CHAPTER 10

In the twilight of a day filled with mysteries and revelations, Sapphire and Ashtar stood beside CRRA Terry, who had just awakened from a deep and disturbing sleep. Gently, but without omitting crucial details, they recounted recent events to her, following the instructions given by Ætheris. They avoided mentioning their first encounter with Belial Infernus, the demon lurking in the shadow of their destinies.

Terry, frowning in concern, interrupted the story. —So, ¿this guy is a demon who wants to get his hands on the gem of Ætheris?— His voice was a mixture of disbelief and fear.

–Yes– Safiro confirmed with a heavy sigh, looking directly into her father's eyes. –You must be very careful, father. That demon will not hesitate to absorb the powers of anyone who gets in his way.

Terry, anxiety etched on his face, asked about the rest of his family. —¿Are my brothers and yours aware?

— We are all informed,— Ashtar assured, placing a hand on Terry's shoulder in a gesture of solidarity. —We have consulted with Ætheris and she has provided us with guidance on how we can support everyone. She will personally take charge of Rodrick and Ethan's spiritual training.

The mention of his brothers brought a smile to Terry's face. The idea of Rodrick and Ethan, always so focused on their military training and so far removed from any spiritual practice, facing a training of a completely different nature, seemed not only a major challenge for them but also an adventure that would undoubtedly add an unforgettable chapter to their lives.

Ashtar, catching the thread of her thoughts, couldn't help but smile. —If you're worried about how they'll adapt to spiritual instruction, I can imagine. They're not exactly devout souls, accustomed to meditation or inner reflection.

Terry nodded, his smile widening as he imagined his brothers in such a predicament. —But with Ætheris guiding them, I'm sure they'll be able to overcome any barriers. Though, yes, she'll probably need to exercise an extra dose of patience, especially with Rodrick.

Sapphire chimed in, her tone thoughtful. —That's true, especially for my uncle Rodrick. He's… how to put it, not the quickest to grasp abstract concepts. Without his swords or laser guns, he might feel like a fish out of water.

Terry nodded contemplatively. The possibility of frustration in Rodrick and its subsequent impact on the group's morale and progress was something he couldn't ignore. 'The last time he got frustrated, it took us months to help him overcome that depression. And his bad mood... Well, that was a challenge for all of us.'

—Exactly,— Ashtar agreed, with a resigned gesture. —But we are here to support each other. And if there is one thing I have learned, it is that together we can face any challenge.—

With that statement echoing between them, Sapphire concluded – It's time to rest. Tomorrow will be a long day and possibly more hectic than today – Accepting the advice, they each retreated to their rooms, their hearts and minds occupied with the challenges ahead, but also with the certainty that together they could face any adversity.

The night was shrouded in a cloak of calm and mystery when Terry and Zahori met again in their secret hideaway. With a kiss that exuded passion and longing, they sealed the lost time, a moment that seemed to freeze everything else. However, the urgency of the news that Terry brought with him broke the charm of the reunion. Gently, he guided Zahori towards the sofa at the foot of the bed, a cozy corner where confessions seemed to find their place.

–So, this man, this demon... What did you say his name was?– Zahori interrupted the story with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

—Belial Infernus,— Terry replied with a gravity that darkened his tone of voice.

Zahori took in the name, letting it echo through the air. —Belial Infernus… If he is after your power and the gem, and seeks the gems of all universes, both known and unknown, to consolidate his dominance, then we are facing an unprecedented threat.— His voice denoted the alarm that was growing within him.

Terry nodded, determination marking his face. —My brothers will have to immerse themselves in spiritual knowledge to learn how to confront it, how to attack and defend themselves.

–But your brother Rodrick– Zahori mused out loud –he is not very fond of these spiritual matters.

– I have no choice but to be there for them, especially Rodrick. I can't let frustration plunge him into the darkness of depression again – The concern was palpable in every word Terry spoke.

Zahori recalled the dark days of that period. —Last time was difficult for everyone. But the important thing is that you are fine and that we have avoided a bigger disaster.

–However, we cannot be complacent. I must resume my training with more rigor than ever. Tomorrow I will continue as in the days before my long sleep– Terry sketched a smile, trying to lighten the atmosphere, and caressed Zahori's cheek tenderly. A soft but meaningful kiss sealed their promise, a promise of struggle, of protection and of a love that refused to give in to the shadows that lurked.

And so, in the privacy of that moment, amidst whispers of plans and strategies to confront Belial Infernus, they gave themselves over to the passion that united them, a beacon of light in the darkness that loomed over them. The night was advancing, but in that refuge, time seemed to stand still, granting them a respite in the midst of the gathering storm.

