Days continued to flow uneventfully. The Lost Ones persisted in their training, and the people of Trillia maintained their peaceful existence. In eight hundred years of history, only a few conflicts and even fewer wars had occurred. Yet, no one could have foreseen the dreadful incident about to impact the three nations of Trillia in the worst way possible. Later, this event would be named "The Ultimate Demonic Rebellion."
In a decrepit building, far from any human civilization and forsaken in the midst of an unknown forest in the Kingdom of Rymis, Abaguo sat on his grim and shadowy throne. With his hand cradling his head, slightly tilted, he gazed at the light-deprived hall door. In an arrogant and weary tone, he asked one of his many demon-soldiers, "Soldier, do you know when she will arrive?"
Before the demon-soldiers could answer, a mature female voice echoed throughout the chamber. She seemed to stand behind a massive pillar, hidden in the hall's ever-present shadow. "I am already here, awaiting your orders."
"Why don't you come here? We could discuss this at a table, you know?"
"I don't have much time. As soon as I have your orders, I must return to Érétide."
"Well... I don't have many souls left to absorb to achieve my goal. Five thousand, at most."
"What are you trying to say?"
"I intend to absorb the Haradi village and face Marshal Anabito, the one I nearly defeated four years ago."
"You want to absorb the second-largest village in this nation?!"
"Indeed. And you will assist me!"
"How? I'm merely your right hand."
"You spoke of Jacob Kalis. You said his potential is beyond imagination, didn't you?"
"Yes, in my opinion, he's the strongest in his group."
"I want you to bring him to me!"
"I'll do my best to capture him. Until then, don't get caught."
"There's no risk, ahah!"
Having received her instructions, she departed through a portal she conjured instantly. The silence, which had quickly enveloped the space following her departure, was suddenly shattered by an explosion at the entrance of the lair. Stunned, Abaguo sprang from his throne and shouted at his demon-soldiers, "Don't just stand there! Go see what's happening!" The demons rushed to the main door to allay Abaguo's concerns. "What a coincidence...", he murmured.
As he awaited the return of his demon-soldiers, the echoes of a bloody battle heightened Abaguo's fear of being discovered by an angelic human. Yet, the sound of a woman's heels approaching the hall gradually dispelled this fear. The only angelic woman was not in the Kingdom of Rymis but in Argha.
"I'm waiting for you!" Abaguo assumed an offensive stance, his fists clenched, confidence evident in his words. His attacker was revealed as Amaria, the powerful Archdemoness of love. She leaned against a wall, her eyes locked onto Abaguo's. He was ready for a fight.
"So, you're Abaguo..."
"Who are you? Do you want to fight?!"
Amaria flashed a seductive smile to show her feigned goodwill. With a mix of curiosity and appetite, she said, "You wouldn't want to fight me. Those who tried were banished to Hell for quite some time..."
"Wait, those scarlet pink eyes! Your tone! You are... Amaria?!"
"Exactly. I am the seducer of Men and Demons, the Archdemoness of love and desire; Amaria. I came to recruit you to our organization."
Laughing at the mention of "organization," Abaguo taunted, "Are you kidding me? You know my plan, right? I will eliminate all of you! I will be the first demon to break the absurd divine laws of this world! I will be the first to tread beyond my realm of existence!"
Wordlessly, Amaria grasped the demon's hand, pressing it gently against hers.
"Hey! What are you doing?"
"I'd like to see you succeed, Abaguo..."
Confused by Amaria's unexpected leniency, considering she could kill him at any moment, she whispered sensually in his ear, "This way... you will show the world the potential of the demonic race. But for now... Grant me this dance to honor our alliance..."
"What?!"
Unexpectedly, Amaria began a sultry slow dance with him, moving to the rhythm of a morbid melody represented by the gradually growing chaotic flames in the building.
"Abaguo, I'm aware you seek to outdo us... and claim our place. But sadly for you, you can never be more than this."
"We'll see about that!"
