The evening wind swept across the now-peaceful plains, carrying the scents of iron, dust, and lingering magic from the battle. The servants and loyal demons watched Ryo with a mixture of respect and awe. Even without actively fighting, his presence imposed order and discipline.
Kaelen approached, bowing slightly.
> "Lord Ryo, the peripheral defenses are consolidated. The nearby villages have been warned, and Tavric is overseeing the deployment of the joint patrols."
> "Good," Ryo replied, his voice calm and resonant. "The outside world certainly sensed the echoes of this battle. Others will come. Some out of curiosity, others out of ambition."
Azrakel, arms crossed, watched the darkening sky.
> "Let these intruders come. Our blades and our magic will remind them that here, even Demon Kings bow to Lord Ryo's will."
Morvath, more cautious, added:
> "But if they come with the same ambition we once had, it will take more than brute strength to stop them."
Kaelen nodded.
> "That is why we must strengthen our alliances. Our enemies will not retreat forever. We must build a force capable of anticipating them… and crushing them before they threaten Verdalis."
Lord Ryo turned his gaze to the horizon, where the sun was disappearing behind the mountains.
> "Do it. Let Verdalis become a symbol of unity, not just of power. If demons, guardians, and humans can work together, even the gods will have to acknowledge this strength."
A long silence followed his words. Then Tavric arrived, escorted by two sentinels.
> "Lord Ryo, energy surges were detected earlier on the horizon. It wasn't a normal enemy… their signature is different, almost divine."
Kaelen frowned.
> "Divine… you mean another power is observing our victory?"
Ryo nodded slowly, his golden eyes fixed on the twilight sky.
> "Exactly. Verdalis must prepare for more than just a demon war. What we repelled today was only a prelude. Other forces are approaching."
The servants and loyal demons exchanged worried yet determined glances. They all understood that even after this brilliant victory, the real threat was only beginning.
Kaelen murmured, clenching his fist:
> "Prepare yourselves. With Lord Ryo at our side and our new allies, Verdalis will never fall…"
The sun disappeared behind the horizon, and the shadow of night spread across the plains, promising that new challenges would arise with the darkness.