On the placid afternoon that followed a day filled with chores and learning, the three men, Terry, Rodrick, and Ethan, headed toward a secret and sacred place: the school of the Temple of the Celestial Shrine of Aelion. This was a refuge hidden from the eyes of the world, a space where magic and spirit intertwined freely, far from prying or malicious eyes.

Under Ætheris' expert guidance, they began an introspective and powerful journey toward mastering their innate abilities. Master Ætheris, with patience and wisdom, introduced them to the arts of deep meditation, astral projection, and energy manipulation to create effects both subtle and dramatic. She taught them how to materialize their inner force to move or

even disintegrate physical objects, from the mundane like tables and chairs to more complex feats, such as altering the very composition of matter.

For Ethan, these lessons seemed to flow naturally, finding in each new skill an extension of himself. Rodrick, on the other hand, faced more significant challenges. Deeply rooted in the tangible world and physical abilities, he found it difficult to transcend palpable reality and step into the realm of the possible through magic. Molecular and cellular transmutation, in particular, became his greatest obstacle, a wall that seemed insurmountable without Terry's help and support.

Terry, understanding his brother's struggles, became his mentor and ally, devoting hours to helping him overcome his mental and spiritual barriers. Together, and with Ætheris' guidance, they persevered through the days that turned into months. After more than four months of rigorous training, the brothers finally achieved mastery over their powers, ready to face any challenge that came their way.

All this time, Belial Infernus remained in the shadows, not daring to disturb his sanctuary of learning. The ever—vigilant family kept guard, ensuring that the trio could focus on their growth and preparation without interruption.

At the end of this period of intense learning, the brothers found themselves in the school's backyard, a serene space on the edge of a mysterious forest. There, Terry demonstrated to Rodrick how to channel and project his energy with precision. With a fluid gesture of his hands, he concentrated his inner force and released it toward a can placed at a distance on a wooden step. The can, as if responding to the call of an invisible force, collapsed with a subtle clink, marking the success of the demonstration.

—That's it, just like that,— Terry instructed, with a tone of pride and encouragement. —With focus and practice, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

In that moment of triumph and brotherhood, the brothers' bond, forged in the crucible of magic and spirit, was solidified. Prepared for whatever fate had in store for them, they knew that together, they would face any adversary, even a foe as formidable as Belial Infernus.

Rodrick, determination etched in his expression, focused on the energy pent up in his solar plexus, following the meticulous instructions Ætheris had imparted. With a concentrated effort, he released the energy towards the desired target. To his surprise and that of those present, not only did he achieve his goal, but his power exceeded expectations, causing the wooden fence to not only jump over, but explode in a spectacle of splinters and overflowing energy.

—Uh, wow,— Terry exclaimed, his eyes shining with wonder and brotherly pride . —Now that was fantastic, bro.— He placed his hand on Rodrick's shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie and recognition.

—Thank you, brother,— Rodrick replied, a genuine smile lighting up his face, a glint of satisfaction and accomplishment shining in his eyes.

—Well done, bro. I'm proud of you,— Terry continued, the warmth and admiration evident in his voice.

–¿ Really ? – Rodrick looked at Terry, his surprise mixed with deep joy – You don't know how much it means to me to hear you say that. It's been a long time since the last time – His thoughts traveled to those days of study and effort, when Terry's support and recognition pushed him to overcome every academic challenge.

—Yeah, that was a long time ago. But I've always been proud of you, even though you always made us do our share of chores around the house and beat us up a bit,— Terry said, his tone light, as he gave Rodrick a friendly punch on the arm.

–Ouch! That really hurt– Rodrick feigned pain, but his eyes sparkled with humor –Do you know what happens when a high— ranking officer is attacked?– he replied jokingly.

–The same thing that happens when they attack the imperial sumo– Terry replied, laughing.

—¿Oh yeah? You'll see when I catch you,— Rodrick challenged, a mischievous spark in his eyes.

—If you can catch me,— Terry said, breaking into an impulsive run, his laughter filling the air.

Rodrick, with his greater height and longer stride, was quick to catch up with him. With surprising speed, he caught him around the waist, bringing them both to the ground in a tumult of laughter and effort.

— Now comes the attack– announced Rodrick, beginning a relentless tickling assault.

—That's not fair,— Terry protested between laughs, unable to defend himself from the playful attack. Just then, Ethan appeared, joining the scene of brotherhood and fun, a reminder of the indestructible bonds that united them. In that instant, laughter and joy filled the air, weaving memories of brotherhood and unity in the face of any future adversity.

