The war room of the Storm Kingdom pulsed with anticipation. A large, obsidian table stretched through the center of the chamber, glowing softly with runes etched deep into its surface. The walls were lined with battle maps, enchanted crystals, and ancient banners from past campaigns. Stormlight flickered from the enchanted sconces, throwing dancing shadows across the gathered figures.
One by one, they entered the room.
Benimaru, his crimson hair tied back, his armor polished to a battle-ready gleam, stepped in with a sharp gaze. Shion followed close behind, her towering presence and massive greatsword strapped to her back. Souei melted in quietly, shadows clinging to his cloak, always silent and watching.
Geld's heavy footsteps echoed as he entered, his massive form covered in reinforced armor, still stained from overseeing the construction of new fortifications. Gobta hurried in next, a little out of breath, awkwardly adjusting his gear. Rigurd walked with more grace, the elder goblin maintaining a dignified air. Hakuro, the seasoned swordmaster, bowed respectfully as he took his place.
Then came the transcendent demons.
Diablo entered like a wisp of smoke, his black suit pristine, his expression unreadable yet somehow smug. Testarossa floated in behind him, serene and composed, eyes glowing like a predator who had just scented prey. Carrera stomped in, arms folded, already itching for a fight, while Ultima skipped in behind her, humming to herself like this was a tea party.
Last to enter was Velzard, the White Ice Dragon, her very presence chilling the air. She didn't say a word as she sat across from her brother, Veldora.
And then there he was—Veldora, the Storm Dragon, the King of the Storm Kingdom. His golden hair shimmered under the lights, and his regal robe, embroidered with swirling clouds and lightning bolts, flowed as he stood at the head of the table.
He looked over them with calm confidence. His voice broke the silence, deep and authoritative, with a kind of elegant mischief, like a tactician who always had one move left to play.
"So," Veldora began, resting his hands on the table, "I believe some of you have already received the orbs. And I assume the message was... clear."
All eyes turned to Diablo, Testarossa, Ultima, Carrera, and Velzard.
Benimaru frowned. "Orbs? My lord, forgive me, but... what message? I haven't heard of this."
Gobta raised his hand timidly. "Yeah, I didn't get one either…"
Veldora nodded, already expecting the confusion.
"The orbs," he said, pacing slowly along the table, "are divine constructs. They are not of this world. They appeared before select individuals—myself included—and played a message. A challenge."
"A challenge?" Souei asked, eyes narrowing.
Veldora stopped, turning to face them all.
"The message came from a being named Saphielle," he said. "She is not of our world. She resides on an island she created herself—Zaneth Island. Hidden beyond the edge of the Cardinal World."
Shion crossed her arms. "So, she sends a message to only some of us? That sounds shady."
"She is testing us," Veldora replied simply. "She claims to be here to determine whether the strongest of this world are worthy. Her words were direct: 'Come face me, or your nation shall be destroyed.'"
The room fell silent.
Then Hakuro spoke, calm but firm. "Shall we prepare the army, then? If this is an invasion—"
"No," Veldora interrupted, lifting a hand. "This is not a war. She does not seek conquest… at least, not yet. This will be battles—duels. Specific. Targeted. Only the strongest. The Demon Lords have been challenged as well. She is not playing games with mortals. She wants the apex predators."
Diablo's lips curled into a dark smile. "So we've been chosen… how delightful."
Ultima giggled, her eyes flashing. "Finally! Someone worth going all out for!"
Carrera smirked. "I've been waiting to vaporize someone without getting scolded."
Velzard, however, narrowed her eyes. "Veldora… will you fight?"
Veldora's gaze didn't waver. "Of course. I would never turn down a challenge of this scale. It is not only about power, but honor. The pride of this world."
Benimaru straightened. "My lord, what do you wish us to do, then?"
"In three days," Veldora said, "we depart for Zaneth Island. Those of us who have received the orbs will go. That includes myself, Diablo, Testarossa, Ultima, Carrera, and Velzard."
He looked at Benimaru directly now.
"In my absence, you will assume command of the Storm Kingdom. Security must be tightened. No news of this leaves this room. Not even a whisper. If panic spreads, or if word reaches the wrong ears, it could invite opportunists. We must project strength."
Benimaru nodded firmly. "Understood, my lord. I will not fail you."
Veldora's eyes swept across the room again. "I trust each of you. This challenge may very well be a precursor to something larger. For now, we face it as champions. As guardians of our realm. We go not for glory, but for preservation."
Rigurd leaned in. "If this Saphielle is as powerful as you say… are we certain she can be defeated?"
Veldora smiled, a storm rumbling behind his calm expression.
"I do not fear her. Not because I underestimate her… but because I know the strength that stands before me in this room."
