CHAPTER 17

They arrived at Mirellion , a world on the edge of known space, whose skies were saturated with the vibrant hues of distant nebulae. There was Vicenzo, waiting patiently for them inside his ship, the — Imperium.— Dominus ,— a colossus among the creations of interstellar engineering. Its imposing silhouette, set against the starry canvas, offered a vision of power and promise. The ship, anchored gently to the planet's rocky surface, seemed almost tranquil in its repose, contrasting with the latent energy it held within.

As they approached, the details of the — Imperium —Dominus — began to reveal itself. Its shell, bathed in a dark, almost stone-like grey, absorbed the starlight, while blood-red accents stood out like battle scars, testament to countless conflicts. Open hatches beckoned, a portal from the desolate exterior into the bustle of a self-contained space citadel.

Vicenzo greeted them in the hangar, a vast space housing a fleet of auxiliary ships, ready to deploy at a moment's notice. The dim lighting and projected shadows gave it an air of mystery, while the echo of footsteps on metal resonated, announcing their arrival.

It was evident that the ship served not only as a tool of conquest, but also as a home and sanctuary for those loyal to its cause.

This meeting within the — Imperium — Dominus — was not just a mere formality; it was the beginning of a critical chapter, a turning point that would determine the fate of many. Vicenzo's presence there, surrounded by the magnificence of his ship, spoke of his importance and the role he would play in the events to come.

— Rodrick announced , looking out from the cockpit. —And it looks like Vicenzo has beaten us to the finish line.

—¿What did you expect with that ship? — Terry replied with a half-smile, knowing the ships of the Zenith space station and the Galactic Federation. —It is one of the fastest in existence, apart from being specialized for wars and the conquest of planets.

Rodrick narrowed his eyes in thought. —I hope the king of this planet doesn't think we're here with any intentions of conquest.¿Do you think it would be wise to speak to him before we disembark?

— It wouldn't be a bad idea, Terry nodded. — This way we'll avoid any misunderstandings with this world and with the Zenith space station. Although, in reality, they should be the ones to take the initiative, since their purpose here is to find their leader; our reasons are purely personal. They are completely different matters.

—Then I will contact Vicenzo before we disembark,— Rodrick declared , activating the ship's LumiCom. Within moments, Vicenzo's image appeared on the command center screen.

—Yes, ¿Your Majesty?— asked Vicenzo respectfully.

Rodrick wasted no time on formalities. —Before we proceed down, I think it would be prudent for you to speak with the king of this planet to avoid any misunderstandings. The sight of your ship could be interpreted as a threat of invasion.

—I understand your concern,— Vicenzo replied, his voice as calm as ever. —I had already considered that possibility and took the liberty of summoning an ambassador. He has gone to speak with the king to explain our situation. We are awaiting his report.

Rodrick nodded, turning to share a glance with Terry. —Looks like we'll have to wait.—

Curious, Terry asked, —And, ¿who is the ambassador you have sent?

—Dennis has come with me, His Eminence of the Unfading Light, Protector of the Cosmos,— Vicenzo replied, bowing his head slightly in respect.

Terry couldn't help but smile. 'If it's Dennis who's negotiating, I doubt the wait will be long. He knows how to make himself understood. Besides, we can get off without worry. Thanks to the discreet nature of our ship, we'll be seen as just another passenger.

—You may proceed to descend, Your Eminence,— Vincenzo conceded, his image still clear on the LumiCom . —We will rejoin you as soon as the Second Imperial returns or confirms that it is safe to descend.

—We'll act accordingly,— Rodrick nodded decisively.

—Let's go then,— Terry announced in an expectant tone. —And, Vicenzo, please inform Dennis that we're going to explore Mirellion in the meantime.

—I will pass on the message, Your Eminence— assured Vicenzo before cutting the connection. Terry, with practiced mastery, conjured a portal that unfolded with a soft hum, opening a direct passage to Mirellion . Without hesitation, Rodrick and Terry crossed the vortex, emerging in a lush forest on the unknown planet.

