Rex stepped forward, his fists clenched.

  “I volunteer for the Sky Realm.”

  The room fell silent.

  Michael’s gaze remained steady as he studied Rex. “Denied.”

  Rex’s eyes burned with frustration. “Why? I finally have the chance to—”

  Michael’s voice cut through him like a blade. “The Sky Realm is our final destination. We will only march there after securing each region. I will lead the assault myself.”

  Rex’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. He knew arguing was pointless.

  Michael continued. “Your assignment is elsewhere. Ren, Rex, and Alys—you will head to Perfect Valley under the command of Raguel, the Pillar of Judgment.”

  Ren exhaled, stealing a glance at Rex. His friend’s disappointment was clear, but there was no time to dwell on it. The war had begun, and they had their mission.

  Michael’s gaze swept over the room once more. “Every team will report back to the kingdom once their mission is complete. If you are heavily injured, return immediately. The nearest team will assist in your absence.”

  With that, the war council was dismissed.

  As Ren walked through the castle corridors, a shadow fell over him.

  Ramiel.

  The Pillar of Lightning stood with his arms crossed, studying Ren with unreadable eyes. Then, he finally spoke.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  “I don’t know what power that was.” His voice was low, almost dangerous. “But don’t let it control you.”

  Ren’s breath hitched. He wanted to ask—What do you mean? What had he seen during the battle?

  But before Ren could respond, Ramiel turned and walked away.

  A chill ran down Ren’s spine.

  Something inside him stirred.

  Something unknown.

  The day of departure arrived.

  As the team stood at the kingdom gates, a towering figure awaited them.

  Raguel.

  The Pillar of Judgment.

  He was a beastkin, his head resembling that of a lion, his fur a deep black, his piercing blue eyes glowing with an unnatural light. His aura was overwhelming, demanding both respect and fear.

  Yet, as they approached, he gave them a small, knowing smile.

  “So, you’re the young champions Ramiel spoke highly of,” he said. “I hope you can continue to support Frya.”

  Ren and the others straightened under his gaze.

  “Of course,” they replied in unison.

  Raguel grinned. “Good.”

  With that, their journey to Perfect Valley began.

  Their march was eerily smooth.

  Not because the valley was safe—no, far from it.

  It was because Raguel slaughtered everything in their path.

  He moved with terrifying efficiency, cutting down demon after demon with brutal precision. To him, they were nothing but prey.

  Ren watched, unsettled. Raguel was a force of nature, merciless and unrelenting. And yet…

  For some reason, a part of Ren felt sorry for the demons.

  Why?

  His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden chill.

  A presence loomed behind him.

  A voice, cold and inhuman, whispered—

  “You smell… strange.”

  Ren’s body froze.

  He turned slowly.

  A monstrous figure stood there, its eyes glowing with malice.

  Raguel reacted instantly. “Kid, move!”

  The demon lunged.

  Ren barely registered what happened next—

  A black blur. A claw raised to strike.

  And then—

  “DON’T TOUCH ME, SCUM!”

  A surge of energy erupted from Ren.

  The demon flinched. It backed away.

  Its glowing eyes narrowed.

  “…You are strong,” it murmured. “But that kid…” Its gaze locked onto Ren. “That kid is far more dangerous.”

  It raised a hand—

  A beam of pure demonic energy shot forward.

  “Alys, shield—!”

  The barrier formed instantly, but the impact was too strong. The explosion sent Ren flying.

  Darkness swallowed him.