After completing his first set of objectives given by the Supreme Ruler, Altleno found himself on a path that was both his mission and his liberation. The next goal was clear: defeat the Demon King. For Bow, this journey was deeply personal—a quest for revenge and redemption for the lives lost, including those from her village and her parents. For Altleno, it was a task tied to his freedom—the key to escaping a life of endless servitude and purpose.

As they prepared for the perilous journey to the Demon Continent, known as Maotu, they knew they couldn't do it alone. The Demon King's stronghold could only be reached by passing through the Infernal Citadel, a fortress guarded by legions of demons. Adventurers from all walks of life expressed their desire to help defeat the Demon King and free the world from his evil rule. Altleno and Bow agreed and began gathering a team of allies.

Traveling far and wide, they sought warriors, mercenaries, mages, and adventurers willing to fight for the safety of the world—or for their own reasons. Some joined out of a sense of duty, others for fame, and a few for the promise of gold. Together, they assembled a diverse group of individuals, including:

Artemis, the Arcane Vanguard: A sorceress known for her mastery of elemental magic, who joined to avenge and rescue her enslaved people.

Darnel, the Exiled Paladin: Once a knight of a fallen kingdom, Darnel sought redemption and a place to belong.

Kairos, the Beast Whisperer: A nomadic ranger who brought with him a pack of loyal and ferocious wolves, seeking the thrill of battle.

Tyra, the Blacksmith Warrior: A skilled artisan who crafted her own weapons and armor, joining to test her creations against the mightiest of foes.

As they moved from town to town, recruiting and training their growing army, Altleno's leadership skills began to shine. Though new to commanding people, his determination inspired others. Bow, on the other hand, balanced his optimism with strategy, ensuring their group was not only large but disciplined.

After weeks of preparation, the day finally came to set off toward the Demon Continent. The march was grueling, with long days and harsh weather testing the resolve of their army. Altleno and Bow took turns leading, each pushing themselves to keep morale high despite the looming dangers ahead.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the stars began to emerge, they stopped to set up camp. The air was cold, and the faint sounds of nocturnal creatures echoed in the distance. Soldiers worked efficiently, pitching tents, lighting fires, and sharpening weapons.

Altleno, tired but resolute, sat by one of the fires with Bow. The flames danced between them, casting flickering shadows on their faces.

"We've come so far," Altleno said, gazing into the fire. "Do you ever wonder what life will be like after this?"

Bow hesitated, staring at her hands. "I haven't allowed myself to think that far. Revenge... it's all I've known for so long." She looked up, her expression softer than usual. "But I hope you'll find the freedom you're fighting for."

Altleno smiled faintly. "I think we both deserve a chance to start over. Maybe... maybe we can figure it out together."

Bow didn't respond immediately, but a small, genuine smile crossed her lips. For a moment, the weight of their journey seemed lighter.

The camp bustled with activity as the soldiers prepared for the days ahead. Bow, ever the tactician, gathered the captains and laid out a detailed plan for their approach to Maotu. They would need to invade the Infernal Citadel and withstand the demonic hordes while ensuring minimal losses.

Meanwhile, Altleno took time to bond with the recruits, listening to their stories and offering encouragement. His growing strength and experience, coupled with his approachable demeanor, made him a respected figure among the army.

As the night deepened, Altleno stood at the edge of the camp, gazing out into the dark wilderness. Bow joined him, her armor glinting faintly in the moonlight.

"Do you think we're ready for this?" she asked, her voice quiet.

Altleno nodded. "Ready or not, it's what we have to do. The Demon King won't wait for us to feel prepared."

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Bow smirked slightly. "Spoken like someone who's starting to sound like a leader."

Altleno chuckled. "Maybe I'm learning from the best."

Bow rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Instead, she gazed at the stars, the faintest hint of hope in her expression.

The march to Maotu was far from over, but with their army by their side and their determination unwavering, Altleno and Bow prepared to face the ultimate challenge—the battle for the safety of the world and, perhaps, their own salvation.

---

Upon reaching the Infernal Citadel, Altleno sensed something was wrong. He raised a hand, halting the group's advance. The air was heavy, thick with malevolence. As they stood still, the horizon darkened with the sight of a massive demonic army. Dragons soared overhead, their scales glinting like molten steel, while lizardmen, orcs, and other monstrous beasts emerged from the shadows.

Behind them stood a slim, ominous figure radiating an overwhelming aura.

Artemis froze. Her usually calm composure shattered as she stumbled backward, her eyes wide with terror.

"That's... that's him," she whispered, her voice trembling. "The Demon King's right-hand man."

Before anyone could respond, an immense surge of energy erupted from Artemis. It wasn't aura but something entirely different—something ancient and powerful. Altleno staggered, shocked by the unfamiliar sensation.

As the energy coursed through her, Artemis's true form was revealed: her elven features mingling with traits of a rabbit beastman. Her ears elongated, her movements grew faster, and her presence became otherworldly.

Consumed by rage, Artemis began charging toward the enemy army, her power radiating like a blazing storm.