The afternoon was fading in shades of gold and shadow when Ethan, with a smile lighting up his face, found Terry and Rodrick still recovering from their jocular encounter. —There they were,— he exclaimed, joining in with a gesture of camaraderie.

—Yes,— Rodrick replied, extending a hand to help Terry up, a brotherly gesture that spoke of the bond and mutual support they shared.

—We have to go,— Ethan interrupted, his tone suddenly becoming serious. —They're waiting for us at home; apparently, there's news about Belial Infernus.—

With a nod of understanding, Terry stood up, dusting himself off. —Okay, let's go.— Together, they headed toward the car, ready to leave the sanctuary of their training behind and face the realities that awaited them.

However, fate had an unexpected twist in store. As they approached the vehicle, a figure emerged from nowhere, imposing and dark. —I finally found you,— Belial said, his voice carrying the weight of unfathomable shadows, directed at Terry with a chilling intensity.

Ethan, driven by protectiveness towards his brother, stepped between Terry and the newcomer. —He is not alone,— he stated, his voice tinged with anger and defiance, as he drew his dagger, preparing for confrontation. Belial's response was a wry laugh, a sound that seemed to mock hope and courage.

—You think you can attack me with that ?— Belial deployed his magical abilities with disarming ease, causing Ethan's dagger to slip from his hand as if it were a plaything of the wind, an act that left Rodrick and Ethan both impressed and bewildered. Despite having faced countless challenges, they had never faced a magical power of such magnitude.

But surprise was not the same as defeat. Though directly encountering Belial's magic was new to them, Ætheris had prepared them for this moment. He had taught them not only to face his magic with courage, but also to trust in their own abilities, forged in discipline and knowledge.

Thus, standing before Belial, surrounded by the falling twilight, the brothers prepared to meet darkness with light, challenge with unity, and danger with determination. This was not just a clash of powers, but a clash of wills, a testament to all they had learned and the unbreakable bonds that bound them together.

—Enough talk,— Belial declared authoritatively, performing a magical gesture intended to launch Ethan and Rodrick away from Terry. However, Rodrick, driven by an instinct he didn't even know he possessed, blocked the attack with a decisive movement of his hands, creating a protective barrier. This act of defense, something Ætheris had recently taught him, was executed instinctively, driven by the desire to protect those he loves. Terry and Ethan watched, shocked, at Rodrick's unexpected display of power.

—I didn't know you could do that,— Ethan said, with a mixture of amazement and respect for Rodrick.

—Ætheris taught it to me a few days ago,— Rodrick confessed, still surprised by his own ability. —I didn't think I'd be able to do it, but I'm not going to let them get hurt.—

— How touching, to want to protect your brothers,— Belial sneered, his tone filled with disdain. However, his fury grew at the brothers' resistance. Preparing for a more powerful summoning, he stated with contempt, —But it will do you no good,— he said angrily, making an invocation with a voice that resonated with the power of a thousand storms. Belial extended his arms towards the night sky, his eyes glowing with a dark fire. The air became charged with a palpable energy, and the ground beneath his feet began to tremble slightly, as if anticipating the rise of something ancient and terrible:

Through the arcane depths

from the infernal abyss,

and the eternal flames

that burn in the heart of Infernus.

For the forgotten pacts,

and alliances forged in darkness,

before the dawn of time,

I, Belial, lord of shadows,

master of doom,

I summon the creatures of the abyss.

¡Arise, servants of darkness,

and obey my will!

The sky darkened even further, as if the stars themselves had retreated before the power of the summons. Suddenly, the air before Belial distorted, like a curtain being torn apart, and from this gap between worlds, shadowy figures began to materialize. They were terrifying—looking beings, each a manifestation of nightmare, armed with weapons forged in hell itself and ready to obey Belial's every command.

— ¡Attack!— Belial ordered, his voice a thunderous rumble in the air. —Let no enemy be left standing, and let darkness prevail over light this night!—

— Damn it!— Ethan exclaimed, his voice thick with tension and concern at the growing danger surrounding them. He watched, alarmed, as the dark figures summoned by Belial began to converge on them, each one more menacing than the last.

—¿Do you think you can hold this energy dome?— he asked, turning his gaze to Rodrick. His eyes reflected genuine fear at the pressing situation they were in, aware of the immense danger posed by the creatures that were lunging at his protective barrier.

Rodrick, his forehead beaded with sweat and his hands shaking from the effort, nodded determinedly. —I'll try my best,— he said, his voice firm despite the relentless pressure. The energy emanating from his hands illuminated his face with a soft glow, a reflection of his indomitable will. Around him, the energy dome vibrated, rippling like water in the wind, as the beasts summoned by Belial pounded against it, eager to break through the barrier and devour those within.

