Meanwhile, in the Human Empire.
Evelyn was barely holding the massive golden barrier that stretched around the Avaloria Empire. Every clash between Alex and Kyle above sent waves of pressure crashing against it like divine storms.
The barrier trembled violently, golden cracks spreading across its surface each time their powers collided.
Her arms shook as she forced more divine energy into the barrier. Her breathing was labored, sweat rolling down her face. ’If I let go, the shockwaves alone will erase half the Empire. I can’t... I can’t let it fall.’
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out, breaking through the chaos. "Big sis! What the hell is happening?!"
Evelyn turned her head sharply.
Running toward her through the dust and broken earth was Ethan, his aura blazing with golden light. Behind him were King Edward evans avaloria, Duke Reynard, Marquis Starlight, and Marquis Augustus—each surrounded by their elite knights and soldiers.
Their faces were pale from the overwhelming pressure of the two forces colliding in the sky.
Evelyn’s eyes widened in alarm. "What are you all doing here?!"
King Edwards shouted, his voice barely audible over the thunder above. "We came as soon as we sensed the disturbance! The sky itself is tearing apart!"
Evelyn clenched her jaw. "Enemy forces are here. Go—protect the city! Help evacuate the citizens immediately. This entire region has become a battlefield!"
Ethan stepped forward, his fists glowing with holy flames. "But I want to help you!"
Evelyn’s tone turned sharp, commanding. "Just do as I say, Ethan! Now!"
Her shout carried divine force, shaking the air. Ethan’s eyes widened in frustration, but he saw the desperation on her face. Without another word, he nodded and ran toward the lower districts where the battle was spreading, followed by the others.
Evelyn exhaled shakily, turning her focus back to the barrier. The golden dome pulsed faintly as another devastating impact struck from above, sending cracks racing across the sky.
She grit her teeth, reinforcing the structure with what little energy she had left. ’Alex... please end this soon. I can’t hold forever. Or thousands will die.’
On th other hand on the battlefield Azrael knelt on one knee, his breathing ragged. His armor was shattered, blood dripping from several deep gashes that refused to close. The once-mighty demon looked barely alive. Around him lay scorched earth and the corpses of dozens of soldiers.
Across from him stood Silas, the man who had cornered him, he was unscathed and his spear dripping with blackened blood. Behind Silas, three of his allies—high-ranking grandmasters feom th cult—watched with cruel satisfaction.
Silas sneered, stepping closer. He placed his boot on Azrael’s head, pressing him into the dirt. "You did well," he said mockingly. "I bet your father would’ve been proud to see how pitifully you fought."
Azrael clenched his fists, glaring up from the ground, hatred burning in his eyes. But his body refused to move. Blood trickled down his forehead. He was spent.
Silas raised his spear high, the black edge glinting in the dim light. "Let’s end this."
Azrael closed his eyes, accepting the inevitable.
But then—an eruption of black fire ignited between them.
A surge of heat swept through the air, swallowing the battlefield in roaring flames. The explosion engulfed Silas’s three allies before they could even scream. Their armor melted, their bodies consumed by pure black fire that devoured flesh and bone alike.
Their screams echoed only for a second before silence took hold.
When the flames settled, nothing remained of them—just ash drifting through the night wind.
A calm, confident voice echoed across the field. "Looks like they did a number on you, Mr. Demon."
Azrael’s eyes opened, his breath catching as he turned toward the source of the voice.
Standing amidst the dying embers was a young man with fiery red eyes and a confident smirk. His black coat fluttered in the hot wind, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his glowing crimson sword.
It was Alden von Crestvale.
Beside him stood a woman draped in midnight attire, her pale skin gleaming under the faint moonlight. Her crimson eyes glowed faintly, and the black aura surrounding her carried an unmistakable chill of death. Two long fangs caught the light when she smiled faintly.
Lilith Noctis Bloodrose—the Vampire Princess.
Lilith’s gaze fell toward Silas, her expression indifferent but deadly. " this one... smells disgusting."
Silas took an instinctive step back. His muscles tensed, his instincts screaming danger. ’Damn it. I’ve already used up nearly all of my strength. And those two... they’re not normal. Both carry divine protection. If I fight recklessly, I’ll die.’
His eyes darted toward the shadowed forest behind him. ’I have to find a way out.’
But before he could move, Alden’s figure vanished.
In the blink of an eye, Alden appeared directly in front of him, his sword drawn. The air shimmered from the speed of his movement.
Alden’s tone was cold, almost disappointed. "What the hell are you thinking?"
Silas barely had time to react. He twisted his body desperately as Alden’s blade slashed toward his neck. The edge grazed his shoulder instead, cutting deep into his arm.
A blast of black flames followed the strike.
Silas screamed as his arm was consumed instantly, vanishing in a swirl of burning shadow. The stench of charred flesh filled the air.
Alden’s voice echoed calmly through the battlefield. "Forget it. That arm will never come back."
Silas stumbled backward, panting, his body trembling from shock. He looked around frantically, hoping to find an opening, but then—
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Three wet sounds echoed in succession.
Silas turned, his eyes widening in horror.
Three of his remaining allies—each a Low Grandmaster—stood frozen, crimson spears of hardened blood piercing straight through their chests. Their eyes rolled back, and they collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
Silas’s voice trembled. "Impossible... Low Grandmasters... killed by mere blood spears?"
His gaze shifted slowly, fear rising in his chest.

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