Chapter 16: Alliance Strategy
At the Palace of Seraphel, the atmosphere inside shifted as Seraphel stepped forward, his calm presence cutting through the tension that had been building for hours. He turned to Lysandor, eyes sharp with purpose.
Seraphel looked seriously at Lysandor.
"Can you go meet Captain of Division 4, Serena? We need to negotiate."
The problem was clear: Captain Serena was notoriously short-tempered and usually could only be calmed by the Commander of Division 4, who was currently absent. Negotiations would be difficult and would take time.
Seraphel then turned to Zero.
"You don't have any other allies outside the island?"
Zero paused, recalling his Master and Senior Brother from long ago. The only possibility was the Old Master—but he didn't know this person. Calmly, but with weight in his words, Zero replied:
"For now, I am alone on this island. Everyone outside has lost faith in me. I'm the only one who can help here."
Seraphel nodded, emphasizing that the limited number of allies made strategy more challenging. Building an alliance with Division 4 was crucial, but without the Division 4 Commander, it would be difficult.
Zero asked about the Commander's whereabouts. Seraphel explained that several months ago, he wanted to train. Zero asked for the training location, but Seraphel warned that the area was heavily watched—dangerous for travel.
Kyren stepped forward.
"If i go with you, you can move safely. you can camouflage with my Demon aura, Zero."
Seraphel allows it but warns that Voltraz is actively searching for Zero. All Commanders are now aware that the intruder is on the island. He gives Zero the last location of the Commander of Division 4 and several guards as a guide.
Zero decided that only he and Kyren would go. The larger strategy to confront Voltraz and the Demon General would remain on the island, while Zero and Kyren sought the Division 4 Commander to discuss a possible alliance.
Portal Discussions at the Demon General's Palace
The scene shifted to the Demon General's palace. Zephyros and Xyron Inferno resumed discussion on preparations for the portal ritual. Their focus was ensuring the portal's stability and securing all resources and locations for the ritual.
One of Xyron's guards reported that a trusted subordinate's had recently been checked between Divisions 2, 3, and 4 and was unharmed. Xyron showed slight frustration at this subordinate's reckless behavior, though his strength was slightly below that of a Division Commander. Discipline was mandatory, as the portal ritual required perfect coordination.
Another issue arose: the subordinate's face was only recognized by Zephyros. Other Commanders didn't know him because his identity was deliberately kept secret as Xyron's spy. Zephyros suggested that he personally invite the subordinate for the next step, but Xyron responded to let him act freely; when the portal was ready, Xyron would summon him.
Zephyros requested to leave the palace temporarily to meet Voltraz, Commander of Division 3, to discuss the portal and ensure the Demon General's orders were executed—especially regarding the intruder. Using Clan Xynthera's dimensional ability, Zephyros moved safely through the dimension, avoiding detection.
Zero & Kyren Move Toward Division 4
Zero and Kyren moved through the dense forest, following the map provided by Seraphel. They discussed Commander Division 2. Kyren remarked that the Commander was wise and the oldest among the Commanders.
Hours passed until they arrived at a terrifying site—a battlefield marked by recent destruction. They assumed it had been a fight between beasts and a new creature under the Demon General's control. Upon closer inspection, they detected elemental auras—something that shouldn't exist, as the Demon General's beast lacked elemental power. They realized the traces likely belonged to the Division 4 Commander.
Voltraz Meets Ignarion
Voltraz's flames crackled violently as he leaned forward.
"You're overstepping, Ignarion. Division 4 isn't yours to command."
Ignarion's lightning flared in response, thunder snapping in the air.
"I'm doing what commander division 4 failed to do—maintain order. Serena's incompetence has stalled everything!"
Before their auras could collide, a sharp whirling tear split open in the air.
A dimensional rift spiraled outward, and Zephyros stepped through, wind twisting around him like blades.
"Enough." His voice echoed, calm yet chilling. "If you two continue, you'll shake the entire fortress."
Voltraz clicked his tongue. "Stay out of this, Zephyros. Ignarion wants to hijack Division 4. I'm simply reminding him of his place."
Zephyros raised a hand, stopping both their powers mid-crash.
"No. The Demon General has issued a new order."
Ignarion's eyes narrowed. "What now?"
Zephyros met their gazes.
"The portal operation begins soon. No disturbances. No power struggles. Everything must remain stable."
Voltraz's expression sharpened.
"And the intruder?"
Zephyros answered without hesitation.
"Eliminate him. Immediately. The Demon General said you may call on any Division Commander if necessary."
A slow, dangerous smile formed on Voltraz's face.
"He finally gave me permission… Good. I've been waiting."
Ignarion exhaled lightning, intrigued.
"I want to see this intruder myself. The one who killed Dravos—I want to know what he's capable of."
Voltraz tapped his communicator crystal.
"Division 3 Captain, prepare. We move soon."
Zephyros opened another rift, wind spiraling around him like a vortex.
"Then let's go. The intruder won't escape this time."
Ignarion stepped beside him, sparks crackling.
"And this time, Voltraz… don't hold back."
Voltraz's grin widened as he ignited his flames.
"Oh, I won't."
Together, they advanced—three Commanders, three unstoppable forces—closing in on Zero's location.
Approaching Zero
As they neared Zero, Zephyros asked Voltraz,
"Do you know his aura? Where is he exactly?"
Voltraz replied with confidence.
Zephyros instructed Voltraz to touch his body so he could use the Xynthera Clan skill to move through dimensions and appear directly in front of Zero. The moment they activated the skill, the scene shifted back to Zero and Kyren.
Zero scanned the battlefield. The area bore clear signs of the 4th Division Commander's battle—but against whom? In the distance, a valley stretched out before them. Kyren commented,
"This valley is often where exiles are killed/thrown alive..."
Yet Zero noted that the battle traces extended here. Could the Division 4 Commander really be in this area?
Suddenly, a fluctuation in the air revealed a portal—Zephyros had arrived. Emerging from the portal were three figures: Zephyros, Ignarion, and Voltraz. Zero's eyes widened, paling at the sheer presence of Voltraz's aura.
Although Zero could have outdone Voltraz in his prime before his elemental powers were taken away, now after his loss and lack of elemental energy and other situational factors made him cautious. Voltraz just smiled.
"Finally, we meet."
Zero was calm, prepared for what was to come.
A tense silence enveloped the valley. The three Commanders faced off against a lone intruder—Zero. Somewhere deep in the shadows, unseen eyes watched. And far above, the sky trembled with ominous energy, signaling that the ritual to summon the Demon Lord(Demon Lord or Demon King is same for this novel) was about to begin…