Elias stopped in his tracks, his gaze distant as he seemed to weigh his words carefully. The soft crunch of their footsteps on the path faded into silence as the group paused, waiting for him to speak.
Finally, he exhaled and said, "Fifty years ago, the gates trembled violently, far more than we'd ever seen before. And from them came six demons."
Ethan's attention sharpened instantly. Though he said nothing, his expression spoke volumes. He leaned slightly forward, eager for every word.
Elias continued, his voice steady but somber. "These demons weren't like the ones we've faced before. They were much stronger—far stronger. One of them could rival Richard in power, or so we believe."
The others were stunned because, based on what Elias had shared with them until now, Richard—or Captain Cole—could be considered the strongest Ascendant ever.