"Sorry, Your Majesty, I didn't come here to challenge you. I'm only pleading with you to end this war. I've heard from Enis about the historical grudges between humans and demons. I hope the two races can approach each other with an open mind and stop fighting to the death. Although humans were at fault first, no grudge should be irreconcilable after thousands of years. I believe if both sides truly understand each other, they can coexist peacefully. Demons could even return to the human world to live alongside everyone. That's far more practical than bloodshed and clashing blades," I said respectfully.
"Hmph, spare me your idle talk. Humans are inherently treacherous. Only by thoroughly conquering them can demons find peace. For three thousand years, I've waited for this moment. The flames of war have already been ignited, and no one can stop them. After the previous Demon King and the Hero perished together, a prophecy was left about a Chosen One saving the world. After waiting thousands of years, my patience has long run dry. If the demons have no savior, then I, the Emperor, will take that role myself. It's time to purge the filthy human world and lead the demons to reclaim our homeland. As for whether you're the Chosen One, let me test you!" With that, the Emperor Ba conjured a demonic sword in his hand, his body shrinking to the height of an ordinary human.
"No matter what, you won't stop the war? I may not be the Chosen One, but under Enis's guidance, I've made great progress. Let me try to convince you with my swordsmanship!" I summoned the blue elegant sword Enis had given me.
"Not bad resolve! Let's see if you're worthy of being her man. I'll judge you myself!" The Emperor Ba casually swung his hand, sending a sharp black sword aura straight at me. I quickly dodged, and the sword aura blasted through the palace wall, flying far into the distance. "(Good thing I dodged; a direct hit would've been bad)," I thought, staring in shock at the endless crack in the ground.
"If you've got guts, don't dodge!" He instantly teleported in front of me. "(So fast!)" In a split second, several sword auras slashed toward me. I desperately blocked them.
"Who is that guy? He's actually holding his own against the Emperor Ba!" Kaia watched in astonishment.
"No idea. From what he said earlier, he seems to be a former teammate. He's also apparently close with that Enis who defeated us," Emily said, supporting Kaia, equally shocked.
"When did white get this strong? It's unbelievable," Noah remarked, watching the battle.
"No wonder I felt something familiar. You absorbed the Nether Soul-Locking Pearl, didn't you?" the Emperor Ba suddenly asked.
"When I fell into a valley before, I stumbled into a cave and unknowingly absorbed a mysterious pearl. After that, I felt like I had endless demonic energy. Your Majesty, do you know what's going on?" I asked.
"Hmph, over two thousand years ago, my brother was ambushed by a Hero while invading the human world. They were evenly matched, unable to defeat each other. That despicable Hero used a sealing technique to bind both his own power and my brother's demonic energy. Both lost their powers and died by each other's blades. The Soul-Locking Pearl, which sealed their powers, was said to have been lost in the human world. Even I didn't know its whereabouts. To think you got lucky and absorbed it! Well, this is a good opportunity. I'll prove that after thousands of years of training, my strength surpasses both of theirs. You'll be my sparring partner!" With that, the Emperor Ba unleashed several shockwaves at me. I countered with blazing fireballs, neutralizing them.
"So there's such powerful demonic energy hidden in me. Thank you for the enlightenment, Your Majesty. I won't hold back either!"
"Come, show me if you're worthy of being the Chosen One!" The Emperor Ba attacked with full force, and I didn't back down, unleashing enhancement magic to push my body's potential to its limit. Our swords clashed, sword auras crisscrossing the hall. We traded blows relentlessly, neither gaining the upper hand. The surrounding walls and ceiling were riddled with countless cracks, and the entire palace began to collapse. The other humans watching didn't dare make a sound.
"Your Majesty, urgent news from the human world! The Kingdom of Shustan has fallen to Lord Gahu!" Mino's voice suddenly came through a remote communication.
"What?! Shustan has fallen?" Kaia thought he misheard.
"What do we do now? We can't win here, and we can't go back either," Emily said, panicking.
"Heh, you don't need to go back. Since you're here, leave your lives behind," the Emperor Ba said smugly.
"Damn it, no matter what, you won't stop? Then I'll have to use their power to defeat you!" I gripped my sword, gathering energy.
"Try it, then," the Emperor Ba said with disdain.