Walking down the long corridors of the Leviere prison, their walls chipped and the flooring corroding, was the young vampire trying his best not to fall apart. With a hand pressed on the walls and a limp on his step, he tried to reach for the end of the tunnel.

The third wave had just gotten started and the aftereffects completely destroyed the cells. After having searched for his partners and learning none of them were there, he made it his primary goal to escape. He could hear the combat happening on the other side of the prison hall but wasn’t in the right condition to fight.

Small step after small step, a battle-damaged Omar reached the stairs leading to the castle lobby.

Omar: [Where the hell are they?]

Climbing the stairs and arriving in a cold room with a cylindrical pillar in the center, Omar took a seat by the door with heavy gasps. He could still feel the tremors and shakes coming from the cells.

Omar: [That has to be Heirloom fighting… What happened while I was out?]

A sudden burst of pain clouded Omar’s mind, forcing a grunt out of him as he buried his head in his hands. The unbearable pain was followed by a buzzing ring that only lasted a short while. He could feel his head beginning to implode, like his brain was growing and clashing with his skull.

Through the pain, however, he heard metallic footsteps above him clashing with the floor below them. The soldiers were headed outdoors with no clue as to what was going on.

Omar hurt: [I have… to see what’s goin’ on.]

Before he could take another step forward, Omar suddenly found himself in an entirely different domain. Where there were once dark brick walls, appeared a pair of red eyes looking down at him, but only for a moment. Before he could put together what happened, he returned to his cell, like he had never left in the first place.

With an arm against the wall, he looked around his all-too-familiar cell in shock.

Omar: [Was I caught?]

He continued to feel the shaking from the battle just outside his cell.

Left to ponder with his thoughts, Omar walked up to the open cell cage and wrapped his hands around the cold bars.

Staring at the exit, he counted down the seconds in his head, psyching himself up into making a full sprint. The trembling from the nearby battle came to an end and gave Omar the perfect amount of time.

3…

2…

1…

FWOSH

Within an instant, Omar vanished from behind the cell and left behind a cloud of dust. As soon as he stepped out, he could feel his magic coming back to him. Using his unique ability, he shrunk and continued his dash to the exit.

Crashing into the door with an explosive boom, he made it to the other end of the castle in a matter of seconds. He returned to his normal size and walked around, observing the mosaic art glasses that told a story.

In a matter of seconds, however, he got a flash of the peering eyes and suddenly appeared back in his cell, incapable of using his magic now immobilized. He couldn’t move a muscle.

Omar: [You can’t hold me here forever.]

He spoke into the abyss. There was no response to his statement, but he could feel the presence of something watching him. No tangible force in sight, but he had a feeling it wasn’t anything friendly

Omar: [I’ll get out of here, and make you pay.]

A few hours pass and he is given the ability to move again.

With the fear that his punishment would be greater if he were to attempt another escape, Omar dropped to his bed. With a groan, he covered his eyes using his forearm and tried falling asleep, but constant, nagging thoughts wouldn’t leave his mind. Restless and curious, he let out a deep sigh.

The trembling from the battle had suspiciously come to an end right before he tried to leave the second time. He didn’t see any soldiers walk by, or even the paladin, who he was hoping to see eventually. Everything fell silent and stayed that way the entire time he was frozen.

Whatever was the cause of the battles, had to have involved one or more of his teammates, but if that were the case, why wouldn’t they call for his help? And how could they have escaped without being brought back? Their cells were empty, deserted of life. There were signs that Heirloom hadn’t been in them for several hours, and Vijan’s cell seemed it had been empty for days.

Omar turned his back to the cell bars and pulled on his hair.

Omar: [Vijan would’ve saved me, wouldn’t he?]

The vampire had a bad feeling about everything going on. What happened to the quakes? Did his team leave him for good? Did Heirloom lose?

He was left to his thoughts for several days.

As the suns set and the moon rose, day after day, he was left alone in the cell like a forgotten, rotting corpse. No food was being supplied and the temperature of the prison was dropping.

There was a moment when a trio of kids walked by him, but quickly ran away when they made eye contact.

Left in the cold while starving for several days was beginning to take its toll on him.

