Chapter 21 – Ritual For Demon Lord
The surface of the central island of Elyndra stretched endlessly beneath a stormy sky. Jagged cliffs surrounded the area, their edges glowing faintly with ancient runes that pulsed with an almost living rhythm. In the center of the island lay an enormous platform, its obsidian stones etched with summoning runes that pulsed with dark power. This was no ordinary stage, it was the place where the summoning ceremony for the Demon Lord would take place. The air itself seemed to include pressure, thick with tension, and the strong wind carried the present of ancient fire.
Xyron Inferno stood on the platform, his eyes scanning the group of soldiers in his division. The darkly armored soldiers lined up in precise formation, ready to channel the ritual energy. At the edge of the platform, prisoners and children had been placed, tasked with carrying the red Mana Stone, the essential core of the summoning. The stone pulsed in time with every few seconds, emitting a deep, steady warmth that clashed sharply with the crackling electricity in the air.
Without warning, a sudden roar cut through the storm. Voltraz appeared,his presence was heralded by waves of heat and raw power. His eyes blazed with rage as his aura surged outward, a significant power of lightning and fire that caused the soldiers around him to instinctively retreat. He had come enraged,
still fiery from the earlier incident with Drax, Xyron Inferno's bodyguard, who had interrupted his fight against Zero. His wounded pride and battle frustration burned brighter than any elemental fury.
Ignarion's jaw tightened as he observed the scene. He had never suspected that Xyron Inferno had a network of spies and eyes across the ranks. The realization unsettled him; trust was a fragile thing among generals, and secrecy like this was both a weapon and a curse. Seraphel's eyes narrowed as they fell upon Drax. Something about the bodyguard's aura felt familiar, a faint sense of recognition pulling at the edges of his mind. There was history here, connections buried beneath loyalty and obedience, whispering hints he still couldn't name.
Meanwhile, Zephyros stepped forward, taking command of the ritual preparations. He looked calm, even though the moment was actually very intense, and with a gesture, he directed his subordinates to position the Mana Stone correctly. The soldiers obeyed, forming protective circles and defensive lines, ensuring every aspect of the summoning was precise. The platform vibrated with energy as the stones glowed brighter, reacting to their hands, chants, and symbols.
Voltraz did not wait. With barely a word, he released the full weight of his killing intent towards Xyron. The aura he unleashed was not mere intimidation, it was a declaration of war, a storm of elemental energy that set the winds swirling and made the clouds above crackle with unseen lightning. Soldiers nearest him recoiled as the air itself seemed to vibrate with the promise of destruction.
Xyron stepped forward cautiously, his own aura flaring as he raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Voltraz," he said calmly, though tension gripped his voice, "apologies… but we have a mission more important than personal grievances."
Voltraz's glare did not waver. "Don't think your rank as General makes you untouchable. Don't think I've forgotten our last duel," he spat. "Don't think I'll forgive anyone who interferes in what should have been my victory over that Intruder!"
A flicker of frustration crossed Xyron's face, his composure cracking as he let his elemental aura explode outward: lightning, wind, and dark energy spiraled around him like a living storm. The ground vibrated, and the runes on the platform pulsed violently in response. Voltraz's own aura flared in equal measure, fire, water, and lightning weaving into a tempest that clashed with Xyron's energies. The very atmosphere seemed to warp under the sheer force of their confrontation, the winds screaming as if the world itself feared the outcome.
Zephyros' voice rang out sharply over the chaos. "Enough!" he commanded, stepping between the two generals. His presence alone acted as a damper, halting the immediate escalation. "Do not let impulsive wrath interfere with what must be done. Xyron's rank has been approved by the Demon Lord Council. Any disputes between you will be resolved after the ceremony is over and the Demon Lord steps into Zerath. Focus now. The continuity of this operation is paramount."
Voltraz gritted his teeth, his fury contained but not extinguished, while Xyron's glare lingered, simmering with restrained annoyance. Around them, soldiers adjusted positions, the ritual continuing as if time itself acknowledged the delicate balance of power at play. The Mana Stone pulsed more insistently now, its light deepening to a crimson that reflected the intensity of the moment.
As the portal started to activate, the sky grew darker and lightning appeared on its own, reacting to the energy from the ritual and the two generals fighting. The tension around the platform was so strong it felt like something dangerous was waiting for even the smallest mistake.
Master Sylver's eyes were fixed on Zero. He was ready to reveal the long-hidden secrets of Inner Energy, knowledge that could completely change Zero's power. The storm's flashes lit his figure, hinting at the strength and truths he was about to share… though no one knew if they would come in time.
The platform shook in sync with the Mana Stone. The prisoners' chants echoed, and the air vibrated with elemental energy. Everyone there, soldiers, prisoners, and commanders, felt the pressure of what was about to happen. One mistake could bring disaster. One moment of losing focus could destroy Zerath.
Yet even with the storm raging and the tension between Voltraz and Xyron growing, the ritual continued. The Mana Stone glowed brighter and brighter in red light, signaling the Demon Lord's arrival. It felt like the whole world was holding its breath as lightning, wind, fire, and darkness gathered on Elyndra's central island, ready to shape history.