image [https://i.imgur.com/eY2gF5l.png]
Arbious emerged from the depths of the cave as the worried gazes of Mila, Aria, and Graybeard met his eyes. They had heard the commotion and were understandably concerned for his safety. With the collapsing cave behind him, Arbious took a deliberate breath, feigning exhaustion to maintain the illusion that he had faced and narrowly escaped a formidable dragon.
Mila rushed to his side, her eyes wide with both relief and apprehension. "Arbious, are you alright? What happened in there?"
"The dragon..." Arbious replied, his breath ragged, "Blinded by its fury, the dragon caused the cave itself to collapse. The very cavern that housed its lair is now buried beneath the rubble."
Arbious's eyes turned to the cave behind him. Though partially of what happened was true, his truer concern were the mushrooms. With the collapse, the chances for any of the mushrooms surviving diminished greatly, yet he remained unsure. Even so, the collapse proved advantageous, for if they desired to investigate into the heart of the matter, the great amount of rubble they would have to excavate would buy him some time.
Mila's eyes widened, her hand instinctively reaching out for him. "You're lucky to be alive," she spoke, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and concern.
"Lucky, perhaps," Aria pondered aloud, "or perhaps we aren't seeing the whole picture... It dumbfounds me that a dragon would be foolish enough to pursue so recklessly. It's unlike them, is it not?"
"Regardless of the cause, it's not my place to speculate. If you want answers, you'd have to inquire from the deceased dragon within," Arbious calmly responded, his tone measured and deliberate.
"Fair enough. I'd rather not argue," Aria replied.
Aria turned away and retrieving a small pouch from her side where she had stored the mushrooms. Though she would've preferred to gather a larger sample, with the circumstances as they held, she held no choice but to make do. The look in her eyes betrayed her disappointment.
"Is that enough?" Graybeard inquired, his eyes taking a sneaky look inside her pouch.
While the two engaged in their own conversation, Mila turned to Arbious, her expression filled with concern. Ever since they left the cave, she prayed that Arbious would make a safe return. "You had me worried... Please promise me you won't attempt something like that again." She spoke, her words carried with a grave sense of concern and fear.
Arbious stood tall, as he listened to Mila's request unmoved. He hadn't faced any dangers to begin with, but she wasn't aware of that. It was a kind gesture from her, but it served to irritate him. "Mila, if you desire personal growth, you must embrace danger. It is through these experiences that one gains power."
Mila's voice carried equal concern for Arbious's well-being. She had truly grown to care for him, and it was evident in her tone. "But what I truly want isn't power; it's happiness. A happiness that encompasses all those dear to me. Please, I implore you, don't risk your life as if no one cares for you."
"You care about me?"
Arbious's words pierced Mila's heart, and in that instant, he realized the foolishness of his question. Mila turned away, visibly upset by his thoughtless remark. In a desperate attempt to mend the situation, Arbious reached out towards her, but it was futile. By the time his hand extended, it was already too late to rectify the damage caused by his arrogance.
Graybeard and Aria wrapped up their own conversation. "What happened?" Graybeard inquired, noticing Mila's obvious distress.
"It's nothing," Arbious said.
Mila stood silently beside him, caught in an uncomfortable silence while her mind raced over her feelings for Arbious.
Mila's feelings remained complex. She didn't yet fully grasp why she felt a strange attraction to him. She couldn't help herself from catching tiny glimpses of him when he wasn't paying attention. She had grown to like him, but her own question to herself was whether it was love or something else.
"Shall we head back then?" Graybeard suggested, his gaze shifting between Aria and Arbious.
"The sooner, the better..." Aria replied her eyes turning from the cave with a tinge of disappointment. "With the cave collapsed, obtaining more mushroom samples seems unlikely now."
"But can you recreate the potion's properties without needing additional mushrooms?" Graybeard inquired.
"It's difficult to say for certain, but the potency would likely be diminished if we attempted it," Aria explained.
"That makes sense, I suppose," Graybeard acknowledged. "Then let's make our way back."
image [https://i.imgur.com/7fgH3qs.png]
Upon their arrival at the village of Hupu, the vigilant city guard greeted them, inspecting the caravan before granting them entry. Standing next to Mila, Arbious couldn't help but reproach himself for the thoughtless remark he had made earlier.
It was clear that Mila held some affection for him, one he sought to exploit, but acting callously now would prove to endanger his own plans. His own foolishness had served to not only hinder his plans but also managed to hurt his pride.
As the caravan came to a halt in front of the guild hall, they disembarked, feeling a mix of emotions. Aria, in a rush, expressed her gratitude for their services before hurrying off to attend to her own matters.
"Another job well done," Graybeard exclaimed as he approached the two, finding them standing silently by the fence surrounding the guild.
"What's the matter with you two? Pull yourselves together," Graybeard urged, noticing their subdued demeanor.
"I... I have an announcement to make," Arbious finally spoke, breaking the silence.
