Chapter 38

  Under the blue moon of the Demon Realm, the carriage arrived at the Hell Knights’ domain.

  The coachman spoke, “We have arrived at the Blood Wine Tavern, the home of the most famous blood wine renowned across the whole Demon Realm.”

  “Let’s go, Captain,” said Ryan as he jumped out of the carriage.

  Following him, Leo got down carrying the child. Melody and Lara stepped out as well.

  “Let’s rest for tonight and start searching for the source of the wail,” Leo said.

  “Let’s do that,” Lara replied.

  They stepped out and entered the tavern.

  The tavern was filled with the sweet smell of wine. Unlike a usual tavern, it held an unusual tension in the air. People drank from their cups, but their faces were filled with frowns—some sense of profound fear lingered everywhere.

  The four went to the register desk. There stood a demon staring at the outsiders with one eye, his raised brows wrinkled, his face almost corpse-like, as if one step into the grave.

  Suddenly, the corpse moved its mouth.

  “Welcome, outsiders.”

  Lara spoke, “We need two rooms. Beds for four, for two nights.”

  “Three silvers,” he said.

  Leo took the money out of his magic expansion bag and paid him.

  “Guide them up,” the old man said.

  A teenage boy with a frame just as thin led them upstairs, carrying their luggage.

  As they were about to turn away, the old figure spoke again,

  “Don’t come out tomorrow night. The Blood Moon spares none.”

  The four went up, hearing those ominous words.

  They settled into their rooms—Leo, Ryan, and the child demon in one room, the girls in the other.

  They left the child upstairs and went down to have dinner.

  Around the table, they sat.

  Ryan spoke, “Guys, seems like the situation is much worse than what the leader said.”

  “It seems so,” Melody agreed.

  Lara added, “We need to start searching for some clue.”

  Leo replied, “Since the moment we entered the city, the mana has not settled once. It’s crying. The source is west of here. The cries have only become stronger.”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Hearing this, Lara’s eyes widened.

  “That is the direction of the castle of the Hell Star.”

  “Then that’s where we start,” Ryan said.

  Melody replied, “That’s not as easy as it sounds. I came here when I was young. The floors of the castle are filled with Hell Knights—the best knight order in the realm, the most ruthless demon guards. We should be cautious. We don’t know who the enemy is yet.”

  “You are right. Then first thing in the morning, we start the search,” Leo said.

  The four agreed and headed to bed.

  Leo and Ryan walked up to their room.

  Ryan spoke, “Captain, tomorrow is a long day. We better rest well.”

  As he opened the door, Leo replied, “Yes, you are right, Ryan.”

  They stepped inside.

  The bed where the child slept was empty.

  The room was in shambles—the bed cot fully dismantled, the cupboard open, their belongings thrown across the floor.

  Leo spoke, “On guard, Ryan.”

  The bed shook.

  Ryan spoke, “Captain, there is someone under the bed. Approach carefully, Captain.”

  Leo nodded and raised his crimson sword from its hilt.

  The bed shook more violently.

  The duo approached closer.

  Suddenly, a small figure jumped out from under the bed and hugged Leo’s face.

  It was the child.

  His mouth was covered with the ration they had eaten, hands stained with night-berry juice. He started licking Leo’s face.

  “A great intruder indeed,” Ryan laughed.

  “Stop laughing,” Leo said, drenched in food stains and the child’s saliva.

  Ryan laughed even harder.

  The sound startled the two in the next room. Melody and Lara came rushing in, saw the scene, and started laughing as well.

  Melody took out some food and knelt in front of the child.

  The child slowly approached Melody.

  She sat on one knee and placed the food in her hand. The child cautiously smelled it. Melody moved her hand closer to his mouth.

  He jumped back, turned around, and looked at Leo.

  “It’s alright,” Leo said.

  The child took the food from Melody’s hand, munched it down, then jumped at her and started licking her face—a sign of affection.

  After that, he hopped down.

  Lara spoke, “Let’s have some more food. Come with me.”

  The child silently held her hand, and they both headed out.

  “Not so funny now, right?” Leo asked.

  “Not very,” Ryan replied.

  They all went to sleep.

  The twin crimson suns rose in the sky. Yet another day was born.

  The five gathered in front of the inn.

  Lara took out a badge with the symbol of an L on it.

  “Take it. It’s the newest invention of our magic research division—a communicator for local transmission,” Lara said.

  “If only we had this back when dealing with the demon hordes,” Ryan sighed.

  Leo patted his back. “It’s great to have it now. Thanks, Sister Lara.”

  “Let’s go now.”

  Suddenly, a cry was heard from the east of the town.

  The child turned around and pulled Lara’s hand towards that direction. He started running.

  Lara ran after him. “Let me go get him. You guys go to the castle.”

  “Ryan, follow her,” Leo said.

  “Yes, Captain,” Ryan replied, following Lara and the child.

  “Melody, let’s get going,” Leo said.

  “Okay, Captain,” Melody replied, following Leo toward the castle.

  In the castle of the Hell Star, deep within the underground dungeon, the Hell Star stood watching an abomination scream and fall down.

  The head of the hooded blood mages came near him , took out the blood red gem on the staff and placed it on the hell star's hands and said, “Your Majesty, it succeeded.”

  The Hell Star replied, “Good job,” and walked out with the gem.

  In his room, the Hell Star sat at his desk, opened his drawer, and looked at a painting.

  He spoke softly, “Today we finally found a way. I am not weak anymore. Finally, I have the strength.”

  He placed the painting back into the drawer and stared out the window, facing the twin suns.

  The head of the blood mages stood before the abomination and spoke "get up", the underground filled with corpses hundreds of undead all stood up under the command of the head mage , he spoke " rise up , tonight we fight for our master fulfil our lifelong dream ".the undead army shouted from their dead vocal cords stirring up fear in all those who hear it .

  a man stood up opened the letter that arrived read it then he folded the letter tied it to another bird's leg and let it fly ,he spoke" finally it's time".