, Azire touched the orb, and a black and red tuxedo appeared.
The group thanked the tailor, but he simply smiled and said, "My pleasure. It's on the house—thank you for what you did."
Grateful but exhausted, they returned to their hotel. The moment they entered their rooms, they collapsed into sleep, drained from the battle.
The next morning, they awoke refreshed but solemn. Without delay, they dressed in their new attire and made their way to the town center. As they arrived, the townspeople erupted into applause, their gratitude evident. But the group's minds were elsewhere. The moment was bittersweet, for today, they would lay Uno to rest.
The applause faded into quiet reverence as the group lifted Uno's casket. The crowd parted, allowing them to march through the streets, sorrow hanging in the air like a thick mist. The weight of the moment was nearly unbearable for Azire and Suna; their hands trembled as they carried their fallen mentor.
At the burial site, a beastman priest stepped forward, his voice steady but mournful. "We are gathered here today to say goodbye to a kind soul. He was known as Uno—a powerful warrior, a leader, and a protector. He guided those who fought against the terrorizing angel and was deeply respected within the group. But to some, he was even more. He was a father figure to Azire and Suna. He raised them as his own..."
Before the priest could finish, movement stirred at the edge of the gathering. A group of men, clad in straw hats and matching robes, emerged from the shadows. Without hesitation, they approached the casket. The mourners watched in stunned silence. Azire's heart pounded as realization set in. He stepped forward, but before he could act, one of the men struck him, sending him skidding across the ground.
Belial moved to retaliate, but Azire stopped him with a sharp gesture. "Let them take him... I feel they're more connected to him than we are."
The strangers lifted Uno's casket and carried it away. As they disappeared into the distance, a scroll was tossed toward Azire. He caught it, still recovering from the blow.
Unfurling it, he read aloud: "Hello, Demon King. Sorry to intrude, but we must reclaim Serial Number 2E62-E3SR-33FI-XHV3. He still has a purpose. We wish you the best in your journey. If you seek the truth, find me at—"
The message ended abruptly. But as Azire clenched his fist, he noticed something where he had been kicked—a marking scorched into the dirt. It read: Find the next scroll at the Temple of the Hollow Star.