The Rising Storm

The air was thick with dread as Kain held Nero’s bloodied body, trembling. Lena and Ezren stood frozen, the weight of what just happened crashing down on them.

But the demon’s words echoed in Kain’s mind — “Let’s see if you’re strong enough to carry us both.”

Suddenly, the ground trembled. From the ash of the slain demon, dark energy erupted, spiraling into the sky. Out of the shadows, more figures emerged — twisted creatures, servants of the Demon King Beru.

Ezren’s eyes widened. “They… they were waiting… it was a trap!”

The first of the creatures lunged — a beast of bone and shadow, maw wide. Ezren roared, blood spears launching from his palms, piercing the monster’s skull. It shrieked and crumbled.

Lena’s hands lit with magic. “Protect Nero! We hold them off!”

Kain gently laid Nero down, his eyes burning with rage. “You bastards… you think you can take us down now?”

The forest erupted into chaos. Shadow wolves, twisted goblins, and flying demons rushed them. Ezren fought like a man possessed, his blood arts tearing through enemies, staining the ground crimson.

Lena’s barriers shimmered as she pushed herself, blocking attacks that would’ve killed them instantly. “They just… keep coming!”

Kain gritted his teeth. “Fine… if this is where we die, then let’s make it worth it!”

Kain’s sword gleamed, energy coating the blade. With a primal scream, he charged, slashing through two shadow beasts. Blood sprayed, bones cracked.

Ezren followed, his spears spinning through the air, ripping holes through enemies. “For Nero!”

The fight dragged on — wave after wave of monsters. The team was pushed back, bleeding, tired — but not broken.

Then, the earth split. From the depths, a new figure rose — the second disciple of Beru, cloaked in black flame, eyes burning red.

“You killed Igris… now face me — Malek, the Blood Wraith.”

Kain spat blood. “We don’t care who you are… you’re next!”

Malek laughed. “Try then… try and survive.”

With a snap of his fingers, the sky rained blood. From the ground, spears of crimson erupted, forcing Kain and Ezren apart.

Malek dashed forward, his blade drawn, clashing with Kain. Sparks flew, the ground shattered.

“You… are strong… but not enough.” Malek grinned, landing a solid strike that sent Kain flying into a tree.

Ezren roared, blood energy surging, launching a barrage of spears. Malek dodged, laughing, and retaliated, slicing through Ezren’s side.

Lena screamed, casting a powerful seal, freezing Malek for a second. “RUN!”

But they didn’t.

Kain struggled to his feet, sword shaking. “We’re not… running…”

Malek’s grin widened. “Then die.”

As he struck the final blow — a blast of demonic energy aimed to wipe them out — something shifted.

Nero’s body glowed faintly. His eyes snapped open — golden pupils, blood-red sclera.

“No…” Nero’s voice was cold, deeper. “You… won’t… touch them.”

With impossible speed, Nero appeared before Malek, catching his blade barehanded. Blood dripped, but Nero didn’t flinch.

“Impossible…” Malek gasped.

Nero’s voice was like thunder. “Leave… or die.”

The next second, Nero’s fist crashed into Malek’s chest, sending the Blood Wraith flying, crashing through trees.

Kain stared in shock. “N-Nero?”

Ezren whispered, “His… eyes…”

Silence fell over the battlefield.

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