The morning sun barely had time to paint the sky golden before trouble arrived at Hillfar Village once more. Azazel, Kaela, and Shadow had been enjoying a quiet breakfast near the edge of the village—a simple meal of roasted vegetables and bread shared with some thankful villagers. Laughter and relief had finally started to return to the weary faces of the townsfolk.
But then, a familiar, menacing sound shattered the peace. Heavy boots stomped across the cobblestone, and the ground trembled with the approach of a large force. Azazel's hand froze mid-air, a piece of bread halfway to his mouth. He and Kaela exchanged wary glances, and even Shadow's ears perked up, his hackles rising.
"Looks like trouble is back," Kaela muttered, setting down her wooden cup with a sigh. "We can't even have breakfast in peace, huh?"
Azazel sighed and stood up, cracking his knuckles. "Yeah, I was hoping for at least one morning without a fight. Guess the universe has other plans." He flashed Kaela a grin. "Ready to burn some bad guys?"
Kaela rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile. "Always. Just try not to make too many bad jokes this time, okay?"
Before Azazel could respond, a deep, booming voice echoed across the village square. "You thought you could humiliate me and get away with it, you little worm?!"
The burly enforcer from the day before stomped into view, his face twisted in fury. Behind him was a whole troop of similarly armored warriors, each carrying weapons that glinted in the morning light. The enforcer pointed a thick, accusing finger at Azazel. "You and your mongrel made a fool out of me, and now you'll pay for it!"
Azazel tilted his head, giving the enforcer an exaggeratedly thoughtful look. "Huh. Didn't you say you'd teach me a lesson last time? And look how that turned out."
The enforcer's face turned beet red, and his grip on his sword tightened. "Enough talk! Attack!"
---
As the warriors charged, Azazel stepped forward, his heart racing. He could feel the mark of Valhalla pulsing on his skin, ready to lend him power. But this time, he reached out for something more—the power of the Sky Serpent that had bonded with him. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, feeling the surge of electricity coursing through his veins.
"Time to show them what a storm looks like," he whispered, and his sword transformed into a long, gleaming sword, crackling with blue lightning. Sparks danced along the blade, and the villagers gasped in awe as they watched.
Shadow let out a deep, guttural growl, positioning himself beside Azazel, his golden eyes locked onto the oncoming enemies. Kaela took a few steps back, her staff glowing with fire. "I've got your back," she called out, her voice steady but excited. "Let's light things up!"
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Azazel said with a grin. Then, he and Shadow sprang into action.
The first warrior swung his axe at Azazel, who deftly sidestepped and brought his lightning-charged sword down onto the weapon. A burst of electricity crackled through the axe, sending the warrior flying backward with a pained yell. Shadow lunged at another enforcer, his powerful jaws clamping onto the man's shoulder, causing him to scream and drop his weapon.
"Nice one, buddy!" Azazel called out, sparing a quick glance at Shadow before parrying another strike.
Kaela, meanwhile, raised her staff and began chanting. Flames gathered at the tip, swirling and growing brighter until she thrust her hands forward, sending a stream of fire roaring toward a cluster of warriors. They yelped and scattered, desperately trying to avoid the scorching heat.
One of the warriors stumbled to his feet, his helmet slightly askew. "Is it just me, or is this kid a walking thunderstorm?!" he shouted to his comrades.
Azazel laughed, spinning his sword and charging at another opponent. "Thunderstorm? That's flattering. I was going for something scarier, though!"
---
The battle was chaotic, with clashing steel, shouts, and the sizzling sound of lightning and fire filling the air. Villagers peeked out from their homes and shops, eyes wide as they watched the spectacle. Some whispered prayers, while others clutched each other in fear and awe.
One elderly man turned to his wife, who was holding her hands to her mouth in shock. "Is it just me, or did our little village suddenly become ground zero for a war between legends?"
The woman's eyes twinkled with amazement. "If that's what a legend looks like, I'm not complaining. Look at that boy go!"
---
Azazel found himself surrounded by three warriors. They advanced with shields raised, trying to box him in. He adjusted his grip on his sword, feeling the power of the Sky Serpent humming beneath his fingertips.
