The first light slowly pierced through the gray sky, which had been drenched in magic and blood all night. The sun was only halfway risen on the horizon, but its glow was enough to reveal the scars left by the war. The vast meadow in front of Emerald Kingdom's gates had turned into scorched land full of cracks, like giant knife slashes across the earth. Thin smoke still rose from a few spots, mixing with the smell of burned soil, flesh, and fading magic.
Amid the rubble of battle, the remains of undead bones lay scattered, lifeless. The morning mist slowly fell, covering the ruins with a gray shroud that made the scene even more somber. Dozens of Hunters and royal soldiers staggered as they cleaned up the battlefield. There was no cheer of victory. No applause. Only empty stares and silent tears, as they moved their friends who had not made it through.
Some Hunters tended to the wounded, bandaging them as best they could while encouraging one another. Others collected swords and shields, as if to make sure no cursed remnants would rise again. The sound of boots creaking on hard, blood-soaked ground became a bitter melody in the quiet morning.
Behind the defensive lines, a large healing tent stood firmly. That was where Kaela was being treated — not only the most talented Hunter mage, but also a symbol of hope for many.
Kaela lay motionless on a simple wooden bed. Her skin, as flawless as the finest jade, looked even paler than usual. Her long white hair was spread out, some of it covering her shoulders and cheeks. Her silver eyes were shut tightly, her chest rising and falling slowly as she fought to stabilize her breathing. The dark magic of Skull had left a residue, making a faint shadow swirl around her body.
Around the bed, protective magic seals glowed a faint blue. Two royal mages stood still, watching the magic patterns to make sure they wouldn't weaken. Sometimes they glanced at Kaela with pity in their eyes, because the girl was bearing wounds far beyond what a human body should endure.
The tent's curtain fluttered as two figures stepped inside. The first was a Hunter with blazing red hair, bright red eyes like burning embers, and white skin that stood out beneath his worn-out armor. His gaze was gentle, kind, yet heroic — Arthur. A Hunter of rank C who never left anyone behind. To Arthur, Kaela and Lucifer were not just friends; they were family.
Behind him appeared a man with a face as white as polished jade, long black hair that was a bit messy, and striking red eyes. That was Lucifer Morningstar, a rank E Hunter who, despite his low rank, had more courage than many higher-ranked warriors. His expression showed worry, yet he still tried to hold a faint smile. There was a playful glint that never completely left his eyes, even in tense moments.
When they saw Kaela, both of them froze. Arthur stared at her for a long time, as if he couldn't believe she was still alive. His hands trembled slightly, then he stepped forward and held Kaela's hand.
"Kaela…" he whispered softly, his voice heavy with tears. "You fought so hard for us…"
Lucifer stood beside him, lowering his head before looking at Arthur with a quiet voice. "Don't tell me to stay calm, Ar. I was nearly going insane waiting for news of her…"
Arthur took a long breath. "Me too," he replied in a hushed voice, holding back tears. "She is our family, Luci."
Lucifer looked at Kaela, guilt and admiration in his eyes. "If she dies… I don't know what I'd do."
Arthur patted Lucifer's shoulder gently, steadying him. "We're here now. With her."
Suddenly, Kaela moved. Her eyelids fluttered, then slowly opened to reveal her soft silver eyes. Her face was still beautiful even in weakness. A faint smile tugged at her lips.
"You two… are making too much noise…" she said hoarsely, trying to joke.
Lucifer laughed a bit even as tears streamed down his cheeks. "Stubborn as always… still able to joke, huh…"
Arthur also let out a small laugh, holding back his relief. "You made everyone worry, Kaela."
Kaela tried to take a deeper breath, though she was still short of air. "Skull… what happened?"
Lucifer quickly answered, his tone a little grim. "His ritual failed. The undead are gone. But… we found a teleport trace heading east. So… it might not be over yet."
Kaela sighed slowly. "So there's still darkness left…"
Arthur gripped her hand more tightly. "You don't have to face all of it alone anymore, Kaela. The three of us. Like always."
Lucifer added, his voice trembling but firm, "I'm just a rank E Hunter, sure. But if another war comes, I'll still fight by your side, Kaela."
Kaela closed her eyes again, this time not because she was fainting, but because she felt at peace. "Thank you… you are my family…"
Far from the meadow that was just starting to breathe again after last night's hell, there was a huge cave carved into gray cliffs. The cave hid itself at the foot of black mountains that few humans ever approached. Thick black mist covered its entrance, as if refusing to let the morning sunlight inside.
Inside the cave stood a huge orc with greenish-gray skin as hard as iron, eyes burning red like embers, and a back full of old battle scars. He was Azog, the highest orc warlord, now in command after Skull's defeat. His presence was more terrifying than most orcs, not just because of his strength, but also because of a sharp intellect rare among his kind.
Azog sat on a massive dark stone throne decorated with human skulls and broken animal bones. In his hand, a giant axe stained with old blood rested across his lap. His breath was heavy as he stared sharply at a trembling, skinny orc before him.
The skinny orc bowed, terrified. "Master… the undead army is gone… Skull has failed… our troops were forced back," he reported with despair in his voice.
Azog was silent for a long moment. His jaw clenched, holding back a surge of rage. Then, in one sudden movement, he stood up, towering and fearsome. His axe swung so fast that it beheaded the skinny orc in a single blow. The corpse collapsed lifelessly, blood pooling across the cave floor.
Azog took a deep breath, then turned to a large map hanging on the stone wall. The map was covered in red markings, showing underground gate locations and attack routes toward Emerald Kingdom. His eyes narrowed.
"Humans think they've won… just because of a tiny spark of light," Azog growled softly, his voice heavy as a landslide. "Now it's blood and iron's turn to speak."
He pointed to a large red circle on the map — the secret underground gate that had been hidden for so long. Slowly, a cold grin spread across his lips.
"We live for war," he continued. "If Skull has failed, then I will finish it myself."
Azog then called over another orc, taller and wearing broken armor. "Activate the underground gate," he ordered without looking. "Summon the eastern armies. And send spies into Emerald Kingdom. I want to know their every step."
The big orc bowed deeply, then quickly ran out of the cave to prepare the troops.
Azog looked back at the map with a burning gaze, then whispered to himself, weaving a revenge that had not yet died out:
"The war isn't over… the war has only just begun."
Outside the cave, the sky was still dimly lit by the morning sun. But no light could pierce through the depth of Azog's plans. The mountain winds carried the scent of blood that lingered, as if promising the earth would turn red again before long.