In a luxurious hall illuminated by magical lights, the host, a mysterious figure wrapped in a black cloak, addressed the assembled witches. His deep, authoritative voice rang out, capturing the attention of all present.

-Welcome, Noble Witches. Today, in this neutral place, I have summoned the Witches of the most powerful lineages. My proposal is simple: I offer an unparalleled deal for the death of Liffel. Bring me his body, and you will receive a reward worthy of your greatness. Allow me to introduce you to one another, though I doubt you will need introductions.

With a gesture, the host pointed to each, noting their lineage and peculiarities:

*Lafy, of the Water Lineage, a 19-year-old girl with blue hair shimmering like the ocean and bright eyes that reflected serenity. Her presence evoked calm, though her youth hinted at inexperience.

*Lety Stonia, of the Earth Lineage, a 20-year-old witch with dark brown hair and gray tips.Discreet in appearance and power, she did not stand out so much among the noble witches, but her connection to the earth made her reliable.

Cenicium, of the Lineage of Death, an ancient witch, 6247 years old, with ash-gray hair and an aura as evil as her reputation.Her very presence chilled the air in the room.

*Dark-Kyam, of the Despair Lineage, a powerful witch with mental powers, with violet hair and 18 years old. Her gaze seemed to burn with fanaticism and darkness.

*Fraphylia, of the Lineage of Life, a 47-year-old witch with ambitions beyond her lineage. She wished to wrest the hereditary right from Liffel, whom she considered unworthy.

*Aste, of the Celestial Lineage, an imposing and radiant figure. At 26, her yellow hair shone like the sun, and her divine aura dominated the room with unparalleled intensity.

The host paused, letting those present absorb his words before mentioning in a serious tone:

-Unfortunately, the absentees are significant. Young Liffel, heiress of the Lineage of Life, whose fate seems intertwined with the chaos that surrounds us. And Brallet, of the Lineage of Truth, 22 years old, whose disappearance leaves a disturbing void.

The host lowered his voice, as if not wanting to reveal too much.

-As for the last lineage? I'm afraid my information is incomplete. But their absence will also be felt, like an echo in the coming darkness.

The hall was silent for a moment, the witches watching each other with varying degrees of interest, disdain or distrust.

The host, from his elevated position on the balcony, watched with satisfaction as his plan began to bear fruit. The tension in the air was palpable, and when Frafylia, visibly impatient, raised her voice, it was clear that the host's soft words would not hold the witches back for long.

-I agree with killing Liffel,” Frafylia said disdainfully, interrupting abruptly.But enough with the empty speeches. We all know you're nothing but a coward behind a mask.

The comment caused the room to erupt.Dark-Kyam, with an almost fanatical devotion to the host, responded immediately.

-Shut up, you stupid old woman! -he spat, with a childish tone that contrasted with the malice in his words. Why don't you retire at once to a cottage in the country?

Frafylia's fury was not long in coming. Her eyes were fixed on the young woman like daggers, and she angrily retorted:

-How dare you, you spoiled child? I will tear out your tongue and tear you apart bit by bit.

Without further warning, the two witches collided in an explosion of energy. Dark-Kyam, agile and quick, launched a mental attack but Frafylia, with her experience and power, responded with equal intensity. The hall, so elegant minutes before, became a battlefield.

In the midst of the chaos, Lety Stonia, eager to prove her worth and fearful of being sidelined, decided to throw herself against Frafylia. However, the veteran witch of the Lineage of Life, who had already stolen her powers long ago with a magical item, easily overpowered her. Lety quickly fell to the ground, helpless, as Frafylia let out a laugh of triumph, her aura of superiority filling the room.

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Meanwhile, Cenicium, with his evil aura, and Lafy of the Water Lineage, watched the fight in silence. Aste, bright and serene, stood on the sidelines, carefully assessing each.

From the balcony, the host gave a slow, resounding clap, as if applauding the spectacle he had orchestrated.

Chaos escalated in the hall as the massive doors burst open, letting in four black-armored Valkyries. The warriors, known for their prowess and loyalty to the Kingdom of Arcaladia, strode forward with determination, their imposing figures standing out against the light of the hall.

The host, enraged, turned to them and raised his voice:

What are the black-armored Valkyries doing in my playground? This is not their place!

