The battlefield was painted in red. Smoke rose into the sky like black pillars, and the stench of blood mixed with fire spread across the land. The war that had lasted for centuries was finally reaching its end.
At the center of the battlefield stood a towering figure. His horns curved back like blades, his body wrapped in thick armor made from dark flames, and his crimson eyes glowed like burning coals. This was Kael, the Devil God, feared across all realms. His presence alone crushed the weak to their knees.
But today, even he stood surrounded.
Dozens of figures gathered before him. These were not nameless warriors but his own generals—those who had once bowed before him, fought for him, and spilled rivers of blood in his name. They now stood with weapons drawn, their faces twisted with fear and determination.
"Kael," spoke the golden-haired general, Arion, his once-loyal right hand. "Your reign ends today."
Kael's eyes narrowed. His voice was deep, heavy like thunder.
"You dare betray me, Arion? After all I gave you? Power, wealth, immortality. And this is how you repay me?"
Arion's grip on his sword tightened, but he did not lower his gaze. "You brought endless death to this world. We can no longer follow you. Even if you are our god, today we choose humanity over you."
Kael laughed, a low sound that shook the ground. "Humanity? Fool. Those humans you protect will spit on your sacrifice. They will call you monsters. I was the only one who gave you purpose."
The other generals remained silent. They knew his words carried truth, but they had already chosen their path. Behind them, a group of shining warriors stood—the so-called heroes summoned by the gods of light. Their blades radiated holy energy that burned Kael's skin just by being near.
Kael raised his hand, summoning a storm of black fire. The ground cracked beneath his feet, and rivers of magma burst forth. "If it is betrayal you want, then let the world burn with you!"
The battle began.
---
The heroes charged first, their swords glowing. Light clashed against flame, each strike shaking the battlefield. Kael swung his massive blade, cutting down three of them in a single blow, but more took their place. His generals moved in, their blades aimed at his back, his sides, his heart.
For centuries they had fought beside him, so they knew his every strength and weakness. Their betrayal cut deeper than any sword.
Kael roared, unleashing waves of demonic energy that tore through the air. Entire hills collapsed, and the screams of dying warriors echoed across the land. His enemies faltered but did not retreat. They kept pressing forward, forcing him to step back again and again.
Arion leapt through the smoke, his holy sword piercing Kael's shoulder. The Devil God howled in pain, swinging his fist and sending Arion crashing into the ground, but the wound burned. It would not heal.
Another general, Seraphine, once his most devoted servant, stabbed her spear into his leg. "Forgive me, my lord," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "But this is the only way."
Kael grabbed her by the neck, lifting her into the air. His fingers tightened until her bones cracked. "Traitor," he spat. With a twist, he threw her lifeless body aside.
But the delay was enough.
The heroes chanted together, weaving their magic into a single spell. A giant circle of light formed above, swallowing the sky. Beams of holy energy rained down like divine judgment.
Kael raised his blade and unleashed all his remaining power. Black flames rose like a sea, clashing against the holy light. For a moment, it seemed the world itself would tear apart from their struggle. Mountains shattered, rivers evaporated, and the earth trembled as if it could no longer bear the weight of their war.
But the light was endless.
Kael's flames weakened, his body slowing. His armor cracked, exposing flesh that burned under the divine rays. He fell to one knee, his sword sinking into the broken ground.
The heroes saw their chance. Together with the remaining generals, they struck. Dozens of blades pierced his chest, his back, his limbs. Holy light exploded from the wounds, tearing through his body.
Kael roared in agony, his voice echoing like thunder across the realms. The sky itself darkened, as if mourning his fall.
Blood dripped from his lips, black and steaming. He glared at those around him, his crimson eyes burning with hatred.
"You… all of you… worthless insects. You think killing me will bring peace? You think the gods of light will spare you? No… you are already dead."
He slammed his hand into the ground, his blood spilling into the cracks. The earth trembled as his soul ignited with fury.
"I curse this world!" Kael shouted, his voice reaching beyond life and death. "Every human, every god, every traitor who dares to walk this land—I curse you! My rage will never end. My soul will return, and when it does, rivers will flow with blood, and your children will scream my name in terror!"
The heroes tried to silence him, plunging their swords deeper, but it was too late. His curse had already taken root in the very fabric of the world.
Dark clouds swirled above, lightning striking endlessly. The smell of sulfur and ash filled the air. Even the gods who watched from the heavens felt the chill of his final words.
Kael's body began to collapse into ashes, his flesh turning to black dust. Yet his eyes remained, glowing with crimson fire until the very last moment.
"Remember this day," he whispered, his voice fading but still filled with venom. "The day you killed your god. The day you doomed yourselves."
With that, the Devil God fell silent. His body turned to nothing, scattered by the wind.
The battlefield was quiet at last.
The heroes dropped their weapons, exhausted and broken. Some cheered weakly, others wept. They had slain the Devil God, but deep inside, unease gnawed at their hearts. His curse still lingered in the air, heavy and suffocating.
Arion, bleeding and bruised, looked at the ashes that once were his master. He should have felt victory, but instead his heart was hollow.
"Is it truly over?" he whispered.
No one answered.
Far away, beyond the reach of mortal eyes, Kael's soul drifted into the abyss. It did not fade. It did not rest. It burned—burned with rage, hatred, and an endless thirst for revenge.
In the darkness, his voice echoed once more.
"I will return."