The battle was won, but unease lingered. The Devil Progenies returned to Kazadorn, where King Baldric awaited them.
He studied them long and hard before raising his tankard.
"You proved your worth today," he said, his tone no longer dismissive. "Not just as warriors, but as protectors."
He smirked. "Aye… protectors. That is what you are."
He stood, his voice booming through the halls.
"I name you The Yakshas—The Protectors."
The hall erupted in cheers. A feast followed, laughter and celebration filling the halls. For the first time, the dwarves and demons drank together, no longer strangers, but brothers-in-arms.
The Journey Back: The Path to Destiny
The sun had barely risen when the Yakshas departed from Kazadorn, leaving behind the echoes of dwarven cheers and the scent of victory lingering in the mountain air. The battle was won, but their mission was far from over.
As they rode through the valleys and forests that led back to Eldoria, the weight of what they had learned pressed heavily on their minds. The orcs had not just been stronger; they had been manipulated, turned into something unnatural by a mage who had willingly perished rather than reveal his master's schemes. His final words, "The end is near," still echoed in their thoughts.
Kaen rode at the front, his grip firm on his reins. "That mage… whoever he served, they were willing to sacrifice an entire army just to test something."
Draven's beast-like eyes flickered in the dim light. "This wasn't just about the dwarves. This was a warning. Someone wanted us to see this."
Serine tightened her grip on her claymore. "Then we'll find out who, and we'll stop them."
Raven, who had remained silent for much of the journey, finally spoke. "This war is larger than any of us anticipated. Be prepared for the moment we revive Kaiden, we will no longer be mere warriors. We will be at the heart of something far greater."
Malrik smirked. "Good. I was getting bored anyway."
Lyra stretched her arms above her head. "Well, whatever happens, we've come too far to turn back now."
The mood was serious, but there was no fear. Only certainty. They were ready.
The Queen's Judgment
The halls of Eldoria stood in majestic silence as the Yakshas entered, their presence commanding attention. The guards, the court, and even the nobility watched as they walked with the weight of their new purpose.
Queen Silvana sat upon her throne, her gaze piercing yet calm. She listened intently as Kaen recounted their mission, his voice unwavering.
When he mentioned the controlling mage, the Queen's fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of her throne. Her emerald eyes darkened with thought.
"A controlling mage, sacrificing himself rather than speak… intriguing."
She exhaled softly, her voice thoughtful yet sharp. "I wonder what he's scheming now."
Silence stretched across the chamber, thick with tension. Then, the Queen leaned forward, her voice carrying an unshakable resolve.
"You have proven yourselves time and again. You are no longer just warriors of Eldoria, you are its blade, its shield, and its reckoning."
Her gaze swept over them, her voice growing stronger.
"The time has come. You will go forth and bring back the one who was lost. Revive Kaiden, the Demon King. Bring him back to the world that needs him."
A storm of emotions surged through the Yakshas. They had trained, fought, and bled for this moment. Now, it was real.
Kaen bowed his head. "We won't fail."
Queen Silvana nodded. "Then go. And may fate favor you."
Farewell to Their Teachers
As they prepared to leave Eldoria for the greatest journey of their lives, their five trainers awaited them outside the castle gates.
Bromir Ironfist, ever the gruff dwarf, crossed his arms. "Don't think just 'cause you won one battle, you're invincible. Keep your steel sharp, and your wits sharper." He looked at Serine. "And don't get lazy with that claymore, lass. Swing it like your life depends on it, because it will."
Serine smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it, old man."
Aerion stood with a rare smile. "You've come far, all of you. But remember strength alone isn't victory. Use what you've learned, and trust each other."
Draven nodded. "We always do."
Lyra grinned at Elowen Starfall, who ruffled her hair affectionately. "Try not to blow anything up on your way."
"No promises," Lyra said with a wink.
Orion Nightbane, the quietest of their teachers, stepped forward last. His silver eyes lingered on Malrik. "Darkness is a powerful force. Wield it, but do not let it wield you."
Malrik smirked. "I'll keep that in mind."
Raven, who had watched the farewells in silence, finally spoke. "This is not goodbye. This is merely the beginning."
The Yakshas turned toward the open road ahead. No more doubts. No more hesitation.
Their destiny awaited. And they would seize it.
To be continued...