A gentle breeze swept through Elias's hair as he leaned into the open window in the back of Dan's car, savoring the dawn air. They drove over the renewed Earth, the sky clear and radiant, no longer shadowed by crimson clouds or smothering ash. Morning light streamed through the mist, casting a warm glow over the landscape. For the first time since the battle, Elias felt the full weight of the journey settling over him. A strange sense of peace, yet a reminder of all they had fought for, filled him.
Beside him, Ava gazed out the window, her sharp eyes lingering on the distant arena where their final clash had unfolded. Her expression was calm yet intent, as if she were engraving the scene into her memory.
"It's hard to believe it's really over," Dan murmured from the driver's seat, steering to avoid the disorderly streets crowded with abandoned cars and animated people. "Well, at least the Asmodeus part of it."
Elias nodded, his fingers drifting to the hilt of his sword. The ancient force of Manna, which had once fueled Astravell and infused his weapon, was now released into the world, making Earth into the stuff of fantasy. They had defeated the Devourers, and Earth, for now, was free. However, as Lucius said, Earth has begun undergoing a change.
As they turned toward the heart of what was once the city, they came to a sudden stop. Ahead of them, a makeshift blockade of cars and spikes sprawled across the road. The car's brakes squealed as Dan halted, and from the barricade, a group approached—dressed in scraps of metal and plastic armor, carrying handcrafted weapons. They looked like scavengers, their makeshift gear a testament to limited resources and fierce survival.
A solitary figure stepped forward, fully clad in military gear, an assault rifle slung over his shoulder. His voice cut through the quiet tension. "Halt! This territory belongs to the Vanguard Syndicate. If you want to enter, you need to surrender all belongings and be properly processed."
"Damn…" Naomi muttered from the back seat. "I figured some groups would start carving up territories, but this is way too fast."
Dan chuckled under his breath, glancing at Elias. "So, boss, still think it's worth entering the city to find those Celestial Requiem players?"
Elias's hand tightened on the hilt of his sword. "Stay in the car," he instructed, stepping out into the cool dawn air.
Ava shot him a look, her eyes meeting his with a shared understanding. A brief, supportive nod passed between them.
The group tensed as Elias unsheathed his sword, the sound slicing through the stillness. In response, weapons were raised, fingers hovering near triggers.
"Don't try anything funny!" the man barked, his gaze narrowing.
One of the men beside him hesitated, squinting at Elias. "Wait...isn't that the guy from the livestream?"
"What, you mean the one who killed that demon?" another muttered, his eyes widening. "No way…"
Elias let the sword glint in the morning light, golden tendrils beginning to shimmer faintly around him. "Spread the word," he called out, his voice clear and commanding. "And make sure you're clear. WardensBlade is recruiting for his guild."