"Exactly. The person you saw that night was most likely Lord Lucien descending into the mortal realm."
Both Kyran and Soren nodded, but Sharian wasn't finished.
"However… according to the Holy Scriptures, he only descends when summoned through a sacred offering ritual. Without the ritual, his appearance is impossible."
"If that's the case…" Soren murmured, "then who was it that intervened that night? If it wasn't the God Lucien, who else could destroy an Upper Demon?"
"I don't know," Sharian replied. "But I hope that the light we saw truly belonged to Lord Lucien, the deity who protects our land."
Silence settled among them.
Three days later, the Lumerious army arrived at Kumeroa, a magnificent and extravagant empire.
The scenery stunned Kyran and Soren. Beautiful women dressed boldly and seductively passed by, leaving enchanting fragrances lingering in the air.
"Look at them… everyone is so gorgeous."
"I know, right? I'm starting to think we've stepped into heaven."
Before they could make another joke, Sharian cut in sharply:
"What are you two drooling over? Pull yourselves together. Their clothing is designed according to the desires of the demons they worship."
Soren and Kyran frowned. "Demons?"
"Yes. The entity they worship is said to wield terrifying power, enough to consume or annihilate an entire nation if it wills it."
Kyran froze. "No way… humans here actually worship demons?"
"They do." Sharian's voice darkened. "And that's why this empire rose so quickly. I know all this because my father once told me."
She swallowed hard before continuing:
"When humans make deals with demons, they receive power and wealth instantly. What they trade in return… is their very soul.
"Gods bless us through trials and faith, demons offer transactions. Salvation and corruption. Two paths opposite in every way."
Kyran fell silent.
At that moment, the bell tower of Kumeroa chimed.
The metallic, piercing sound sent chills through the air.
Before entering the city gates, Commander Camesis raised his hand for the troops to halt.
He lowered his voice, solemnly declaring:
"Warriors of Lumerious, listen well. Before you step through this gate, place your hand over your heart and pray to Lord Lucien the Savior. Only his light can shield us from the darkness… that lies ahead."
His gaze pointed toward the towering walls of Kumeroa, a splendid empire built atop blood and the faith of demon worshippers.
Kyran clenched his fists, determination in his eyes… but beneath it, fear trembled quietly. Passing through that gate meant stepping into the domain of evil.
The atmosphere grew colder and eerily silent. Kyran felt as though every step pressed onto something unseen, something unsettling gnawing at the back of his mind.
Just as Division Two entered the city, Division One arrived as well. The two commanders exchanged formal greetings before escorting the envoy inside.
Aria waved brightly from afar, running toward them.
"When did you two get here?"
Kyran replied, "We just arrived. The road from the border was longer than expected, so we were a bit late."
"That makes sense. Division Two set out earlier, so it's normal you arrived first."
Then a graceful red-haired noblewoman caught Aria's eye, Lady Sharian Lethial, daughter of the esteemed Lethial family of mages.
"Lady Sharian, I didn't expect you to be traveling with Kyran's group."
Sharian bowed politely yet with her characteristic noble elegance.
"I, Sharian of the Lethial household, thank Your Highness for your concern. I was merely invited to accompany them — nothing more."
"Oh, I see."
Caught between the subtle exchange of two noble ladies, Kyran could only smile awkwardly and quietly step aside.
Suddenly, a thunderous explosion echoed above them.
It was a spectacular fireworks display, the welcoming ceremony prepared by Kumeroa.
Citizens cheered joyously, their voices filling the air as they celebrated Lumerious' arrival.
The festive atmosphere sharply contrasted with everything they had heard about this "demon-worshipping nation."
Soren narrowed his eyes at the crowd below, whispering:
"Don't you find this strange? Why would a country that worships demons have citizens who seem… this happy?"
"I don't know," Kyran murmured. "Everything here is too bright, too perfect. Not like a place drowning in misfortune at all."
They kept smiling politely at the cheering citizens… but doubt gnawed at their hearts.
Yet the moment they passed through the palace gates, the cheers died instantly.
The crowd's joyful expressions evaporated — replaced with cold, indifferent faces.
As if their earlier excitement had been nothing but an act.
Kyran frowned.
Soren, Sharian, and Aria all noticed it too.
A raspy laugh echoed from the envoy's carriage ahead.
"How amusing… this country still loves its old tricks, doesn't it? Am I right, Camesis?"
The envoy snickered mockingly.
Commander Camesis turned around, his gaze icy.
"Envoy, it would be wise for you to keep silent."
The envoy stiffened and said no more.
They continued deeper into the palace.
Commander Camesis and Deputy Commander Lexus temporarily led the escort in place of Killan, who was occupied with matters back in the kingdom.
Ten elite guards had been selected from both divisions four new recruits and six seasoned warriors, tasked with protecting the envoy during the audience with the king.
The royal palace of Kumeroa was breathtaking.
Grand halls, gold-plated walls, jeweled ceilings, and endless corridors shimmering with hypnotic brilliance.
Sharian sighed, annoyance slipping through her tone.
"To build something like this in just ten years… tch."
Awaiting them was Emperor Edgar Al Miscardo Kumeroa I, the man who unified two smaller kingdoms and forged the formidable Kumeroa Empire.
Ten years ago, he had set his sights on conquering Lumerious.
But thanks to the strategic brilliance of the former leader of the Seven Holy Knights, their homeland narrowly escaped destruction.
Still, Lumerious emerged weakened, stripped of resources and manpower.
To preserve peace, their king had no choice but to offer annual tributes to Kumeroa.
It was the price they paid to avoid another war.
A booming voice echoed from afar:
"Welcome, honored guests from the NARROW, PERILOUS LANDS beyond to this GREAT AND BOUNDLESS REALM of mine!"
"Surely you have already felt the warm hospitality of my citizens, yes?"