"I'll tell you a story... The supreme being of the demon race wasn't Nerhel, but someone on par with the three Archangels who shaped this world."
"What are you talking about?"
"After Trillia's creation by these divine beings, someone decided to create the demon race and its governing laws. For millennia, she held the world in her grip, where demons, humans, elves, and dragons had no rivals... Until pure-hearted archdemons emerged. When this happened, these archdemons created their magic to eradicate Ergania."
"And then?"
"This magic could defy universal laws, manipulate them, and even create new ones. Unfortunately for them, it didn't work on her. Following this incident, all involved archdemons were condemned to Hell for eternity."
"Does this magic still exist?"
"It's uncertain, but many rumors suggest that some "reverse magic" practitioners remain in Argha. However, no one truly knows its authenticity."
"Okay, why are you telling me all this?"
"To show you the potential of the demon race. And Abaguo, you have it. You have the power to turn the world in our favor."
"So, you want me to stage a coup?"
"Not exactly, Abaguo. If you succeed, demons will rebel and usher in a new era..."
"Why should I do it?! Why don't you?"
"Oh, don't worry, darling... we've already begun...", she whispered.
*
As night tenderly enfolded the earth beneath the mysterious glow of the moon, Jacob and Yanis found themselves in the training garden of the residence for a friendly duel. Their wooden swords sang through the air, casting light upon the ground with the ringing clash of their meeting. Yanis prevailed once again with a well-aimed strike against Jacob's toned body.
"You're just too OP, I swear!" exclaimed Jacob.
"In one-on-one combat, sure. But in terms of raw power, you have me beat."
"That's true, ahah!" laughed Jacob.
Just as the two friends were about to lock swords again, Dasra made her entrance at the very moment they readied their stance, slipping into their residence with an undetectable quietness.
"Oh! Good evening, Lady Dasra! How do you fare this lovely night? What brings you here?" Jacob greeted.
"Hello, young ones. I am well, as always! Rymis III has called upon you to join me on a mission! So, gather the others; we must leave immediately."
"We're departing at night?"
"Yes, and I'll explain why on the way."
*
After the Lost Ones had settled in the covered wagon draped in white, Dasra spurred the horses toward their inaugural quest. Accompanying them was a somewhat shy, brown-haired teen donned in a uniform similar to Lana's but its masculine counterpart where red and white blended subtly. He carried a satchel full of arrows and a bow, a mix of white and red metal.
"Allow me to introduce Kalen Temparus, your partner for this mission. He is the second heir of his lineage, and his family all bear unique powers linked to time control. His father expressly desired for him to accompany you so he might develop his skills."
"Good evening, Lost Ones… It is truly an honor to work alongside you on your first mission…" Kalen greeted.
Alora, seizing the moment as subtly as she could, initiated a conversation about Lana, seeking to unearth more about her.
"Hold on. You have a sister, right?"
"Yes, her name is Lana. She's quite cold and detestable…"
"Why are you so shy? We won't bite," Alora teased.
"I've never actually been on a mission… My sister always takes them all."
"What a witch!" Alora exclaimed.
As they journeyed under the opulent lights of the affluent district, Kalen's eyes inadvertently met Gwendoline's, making the young girl's cheeks redden instantly. She quickly averted her gaze, hoping not to catch his eye again.
"Pardon me, you're the new Lost One, correct? What's your name?"
"Gwendoline Bourcier…"
"What's gotten into you, Gwen'?" Yanis inquired.
"I don't know… I feel like I've always known him."
"I feel the same way. It's strange."
A deep, palpable silence fell over Gwendoline and Kalen, their discomfort evident. Dasra was about to pierce this silence when she addressed the Lost Ones.
"Alright, enough chatter! Here's our mission: We're headed to Paraya. The locals claim they sense demons, even archdemons. We are to investigate and safeguard the village. We'll be there in about thirty minutes. Prepare yourselves to possibly fight."
"I can't wait! First mission, I'm gonna show off! You'll see how powerful I am!" Jacob boasted.
"Easy there. Talk to me when you can obliterate a planet," Yanis retorted.
