After the swordsman had fought Zaygar and finally joined his group, they decided to continue their adventures. But before venturing into more perilous territories, they needed to gather essential supplies from the Demon Market. The morning sun had just crested behind the dark, jagged mountains, casting long shadows across the cobbled streets. The market was already bustling—merchants shouted their wares, scents of spices and roasted meats filled the air, and the chatter of townsfolk created a lively, almost chaotic symphony.
The group was eating breakfast, sitting on wooden benches near a small fountain that splashed rhythmically. Zaygar, with a mysterious and playful smile, said, "Today is going to be a day full of excitement. The Demon Market awaits us!" His words sparked excitement in everyone's eyes.
After finishing their meal, each member set off in different directions. The queen's daughter gracefully walked toward the clothing shops, her curiosity and desire for elegance evident in every step. The general headed to the armory, carefully inspecting the swords, shields, and armor displayed, looking for anything that could give him an edge in combat. The swordsman, ever meticulous, moved toward a small, dimly lit swordsmith's shop tucked away between two larger stalls.
Zaygar, however, found himself standing alone in the center of the market. Colorful tents and bustling crowds surrounded him, and he felt a twinge of uncertainty. He had no idea where to start. Just then, his floating pen hovered beside him, spinning slowly. "How about we visit the blacksmith?" it suggested.
Zaygar raised an eyebrow. "The blacksmith? Why?"
"For me," the pen said in a teasing tone. "Buy me some clothes! Can't you even get your pen a proper outfit? You're supposed to be a master! Get the finest and most expensive one, or else!" Zaygar laughed, shaking his head, yet a flicker of annoyance crossed his face. "Alright, fine. Let's go," he muttered, following the pen through the crowded streets.
Meanwhile, the queen's daughter tried on outfit after outfit in the clothing shop. Each dress had intricate embroidery, delicate fabrics, and colors that shifted subtly under the light. The shop owner assumed she intended to buy everything and eagerly watched, only to be disappointed when she finally decided none suited her. "Honestly, none of these are quite right," he muttered, as she left with a small, frustrated sigh.
At that very moment, a man carrying two massive swords appeared from the shadows. Without warning or words, he lunged at the queen's daughter. The strike was swift and precise, cutting across her shoulder. She fell unconscious before anyone could react. Screams echoed, and the market erupted into chaos. Shoppers scattered, stalls toppled, and the clamor of panic filled the air. The group remained oblivious to the attack—only Zaygar knew immediately.
The pen hovered urgently. "Zaygar! The queen's daughter is under attack! Hurry to the southeast part of the market, or she might die!"
Zaygar's heart pounded with a mix of fear and rage. Without hesitation, he ran. His speed rivaled light itself, and in just seven seconds, he arrived at the scene.
The man had the girl in his grasp, intending to carry her away. Zaygar shouted, "Enough!" and commanded his pen, "Form the Death Scythe!" The pen morphed into a gleaming scythe in his hand. Zaygar struck, wounding the man's hand and freeing the girl. Then, with swift precision, he sketched the Knight Master. Instantly, a glowing figure materialized, and with a single, decisive strike, the assailant fell.
Zaygar knelt beside the girl. "Open your eyes! Hey! Stay with me!" He gently lifted her, carrying her to the doctor. The doctor's eyes widened as he quickly assessed her wounds. "If she had stayed another five minutes, she would have died. You were lucky," he said.
However, the injury was severe. "To fully heal her," the doctor explained, "we must use the Blood Pact spell. It requires the blood of five individuals."
Zaygar frowned. "No one will give their blood willingly…"
The pen interjected, "Then summon five Knight Masters. Let each drink a single drop of her blood. That way, the spell will have what it needs."
Zaygar nodded, a mixture of determination and nervousness in his eyes. He sketched the five Knight Masters, and each knelt, drinking a drop of the girl's blood. With the ritual complete, the doctor performed the Blood Pact spell. Slowly, the girl's wounds closed, and the color returned to her cheeks. "She must sleep for an entire day," the doctor said. "This will prevent pain and scarring, allowing her body to recover fully."
Zaygar remained at her side, reflecting on the chaos of the morning. But another problem loomed: the general and the swordsman had no idea where Zaygar and the girl were, searching anxiously through the market.
Gradually, the Demon Market returned to a semblance of normalcy. Merchants resumed their sales, children ran between stalls, and the air buzzed with ordinary chatter once more. Zaygar let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "We were lucky… barely," he said to the pen.
"You're always cutting it close," the pen teased. "But yes, you did well this time."
Zaygar smiled faintly. "I'll make sure I'm never late again," he said.
After some time, the girl awoke, weak but smiling. "Thank you, Zaygar…" she whispered, gently holding his hand.
Zaygar replied firmly, "I'll never leave you alone. I promise."
At that moment, the swordsman and the general entered, eyes wide with worry. "Where have you been? We were frantic!"
Zaygar's lips curved into a small grin. "All under control… but the full story is long."
With the day of chaos behind them, Zaygar and his companions prepared for the next leg of their adventure. Yet the Demon Market would never again feel safe or calm, its shadows now hiding both opportunity and danger.
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