—Apparently there are no caves around here,— Rodrick observed , scanning the surroundings.

—I don't detect any,— Terry confirmed, his gaze attentive to the details of the landscape. —And there's another problem: I don't sense the energies of Ashtar or Sapphire .

Rodrick admitted , concern evident in his tone. —But we won't sit back and do nothing. Let's start walking; maybe we'll find some rock formations that hide caves.— With a nod from his companion, the two of them entered the thicket, attentive to any clue that could lead them to their missing friends.

—Okay, I'll follow you,— Terry said, and the two of them set off into the lush greenery of Mirellion . After a forty-five minute walk, they came across what looked like the entrance to a cave, which turned out to be an abandoned mine. Though desolate, it offered a potentially useful hiding place for Belial .

—¿What do you think?— Rodrick asked , staring at the dark entrance.

—It's a shelter, that's for sure,— Terry replied, assessing the place with a critical eye. —Call for some men to be sent over. I'll contact Vicenzo to see if they can get down safely.— While Rodrick transmitted the coordinates for his men to meet up with them, Terry resumed communication with Vicenzo through his own LumiCom .

—¿Still no response from Dennis?— Terry asked, his voice carrying a hint of urgency as he waited for news that would determine his next move.

—Not yet,— Vicenzo replied, his voice reflecting a calm that belied the situation. —It seems the king of this planet is not available in his realm, and Dennis has been—— Suddenly, he stopped, his attention captured by another call on a secondary LumiCom . It was Dennis. —One moment, Your Eminence,— Vicenzo requested before stepping aside to attend to the new communication.

A short moment later, Vicenzo returned to the main channel with news. —I have just received confirmation that we have permission to go down. I will send the soldiers immediately,— he announced efficiently.

— Perfect, we'll wait for them here— Terry said, and proceeded to send the exact coordinates of his location to Vicenzo.

Rodrick 's troops emerging through the transporter portal. At the head of the procession stood Rodrick himself , his outfit now changed, his imposing figure outlined by the armour he wore. It was a masterpiece of war engineering: plates of dark black metal overlapped in layers, each outlined with golden edges that symbolised the glory and power of Abaddon Prime.

His armor was not just a means of defense but a banner of his reign and command. The chest was engraved with the kingdom's emblem, a rising phoenix wrought from a gold that seemed to burn with an inner fire. The shoulders were adorned with spikes that resembled a dragon's claws, symbolizing his ferocity in battle. The gauntlets, instilled with the latest military technology, glowed with an aura that foreshadowed the devastation they could unleash.

Rodrick 's helmet , which he wore under his arm, was equipped with visors that gave him enhanced vision capabilities, capable of detecting his enemies even in the most adverse conditions. Reminiscent of the great mythological beasts of Abaddon Prime, the helm's crest served as both an adornment ¿ an intimidating reminder of his status as Supreme General.

Rodrick , the King of Abaddon Prime and General of its armies, was not only a born leader; in that armour, he was the very embodiment of indomitable power, ready to lead his people to victory or defend them to his dying breath. His presence on the battlefield was enough to strike courage into the hearts of his allies and terror into those of his enemies.

Under a sky tinted with the hues of dusk, Rodrick tilted his head toward Terry with a mix of curiosity and anxiety. —¿What did Vicenzo say to you?— he asked, his words hanging in the air with an echo of urgency.

Terry had barely begun to respond, —Get the men here, they've been cleared to come down,— when the surroundings distorted slightly, marking the appearance of a transporter portal. From his heart emerged Dennis, accompanied by a few men, his smile so wide it could almost compete with the glow of the portal still vibrating behind them.

—We're here,— Dennis announced, a triumphant smile adorning his face.

Rodrick , whose concern was instantly dispelled by Dennis' arrival, couldn't help but ask, —¿Did you have much trouble getting them to agree?