"Just watch!"
"Speaking of which," Rogue began, "Lady Dasra, I had a question."
"I'm listening."
"This Damahan, the supreme being we're supposedly confronting in two years. If you know he can destroy a universe, does that mean you have more information about him?"
"None whatsoever."
"Oh…"
"Let's just say I'm not high enough in rank to have such information. Maybe the archmages and the leaders of this world's three nations might know. And even that's a maybe, because Damahan remains an enigma."
"While we're on the subject, if no one knows this Damahan, how do you know about his supposed arrival in two years?" Yanis asked.
"A prophecy. From an old mage with an innate power of absolute foresight… I still remember that day," Dasra began, lost in memories of that fateful evening.
[Three years ago, within the Castle of Rymis III]
She was at a banquet within the grand hall, surrounded by over a hundred powerful mages and warriors, including Charnald and King Rymis III. A massive table stood in the center, crafted from dark wood and covered with a blue and white cloth. The hall buzzed with a lively debate on various diplomatic matters.
The atmosphere of the gathering was both solemn and spirited. Powerful mages and warriors were engaged in spirited discussions on diplomatic issues. Voices echoed throughout the banquet hall, creating a constant and lively hum. Laughter and murmurs were occasionally heard, showcasing the intensity of the ongoing discussions.
On that day, the leaders of Trillia's three nations were present.
Sitting at the end of the table was a young man in a presidential suit and tie, donning a blue tie that gave him a radiant presence. An aura of two decades of experience and wisdom emanated from him. He had short brown hair and blue eyes. Beside him stood a lovely elf with ocean eyes, her long white hair soft as silk. She wore an elegant black and white dress, adorned with a luxurious necklace. Her face glowed with remarkable beauty and an angelic smile.
"So, Marc, does this dish meet your expectations?" asked Rymis with a benevolent smile.
"Yes, Rymis. Your chefs truly have a gift. It's a shame my chefs don't have the same skill as yours, ahah."
"Mr. President. Do you not enjoy the dishes prepared by your chefs?" the charming elf, Sepharina, questioned.
"Ahah, don't get the wrong idea, dear Sepharina. Of course, I appreciate them. I'm just speaking my mind about his cooks."
"Oh... I apologize for bothering you with my remarks, Mr. President."
"No problem. Enjoy the meal, my lovely Sepharina."
Marc, the President of Edra, continued to cherish his assistant while enjoying the dish that Rymis's chefs had prepared. Not far from them was another woman with long white hair, dressed in an elegant military uniform combining white and green hues. Her calm yet mischievous smile exuded undeniable leadership and charisma. Two soldiers in dark green uniforms stood motionless behind her, armed with assault rifles similar to Kalashnikovs, except for the sinister, purple aura they radiated.
"Once again, I see that the human-elf relationship is sacred in your country, dear Marc..."
"Don't mock our interactions and relationships, Milityasha. I would invite you to Edra to show you our ideals, but you always decline."
"Ahah! I'm not mocking. On the contrary, I find it truly admirable. That's also why I respect you, Marc. You strongly support human and elf collaboration. About your invitations, I decline them because I have more pressing tasks. But I'll sure visit Edra when the opportunity arises."
"In that case, I would gladly accept."
"And don't forget, when I helped you with your presidential campaign against Elarandil, I came to Edra to personally congratulate you on your victory over him. So technically, I've already visited your wonderful country!"
Hearing the name "Elarandil," Sepharina lowered her head, recalling a painful memory. As Milityasha and Marc exchanged glances, a wave of amusement seemed to sweep the air, as if the tension from a moment ago had been an illusion.
"You're right... But I'd love to show you Edra, especially the Sylvaria Fountain, which is divinely beautiful!"
"We'll arrange that once I've finished my work for Argha. So don't worry. And besides our professional roles, we're more than just leaders. We are good friends! So let's raise our glasses to a brighter future for the Kingdoms of Rymis, Argha, and Edra!"
