"Adam, do you have a moment?" Vlad asked, his voice low and serious.
Adam looked into Vlad's eyes and nodded, and they walked away from the group.
"I went to see Serbas at night. Unfortunately, he doesn't believe me when it comes to helping him get his family back. I know this might be far-fetched, but maybe both of us together could convince him and stop him from going through with the destruction of mankind." Vlad was clearly trying hard to persuade Adam.
"I don't trust him. However, I don't know him as much as you do," Adam replied, still unsure but determined to get the best outcome. "If you believe this could put an end to it, I wouldn't mind trying."
"It would be worth the try. If you could help revive his wife and child, it may change his heart," Vlad insisted, convinced that it was their only viable path.
"It could only work if Lyra joins us. In case things didn't go as planned," Adam stated as he walked back to their group.
After explaining the situation, Azrael and Johan agreed to stand guard while Lyra and Adam would follow Vlad to Serbas's location.
Vlad opened a blood pool vortex, and Adam and Lyra stepped through, only to find themselves on top of a destroyed building. The ground shook as the destruction of the city had already begun, wrought by creatures created by Serbas. Different types of monsters were everywhere, destroying everything in their path, and a shadow covered the sun. They saw a dragon breathing fire, tearing through city structures.
"Serbas has meddled with the evolution of variants using my blood," Vlad said urgently. "These creatures must be the evolution of the special variants. We need to get to him before more of these creatures destroy the land." Vlad urgently led them into the building entrance and down into Serbas's underground location.
"Serbas, what did you do?" Vlad shouted.
Demons surrounding Serbas started to move, ready to pounce, but Serbas raised his hand, gesturing for them to stand down.
"So, you're bringing a peace offering for me?" Serbas said, looking at both Adam and Lyra as they walked toward him.
Vlad grabbed Serbas's collar, speaking directly into his face. "Cut the bullshit. This has gone too far. You know why I'm here."
Serbas grinned, looking into Vlad's eyes. As Serbas gently held Vlad's wrist, Vlad slowly released his grip. "Alright, since you're here. Tell me, what exactly can you do for me?" Serbas stared into Vlad's eyes.
"Our way back, a chance to erase everything that happened to you and me. Adam is willing to help us. He is here and willing to try," Vlad spoke, determined to change the course of events.
"Serbas, I'm not involved in all this. If I could help you get your life back, we don't need to go to war. It's pointless," Adam spoke, an uneasiness in his tone due to the volatility of the situation.
Serbas closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Adam, you are very much involved in everything," Serbas spoke, staring directly at Adam. His words surprised everyone, and Adam couldn't grasp what Serbas meant about his involvement.
"What do you mean I'm involved in everything?!" Adam asked, his curiosity piqued.
"You will know it when the time comes. So, are you willing to help me again?" Serbas questioned.
"Yes, I'm willing to help you, but what do you mean by again? What exactly are you talking about?" Adam pressed.
"I won't give you any answers till you help me get my wife and child. If you manage to get them back to me, I'm willing to tell you everything I know," Serbas spoke, offering a deal.
"Alright, I'll help you," Adam said. "In return, stop the destruction from happening on the surface and any attacks on the civilization." Adam reached out his hand toward Serbas.
Serbas moved his hand and grabbed Adam's, and both decided on a temporary truce while Adam figured out a way to help Serbas.