After the War, humanity's numbers dwindled drastically. They had traded lives for The Underworld's aid, a desperate bargain that cost them dearly. Their defeat forced them to retreat, abandoning vast territories. Yet, a small remnant of humans still clung together in a hidden enclave somewhere on the continent.
Valroth and Aeris stood at the base of a towering mountain, its peak lost within the clouds. Without urgency, they settled on the ground, their presence deliberate. As Valroth scanned the surroundings, he could feel dozens of unseen eyes watching them from the shadows.
"I am Valroth of the Asmodeus clan. I have no interest in meaningless conflict with you," he announced, his voice calm but carrying effortlessly across the space. "I bring enough food to sustain you for a year, along with salt, sugar, and medicinal herbs that cannot be found in these mountains. In return, I ask only for an audience with your leader."
His words barely faded before, one by one, figures emerged from the trees and undergrowth. Gaunt, hollow-eyed survivors—malnourished yet wary—surrounded them. The ones in front clutched rusted machetes, their edges dulled by time. Others wielded wooden clubs or simple stones, whatever they could scavenge for defense.
"You're Valroth?" A man stepped forward, his bald head marred with deep scars. His voice was hoarse, yet steady.
Valroth nodded once.
The man then turned his gaze to Aeris. "And you are Aeris?"
Exchanging a glance with Valroth, Aeris hesitated only for a second before nodding at his silent command.
"Come with me." With a wave of his hand, the others melted back into the wilderness, vanishing as if they had never been there. The scarred man led the way toward the mountain's base, his manner uncannily composed, as if he had anticipated their arrival all along.
The trio pushed through dense foliage until they arrived at a sheer rock face, towering several times their height. The surface was impossibly smooth, devoid of any handholds.
The man placed his index fingers to his lips and let out a high-pitched whistle that echoed like a bird's call. A rope suddenly unfurled from above, descending before them. Without hesitation, the scarred man seized the rope, securing it between his feet, and began his ascent with practiced ease. He scaled ten meters in mere moments, reaching a concealed ledge. Peering down, he motioned for them to follow, amusement flickering in his eyes.
A challenge.
Valroth met his gaze, then grasped the rope, climbing effortlessly. His movements were fluid, each pull propelling him upward at a speed far surpassing the man before him. In the blink of an eye, he was already standing on the ledge, facing him.
Beyond the man, several guards stood at attention, longbows and swords in hand. Piles of boulders lay nearby, prepared as crude but effective defenses. One of the sentries sneered. "I thought Asmodeus could fly. Why bother climbing?"
Valroth shrugged. "This cliff is a challenge for you, but for most other races, it's nothing. Yet, for you to have survived the War, you must be more resourceful than you appear. I suspect someone from The Upper World aided you—perhaps by placing an enchantment here to repel my kind."
A slow, deliberate clap echoed from behind the gathered men. The group instinctively parted, revealing a woman draped in a coarse linen cloak. Her short hair framed delicate features, her gaze serene as a still lake. When she spoke, her voice was like a lullaby, gentle and laced with an eerie tranquility that made one long for sleep.
"Impressive. The legendary Valroth, the first Asmodeus in nearly a millennium to wield blue hellfire. Not only powerful but shrewd as well. No wonder your presence on the battlefield left not a single one of our people alive."
She approached him, extending a slender hand. A gesture of diplomacy—acknowledging his prowess yet maintaining civility.
Aeris had just reached the ledge, standing protectively behind Valroth. He clasped the woman's hand, his grip firm, his gaze dissecting her every feature, already analyzing the possibilities she presented.
"Indeed," she continued, withdrawing her hand with a knowing smile. "Before he departed, HE wove a protective barrier around this cliff. Any trace of magical energy will trigger it, though I need not explain what happens next. It is the final safeguard of our sanctuary."
Valroth's expression darkened. "He knew we would arrive today?"
The woman nodded. "HE comes from The Upper World. He knows everything—past, present, and future."
Her face radiated devotion, her eyes alight with reverence. She tilted her head upward, her hands opening as though in silent worship. Behind her, the same fervor burned in the faces of the gathered warriors. Their faith was unshakable, a force stronger than steel.
"Then tell me," Valroth said, his voice as sharp as a blade. "If he knew your war would end in utter defeat, why did he guide you to start it? Perhaps HE is not your savior, but your greatest enemy."
His words struck like a poisoned dagger, swift and unrelenting. The air tensed. Every warrior in sight lifted their weapons, rage igniting in their eyes.
Aeris instinctively stepped forward, spear at the ready, placing herself between Valroth and the oncoming threat.
"You have considered this before, haven't you?" Valroth's voice was almost cruel in its calmness. "Your belief in victory was shattered. The one you revered as divine led your kind to the slaughter. Deep down, you still question him. You always have."
He patted Aeris's head, a silent command for restraint. She hesitated before lowering her spear, though her stance remained tense.
The woman let out a quiet laugh and clapped her hands. At once, the warriors lowered their weapons. The storm of emotions—rage, confusion, doubt—vanished from their faces, replaced by an eerie calm.
"You live up to your name, Asmodeus," she murmured. "You just arrived and already you shake the foundation of our beliefs. But that is as far as it goes."
She turned toward Valroth, then extended a hand—this time, toward Aeris.
"Come," she said. "Valroth is welcome. But you, Aeris—may I have the honor of personally escorting you?"
Aeris hesitated, glancing at Valroth for guidance. At his approving nod, she reluctantly placed her hand in the woman's grasp.
As the gathered warriors watched in silence, Valroth followed the two women into the depths of the mountain stronghold, stepping further into the unknown.