In the skies of Jubai, a man with large, bat-like wings hovered, staring down at the sprawling city. His wings, though similar to a bat's, were distinct—larger, smoother, and reinforced with an otherworldly texture that shimmered faintly in the moonlight. Below him, the city lights formed a mesmerizing tapestry of stars. His piercing gaze scanned the streets and alleys as if searching for something—or someone.
"I'm finally here," Jai said, his voice low as he stared at the city.
By now, Hadia had already fallen, and Larry Dew had succeeded in slaying Burak. Jai would have preferred to reach Hadia earlier, but ensuring Lyokis and Fedis remained in line had delayed him. He could have killed the Sultan of Lyokis, but such a decision could wait. There was plenty of time to eliminate those who truly needed to die.
For now, his focus was on those who needed to die immediately—Kin and all his allies.
"Remember, the boy is mine," Abaddon said, reminding Jai of their pact.
"Of course," Jai replied.
"What do you plan to do once you have him?"
"He has something embedded in his soul," Abaddon replied. "I've come to collect it. Don't worry—I doubt he'll survive the extraction."
"Good," Jai said, his voice cold. "That boy should be anything but alive after tonight."
As they spoke, a figure approached from the distance. A man with dark wings adorned in ancient runes flew toward Jai. The runes shimmered faintly, as though whispering secrets into the night. The man's attire, a regal yet battle-ready ensemble of black and crimson, radiated power and authority.
"Your Majesty," the man greeted, bowing slightly as he hovered.
"Sulten Viran," Jai acknowledged, throwing him a sharp glance.
"I wasn't expecting you so soon," Viran said, his tone respectful but cautious.
"I didn't want you to," Jai replied bluntly. "You know why I'm here?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. But unfortunately, the boy is not here," Viran said evenly.
Jai frowned. "What do you mean? My sources said otherwise."
"True, the boy was supposed to be with the 'Old Dog,' but he arrived in Jubai alone. I've been keeping an eye on him and his men myself," Viran explained.
Jai's gaze narrowed. He could sense that Viran wasn't telling him everything.
"You could beat it out of him," Abaddon suggested.
"That's one way," Jai mused, "but he's too useful to kill. If Viran is lying, he's hiding something, and it'll be far more entertaining to find out what it is and use it against him."
"Or he uses it against you," Abaddon countered.
"Either way, I'll have my fun," Jai replied. "Not that he can do much to me. I have you, remember?"
"Indeed, King Jai," Abaddon said, ending their dialogue.
Jai turned back to Sultan Viran. "Where is the Old Dog? I'll beat the prince's location out of him myself."
Viran pointed toward a distant location. "I'll lead the way," he offered.
"You want to come?" Jai asked, arching a brow.
"Someone has to make sure your fight doesn't destroy the city," Viran replied with a faint smirk.
Jai shrugged. "Suit yourself."
In an instant, they moved, covering vast distances effortlessly.
When they arrived, Jai and Viran looked down at the scene below. General Farouk stood with two of his men, a young woman, and two girls.
Suddenly, the air grew cold and heavy, as though the world itself braced for calamity.
Iku was the first to react. "That's the demon, my lady," he whispered. "It's Abaddon," Iku said, his voice filled with concern
Thia's eyes widened in shock. She hadn't expected to meet the demon Iku spoke of face to face.
"Who is he?" Thia asked Vera who was currently shaking.
"T- That's King Jai" Vera replied. Thia widened her eyes in shock. The demon had possessed a god sword. That was a very bad thing. A very, very bad thing
"What should I do?" Thia asked Iku
"Stay close to Lady Vera," Iku replied. "She's suppressing your curse. If he senses you, things will turn sour."
"You can't fight him alone—not without those two," Iku added, his tone grim.
Meanwhile, Farouk's men, recognizing the figures in the sky, drew their swords.
"Don't—" General Farouk started to warn, but it was too late.
In a blur, Viran struck them down, his blade moving faster than anyone could react. The two men fell, lifeless, before their swords even hit the ground.
General Farouk gritted his teeth. More of his men had died to get here, and even now, he was losing more men. His frustration at this point knew no bounds. He turned to look at the girls behind him and as expected, they were terrified.
Thena and Thia stared in shock and horror. Viran had not even moved a muscle from where he was standing, yet, he had killed both men effortlessly. The two men had been powerful—far beyond the ordinary—but they had been dispatched effortlessly.
"Everyone, stand back!" Farouk commanded the girls.
"We have to run," Vera said to both girls.
"I doubt they'll let us leave," Thena replied, readying herself to fight, she might be weaker, but she wasn't one to back down without a fight.
"You are no match for them," Farouk said, his voice firm.
"Don't underestimate us, old man," Thena shot back. "Right, Thia?"
"I agree with Vera," Thia said, her voice shaking slightly. "We wait for an opportunity and escape. And Vera, keep suppressing our energy with your curse."
"Why?" Vera asked, confused.
"Just keep doing it," Thia replied sharply.