Chapter 1 – Whispers in the Dark
The village marketplace buzzed with unease. Groups of villagers huddled together, whispering.
One farmer muttered, "I swear I saw glowing eyes near the well last night…"
Another added, "And the heat… it's December, yet it feels like midsummer at midnight."
A woman shivered, "I heard a girl singing near my house… but there's no one living in that part of the street."
Rumors stacked on rumors—beasts in the fields, strange claw marks, and shadows that vanished before morning.
Meanwhile, in Strom's forge, the gang sat together while sparks from the blacksmith's workbench lit the room.
Strom hunched over his dragon pendant, hammer and tools scattered. His jaw clenched.
Astrid (leaning back, arms crossed): "Nowadays demons need to chill. We've killed, what… almost a hundred of them in one month?"
Wraith (tilting her head): "It feels like they're targeting us. Like someone's… ordering them."
Sam (pushing his glasses up, annoyed): "Exactly. I checked the neighboring villages—barely any demon attacks there. But here? It's like a curse."
A sudden BANG echoed as Strom's work flared, a small explosion tossing black smoke into his face.
Strom: "Ohh fuc# this, again?!"
Wraith (smirking): "I think our legendary blacksmith just lost all his skills."
Astrid (half-concerned): "You okay, big guy?"
Sam (laughing): "And people call me the one who blows up everything."
Strom wiped soot from his face, glaring at the pendant's broken frame.
Strom: "Listen, in my opinion, all these demon attacks? They're happening because of this stone."
Astrid (raising an eyebrow): "How's that supposed to work? Explain."
Strom: "I broke its frame… now it's leaking aura waves every few hours. Strong waves—like a beacon. Every demon out there feels it and comes running."
Wraith (frowning): "I'm a demon myself and I don't feel a thing."
Strom: "This isn't about common demons. This stone's a power source… a full-blown energy core. Even monsters who shouldn't exist might be coming for it."
Sam (serious now): "So… how do we stop it?"
Strom leaned back, staring at the pendant like it was mocking him.
Strom: "Only way is to repair it. Seal the frame, lock its aura. Until then? Every freak out there is gonna line up for a piece of me."
Chapter 2 – The Night Out
Hours passed in the forge. Sparks danced like fireflies as Strom carefully sealed the last rune into place. The newly forged pendant gleamed, a mix of silver and deep-blue metal, its frame sharper and more stylish than before. The dragon aura stone pulsed faintly inside it, but stable—finally under control.
Strom (holding it up with a grin): "Here we go."
Wraith (leaning on the doorway, smirking): "Hmm… looks better than the previous one."
Strom (snapping it onto his neck): "That one was forged by Darkius. This one? 100% my design."
Sam (adjusting his gloves): "Cool flex, but… does it work? Can you talk to Aunt Dravyss again?"
Astrid (crossing her arms, raising a brow): "And your powers? Did you lock them again, or are you still running it on full blast like before?"
Strom rolled the pendant between his fingers.
Strom: "Yep… this is the definition of perfection. Sealed power, full access—without making me a walking demon magnet."
Sam (relieved): "So… no more demons hunting us for fun?"
Strom (dead serious): "Only those who already tracked me will keep coming. For them… killing is the only solution."
Wraith glanced outside at the glowing moon.
Wraith: "Tonight's moon looks good for a night out. What do you all think?"
Strom cracked a grin.
Strom: "Even better… because we can hunt."
Sam (throwing his hands up): "Oh, come on, you never take a break from this!"
Wraith (laughing): "Seriously, Strom, you're addicted."
Astrid smirked, picking up her massive blade.
Astrid: "I'm with Strom. I love battle too."
Strom tightened his gauntlet straps, pendant glowing faintly on his chest.
Strom: "Alright, team. Tonight, we clean house."
And so, under the pale moonlight, the four headed out into the night—ready to face whatever monster dared cross their path.
Chapter 3 – The Kiss of Chaos
The night was unnaturally quiet as the group wandered the forest path. Moonlight filtered through the trees, casting long, broken shadows.
A sudden blur cut across their vision—too fast, too sharp.
Wraith (instantly alert): "Something's here. Get ready."
Sam (checking his staff, nervous): "Uhh… no mana boost yet… I'm basically a brick."
Astrid (gripping her blade): "If it doesn't use magic like me, I'll cut it down fast."
Strom (grinning, almost excited): "I feel like our first fight tonight is gonna be legendary…"
A stone suddenly fell from above, clattering loudly. All eyes turned toward the noise—
—and then it happened.
