“Oops,” Leana muttered as her elbow connected with a demon’s skull, shattering it instantly.
She sighed as she glanced around at the ash-covered battlefield. “That’s thirty-three. I need to tone it down.”
~~~~~
The battlefield was littered with the remnants of ash and the faint smell of sulfur and blood, evidence of the group’s grueling battle.
Damon, Anaya, and Daveon stood side by side, their breaths heavy but their spirits high.
One by one, they had methodically taken down the demons that had surrounded them, their strategies and teamwork proving increasingly effective with each encounter.
Now, only one demon remained—a hulking Grade Six creature with jagged horns and glowing eyes. It snarled at Miss Leana, who stood calmly before it, arms crossed.
“Well,” she began, her tone light. “I suppose this is the last one. Let’s make it interesting.”
Her wards turned to her, curiosity gleaming in their eyes.
“Whoever slays this demon will get a reward,” she announced with a sly smile.
Before the demon could react, Damon, Daveon, and Anaya moved in unison.
The three of them attacked simultaneously, their movements a blur of coordinated precision.
Damon lunged forward, his sword aiming for the demon’s left side. Daveon darted to the right, his daggers gleaming as they targeted the creature’s exposed flank.
Anaya, standing slightly behind them, raised her hands, chanting rapidly as magic essence coalesced into a crackling orb of lightning.
The demon roared, swinging its massive claws in an attempt to fend them off. Damon deflected the strike with his sword, the impact reverberating through his arms but giving Daveon the opening he needed.
The young man darted in, his daggers slashing deep into the demon’s side.
At the same moment, Anaya’s spell reached completion. She unleashed the lightning orb with a sharp flick of her wrist, the projectile striking the demon squarely in the chest.
Kaaareeii!
The creature let out a blood curling scream, its body convulsing as electricity coursed through it.
In the blink of an eye, the demon collapsed, its body disintegrating into ash as the trio landed their final blows.
For a moment, there was silence. Then Anaya turned to Miss Leana, a triumphant grin on her face.
“So, what’s our reward?” she asked, emphasizing the “our.”
Miss Leana raised an eyebrow. “Our?”
Anaya gestured to Damon and Daveon. “We all contributed. No way you’re picking just one of us.”
Damon smirked, sheathing his sword. “She’s got a point.”
Miss Leana chuckled, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “Fair enough. But before we get to that, Damon has a question, don’t you?”
Damon glanced at her, caught off guard but recovering quickly. “Yeah, I do. When are you going to teach Daveon the technique to regulate his temperature in this hellhole?”
Miss Leana’s smile widened as an idea struck her. “Why just Daveon?”
Daveon tilted his head, his expression puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“Why not teach all three of you?” Miss Leana said, crossing her arms. Enjoy new chapters from empire
Daveon frowned. “That’s not fair. I earned that reward—”
“Fairness is relative,” Miss Leana interrupted, her tone playful but firm. “Besides, if all three of you learn it, we can cover more ground without worrying about the heat slowing anyone down. Trust me, it’s for the best.”
The three of them exchanged glances. Finally, Daveon sighed, relenting. “Fine. But I better get an extra reward later.”
Miss Leana laughed. “Deal.”
She gestured for them to sit. “Alright, lotus position. Let’s get started.”
Anaya hesitated, raising a hand. “We’re starting now? Here?”
“Why not?” Miss Leana replied. “The faster we begin, the faster you’ll master it. Or would you rather spend another week sweating like pigs?”
Anaya groaned but complied, sitting cross-legged on the heated ground. Damon and Daveon followed suit, their expressions ranging from mild annoyance to quiet determination.
~~~~~
Back in the bustling city of Seytalle, the group of mercenaries escorting the researchers finally reached the city gates.
The towering walls of Seytalle loomed ahead, their stone surface weathered but sturdy. The guards stationed at the entrance straightened as the group approached, their sharp eyes scanning the weary travelers.
Ketka, leading the group, slowed his pace as they neared the gate. His face was drawn, his usual confidence tempered by the weight of their journey.
Behind him, Stamas walked with a steely expression, his sharp gaze constantly scanning their surroundings as if expecting an ambush even now.
The researchers, though visibly exhausted, carried themselves with a sense of relief. They had made it back alive, though the cost had been heavy.
One of the guards at the gate stepped forward, his hand raised in greeting. “Welcome back. How was the mission?”
Ketka’s jaw tightened. “Rough. We lost two of our own.”
The guard’s expression sobered, and he nodded respectfully. “I’m sorry to hear that. You’re clear to enter.”
As the group passed through the gates, the bustling streets of Seytalle came into view.
Merchants filled a part of the street calling out to passersby from their stalls, children darted through the crowds, and the air was filled with the scent of meals and herbs.
But for the returning mercenaries, the vibrant city offered little solace. Their thoughts lingered on the ruins and the horrors they had faced within.
Ketka stopped near a quiet corner of the marketplace, turning to the group. “We’ll debrief later. For now, get some rest. You’ve earned it.”
Stamas nodded but didn’t move. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, where the dark outline of the distant forest was barely visible.
Ketka followed his gaze. “Still worried?”
Stamas’s grip on his sword tightened. “It’s not over.”
Ketka frowned. “What do you mean?”
“The ruins,” Stamas said, his voice low. “Those creatures… they were just the beginning. There’s something bigger at play here.”
Ketka didn’t respond immediately, his thoughts heavy. Finally, he clapped a hand on Stamas’s shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. But first, rest.”
Reluctantly, Stamas nodded, though his unease lingered. “I guess all we can truly do for now is to rest. Briefing comes later.”
Ketka nodded. “You’ve got it.”