Paladin OJ: [I’m sure you have a lot of questions.]

Suddenly hearing another voice, Omar quickly turned to see the paladin of Aveay standing, holding a vile full of blood and a conniving smirk across his face. Gently placing the vile on the floor, OJ took a step back and clasped his hands together.

Paladin OJ: [It’s fresh from a mage. Your favorite, right?]

Omar narrowed his eyes. How did the paladin know his preferred blood type? Did Vijan or Heirloom tell on him? Regardless, he could tell that the paladin wasn’t lying. The alluring scent of magic-filled blood was calling his name.

OJ could tell from Omar’s desperate demeanor that he was close to a withdrawal. It was only a matter of time before the vampire would lung at his first meal.

Paladin OJ: [There’s nothing wrong with it, I can promise you that much. I wouldn’t poison you on Leviere’s turf.]

Omar: [What are you getting at, Paladin?]

Paladin OJ: [It’s my duty to watch over you, is all. The last few days have been rather packed, so I haven’t had the time.]

Omar tightened his teeth and narrowed his eyes. The burning rage he had burrowed inside would start to boil whenever he looked the paladin in the eyes.

Paladin OJ: [You’ve been weak to holy abilities since your transformation, vampire. I’m a paladin so basically everything I do has some holy spice added to it. There’s no point in fighting me.]

Omar: [So it’s been you holding me here?]

Paladin OJ: [I’ve been doing much more than just holding you here, Vampire. But… it’s about time I set you out on your own.]

Omar: [What?]

Paladin OJ: [All sorts of things have happened beyond my understanding, and because of that, your boss wants you. The last thing I want is to get in their way.]

Omar: [My boss? You don’t mean–]

Paladin OJ: [Not the Dragon Tamer. I couldn't care less about him. I’m talking about the demon lord, Vampire. He’s requested the attendance of all of his generals at his castle.]

Omar couldn’t believe the words he heard coming from a Paladin. Left speechless, Omar’s body couldn’t stop shaking.

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Paladin OJ: [Are you afraid of your boss, Vampire?]

Omar: [Of course not.]

Trying to cover up his fear, Omar clenched onto his forearm and squeezed onto it with all his might. OJ couldn’t help but watch as the vampire that was feared around the world trembled before him.

Paladin OJ: [This isn’t a good look on you.]

Omar: [I didn’t ask for your opinion. Are you going to open the gateway or not?]

Paladin OJ: [I was sorta hoping you’d be able to do that. The person I had my men fetch could also open the gateway to the demon realm and see things most humans can’t. Sadly, they decided to take them to Jime in search of another clause.]

Omar: [What are you yapping about?]

Paladin OJ: [Nothing you should worry about. Not yet.]

He let out a sigh followed by a groan.

Paladin OJ: [You’re going to have to open the gateway yourself. And try not to cause a racket.]

Omar: [If I could open a gateway, I wouldn’t be here, idiot.]

Paladin OJ: [Really? I thought all of the Demon Lord generals could do it. Is it because of the ability lock?]

Omar: [I can travel there on my own, but making a gateway isn’t something I could figure out.]

OJ narrowed his eyes after hearing Omar’s explanation as disappointment filled his expression.

Paladin OJ: [Why not? Are you stupid or something?]

Omar: [Navigating through TOAL is practically impossible without a millennium of practice! If it was so simple the other generals would’ve already taken over this world.]

The paladin let out a groan as he started rubbing his neck. Whether it was the stress of the drop in temperature, he couldn’t help but rub his neck.

Paladin OJ: [This makes things difficult.]

Omar: [Not really. If you release the curse and give me ten minutes, I’ll be out of your hair.]

Paladin OJ: [Yeah, but I was hoping I could sneak in and get some intel on what that old fart is planning.]

Omar: [Old fart?]

Paladin OJ: [If that’s not possible, then I guess I’m left with no choice. Fine. Get it over with quick.]

In that instant, Omar could feel all of his power returning to him like a lever was switched inside him. The sudden boost in power gave him a level of confidence he hadn’t felt in a long time. Omar looked at the paladin in front of him and thought to himself for a moment. He could attempt an escape, but would that be the right move to make?

