---
After the battle, the Demon Realm was quiet—but not at peace.
Smoke still rose from the cliffs. The wind carried the scent of ash and magic. Fallen beasts had turned into glowing dust, vanishing into the sky, and the wounded demons were being taken to underground healing chambers. Every demon who had seen the battle with their own eyes whispered one name over and over again.
Chirag.
The boy who was once powerless. The human they had once doubted. The one who now fought like a god.
Inside the Demon Castle, Siya stood at the war table with Chirag, Kael, and her father—the Demon King, Raegor. Though proud and stern, Raegor's eyes held worry. The gods had crossed a line.
"They did not send their armies," Raegor said in a low growl. "They sent their beasts first. A test. Next time, they will come themselves."
Chirag didn't respond immediately. He had barely spoken since the battle. His mind was still there—on the field, on the beast that almost ended Siya's life.
"I won't let them touch this realm again," Chirag said finally. His voice was quiet, but full of fire. "If the gods want a war… I'll give them one."
Raegor studied him for a long moment. "You fight well, boy. You carry great power. But do not let your anger blind you. A war with gods is not won with fire alone. It is won with knowledge. With alliances. With the truth."
Siya added softly, "And with control. Power without control leads only to destruction."
Chirag looked at her. Her presence calmed him. Always had.
"I know," he said. "That's why I need to speak to someone who understands the gods better than any of us."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "And who would that be?"
Chirag took a deep breath. "A ruler."
---
Far beyond the Demon Realm, past the Border Mountains and through the Vale of Glass, lived the rulers—the second most powerful race after the gods. They lived in cities that floated in the sky, made of light and crystal. They rarely interfered in the world below. They believed themselves wiser, above conflict. Neutral.
But one of them owed Chirag a debt.
Her name was Lunara, and she had once helped him during his first year of training—long before he became powerful. She saw his potential even then. And now, he hoped that she still believed in him.
With Siya's blessing, Chirag left that same night.
He flew across realms using his flames, riding the wind like a bird of fire. The stars above seemed to shimmer as he passed, and the cold air burned against his skin. But he did not stop.
The rulers' city, Aeloria, was just as he remembered—bright towers reaching the sky, endless waterfalls pouring from floating islands, and music in the air like whispers of time.
But the gates were guarded.
As soon as Chirag landed at the edge of the sky-bridge, a voice shouted, "Halt! No demons or humans may enter Aeloria!"
"I'm neither," Chirag answered. "Not anymore."
The guards drew their crystal blades.
Just then, a soft chime echoed through the air.
A figure appeared above them, floating like a feather on the breeze. She wore silver robes and her long hair flowed like moonlight. Her eyes glowed faintly, not with power, but with wisdom.
Lunara.
"Let him through," she said gently. "Chirag is not our enemy."
The guards stepped back.
Chirag bowed slightly, and Lunara smiled. "It's been a long time, Flame-Born."
---
They walked through the halls of Aeloria together, passing other rulers who stared at Chirag with awe—and fear. None of them had seen a human in this city. None had seen one burn with immortal energy.
"Why have you come, Chirag?" Lunara asked as they reached her private chamber.
"The gods attacked the Demon Realm," he replied. "They sent their beasts. If they come again, it won't be beasts next time—it will be them. I need to understand why. What are they planning? And how can I stop them?"
Lunara nodded slowly, her fingers tracing a book on her shelf.
"There's something you should know. Something only the rulers remember. The gods… fear prophecy. One was written long ago. It spoke of a being who would rise from the lowest of the low, untouched by fate, born without power—but destined to shake the heavens."
Chirag felt a chill.
"That's me," he said.
Lunara looked at him. "Yes. The gods know it. That's why they attack. You are not just powerful, Chirag. You are dangerous to their balance. They rule through control, and you were never part of their plan."
Chirag's hands clenched into fists.
"Then I have to rewrite that plan."
Lunara placed a hand on his shoulder. "You cannot fight the gods alone. Not even with demon magic and immortal fire. But there is something you can do."
"What?"
She turned to a hidden door and opened it. Inside was a glowing scroll sealed in crystal.
"This scroll holds the Names of the Forgotten—old gods who were cast out for defying the Council. If you find them… they may help you. But it's risky. Some have gone mad. Some are vengeful. And others may want your power for themselves."
"I'll take the risk," Chirag said.
Lunara gave him the scroll.
"Then go. And know this—your love for Siya, your fire, your pain… they are not weaknesses. They are your greatest weapons."
---
By the time Chirag returned to the Demon Realm, the next war was already brewing.
Whispers spread of cities burning in the east, of divine signs appearing in the skies, and of gods descending into hidden temples. The world was shifting.
Siya met him at the gate, worry etched in her eyes. But when he told her everything—the prophecy, the old gods, the scroll—she nodded.
"Then we find them," she said. "Together."
Their hands found each other, fingers locking, flames pulsing.
The real journey was just beginning.
---