The night was restless in the Breles Empire's Command Hall, the air thick with anxiety. Rowan paced before the grand map table, his sharp eyes scanning the reports piled high before him. Every piece of parchment painted the same picture: the mission at the Eralith Ruins had taken a dire turn.
A young officer entered the hall, his armor scratched and dusted with dirt. He saluted sharply before speaking, his voice hurried and trembling. "Sir, Mohan's team has encountered Dravokh, the Seventh Seat of the Lower Demons."
The words struck like a blow. Rowan froze mid-step, his eyes narrowing. "Dravokh?" he repeated, his voice low and controlled. "You're certain?"
"Yes, sir," the officer said, swallowing hard. "The team is holding, but their strength is waning. Dravokh's corruption is spreading faster than expected."
Rowan clenched his fists. The Lower Seven Demons were no ordinary threats—they were living calamities. "If Dravokh is involved, this mission has escalated far beyond expectation. We cannot afford to lose Mohan, Adrian, or their team."
His voice rose, sharp and commanding. "Summon reinforcements immediately. We move for the Eralith Ruins."
Rowan's command sparked a flurry of activity. Officers rushed to relay orders, soldiers prepared their gear, and the faint clatter of hooves echoed in the distance as mounts were readied.
One of the senior aides hesitated, stepping forward with a cautious expression. "Sir, sending reinforcements into demon territory is a gamble. If we lose them—"
"We cannot afford to lose them!" Rowan snapped, his voice cutting through the room like a blade. "Mohan's team is holding a line no one else can. If they fall, the entire border is at risk. Assemble the strike team. Now."
The aide bowed and hurried off as Rowan turned back to the map. His hands rested heavily on the table, his mind racing. "Adrian, hold the line," he muttered under his breath. "We're coming."
* * *
Adrian's grip on his sword tightened as he faced Dravokh, his body screaming with exhaustion. The demon loomed before him, a towering figure of dark energy, its jagged armor pulsing with corrupt power. Around him, his team fought valiantly, but their movements were slowing, their auras flickering like dying flames.
Lucas darted in from the side, his twin blades striking at Dravokh's legs. The demon swatted him away with a casual swing of its claw, sending him tumbling across the cracked stone.
"Is that all you've got, little mortals?" Dravokh taunted, his crimson eyes gleaming with malice. "Pathetic. Your energy feeds me. Every swing of your blades, every spark of your magic—it only makes me stronger."
Mohan stepped forward, his gauntlets glowing faintly as he met Dravokh head-on. "Then let's see if you can handle me," he growled, delivering a punch that shook the ground.
The blow staggered Dravokh, but only for a moment. The demon retaliated with a backhand swipe, forcing Mohan to leap back. "This isn't working," Mohan said, his voice grim. "He's absorbing too much. We can't overpower him."
Kiera, standing at the edge of the battlefield, clutched her staff tightly. Her magic flickered and faded before it could form. "The air itself is poisoned," she said, her voice trembling. "It's like he's draining the life from the land."
Seraphina moved to Kiera's side, her healing aura barely holding. "We can't keep this up," she said. "Adrian, what's the plan?"
Adrian gritted his teeth, his mind racing. They had to find a way to disrupt Dravokh's ability, but their options were dwindling. Before he could respond, the sound of galloping hooves filled the air.
Rowan and the reinforcements surged onto the battlefield, their formation precise and disciplined. The sight of fresh soldiers brought a flicker of hope to the weary team.
"Reinforcements!" Lucas called, his voice strained but relieved. "Took you long enough!"
Rowan dismounted, his sword already drawn. His sharp gaze took in the scene: the shattered remains of the crystal, the corrupted ground, and the hulking demon that stood at the center of it all.
"Mohan!" Rowan barked. "Report!"
Mohan moved to Rowan's side, his breaths heavy. "It's Dravokh. His ability—[Dark Siphoning]—is draining our energy. The more we fight, the stronger he gets."
Rowan's jaw tightened. "Then brute force won't cut it. We need a strategy." He turned to Adrian. "You've been holding the line. What's your assessment?"
Adrian straightened, his exhaustion replaced with determination. "He's arrogant. He's confident in his ability to wear us down. If we can disrupt his focus, we might create an opening."
Rowan nodded, his mind already working. "We'll divide into two teams. Mohan, take half and draw his attention. Adrian, lead the others and prepare for a coordinated strike."
The teams moved into position, their movements precise despite the chaos. Rowan and Mohan led the charge, their combined strength forcing Dravokh to shift his focus. The demon lashed out with wild swings, but his attacks grew less calculated as the pressure mounted.
Meanwhile, Adrian regrouped with Seraphina, Kiera, and Kael. "Kiera," Adrian said, his voice firm. "Can you channel a spell strong enough to disrupt his aura?"
Kiera hesitated, her hands trembling as she gripped her staff. "I… I can try. But I'll need time."
"You'll get it," Adrian said. He turned to Kael. "Cover her. Don't let anything get through."
Kael nodded, his bow already drawn. "You focus on him. I'll handle the rest."
Seraphina moved to Kiera's side, her healing aura enveloping the druid. "You've got this," she said softly. "We'll keep you safe."
Adrian steeled himself, his eyes locking onto Dravokh. With a nod to his team, he charged into the fray.
Dravokh roared in frustration as Rowan and Mohan pressed him from both sides. "Enough of this!" the demon bellowed, unleashing a wave of dark energy that sent soldiers flying.
But as the dust settled, Adrian emerged, his blade glowing faintly as he slashed at Dravokh's side. The demon snarled, turning to face him. "You again," Dravokh sneered. "Do you never learn?"
Adrian smirked, his breath ragged. "I learn plenty. Let's see how well you handle this."
Behind him, Kiera's magic began to build, the ground beneath her glowing with an ethereal light. The vines she summoned reached toward Dravokh, pulsing with energy that seemed to counter his corruption.
"Now!" Adrian shouted, dodging a swipe from the demon's claw.
Kiera released the spell, the vines surging forward and wrapping around Dravokh's limbs. The demon roared, his aura faltering as the magic drained his strength.
Rowan seized the opportunity, his sword cutting through the demon's defenses. "Push forward!" he commanded.
Though weakened, Dravokh was far from defeated. With a final surge of energy, he shattered the vines and leapt back, his crimson eyes burning with fury.
"This isn't over," Dravokh growled, his voice a low rumble. "You've earned a reprieve, but next time, you won't be so lucky."
With that, the demon vanished into the shadows, leaving the battlefield eerily quiet.
Adrian collapsed to one knee, his sword digging into the ground for support. Around him, the team regrouped, their faces etched with exhaustion and relief.
Rowan approached, his expression grim but resolute. "We forced him to retreat," he said. "That's a victory in itself. But this fight is far from over."
Adrian looked up, his resolve shining through the weariness. "Next time, we finish it."
As the team prepared to leave the ruins, one thing was clear: they had survived, but the battle against Dravokh was far from won.