Even in a disadvantageous state, if he were to defeat the paladin, the wind paladin along with hundreds of soldiers were probably waiting above ground.

He didn’t stand a chance, and the paladin in front of him knew it.

Accepting his defeat, Omar crossed his legs and sat on his bed, closed his eyes, and let out a silent hum. The paladin watched him for a few minutes before diverting his attention to the halls.

Omar’s body slowly rose from the bed and began levitating with a soft breeze blowing around him.

Omar: [What do you want me to do there?]

Paladin OJ: [Nothing in there, but…]

Omar slipped one of his eyes open to look at the Paladin’s back.

Paladin OJ: [I want you to help me one time in the future. I’ll be sure to let you know when that is.]

Omar: [If it’s anything–]

Paladin OJ: [Trust me. We’ll both get a kick out of it.]

The paladin’s demeanor remained unphased and intelligible. Spoken with confidence and vigor, he meant what he said. Whatever he was planning, Omar couldn’t piece together. Forever a mystery, the paladin of Aveay.

After a few more minutes, Omar’s body began transforming into dozens of tiny cubes that faded as they flew in the air. The paladin turned to him as soon as the process finished, picked up the empty vile of blood, and walked away with a groan.

----------------------------------------

The spirit realm is a place unlike any other, full of countless ultras, demons, and even fairies, although they have long since disappeared. Now known as the demon realm, it is a place of darkness, chaos, and despair. Unlike the fantastical worlds we know, the demon realm is bleak, barren, and desolate. Any sign of life or color is replaced with a bleak shade of black, a deep, blood-red hue, or the flickering flames of a dark, eternal fire.

Hovering above the demon realm, casting its shadow and looming over all, is a castle that embodies the very essence of the demon realm. Its walls are covered in sharp vines and countless knives, and its presence is felt across the realm. For miles around, there is nothing but dead trees and rough, uneven roads.

As Omar arrived at the front gates of the castle, a group of orange cubes flickered into existence and landed on a small patch of ashen grass. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he looked up at the massive structure before him. His hands trembled, but there was a sense of calm within him.

Lowering his head, he saw a lifeless, dark soul pass him by, followed by an ultra, both in visible agony, their eyes barely open and their heads bowed, but with the slightest hint of relief in their smiles. Omar knew all too well what had happened to them and who was on the other side.

Before he could take another step, a metallic hand appeared over the castle doors, squeezing them so tightly they nearly shattered. Omar hesitated, fixing his posture and standing tall as a figure clad in dark purple armor emerged from within. The armor appeared red in the crimson sky, and Omar narrowed his eyes upon seeing the figure.

Dark Knight: [Pitiful.]

Its deep voice was muffled by the heavy armor over its head, but Omar knew exactly what it had said.

Omar: [Why are you here?]

Dark Knight: [You would know if you weren’t so weak.]

As the knight pushed the door further open, Omar could feel his heart pounding against his chest. He hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves before finally mustering the courage to step forward and into the Demon Lord's castle. The moment he took a step in, an eerie sensation overtook him as he felt the thousands of souls he had taken escape from him and scurry into the darkness of the castle. It felt like he was losing his life force or fighting against a heavy gravitational pull, but it was nothing compared to the feeling he had experienced when Sophia had tampered with his soul. A sense of relief washed over him as he took a deep breath and tried to compose himself.

Following the path of the dark knight, Omar's steps barely made a sound as he treaded cautiously. The hallway was dark, and the only light came from the dimly lit torches that lined the walls. The dark knight came to a sudden stop in front of a large stained window at the end of the hallway, and Omar stopped alongside him. The window was beautiful, depicting a scene of darkness and chaos that seemed to blend perfectly with the Demon Lord's castle. Omar couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay beyond the window and what horrors awaited them as they ventured deeper into the castle. However, Dark Knight's next words tore down those wonders.

Dark Knight: [Don’t flinch.]

Omar's attention was suddenly drawn to the artwork on the window as he recognized a warning. The window portrayed a mythical creature with a single horn and enormous wings, standing tall above dozens of smaller figures, including men and ultras, under a dim blue sky. As he gazed into the deep red eyes of the horned figure, he suddenly felt a sharp stab to the side of his head.

