The sun had set over the vast expanse of the Eastern Empire, casting long shadows across the barren land. The air was thick with the scent of the wilderness, and the quiet murmur of life in the empire's capital city.
Guy Crimson, stood near the border of the Eastern Empire, his crimson eyes scanning the horizon with a sharp gaze. He had always been one to act decisively, but today was different. The news he carried was dangerous, and it was important that he tread carefully.
He had already sent a thought communication message to Velgrynd, requesting a meeting at the Eastern Empire's border. However, he was well aware that he couldn't just march in unannounced, not with the potential threat that loomed over them all. Rudra was not just an ally but a dear friend, and he would not disrespect his domain by entering without due caution.
Guy closed his eyes for a moment, considering his next move. He respected Rudra's leadership and his relationship with Velgrynd, and he didn't want to create panic in their lands. There was no need to alarm the population or the army unnecessarily. If there was even the slightest chance that they could prepare without creating chaos, he would take it.
With a deep breath, Guy reached out again with his thought communication.
"Velgrynd, meet me at the border of the Eastern Empire. I have urgent news, but I do not wish to alarm Rudra or the people. Come alone."
Minutes passed before the familiar aura of Velgrynd appeared, the winds stirring and the heat of her presence causing the air to shimmer. She landed in front of Guy in a flash of flame, her fiery wings dissipating as she gracefully stepped forward.
Her eyes were sharp, and her posture was ready for anything. "Guy, you've come all the way to the border to meet me. What's so urgent?" she asked, her voice calm but carrying a note of concern. She was not one to hesitate or second-guess in a crisis, but the gravity of Guy's presence was unmistakable.
Guy turned to face her, a look of seriousness on his face. "I bring important news, Velgrynd."
Velgrynd raised an eyebrow. "You have my attention. What's going on?"
Guy didn't waste any time. "Feldway, the first angel created by Veldanava, is planning something dangerous. He has started moving forces, and it seems that his goal is to resurrect Veldanava. For that, he will need the power of the True Dragons — you and Milim, in particular."
Velgrynd's eyes widened, her usual calm demeanor slipping as the weight of Guy's words hit her. "Feldway? Why would he want to resurrect Veldanava? Why would he risk everything to bring him back? And why target Milim and me?"
Guy nodded grimly. "Power. Feldway has always been loyal to Veldanava, but now he wants to reshape the world. He believes that with the Dragon Factors from the True Dragons, he can bring back the Primordial Dragon, Veldanava, and control his rebirth. This isn't just about revival; it's about reshaping the very essence of the world."
Velgrynd clenched her fists, the flames around her flickering in response to her rising anger. "If Feldway thinks he can use Milim and me to revive Veldanava, he is gravely mistaken. But why now? Why would he choose to resurrect Veldanava in this chaotic time?"
Guy's expression darkened. "That's the danger. Feldway has been working in the shadows, slowly moving his forces. If we don't act, Milim could be caught in the web of this ritual. And with the angels at his side, he will have more than enough power to tip the scales in his favor."
Velgrynd's gaze hardened. "And you're right to warn me. But what about Rudra? He's the ruler here, Guy. He should know what's going on."
Guy's expression softened slightly as he regarded Velgrynd. "I didn't want to involve Rudra just yet. The Eastern Empire's forces are strong, but if Feldway's plan is as far along as I suspect, Rudra will need time to prepare. The danger is already upon us, and I didn't want to startle him or the population before we have a clear plan of action."
Velgrynd took a moment to think, her fiery aura flaring gently as she processed Guy's words. She understood his reasoning; there was wisdom in not jumping to conclusions. "But we can't afford to waste time, Guy. Feldway is no small threat. If he is after our Dragon Factors, then we need to act now. Milim is unpredictable, and I can't trust that she won't fall into his trap if we don't intervene."
Guy nodded, his eyes meeting hers with a quiet understanding. "Exactly. That's why I'm asking you to stay close to her, Velgrynd. I will do what I can on my side to rally the other Demon Lords. We need all the help we can get."
Velgrynd's fiery wings spread slightly as she looked back toward the Eastern Empire. "You have my word. But don't underestimate Rudra. If he finds out what's going on, he'll want to help."
"I know," Guy said, a faint smile crossing his face. "I know. But for now, we need to be careful and ready. The storm is coming, Velgrynd. We must prepare the forces before it's too late."
The two stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the coming events settling in. The flames of Velgrynd's power flickered, as if reflecting her own inner turmoil.
