CHAPTER 15: THE INVASION

 Everyone had been relentlessly training to level up since Hazel's instruction, while the safe zone creators diligently began their construction.

The construction aimed to encompass a large surrounding area, establishing a protected region within the apocalyptic world.

Fences were the initial structures erected around this designated zone, along with a large, albeit temporary, wooden gate, preceding the construction of more permanent buildings.

"Things are finally progressing, slow but fast," Hazel murmured, observing the construction from his vantage point atop the school roof.

"I've reached the peak of my current evolution, level 98. Just a little more, and I'll evolve again. I wonder what I'll become this time, from a Soul Reaper," Hazel pondered as he watched the progress below.

[Warning]

[Warning]

[Demons have broken the rift and are now coming to Earth]

[Defeat them, or your world will be lost]

"I guess they're finally here," Hazel said, a confident smirk spreading across his face, devoid of any worry.

Everyone swiftly returned from their intense training upon receiving the system-wide message. They instinctively gathered in the hall, knowing Hazel would address the new threat.

"Good, everyone is here," Hazel announced as he entered. "I'm sure most of you have seen the system message. This is the reason I've been pushing you all to get stronger on time." He gestured with a leaderly air.

"So, how do we handle this now?" Darwin asked, his tone still laced with disrespect.

Hazel ignored Darwin's insolence and proceeded to answer. "Here's the plan: we stay here and don't venture out to attack any demons. We let them come to us." A crafty expression flickered across Hazel's face, hinting at a deeper strategy.

"Not questioning your tactics, but do you think it's wise to let them bring the fight to our doorstep?" Ashton asked, his logistical mind already considering the potential damage. "Everything could be destroyed, even the safe zone construction the team worked so hard on."

"I've considered that," Hazel assured him. "Trust me, everything will be fine. I just can't wait for a demon to head here." His confidence remained unwavering.

Moments after Hazel spoke, a deafening explosion rocked the area.

--BOOOM--

"They're here," Hazel stated, turning his back to the group. With a dramatic swing of his coat, he declared, "Let's go attend to our visitors."

The warriors rushed outside and beheld a demon lady with horns, clad in black leather top and trousers that revealed her midriff.

This demon lady was relentlessly assaulting the safe zone's perimeter, but the strong barrier was holding firm.

Spotting Hazel and the other warriors, she addressed them with a booming, echoing voice. "You puny, fragile things! Bring down this barrier and show me what you are capable of!"

"Alexa, tell them to lower the barrier," Hazel instructed, his hands casually in his pockets, radiating confidence.

"Are you sure? Well, if you say so," Alexa replied, melting into the shadows to reach the gate quickly.

As soon as the barrier dissipated, the demon landed on the ground with incredible speed and force.

"Surrender now, and I will consider sparing your pathetic lives," the demon declared arrogantly.

"We can't fight here. Let's move out," Hazel said to the demon.

"You must be the leader here," the demon observed. "You are the first human to ever try to talk before attacking. For that, I will grant you the reward of killing you outside this place. And when you are dead, everyone and everything here will follow you."

"Elite masters, follow me. The rest of you stay back," Hazel commanded.

No one dared to disobey his direct order, their respect for his power overriding any questions. The elite masters – Ashton, Oscar, Blossom, Darwin, Alexa, Mia, and Shadow – stood with Hazel as they faced the demon.

"I don't mind taking you all on at once," the demon sneered arrogantly.

"Are you sure you'll be able to handle us all?" Hazel asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"This should be easy," the demon scoffed.

"Okay, Shadow, put our region in your shadow space," Hazel instructed Shadow while still addressing the demon.

Instantly, Shadow obeyed. The large central area of the town that Hazel had claimed vanished as if swallowed by the darkness of Shadow's domain.

The demon stared in surprise, her thoughts racing. How is that even possible? Even in the demon world, only a few high-ranking individuals, including my Father, can do something like that.

"Now, shall we get started?" Hazel said to the demon.

"I will take the lead then, since I have been outnumbered," the demon declared.

Without hesitation, the demon raised her hand, pointing her fingers towards Hazel. A black, ball-like blast shot forth with tremendous speed. Hazel simply swatted the attack away with his hand, sending it hurtling into the distance before it exploded.

"How is that possible?" the demon exclaimed, utterly shocked. Not even the demon lord's army can guard against that blast so easily.

"My turn," Hazel said immediately. With unimaginable speed, he appeared before the demon, grabbed her hand, and delivered a powerful kick that sent her flying towards Ashton.

As the demon hurtled towards him, Ashton didn't hesitate, unleashing a monstrous kick that sent her careening towards Darwin. Darwin followed suit, and a brutal game of aerial keep-away ensued, the demon being kicked from one elite master to the next.

The relentless assault was too much for the demon. She coughed up blood and suddenly unleashed a powerful blast of dark aura, destroying the immediate surroundings. "I shouldn't have underestimated you," the demon growled. "I apologize for that. But now, you die!"

She lunged towards Alexa, her claws extended. But Alexa easily intercepted every attack, her movements fluid and precise. In a swift counter, she executed a tornado kick that slammed into the demon's head, blasting her towards Mia. Mia, without any trace of emotion, delivered a powerful kick towards Blossom, who continued the chain, sending the demon crashing down in the center of their circle.

"Why... how... how?" the demon cried out in disbelief and pain.

Suddenly, Hazel transformed into his Soul Reaper form and slowly walked towards the downed demon. He was about to bind her soul and make her his subordinate when the demon, realizing his intent, screamed, "Fatherrrrr!" A beam of light descended from the sky, attempting to pull the demon away, but Hazel resisted the pull.

[You have successfully bound a demon's soul]

[You have now become the Demon Master]

[You have bound the soul of the demon lord's daughter. You have now become a target of the Demon Lord]

[Warning: If you defeat the Demon Lord, you will become the Demon Lord]