Heavenly Curse

The Price of Power

The sun hung low over the horizon, casting a warm glow that barely penetrated the chill in the air. Bardiel stood at the edge of the training yard, his eyes scanning the distant mountains where the smell of smoke and dust is coming from. the weight of impending sensation of danger heavy on his shoulders.

A soldier from Base 14, breathless and wide-eyed, rushed to his side."Captain Bardiel!" the soldier gasped, struggling to catch his breath. "We're losing ground , a Possessed Warden and its hounds is at the forefront, accompanied by lesser demons. They're pushing through the defenses rapidly. If we don't move quickly, the base could fall." Bardiel nodded, his expression grim. "How many have been lost already?" The soldier hesitated, glancing back toward the battlefield. "Several... Too many. We can't hold them off much longer."

The news sent a jolt through Bardiel, igniting the flickering embers of urgency within him. Bardiel clenched his fists, the reality of their situation sinking in. They had barely survived their last encounter with the Shadow Stalkers, and now they faced an even greater threat. He turned back to the training yard, where the Wingless were still regrouping after the previous battle. They would have to act fast.

"Gather everyone!" he shouted, his voice ringing across the yard. "We have a mission. Base 14 is under siege, and they need our help. This isn't just another training exercise; lives are at stake."

As the soldiers hastily assembled, Bardiel felt the weight of leadership pressing down on him. He glanced at Lucifera, who stood among her fellow trainees, determination etched on her face. He knew this mission would test them all—especially her. The shadow of doubt hung over him, but they couldn't afford to hesitate.

"Prepare for departure in ten minutes!" Bardiel commanded, his tone firm. "We need to be ready to face whatever darkness awaits us."

Kaden was the first to react, slamming his fist onto the table. "Another demon? This soon after the last fight?" His jaw tightened, but his eyes burned with determination. "We can't let that base fall."

Zara crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair. "It's not just 'another' demon if they're calling us in. A high-level one..." She glanced at Bardiel, her brow furrowed. "How many have been killed already?"

Bardiel's expression remained grim. "Several. The outpost has nearly been overrun. We need to move quickly."

Elysia, who had been quietly sharpening her blade, finally spoke up. "We barely survived the last battle, and now we're heading straight into another?" There was no fear in her voice, but her eyes were sharp, calculating. "We need a strategy."

Lian shifted uncomfortably, thinking of Gabriel, who was still recovering. "If they're struggling that much, what are we walking into? This isn't going to be like those Shadow Stalkers." His tone wavered with uncertainty, but the thought of backing down seemed far from his mind.

Celia, standing near the edge of the room, raised her head. "Are we sure we're ready for this? The last ambush nearly tore us apart. If something stronger is out there..." Her voice was soft, but there was no mistaking the concern in her eyes.

Haldrick, grunted. "Ready or not, we've got no choice. We're soldiers. We'll crush whatever stands in our way." His confidence was unshaken, though even he seemed more serious than usual.

As the soldiers moved to gather their gear, Bardiel took a moment to steel himself for the challenges ahead. They were venturing into the unknown, and he could only hope that they were ready for the fight of their lives.

Lucifera, who had been standing quietly near the back, felt the weight of their words. She could sense the unease in the room, the fear no one wanted to voice. Her mind raced, thinking of the battles ahead, her own uncertainties clawing at her. She said nothing but clenched her fists, determined to prove herself once more, even as a knot of dread tightened in her stomach.