Chapter 72: Clash of Forces

Under a sky heavy with tension, two armored men led a human army through the majestic ruins of ancient elven structures.

At the forefront, Marcus a 32-year-old knight with fiery red hair and a scar crossing his left eye firmly held the reins of his horse.

To his left rode Robert, an older man clad in gray armor adorned with golden details, wielding a gleaming lance.

Marcus gazed at the elven ruins with admiration.

"Elven architecture is truly impressive, even in ruins" he remarked observing the intricate details of the broken pillars around them.

Robert nodded thoughtfully, though his mind seemed elsewhere.

 "Tell me, Marcus," he began, "I'm surprised you didn't accompany your disciple. Kaylen is on another front. Aren't you worried?"

Marcus responded with a confident smile.

"Precisely because he is my disciple, I know he will manage just fine."

Robert closed his eyes for a brief moment, reflecting on Marcus's certainty.

 "Hm… I see."

After a pause, Marcus turned a piercing gaze toward Robert.

— "But tell me, Robert, explain something to me. At Castle Elsihore, when Woltuk Koldor name was mentioned, I noticed your reaction. What is your connection to that dark mage?"

A heavy silence settled between them before Robert opened his eyes, a look of determination in them.

 "Woltuk and I were comrades in my youth. We were close... or so I believed. But I never knew his true nature."

Marcus raised an eyebrow but kept his tone even.

 "Do you feel guilty, by any chance? If so, rid yourself of such useless thoughts. Woltuk chose his path. He alone is responsible for the darkness he embraced."

Robert, his expression darkened, nodded.

 "Perhaps… But that's why I must be the one to stop him."

The two men halted as the forest opened into a vast clearing.

In a synchronized motion they dismounted their horses, their boots sinking into the hardened earth.

 "You feel it too, don't you?" Marcus asked.

Robert nodded without a word.

Moments later, a demonic army emerged from the shadows.

At the forefront of the horde stood a human, but his aura left no doubt about his corruption.

Woltuk Koldor, his black hair streaked with gray, wore a long white coat.

His black scepter, embedded with crimson gemstones, glowed ominously.

Beside him strode a towering creature, over two meters tall. Its torso resembled that of a massive bear, yet its head was that of a turtle adorned with three horns six powerful arms moved with terrifying fluidity.

Robert eyed the creature warily before his gaze locked onto Woltuk.

 "Woltuk…" he murmured, deep in thought.

The dark mage turned his cruel gaze toward him and narrowed his eyes before smirking mockingly.

 "Hmmm, do I know you?" he asked, then furrowed his brows.

After a moment he burst into laughter. "Ah! But it's you, Robert! You've aged well, hahahaha!"

The massive creature grinned as well, revealing razor-sharp teeth.

 "It's been a long time Knight Robert," it said in a guttural voice.

Robert scrutinized the creature, perplexed.

 "Sorry I don't recognize you… Who are you?"

The beast placed a broad hand on its forehead, exasperated, before responding.

 "Ah, that's right. Before i had a different appearance: that of a bull demon with long curved horns and wide ears."

Robert's eyes widened in realization.

"Ilyud… Now I remember. You're the demon we banished by ship to Katakiel."

Marcus stepped forward, his sword already drawn, his eyes burning with intensity.

 "This time, you won't get a second chance. You will die here, I promise you."

Ilyud let out a thunderous laugh.

 "Hahaha! That's exactly what I wanted, human!"

Without hesitation, he charged toward Robert, brandishing his massive lance.

However Marcus swiftly intervened.

Igniting his sword, he melted the spear's tip before driving his blade into the ground.

 "Fire Circle!" he roared.

A circular barrier of flames spanning 150 meters erupted around them, sealing off any escape routes.

 "Sorry, demon. Your opponent will be me, not Robert."

Ilyud grinned, baring his fangs.

 "Too bad. I wanted to face that armored knight, but you seem just as promising. Besides, Woltuk will surely handle him."

He turned back to Marcus, gripping his massive lance.

 "So, red-haired knight, what is your name?"

Marcus assumed his battle stance, his sword blazing even brighter.

"Marcus, commander of the fleet of the island kingdom of Ednia. Prepare yourself, demon. You will meet your end here."

Ilyud, thrilled by the confrontation, roared.

 "Very well, Marcus! I am Ilyud, demon general. I will break you."

The two warriors lunged at each other, the flames encircling them like an infernal stage.

Meanwhile human and demonic armies clashed, the sound of metal striking metal filling the air in a symphony of chaos and bloodshed.

The battle had only just begun, and its outcome would decide far more than the fate of Azulferia.