The wind howled across the jagged ridges of the twin peaks, blowing dust and doubt through the ranks of the human army. For two grueling days, they had climbed, burdened with both exhaustion and uncertainty. Now, standing atop the summit with their weapons in hand and gazes cast across the endless battlefield, murmurings began to ripple through the soldiers.

  “Was this all… for nothing?”

  “Where is the enemy?”

  “Where is he?”

  But just as the final question passed trembling lips, the heavens screamed in response.

  A pillar of searing white light erupted from the distant mountain peak opposite them, splitting the sky in half. The clouds twisted violently, turning a dreadful crimson, the world beneath them bathed in bloody hues.

  Gasps echoed through the ranks as the first figures emerged.

  Twelve dark silhouettes, their steps thunderous, their auras oppressive—the Twelve Loyal Demons had arrived.

  Behind them, waves of Elite-rank demons spilled forth, armored and armed with monstrous weapons forged in hellfire. They were followed by Warrior-rank demons, then legions of Soldier-rank and lesser demonkin, a tide of chaos flooding the valley.

  And then came the Beasts—terrifying entities pulled from the myths of old:

  Kitsune with tails ablaze,

  Ryujin-like serpents coiled in the skies,

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  Manticores prowling the ridges,

  Cerberi, their triple jaws snarling,

  Phoenixes blazing through the sky,

  Minotaurs and Cyclopes thundering toward the field in humanoid forms, clad in demonic armor.

  Some beasts charged in their full monstrous forms, while others transformed into humanoid warriors wielding devastating power. The air itself trembled under the weight of their presence.

  The human army began to falter. Many dropped their weapons, eyes wide with despair.

  “This is impossible…”

  “They’re too many—too strong!”

  But then, a lone figure stepped forward—Kazuki.

  Standing tall and emotionless at the edge of the summit, with his tattered black cloak fluttering and white hair glowing in the stormlight, he raised his voice:

  > “This land is not Earth.

  The gravity is lighter.

  The mana is denser.

  And each of you... is stronger.”

  A pause.

  > “You asked if this was for nothing.

  I say it is for everything.”

  Silence broke into a chorus of steel as soldiers rallied, banging swords against shields, drawing bows, igniting their mana.

  And then—it began.

  The humans charged down the mountain, war cries echoing like thunder.

  The demons surged forward to meet them.

  Swords clashed, steel against claws, magic against corruption. Fireballs exploded, ice spears shattered, and thunder danced across the battlefield. Archers rained down arrows, only for them to be swept away by massive demonic wings. Mages summoned barriers and bolts of holy light as the first line clashed.

  A Minotaur beastman slammed into a battalion of human knights, scattering them. A Kitsune sorceress dueled with a high-ranking human mage, their spells illuminating the battlefield like falling stars. Dragons in the sky dueled with enchanted ballista-fired wyverns.

  Meanwhile, atop the peak now emptied of soldiers, Kazuki and his party remained behind.

  The mountain was marked with ancient glowing sigils, drawn by Kazuki himself. One under him, and one beneath each party member. They formed a perfect formation, their auras swirling in sync as Kazuki closed his eyes.

  He exhaled deeply, then said:

  > “This ritual...

  Will take me beyond.

  From 2,500%... to 5,000%.

  When I say so—raise your hands.”

  The party stood ready, solemn and focused, knowing what was to come.

  Lightning forked across the heavens—but the storm never rained.

  Only thunder.

  Then, the sky changed again—the crimson faded into chaotic shades of violet, deep blue, crimson, and midnight black.

  The entire battlefield paused.

  Every demon, every beast… knelt.

  From the heart of the other mountain, a colossal pillar of purple light exploded into the sky.

  A voice rippled across the wind—not spoken, but felt.

  > He has arrived.

  Every demon whispered in awe, “Our Lord… Kairyuuha.”

  The humans, even Kazuki’s party, froze. Their limbs locked, their mana halted. A primal fear gripped their hearts.

  Even the stars seemed to blink as Kairyuuha’s presence descended like a god, unseen but felt—an overwhelming force pressing down on all life.

  The battlefield held its breath.

  And atop the summit, as the wind surged and lightning crackled around him, Kazuki’s red eyes opened. His voice broke the silence:

  > “Raise your hands.”

  The ritual had begun.