Milityasha, Marc, and Rymis stood with pride, raising their glasses high in honor of the nations they represented.
Dasra, observing their exchange, sported her usual warrior outfit and short hair. She ate as if she hadn't had a meal in months.
Then he arrived...
A commotion rose outside the royal chamber; soldiers angrily confronted an old man who clung to a dire sense of desperation. He answered their shouts with heart-wrenching cries, driven by the terror within him.
"You can't enter, sir! This is a private meeting!"
This man walked into the room without warning. He was an old magician with a long white beard, dressed similarly to Charnald. He trembled, looking as if he had exerted significant effort, like he hadn't rested after traveling a vast distance. Rymis, taken aback, quickly rose from his chair, eyes wide in astonishment.
"Dalfa? What are you doing here?"
"It's... It's a tragedy, Your Majesty!"
The room went quiet as everyone stopped eating. Dalfa, seemingly in a trance, spoke with palpable dread.
"What's going on?!"
"Our multiverse is in danger!"
In that exact moment, the room's jovial atmosphere turned tense and somber. Everyone present understood that this wasn't some playful jest, but a matter of utmost gravity.
"In five years, a superior being will destroy multiverses, including ours!"
"What?! Speak clearly!"
"I... I saw. Nobody in our universe will be powerful enough to defeat him!"
A heavy silence fell upon the crowd, fear seeping into everyone. Even Dasra, who tried to remain calm, felt powerless against the growing anxiety.
That day… My heart raced, and I couldn't eat any longer. I stared at Dalfa in terror, horrified by the words he uttered and would continue to utter...
"His name is Damahan…"
"Are you certain no one can defeat him?!"
"I've seen it..."
The terror in Dalfa's eyes was evident as he replayed a vision in his mind:
There stood the figure of Damahan, hovering in a white void, beyond a universe torn apart by his might. Opposing him were four other human silhouettes, one being a woman with medium-length hair.
Damahan's fiery red eyes shone through a cloud of anger and powerlessness against his adversaries. He struggled to eliminate the Future Lost Ones. His face barely visible due to the constant collapsing of the universe they fought within. Sounds of spatial tears accompanied the fractured image of Dalfa's vision, intensified by a slight chromatic aberration. The battle's intensity had vaporized existence itself.
"Very well! If this is what you wish, my dear! I hope you have a backup plan to shield your people from what I'm about to do!"
Raising his hand, Damahan's power resonated throughout the multiverse and beyond all cosmic comprehension. The golden Divine Orb he manifested above his gloved hand illuminated every known and unknown creation; it lit up the infinite, the immortals, conceivable and inconceivable entities. This orb, an anarchic rosette, emanating boundless mystical power, would undoubtedly cause the chaos and destruction of the multiverse.
"Founders! Submit and witness this. Behold my ultimate power! Divine Integration!"
[Back to reality]
"He obliterated everyone… I saw it...
"Dalfa! Do you think the metapotent being who killed Nerhel stands a chance?!"
"I... I don't know. Damahan is an unstoppable force of power..."
"Do you know why he wishes to destroy the multiverses?! What's his motive?!"
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty... I do not know why. I only saw the end of the battle. My vision always ends after the total destruction… in other words… our demise."
"It's alright..."
The meeting's focus shifted. Now, the topic was how to defeat Damahan. And two months later, we believed we had found the solution.
Two months post the dinner meeting, three mages, including Charnald, knelt before Rymis in his palace. He sat on his throne with a worried and fearful expression.
"Your Majesty, we have a plan…"
"I'm listening."
"We'll scour the universes to find beings capable of defeating Damahan."
"It's a wise plan."
Sadly, after a year, we found nothing. Hence, the mages shifted to Plan B: locate talented individuals and bring them into our world, where their talents would transform into personal power.
The mages observed the lives of Yanis, Alora, Jacob, and Rogue through a magic orb, finding solace in their serene faces.
[Back to the present day]
"That's how we found and summoned you all here. Except for you, Gwendoline…"
"Yeah..."