Two months had passed since the fateful clash at Eralith Ruins. For Adrian and his team, the days had been a relentless cycle of training, recovery, and preparation. They pushed their bodies and minds to the brink, determined to face the battles ahead without faltering again.
But tonight was different. The stakes had risen, the shadows deepened.
Rumors of Dravokh's Estate—a dark stronghold nestled on the border of Midgard and Sylphera—had reached the empire's ears. It was no mere fortress; it was a nerve center of demonic activity, pulsing with corrupted energy. Within its walls, it was said Dravokh's most trusted lieutenants guarded secrets that could alter the balance of the war.
For Adrian, this mission wasn't just another battle. It was personal.
* * *
The Arvendale Command Hall was packed with quiet intensity, the hum of whispered conversations filling the corners of the room. Around a large map table stood Adrian, his comrades, and Rowan, the empire's strategic overseer. Rowan's sharp eyes swept across the team before he began.
"This mission will test you beyond anything you've faced." His voice, calm but firm, carried through the hall. "Dravokh's Estate is a fortress—designed to repel armies, not small units. But we have an opening."
Rowan placed his finger on the map, indicating the western flank of the stronghold. "Our intelligence confirms Dravokh's forces are spread thin. Recent skirmishes have weakened his defenses. That leaves this sector under-protected—but only for a short window."
Adrian leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "What's our objective?"
Rowan's expression darkened. "Your primary goal is to retrieve intelligence. Documents, communications—anything that exposes the plans of the Lower Seven. Destroying critical structures or resources is secondary. Do not engage Dravokh unless you have no choice. We can't risk losing you."
"Understood," Adrian replied, his jaw set.
Mohan, standing beside him, crossed his arms. "And extraction?"
Rowan nodded. "A backup unit will be stationed near the border. If things go south, they'll assist your escape. But mark my words—this mission is no rescue operation. Success depends on precision and speed."
The room fell silent as the gravity of the mission sank in. Adrian glanced at his comrades—Lucas, Kiera, Kael, and Seraphina. Each of them wore the same resolute expression. There was no hesitation.
* * *
Dawn broke as the team departed Arvendale, the countryside fading behind them. For days, they rode through dense forests and across desolate plains, the journey growing more somber the closer they drew to the borderlands.
By the fourth day, the terrain had changed entirely. The once-lush greenery gave way to cracked earth and withered trees. The skies were perpetually gray, the sun obscured by thick, dark clouds that loomed like an omen.
Riding alongside Mohan, Adrian felt the weight of the place pressing down on him. "It's like the land itself is sick."
Mohan nodded, his gaze hard. "This is what happens when demons infest a region. The corruption seeps into everything—air, water, soil. Dravokh's presence poisons the land."
From behind, Kiera, the druid, murmured softly, her voice carrying both sorrow and anger. "Nature here is crying out, but there's no life left to answer. We have to stop this."
The mood grew heavier as they pressed on.
* * *
By nightfall, they arrived at the edge of a jagged cliff. Below them stretched a valley of unnatural darkness. In the distance, Dravokh's Estate rose like a monolith, its twisted spires reaching into the stormy sky. Faint red lights glowed from the towers, while shadowy figures patrolled its walls.
Adrian dismounted, his fingers brushing the hilt of his sword. "There it is."
Lucas crouched next to him, studying the patterns of the patrols. "They've reinforced this place well. We're not slipping through unnoticed."
Kael slung his bow off his shoulder, his keen eyes narrowing. "Give me time. I can take out their sentries quietly. But we'll need to move fast after that. They'll notice eventually."
Mohan surveyed the scene with an experienced gaze. "Here's the plan. Kael and I will draw attention to the eastern flank—make them think a larger force is attacking. Adrian, you'll lead the infiltration team. Take Seraphina and Kiera. Find the intel and sabotage whatever you can. We'll regroup at the extraction point."
Adrian nodded, his resolve unwavering. "Understood. We'll get it done."
As Mohan and Kael moved into position, the quiet hum of tension grew unbearable. Adrian signaled to Seraphina and Kiera, and the three of them began to move along the shadows.
Kael's first arrow struck true—a guard on the western tower crumpled without a sound. Another arrow, another sentry gone. Adrian led his team swiftly across the outer wall, scaling it with ropes as Kael's cover fire gave them time.
Inside the walls, the corruption was thick—palpable. The ground itself pulsed faintly with a sickly red glow, and the air carried the stench of rot.
"This place…" Seraphina whispered, her face pale. "It feels alive—and hungry."
Kiera placed a hand on the ground, her magic flaring softly. "There's something deeper here—something unnatural beneath the surface."
Adrian held up a hand, signaling silence. In the distance, the echo of voices and footsteps rang out. Patrols were close. "Stay low. We're getting close."
The trio pushed deeper into the fortress, navigating labyrinthine corridors lined with grotesque carvings. Finally, they reached a massive chamber at the center of the estate. At its heart sat a large stone pedestal, covered in runes and surrounded by stacks of scrolls and ledgers.
"This must be it," Adrian said, moving quickly to gather the documents. Kiera began scanning them, her eyes narrowing. "These aren't just orders. These are… maps. Plans. They're coordinating an assault on the eastern empire."
Seraphina's gasp echoed softly. "If this reaches the capital…"
Adrian clenched his jaw. "We can't let it. Grab as much as you can. We're burning this place to the ground."
Kiera paused, her face paling. "Adrian… something's coming. I can feel it."
Before Adrian could respond, a deafening roar shook the walls, and a shadow loomed at the far end of the chamber. The door burst open, and twisted demons poured in, their glowing red eyes locked onto the team.
"They found us!" Seraphina cried, raising her staff to cast a shield.
Adrian drew his sword, its blade gleaming faintly in the corrupted light. "We'll hold them off. Kiera, secure the intel and get ready to move!"
The demons attacked with savage fury, their claws and weapons crashing against Seraphina's shields. Adrian's blade flashed as he struck them down one by one, his aura flaring as he pushed himself to his limits.
Outside, Mohan and Lucas fought their own battle, drawing dozens of Dravokh's guards away from the fortress. But even as they fought, Mohan paused, his instincts screaming a warning.
He turned his gaze toward the fortress, where an ominous pressure began to rise.
"Something's wrong," Mohan muttered. "Something big."
From within the depths of Dravokh's Estate, a chilling voice echoed through the halls. It was deep and malevolent, a sound that froze the air itself.
"You dare intrude upon my domain?"
Adrian's blood ran cold as the voice reverberated through the chamber. He knew that voice.
Dravokh had awakened.