A pause.
Then, Diablo spoke with a flick of his hand. "I believe the message mentioned the arrival ceremony would be held at dawn on the third day. We will be transported directly to the island through the orbs."
Velzard nodded. "I've already begun preparing."
Carrera cracked her knuckles. "Let's see if this goddess can handle real destruction."
Ultima clapped. "Ohhh I can't wait! I wonder what her island looks like. I bet it's all weird and sparkly."
Shion blinked. "Wait… so I'm not going?"
Veldora chuckled softly. "No, Shion. Your strength is undeniable, but this is a battle where tactics, restraint, and specific power tiers are being tested. I need you here. If things go wrong… this world will need its second line of defense."
Shion slumped slightly but gave a respectful nod.
As the meeting came to a close, the room buzzed with tension and silent anticipation. Every breath felt like the calm before a storm. The strongest of the Storm Kingdom were being called—by a being beyond comprehension.
In the heart of the Cardinal World, far beyond the reach of empires and civilizations, stood an island that didn't appear on any map, and for good reason—it wasn't supposed to. It was a floating marvel of nature and magic, wrapped in mist and skyfire, hovering above a vast ocean like a silent titan. This island was called Zaneth, and it was the domain of the mysterious and overwhelmingly powerful being known as Saphielle.
A vast palace stood at the center of Zaneth, built from marble kissed by starlight and crystals humming with forgotten power. Towering pillars, waterfalls that defied gravity, and gardens that bloomed with colors no one could name made the palace feel like a dream stitched into reality.
Inside, in a grand circular chamber lined with floating mirrors and pools of liquid light, Saphielle stood barefoot on a floating lotus petal. Her long hair danced in the air around her, and her eyes—like twin galaxies—watched a swirl of images forming in a scrying orb suspended in front of her.
She was watching Walpurgis.
The Demon Lords had gathered not long ago, each one a force that could shake the world. But among them, one in particular caught her attention. Her lips curved into a small, sly smile.
"Hmm… Guy Crimson," she murmured, resting her chin on her hand. "Now that one could be trouble."
The scene in the orb replayed one of his casual displays of power—his aura turning the atmosphere heavy, his presence bending the space around him as if reality itself acknowledged him.
Saphielle chuckled softly. "A tyrant bathed in elegance. Dangerous… and delightful."
The orb rippled like water, and she raised her hand. "Let's peek at the others then. Perhaps some of these creatures are worth the bother."
She willed the orb to shift its focus—to a different place in the world.
Specifically… Veldora and the Storm kingdom.
But the moment she tried to zero in on him and his war room…
Static.
Not just cloudy or fuzzy. No image. No sound. Just… nothing.
The orb pulsed angrily and flickered. The floating mirrors in the room began to crackle with interference, like some unseen force was repelling her scrying magic.
Saphielle frowned, her brows furrowing as her spell twisted and reformed again and again. "That's… odd. I can see through the void, gaze through dragon flame, pierce the veil of time itself… so what is this?"
She clenched her hand and tried again, this time summoning all the power within her gaze. The room dimmed as her energy surged.
Still… nothing.
Her eye twitched.
Then came a faint sound from behind her. A voice—distant, casual, and annoyingly amused.
"Yare yare… you're really trying too hard, lady."
But when Saphielle turned around, there was no one there. Just the soft rustling of wind chimes and the faint ripple of energy in the air.
She narrowed her eyes. "…Who's there?"
No reply. The presence vanished like a ghost in the mist.
She glared back at the scrying orb. "Something's interfering. No, someone. And it's not magic—it's… will."
Saiki sat cross-legged in midair, completely invisible to everything except the world itself. He floated high above the clouds near Zaneth, sipping from a juice box like he didn't have a care in the world. His expression was as bored as ever.
"Tch, I should've just gone to bed," he muttered. "Why does everyone in this world act like they're in an anime?"
He glanced sideways, where a small holographic screen hovered beside him, showing the scene inside Saphielle's palace. His eyes shifted slightly as he saw her throw another magical tantrum.
"Yare yare daze… she's really into spying, huh? Maybe I should introduce her to privacy laws."
With a light wave of his hand, the interference around Veldora's war room thickened. No one—not even Saphielle—was getting through.
"Can't have her ruining the surprise. Let her stew for a few days," Saiki mumbled, taking another sip.
Back on Zaneth, Saphielle sat back down on her floating lotus throne, her gaze dark but calm.
"…Interesting. Very interesting," she said softly. "I suppose I'll just have to wait for them to come to me."
She waved her hand, and the orb disappeared.
"All pieces are moving," she whispered. "Let's see who survives the game."
And in the distance, thunder rumbled over the sea.