"Alright, Shadow," he murmured, his voice low but confident. "Let's show them our teamwork."
Shadow barked once, a signal they both understood. Azazel moved first, feinting to the left, drawing two of the warriors' attention. The moment they adjusted, Shadow slipped behind them, leaping onto one of their backs and dragging him down with a snarl. The third warrior tried to capitalize on what he thought was an opening, only for Azazel to pivot and strike, sending a jolt of electricity through the man's armor.
The warrior spasmed, his weapon clattering to the ground as he fell in a heap. "Too easy," Azazel taunted, but then he felt a sudden rush of air and ducked just in time to avoid a massive war hammer.
He looked up to see the burly enforcer from before, eyes wild with rage. "You think your magic tricks can beat me again, brat?!"
Azazel wiped sweat from his brow. "Magic tricks? Oh, you haven't even seen my best one."
The enforcer roared, raising his hammer for another strike. But before he could bring it down, a blast of fire shot from Kaela's staff, forcing him to stumble back.
"Azazel, quit flirting with danger and finish this guy!" Kaela shouted, a bead of sweat running down her temple.
Azazel gave her a cheeky salute. "You got it!"
---
With a burst of speed, Azazel lunged at the enforcer, channeling the power of the Sky Serpent into his blade. He swung with all his strength, the sword slicing through the air and meeting the hammer in a clash that sent out a shockwave of lightning and sparks. The enforcer gritted his teeth, pushing back with brute force.
"You... won't... win!" the man growled.
Azazel's arms strained, but he refused to give up. "Funny," he managed, a bead of sweat dripping down his cheek, "because it looks like I'm about to."
Shadow, ever the loyal companion, joined the fray, biting down hard on the enforcer's leg. The man howled in pain, his grip on the hammer faltering just enough for Azazel to twist free. With a final, powerful swing, Azazel struck the enforcer's chest, sending him crashing to the ground in a shower of lightning.
The other warriors, seeing their leader fall, hesitated. Some dropped their weapons and fled, while others stood frozen, unsure of what to do.
Azazel raised his voice, his sword still crackling with energy. "Anyone else want to test their luck, or are we done here?"
The warriors glanced at each other, then at the villagers, who had started to gather with brooms, pitchforks, and other makeshift weapons. Realizing they were outnumbered, the enforcers turned tail and ran, disappearing into the hills.
---
The villagers erupted into cheers, their fear replaced with joy and admiration. One old man clapped Azazel on the back, nearly knocking him over. "You did it, lad! You saved us!"
Azazel laughed, though he was out of breath. "All in a day's work, right?"
Kaela collapsed onto a nearby bench, her hair slightly singed from her own magic. "Ugh, remind me why we never get a break?"
Azazel joined her, flopping down beside her with a grin. "Because life is more fun this way?"
Kaela rolled her eyes. "Speak for yourself. I'd kill for a nap right about now."
Shadow, ever the comedic relief, plopped down at their feet and rolled onto his back, his tongue lolling out as if to say, *Yeah, I'm tired too.*
Azazel chuckled, scratching Shadow's belly. "Fine, buddy. You've earned a rest."
---
As the villagers offered them food and drink, an elderly woman approached, holding a small bouquet of wildflowers. She handed them to Kaela, her hands trembling. "You... you three are like the heroes from our stories. Thank you for giving us hope."
Kaela's cheeks flushed, and she accepted the flowers with a soft smile. "We're just doing what we can."
Azazel's gaze drifted to the horizon, where dark clouds were gathering, a hint of a storm to come. The villagers might be safe for now, but he knew their journey was far from over.
He turned to Kaela
, his voice thoughtful. "We'll have to keep moving soon. There's more out there... more people who need us."
Kaela nodded, her eyes meeting his. "Yeah, and more mysteries to solve. Like those Nine Beast Lords you mentioned..."
Azazel's grin returned, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Then let's make sure we're ready for whatever comes next."
Shadow let out a bark, as if agreeing, and the three companions shared a laugh, ready to face the next adventure together.