Ashen Light

Chapter 21: Flash of Death

{{A/N: Actual long chapter this time}}

The sun beat down mercilessly as the group trudged across the endless dunes, their shadows stretching long and wavering on the golden sands. Luggate was finally within sight—a sprawling cityscape of sandstone walls, but metal towering spires, the loud clanking of machinery performing constant tasks in the metropolis, and of course, the sound of people, life, and prosperity, all shimmering in the heat haze.

"There it is," Zack said, squinting against the glare. "The legendary city of Luggate. Think they've got good food? Please tell me they have good food."

Skylar chuckled softly, though her expression remained cautious. "They're known for their trade, not their cuisine, Zack. But I'm sure you'll find something edible."

"I'll take it," Zack replied, wiping sweat from his brow. "I swear, if I have to eat one more piece of desert...thing, I'm—"

He was cut off as Cyrus abruptly stopped. The others noticed and turned back, their gazes shifting to him. Cyrus stood still, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his blade, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"Cyrus?" Skylar asked, concern creeping into her voice. "What's wrong?"

Cyrus didn't answer immediately. His chest rose and fell steadily as his gaze fixed on the horizon. There was something—a presence, vast and suffocating, like a weight pressing down on his senses.

Ah, it's been too long, old friend... Ryu-Kishyn's voice slid smoothly in his mind, the demon's tone both mocking and endearing. Come now, destroy that little city and come free your king, little one...

Cyrus's jaw tightened. He ignored the demon's words but couldn't shake the unease creeping into his chest. Whatever it was, it wasn't ordinary.

"There's something ahead," he finally said, his voice low and steady. "Something... probably not good."

Astro's ears flicked, his heightened senses seeming to catch the faintest vibrations in the air. "I feel it too," he murmured, his dark blue eyes narrowing. "It's... big. And angry."

Before anyone could respond, the ground beneath them shuddered violently. A low, guttural roar reverberated through the sands, causing them to stumble as the tremor grew stronger.

"What the f-" Zack started, but his words were cut off as a section of the desert ahead erupted.

A massive figure burst forth from beneath the dunes, sending waves of sand cascading down like waterfalls. The creature rose higher and higher, its form emerging fully from the earth. It was unlike anything they had seen before—a towering colossus of shadow and stone.

The demon was grotesque, its body a swirling mass of jagged rock and flickering black mist. Its molten red eyes burned like twin suns, glaring down at the group with an otherworldly hatred. Spikes jutted from its back, and its arms, disproportionately long and tipped with claws, swung with terrifying power as it let out a deafening roar that shook the very air.

"Holy God... fuck..." Skylar breathed, her grip tightening on her bow. Zack glanced at her briefly, smiling slightly despite himself.

Zack took an instinctive step back, his cocky demeanor vanishing. "What the hell is that thing?"

Cyrus's hand clenched around the hilt of his blade as he stepped forward, his voice steady despite the chaos. "A demon," he said simply. "A powerful... big one."

One of my many creations, Ryu-Kishyn hissed in his mind, his tone carrying a dark amusement. It's all been quite fun, but enough of my influence has purified this land for the Colossus to enter. You die here now, vessel.