Dennis, whose posture reflected both pride and relief, shared, —Not that many. The king was not in the kingdom, so I spoke to his personal attendant. Besides, he is in charge of looking after the kingdom in the king's absence. I was delayed because they were trying to locate him.— The simplicity with which he spoke denoted the magnitude of his task and the skill with which he had handled it.

—It's good to know there were no problems,— Terry interjected, a note of optimism in his voice. —We think this might be the place.

Encouraged by the progress, Dennis nodded, —Let's check the perimeter then.— He pulled out a device, his fingers dancing over it in hopes of tracing some heat signature. His expression tightened slightly, however, —It doesn't throw any life forms at me,— he reported, his voice tinged with confusion.

Rodrick , ever the strategist, proposed a theory. —He may have fenced the perimeter with something to dampen the heat signatures of the bodies. That's for sure.

The tension was palpable between them, but so was the determination. Night was falling, and with it, the shadow of their next adventure. Each of them knew they were on the verge of discovering something monumental. What had begun as a simple conversation had transformed into the prelude to a feat that could change everything.

Intrigue and mystery surrounded them, as thick as the darkness that loomed over them. But together, illuminated by the flame of camaraderie and daring, they were ready to face whatever came next.

Dennis's determination was palpable in the anticipation-laden atmosphere. —So we're going in anyway?— he asked, his resolute voice cutting through the silence that had settled between them.

Terry, whose figure stood out against the enveloping twilight, nodded firmly. —We'll have to take our chances,— he declared, his tone filled with a bravery that seemed to infuse courage into the very air.

Rodrick , his gaze fixed on the horizon of his destination, confirmed in a tone that resonated with the weight of his leadership, —We will do it then.— At that precise moment, as if the universe itself responded to his decision, another portal materialized, unfolding like a promise of the unknown. From within emerged Kyran , his arrival marked by the bustle of the essential equipment he carried in his backpack, ready for his meeting with Sapphire.

Rodrick , his impatience as palpable as the night breeze, inquired, —¿What kept you so long?—

Kyran , adjusting the strap of his backpack with a mixture of haste and excitement, replied, —I had to charge the device and also find some Pulsarix gems.— His explanation, although brief, hinted at the complexity of his mission.

Terry, assuming the mantle of the pragmatic, urged, —Well, let's move forward. Draw your weapons in case we have to use them.— The solemnity with which they loaded their blaster weapons, along with the small axes Terry never forgot to secure on his belt, was a silent testament to their preparation and determination.

They set out on their way, heading deeper into the mine cave, where darkness hung over them like a veil. The light from their lamps pierced the shadows, revealing corridors that unfolded before them like labyrinths of the unknown. For twenty minutes, their march took them through various corridors, a journey marked both by silence and by the echo of their own footsteps.

Finally, they found themselves facing demons guarding a door, imposing guardians of secrets yet to be revealed. —It seems they might be there,— Terry whispered, his voice a thread of tension and hope intertwined.

The presence of the demons was not just an obstacle; it was confirmation that they were on the threshold of discovering something of immense value. The door they guarded promised to be the key to the long-anticipated meeting with Sapphire . At that moment, armed and courageous, they knew that every step taken and every challenge faced had led them here. Fate smiled upon them, defiant and mysterious, inviting them to enter the story they were destined to live.

The tension between the group was palpable, a thin thread of worry and determination weaving their fates together. Rodrick , his serious tone resonating with the gravity of the situation, voiced his suspicion. —That could be for sure,— he said, —I don't think they have guards just for themselves.

Faced with the uncertainty of the next step, Dennis suggested a calculated pause. —Before making any move, we should check,— his voice, marked by prudence, urged caution.

