Chapter 13 – Conversation Voltraz And Zephyros
The dense forest around Division 5's perimeter swayed lightly in the wind, yet the air carried a tension far heavier than any storm. Commander Zephyros stood atop a jagged cliff, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Beside him, Captain Talrik adjusted his stance, ready for any sudden movement. Both belonged to the Xynthera clan, their presence emit the calm yet lethal aura typical of their kind.
"There's something approaching," Zephyros said, his voice low but unwavering. "It's not normal. In my estimation. The energy is... strong."
Talrik's grip on his spear tightened. "Should I mobilize the guards?"
"Not yet," Zephyros replied. "It is not yet time for confrontation. Observe, prepare, and be ready to react."
From the shadows of the distant tree line, a familiar silhouette emerged, commanding and authoritative. Voltraz, Commander of Division 3, stepped into the open, his aura radiating fire, water, and lightning—a subtle warning that he was not to be trifled with.
"Zephyros," Voltras greeted, his eyes sharp. "We have a situation. Intruder has infiltrated the island… a warrior, perhaps from a century ago. You've faced these warrior before. Tell me—what can they do?"
Zephyros' gaze remained fixed on the horizon, unwavering. "Now is not the time, Voltraz. Now i want to go meeting with the Demon General. Discussions about the portal and the Demon Lord must proceed uninterrupted."
Voltraz raised an eyebrow, momentarily caught off-guard. "The portal… your plan is… nearly ready, isn't it?"
Zephyros nodded slightly. "I must see the General. Nothing else can distract me now. Your concern is noted, but I have no time for debate."
Voltraz exhaled, sensing the firm resolve. "Very well… but you must not leave this Base Camp unguarded. The intruder's presence is significant."
Zephyros turned to Talrik. "Talrik, you are in command here. Keep the base secure. Monitor the perimeter. Any suspicious movement, any unusual energy—you will respond immediately."
Voltraz voice heavy. "Talrik, i know you are the captain, but these intruder are skill....you know right about what happen to Dravos from division 1 when he patrol outside their commander basecamp."
Talrik's eyes widened slightly, realization striking him. "You… mean the Captain of Division 1, Dravos… he's dead?"
Zephyros' expression was unchanging. "Yes. The intruder is strong enough to eliminate even a veteran Captain. Do not underestimate the threat."
Voltraz turned to Zephyros. "I will go to the Ignarion basecamp, asking him for the decision to making division 4 under his command, this matter can't be late to discuss, if you finished with General, come to me at Ignarion basecamp."
Meanwhile, Zero and Kyren moved silently through the thick undergrowth, approaching the Division 2 Base Camp. Every step was calculated, each sound absorbed by the shadows that cloaked them. Zero's senses were razor-sharp; every movement, every slight flicker of light, could be fatal if misread.
As they neared the entrance, a voice called out from behind. "So… you've made your choice."
Zero froze, instinctively blending into the shadows, his figure disappearing from plain sight. He turned, seeing Captain Lysandor, commanding yet calm.
"You must be careful," Lysandor said, stepping forward. "This place is not forgiving. The forces here are alert and ready."
Zero nodded softly. "We understand. We are looking for Commander Seraphel."
Lysandor studied them carefully, sensing their skill and aura. "Follow me. I will bring you in, but any wrong step could be fatal."
The two of them followed silently, each aware of the latent power around them. Every tree, every rock could conceal an enemy. Yet the tension was not only in the forest—Division 5 Base Camp felt the tremors of distant power.
Back at Division 5, Zephyros observed Voltras' departure, his mind already focused on the ritual that would summon the Demon Lord. Talrik remained vigilant, watching every shadow and listening to every whisper of energy. The mention of Dravos' death weighed heavily on him, underscoring the threat they now faced.
"Prepare the guards," Zephyros instructed. "Nothing leaves this camp unattended. And Talrik… remember, this intruder may be more than what he appears."
Talrik nodded, understanding the gravity of his new responsibility. The portal, the ritual, and the presence of the intruder—everything was converging, and the shadows of conflict were deepening.
Zero and Kyren approached the gates of Division 2, unseen yet fully aware of the powerful figures watching from both near and far. Somewhere, in the shadows of Zerath, forces old and new were aligning—the Demon Lord, the Demon General, and the mysterious intruder. The air was thick with tension, anticipation, and a storm yet to break.
The stage was set. The next moves would decide the fate of the island, its remaining inhabitants, and the balance of power across Zerath.