Elyria, 15th of Valyria, 542 ER (Continuation)
As the Malefic Shaft tore through the air, evading Alex and Cole's attempts to hinder its advance. With blinding speed, it surged toward the carriage—but just before it could pierce through, something unforeseen occurred.
Inside the carriage, Abel had already braced for the inevitable. Sensing the magical energy racing toward him, he reached into a silver chest etched with the emblem of the Ranary—its surface plain but dignified, marked with the crest of GOAZ and a golden lock perched atop. He opened it with precision, retrieving a weathered tome known only as The Plan.
With calm determination, he flipped through the pages until he found the section he sought. Laying it across his lap, he steadied his breath and uttered the words of power: "Grrah Grrah Basteppede Lesteovehdah Bentessgranmash."
As the final syllable left his lips, a radiant blue aura erupted from the carriage. The brilliance stung the eyes of all who gazed upon it. Outside, the Malefic Shaft hung in place, halted at the edge of its target. A swirling green vortex—a glowing circular void—manifested on the carriage's surface. It pulled the shaft inward, consuming it with a loud, suction-like hiss. Then, just as quickly, the light and the void vanished, leaving behind no trace of the devastating spell.
Moments later, the skies split once more. A portal of soft pink shimmer opened above the carriage. From it descended a vision both stunning and dangerous—a woman of impossible beauty, clad in a gown that blended allure with regality. It was Leah, a high-ranking demon from the Demon Kingdom, infamous for her icy resolve and unmatched elegance.
As she landed gracefully, her legs shifted into the talons of a great eagle before returning to their humanoid form. Her eyes met Abel's as her figure hovered with supernatural poise.
Abel, ever composed, turned back to The Plan and spoke once more: "Baddasi Baddasi Openna Drop."
Just then, Luna's eyes found the carriage. Her gaze softened with grief, and her breath hitched as though the world were slipping away. Yet before she could reach the carriage, Alex and Cole hurled their weapons—a dagger bearing the sigil of Xerxes and a warhammer with a black-and-red head—straight at Leah.
They struck her. Or rather, they were supposed to. The weapons disappeared into the same portal that had carried Leah, as if devoured by its swirling essence. The portal closed behind her, and Leah landed upon the carriage.
With no hesitation, Abel leapt free, clutching his sword and the sacred tome. He rolled upon landing, sprang to his feet, and shook off the shock. Luna, witnessing his safe escape, smiled wide with teary joy. Her steps were swift, her heart lightened. She leapt into his arms, her orcish strength and speed bearing him off the ground.
Despite the contrast between her muscular orcish frame and his regal, youthful build, their embrace was effortless. Abel held her tight, sword and tome still in hand.
Luna's voice rang with tenderness and mischief. "Aaah! You're alright, Abel? Did she hurt you?"
Abel chuckled, warmth in his gaze. "Don't worry, Luna! I'm fine—no wounds, no harm. You know me—no demon's gonna take me down."
He set her down gently, revealing The Plan, its cracked leather cover groaning as it shifted, and his sword gleaming in the returning light. Luna blushed a deep green, her red hair brushing over her freckled cheeks. Abel smiled slyly and pulled her close, arms tightening around her strong waist. Her own arms curled around him, their love louder than words.
Meanwhile, Leah stood seething. Her seductive air gave way to a monstrous transformation—her form twisted into that of a mighty brown-skinned orc. Though smaller than Luna, her blows were devastating; with a single punch, she shattered the oak carriage beneath her. Then, as if her rage had peaked, she returned to her true form: youthful, voluptuous, and dangerously captivating.
With raven-black hair streaked with crimson, Leah stood at the center of it all. A red glow rippled around her, and as it faded, her seductive gown shimmered into view. From among the scattered crowd, Berdnack sprinted forward. Despite the chaos around him, he fell to his knees before Leah and kissed her slippers five times—an act of reverence laced with hunger.
Leah cast her gaze upon the group: Ben, Luna, Abel, Cole, and the ragged survivors of Detroit. She smirked. They were weary. Broken. Still breathing, but barely. Her eyes sparkled with cold amusement as Berdnack continued worshipping at her feet.
Berdnack leaned closer to her ear and whispered the details of what had transpired. Though still observing her surroundings, Leah listened with seductive calm. Her eyes caught on the others—many of whom showed signs of lustful admiration for her beauty. But then her gaze met Ben, who stood motionless, unfazed by her presence.
Ben looked at her with cool indifference. Not a flicker of interest. No lust. Just silence.
Leah's pout deepened. Luna, noticing this exchange, turned to Ben and saw the pride and joy in his face. Her eyes flicked to Leah, and she grinned wickedly, silently declaring: He's mine.
Leah nodded slowly as Berdnack finished his report. He moved aside, still bowing and stealing glances at her with unhidden desire.
Leah turned from him, her hips swaying with feline grace. Her strides echoed with confidence as she approached Ben like a model gracing the court of kings. Stopping before him, she crossed her arms beneath her chest, pressing up her voluminous curves, and spoke with authority—yet her voice still carried that sultry undertone.
Her eyes roamed Ben's form, lingering with purpose.
"So... you're the one stirring this chaos, hmm?" she murmured. Her voice hardened. "Humans..." Then, with sudden venom, she hissed: "Who do you think you are?!"
She jabbed her finger into his chest. Luna bristled. She took a half-step forward, rage in her eyes, but held back, noticing Ben's calm demeanor. His posture told her everything—no words were needed.
Leah, now provoked, spread her arms. Two ornate hand fans slid from hidden pockets in her dress into her hands. White, with crimson etchings of temptation and doom, they opened before her face.
She leapt back with a dancer's grace, her fans snapping open. With a hiss, dozens of fine steel pins launched from the fans.
Ben didn't flinch.
A portal opened above him, and from it rained a cascade of pins—colliding mid-air with Leah's attack. The two forces shattered upon impact, releasing a burst of red smoke laced with sparks.
Leah lowered her fans, curious—but when she saw the outcome, she huffed, pouting once again.
Suddenly, the skies dimmed.
A flock of winged creatures—conics—swept overhead, black as void and circling. They landed in formation, and from each beast descended two demons clad in black cloaks, slowly surrounding the gathering.
Then, from the sky, descended a different creature—circular, silver, and hovering. It touched the ground gently, hissing as its shell slid open. A wave of white smoke poured out, swirling like mist from a crypt.
From the depths of the Moonseal Pod emerged a woman cloaked in red. The insignia of the Demon Kingdom adorned every inch of her garb. Beads of black and bone clinked as she walked. Her red eyes glowed within the shadows of her hood.
As she stepped forward, the Moonseal Pod behind her sealed shut with a final hiss.
She carried with her an aura of sheer authority. Fear followed in her wake, unbidden. Even without speaking, she demanded respect—through presence alone.