They were completely surrounded, a sea of darkness closing in on them with every assault against the protective dome. The situation was desperate, with every passing second the noose tightened, testing the brothers' endurance and courage against a relentless enemy.

Faced with a colossal challenge, the three brothers stood firm, united by the indissoluble bond of blood and destiny. Surrounded by the darkness that threatened to engulf them, Terry felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. It was time to act, to take the initiative to protect his brothers, to prevent them from suffering the consequences of a fate he believed he had caused.

With determination, Terry stepped forward, resolve etched in every feature of his being. He held his hands out to the sky, palms open, preparing to call upon an ancient magic, a power that Ætheris had revealed to him years ago, in more innocent times. It was a magic of both protection and destruction, capable of unleashing the fury of the heavens against those who dared threaten its people.

With his voice echoing above the chaos of battle, Terry began to recite the magical prayer. His words not only pierced the air, but became a bridge between the mortal world and the ancient forces:

–Oh, ancient heavens, hear my call!

From the depths of the ether, where rays are born and die.

I summon the tempest, the divine scourge,

Let your wrath be revealed in tongues of fire,

And let the lightning strike, relentless and accurate,

About the beasts that rise before us.

By the power given to me,

May the light purify this darkness,

And may our enemies be consumed in the glow of your justice.

¡So be it!–

As the invocation ended, the air was saturated with electricity. The clouds, thick and dark, began to stir in response to Terry's call. Suddenly, bolts of blinding light descended from the sky, each a messenger of destruction aimed at the shadowy creatures surrounding the brothers. The monsters, caught in the glare of heavenly justice, disintegrated under the relentless fury of the summoned storm, freeing the brothers from the deadly grip that threatened them.

—Impressive,— Belial said, his malevolent smile cutting through the air with a coldness that made one's skin crawl. —I'll still get your gem. Either way, it will be mine and become a part of me,— he proclaimed, a wicked laugh echoing through the air, laden with unwavering confidence and dark intentions.

—We'll see about that,— Terry replied firmly, his words a direct challenge in the face of imminent danger. —I won't let you lay a hand on our mother and creator.—

Terry's threat, filled with ironclad determination, outlined the lines of what would be an inevitable confrontation. This would not only be a battle for power, but also for the protection and loyalty to the most sacred thing that they both defended.

Belial stood as an imposing figure, his presence as magnetic as it was terrifying. His black hair, straight and thick, fell over his shoulders, contrasting sharply with his pale complexion, as cold as the starless night that shrouds everything in deep darkness. Each strand seemed to absorb the light, reflecting only a faint glow, further accentuating his dark and mysterious nature. His eyes, a piercing blue, radiated a hypnotic intensity, an icy cold that offered a glimpse into a soul that had witnessed eons of conflict and accumulated unimaginable powers . Those eyes, reminiscent of eternal ice, not only captivated, but promised unfathomable secrets and dangers hidden deep within.

Belial's body was that of a perfectly sculpted warrior, a work of strength and skill. Muscular without being overbearing, his physique was that of someone who mastered both the art of war and the dark secrets of ancient power. His every movement, calculated and precise, exhibited an eerie grace that belied his intimidating figure. His bearing radiated not only unwavering confidence, but also a silent menace, as if every gesture could unleash catastrophes or grant unthinkable favors.

Dressed in elegance, his dark clothes seemed to move with a life of their own, enveloping him in a halo of shadows and ancient power. The fabrics, as if an extension of his being, seemed to weave whispers of ancient pacts. In his presence, it was impossible not to feel a mixture of attraction and deep unease. Belial embodied a power that transcended the earthly, a being whose history was written in the annals of time, and whose ambitions oscillated between destruction and absolute domination.

—Boy, there has yet to be anyone powerful enough to defeat me,— Belial said, a sneer gracing his face. He raised his fist in the air, a gesture laden with menace. —I will destroy your entire family and take the gem for myself,— he proclaimed with a malevolent laugh, ringing with a disturbing confidence, like the omen of an impending storm.

These words caused a storm to erupt within Rodrick, who felt rage welling up inside him. The thought of seeing his brother humiliated and his family ridiculed by this dark being was more than he could bear. Fury drove him forward towards Belial, determined to confront him, despite Ethan and Terry's desperate efforts to stop him.

