Chapter 257: Olenov

The name "Burning Valley" had always been a forbidden to speak off in the Kingdom. Since the day Jon arrived in this country, not a single soul had ever uttered it in his presence. He only learned of it after extracting the memories of Duke William using the Legilimency spell.

Roughly twenty years ago, a meteor engulfed in eerie green flames plummeted from the sky and crashed into this valley. Since that moment, the unnatural fire had continued to burn endlessly.

The king had once dispatched several expeditions to investigate, including some of the kingdom's most talented wizards. Not a single one had returned.

"This valley... certainly lives up to its reputation," Jon muttered as he stepped out of the western woods, the witch, Moon, walking at his side. They had finally arrived at Burning Valley.

The contrast was striking. The denser the forest became toward the valley, the more lifeless it seemed. Even the animals instinctively avoided the area. Jon and Moon had not seen a single insect since entering the forest.

But once inside the valley, it was a different world entirely. Not a blade of grass survived here. The soil had turned to blackened ash. Strange red mist drifted everywhere, and ghostly green flames licked at the edges of the scorched terrain.

"You seem eager to be here. You must know something about this place," Moon said. She had considered warning Jon of the valley's rumored horrors but realized it would be pointless.

Before she could say more, one of the green flames began to shift. It floated before them, contorting until it formed a humanoid shape nearly three meters tall.

"Humans? Hehehe... Welcome to the Burning Valley," it cackled menacingly.

Moon's wings flared as she took a defensive stance.

Jon remained calm, lifting his hand toward the creature. "And you are welcome too, creature. Hell has a seat reserved just for you."

The flame-creature trembled. "W-What... what's happening?" it gasped. Its body flickered violently before collapsing into a tiny wisp that floated directly into Jon's palm.

Moon's eyes widened in disbelief. She remembered how difficult it had been just to survive here. That same type of creature had given her real trouble, and Jon had neutralized it with a flick of his wrist.

Jon clenched his fist slightly, preparing to snuff it out.

"W-Wait! Please, spare me!" the green flame pleaded, its voice trembling.

"Give me a reason," Jon said flatly. Truth be told, he was growing tired of killing.

The valley had claimed fewer than a hundred lives over the years, mostly royal scouts and foolhardy adventurers. For a place teeming with monsters, that wasn't exactly a staggering body count. Jon could sense no particular evil from this wisp.

"I... I know everything about this valley! You're exploring, right? I can help! I know every path, every route to where you want to go!" the flame stammered.

Jon gave it a long look, then nodded. "That would spare me some trouble. Fine. Show me the way to the heart of the valley, and I'll let you live."

"T-The heart of the valley?!" the wisp recoiled.

"Is there a problem?" Jon asked.

"The center... it belongs to him. None of us dare go there," the wisp whispered in fear.

"And who exactly is he?" Jon pressed.

"He is... the most powerful being in this place. None challenge his authority."

Jon smiled darkly. "Then answer me this: Are you more afraid of him... or of me? Because right now, I'm the one holding your life."

The wisp shuddered. "I-I'll guide you!"

Guided by the flame, Jon and Moon made their way deeper into the valley. Strangely, the path was undisturbed. No attacks. No creatures. Nothing.

"Something's off. You sure we're on the right path?" Jon asked.

"Absolutely. I may not have gone to the center myself, but I know the directions by heart. Still... it's strange. Normally, my kind would be swarming you by now."

Eventually, the scorched earth gave way to a wide open space.

"That's it. Beyond here lies his territory," the wisp said nervously. "I've never dared cross it, but if you enter, he'll come to you."

"No need. I'm already here," a voice said silkily.

It was smooth, musical... and unnervingly effeminate.

Jon winced. "Is that a man speaking like that?"

A red figure emerged from the swirling mist. A devastatingly handsome man, slim, pale, with crimson lips and heavy eye makeup. And when he appeared, the wisp shrank in terror, not daring to speak.

"Congratulations, sir," the red-clad man said. "You've passed the test."

"Test? Walking through an empty valley is a test?" Jon replied coldly.

"My name is Olenov," the man said, eyes glinting. "You came here for the portal to the Void, didn't you? I noticed you even brought a witch."

He smiled at Moon, who instinctively narrowed her eyes.

Olenov possessed a face that could drive most women mad with infatuation, yet Moon showed not the slightest reaction. Instead, she observed him cautiously.

"Strange... Any ordinary woman would be enchanted by my face. Yet you seem entirely unaffected," Olenov murmured, intrigued.

"Don't bother," Jon cut in flatly. "She doesn't swing that way. Now, why don't you save us both some time and tell me what that so-called test was? Or better yet, just point me to the portal. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to use less polite methods."

Olenov remained unfazed. "You've already proven your strength. That's exactly what I've been waiting for, someone strong enough to help me achieve my goal."

"And that would be...?"

"The power of witches can open a portal to the Void," Olenov explained. "And yes, you learned that from me."

Jon furrowed his brow but didn't dispute it. He had gleaned the information from William's memories, who in turn had learned it from his father, Fexius. While William hadn't fully understood his father's dealings, he knew Fexius communicated with entities from the Void and had some knowledge of the Burning Valley, including the Void Gate at its end.

Olenov continued, "I once forced a witch to open the portal. I passed through it and arrived in another world, a realm of chaos called the Blood Domain. It was teeming with savage creatures and endless slaughter, but also a pure, unfiltered law: survival of the fittest."

"Since then, I've longed to conquer that world. There, power is everything. To rule it would be to receive admiration and fear from all.

"But alone, I can do nothing. To challenge a realm lord requires power beyond mine. That's why I need you."

Jon asked coolly, "And what do I gain?"

"Alone, you wouldn't last a day in the Blood Domain. But if I become a lord there, I can keep the portal open, summon you at will, and offer support for your own agenda."

Jon chuckled. "So I help you escape this world and ruin another? Tempting. All right, you've got a deal. I'll help you conquer the Blood Domain."

***

Meanwhile, Duke Fexius had arrived at the Forest, accompanied by Lyman and several guards.

"This is where the duke vanished," Lyman reported.

A massive pit filled with human remains lay before them, remnants of William's entourage.

Nightmare Knight Saegas stepped forward. Clad in heavy black armor from head to toe, he rumbled, "Such brutality... He'd make a fine recruit for the Vanguard."

"Are you mad?" hissed Syndiga, the dark mage. "He kidnapped the duke's son!"

"Enough!" roared the Fexius. "Lyman, your thoughts?"

Lyman bowed. "My lord, the duke came here to hunt witches. While I doubt a witch did this, we may find clues from them."

Fexius nodded. "Then bring me the witch. We'll make her talk."

"No need," came a voice, deep, rough, and echoing.

A towering figure emerged, cloaked in green fire, wielding a massive runed blade.

Fexius gasped. "That sword... It's William's! Who are you?! Where is my son?!"

The creature replied with eerie calm, "I am William, Father."

Fexius turned pale. "Impossible!"

"You always said I lacked courage and vision. But now, I stand taller than you ever did. I have a new master...."