Chapter 49: "Lightning Bonds and War Whispers"
The sun slowly pierced through the cloudy sky as the battlefield lay silent. The blackened earth still smoked from the clash of powers—Void and Thunder.
The demon had vanished, crumbled into ash. The villagers began emerging from the shadows, eyes filled with disbelief and awe. Among them stood Lilia, barely holding back her tears.
Lilia:
"...Ruke."
Ruke turned, the heat of battle fading from his eyes. He scratched the back of his head, awkwardly avoiding her gaze.
Ruke:
"Tch. You didn't change at all. Still rushing into trouble."
Lilia (smiling softly):
"And you didn't change either. Still pretending to be annoyed while saving everyone."
They stared at each other in silence, the wind brushing between them.
Then—
Kenya (arms crossed):
"You guys done with the reunion? We're still standing in demon ashes."
Eliz (playfully):
"Let them have a moment. Ruke does have a heart, after all."
Ruke (gritting teeth):
"Shut it!"
Shen laughed from a stone nearby, cleaning his blade. His Supreme Lord Eye had dimmed, his expression light again.
Shen:
"Alright team. Quest complete. Villagers safe. Demons gone. And…" (he points to Lilia) "…a new candidate for Heavenly Paradise?"
Lilia looked surprised.
Lilia:
"Me? Join... the Arcane Drifters?"
Shen (grinning):
"Not just any drifters. E-Class. That's where we begin. You've got potential, and you handled that village like a real protector."
Kenya:
"She's got lightning blood. She fits."
Eliz:
"Welcome to the madness."
Lilia hesitated… then nodded, eyes determined.
Lilia:
"Alright. I'll join. For the people. For Ruke… and for myself."
They all smiled.
As the team boarded the Revilsor, Ruke stayed silent, leaning on the window. Shen sat beside him, stretching.
Shen:
"So, your childhood friend joins the club."
Ruke (softly):
"She's strong. And annoying. Just like you."
They both laughed.
---
As the engine roared and the Revilsor sped through the lands, far in the distance, a different scene unfolded.
A dark cavern lit by cursed torches. Deep within, shadows gathered—tall, twisted demons murmuring in forgotten tongues.
A throne of bone cracked as an elder demon rose, staff in hand.
Demon General:
"The lightning girl has awakened. And the Void-Born walks again…"
A whisper echoed through the chamber:
> "The Demon War begins."
---
[End of Chapter 49 – "Lightning Bonds and War Whispers"]