—Brother,— Terry shouted, trying to grab him by the arm in a desperate attempt to calm the storm he saw in his eyes. Meanwhile, Ethan, equally desperate, put his hand on Rodrick's chest in front of him, trying to push him back, trying to prevent the situation from escalating further. —Don't touch him,— Terry insisted, his voice a mix of pleading and command, trying to stop Rodrick before he crossed a threshold from which there was no return.

—Damn you, how dare you threaten my family?— Rodrick shouted at Belial, fury burning in his words like the flame of an enraged bull. Belial, far from being intimidated, received Rodrick's wrath with a sardonic smile, his face twisted with disdain.

—Come here, boy, let me see what your soul holds,— Belial provoked, adopting a combat stance with unflappable confidence. —Do you think you're the only one who knows martial arts or melee attack systems? I've fought others better than you,— he challenged, belittling Rodrick's capabilities with an arrogance that oozed from years of confrontation and victories.

Despite the clear disadvantage, Rodrick would not be deterred, his determination to face Belial unwavering. However, Terry and Ethan, aware of the danger this represented, were determined to stop him. In a move of pure

strength and determination, Rodrick easily pushed Ethan aside as if he were a leaf carried by the wind, and with a sudden movement of his arm, he made Terry fall to the ground.

The scene was a chaos of emotions and tensions, with Rodrick fighting not only the enemy before him but also the protective instincts of his brothers, who, in their desperation to avoid a direct confrontation, now found themselves hindering his advance.

Rodrick, enveloped in a halo of relentless determination, could now hear nothing but the racing of his own heart. In a bold move, he launched himself at Belial, clutching the lapel of his jacket tightly, defiant in the face of imminent danger. Belial, far from backing down, welcomed the challenge with a wicked grin, his eyes flashing with malevolent anticipation. With supernatural speed, he launched his fist towards Rodrick's face, an attack that promised to be devastating.

But Rodrick, with an agility that belied his size, dodged the blow gracefully, his body moving with the precision of a seasoned warrior. The fight became a whirlwind of action and reaction, each movement a response to the last, each dodge an invitation to a new attack.

The air was charged with the tension of their confrontation, a dance of strength and skill that surpassed the limits of the human. Belial, proving himself a worthy opponent, attacked with a ferocity that resonated with echoes of ancient battles, his dark power a menacing torrent against which Rodrick fought not only with his body, but with his entire being.

Every blow Rodrick parried was a triumph of will over despair, every attack a challenge launched against the darkness that sought to envelop him. The battle, intense and merciless, was a show of pure skill, a testament to Rodrick's resolve to protect his family at any cost.

In this fight, where magic and martial mastery intertwined, Rodrick and Belial faced each other like two forces of nature colliding. It was a heart—wrenching struggle, where every moment could be decisive, and every breath taken was a theft from destiny. In this confrontation, Rodrick was not just a man, but the embodiment of resistance in the face of an evil that knew no limits or mercy.

Belial, already tired of hitting and being hit, paused in the fight, his breath heavy from the effort –This will not stay like this, I will take revenge on all of you– he said with a voice full of venom –And you, boy, I will leave for last. After having

—Having killed everyone in your family, I will delight in your suffering. I believe that beautiful wife of yours will be a dish that I will thoroughly enjoy, making her mine ,— he uttered, his laughter rumbling evilly.

—Damn you,— Rodrick screamed, fury burning in his words. —Don't you dare touch her, for there will be nothing and no one in the universe where you can hide.— But Belial only responded with a mocking laugh and walked away, disappearing in a halo of dark smoke, leaving behind the promise of a dark and deep revenge.

Ethan and Terry watched in a mixture of amazement and pride. They couldn't believe what they had just witnessed: their brother Rodrick taking on and beating a being so evil, it seemed to have been ripped from the most horrible nightmares. As Ethan rose from the ground, his gaze fell on Rodrick, reflecting immense admiration. —It's incredible, brother,— he said, finding himself speechless at the feat.

—How could you do that, brother?— Terry asked, concern and amazement lacing his voice. —If he had wanted to, he would have killed you by taking the fragment out of you.—

Rodrick responded with iron determination – That guy is just a bully who doesn't know how to use all the resources he has, and he also has a very high ego that will bring him down. I won't let him humiliate my brothers or my family. I don't care if he's king of whatever, no petty king will make the Whittaker family bite the dust of any soil.

Ethan, touched by Rodrick's words, expressed his affection openly – Oh, brother – he said excitedly – you know I love you – and hugged him tightly. Terry joined in the hug, and in the end, the three brothers found themselves in a group hug, joining forces in a moment of deep and sincere connection, reaffirming the bonds that united them in the face of any adversity.