Rodrick , whose confidence in his team never wavered, asked, —¿What do you suggest?—

With determination in his eyes, Dennis volunteered. —I'll go and see if it's safe.—

Concern was evident in Kyran 's voice , —Are you crazy? Do you know what those monsters can do to you?—

But Dennis, armed not only with his ray gun but also with unwavering confidence, replied, —They won't do anything to me, I'm not going unarmed.

Kyran , not convinced, joked wryly, —Yeah, sure. You'll introduce yourself and say, 'Hi, I'm Dennis. Can you tell me if my uncle and brother are here? '—

Despite the tension, Dennis didn't lose his sense of humor. —Yeah, sort of,— he replied, pulling out his ray gun with a smile. —Now let me do my work and stay calm.

Terry, concern etched on his face, expressed his fatherly fear. —Son,— he said, even though he knew deep down that his son was a skilled and quick shooter.

—Don't worry, Father, there's no problem— Dennis assured with a calmness that was meant to be contagious. He walked over to where the demons were, greeting them with a carefree —Hello, guys— The demons, surprised and confused, hadn't expected such audacity.

—I gather there's something important in there, and I want to know what it is,— Dennis continued, his grin a challenge in itself. When one of the demons, finally recognizing him as an enemy, tried to attack, Dennis was quicker, eliminating the threat with his ray gun. He repeated the action with the second demon, taking them both down with an efficiency that left little room for error.

With the Guardians down, the path to the lab was clear. They pushed open the door and found themselves in a sanctuary of science: a lab filled with machinery humming with the promise of secrets to be discovered. What was once a challenge became a victory, further proof of their tenacity and courage. Together, they entered the next phase of their adventure, ready to face whatever it took in their search for the truth.

The revelation of their destiny stretched out before them, illuminated by the glow of technology and the promise of rescue. —This must be the place,— Kyran said , his voice tinged with a determinism born of conviction. His gaze locked on the domes, where the transparent soul of Sapphire and her uncle Ashtar waited, prisoners of twisted science and dark ambitions.

Seeing their rescuers, both captives rose to their feet, their movements charged with hope and urgency. Kyran hurried towards Sapphire 's dome , assessing how to release her soul essence, while Dennis and Terry worked together to free Ashtar.

Ashtar, with a mixture of surprise and relief, asked, —¿How did they get here?

—Vicenzo found your location through your chip,— Dennis explained, revealing the technological connection that had guided his mission.

The urgency intensified with Rodrick 's shout , warning of more demons approaching. —Get them out now!— The alarm had already gone off, signaling the escalation of danger.

Ashtar, thinking quickly of the broader implications of his captivity, urged , —Take out Sapphire first. Belial wants the power he possesses, and if he gains it, he could conquer this universe.

Terry assured, with the calm of someone facing danger with determination — Don't worry, brother. Kyran is in the process of doing so.

Kyran , having deciphered the riddle of liberation, prepared to act. —¿Are you ready, brother?— he asked, addressing Sapphire with a mixture of hope and fear.

Safiro 's response , marked by resignation and courage, was simple. —Do it, don't be afraid. It won't be as bad as what I've had to go through here.

With that statement, Kyran activated the device and the dome monitor. Sapphire 's essence swirled into Kyran 's device , which lit up with a green light signaling the completion of the process. —It's ready. I have Sapphire 's soul,— Kyran announced , his voice a beacon of triumph in the darkness of the lab.

Ashtar's concern, now outside the dome, turned to the fate of Sapphire 's body. —We need to locate Sapphire 's body .

Dennis, facing the harsh reality of his situation, admitted, —I don't think that's going to be possible, Uncle. We'll have to go now.

Ashtar, driven by urgency, insisted on the importance of finding the body to prevent Belial from using it in his nefarious experiments.

Terry, ever the pragmatist, sought to calm the growing desperation. —Brother, we can see about that later. I understand what you are trying to explain, but we can do nothing more now and we must get out of here.

