Chapter 11: Traces of Darkness
Adam and Aelina moved quickly through the ancient forest that stretched out like a labyrinth. The air around them grew heavier, laden with an unseen malevolence. They were heading toward the small town of Eldoria, the last known location of the Demon King's followers before their forces moved to attack Lyvaris.
"Do you feel that?" Aelina asked, her sharp eyes scanning every corner of the path.
Adam nodded. "Yes, it's like something is watching us."
Their steps halted as a rustling sound echoed from the trees surrounding them. In an instant, dark figures emerged—demons armed to the teeth, their hulking forms and razor-sharp fangs exuding menace.
"Humans and elves," one of the demons hissed, its voice heavy with mockery. "How pathetic to see you wandering into our lands."
Adam clenched his fists, summoning his power. A whirlpool of water began to form around his body. "We're not backing down. If you want a fight, then come and get it!"
Aelina raised her bow, nocking an arrow glowing with green magic. "You really do enjoy getting into trouble, don't you?" she said with a faint smirk, though her expression was taut with vigilance.
Without warning, the demons charged. One lunged at Adam, claws outstretched, but Adam raised his hand, conjuring a wall of water that slammed the demon to the ground.
"You'll have to be faster than that!" Adam shouted, blasting two more demons with a powerful surge of water.
Meanwhile, Aelina moved with incredible agility, leaping from tree to tree while firing her enchanted arrows with deadly precision. Each arrow erupted on impact, taking down several demons at once.
Suddenly, a larger figure stepped out from the shadows—a demon clad in black armor, carrying a massive war hammer. It was one of Korvak's elite guards.
"You're just children playing at war," the demon growled, its voice rumbling like thunder. It swung its hammer, shattering the ground beneath it and sending Adam and Aelina tumbling.
Adam struggled to his feet, feeling a sharp pain in his shoulder from a shard of debris. He saw Aelina also trying to stand, her face showing signs of strain.
"We can't take him on alone," Aelina said quickly.
Adam shook his head. "We don't have a choice. We have to beat him, or we're not getting out of here."
The demon advanced, its grin full of malice. "You don't know when to quit. Good. I'll enjoy breaking your spirits."
Adam closed his eyes, focusing his energy. He felt the power from the Pure Spring well up within him, stronger than ever. Slowly, water began to form a massive sword around his body, shimmering with blue energy.
"Aelina, buy me some time. I have a plan," Adam said, his eyes burning with determination.
Aelina nodded, albeit hesitantly. She leapt toward the demon, firing a rapid volley of arrows to keep its attention. The demon swung its hammer with brutal force, smashing each arrow mid-air, but Aelina kept her distance, moving swiftly.
Meanwhile, Adam concentrated all his power into the water blade. "This is for everything you've destroyed," he whispered, before launching himself forward with incredible speed.
The demon sensed the danger but reacted too late. With a single slash, Adam's water blade tore through its black armor, shattering the energy core in its chest. The demon roared, its body disintegrating into black ash.
For a moment, silence filled the forest.
"That… was impressive," Aelina said, walking over as she examined a wound on her arm.
Adam gave a weary smile. "Thanks. But this isn't over. The Demon King won't stop until we destroy all his plans."
Aelina nodded. "We need to hurry. If their forces are already heading to Lyvaris, we don't have much time."
They resumed their journey, drawing closer to Eldoria. Elsewhere, in the towering Malakar Fortress, Korvak received the report of his subordinates' failure.
"The human is growing stronger," one demon reported, trembling with fear.
Korvak's cold smile spread across his face as his claws scratched the surface of a stone table. "Good. I want to see how far he can go. Send word to Morvina. I'll step in myself if necessary."
The battle against the Demon King and his generals had only just begun, and Adam had no idea that even stronger enemies were hunting him. But his resolve only grew stronger, and with Aelina by his side, he vowed not to stop until justice for his family was served.