From behind the curtains of the show, Yanis and Alora readied themselves to step onto the stage for their performance. Yanis's irritated expression made it clear that he wasn't thrilled about making a fool of himself in front of an audience. Alora, on the other hand, glowed with contagious enthusiasm and energy. Her face, lit up with a bright smile, revealed her restless eagerness to dazzle the crowd.
"Put some heart into it! Our turn's coming up!" Alora exclaimed.
"I'm a thug, not a clown," grumbled Yanis.
"Maybe, but this isn't our world anymore."
Suddenly, as the magicians finished their spellbinding act, they headed backstage to the sound of the peasants' applause. Elacy approached the two teenagers and announced their cue, "You're up."
Grabbing his arm, Alora pulled Yanis onto the stage, hidden behind a long red curtain. As they appeared before the audience, still arm-in-arm, the crowd was taken aback to realize they were actually two "Lost Ones."
Whispers spread amongst the spectators like an unsavory rumor: "That's not Alora, is it?" "What are they doing here?" "Wait, I wasn't told about this." "The Lost Ones are putting on a show?" Yet, it didn't bother them in the slightest; in fact, they were eager to see what the Lost Ones had in store.
"Hellooo! We are the super cute kitties!"
"Yeah... thrilled to see you all," Yanis sighed with visible discomfort.
The sight of Yanis's discomfort had Jacob and Rogue in stitches. From a distance, Yanis gritted his teeth seeing them mocking him. I'll get them!
"Dance, dance!" the peasants chanted repeatedly.
Alora playfully wiggled her fingers like a cat. Jacob and Rogue, watching from afar, couldn't hold back their laughter, pointing at her. "Meow, meow! Ahah!" she mewed.
Yanis watched her, embarrassment making his spine tingle. How could she throw away her dignity for a mere task? Was there no end to her silliness?
But the situation quickly turned dire when, from atop a roof, Marshal felt the energy of the archdemon surge, explosive as a volcanic eruption.
"I recognize this demonic energy. He's coming!"
Jacob and Rogue, sensing the same energy, hurriedly ushered the peasants away from Haradi. "He's here! Time to get serious!" declared Jacob.
Garnal tried warning Yanis and Alora by gesturing skyward, but being too far away, they misinterpreted it and continued performing.
Though many had fled, a massive explosion shattered Elacy's stage. Amidst the echoing screams, Marshal swiftly descended, clutching his green-glowing katana. The smoke from the explosion hindered his vision, making him cough and wave away the dust. Navigating the debris, he discovered the lifeless bodies of peasants, blood pooling around them. Some were gutted, others beheaded, and some dismembered.
"You'll pay for this," Marshal swore.
Wading deeper into the smog, Marshal finally spotted Garnal on his knees, looking terrified.
"Garnal!"
"Marshal! You're here!"
"Garnal, do you think you can get backstage and find Gwendoline?"
"Yes... I'm on it!"
Garnal stood and immediately headed to the back of Elacy's platform. Meanwhile, Marshal looked into a massive pit that led to the depths where the archdemon had been hiding.
"So you've been underground... It's time to settle this!"
With his katana radiating angelic mana, he jumped into the abyss, intent on slaying the demon.
Back with Garnal, he reached the building's rear, where Gwendoline was supposed to be. To his horror, she was nowhere to be found.
In a deafening awakening, Yanis realized he was bound by chains emanating a reddish glow, preventing any semblance of movement. Similarly, his friends Gwendoline and Alora were in shocking disbelief. The room they found themselves in was dark and arid, with several corpses stacked not far off.
"What the hell is this?!"
"Ah, you're finally awake," responded a voice.
From the shadows emerged Abaguo, approaching Gwendoline who had just spoken out, full of confidence.
"Who the hell are you? Why have you tied us up?"
"All in good time!"
Suddenly, Abaguo grasped Gwendoline's hair, jerking her head around violently.
"Who is she?! None of my spells work on her."
"First off, get your hand off her, or I'll gut you," threatened Yanis.
"Do you think you're in any position to make threats?! Very well, have it your way!"
In a fit of anger, Abaguo brutally snapped Gwendoline's fingers. After a few moments, a cry of pain was expected, but none came. To everyone's shock, her fingers began to regenerate, surprising even Gwendoline herself.
Is this what she meant by "new ability"?
"What sorcery is this?!" exclaimed Abaguo.
"Guess what, mate? You've messed with the wrong ones. You're facing the supreme chosen of the Archangels, and the ones who will save this multiverse! Gwendoline and I!"
Gwendoline looked astonished at Yanis's declaration, while Abaguo boiled with rage. Remembering some tales about Yanis, Abaguo bent down to his eye level.
"If I kill you and claim your soul, the supreme chosen won't come, and the demons will be saved, right?"
Not taking him seriously, Yanis delivered a powerful headbutt, sending Abaguo crashing into the far wall, causing it to crumble.
Alora and Gwendoline gawked in amazement. Had he really become that powerful?
"You're quite powerful for a kid... no wonder the Archangels chose you," murmured Abaguo, picking himself up.
Noticing Yanis's eyes filled with deep loathing, Abaguo's rage intensified.
"Don't you dare look at me like that! I'm as powerful as an Archdemon of Emotions."
"Ha! I only used 30% of my strength. If that's the case, I can take down an Archdemon of Emotions with my bare hands!" mocked Yanis.
"Archdemons of Emotions are immortal, you can't kill them. And I warn you, insult me again, and I'll end you! Understand?"
"I don't remember insulting you, not my fault if you're weak!"
Abaguo channeled his demonic mana, producing a menacing aura, its red sparks dancing like flames of a greater fire. Filled with ancient wrath, he prepared to retaliate for the affront against his kind.
"And now, you'll pay for your insolence!"
As Abaguo rushed toward Yanis, a familiar voice echoed, stopping him in his tracks.
"I'VE FINALLY FOUND YOU, ABAGUO!" shouted Marshal.
Landing in the dim room, Marshal released slashes of angelic energy towards Abaguo. But with his agility, Abaguo dodged each one effortlessly.
"Marshal, back again? How've you been?"
"I'll never forgive you for what you took from me!"
"Feeling sorry for yourself? Ready to die? Along with your friends?"
"The same goes for you!"
A tense standoff ensued, with both having gained immense power over the last four years. It was clear this showdown would go down in Trillia's history: the greatest swordsman and the Lost Ones against the archdemon who defied demon laws. In the overwhelming silence, Jacob surfaced, katana in hand, filled with unwavering determination.
"ABAGUO!" he yelled.
With a swift motion, Jacob decapitated Abaguo. Summoning Igdifir amidst a wave of orange and red pixels, he commanded, "Igdifir, finish this bastard!"
Abaguo's head immediately reformed just as Igdifir emerged, ready to battle.
"What's this? A summon?" teased Abaguo.
"I am the retribution of all those souls you've consumed. I do notice, however, you are at level 432. Let us begin."
Unfamiliar with this power system, Abaguo quickly realized he was up against formidable foes in Igdifir and Jacob.