The tension of the moment was a grim reminder of the complexities of their mission. Though they had achieved a miraculous rescue, the shadow of future challenges loomed over them. With Sapphire 's soul safe, but her body still lost, the fight against Belial and his demons was far from over. Yet together, they would face whatever came, armed with the determination to protect what mattered most.

The decision was made, and with a sigh of resignation, Ashtar accepted the reality of the situation. It was a critical moment, and persisting in his request could jeopardize not only their rescue but also make them all prisoners of Belial .

— Let's go,— Rodrick urged , leading the evacuation with determination. The escape became a race against time, laser beams streaking through the air around them, a palpable reminder of the danger that still lurked in the shadows.

As they moved forward, Dennis couldn't help but voice a disturbing observation. —The strangest thing is that Belial hasn't been seen.—

Kyran , whose concern was evident, replied in alarm, —¿Do you want me to come? ¿Isn't what we have here enough for you?

—I don't mean that, but we're supposedly taking out their star prisoners. Most likely he came to stop us— Dennis reasoned, his comment leaving a trace of unease in the air.

—Maybe she's afraid of our Uncle Rodrick ,— Kyran joked , trying to inject some humor into the tense situation. —She knows that if he's around, she won't be able to handle much.— The words were barely a whisper over the sounds of gunfire and the scrambling for cover.

Dennis, however, remained skeptical. —I don't think that's it. This seems very suspicious to me.

It was then that reality overtook speculation. —It is good that you have such a prodigious brain,— said a voice, unmistakably that of Belial , materializing before the two men with a presence that was as imposing as its intentions were dark.

Belial 's appearance not only confirmed Dennis's worst suspicions, it also raised the danger of their situation to new heights. Before them stood the architect of their misery, the true challenge of their escape. The tension of the moment was palpable, a mixture of fear, determination, and the inevitable showdown that lay ahead. In that critical instant, the fate of all hung in the balance, with every second counting in the balance between victory and catastrophe.

Kyran huffed , frustrated as he tried to pull out his pistol, only to see it disappear under Belial 's magic . The surprise barely had time to set in when Dennis, with impressive speed, managed to shoot Belial in the shoulder. —Run!— Kyran urged , trying to put distance between them and their enemy, but a demonic beast cut them off.

— Cursed boy ,— Belial roared , fury flashing in his eyes as he lunged at Dennis. But before he could reach him, Kyran interceded with a magical move, forcefully knocking Belial aside. —Are you okay?— he asked, looking at Dennis with concern.

Kyran said , trying once more to escape. But the demon, massive and powerful, blocked their way with its enormous arms.

—¿What do we do with them, boss?— the beast asked Belial , its voice a deep growl.

—For now, let's go to my second lab— Belial ordered , as his wound closed before the astonished eyes of Dennis and Kyran . Upon arriving, they found themselves in front of the body of Safiro , the target of Belial 's dark experiments .

—Now I can complete my experiment. Even more so now that you two are here, I can inject more power into this body— Belial declared , with a sinister smile.

—You're crazy,— Dennis said, his voice a hybrid of defiance and disbelief. —¿How can you expect a single body to withstand that much energy?—

— Ah, but that is the beauty of science and magic, mixed by my own hand — Belial replied with a tone of self-satisfaction. — The limits that you know do not apply to my work.

Kyran, keeping his composure despite the desperation of the situation, turned to Dennis. —We have to find a way to stop him, before it's too late.

Dennis nodded, his mind racing. —We have to sabotage his equipment, some weak point in his lab. He can't be invincible.

Belial , sensing the challenge in her words, let out a mocking laugh. —Go ahead, try. But remember, this game is played by me and the pieces move at my will.

The tension was palpable, with each character aware of the impending danger and the battle of wills that lay ahead. In this duel of wits versus might, Dennis and Kyran would have to use every ounce of their cunning and bravery to confront the threat Belial posed, not just to themselves, but to the entire universe.

Belial snapped in a voice that echoed throughout the laboratory. —You all think you're so know-it-all, but you're not. Magically, many things can be done.

