Ryo turned to Azrakel and Morvath, his golden eyes shining with determination.
> "I must return to Ashen to retrieve the Orb. It will become my weapon, and I will ensure this kingdom is ready for war."
The Demon Kings exchanged grave looks.
> "Lord… we will guide you to the Orb," said Azrakel. "But you must be careful. The Divine Realm knows of its existence and will leave nothing to chance."
Ryo nodded and advanced with resolve, crossing the vast plains of the kingdom. The air was heavy with electricity and menace, each step bringing him closer to the place where the Dragon Orb formed every ten thousand years.
Finally, they reached the ancient sanctuary nestled at the heart of Ashen. In the center of a circle of runic stones floated the Dragon Orb. Its light was alive, pulsing between golden and silver flashes. As soon as Ryo reached out his hand toward it, an immense force surged, violently pushing him back.
> "What…?!" Ryo exclaimed, quickly regaining his stance. The Orb seemed to reject his will, testing his strength and determination.
A familiar voice echoed in his mind.
> Gabriel: "Ryo… focus. Don't fight it, become one with its power. I am with you."
Ryo closed his eyes for a moment, letting Gabriel guide his mind. A fierce warmth coursed through his body, and he felt the Orb's resistance begin to yield.
> "Very well…" Ryo murmured, his voice firm. "This Orb will become my weapon."
A dazzling light enveloped his hand, and the Orb's energy began to materialize into a sword of supernatural intensity, its runes glowing brightly in the radiant metal.
> Gabriel: "Perfect. Now it obeys you. Only you can wield this weapon. Use it to protect Ashen and all who follow you."
Ryo raised the sword, feeling the perfect union between his skill and the Orb's power. Every fiber of his being resonated with this energy, and he knew that now, Ashen possessed the decisive weapon for the coming war.
> "Ashen will be ready," he declared, his gaze burning with determination. "And when the Divine Realm comes, this weapon will make their armies tremble."
Outside, the flashes in the sky reminded him that the Divine Realm was still watching, but Ryo knew that with Gabriel and the Orb now under his control, Ashen's fate had shifted in his favor.
> Gabriel: "Prepare yourself. War is coming, but together, we will overcome it."
> "Yes…" Ryo replied in his mind. "Every Guard, every servant, every dragon… we will stand. Ashen will not fall."