The night had draped the Elven lands in an eerie silence. Thick, swirling mists clung to the Dark Forest, twisting around gnarled trees like ghostly fingers. The air was cold, heavy with tension, and even the wind seemed to hold its breath. Zaigar, Kyro, Allen, and Lord Eylan moved carefully, each step echoing faintly in the darkness. Their encounter with Rond and Diablo, the First Demon, had left their hearts pounding, yet no one knew that this night would mark Zaigar's first true battle with Diablo, a battle that would determine the fate of everyone.
Zaigar's mind raced as he approached his quarters. He needed his Brush, the only artifact capable of channeling his power fully. But before he could retrieve it, a sudden surge of darkness struck him with unimaginable force. Diablo had attacked. Zaigar's vision blurred, the impact throwing him violently to the ground. The forest seemed to vanish around him, replaced by the overwhelming roar of power. Creatures that had once seemed mere obstacles now loomed as terrifying foes, their glowing eyes reflecting the chaos of the night.
As Zaigar struggled to rise, Diablo's cold, menacing smile cut through the shadows. Turning toward Rond, the Elven king, he said, "I'll wait until tomorrow for them to reach my fortress. Then, I'll take Zaigar's head to my master."
Rond swallowed nervously. "A-alright… I'll inform them." His hands trembled slightly as he uttered the words, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.
---
Morning came slowly, spilling soft sunlight into Zaigar's room. His eyes flickered open, taking in the familiar surroundings. He was in bed, cushioned and safe, with his friends gathered anxiously around him. Kyro's face was pale but relieved, Allen's eyes scanned him as if measuring whether he was truly unharmed, and Lord Eylan stood silently, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
"Zaigar… we're so glad you're awake!" Lord Eylan said, his voice tight with relief.
Zaigar exhaled slowly, feeling the ache of his injuries. "You… you know what happened?"
Allen nodded, his jaw tight. "Rond explained everything. You need to be ready… fully ready, this time."
Kyro clenched his fists. "You should have taken us with you! You can't face him alone!"
Zaigar gave a faint, bitter smile. "I'm sorry. I needed to ensure Diablo was in contact with Celia before anyone else got involved."
At that moment, Rond entered, his regal presence calm but serious. "Zaigar, I need to speak with you alone."
Zaigar nodded, motioning for the others to step out. Rond's voice softened as he approached. "Five years ago, my wife was killed by that demon hunter. Now, my daughter, Serina, has been taken hostage so they can use her against you. Once they are done, she may be freed—if you survive."
Zaigar's eyes hardened. "No matter what, I will defeat Diablo and rescue Serina."
Rond indicated a distant point through the mist. "His fortress lies near the Dark Forest, but know this: he is not alone. He controls every monster in the forest. They will come at you relentlessly."
Kyro and Allen exchanged glances. "Then we fight the monsters, and you fight Diablo?"
Zaigar's nod was firm.
Selin, Zaigar's girlfriend, stepped forward, worry clear in her voice. "What should we do?"
Zaigar's gaze softened, yet remained resolute. "You three stay here and protect the Elven lands. Tonight, we infiltrate the fortress."
---
Night fell like a velvet curtain. The group moved silently through the forest, shadows bending around them. Zaigar whispered to his Brush, "Can I defeat Diablo with the power I have?"
The Brush's reply was somber: "No… he is far beyond your current strength. You cannot even scratch him."
Zaigar clenched his fists. "Then… do you have a power that can help me defeat him?"
The Brush hesitated, its ethereal glow dimming. "There exists a battle form. It merges you with Destiny and your painting power. But the cost is immense—your body may remain in a coma for ten to fifteen days, perhaps never waking. Only your will can endure it."
Zaigar drew in a long breath, determination blazing in his eyes. "Activate it. I will endure it, no matter the pain."
---
They reached the Dark Forest's edge. The fortress loomed like a jagged wound against the horizon, black stone glinting ominously. Zaigar stepped forward, voice resonant and unwavering. "Come out, demon!"
A cold, amused laugh echoed back. Diablo emerged, shadowed and terrifying. "I did not expect you… you should have fled."
Zaigar's eyes narrowed. "Where is Serina?"
With a gesture, Diablo indicated her. Bound crosswise, blood dripping from her body, her chest heaving in panic, Serina was a horrifying vision of cruelty. Zaigar's chest tightened with rage. "Damn you! I will end you!"
---
The battle erupted. Zaigar fused with the Dragon Lord, feeling power surge through him, but Diablo's speed and ferocity pinned him down. Gasping, Zaigar shouted, "Brush! Combine!"
Energy burst forth, merging Zaigar with Destiny. A strike landed, wounding Diablo, yet the demon regenerated almost instantly. Zaigar's focus sharpened; he levitated the Brush, sending it into Diablo's body with mental precision. A violent shock jolted the demon, rendering him unconscious briefly, only for him to awaken, even more furious.
Zaigar's breaths came fast and shallow, muscles trembling. "This form won't last long!" the Brush warned.
Zaigar's eyes blazed. Gathering all remaining power, he formed a purple-and-blue fireball. It hurtled toward Diablo, who screamed in pain but laughed again, slow and chilling. "Do you think such a thing can stop me?" Diablo advanced, delivering a crushing punch that knocked Zaigar unconscious.
Kyro and Allen froze, battling the forest monsters, as fear tightened their chests. But suddenly, Zaigar rose into the air, radiant light blazing from his body. The Brush transformed, its glow intensifying. Diablo's expression faltered—fear flickered across his face.
Zaigar's voice thundered. "There's no escape now!"
---
The battle raged with renewed intensity. Flames, lightning, and bursts of colored energy lit the night. Zaigar struck, forcing Diablo back, allowing him to free Serina. But Diablo, furious, readied himself for another devastating attack. The forest shook, and shadows danced violently around the combatants.
Every movement of Zaigar was precise, yet heavy with exhaustion. Kyro and Allen fought desperately, trying to hold off the endless wave of monsters, while Zaigar concentrated every ounce of his energy on defeating Diablo. Sparks of light and darkness collided with every strike, painting the battlefield in chaotic brilliance.
Zaigar's heartbeat thundered in his ears, his mind focused entirely on one goal: victory, and Serina's safety. Each blow he landed, each strategy he executed, brought him closer—but Diablo's resilience was terrifying, almost unnatural. The night air was filled with the cries of battle, the clash of steel, and the roaring of unleashed powers.
Finally, Zaigar's combined power of Destiny, the Dragon Lord, and his Brush forced Diablo to stagger. The First Demon's eyes widened in fear. Zaigar's glowing aura intensified, painting a brilliant mark of resolve across the night. "Your reign ends here, Diablo!" he shouted, ready to deliver the final strike.
End of Chapter 12
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