Before he could get an answer, a huge man, nearly six feet tall, entered with a giant hammer on his back. His footsteps echoed in the silence that had settled over the room.

-I AM CAYSUS AND I HAVE COME TO DESTROY YOU! -I have discovered your betrayal of the King of Arcaladia and your plans to assassinate my apprentice, Liffel!

With a burst of fury, Caysus charged towards the host, accompanied by two Valkyrias who unsheathed axes covered in magical energy. In a mighty leap, Caysus raised his hammer and dropped it in a swooping blow aimed at the host.

The host dodged the attack with surprising agility and, in a withering move, unsheathed a red sword with a terrifying aura. The blade cut one of the Valkyrias in half, showering the floor with blood.

Caysus, furious, faced him:

-I did not expect to find you here, Mesiol, one of the three soldiers loyal to the hero.

The host, now revealed as Mesiol, smiled mischievously:

-I no longer need this mask or this charade.Now that you have discovered me, it is time to finish you off.

Suddenly, an agile man appeared from the top of the balcony and ran towards Caysus. Before he could react, he gouged out his eye with his daggers. Caysus, roaring in pain, struck him with his hammer in a sideways motion that shattered his skull, dropping him lifeless.

Mesiol observed coolly.

-He was a good guard. What a pity. -His tone lacked compassion. In this world, only the strong survive. If you die, you were simply weak.

Caysus looked at him with hatred.

-So now it's your turn.

The two began to fight, and Mesiol, with impressive skill, dodged every blow of the hammer and countered with precise slashes. In a final twist, he amputated an arm of Caysus, who fell to his knees, gasping in pain.

-Are you really as good as the rumors say? -said Caysus, trying to stand firm.I may die here, but the Kingdom of Arcaladia will find you.

Mesiol laughed scornfully.

-By the time they do, most of this world will be dead.You talk too much for someone who has already lost.

Caysus looked up, incredulous.

-What do you mean?

Mesiol's smile widened.

-With the help of the hero I am manipulating, and with Liffel and Aste as my linchpins, this world will be destroyed. I will rebuild it under my own rules. You are all mere pawns... except for my lovely Dark-kyam, of course.

Caysus, enraged, spat:

-I doubt that Liffel would participate in your plans!I was her master in the war. She is a noble girl with a pure heart.

-Hahaha, there are so many things that you ignore....-replied Mesiol, slowly approaching. Watch from wherever you are, be it heaven, hell, or nothingness. You will see how your precious apprentice changes.

With superhuman strength, Mesiol plunged his sword into Caysus' head, ending his life with a single blow. Caysus' body collapsed, as Mesiol coolly watched the scene, his smile filled with absolute confidence in his victory.

Meanwhile, Mesiol, using the dark power of one of his rings, summoned shadows that took their form behind the remaining Valkyrias.Before they could react, the shadows materialized, and Mesiol eliminated them with precision, cutting their throats in a single motion.

In another part of the room, Aste, who had been listening to the conversation while the others were distracted by the fighting, suddenly disappeared. She was abducted by an invisible entity, imperceptible to even the most powerful witches. Lafy, noticing Aste's absence, was shocked and tried to open a portal to Liffel to ask for help. However, her efforts were in vain, as her magic was not responding at the time. Meanwhile, Lety and Cenicium took advantage of the chaos to leave the room without looking back.

Lafy decided to search for Liffel by tracking her aura while still trying to make her portal work. In the midst of it all, the battle between Frafylia and Dark-Kyam reached a critical point, destroying much of the room. Exhausted, Frafylia opted to escape using her own portal, disappearing before Dark-Kyam could catch her.

Dark-Kyam was about to pursue her when Mesiol's voice stopped her.

-Dark-Kyam, I have a mission for you,” ordered Mesiol, his voice cold and authoritative. Follow Liffel and observe her. Find her weakness.

Dark-Kyam nodded slightly.

-As you wish, Mr. Mesiol.

As Dark-Kyam departed in search of Liffel, Mesiol returned to the hero's base, satisfied with the chaos he had caused.

In the city of Markkus, Liffel related to Lesky what had happened in the forest, including Billaf's death and the strange forces that were stalking her. Understanding the gravity of the situation, they decided to separate momentarily to throw off the pursuer. Liffel went her own way, while a dark assassin lurked in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.