The excruciating pain caused him to fall over and collide with the concrete floor. As he hit the ground, he experienced a strange sensation of sinking into the floor before rotating back to his feet, upside-down in an entirely different world. Blinking once to adjust to his new surroundings, he looked around to find himself in a desolate landscape. Thousands of other figures, dressed in black, were walking towards a beaming red light in the distance. The sound of their footsteps echoed heavily in the open skies as they walked through shallow waters, leaving behind ripples that only grew as they progressed.

As Omar looked at the red beacon that reached the sky, he felt a sense of demonic, overwhelming presence emanating from the demon lord ahead. Fear creeping up on him, he clenched his fists and started walking forward, directly behind the dark knight leading the way.

The creatures marching with them were of various shapes and sizes, each with their own individual tales and themes accompanying them. He saw hundreds of giant figures that shook the ground with every step, and hundreds more miniature figures, spirits, orcs, humans, ultras, dogs, and even demons. It was a huge plethora of creatures marching towards the beaming light, all of which were here for a similar purpose.

As Omar and the group of figures approached the tail end of the scorching hot red beacon, they could feel the heat emanating from it. They halted their footsteps and waited for the bellowing horns of the demon lord to play. As they stood there, looking directly at the blinding light, the echoes of their footsteps gradually came to a halt and the ripples of the waters nearby slowly soothed to a stop. Omar looked at the Dark Knight, who was wearing heavy armor that was now trembling and breathing heavily.

Out of nowhere, a single blow of a horn resounded across the boundless void they were drifting in, sending shivers down the spines of the thousands of figures present and instilling anxiety even in the most intrepid ones. The sound was reminiscent of an elephant's bellow, deep in nature, and terrifying to hear in the distance. As the call gradually faded, a beaming red light illuminated the desolate landscape, revealing the obscure shapes of the figures lurking in the shadows. The red light slowly dimmed, and as it did, the outlines of the figures became clearer, exposing their eerie and intimidating presence.

Then came another horn call, louder than the last, and a heavier fall-off. The group could feel their anxiety mounting as they waited for what was to come next. And then came another horn call, and another, each one louder than the last, exponentially increasing in volume and intensity.

With the last horn call, the beacon of red light finally faded away, leaving the thousands of figures standing in pitch darkness, unsure of what to expect next. The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the heavy breathing of the Dark Knight and the sound of their own heartbeats.

Abaddon: [Generals.]

In the midst of the sky, a creature with black wings emerged, emanating an ominous aura. Its clothing was as dark as the night and it wore a cracked mask, which concealed half of its face. The creature's presence was surrounded by a dense black flame, which appeared like a stack of wood burning in the night. Its mouth was severely disfigured, with all of its teeth, gums, and what remained of its skin visible around the coarse surface. The mask, which looked like a skull, was almost indistinguishable from its face, if it was even a mask in the first place.

Abaddon: [Your duties are not over.]

His powerful voice could be heard from all over the large void. Every figure raised their head to look at the looming demon above them, with their wings spread apart and several of their wings decaying and falling to the ground.

Abaddon: [All of the elder fairies have resurfaced on the mainland. As they now travel the world, it is up to you to return them to the demon realm. Make haste to do so as they will only grow in power.]

Omar thought back to the fairy he encountered during the war and the power she possessed. If any of the other fairies were similar or stronger than that one, he knew that he didn’t stand a chance. With a single sweat rolling down his forehead, Omar clenched his teeth and made a fist.

Abaddon: [Any violators will be executed, and anyone unable to fulfill their task will be discarded appropriately. Dismiss!]

With his command, every single figure vanished from the void covered in water and reappeared where they last stood. Omar and the Dark Knight woke up from the floor covered in their blood. Omar slowly stood up as the Dark Knight began walking out of the room.

Omar struggling: [That wasn’t the demon lord, was it?]

The Dark Knight stopped walking and slightly turned in the vampire’s direction.

Dark Knight: [You failed him once already. Don’t do it again.]

The Dark Knight disappeared into the darkness as they walked further down the corridor. Omar remained under the stained window art, beneath the black-winged figure that was looking down on him.

He began to think that maybe he made a mistake.