"And what might that be?" Graybeard inquired with curiosity.
"I will be leaving this group as of today."
The path he had set Mila on would prove to be a treacherous one. As much as he wanted to stay, he had other matters to attend. With Alpos leading the armies, Arbious was left thirsting for war.
Mila's eyes widened, but she remained silent. Graybeard, on the other hand, pressed for further information. "Leaving? For what purpose?"
"It's a personal matter, and I'm sorry, but I can't discuss it with you."
"When we took you in, I had hoped you would stay with us for some time, but it is your right to make your own choices. If you believe it's for the best, then so be it," Graybeard responded with a hint of disappointment, accepting his decision.
"Thank you for your understanding and the hospitality you've shown me," Arbious responded.
Turning away, Arbious faced the bustling street, his mind racing with thoughts of everything he was leaving behind. Had it truly been only a couple of days since he made contact with this world?
The rage, the hatred he harbored towards his enemies—the Archangels, the Elven Queen, and the humans who led a crusade against him—burned within him like a thousand suns. He was not one to relinquish his animosity towards the world itself. The darkness, the true evil that fueled him, kept him alive. Living the life of a small adventurer was not suited for him for he was destined for something much greater. His own pride would no longer allow him to remain as such.
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Every deity had to uphold their title; veering from their path meant certain death. This was the sole restriction imposed upon godlike beings such as himself. A Demon God living as an adventurer? Blasphemy! Such a thing was inconceivable. No one would accept it. And a God of Chaos living in peace? It was utter nonsense.
Aela, your daughter will serve me just as you once did. It's only a matter of time.
As he made his way through the bustling streets, Mila ran after him, extending her hand towards him, calling out before he departed. "Arbious! I'll do it!" her voice called out in desperation.
Arbious turned around, taken aback by her unexpected declaration. "I'll do it," Mila repeated, her voice softer this time as she gazed into his eyes.
"What are you talking about?" Graybeard inquired as he caught up, unable to comprehend the sudden exchange.
"Leave us, Gray! I need to speak to him alone!"
"But..."
Mila shook her head with frustration, her hair swinging uncontrollably as it covered her face. Never had Graybeard seen her act like this. "Please! I have to do this, or I'll never forgive myself."
Graybeard felt his heart sink upon seeing a lone tear running down Mila's cheek. With a slight nod, Graybeard acquiesced, leaving the two of them alone.
With Graybeard gone, Arbious questioning Mila's intentions. "What did you mean by that?"
"I mean I'll offer you my own soul. Just like you asked... Is that enough?" Mila replied, her tone resolute.
He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Mila was serious about this, willing to give up her very soul to keep him by her side. "Mila... Do you understand the weight of what you're saying?" he questioned, his voice tinged with concern.
She shook her head, her eyes filled with determination. "No, I haven't the faintest idea. But if that's what it takes to keep you with me, I'm willing to do it! I'll give you anything, just stay with me..."
Arbious grit his teeth, frustrated by Mila's offer. her determination was something he had not foreseen. He would've liked nothing more than to accept, but this was not yet the time for it. Though it was not a plan he wanted to resort to, he had no choice but to reveal himself to Mila. "Mila, I am a demon."
Mila's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. She took a step back, her gaze still fixated on him. "A demon... But you saved us, you protected us. I saw the goodness in you. What do you mean you're a demon?" Mila spoke, her voice trembling with disbelief, her emotions in turmoil, and a lingering trace of sadness welled within her eyes.
Arbious remained silent, his cold eyes glaring at her.
"You're still protecting me!" Mila replied, her voice still trembling as the words struggled to escape.
Arbious, began to grow frustrated by how naive she was. He was angered to a point where he could burn the entire city to the ground out of rage, but despite that he controlled his anger.
"I don't care what you are!" Mila's voice trembled with conviction, sorrow lacing her words. "I've seen the kindness within you. You can overcome the demon inside. Please, don't leave."
"Mila, your perception is mistaken. Darkness doesn't merely consume me; I am its embodiment. I am the essence of darkness itself. I transcend mere demons; I am the Lord of Hell, the harbinger of chaos upon your world."
"Then turn me into a demon so I can stay by your side."
"I refuse."
As Arbious spoke, his form seemed to grow larger, an absolute force to be reckoned with. Mila's understanding of his words deepened, and she swallowed hard. She sensed a coldness in his tone unlike any other, no longer recognizing him for who she believed him to be. A sinister darkness began to coalesce around him, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. People halted in their tracks, and the guards quickly surrounded the pair, their faces etched with fear and uncertainty.
Arbious's eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, and the air around him began to crackle with raw energy. The ground beneath him trembled as shadows pooled at his feet, swirling and rising like a living entity. Without a word or gesture, intricate magic circles formed around him, their symbols pulsating with dark energy.
Mila's eyes widened in fear and awe as the circles grew larger and more complex, surrounding Arbious in a web of dark power. The guards, sensing the imminent danger, tightened their grip on their weapons but remained rooted to the spot, unable to look away.
