Chapter 65: Shadows of Deception
Beneath the ever-darkened skies of a continent ruled by demons, the ocean roared against jagged cliffs that jutted into the abyss below. The oppressive air smelled of salt and decay, and the constant storm clouds churned above, blocking even the faintest hint of light.
Nestled near the cliffs, a massive figure lay sprawled across the blackened rock—a sloth demon in its true form, a grotesque combination of sinew and shadow. Its body stretched unnaturally, and its glowing red eyes flickered weakly, almost disinterested, as it slept.
Suddenly, its body stiffened. One eye cracked open, then the other, as a wave of unease rolled over it. The telepathic link it shared with its scout on the mortal continent was gone—a clear sign the scout had been slain.
The demon yawned lazily, its jaws stretching wider than seemed possible, revealing rows of jagged teeth. "Figures," it muttered, its voice gravelly and resonant. "That weakling couldn't handle mortals. What a disgrace."
It stretched, shadows coiling like tendrils from its limbs, before rising to its full height. The demon's slouching form still towered over the cliffs, its hulking presence blending into the stormy backdrop.
"I suppose I'd better report to the young master. He won't like this setback," it said, scratching its neck. A faint smirk played on its cracked lips. "But at least his plan to plunge those mortal nations into war is still on track."
The demon chuckled darkly, its voice laced with mockery. "Those pathetic dukes with their shiny new weapons… They'll tear each other apart soon enough, especially with the stronger demons we've sent to push things along."
Its grin faltered slightly, a flicker of worry crossing its malevolent features. "Still, I hope the young master isn't too angry. I'd hate to end up like the last fool who failed him."
With that, the sloth demon dissolved into a wisp of shadow, vanishing into the storm to deliver its grim report.
The flickering light of a makeshift lantern illuminated the room where Alarcus lay unconscious, his body covered in bandages. The quiet hum of magic filled the air as Camilla sat by his side, her hands glowing with soft green light as she healed the worst of his wounds.
Her gaze wandered for a moment, lingering on his chiseled features and muscular frame. She felt her cheeks grow warm but quickly shook her head, focusing on mending the fractures in his ribs. Zetsuei stood silently nearby, its glowing purple eyes fixed on Alarcus like a loyal guardian.
As Alarcus stirred, Camilla leaned forward, her voice soft but urgent. "Alarcus, can you hear me?"
His eyes fluttered open, and he groaned, trying to sit up. Camilla gently pressed a hand against his chest, stopping him. "Don't move too much yet. You're still recovering."
He blinked at her, his vision clearing as the pain in his body dulled. "Camilla?"
She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "You gave us quite the scare. Zetsuei's third form nearly destroyed you."
Alarcus chuckled weakly, though it turned into a wince. "Worth it. That demon needed to be stopped."
Before she could respond, Camilla stood abruptly, brushing her hair back nervously. "I'll go get Seraphine. She's been helping the rebels here prepare for an attack. She'll want to know you're awake."
As Camilla hurried off, Alarcus turned his head toward Zetsuei. The Alter's glowing eyes dimmed slightly, as if acknowledging his gaze.
"Thanks, partner," Alarcus muttered, his voice tinged with gratitude.
Elsewhere in the rebel base, Seraphine stood before a group of ragtag fighters. She held Excalibur in her hand, the blade gleaming faintly even in the dim light of the underground chamber.
"We don't have the luxury of time," she said, her voice firm but encouraging. "If you want to protect your families and your home, you need to become stronger. Discipline and unity will win this fight, not just weapons."
The rebel leader, a grizzled man with a scar running down his cheek, nodded. "We've never had someone like you before, Lady Seraphine. Your leadership... it gives us hope."
She gave him a small smile but didn't let her resolve falter. "Hope is important, but it's only the first step. Training is next. Let's start with the basics—formation drills and teamwork. No one fights alone."
Just as she finished speaking, Camilla approached, a wide grin on her face. "Seraphine, Alarcus is awake."
Seraphine's eyes widened, and relief flooded her features. She nodded to the rebel leader. "Continue without me. I'll be back soon."
Not long after, Seraphine entered the room, her confident strides carrying her toward Alarcus's bedside. She was dressed in practical armor, Excalibur strapped to her side, and her expression was a mixture of relief and determination.
"Glad to see you're still breathing," she said, crossing her arms. "You scared the hell out of Camilla. And me, if I'm honest."
Alarcus smirked, his voice still raspy. "Didn't know you cared."
"Don't push it," Seraphine retorted, though the faintest hint of a smile betrayed her.
She pulled up a chair and sat across from him, her gaze steady. "What's next for you, Alarcus? You've been fighting non-stop since we met to get revengeo n that demon. What do you intend to do now?"
Alarcus hesitated, his expression hardening. "Rest first. Then, I'm going back to my boss."
Seraphine's eyes narrowed, and she leaned forward slightly. "The Blacksmith of a Thousand Tales, right?"
Alarcus nodded. "Yeah. The partner he gave me saved my life more times than I can count and help me avenge my family. I owe him everything. And if I'm going to be strong enough to protect the people I care about, I need to keep learning from him. Serving him is the best way to do that."
Seraphine tapped a finger against the hilt of Excalibur, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I can't argue with that. Excalibur alone proves his skill, and I've heard whispers about what his creations are capable of. But remember, strength isn't just about the weapon in your hand—it's also about the people by your side."
Alarcus gave a weak chuckle. "You sound like you're recruiting me to stay here with the rebels."
"Maybe I am," Seraphine replied, her tone sharp but not unkind. "The people here need someone like you—someone who's seen what's out there and lived to tell the tale. You could teach them, inspire them."
"I'll stay long enough to help," Alarcus said, meeting her gaze. "But my path leads back to the Blacksmith. His vision... it's bigger than just me. Bigger than all of us. He's trying to create something that could change the world, and I want to be part of that."
Seraphine nodded slowly, though there was a flicker of doubt in her eyes. "Just don't forget the world you're trying to change, Alarcus. These people—our people—matter too. Don't lose sight of that."
"I won't," he promised, his voice firm despite his exhaustion.