A swift figure darted in, kissed Strom on the cheek, and backed away in a blur.
Strom froze, blinking.
Strom (touching his cheek): "Wait… what the—?"
Out from the shadows stepped a dangerously beautiful figure.
Tall, sleek, wearing a black gothic dress with crimson patterns, her black hair flowing like silk. Her eyes glowed blood red, and her lips were a perfect, striking red. In one hand, a razor-sharp curved sword gleamed under the moonlight.
???: "Mmm… sweet Dragon boy…"
She smiled, showing a glimpse of sharp vampire fangs.
Wraith's eyes narrowed, immediately spotting the lip mark on Strom's cheek.
Wraith (growling): "She's going to pay for that…"
Strom blinked twice, still dazed.
Strom (half-whisper): "I'd let this baddy take my soul…"
Both Wraith and Astrid snapped their heads toward him, eyes full of jealousy and rage.
Wraith & Astrid (simultaneously): "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!"
Sam, meanwhile, was just staring in disbelief.
Sam: "Wow… I thought we'd see some nasty demon tonight, but nope… we get a hot as hell vampire."
Astrid (furious): "Stop talking, Sam, and help me kill her."
Before anyone could act, two massive claws made of crimson fire swooped down from above. They wrapped around all four of them in an instant, lifting them off the ground like toys.
Strom (shouting as they were dragged into the sky): "What the hell is happening now?!"
The vampire, standing below, laughed softly, licking her lips.
Natalya, the Vampire: "Oh… this is going to be fun…"
Chapter 4: Volcano Showdown
They all land on the scorching volcano top.
The air's thick with smoke and heat—everyone's standing strong... except Wraith. He's barely holding himself up, leaning heavily on Strom.
Strom's eyes catch a familiar figure emerging through the haze.
"Wait... you're—"
Before he can finish, Phonix snatches Strom's pendant mid-air and hurls it miles away into the volcanic abyss.
Phonix smirks, voice cold like molten lava:
"Now, no dragon mom's here to protect you."
Strom grits his teeth, clutching Wraith tighter.
"I saved you once. My arms burned from your heat, but I carried you. Took care of you until you could stand... and this is how you repay me?"
Phonix scoffs, flicking a strand of fiery hair from her face.
"I never asked for your help, kid."
Strom's eyes flash with frustration and disbelief.
"Ah, right. I did everything to save you, and now you act like I never did? Wow, that's cold."
Wraith groans weakly, voice cracking.
"Guys... please, just finish her quick. I can't survive this heat much longer."
Astrid cracks her knuckles, smirking with that fierce Valkyrie grin.
"So... are we having some golden chicken today or what?" 🐔🔥
Strom looks down at his battered armor.
"Man, my armor's still busted, can't call it back yet. But my weapons? They're enough."
Sam glances at his clothes, hesitant.
"I don't wanna burn my stuff, but... okay, let's do this."
Phonix laughs, sharp and mocking.
"Hah! Try it, see what happens."
Suddenly, Phonix moves like a flash of flame—speed unmatched. Everyone's stunned, scrambling to catch her. They manage to land hits here and there, but the damage? Barely a scratch.
Phonix taunts, circling them like a deadly dance:
"Knock you all out with fun."
She stops, eyes blazing.
"No dragon? No problem."
Chapter 5: Flames and Resolve
Strom staggers, grimacing from the brutal hits.
"She's stronger than before..." he groans.
Sam wipes sweat from his brow, eyes sharp.
"Every time Phonix gets reborn, it comes gets stronger."
Astrid shrugs, fierce but annoyed.
"Can't complain about this crap."
Wraith, barely conscious and fading fast, whispers,
"How the hell can we win now?"
Strom, with everything left in him, slowly lifts his spear.
"By cutting her wings first."
But before any of them can even steady themselves, a massive wave of flames rushes toward them like a tidal wave of fire.
Without hesitation, Strom throws himself over Wraith, shielding her.
She can't survive that inferno.
The flames crash into Strom, burning him mercilessly.
Sam shouts, "We have to go! Hold hands!"
They link up, the air shimmering as Sam channels teleportation magic.
WHOOSH!
They're whisked miles away from the volcano's deadly heat.
Sam pants heavily, clutching his chest near his heart.
"Damn... teleporting always hurts. But teleporting all of us? Even worse."
Strom cradles Wraith in his arms, sweat and blood mixing on his face.