Kyran , a glint of defiance still in his eyes, replied, —Even with magic, I don't think you can make a body capable of handling that much power, much less containing that much energy.

—Well, we'll see if they're right or I am,— Belial said , grinning confidently as he snatched the container holding Sapphire 's soul from Kyran 's hands . The men struggled to free themselves, but their efforts seemed futile against the power Belial wielded.

—Leave my brother's soul alone, demon,— Dennis demanded, his voice filled with anger and desperation.

—Don't worry, your brother's soul will be fine— Belial assured , with a calm that only increased the tension. —And it will serve my purposes. As for you, you will have new and comfortable quarters to rest in.

—Damn it, let us go,— Kyran screamed , struggling against the restraints. —Our father and uncle will find you.

Belial replied with a sinister smile. —I have something special for them.— That was when the door burst open, and Rodrick , accompanied by Terry, Ashtar, and a few soldiers, burst into the room.

—This is where you were hiding— Rodrick said , advancing on Belial with fierce determination.

The tension in the lab reached a fever pitch. The entrance of Rodrick and his allies not only offered a ray of hope for Dennis and Kyran , but also foreshadowed the final showdown with Belial . This wasn't just a rescue; it was the ultimate clash between good and evil, between the united family and the darkness that sought to tear it apart. With each side at odds and ready to fight, the fate of all hung in the balance of what happened next.

Kyran shouted urgently, pointing at the container in Belial 's hands . —He has the container that holds Sapphire 's soul ,¡take it from him!

Rodrick demanded , his voice booming with authority. But while his attention was focused on Belial, Terry, with the subtlety and cunning that characterized him, made a discreet movement with his hand, making the container disappear only to reappear in his own hands.

—Now you can hit him, brother,— Ashtar instigated, ready for confrontation.

—I expected as much— Rodrick replied , lunging at Belial with a punch aimed at his face. Belial agilely dodged the blow and counterattacked. The two engaged in intense combat, each seeking to outdo the other. Meanwhile, Terry, using his magic with precision, eliminated the demon that hindered them and freed his children.

Sapphire 's body is ; we have to get it out,— Ashtar said, looking at the CRRA.

—Okay, I'm going to open a portal so we can get him and his soul out of here,— Terry announced, preparing to use his powers once again.

—Let me do it,— Dennis intervened. —You need to rest your powers a bit, Father, otherwise you'll tire out faster.

—Sure, if you want to do it, I have no problem,— Terry replied with a smile, passing the responsibility to Dennis. With skill, Dennis opened the portal, and the team moved to the Imperium ship. Dominus , carrying with him the CRRA and the precious container containing Sapphire 's soul.

Ashtar took Terry's soul container to keep it in a safe place while they prepared to unite body and soul. Meanwhile, the CRRA, along with Sapphire 's soul , was placed in the ship's infirmary, ensuring their safety until they could proceed with the reunification.

With the mission accomplished and everyone safe for the moment, Rodrick joined the group, where Terry, Ashtar and Dennis were waiting for him. Kyran , meanwhile, headed to the infirmary to check on the state of Safiro 's body , monitoring her vital signs and preparing everything for the delicate process that awaited them.

In that moment of calm after the storm, the family was reunited, bound not only by blood but by a shared conviction to protect each other against the dark forces that threatened their world. The battle had been won, but they knew the war against darkness was far from over. Yet with each challenge overcome, their resolve only grew stronger, preparing them for whatever was to come.

—How are you feeling, bro?— Terry asked, worried about Rodrick , noticing a trickle of blood adorning his lip. —We should go to the infirmary,— he suggested seriously.

— It's nothing to worry about,— Rodrick dismissed , wiping his lip with a nonchalant gesture. —It's just a scratch.

Ashtar stepped in with a mix of concern and exasperation. —You better come here. A scratch won't hurt you, but leaving it like that could get infected, and it won't help if you wipe it with that germy hand.