"Then we'll prepare," Velgrynd finally said, her voice filled with resolve. "I'll make sure Milim is safe, and I'll be ready to stand against Feldway, no matter what he plans."
Guy nodded, his crimson eyes flickering with quiet approval. "Good. We have little time. Let's make sure we're ready when Feldway finally makes his move."
The two of them shared a silent understanding as they turned back toward the heart of the Eastern Empire, the knowledge that the world was on the brink of chaos settling over them like a stormcloud.
Days had passed since Guy Crimson and the other Demon Lords prepared their defenses.
The Cardinal World sat on edge, like a taut bowstring ready to snap.
Whispers of Feldway's impending attack grew heavier, like a storm cloud gathering over the entire world.
In the heart of Nyvaris, the eternal city wrapped in Varvatos' barrier, Varvatos stood quietly by the grand balcony, gazing into the horizon. His silver cloak billowed gently in the cold breeze.
Beside him, Velzard waited silently, her presence calm but alert.
"You must remain here," Varvatos said finally, without turning.
Velzard frowned slightly, but she understood.
"You're worried about Sarion," she said.
Varvatos nodded once.
"The threat coming... no kingdom will be spared. I must ensure Sarion's survival first."
Without another word, he extended a hand. A portal of shimmering silver light opened, a gateway leading directly to Sarion.
In Sarion...
The moment Varvatos and Elmesia emerged from the portal into Sarion's royal courtyard, the entire palace stirred.
Knights straightened up, ministers whispered urgently to one another, and nobles leaned over balconies in curiosity and shock.
It wasn't every day that the great Varvatos personally arrived.
General Lucius, captain of the Royal Guard, approached swiftly, dropping to one knee.
"Lord Varvatos! We are honored by your presence!"
Varvatos gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable.
At his side, Elmesia, queen of Sarion, lifted a hand, commanding calm.
"Everyone," she said clearly, her voice ringing across the courtyard, "please understand: grave danger approaches the Cardinal World. Varvatos himself has come to help Sarion prepare."
A ripple of gasps and murmurs surged through the crowd.
Varvatos stepped forward, his voice carrying an impossible weight.
"I will cast a protective barrier around Sarion — one strong enough to shield you from what is to come. But know this... survival depends not only on barriers. Courage, unity, and wisdom will be demanded of you all."
The nobles and generals bowed their heads in solemn understanding.
The commoners who gathered near the outer courtyard fell to their knees in awe.
Elmesia turned to Varvatos, her blue eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and fear.
"My people... they will be safe?"
Varvatos looked at her, his gaze deep.
"They will be shielded. As long as my magic endures."
And then, without further delay, he raised his right hand towards the sky.
The atmosphere shifted instantly —
The very air seemed to hum with ancient power.
Light began to gather at Varvatos' fingertips, forming an intricate sphere of raw energy.
He uttered a single word, one no mortal could comprehend:
"Edrath'Zol Vantura'Kael."
The words reverberated through the fabric of reality itself.
Ancient, primeval syllables that bent the laws of magic.
The sky above Sarion exploded in brilliance.
Ribbons of gold, silver, and crimson light intertwined, forming massive spirals.
Giant, ethereal glyphs — unknown writing from an ancient tongue — spun slowly in the sky, glowing with celestial power.
From the center of the light, a wave descended like a soft tide, blanketing the entirety of Sarion in a luminous embrace.
The ground trembled softly beneath everyone's feet.
Every man, woman, and child in Sarion watched in stunned silence as their kingdom became cocooned in a shimmering, semi-transparent dome — a barrier unlike anything they had ever seen.
General Lucius and Erald could hardly believe his eyes.
"I've... I've never seen such magic," he whispered, overwhelmed.
The nobles stared with mouths agape.
The commoners openly wept, overwhelmed by the sight.
Queen Elmesia, standing closest to Varvatos, blinked away tears, her voice trembling.
"You truly are a miracle to this world, Varvatos."
Varvatos lowered his hand slowly, the magic settling into place with a final pulse that echoed like the beating of a great heart.
He turned to Elmesia, his silver eyes solemn.
"This barrier will hold. Against armies, against magic, against calamity itself," he said.
"But stay vigilant. Even the strongest shield can be worn down if the enemy is determined enough."
Elmesia nodded, stepping closer to him.
"I... I don't know how to thank you."
"There is no need," Varvatos replied simply. "I protect because I choose to."