"I want my pendant back."
Astrid's eyes narrow, sizing up their enemy.
"That Phonix... she's way stronger than you described."
Strom nods grimly.
"She is stronger... but I believe Mom can handle it again."
Astrid blinks, curious.
"Again?"
Strom's voice lowers, full of quiet certainty.
"Yes. One Phonix... but two parts."
Chapter 6: The Lone Hunt
Strom looks Astrid dead in the eyes.
"Astrid, take care of Sam and Wraith. Get them home. I'll be back soon."
Sam immediately protests, worry thick in his voice.
"Dude, don't say you're going to fight that Phonix alone."
Strom tightens his grip on his spear, determined.
"She wants me. You all stay safe. First, I find my pendant—then I come back with her head."
Astrid nods firmly, but her eyes flash with concern.
"Okay. I'll handle them both. But please—come back safe."
Sam throws a quick glance at the volcano, then back at Strom.
"Alright, but remember—the volcano's on the right side. She threw your pendant way off to the left."
Strom smirks, confident.
"Got it. I'll find it. You both stay safe. And don't go messing with anyone out there."
Without another word, Strom sets off alone toward the distant left side, eyes sharp for any sign of the pendant.
Behind him, Astrid leads Sam and Wraith back home, all injured but alive—carrying the heavy weight of the fight to come.
Chapter 7: The Lost Pendant
The forest was dense, shadows tangled deep between the trees. The air was thick with humidity, mixed with a faint scent of smoke—like something was burning nearby, but not close enough to be safe.
Strom's eyes scanned every inch of the ground and trees as he moved cautiously. The weight of the situation pressed on him harder than the thick forest air.
"Oh God... why?" Strom muttered under his breath, voice cracking with frustration and pain.
"Why take my mom again? You're not even happy seeing me enjoying life, are you?"
Suddenly, a flash of movement caught his eye. A long, massive snake slithered rapidly across the narrow path ahead of him, its scales shimmering dark green in the dim light.
Strom froze. His heart slammed in his chest.
"Ohhh... fuck."
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
"Alright, it's just a snake. Without Mom, everything feels scary."
Still, his nerves were raw. His hands trembled slightly as he pushed forward, eyes flicking for the faintest sign of his pendant's glow—the soft blue light it always gave off, even from a distance.
Minutes stretched into hours as Strom trudged through the thick underbrush, sweat rolling down his face. The forest seemed endless, every step heavy with exhaustion and doubt.
He stopped abruptly, his fist connecting with a large rock near the path. The stone shattered into jagged pieces, flying in all directions.
"Dammit!" Strom growled, panting.
"Where is my pendant?"
His gaze lifted—and then he saw it. A flicker of flame high up in a tree, burning with unnatural fire.
"Goddamn it..." Strom whispered, heart pounding.
"How does she know I'm here?"
Without hesitation, he sprinted through the forest, branches whipping past his face, leaves crunching underfoot. The flames seemed to taunt him, lighting the way and warning him of danger ahead.
Every nerve screamed to run—but this was more than a hunt. It was a chase against fate itself.
Chapter 8: Clash of Flames and Will
Strom sprinted through the forest, every muscle screaming in exhaustion. His breath came in ragged gasps as he glared over his shoulder at the fiery shadow chasing him.
"Hey, bird!" he spat angrily, voice hoarse from running.
"Leave me alone! I won't help you ever again, Never I promise"
Phonix's voice burned through the air, cold and venomous:
"You little pig. Let's see how fire really feels."
Without warning, a wave of scorching flames exploded in Strom's path. He twisted sharply, dodging every burning strike with desperate agility—leaping over fallen logs, weaving between trees, barely escaping the heat.
In a sudden burst, Strom threw his spear with all his might. The weapon sliced through the air, aiming straight for Phonix's neck.
Phonix laughed, dark and cruel.
"Ha! A little human trying to fight me? How pathetic."
Strom wiped sweat from his brow, eyes sharp with defiance.
"At least I'm trying. Not hiding behind some fake powers like you."
Her eyes narrowed, flames flaring around her like a storm.
"You talk too much. Take this!"
A massive fireball hurtled toward him, blazing like a miniature sun.
Strom dropped low and rolled to the side, barely dodging the explosion that turned the forest floor into smoldering ash.
"Oh, come on!" he groaned, pushing himself back to his feet.
"Can't you just leave me ?"