—So this is why we saved you?— Rodrick teased , his smile defiant. —If you prefer, I can leave you back with that demon.

—Try it, and I'll turn that 'simple scratch' into something much worse,— Ashtar replied, joining in the joke with a laugh.

—Never confront a brother scientist,— Terry warned humorously. —Even less one with the minds of three geniuses in one. It's dangerous.—

Changing the subject, Rodrick asked, as they walked toward the infirmary, —¿How is Safiro ?—

—Kyran is monitoring her vital signs — Dennis reported. —We have stored her soul container safely until we can transfer her to a dome where she will be safe.

—The crucial thing is that we now possess both her body and her soul. Belial can no longer exert any power over Sapphire,— Ashtar stated with conviction.

—But, ¿how can you be so sure that Belial has no power over Sapphire? — Rodrick asked, seeking to better understand the situation.

—Because we have broken the chain Belial had over him by removing Sapphire 's soul from that place and taking the very vessel from his hands,— Ashtar explained, his tone full of certainty. —That act symbolizes the breaking of any bond or power Belial intended to exert over Sapphire . Furthermore, now that we have both the body and the soul, we can work on their reunification, something Belial surely wanted to avoid at all costs.

Rodrick nodded, understanding the importance of his actions. —Then the next step is to ensure that Sapphire can return to herself completely, without any interference from Belial or his minions.

—Exactly,— Dennis said, joining the conversation. —And with my brother Kyran and Uncle Ashtar working on it, I'm sure we'll find a way to do it properly.

As they talked, the group arrived at the infirmary, where Rodrick was treated for minor injuries, and they could see how Kyran carefully monitored Safiro 's vital signs . The atmosphere on the Imperium ship Dominus was a mixture of tension and hope, everyone aware of the delicacy of the situation, but also of the enormous step forward they had achieved.

—We're going to need all of our knowledge and resources for this next challenge,— Kyran said , not taking his eyes off the monitors. —But together, I have faith that we can bring Sapphire back to us, whole.—

Kyran's shoulder , offering a gesture of support. —We have overcome unimaginable obstacles to get here. Sapphire will be with us again, as she should be.

The group's determination and unity were palpable. Before them was the challenge of bringing Sapphire back to life, a task that would require not only their deep knowledge and skills but also all the love and hope they had for their family member and friend. The battle against Belial might be over, but the fight for Sapphire was just beginning. With each step they took, the family grew stronger, reminding them that together they were capable of facing any adversity.

Dennis looked at the CRRA, his eyes reflecting the hope for a well-deserved rest for his brother. —I just hope my brother can get a good rest now,— he whispered, his voice filled with cautious relief. —It must have been six months of continuous torture.

Rodrick nodded, his rigid posture softening as he thought of Sapphire . —That's for sure. With Belial , everything can be expected. As soon as Sapphire regains her full body, we must be very understanding with him.— His voice became firm, determined. —And support him in every way so that he feels that we are really there and that we love him. That way he can better focus on that demon inside him.

Terry, determination shining in his eyes, stepped forward. —I'll work on it with him. I'll take care of it personally.— His promise hung in the air, a silent vow of protection and guidance.

Ashtar, with a mix of frustration and admiration, revealed more of the enigma. — Belial told me that we couldn't locate him because he had pentacles and magical symbols everywhere in the cave. That's why you who have the powers couldn't find him.— He paused, his gaze lost in recent memories. —Also, he removed the chip from Safiro 's body , destroyed it. He did the same with mine. As soon as I get to Zenith, I'll have a new one placed.

Terry nodded, his mind already weaving plans and strategies. —Of course, he uses his magic to seal and not be detected. It's good to know that; now we know how to act against him.— Terry's determination was palpable, a beacon of hope in the darkness of uncertainty.

With each word, the bonds between them grew stronger, united in their resolve to face adversity with courage and mutual support.