Chapter 15 – Brothers Forever

Moments after Meliodas and Zeldris landed, Diane, Gowther, and Ban joined King at the forest's edge.

They immediately recognized the familiar figure waiting for them, a mischievous smile on his face.

"MELIODAS?!" Diane and Gowther exclaimed in unison, their eyes wide with surprise… and genuine joy.

Meliodas and Zeldris touched down softly on the thick moss. Ban, grinning ear to ear, stepped forward with purpose.

"Hey, buddy! Good to see ya again!"

Without warning, he punched Meliodas square in the face. A direct, solid blow.

Meliodas didn't flinch. Arms crossed, he took the hit with his signature smile.

"Your turn, captain," Ban said, a teasing gleam in his eye.

Meliodas looked at him… and struck back.

His punch sent Ban flying several meters back, carving a small trench in the soil. Ban wiped the corner of his mouth as a bead of blood trickled down.

"Still as strong as ever, captain."

"You too… haven't lost your edge," Meliodas replied with a wink.

King abruptly stepped between them, arms stretched out.

"Stop it, you two! Don't start your rituals here! I don't want you leveling my entire forest!"

Everyone burst into laughter, the mood light and joyful.

Diane stepped forward, eyes shimmering.

"I'm really glad to see you again, captain… But I also notice you came with Zeldris?"

Ban, only now really taking notice, turned toward the silent figure.

"Huh? Zeldris?!"

Gowther, calm and direct as ever, stepped closer.

"Captain, I assume you didn't come here just for a friendly visit?"

Meliodas nodded, his smile fading slightly.

"You're right, Gowther. I didn't come just to say hello… though I'm happy to see all of you again."

He paused, gathering his thoughts. His gaze shifted from his former comrades to Zeldris, who remained silent.

"I'd better explain everything… somewhere more private."

King nodded.

"Come. Let's return to the throne chamber. It'll be quieter there."

---

In the heart of the tree, beneath a canopy of natural light and entwined roots, everyone gathered in the throne room. Elaine had joined them, listening quietly.

Meliodas began to speak.

He told them everything.

The erased name in the ancient book.

The forgotten identity.

The old demon, Kaelis.

The forbidden blood magic.

The artifact.

And finally, the strange glowing crystal that had led them here… to the Fairy King's Forest.

"We're searching for Zephyr," Meliodas finished quietly.

"Our brother. The third prince of the Demon Clan."

A heavy silence filled the room.

Then a collective shout erupted:

"YOU HAVE A THIRD BROTHER?!"