King Dezaral returned from The Lonely Hills, taking a secret passage known only to the rulers of the Raizen bloodline. The hidden tunnel, carved through the mountain centuries ago, connected the sacred site directly to the heart of the Azure Empire—the royal castle. The king walked the winding path in silence, his thoughts consumed by the revelation of *Dark Angel* and the ominous trials that lay ahead. By the time he emerged into the hidden chamber beneath the castle, the weight of the crown felt heavier than ever.
Ascending to the throne room, Dezaral dismissed his guards and sat alone on his ornate seat of power. The great hall, usually bustling with advisors and courtiers, was eerily quiet. For a long time, the king stared at the intricate designs carved into the marble floor, his mind racing with questions and doubts. He thought of the shadow's words, the hidden power of the sword, and the eight ancient commanders he needed to find. The enormity of the task loomed over him, but he knew he couldn't act alone.
### **The Meeting of Commanders**
After hours of reflection, Dezaral summoned his royal commanders for an urgent meeting. These eight individuals were among the most powerful and influential figures in the Azure Empire, each governing a distinct region. The empire was divided equally between human and demon rule: four holy knights managed human and elven lands, while four demon generals oversaw the demon territories. Each region had its unique climate, culture, and challenges, from icy tundras to dense jungles and arid deserts.
The commanders gathered in the grand council chamber, a circular room adorned with banners representing their respective regions. Dezaral sat at the head of the table, his piercing gaze moving from one commander to the next.
"Commanders," he began, his voice steady yet firm, "the Empire faces challenges that require immediate attention. Reports from various regions speak of unnatural climate changes, missing animals, crop failures, and sudden natural disasters. These anomalies threaten not only the livelihood of our people but also the stability of the empire."
General Beleb, a demon commander of the Kaya region, leaned forward. A rugged man with horns that curled back like a ram's, he spoke with an air of urgency. "Your Majesty, the Kaya region has seen strange phenomena over the past few months. Rivers have dried up without explanation, and forests have withered overnight. It feels… unnatural. I fear something far more dangerous may be at play."
Dezaral nodded gravely. "Your observations match reports from other regions. Whatever this is, it must be addressed swiftly. I charge each of you to investigate these occurrences in your territories and find solutions. Spare no resources. If this is a threat, it must be neutralized before it grows beyond our control."
The commanders exchanged concerned glances, murmuring amongst themselves. Dezaral, however, kept his deeper concerns about *Dark Angel* and the shadow's warning to himself. He couldn't reveal everything—not yet.
As the meeting adjourned, the commanders departed to carry out their orders. Once the chamber was empty, Dezaral summoned his most trusted agent, Lord Ruyken.
### **The King's Secret Mission**
Ruyken entered quietly, his black cloak blending with the shadows of the throne room. Known as the King's Shadow, Ruyken was Dezaral's personal spy and confidant. A master of stealth and strategy, his loyalty to the Raizen family was unmatched.
"You summoned me, Your Majesty?" Ruyken asked, kneeling before the throne.
Dezaral stood and descended the steps, his expression somber. "I need your help, Ruyken. There is a task of utmost importance—one I trust only you to undertake."
Ruyken rose, his sharp eyes fixed on the king. "What is it, sire?"
Dezaral recounted his encounter in The Lonely Hills, sparing no detail. He spoke of the shadow's revelation, the ancient power of *Dark Angel*, and the need to locate the eight royal commanders from Sol Raizen's era. Ruyken listened intently, his face betraying no emotion as the king explained the stakes.
"This mission is unlike any you've undertaken before," Dezaral concluded. "The fate of the Empire may rest upon its success. You must find the eight ancient commanders, wherever they may be. To aid you in this task, I grant you the Raizen family crest. Use it to gain the trust and favor of those who may hold clues to their whereabouts."
Ruyken took the crest with reverence, slipping it into his cloak. "I will not fail you, Your Majesty."
"One more thing," Dezaral added. "You cannot do this alone. Assemble a team—people you trust implicitly. This mission will take you across the empire and beyond. Choose wisely."
Ruyken bowed deeply. "It will be done."
### **The Team Assembles**
Ruyken wasted no time. By nightfall, he was waiting at the outskirts of the capital city, near a secluded forest path. Soon, three figures approached, their packs slung over their shoulders.
"You're late," Ruyken said, his tone flat but not unkind.
Lisa, a sharp-eyed woman in her late twenties, smirked. "We wouldn't be late if someone had given us better directions."
Rio, a cheerful young man of 24, laughed nervously. "Sorry about that, Ruyken. We're ready to go now."
The last member, Dan, a grizzled veteran in his mid-thirties, simply nodded, his face calm and unreadable.
"Good," Ruyken said, turning toward the forest. "This journey will be long and dangerous. We'll face threats unlike anything you've encountered before. Stay sharp, and follow my lead."
With that, the group set off, their first steps on a journey that would take them deep into the unknown.
### **Far Away: Death Valley**
Meanwhile, far from the Azure Empire, in a desolate region known as Death Valley, a dark power was stirring. This barren, sun-scorched land was home to the Crimson Demons—a faction of renegade demons who had rejected Sol Raizen's unity centuries ago. They idolized Demon King Derous, vowing to one day avenge his defeat and reclaim the world for demonkind.
In the heart of their stronghold, a towering black castle with twin spires, a group of Crimson Demon leaders convened in a dimly lit chamber.
"Our spies report increasing instability in the Azure Empire," one of them said, his voice dripping with malice. "Natural disasters, unrest… it is the perfect time to strike."
Another leader, a tall, hooded figure with glowing red eyes, nodded. "The time has come to infiltrate their lands. If King Dezaral cannot maintain control, the empire will fall into chaos—and from that chaos, we shall rise."
As the meeting continued, the Crimson Demons began laying their plans, unaware that their schemes would soon collide with the King's desperate search for salvation.