The group of six, led by Nobuo, continued advancing through the forest, their footsteps attracting the attention of nearby magical beasts. Two bear-like monsters charged out, instantly killing one team member with a bite. The remaining members quickly formed a battle formation. Nobuo unleashed a fiery punch at one bear's face, but the beast, enduring the pain, swatted him away with a single blow. The other teammates used their respective skills, managing to bring down one of the bears. However, as if they had intruded into the bears' territory, several more charged in, making the situation increasingly dire. Nobuo, struggling to his feet and seeing the tide turning against them, shouted for everyone to retreat. But they were surrounded. "Damn it, are we going to die here today?" Nobuo muttered, striking a defiant pose. "Let's go, everyone!" he yelled, and they all charged forward.After a fierce battle, the grass was littered with the corpses of four giant bears—and all six of Nobuo's team lay dead.
Kaia: "Why did General Koma point in that direction? Is it the exit, or are there more beasts?"
Emily: "I'm not sure. Let's proceed cautiously."
Sisi: "It's strange. We haven't encountered any beasts for a while now. Something feels off."
General Leizhao: "Indeed, it's unusual. We might be nearing the forest's edge."
Joe: "I hope the danger is behind us."
Arnold: "I can faintly see what looks like a plain ahead. It seems General Leizhao was right—we're almost out of the forest." Filled with hope, the group quickened their pace and rushed out of the forest. Nearly a thousand people emerged onto a plain filled with a sea of flowers. The sight bewildered them; it felt like stepping into paradise. But the dark, ominous sky above suggested otherwise. Emily: "Where are we?"
Sisi: "These flowers are so beautiful. They don't seem like plants you'd find in the demon realm."
Kaia: "Regardless, it looks like we've left the forest. Let's keep moving." As they slowly crossed the flower field, Feigo said to Na'an, "This place reminds me of my hometown. There's a flower field just like this behind my family's mountain." "Hey, you guys are okay!" Noah called out, spotting Feigo's group.
"You're safe too—great!" Na'an said excitedly, patting Noah's shoulder. The group exchanged greetings as they moved forward with the troops. Everything seemed to be going smoothly.Suddenly, a voice rang out from above: "Who dares trample my garden?" Everyone looked up to see a beautiful woman in a black dress floating in the air. Kaia sensed something was wrong and watched her warily. Feigo whispered to the group, "This woman is stunning. I've never seen anyone so beautiful in my life!" Everyone stared, captivated by her allure. Emily stepped forward. "We're sorry. We're new to the demon realm and got lost. We didn't mean to trespass in your garden." The woman replied coldly, "Why have humans set foot here? Are you plotting something? No matter. Since you're here, you'll leave your lives behind." General Arnold declared, "The Demon King has plunged the human world into chaos. We're here to defeat him!" "Oh? So you're enemies. Very well, let this lady test your strength," the woman said, snapping her fingers. Three dark purple fireballs descended from the sky, exploding on impact with devastating force. Screams filled the air as over three hundred lives were snuffed out in an instant. "You monster!" Kaia roared, unleashing his ultimate move: "Holy Light Slash!" The woman casually blew a black butterfly from her hand. It flew toward the light blade, and the two collided, causing an explosion. "She blocked my attack!?" Kaia gasped. But the butterfly emerged from the smoke, continuing toward the group. Before they could react, another massive explosion rocked the field, killing over a hundred more. In just a minute, nearly half the force was dead. Emily, trembling, muttered, "The gap is too wide. We're no match for her." Na'an, caught in the earlier blast, had lost a leg. Noah tried to stop the bleeding with magic. "That vile woman," Feigo cursed, glaring at her. "So ruthless beneath that pretty face." Seeing Emily unable to fight, Kaia called Joe, Juda, and Sisi to join him. "We can't let the casualties grow!" General Leizhao ordered, "Magic corps, prepare to attack! Archers, provide cover!" Joe asked, "Could she be one of the three demon generals?" Sisi replied, "Very likely. Her power is on a completely different level from Ding'er. Could she be the one Emily mentioned—the demon general who rivals the Demon King?" Kaia had one final move, a forbidden technique that would cost his life, meant for the Demon King. He hesitated to use it. The heroes flew into the air to confront the woman, but she sneered, "Who permitted you to look me in the eye?" With a wave of her hand, their flight magic failed, and they crashed to the ground. Kaia groaned, struggling to stand. The others, injured from the fall, couldn't get up. Emily snapped out of her daze and rushed to heal them. Kaia urged, "Emily, this enemy is too strong. I'll hold her off. You lead the magic corps to create a portal and get everyone back to the human world. We can't all die here." "You're planning to sacrifice yourself? I won't allow it!" Emily cried, seeing through his plan. "Do it!" Kaia shouted. "If we die, fine—but we can't drag the others down. Every soldier has a family waiting. Retreating isn't shameful if we can't win." "I understand. Hold on!" Emily ran to gather the generals and troops. Kaia muttered, "Sorry, Master. Looks like I'll have to use the ultimate move early." He began charging his energy. "Attack!" General Leizhao commanded. The magic corps unleashed a barrage of spells toward the woman, but they dissipated before reaching her. "Humans are as rude as ever," she said, flicking a small black orb toward the magic corps. "No!" Joe, acting on instinct, rushed forward and blocked the orb with his sword. The orb slowly consumed his body. "Joe!" Juda screamed. "I'm sorry, everyone," Joe said before the orb engulfed him, triggering a massive explosion that left nothing of him behind. "Joe! Joe!" Kaia wailed in grief. No longer hesitating, he poured his life force into his sword, tears streaming down his face, preparing to launch a desperate, life-ending strike against the enemy before him.