As the group began to gather their meager belongings, barely anything that even remotely has value besides some bread which could only be described as "edible". They hear a low growl from a distance echoed which was one of the only sounds you would hear in this desolate place, it is unmistakbly the sound of a demon. Eryndor and Malum both froze, their hands going to their weapons.
The growl deepened, echoing through the ruins as more shadows moved in the distance. The refugees huddled together, fear etched into their faces.
Woman: "What... what are they?"
Before anyone could answer, the first demon stepped into the light. Its hulking frame was twisted and unnatural, its blackened skin oozing with cracks that glowed faintly red. It let out a guttural snarl, revealing rows of jagged teeth as its glowing eyes fixed on the group. Behind it, more demons emerged five, ten, twenty each one a grotesque amalgamation of limbs and claws, their movements jerky and animalistic.
Malum: "Well, this is a lovely welcoming party."
Eryndor stepped forward, placing himself between the demons and the refugees. Dawn Breaker ignited in his hand, the golden flames illuminating the darkness as the only source of light only could be described as the most "Brilliant Light".
Eryndor: "Stay behind us. No matter what happens."
Malum grinned, spinning a pair of Adamantium knives in his hands each one decorated with some silver and ancient symbols that translates to "Hunter" as he positioned himself beside Eryndor.
Malum: "You know, this feels just like old times."
Eryndor: "Not the time, Malum."
Malum: "It's always the time for banter."
The first demon roared and lunged at Eryndor, its claws slicing through the air with deadly speed. Eryndor sidestepped, bringing Dawn Breaker down in a sweeping arc. The blade's holy flames burned through the creature's flesh, leaving a deep gash that sizzled with golden light.
Eryndor: "You'll find no feast here, monster!"
The creature staggered back, howling in pain, but another demon leapt over its fallen comrade, claws outstretched. Before it could reach Eryndor, a silver dagger whistled through the air and embedded itself in the demon's skull. It collapsed in a heap, twitching before it dissolved into ash.
Malum: "You're welcome little Ery."
Without missing a beat, Malum surged forward, his movements fluid and precise. He ducked beneath a demon's swipe, slashing at its tendons with one knife while driving the other into its neck. Black ichor sprayed across his armor as the creature fell, writhing.
Malum: "You keep playing with fire. I'll clean up the rest."
More demons poured in, their guttural cries filling the air. Eryndor and Malum moved as a unit, their contrasting styles complementing one another. Eryndor stood firm, his strikes sweeping and deliberate, Dawn Breaker's flames cutting wide arcs through the enemy. Each swing left trails of golden light that lingered in the air, forming a glowing barrier between the demons and the refugees.
Eryndor: "Do not let them get past us! The refugee's has no way of defending themselves!"
Malum, meanwhile, moved like a shadow, weaving between the demons with ruthless efficiency. His daggers flashed as he targeted weak points eyes, throats, joints, his blows quick and decisive.
Malum: "Keep them busy, nobleman! I'll handle the sneaky ones!"
One demon broke through their formation, rushing toward the refugees. A woman screamed, shielding her child with her body.
Eryndor: "No!"
He hurled a fireball from Dawn Breaker, the holy flames slamming into the demon and reducing it to ash mere inches from the woman.
Despite Eryndor and Malum's efforts, the sheer number of demons began to overwhelm them. The ground shook as a larger demon emerged—a towering beast with molten cracks running across its chest. Its roar sent a shockwave through the ruins, scattering debris and forcing the refugees to flee from their hiding place.
Malum: "Ahh, God shits in my dinner once again. Here I thought this day couldn't get any worse."
Eryndor clenched his jaw, stepping forward to meet the new threat.
Eryndor: "Keep the smaller ones off the refugees. I'll handle this."
Malum: "You're not serious are you? That thing's twice your size and that's saying something!"
Eryndor: "Just trust me!"
Malum cursed his predicament under his breath but turned his focus to the horde to ensure no demon gets past him.
The massive demon charged, its molten claws leaving scorch marks on the ground. Eryndor braced himself, raising Dawn Breaker to parry the strike. The impact sent a shockwave through his arms, it felt as if his bones were going to shatter in a heartbeat but he held on firm, the blade's golden light flaring against the demon's corrupted energy.
Eryndor: "I am Eryndor of Concordia! And you will fall by my blade!"
The demon swiped again, but Eryndor ducked under the blow, slashing at its legs. The holy fire burned through its flesh, and the creature howled in a rage more and more agitated at Eryndor's quick wits.
Meanwhile, Malum fought to keep the smaller demons away from the fleeing refugees. He pulled a vial from his belt, hurling it at the ground. The vial shattered, releasing a burst of silvery mist that sent several demons into a frenzy, tearing into each other.
Malum: "Haha, a little chaos goes a long way don't ya think?."
With a final, desperate effort, Eryndor plunged Dawn Breaker into the chest of the massive demon, holy flames erupting from the blade. The creature roared one last time before collapsing it's roar defeaning as its body disintegrating into ash.
As the dust settled, Eryndor leaned heavily on his sword, catching his breath. Malum sauntered over, casually flicking demon ichor from one of his knives.
Malum: "Well, that was fun. Next time, maybe let me take the big one. You're getting slow."
Eryndor: "Slow? I just killed a demon the size of a house."
Malum: "And you looked good doing it, too. But let's not make a habit of this 'noble sacrifice' thing. I'm not interested in dragging your corpse home."
Eryndor shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Eryndor: "Some things never change."
Malum: "You'd be lost without me, Little Ery."
The surviving refugees huddled together, their faces pale but alive. Eryndor rose to his feet despite the very visible pain he is in, turning to address them with a warm smile in these dark times.
Eryndor: "You're safe for now. But this is only the beginning. We must move quickly before they smell the blood here."
The man with the rusted sword stepped forward, his head bowed to Eryndor with respect, his face showing signs of him holding back his tears.
Man: "You saved us... I didn't think..."
Eryndor placed a hand on his shoulder, comforting the man whose hope was shattered.
Eryndor: "You can repay me by staying alive. Let's go."