Phonix's voice cut through the smoke, cold and merciless:
"You're the reason Volkthane died."
Strom's jaw clenched, anger flashing in his eyes.
"He tried to kill me. That's why he fu#ked up ."
"Shut up."
Phonix surged forward, flames trailing her like a deadly cloak.
Strom pushed his legs harder, sprinting faster than before—until he saw it: a cave ahead, faintly glowing with a soft blue light.
He dove inside, the cool air a sharp contrast to the inferno outside.
His glowing blue spear was embedded in the stone wall, humming with power.
"Okay," Strom panted, gripping the spear tightly.
"Good for now."
Phonix's voice echoed through the cave entrance, fiery and threatening.
"This cave won't save you for long."
Chapter 9: Goblin Greed
Strom moved cautiously through the twisting cave, the dim blue glow from his spear casting eerie shadows on the jagged walls. Every step echoed softly, mixing with the distant drip of water and the faint rustling of something up ahead.
"Let's see where this light is coming from..." he muttered, eyes narrowing.
As he rounded a bend, the source of the glow became clear.
Around 25 to 30 green-skinned, greedy goblins were gathered in a rough circle, tossing something shiny back and forth with careless laughter.
Strom's heart sank — it was his pendant, gleaming faintly in their grubby hands.
"Wow... only this thing was missing. Great." He whispered bitterly.
One of the goblins, a scrappy one with a crooked tooth, noticed him and shouted,
"Hey, you boy! What're you doing here?"
Strom stepped forward, voice steady but fierce,
"I want my pendant back."
The goblins stopped their game and turned, their beady eyes wide with surprise — or maybe amusement — like Strom had just challenged their lives.
Another goblin, bigger and scarred, sneered,
"How do we know that's really yours?"
A smaller one chimed in,
"Yeah, why should we give it back?"
"Exactly," added a third, arms crossed, "We don't want you here. Go away!"
Strom's patience snapped. He raised his voice, sharp and commanding:
"Shut up, all of you! You're giving me my pendant back — or I'm taking it."
All the goblins smiled wide, their crooked teeth glinting in the torchlight. And at once, they shouted,
"Try!"
Strom grinned tiredly, gripping his spear tight.
"Okay... before facing a fire chicken, I gotta deal with these green monkeys. What kind of world am I living in?"
He lunged forward to grab the pendant, but each time his fingers grazed it, a goblin tossed it to another in the circle, making him chase it like a mad dog.
Frustration bubbled inside him, but he knew losing his cool wasn't an option — not here, not now.
Chapter 10: The Goblin Standoff
Strom's patience snapped. Without hesitation, he grabbed a small goblin by the collar and lifted him off the ground, the sharp spear blade resting just inches from the goblin's throat.
His voice was cold and firm:
"If any of you make a move, this one won't get out of here alive."
The goblin's eyes widened with fear. Another goblin shouted,
"Put him down! You're going to hurt him!"
Strom held steady.
"Maybe I will—if you don't return my pendant."
One goblin growled,
"That's not fair! You can't threaten us like that, it's cheating."
Strom's gaze was sharp as steel.
"When it comes to my pendant, fair doesn't matter."
The goblins exchanged uneasy glances. After a tense moment, their leader stepped forward, raising his hands.
"Alright. Let our friend go, and we'll give you back your pendant."
Strom tightened his grip but didn't release the captive.
"First, the pendant. Then your friend is free."
The leader frowned, suspicious.
"How do we know you won't trick us?"
Strom's voice dropped low, warning clear.
"If I wanted, I'd take back what's mine by force—but I'm giving you a chance."
Slowly, the goblins sat down and loosened their grip on the captive. The small goblin dropped to the ground, rubbing his neck.
Strom set him down carefully but kept his spear ready.
"Now, the pendant. No tricks."
Hours passed in heavy silence.
Finally, the leader spoke again.
"We'll return your pendant. But what do we get in return?"
Strom considered, then said,
"Your friends... and my spear."
The goblins whispered and nodded in agreement.
One cautiously pulled the pendant from their pile and held it out.
Strom didn't lower his guard, eyes watching for any sign of betrayal.
Chapter 11: Clash of Fire and Fury
Strom stepped out of the cave, the pendant hidden close to his chest. Ahead stood Phonix, flames crackling wildly around her like a living inferno, eyes burning with hatred.
"So, you've decided to feel the heat," she hissed, her voice dripping with menace.
Strom's lips curled into a confident smirk.
"Yeah, but not the way you think."
