The moment the Demon King departed, the clamor died down, and the heavy air grew still. Andre and Volak sat picking up the pieces of their shattered composure, trying to steady their frantic heartbeats. Once their breathing had somewhat leveled, Volak broke the silence with a sharp question:

  "How did you come to possess the ancient blade of the Demon King?"

  Andre bowed his head, his eyes lost in dark memories. "It wasn't me who found the sword, Volak... it was the sword that preyed upon me. It came to me in my dreams, whispering into the ears of my soul long before my eyes ever beheld it. When I finally saw it at the Knights' Tournament and heard its voice clearly... I knew then that my fate was sealed."

  Volak furrowed his brow in dread. "What fate do you speak of? Do you realize this blade is forged with the blood of the First Demon—the strongest and most ferocious being across the ages?"

  "I know," Andre replied in a low voice, thick with bitterness. "I never craved its use, and I never did... I loathe it, yet without it, I am nothing. I have only drawn it once, but... what choice do I have? I need it."

  Silence reigned for a moment. Then Volak stood up, a new spark in his eyes. "If you truly need the power of that blade, then you must first tame the beast lurking within it... isn't that right?"

  Andre nodded in awe. "Yes..."

  Volak extended his hand firmly. "Then... will you accept me as your master?"

  Andre’s eyes widened in shock. "Are you joking? You would help someone carrying a demonic curse? Have you lost your mind, Volak?"

  "Yes," Volak replied with iron resolve. "Because, quite simply, I do not wish to see the tragedies of the past repeated. So, what say you?"

  Andre gripped his hand and stood up, saying with gratitude, "I accept you as my master... I will place my trust in your training."

  Volak gave a faint smile. "Then do not disappoint me. Now, we must leave. The 'Ice Lord' is on your trail, and believe me... his wrath is a hell you do not wish to enter."

  "But descending this mountain will take a full day!" Andre said anxiously.

  A look of cunning crossed Volak’s face. "Then... hold on tight."

  "Why?"

  "Because this is your first lesson. He who possesses power and masters 'Mana' to soar through the heights has no need for a paved path beneath his feet."

  Andre panicked. "But I don't know how!"

  "Summon the Mana around you... shape it beneath your feet like steps of light, and tread upon the air... like this!"

  Volak leapt from the edge of the abyss in a breathtaking display, but with stunning mastery, he stood upon an invisible wind for moments before landing gracefully on the ground.

  "You did it! You landed!" Andre shouted from above.

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  Volak laughed. "That is the first lesson... now, move!"

  The Shadow in the Heights

  From a towering vantage point, Maurice watched the scene with a twisted, predatory smile. He hadn't followed Andre; instead, he stood contemplating the horizon with cold detachment.

  "Heh... what an entertaining show. Did you see that?"

  A mysterious shadow standing beside him replied, "Your plan has failed, Maurice... they have all united."

  Maurice cackled darkly. "Do you think that is why I'm smiling? Look closer... did you see the image of that demon? He is the ruler of all demons. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me; to witness the birth of the greatest demon in existence."

  "And what do you intend to do?" the shadow asked. "Will you let it possess the boy?"

  "Not yet... I have another plan."

  "You mean turning the Leader’s son into a demon? You’ve already failed at that."

  "True. And what good is a single demon? He can be easily defeated. That was my backup plan. But now..." His smile widened, revealing the claws of his ambition. "I shall turn this entire kingdom into a pack of demons."

  "How can you possibly do that?" the shadow inquired curiously.

  "You will see soon enough... there is no need for haste. Besides..." Maurice looked down into the deep abyss beneath his feet. "The legendary beast slumbers beneath us. I wonder what will happen when it wakes? How magnificent! My dear Andre... we shall be a perfect duo, the Hero and the Villain. So prepare yourself well, while I set the stage for our final performance."

  The Return to the Fortress

  Later, Andre and Volak reached the walls of the Ice Knights' castle.

  "Andre, can you sneak inside?" Volak whispered.

  "No, you fool!" Andre replied in terror. "Didn't you hear the orders? Everyone is commanded to stay inside until the negotiations are over. Going out now is blatant defiance!"

  Volak muttered coolly, "Fine, I'll try to convince someone to open the door... or instead of exhausting your brain, why not just walk through the front door? Everyone knows about you anyway."

  Upon entering, Volak shouted, "Iris! He wasn't trying to sneak—"

  "Yes, he was!" Iris interrupted. "I saw it with my own eyes!"

  Volak muttered in frustration, "I apologize... I am sorry."

  Iris replied, "An apology? Fine, I'll let it slide this time since your tribe and ours have made peace, Volak. Also... welcome back, Vice-Captain."

  Andre was confused. "What? Wait... Oliver, what are you saying?"

  "Volak is here!" Oliver shouted with excitement.

  Everyone rushed toward them, trampling poor Oliver who fell under their feet, screaming, "Ouch! Can't one of you not step on me?!"

  "Volak! You one-eyed devil, we missed you!"

  Volak laughed spontaneously. "Despite the feuds and insults, you guys never change. Yes, there were rivalries between us, but peace has come now, and there is no need to fight. So... what do you think? Shall I return to the squad?"

  "Just say yes!" everyone cheered in unison.

  Julian laughed and said, "Is it that easy for you to give up your position to another? How naive! Fine, the position is yours, along with all the headaches it brings. Our squad causes more trouble than natural disasters anyway."

  Someone muttered, "Captain, that’s harsh... at least say it when we aren't around!"

  A sudden silence fell. The Captain said, "See? I’m right."

  Then the Vice-Captain turned toward Andre with a grave expression. "Andre, the Ice Lord is waiting for you in your room... he is already there."

  Andre froze in his tracks. "Is... is he angry?"

  "Go find out for yourself."

  Andre entered his room with trembling steps, only to find the Ice Lord sitting on his bed, gripping his sword, his eyes radiating murderous intent.

  "Andre... please, come in," the Ice Lord said in a voice that made the skin crawl. "We have much to discuss."

  Andre stammered, "Sir, please, I had a good reason—"

  "I don't care." His tone froze the very air in the room. "I gave you one order: do not leave your room until the agreement is finalized. Did you disobey my command?"

  "—It was... it was an urgent mission—"

  "More urgent than my orders?" The Captain’s gaze pierced him like daggers of ice. "Let me remind you... what order in this existence could possibly be more sacred than my word?"

  The walls shook with a solemn silence, and moments later, Andre’s scream tore through the stillness of the castle—a resounding cry of despair.

  Someone downstairs whispered, "Start digging his grave now."

  Another re

  plied, "No... the Captain isn't finished punishing him yet."