The ground shook more violently, and cracks began to form, spreading outwards like spiderwebs. Arbious stood at the center of the chaos, his presence an unyielding force of darkness.
Without warning, the magic circles erupted into black flames, enveloping Arbious in a towering inferno. The flames roared and twisted, casting an eerie glow over the scene. Mila took a step back, shielding her eyes from the intense light.
The black flames surged upward, growing larger and more ferocious. The ground beneath Arbious trembled under his might, and a shockwave of dark energy radiated outward, knocking the guards off their feet and sending debris flying.
In a final, explosive burst, the flames erupted outward, consuming everything in their path. When the dust and smoke settled, Arbious was gone. The guards, caught in the path of the explosion, screamed as the heat and force overwhelmed them. Their armor melted, and their flesh seared away in an instant, leaving nothing but smoldering remains.
Mila stood amidst the devastation, her heart pounding in her chest. The eerie silence that followed was deafening. She looked around at the remains of the guards, the charred ground still glowing ominously, and the place where Arbious had stood moments before.
She looked around, still in shock from the sheer power and darkness Arbious had displayed.
"Mila!" A familiar voice called out urgently.
"Mila, are you hurt?" he asked, his voice filled with concern as he reached her side and grasped her shoulders gently.
As he spoke, the townsfolk began to pour in. Their expressions turned from curiosity to horror as they saw the destruction and the remains of the guards. Whispers of fear and confusion rippled through the crowd.
"What happened here?"
"What happened to the guards?"
"Is everyone safe?"
"I'm... I'm fine," Mila replied, her voice trembling. "Arbious... he... he... he did this."
All along, he knew something was wrong about Arbious yet he bit his tongue and didn't utter a word. Seeing Mila, and how terrified she was, Graybeard's expression softened with compassion as he pulled her into a comforting embrace. "You're safe now," he murmured. "It's going to be okay."
Mila clung to him, letting the tears fall as the shock and fear began to give way to a profound sense of relief. Graybeard held her for a moment longer, offering the solace she desperately needed.
Seeing the unruly crowd around them, his expression remained gentle but firm. "Let's get you to safety," he said softly. "You can tell me everything once we're away from here."
image [https://i.imgur.com/Qj0qq7o.png]
Arbious's body materialized outside the village, right at the spot where his journey had begun. The grassy fields that surrounded the town stretched out before him. His time in the village had fulfilled its purpose. He had learned a great deal; however, he sensed greater things afoot.
And to think, it was only a few hours ago that he promised to accompany them to the elven kingdom...
As the intensity of his hatred began to manifest within him, he felt his magical energies on the verge of exploding. It was a new and unsettling experience. Negative emotions surged through him, causing chaotic energies to swirl and dance in a hellish pattern around him.
Infernal flames erupted beneath his feet, their scorching heat consuming the grass as he grew a pair of demonic wings. With each beat of his wings, the vast field quivered under the raw power they emitted. He propelled himself into the air, his wings flapping forcefully, lifting him higher into the skies.
"I will bring chaos to this world!" he declared as he laughed in the skies maniacally, his black hair cascading like shadows around him. "The forces of evil cannot be stopped! I will never yield on my hatred towards the angels until heaven itself is but ash!"
The skies began to darken and warp around him, influenced by his maniacal aura. His laughter sent shivers down the spines of all those unfortunate enough to hear it. Wild animals quivered in fear, while hidden goblins burrowed even deeper. The spirits that watched over the land as its guardians fled in terror at the unholy sight.
A magical orb materialized before him, emanating an infernal aura. It was the communication orb, a conduit connecting him with Alpos from the other side.
"Master! Hell itself has trembled under the surge of your powers! We sense your overwhelming demonic might, we bask in your greatness. But my lord, the Archangel Michael has launched a full-scale invasion on the Hellfire Citadel. We require your assistance! Strike down these foolish invaders and show them the true extent of your newfound might!" Alpos urgently conveyed, his voice filled with reverence and concern.
His aura of darkness had expanded significantly, and for the first time in ages, he had relinquished his self-imposed restraints. It felt invigorating, and he hadn't laughed so freely in a long time. However, Alpos's words swiftly brought back Arbious's cunning nature, casting a brief shroud of silence over him. "I shall return to Hell soon. Prepare for my arrival," he declared, his voice resonating with his demonic authority.
"It shall be done, your highness," Alpos replied, his tone respectful and unwavering in obedience.
The magical orb vanished before him, its infernal embers crumbling into the wind as their communication came to an end, leaving him in silence within the skies above, his mind consumed by the whispers of darkness that whispered his name.
With a malevolent grin, he spread his wings wider, embracing the darkness that surrounded him. The time had come to unleash his full wrath upon those foolish enough to transpire against him. To show all who dared to oppose him the true meaning of fear.
Now that I think about it, perhaps I should've killed Mila and Graybeard before I left...