Only Six Opponents

Several hours passed, and the team Xarath had sent out still showed no signs of life.

At first, this didn't particularly worry him. Kreiz, after all, was no ordinary demon. His raw strength, combined with his strategic intelligence, made him a formidable asset. And after all, it was only six opponents—hardly enough to pose a real threat to a group of fifty seasoned demons.

Xarath pictured the scene for a moment: his men strutting through the corridors, savoring a crushing victory. It wasn't an unpleasant vision. Yet he knew Kreiz could turn any mission into an opportunity for his excesses, either through needlessly spectacular carnage or endless provocations.

For now, though, there was no real danger. Or so he wanted to believe. He could afford to wait. Still, the thought of reprimanding Kreiz upon his return lingered in his mind.

Minutes crept by. Then they turned into hours. Still, no word came. The silence was unusual, almost oppressive.