It had been a week since their training began, and the progress was undeniable. Suna and Azire had learned to work together seamlessly, their mastery over light and darkness growing stronger with each passing day. Yet, despite their efforts, the ability Cocobeal had instructed them to unlock remained elusive.
Hollie, on the other hand, had poured herself into refining her physical prowess. Her sword techniques had become sharper, more fluid, adapting to the unique properties of her weapon, which could shift between a one-handed saber and a formidable greatsword.
But it was Maya and Belial who had made the most remarkable strides. Maya had gained better control over Nyx, now able to wield five percent of her power—an improvement she considered monumental. Meanwhile, Belial had managed to stabilize his divine form, though it was still the weaker counterpart to his abyssal form. Even so, he took immense pride in the progress he had made.
Now, Azire had called them all to the planning room. The group gathered, standing in anticipation as he addressed them.
"Great work in training today," he said. "We should take the day off. Tomorrow, we set out for the temple and at least figure out where it is."
A murmur of agreement passed through the group before they departed together, heading into the city. But Azire lingered behind, frustration gnawing at him. He wasn't satisfied. Compared to Suna, his strength felt insufficient. He needed to push himself further.
Turning away from the departing figures, Azire made his way to the open plains where he and Suna had trained. With a deep breath, he summoned Cocobeal.
A dark mist rose from his body, and Cocobeal emerged, perched lazily on his shoulder. "So, you summoned me. What do you want?" the spirit mused.
Azire's fists clenched. "I need to get stronger. Spar with me. My gap in power with Suna is too great, and I need to improve my hand-to-hand combat. Train with me."
Cocobeal smirked, his form shifting as he leapt from Azire's shoulder, landing gracefully before him. His body expanded into a human-sized form, arms stretching as if waking from a long nap. "Since you're begging, I can't exactly refuse my Demon King, now can I?"
Azire smirked back, wasting no time. He lunged forward, throwing a punch. Cocobeal barely moved—just a sharp, calculated kick to Azire's stomach sent him skidding back. Despite the blow, Azire remained on his feet, panting slightly.
His left eye burned, shifting into its awakened state. Over time, its appearance had changed—now resembling shattered glass, shifting with chaotic patterns. A deep crimson hue pulsed within it, the molten gold at its center flickering ominously. And when anger took hold, it darkened to an ominous purple.
Before he could fully recover from the kick, Cocobeal had already closed the distance. But with his demon eye, Azire reacted instantly, dodging with precise movements. Their battle intensified, a blur of rapid strikes and counterattacks.
"Looks like you've gotten stronger since your fight with Elioud," Cocobeal remarked, dodging a kick.
Azire grinned. "I have to. Everyone is under my protection now."
He leapt back, energy crackling around his fist before he launched it forward. Cocobeal's eyes widened slightly in surprise as the attack struck, sending him sliding back. He rose, shaking off the blow with a smirk. But before he could launch another strike, Azire lifted a hand. "That's enough. I can't push too hard before tomorrow."
Cocobeal sighed, clearly disappointed but understanding. With a chuckle, he shrank back to his small form and disappeared into Azire's body once more.
Azire exhaled deeply and turned toward home, but something was wrong. His demon eye wouldn't retract.
A cold unease settled in his chest as he reached up, fingers brushing against his temple. His eye pulsed, refusing to return to normal.
Something had changed.