---
The Valley of Flames was behind them now, but its power lived inside Chirag. His steps were stronger, his aura brighter, and his presence… dangerous. Even the wind around him felt like it carried heat. As he and Siya walked back through the Ashen Desert, there was a silent understanding between them—something had changed. He wasn't the same Chirag who had come here to beg for strength. He had become someone the world would soon fear… and respect.
Siya walked beside him, quietly watching his back. She had always believed in him, but now she could feel it deep in her bones—Chirag had grown beyond what anyone imagined. And yet, he still looked at her with the same softness in his eyes, the same warmth that made her fall in love all those years ago. That part of him hadn't changed, and she hoped it never would.
After days of travel, they reached the edge of the demon lands. A familiar face waited for them—Dazren, standing under the shade of a broken tower, arms crossed, a grin on his face.
"You came back alive," he said. "That's already impressive. But tell me—did you gain what you went there for?"
Chirag raised one hand, and a flicker of pure flame danced in his palm—calm, controlled, but more powerful than before. "I'm ready," he said.
Dazren's grin widened. "Good. Because the world's changing faster than you think."
Chirag's brows drew together. "What do you mean?"
Dazren handed him a scroll. "The Rulers have called a Gathering. Every kingdom, every god-favored city, every high-ranking ruler—they're all sending their forces to one place. A massive temple in the sky called Celestara."
Siya stepped closer. "Why?"
"They fear you," Dazren said bluntly. "After your last battle with Ravion, and what you did in the Valley, your name is spreading. They don't know what you'll do next… so they're preparing for war."
Chirag looked down at the scroll. "Let them prepare. I'm not hiding."
"You'll need allies," Dazren added. "Not all demons agree with you. Some still see you as a human. And many humans see you as a traitor. You need to earn trust—fast."
Siya nodded. "Then we start with the Demon Council."
---
The Demon Council was made of seven high-ranking demons, each ruling different regions of the demon realm. They were powerful, ancient, and proud. They had been silent since the death of the Demon King—Siya's father. But now, hearing of Chirag's rise, they called a meeting in the Black Fortress.
Chirag walked into the fortress holding Siya's hand. As they entered the dark chamber lit by floating flames, the seven council members looked down from their thrones, their expressions cold.
"Chirag," one of them said. "You are not one of us. Why do you seek our audience?"
"I don't seek it," Chirag replied calmly. "But I need it."
Another council member laughed. "You killed rulers. You challenge gods. And you ask for help?"
"I'm not asking for help," Chirag said. "I'm offering a future."
That made them pause.
"You've hidden here for centuries, fighting among yourselves, watching the humans and rulers grow. But times are changing. The rulers are uniting, not just against me—but against all of us. You think you're safe in your castles and caves? You're not. When they're done with me, they'll come for you too."
One of the older demons leaned forward. "And what do you suggest?"
"Join me," Chirag said. "Not as followers, but as allies. Let's remind the world that demons aren't meant to hide. We fight. We rise."
The council was silent for a long moment. Then the head of the council stood.
"You speak boldly, boy," he said. "But boldness alone is not enough. Show us your strength. Prove you're more than words."
The floor of the chamber split open, revealing a massive stone arena beneath. A challenger stepped forward—a demon warrior, tall, armored, and burning with energy.
"If you defeat him, we'll consider your words," the elder said.
Chirag stepped into the arena without hesitation. Siya watched from above, her heart steady. She had seen him survive worse. She believed in him.
The fight was brutal.
The demon warrior was fast and brutal, striking with powerful waves of dark fire. Chirag dodged and blocked, but didn't fight back right away. He studied his opponent—watching, waiting.
Then, with one sudden burst of movement, Chirag struck. Fire burst from his fist, not wild like before, but focused—like a spear. It hit the demon warrior square in the chest and knocked him backward.
The fight didn't last long after that.
When it ended, the warrior lay on the ground, breathing hard but alive. Chirag had spared him.
The council stood together now.
"You have the strength," the elder said. "And the heart to lead. We stand with you."
Chirag nodded. "Then prepare. The real war is coming."
---
As the demon armies began to gather, messengers brought news from across the world. Human cities were shutting their gates. Temples were preparing defenses. And the sky… it had changed.
Black clouds formed above Celestara, the temple of the gods.
Siya stood beside Chirag one evening, looking up at those clouds.
"Do you think they'll try to destroy you?" she asked.
"They've already tried," Chirag said. "Now it's my turn to show them that I'm not afraid."
Siya looked at him with love in her eyes. "Whatever happens, I'll be with you."
Chirag held her hand tightly. "Always."
As night fell over the demon lands, a fire lit in the distance—hundreds of torches held by demon soldiers, all waiting behind their new leader.
Chirag stood above them, his cloak blowing in the wind, his eyes glowing faintly with flame.
He had started as nothing.
Now he was the one they all believed in.
And the gods were watching.
---