As the figure removed his hood, the air dropped several degrees.
Gasps rang out across the battlefield.
The skin beneath the hood was ashen gray, his eyes glowing crimson, horns curling from his forehead like black obsidian. A malicious grin tugged at his lips.
"That's him…" Lucas muttered, eyes narrowing. "The demon we've been tracking…"
The Dilhaze and Hero's Party fell silent.
Raizo stepped forward, his burning sword still in hand.
"Looks like we'll have to pause our sparring match."
Lucas gave a curt nod. "Agreed."
He turned his head. "Phae! Get my parents to safety. Now."
Phae didn't hesitate. "Understood."
She sprinted to Lay and Reyna, both of whom were frozen in place.
"Come on, sir, ma'am. This way!" she urged.
Reyna's voice cracked with worry. "Be careful, you two! Please…"
Lay's grip on his wife's shoulder tightened. But they obeyed and followed Phae toward the edge of the battlefield.
On the field, Fenra stepped confidently to Raizo's right, her claws twitching with excitement.
"Finally… something for us." She smirked and crack her arms.
Silvia moved to Raizo's left, eyes glowing with focused green light.
"It's our time to shine."
Meanwhile, Jonathan—the assassin—crossed his arms. "So… we're babysitting them now?"
Efil, her bow already drawn, smirked. "Yeah, what he said. Let's see how good these beasts are."
Noel swung his axe, the ground beneath his feet cracking from the force. "I'm ready for some action. Been waiting."
Lucas stepped forward. "Hero's Party—let's do this!"
They nodded, surrounding Lucas like stars circling a sun.
Raizo turned to his own team.
He opened his mouth to speak—but Fenra shook her head silently.
He paused… then smiled.
No words needed. They already knew what was in his heart.
Raizo looked at the towering Salamanders and the demon between them.
"Then let's finish this quest."
"YEAH!" Fenra shouted, her tail flicking with excitement.
"I'm not letting you show off without me," Silvia added with a fiery grin.
Lucas looked over at Raizo, pride flickering in his golden eyes.
"So, little brother…" he asked. "What are you taking on?"
Raizo pointed with Voidbringer.
"We'll take the Flaming and Water Salamander. will leave the earth salamander to you party"
Lucas nodded firmly. "Jonathan and I will handle the demon. Noel, Efil—you two focus on the Earth Salamander. Got it?"
"Got it," they echoed in unison.
The demon chuckled, his voice oily and smooth.
"Such confidence from mere mortals… Shall we get this started then?"
The battlefield trembled.
The Flaming Salamander roared—its body erupting with waves of molten fire.
The Water Salamander surged beside it, water spinning like blades around its arms.
The Earth Salamander stomped forward, its footsteps like miniature quakes.
The demon raised one hand—and black flame erupted from his palm like a whip.
Lucas growled, stepping in front of his party. "Let's move!"
"DILHAZE PARTY!" Raizo shouted. "Time to hunt!"
To be continued..