The field and forest lay filled with destruction, the aftermath of the war. While everyone else returned to rest, Adam sat by himself, contemplating his next move.
"We won the war, and everyone remained unscathed," Vlad said, sitting beside Adam.
Johan, Lyra, and Azrael sat around Adam, looking at him, sensing his utter defeat.
"This is a battle of wits, however, I lost twice against Serbas," Adam confessed. "While I'm thinking of fighting the war to win, Serbas is two steps ahead of me, using the war as a diversion. The next time he comes back, it will be more dangerous, and I worry we'll fail not just in protecting the civilization, but in saving my own wife as well."
"Not everything in battle is about doing it alone. You can depend on us as well," Lyra said softly.
"Dad, if you don't feel that the battle was good enough, I will put more than 100% of my effort to fight against Serbas and his minions," Azrael declared.
"You need to not think too much about it. Maybe watch some drama to take your mind off it," Johan tried to console Adam.
"I, myself, was in your position. I carried the whole kingdom on my back. You have us to share that burden. If you get outwitted by Serbas, it's not the end of the world. We will cover your back, so don't worry," Vlad assured him.
Adam looked around, seeing their faces, knowing he couldn't run away like before, hiding and asking Lyra to take over. He knew they needed a leader with a strong will.
"Thank you for telling me this. I know I may not be perfect or clever enough to outwit Serbas. I hope all of you cover for me if I fail." Adam looked around him.
"We will be your pillars," Azrael said, and everyone nodded in agreement. As the night wore on, everyone took their time to rest and prepare for the coming fight.
Vlad's Desperate Plea
Vlad slipped away at night, teleporting to Serbas's sealed area. He arrived with something specific in mind. As he teleported to the sealed area, he saw Serbas sitting there casually with his drinks.
"You came at last," Serbas said, a smirk playing on his lips. "I wouldn't have sent the demons if I knew you would be back by yourself."
"I want to talk to you about your plans to kill the humans," Vlad began, trying to reason.
"Adam might be able to help us get back what we lost. At first, I didn't believe it, however, Adam is keen to help people no matter what. You might be able to get your family back if you actually talk to him."
"Let me think about it," Serbas said, feigning consideration. "How exactly can he help me? Other than me devouring his powers and doing it on my own?"
"He has allies from other worlds that are able to help us return to our world and even before everything happened," Vlad pressed, hope in his voice. "Think, Serbas, you can avoid that incident from happening."
"Did you forget?" Serbas shouted, his calm facade cracking. "You did nothing as my wife and child were brutally murdered!"
"I couldn't. I know it's cowardly of me, but my kingdom and my family would be at risk as well. Thousands of lives under my name would die because of my actions. I'm sorry that it happened to you. I know deep down you're still the hero you once were," Vlad pleaded.
"Hero?!" Serbas scoffed, his voice filled with venom. "As the world turn on me and destroyed everything I did for them? My wife and child, who were innocent, were dragged into it! Tell me, if you're in my position, would you be able to forgive them?"
"I wouldn't, and I know it's hard," Vlad responded. "Please, I beg you, listen to me. Adam can save us both. We can return as if it never happened. We can change history, and you can live your life with your family. All I need from you is to trust me, who has trusted you before."
Serbas laughed hysterically. "Trust? You actually believe I can trust you? You abandoned me and left me for decades by myself here. Before I knew it, you sent Adam to get back your heart. You are just as selfish as the others. You didn't care about me, you don't even know what I went through stuck here for 100 years. It's not about reviving my family anymore. I have long past that. I just want the world to burn and make sure you watch as everything crumbles to the ground!" Serbas said menacingly. "Get out! I don't even want you to die. I want you to be the last one standing beside me once I make this world into nothingness."
Vlad stood quietly as he watched Serbas, realizing he had totally lost his mind. He had known Serbas as a demon before, but this time, he had become someone entirely different. "Just so you know, I regret not saving your family. If I knew you would turn out this way, I would have stopped you and your family from leaving my kingdom. I see you as a friend, and I hope this gets through to you." Vlad spoke as he walked away.
"GET OUT!" Serbas shouted, tears flowing after decades of hatred had filled his heart.