Scene: Palace of Velmoria – War Room
The golden rays of dawn filtered through the high windows of Velmoria's grand war chamber, casting long shadows across the marbled floor. King Aldric Valmore stood with his back to the throne, hands folded behind him, eyes fixed on the distant mountains beyond the glass.
General Lennox approached, her heavy armor was hiding her natural curves.
Lennox: "My king, the Guild has confirmed it. The Cult of Vrag is behind the attacks on the border villages near Eldoria. Our scouts in Kazadorn have also found undeniable signs of Vrag activity and their involvement in the unnatural org's attack. "
The king's brow furrowed as he turned slowly.
King Aldric: "The Cult of Vrag… It's been decades since I've heard that cursed name."
Lennox (grimly): "They were last seen in the Demon Lands, and now... there are whispers of demons scouting the territory of the demon lands, ones that are loyal to the Yakshas. I doubt this is mere coincidence."
The air grew heavier in the chamber, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.
King Aldric: "You're right, Lennox. We must move carefully. Assemble a team and send them to investigate the southern borderlands. Do whatever needs to be done. We cannot afford an invitation on the demon land... not before the ritual is complete."
Lennox: "As you command, my liege. I will inform Dante. He shall guide the summoned heroes on their path toward the Demon Lands."
King Aldric: "Yes… Indeed."
Scene: Unknown Palace – Deep in the East
A warm wind swept through a vast chamber cloaked in moonlight. Crimson banners hungs on the ancient obsidian walls. At the far end, veiled in shadows and firelight, stood a throne of twisted crystal and silver.
Auxen knelt on one knee before it, his armor dusted with ash.
Auxen: "I have done as you asked of me, my lady. The seeds of doubt have been planted."
A figure descended the steps of the throne, a woman clad in flowing silk, her presence both commanding and ensuring. Her voice, calm and ethereal, echoed softly across the chamber.
The Woman: "You've done well, Auxen. If your father were here, he would be proud."
Auxen bowed his head deeper, swallowing the emotion in his throat.
Auxen: "Your kindness humbles me."
The firelight caught her as she stepped closer, just enough to reveal the elegant curve of her cheek, the glint of golden ornaments in her crimson hair, and the long, pointed tip of her elven ears.
She looked beyond the window, where stars trembled above a restless land.
The Woman (softly, to herself): "Let's see now… what will you choose, Steel Hero? When the blade turns toward the truth… which side will your heart follow?"
Scene: Demon Lands – Dense Jungle, Southern Region
The air was thick with moisture and the scent of decay. Vines twisted like serpents around skeletal trees. Pale fungi glowed faintly in the underbrush, casting ghostly light across the darkened trail. Strange howls echoed in the distance, neither beast nor wind.
Hidden beneath a moss-covered ridge, Nick peered through a pair of enchanted lenses.
Nick (whispering): "There it is… three days of hunting and we finally found it."
Before them, in a shadowed clearing, stood a towering, the demon flower. Its petals were like slabs of meat, pulsing with an eerie red glow. Thorned vines curled outward, dragging parts of past prey into its gaping maw.
Eve crouched beside him, eyes narrowing.
Eve: "The Dionaeamuscipula… and it's feeding. What's the strategy?"
Jace (focused): "Nick, you'll draw its attention, create a diversion from the north side. Eve, sever its vines and keep it from anchoring. I'll close in from behind."
He tightened his grip on Nightlily, the steel humming faintly in response to his touch.
Jace: "Once I'm close enough, I'll end it with Steel Echo."
Nick smirked, cracking his knuckles.
Nick: "Showtime."
Without another word, he darted through the underbrush, making noise deliberately snapping branches, hurling rocks, yelling curses.
The Demon Bloom reared its monstrous head, letting out a shriek like grinding glass. Its vines lashed toward the sound.
Eve (calmly): "Now."
To be continued...