Demon's Lair

"Welcome to Neo-Elysium!" Eira said.

Nimora and her companions had just entered Neo-Elysium, a city that once boasted the most advanced technology. Now, it stood abandoned, left in ruins after the great war between humans and elves.

Some building lights still flickered in varying hues, casting an eerie yet oddly beautiful glow. Neo-Elysium had been the most technologically advanced city in Eldoria, but when humans failed to conquer it, they chose instead to destroy it from within. Eventually, the elves abandoned the city for good.

"So, where are we heading next?" Nimora asked.

"The lab. Neo-Lab. It's the gateway to the Shadowfell Kingdom," Rylan replied, walking over to Rowan.

"Hey, how's your wound?" he asked.

"I'm fine. Have you forgotten who I am?"

"Of course not," Rylan said. "Just making sure your healing magic is still functional."

"Seriously? I didn't spend years training just to play a few pretty songs," Rowan retorted.

In the midst of their conversation, Arthur, who had been leading the way, suddenly stopped. His gaze shifted toward a narrow alley to his right.

"Arthur, is something wrong?" Eira asked.

"Someone's following us. Stay here," Arthur instructed as he dismounted Ajax, his beloved wolf.

Ajax tried to follow, but Arthur ordered him to stay behind and protect the others.

Arthur drew his sword, wary of whatever might be lurking in the shadows. As he ventured deeper into the alley, the surrounding lights abruptly shut off.

"Arthur, what's happening? Are you okay?" Nimora called out, her voice tinged with panic. No answer came.

"Arthur, please answer me!"

"I'm fine. I have a flare," Arthur replied calmly.

He pulled out the flare he had been carrying and ignited it, intending to head back toward his friends.

"Arthur, behind you!" Nimora screamed.

Standing right behind Arthur was a horned woman, her sword raised and ready to strike.

Arthur instinctively dropped his flare and parried her attack just in time.

They fought in near-total darkness, with only the glow of the woman's plasma sword illuminating their fierce battle. Fortunately, Arthur had trained extensively for combat in such conditions, honing his other senses to compensate for the lack of sight.

After several minutes, Arthur was knocked to the ground.

"Your fight ends here," the woman said, raising her sword to finish him.

Arthur, now weaponless, braced himself for the inevitable.

But just then, roots erupted from the ground, wrapping around the woman's arm and stopping her strike.

With her other sword, she easily sliced through the vines—she was, after all, a dual sword wielder.

She lunged at Arthur again, both blades ready to end him.

But once more, fate intervened. A fireball struck her, sending her flying backward and extinguishing her plasma swords, plunging the alley into darkness once again.

Rylan appeared, carrying a lit flare.

Without wasting a second, he helped Arthur to his feet and pulled him out of the alley.

"Arthur, who was that?" Eira asked, noticing the gash on his arm.

"That was Vespera. She's here," Arthur said grimly.

"What the hell? What is she doing here?" Eira muttered under her breath.

Moments later, the alley lights flickered back to life.

From the pulsing neon shadows of the broken city, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed.

Vespera emerged.

She was a vision of war incarnate, her silhouette carved by the dim light. Crimson horns curled atop her head, framing sharp features and eyes ablaze with fury.

Her armor was not merely for protection—it was a testament to her indomitable strength.

Clad in tight combat gear that revealed a body honed by endless battles, she held twin plasma swords in each hand, their flames hissing with deadly promise.

"Damn it, this is bad. We have to run, NOW!" Eira shouted.

Before entering Neo-Elysium, they had abandoned their horses, as the steeds were only meant to get them as far as the city's outskirts. Now, they had no choice but to flee on foot.

As they ran, a pained scream echoed from the rear.

Nimora had been struck in the calf by a thrown plasma sword from Vespera.

Everyone came to a halt, torn between helping and fleeing.

"Don't stop! Keep running! I'll help her!" Eira commanded.

"How can we trust you?" Rylan asked, still skeptical.

"There's no time to argue! I swear, I'll get her to the lab. We can't save her sister if we all die here. GO!" Eira barked.

Rylan clenched his fists but ultimately nodded.

Saving Astraea was their mission—and it had to come first.

As the others sprinted away, Eira rushed toward Nimora.

"She's fast," Eira muttered, noticing Vespera closing the distance with terrifying speed.

"Venenatus Anguis, exi!" Eira chanted while running.

She thrust her arms forward, and dozens of serpents shot from her sleeves like missiles, launching toward Vespera.

Startled, Vespera dodged, forced to slow her pursuit.

"Eira, what are you doing?! You should've just fled with the others!" Nimora cried.

"I promised Dr. Thrain I would protect you," Eira replied. "Hold on. This is going to hurt."

Without hesitation, she yanked the sword from Nimora's calf, making her scream in pain.

"Use your healing magic!" Eira ordered.

Nimora struggled to focus. The injury was severe, and the agony made channeling magic nearly impossible.

Meanwhile, Vespera reappeared, twin plasma swords blazing once more.

"Shit, she's back," Eira muttered under her breath.

"Eira, please! Leave me! Save yourself!" Nimora begged.

Eira stood between Nimora and Vespera, facing the enemy with unwavering determination.

"I won't die that easily. If she wants you dead, she'll have to go through the real me first," Eira said firmly.

Dark energy swirled around her, radiating off her like a growing storm.

A dark blade materialized in her hand, formed from pure shadow.

"Dark Blade," she whispered.

With a fierce cry, Eira charged toward Vespera. The battle was unavoidable now.

Behind her, Nimora struggled to wrap her wound in cloth to prevent blood loss.

Desperately, she kept trying to heal herself—no matter how faint her magic had become.