Chapter 146: Whispers of the Damned
The battlefield was silent.
Only the smell of ash, blood, and demonic decay remained.
Kael exhaled, his sword dripping with black ichor as he stepped over the Demon Duke's remains. His entire body screamed in pain, but he forced himself to stay upright.
The Celestial Sigil's backlash had begun.
A deep, searing agony coiled through his veins, like his very mana circuits were burning from the inside.
Not surprising.
The last time he used Celestial Sigil, he had nearly passed out from the sheer pain of rewriting reality itself.
This time?
His body handled it better—but not by much.
Vasaria noticed.
She stepped closer, crimson eyes narrowing. "You're hurt."
Kael forced a smirk. "You should see the other guy."
Vasaria scoffed. "I did. He's dead. You, however, look like you're about to fall over."
Saria Velmora watched him carefully. "What was that magic? That wasn't a normal sigil."
Thalric crossed his arms. "It erased his demonic regeneration entirely. I've never seen anything like it."
Kael exhaled, rolling his shoulders despite the throbbing pain. "It's a rune I don't use often."
Raithon snorted. "No shit. You looked like you were about to drop dead after casting it."
Kael shot him a sideways glance. "And yet, I'm still standing."
Raithon scoffed. "Barely."
Before they could continue, a low, wet cough echoed from nearby.
Kael turned.
Two greater demons, barely alive, lay in the rubble.
One had his wings torn, dark blood pooling beneath him.
The other had his horns shattered, his once-massive form shrunken from damage.
Kael exchanged a glance with Vasaria.
Saria smirked. "Well. Would you look at that?"
Thalric cracked his knuckles. "Looks like we have some survivors."
Kael stepped forward, his crimsonred eyes glowing dangerously.
"Let's ask them a few questions."
The demons snarled—but they were too weak to fight back.
Saria crouched in front of the winged one, resting her blade against his throat. "Want to live a little longer? Then start talking."
The demon spat black blood at her feet. "Do your worst, elf."
Raithon clicked his tongue. "Tch. Even demons have no class."
Saria didn't even flinch. "Fine. Have it your way."
She pressed down slightly, her blade biting into flesh—just enough to make him gasp.
"Talk. Or die screaming."
The demon laughed weakly. "You think killing me will change anything?"
Kael knelt beside him, his expression cold. "Maybe not. But I'm very good at making things worse before you die."
A flicker of something uncertain passed through the demon's eyes.
And then—he talked.
"The war… has only just begun," the demon rasped, his voice hoarse.
"The Demon Lords are not rushing to conquer. They are waiting."
Kael frowned. "For what?"
The demon smirked. "For the gates to fully open."
A heavy silence settled over the group.
Saria's grip on her dagger tightened. "What gates?"
The second demon chuckled weakly. "The Pillars of the Abyss. There are four. Each one sealed by the gods long ago."
Thalric's eyes darkened. "And you're saying they're breaking?"
The winged demon grinned, his sharp teeth stained with black blood. "One is already open."
Kael's stomach tightened. "Where?"
The demon's smile widened.
And then—
Raithon stabbed him through the throat.
Blood splattered across the dirt.
Kael's head snapped toward Raithon. "What the hell—"
Raithon pulled his blade free, letting the demon's body drop.
He turned to the horned demon, his violet-blue eyes gleaming with pure distaste.
"You can tell us the rest."
The demon growled. "I'll never—"
Raithon stabbed him in the chest.
The demon screamed.
Kael grabbed Raithon's wrist. "We need information."
Raithon ripped his arm free. "And he'll talk faster this way."
Saria sighed. "I hate to agree, but he's not wrong."
The demon shook violently, struggling for breath.
Raithon leaned in, his voice sharp.
"Tell me, filth. Where is the next gate opening?"
The demon coughed, gasping. "T-The Wailing Marshlands…"
Raithon's blade pierced his heart.
Kael stepped back as the last demon collapsed.
"You didn't have to kill him," Kael muttered.
Raithon scoffed. "They're demons. Who cares?"
Kael exhaled slowly. "They could've told us more."
Raithon wiped his blade. "I got what we needed. That's all that matters."
Kael narrowed his eyes.
Raithon met his gaze, expression unapologetic.
"You think sparing monsters makes you righteous, Sigilist?" His tone dripped with disdain. "Mercy is wasted on lesser beings."
Kael didn't look away. "And yet, you act just like them."
A tense silence settled between them.
Saria and Thalric exchanged glances but said nothing.
Finally, Raithon scoffed and turned away. "Believe whatever you want."
Vasaria leaned toward Kael, smirking. "You're really picking fights with everyone today, huh?"
Kael sighed. "I just don't like pointless killing."
Vasaria grinned. "Then you should probably rethink traveling with us."
The group gathered, discussing their next move.
Saria crossed her arms. "The Wailing Marshlands… that's dangerous territory."
Thalric nodded. "We'll need reinforcements if the demons are already there."
Kael exhaled. "Then we send a message to the High Elves and Eldoria."
Vasaria stretched. "And until they arrive?"
Kael smirked. "We scout ahead."
Raithon rolled his eyes. "You mean walk willingly into a demon-infested swamp."
Kael shrugged. "I don't see a better plan."
Raithon muttered, "You're an idiot."
Vasaria grinned. "And yet, you're following him anyway."
Raithon clicked his tongue, but didn't argue.
Saria sighed. "Let's get moving before I regret this."
Kael turned his gaze toward the distant horizon.
The war was far from over.
And the worst was yet to come.