The capital of the Union of Light—the Lumina. It was a city built of white marble and gold, where light never faded even at night due to magical lanterns powered by holy energy. To the people, it was paradise. To Valerius, it was a prison with a pretty face.
"Lord, Vorgath's Soul Fragment is hidden in the Vault of Aethelgard, under Duke Alaric's castle," Malphas reported. The raven perched on Valerius' shoulder, who was now disguised as a wealthy merchant from the distant east. Beside him stood Ignis, wearing a long white cloak to hide her horns and the heat emanating from her skin.
"This place is too bright," Ignis complained in a low voice. "I want to burn every corner."
"Be patient, Ignis," Valerius ordered. "We can't make a scene until we get Vorgath's soul. Duke Alaric is one of the Union of Light's 'Seven Sages'. He's no ordinary foe."
As they walked through the crowded streets, a procession passed by. In its center was a golden carriage. Inside sat a man with long silver hair, holding a staff with a crystal tip.
"Duke Alaric," Malphas whispered.
Suddenly, the carriage stopped. The Duke looked in Valerius' direction. His eyes seemed to pierce through Ignis' cloak. A cold smile spread across the Duke's lips before the carriage moved on.
"He sensed us," Valerius said. "He knows we're here."
When night fell, Valerius began their operation. Using the Shadow Cloak of the Ring of Despair, they traversed the rooftops until they reached the back of Alaric's castle.
"Ignis, you'll be the distraction," Valerius ordered. "Cause a commotion on the east side of the castle. Malphas, come with me to the depths."
"As you command, my King!" Ignis replied cheerfully.
In an instant, a massive explosion of blue flames engulfed the guard tower.
"COME, BLIND SOLDIERS! FACE THE FIRE OF INFERNUM!"
While all the paladins rushed towards Ignis, Valerius slipped into the Vault. The Vault's door had ancient runes warning of death to any thief. But Valerius wasn't a thief; he was the original owner of all power on this continent.
He touched the door and whispered, "Redemptio Umbra."
The runes slowly faded, as if afraid of his presence.
Inside, he saw a small crystal jar floating in the center of the room. Inside it was a tiny brown smoke struggling to escape—Vorgath's soul.
"Vorgath... return to your lord," Valerius said.
But before he could touch the jar, a voice echoed from the shadows.
"I've been expecting you, Demon Lord."
From behind a pillar, Duke Alaric emerged. But something was off about him. His shadow on the wall wasn't human; it had four wings and held a golden sword.
"A Celestial?" Valerius asked in surprise.
"I am the guardian of this era," Alaric replied. "The Heroes gave me the task of ensuring you never set foot on this land again. Your general's soul will be the bait for your final breath."
Alaric raised his staff and a blinding light enveloped the Vault. Valerius' Ring of Despair began to tremble, struggling with the intensity of the holy energy.
"A Celestial hiding in human form," Valerius smiled, his eyes glowing brighter red. "Looks like it's more fun to kill an 'angel' than mere paladins."
The battle began in the depths of the castle. Every swing of Alaric's sword unleashed lightning, while every move Valerius made left traps of shadow.
Meanwhile, outside, Ignis was surrounded by hundreds of soldiers. But a familiar figure appeared above the cathedral—Seraphina, the Inquisitor.
"Let's end this, demon!" Seraphina shouted, raising her Holy Sword.
But before she could charge, a massive earthquake shook the entire city. From the depths of the earth, a giant stone hand emerged and crushed the castle wall.
"MY... LORD..." the voice came from the depths of the earth.
Vorgath's soul had escaped the jar and was beginning to merge with the ground they stood on.