Deep in the capital city of Nerazath, a crowd of demonfolk pushed and shoved their way toward the city gates.
In the pitch-black night, rows of torches lit the path for the panicked masses desperately trying to flee.
Agramon, Rusalka, Mammon, and the entire demon army were busy assisting the evacuation.
"Please move in an orderly fashion!" Agramon shouted as he pushed a few citizens to keep them from trampling each other.
He glanced sharply at Mammon. "We'll talk about this later. Right now, the citizens' safety comes first."
Mammon turned his face away, saying nothing.
But amidst the chaos, a chilling aura suddenly blanketed the sky. Agramon looked up, his expression stiffening.
"This is bad…"
"The Demon Queen is here!!!" one of the soldiers screamed.
Panic erupted instantly. Screams, sobs, and the sounds of bodies falling filled the air. Many were trampled in the frantic rush.
Rusalka and Mammon clenched their teeth. From the dark sky above, Demon Queen Persephone slowly descended with Rezafh, her face cold and expressionless.
Agramon clicked his tongue.
"Tch... That look in your eyes. You really haven't changed."
"You foolish demons. I gave you a chance to live... and you wasted it," the Queen said flatly, raising a single finger.
Sensing what she was about to do, Rusalka quickly fired off a spell.
KABOOM!
The explosion enveloped Persephone in smoke. But everyone knew—a blast like that wouldn't harm her.
"Keep firing!" Rusalka shouted. The troops immediately launched a barrage of magic. Agramon and Mammon joined in.
But all their attacks were deflected with ease.
The Demon Queen retaliated, sweeping her hand toward them.
"Magic barrier, now!" Rusalka yelled.
BOOM!!!
The blast shook the ground. The barrier shattered instantly, leaving many troops wounded.
Sweat dripped from Agramon's brow. Seeing his forces overwhelmed, he roared, "Get the citizens as far away as possible! I'll hold her off!"
He shot Rusalka a firm look, urging her to go. But she shook her head violently and stared back at him with determination.
"I'm not leaving you!" she declared.
Agramon smiled faintly. He knew how stubborn his sister could be.
Meanwhile, Mammon and Azil, having escaped the barrier, fled with some of the remaining citizens.
Mammon didn't waste the opportunity—he had been trapped in that barrier for centuries.
But not everyone chose to retreat. Ivan and Velmora stepped forward.
"What are you two doing?!" Agramon shouted.
"There's no way we're leaving you, Commander!" Ivan replied.
Velmora glared at the Queen with burning hatred. "My husband was killed during the massacre… I can't forgive her."
Suddenly, two young voices cried out, "Mother!"
Zura and Zuri, the twin demons, ran up to them. They had followed Velmora here.
Velmora grabbed their shoulders. "I told you to stay back!"
But both stared up at her with unwavering eyes. "We're going to fight."
Seeing their resolve, Velmora sighed. "If things get out of control... run."
Agramon raised his sword high. "Get ready!"
The great battle began.
---
Meanwhile, inside the castle...
Pandora sat in restless silence, her thoughts in turmoil. She looked at Vivian with questioning eyes.
"Why are you defending the Demon Queen?" she asked softly.
Vivian gave her a weak smile and pulled back her collar. On her neck was a glowing magical seal.
"This mark prevents me from revealing the reason. If I break the rule... my head will explode."
Pandora's eyes widened. "So... the Queen made you her slave?" she asked, shocked.
"No. I'm free to do whatever I want. I could walk away right now if I wanted. But I just can't explain why I stay by her side."
Pandora fell silent. She pondered deeply. Vivian was kind—someone who cared about others. If she remained loyal to the Queen, there had to be a reason.
"I see... I understand now," she murmured.
She looked at her Master with unwavering eyes. "I believe in you, Master. And I'll find the truth myself."
Vivian smiled gently. "I knew you'd understand. Even when the whole world chooses hate, you still choose to understand."
But inside, Pandora was still conflicted. Was all this bloodshed really necessary? Did everything have to be solved through war?
Vivian placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Come on. We need to catch up with the others."
Vivian's bat-like wings unfurled. She lifted Pandora into the air and flew out of the castle.
Pandora sank deep into thought again. She clenched her fists and pressed a hand to her chest.
"If my Master is willing to be hated by the world to believe in the Queen… then I'll do the same. I'll seek the truth and trust in her choice—no matter what."
---
"Every Power Stone you give is like a little spark of hope for Pandora! Please vote if you like the story!"