The wind grew heavier, charged with a supernatural pressure. The ground trembled slightly under the contained power of the Demon King. His crimson gaze fixed on Kaelen, while a carnivorous smile slowly stretched across his lips.
> "So, you are the Guardian of this realm…" he said in a deep, chilling voice. "You exude a unique aura… worthy of the one who commands these lands. Interesting."
Kaelen did not respond immediately. His silver eyes calmly studied the intruder. Despite the power radiating from him, he sensed no real threat.
> "If you seek a fight, you will not find it here," Kaelen said calmly. "My role is to protect Verdalis, not to provoke unnecessary bloodshed."
The Demon King erupted in a sinister laugh.
> "A Guardian speaking of restraint? How amusing. You do not understand, do you? This world now belongs to the Demon Kings. Verdalis, Ashen, even your skies… all of it will be ours."
Kaelen stepped forward, the air around him beginning to vibrate. A sharp breeze rose, lifting dust and bending the grass under an invisible force.
> "Your words exceed your power, demon. Retreat before I am forced to silence you."
The Demon King's smile vanished. A murderous glint passed through his eyes as a dark aura rose around him.
> "We shall see… Guardian."
But before he could strike, a golden symbol appeared on the ground, glowing with divine power. A voice, coming from no specific place, resonated through the air: Ryo's voice.
> "Kaelen, do not act. Observe and report. I want to know their true intentions before making any decision."
The order was clear. Kaelen stepped back slightly, his aura dissipating. The Demon King, amused by what he interpreted as caution, let out a light chuckle.
> "Wise decision, Guardian. Then convey to your master that the era of the Demon Kings begins."
Then, in a breath of dark energy, he vanished, leaving behind only a grim echo and the scent of burnt ashes.
Kaelen remained still for a moment, eyes fixed on the spot where the demon had disappeared.
> "The era of the Demon Kings, huh…" he murmured. "So be it. We shall see how long it lasts."