"Artemis, stop!" Darnel shouted, stepping in front of her and grabbing her shoulders. His voice was desperate, pleading. "You can't go in alone! Not like this!"

For a moment, Artemis struggled, her eyes blazing with fury. But Darnel's grip didn't waver.

"Please," he said softly. "We need you here. We need to do this together."

Artemis's breathing slowed as Darnel's words reached her. She closed her eyes, her energy slowly receding.

Altleno stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll face them. All of us. Together."

The group regrouped, their resolve stronger than ever. The battle ahead would be the most dangerous yet, but they stood united, ready to take the first step toward defeating the Demon King.

As the group huddled around the campfire, the air remained tense. Artemis sat quietly, her usually confident demeanor replaced by a heavy silence. Bow and Altleno exchanged glances before Bow spoke gently.

"Artemis, you've been carrying this for a long time. We don't want to push, but if we're going to face what's ahead, we need to understand. Who are you? Where does your power come from?"

Artemis closed her eyes, her shoulders sagging. The flickering flames reflected in her emerald eyes as she began to speak.

"I was born in a hidden village of elves," she started, her voice steady but distant. "We called it Altheria. My people were reclusive, choosing to live apart from the rest of the world. To outsiders, we were myths—a forgotten race lost in the depths of the forests."

She paused, her hands trembling slightly.

"But even among my own people, I didn't belong. My mother... she was ostracized for what they called her 'sin.' You see, my father wasn't an elf—he was a rabbit beastman. Their union was seen as a disgrace, a stain on the purity of our village. Because of this, my mother was treated like trash, and I... I was labeled cursed from the moment I was born."

Altleno and Bow listened intently, their expressions grim as they began to piece together the source of Artemis's pain.

"I didn't have friends," Artemis continued, her voice tinged with sorrow. "My mother forbade me from leaving our home. She was terrified that something would happen to me, or worse, that others would discover us together. I hated it—hated being locked away, hated seeing her suffer. But I knew she was trying to protect me."

Artemis's gaze fell to the ground, her voice softening. "One day, while gathering food, a boy approached me. He wasn't like the others. He smiled at me, called me interesting... and wanted to be my friend. For the first time, I felt like I wasn't cursed. I was so happy."

She swallowed hard, her tone growing bitter. "I rushed home, eager to tell my mother. I thought she'd be glad for me. But when I told her, she... she hit me. Hard. It sent me flying across the room."

Bow's jaw tightened, and Altleno clenched his fists, anger flashing in his eyes. But neither interrupted.

"My mother broke down crying after that," Artemis said, her voice wavering. "She told me the truth about my father. He wasn't in another village, like I'd always believed. He was dead—executed by the elders as soon as they found out about me. She was terrified that if anyone saw me with that boy, they'd come for me too. That's when I finally understood why she kept me hidden, why she treated me the way she did. It wasn't out of hatred—it was out of fear."

The camp was silent, save for the crackling of the fire.

"I stopped speaking to anyone after that," Artemis continued. "I stayed hidden, avoiding the world. But then, one day... everything changed. The village descended into chaos. People were disappearing, and the villagers started blaming my mother. They accused her of cursing the village, of summoning some dark force to punish them. The elders dragged her to the center of the village, preparing to execute her."

Her voice faltered, her hands curling into fists. "I couldn't do anything. I was too scared. I just stood there, frozen, as they raised their weapons."

"And then... the horn," she said, her eyes wide as if reliving the moment. "It was deep and haunting, echoing through the forest. Everyone stopped. From the shadows came something I can only describe as a ghost—but it wasn't. It moved like smoke, yet it was solid, with glowing red eyes that pierced through the darkness. It descended on the village like a plague, slaughtering everyone in its path."

Her voice shook, and tears welled in her eyes. "But it wasn't enough to kill them. This... thing began combining their bodies, merging them into a single, grotesque monstrosity. Limbs, faces, torsos—it was a writhing mass of flesh and agony. And then... the demon appeared. The one we saw today. He didn't even look at me. He just... took the rest of my people, including my mother, and vanished."

Artemis's voice broke, and she clenched her jaw to steady herself. "I ran. I ran as far and as fast as I could, away from that... abomination. I didn't look back. Eventually, I collapsed in the middle of the woods, too weak to move."

She let out a bitter laugh. "The world now calls my village the Forbidden Forest. No one dares to go there, not because of superstition but because of the monstrosity that still lurks there. That's what I escaped from."

Altleno placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm but comforting. "You've been carrying this pain for so long. I'm sorry, Artemis. For what you went through... for everything."

Bow nodded, her expression solemn. "You've survived more than most could bear. But you don't have to face it alone anymore. We're here."

Artemis wiped her eyes, taking a shaky breath. "Thank you. But it's not just about survival anymore. That demon... he's the reason my people are gone, the reason my life was destroyed. I won't stop until I've made him pay."

Altleno met her gaze, his eyes filled with determination. "Then we'll do it—together."

The group sat in silence for a moment, letting Artemis's story sink in. The fire crackled softly, its warmth a small comfort against the weight of the past. They all knew the battles ahead would be the hardest they'd ever faced, but in that moment, their resolve burned brighter than ever.