He raised his hand and shouted,
"Mom, now!"
A roar like thunder ripped through the air as Dravyss burst forth from the pendant's blue glow, her massive form towering and shimmering with sapphire scales. Her eyes blazed with fury as she faced the fiery phoenix.
"You dare to challenge me again?" Dravyss growled, voice thick with wrath.
"Ready to die by my claws once more?"
Phonix snarled, claws igniting into blazing weapons.
"You will pay for his death, you lizard scum."
With a deafening roar, Phonix lunged forward with lightning speed, claws slashing like molten blades.
Dravyss spread her giant wings wide, absorbing the fiery onslaught like an immovable mountain. Sparks flew as flame met scale, but her stance never wavered.
"You've grown stronger," Dravyss admitted, teeth clenched tight.
"But I remember what you are."
Phonix's eyes narrowed, fury fueling her attack.
"You haven't seen the worst."
The phoenix unleashed a furious barrage, claws raking toward Dravyss with blistering speed. But Dravyss caught each strike, muscles tensing as the power behind each blow threatened to tear her apart.
"This is what I waited for," Dravyss snarled,
"An enemy consumed by rage. That's kind of fun."
With a savage snarl, Dravyss clamped down on one of Phonix's wings, claws ripping through feathers and flame. Phonix screamed, spiraling out of control as she crashed heavily onto the jagged earth.
Before she could recover, Dravyss slammed her massive fist into Phonix's chest with the force of a boulder, sending shockwaves through the cave.
Then, she unleashed a torrent of searing blue flames, engulfing Phonix in a blistering inferno.
Phonix gasped, writhing in pain,
"That... can't be... you're stronger than ever."
Dravyss leaned in, eyes glowing like twin stars,
"No, I'm not stronger. You're just weak."
With a final, brutal strike, Dravyss tore Phonix apart, scattering burning feathers and molten shards into the darkness.
Silence fell.
Strom stood tall, clutching his pendant, the weight of victory heavy in the air—but the war was far from over.
Chapter 12: Back Home and Night Stalkers
Strom finally made it back home, the pendant glowing softly against his chest.
Sam greeted him with a teasing grin,
"So… what about Phonix's head? You promised you'd bring it back."
Strom shrugged, smirking,
"That's on mom—she kinda turned it into ashes."
They both laughed as they stepped inside, where Astrid and Wraith were resting.
Strom asked,
"So, how's my demon doing?"
Astrid gave a tired but reassuring smile,
"Still some bleeding, but she's almost healed."
Wraith nodded weakly,
"I'll be fine. Just need some moonlight to heal."
Strom cracked his knuckles,
"How about a night out? This time with no Phonix ruining the fun."
Everyone chuckled, the mood light and easy.
After sunset, the group set out to track that vampire—Natalya.
Hours later, they found her perched on a stone, looking as deadly and beautiful as ever, her hand stained with fresh blood.
Natalya purred,
"I was waiting for you, my cutie pie."
Wraith's eyes blazed,
"If she calls you something like that again, I'm ending her."
Strom nudged Sam,
"Dude, we can't hit a girl. Let Wraith and Astrid handle this while we watch."
Sam nodded eagerly,
"Perfect. Time to be gentlemen—hell yeah."
Astrid cracked her knuckles,
"Alright, let's teach her some manners."
Wraith smirked,
"This is gonna be fun."
The fight exploded in a blur of speed—Wraith and Natalya darting like shadows, too fast to follow, while Astrid tried to land a solid hit.
Finally, Astrid grabbed Natalya by the neck, muscles tense and eyes fierce.
"No more running, insect."
Natalya struggled, snarling,
"Let me go."
Wraith grinned darkly,
"Yes we'll, but after we break your neck."
Astrid tightened her grip,
"So, what now?"
Natalya laughed cruelly, then suddenly shifted into a bat and soared away into the night sky.
The bat's voice echoed,
"We'll meet again soon, sweetheart."
Strom smirked,
"Waiting for you."
Turning to Sam,
"Man, she's insane, huh?"
Wraith shot Strom a glare,
"You're sleeping in your forge tonight—with all the mosquitoes."
Astrid raised an eyebrow,
"You really like her, don't you?"
Sam chuckled nervously,
"Don't worry, Astrid—I'm loyal."
Strom grinned wide,
"Looks like I'm picking up some 'blooded flower' tonight."
Laughter filled the night air—danger lurking, but friendship stronger than ever.