Ch 44: The Demon's Wrath

The air crackled with anticipation as Ethan stood amidst the fallen body of the four-armed demon. His breath was steady, though his body ached from the effort. The trial was far from over, and as he glanced at his companions, he could see the resolve in their eyes. This was more than just a fight—it was a proving ground, not only for them but for the entire world they sought to change.

Drenak's deep voice echoed across the arena, cutting through the heavy silence that had settled over the gathered demons.

"Impressive," Drenak said, his eyes narrowing as he looked Ethan up and down. "But you are not the only one here with a will to prove. We will see how well you fare against what is yet to come."

Ethan's hand tightened around his sword's hilt, ready for whatever challenge Drenak would present. He felt a surge of adrenaline—the test was just beginning, and he couldn't afford to falter. Not now.

From the shadows, the next wave of challengers emerged. These were different—more terrifying. The demons that appeared were not just warriors; they were beasts, twisted by the dark magic that bound their kind. One was a massive creature with jagged teeth and molten armor, while another had the wings of a bat and the claws of a serpent, eyes glowing with venomous malice. The air seemed to grow colder as they surrounded the group, their presence oppressive.

"Your next test will not be so simple," Drenak warned, his tone shifting to one of dark amusement. "These creatures were bred for destruction, for chaos. Only the strong survive."

Leona, her sword now gleaming in the firelight, stepped forward. "Then we'll show you what it means to be strong."

Mirella nodded, her hand hovering over her spellbook. She had been waiting for the right moment to reveal the true extent of her magic, and this was it. Her eyes burned with determination, and her fingers crackled with the faint hum of arcane energy.

Sylas stood with his shield raised, his stance solid. He wasn't one for grand speeches, but his actions always spoke louder than words. He was prepared to fight to the death if it meant securing their future.

Ethan raised his sword, meeting the eyes of the demon horde. "We're ready."

With a deafening roar, the battle began.

The first demon, a hulking creature with stone-like skin and horns that curved like daggers, charged at Ethan. Its enormous fists swung down with terrifying speed. Ethan barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side as the demon's fists slammed into the ground, sending cracks through the earth.

"Watch out!" Leona shouted as she rushed to his side, her blade meeting the demon's side in a flash of steel. The demon howled in pain, but it was far from defeated.

Mirella's voice rang out, words of power flowing from her lips. With a flick of her wrist, a bolt of lightning crackled through the air, striking the demon's back. It recoiled in pain, but still, it advanced, its fury undeterred.

Ethan saw his opening. With a burst of speed, he dashed forward, his sword flashing through the air as he struck at the demon's exposed flank. His blade found its mark, sinking deep into the creature's side. The demon staggered, roaring in fury as it spun to face him.

But before it could retaliate, Sylas charged in, his sword cutting through the air as he slammed his blade into the demon's neck. The creature crumpled, its massive body collapsing to the ground with a thundering crash.

"That's one down," Sylas muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.

The other demons didn't hesitate to press their attack, and soon the arena was a whirl of steel, claws, and magic. Leona fought with ferocity, her sword a blur as she parried and struck. Her moves were graceful but deadly, each strike precise and well-placed. Mirella's magic crackled around her, lighting up the battlefield as she summoned fire, ice, and lightning to deal with the demons. The ground itself seemed to tremble under the weight of their power.

But the demons were relentless, and one by one, they pressed their advantage. Ethan felt his energy begin to wane, his movements slowing as exhaustion set in. Yet, he refused to give up. Every strike, every dodge, every parry brought him one step closer to proving his worth.

As he swung his sword again, a demon with razor-sharp claws lunged at him, its eyes filled with fury. Ethan barely managed to raise his sword in time, blocking the blow, but the impact sent him stumbling backward.

Before the demon could strike again, Leona appeared at his side, her sword flashing through the air in a deadly arc. She cleaved through the demon's defenses, her blade sinking deep into its chest. The demon howled and collapsed, defeated.

Ethan nodded his thanks to her, but there was no time to rest. The battle raged on, and new demons kept emerging from the shadows.

Drenak's voice rang out again, louder this time. "Enough."

The remaining demons froze, their eyes shifting toward the general. He raised a hand, signaling for the battle to cease. The creatures, though unwilling, obeyed, and the arena fell silent once more.

Ethan's heart raced as he caught his breath, his body sore from the intense combat. His companions, though battered and bruised, stood firm beside him. They had fought not only for their survival but for the future of both humans and demons.

Drenak stepped forward, his eyes sweeping over the group. "You've passed the trial. Your actions have proven that you are worthy of an alliance."

Ethan's breath came in ragged gasps, but he stood tall. "We've only just begun. There is much more to be done."

Drenak studied him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Indeed. But I see now that you are a leader, one who is worthy of trust. Let us speak of the future."

The demons in the arena began to disperse, their murmurs of approval rising in the air. The trial was over, but the true battle was only just beginning.

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