Elias stood at the edge of the rooftop, the lights of the city flickering beneath him like dying embers. The weight of the sword in his hands felt heavier now—no longer just a weapon, but a key. The memory of Astravell hummed quietly within the blade, waiting. It wasn't just steel—it was a bridge to a forgotten world.
Behind him, Lucius watched in silence, his expression unreadable. Naomi and Dan stood by the comms, ready to broadcast the challenge. Ava's voice came through the headset, her tone quiet but steady. "Whenever you're ready, Eli."
He exhaled slowly, the plan taking full shape in his mind. If the cultists had once used the sword to open a doorway for the Devourers, then he could use it to open something better. He just needed to make sure Asmodeus took the bait.
Lucius stood beside him, his voice soft but clear. "Are you ready?"
Elias turned, giving him a small smile. "Not really. But that's never stopped me before."
Lucius chuckled, a spark of amusement flickering across his features. "Good. I'm very proud of you."
Naomi tapped her fingers nervously against the comms panel. "Alright, let's go live. Now."
Dan gave Elias a two-fingered salute. "Knock 'em dead, buddy."
Elias gripped the hilt of the sword tighter and stepped into the broadcast frame. The rooftop lights cast long shadows across his face, giving him the appearance of a warrior pulled from legend. His voice was calm but deliberate as he addressed the world—and the Devourer watching from the other side.
"Asmodeus." Elias's tone carried weight, sharpened by quiet resolve. "You wanted Earth to kneel, but really are you satisfied with these weaklings kissing your ass just by appearing? I have a better idea." He raised the sword, its glow cutting through the night sky. "Face me—alone. Right here, in The Company. Azazel told me you were itching for a fight! So here I am. I'll give you a fight that even Kairo couldn't give you!"
The message broadcast across every screen, every phone, every news station. The public challenge made it impossible for Asmodeus to ignore—it was a strike straight to his pride.
For a moment, silence stretched between worlds. Then Asmodeus appeared on the news feeds beside Elias, his smile colder, sharper, and far too confident.
"Do you think this is clever?" Asmodeus's voice was silky smooth. "A duel? Like children at play?"
Elias smiled faintly, meeting the camera's gaze. "You wanted a stage, so I'm giving you one. Or what? Are you scared?"
The Devourer's eyes narrowed. He tilted his head, amusement flickering beneath the surface of his expression. "You like to run your mouth, brat! Set the terms, and I will agree to them!"
"Swear on your Creator that if you lose, you will command your troops to retreat and serve me for the rest of your life!"
"And when I crush you in front of your world?"
Elias kept his gaze steady. "Then you can do whatever the hell you want with me and this world." He then gave a smug smile. "That is, if you can."
Asmodeus's grin widened. "Fine, I swear on my Creator to agree to these terms. I'll be there." The broadcast ended with a flicker, the connection severed—and just like that, the challenge was set.
Elias lowered the sword, his heart hammering against his ribs. Now came the hard part.
Lucius stepped forward, his gaze flickering between Elias and the blade. "Ready when you are."
Elias nodded. "I'm counting on you."
Lucius gave him an approving look, as if Elias had passed an unspoken test. "Good."
Naomi looked between them, confusion written across her face. "They're being cryptic again. Is Lucius contagious or what?"
Ava and Dan chuckled.
Elias adjusted his grip on the sword and took a step back from the edge. "Your old master made you with his hatred toward the Devourers, and that's how they could use you to connect their world to ours."
Ava blinked, remembering Esmer and Kairo's memories.
"Now, you're made with something different," Elias smiled faintly, his gaze steady. "It's time for Astravell to live again."
He closed his eyes, the weight of the sword grounding him. He felt the hum of the world within it—Manna, the lifeblood of Astravell, flowing through the metal. It was a world waiting to be reborn.
Elias raised the sword high above his head—and with a sharp, deliberate motion, he brought it down in a clean arc, slicing through the fabric of reality.
The world cracked open.
The rooftop trembled as a glowing rift split the air, unfurling like a curtain pulled back to reveal a different realm. Light poured through—soft, golden, and warm, carrying the scent of ancient forests and distant seas. The memory of Astravell bled into the night, covering the rooftop in the soft hum of life.
At the center of the rift, the Forge of Immortality materialized, shimmering with ethereal energy. But it wasn't alone. The sweet scent of Manna drifted through the air, unseen by most—grace given form, a power beyond the Devourers' reach.
Dan whistled, wide-eyed. "Okay. That's... fucking crazy."
Lucius gave a soft, satisfied hum. "Welcome back."
Elias took a deep breath, feeling the presence of Astravell settle over him like a second skin. He wasn't just fighting for Earth. He was fighting for a world that had been lost—and for the chance to save both.
He stepped toward the glowing arena, the hum of the sword aligning with his heartbeat. The stage was set. Now all that remained was to see if Asmodeus would keep his word.
Behind him, Naomi gave a small shake of her head, her voice laced with disbelief. "You really are insane, you know that?"
Elias smiled, but there was no trace of fear in it—only quiet certainty. "It's a game, remember? And all gamers at their core are insane."
Lucius chuckled softly, his voice like a whisper carried on the wind. "I'm sure not everyone shares the same insanity as you, child."