Chapter 34

Lazarus was the first to recover from the unexpected turn of events. He gasped for breath, his heart racing as he realized the trouble he had caused for the master. His eyes locked with Lalitha's, her face flushed with embarrassment and regret. "I am deeply sorry," Lazarus managed to say, his voice filled with remorse. "I have caused great trouble and nearly engaged in a fight."

Lalitha's eyes softened, realizing the sincerity of Lazarus' apology. "No, it is I who should offer my apologies," she whispered, her voice tinged with regret. She turned to Lazarus' servants, who stood nearby, their eyes wide with anticipation. "I'm truly sorry for the distress this has caused you as well."

The tension in the air gradually dissipated, replaced by a sense of forgiveness and understanding. Lazarus then commanded Isabel and Lucius to lead the way back to the mansion. If it had not been their master things would have gotten out of hand. Lalitha also reduce Ezio back to his shadow state and got him to go back into her shadow.

Quickly, the four of them raced back to the mansion, their hearts pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation. Astaroth, the formidable demon king, sat upon his ebony throne in the grand main hall. The dim candlelight flickered ominously, casting dancing shadows across the room. Lazarus, with a deep sense of respect and trepidation, swiftly bowed before the dark ruler, his every move filled with deference. Two maids stood silently behind the demon king, their gazes fixed on the newcomer.

Lazarus, his voice trembling with both fear and respect, swiftly bowed before the formidable Astaroth. The demon king's crimson eyes pierced through him, seemingly weighing his loyalty. Sensing the gravity of the moment, Lalitha stepped forward, her voice steady but laced with a hint of nervousness, as she offered her greeting to her master. Lazarus then gave a summary of what had happened until the moment the demon king stopped them.

After receiving the news from Lazarus, the demon king's eyes narrowed as he focused his piercing gaze on the two individuals standing before him. A sinister smile curled upon his lips, revealing his delight at the revelation. "Lazarus," he hissed, his voice dripping with malevolence, "what do you make of Lalitha? She is my prized creation, her potential brimming with untapped power."

"Master," Lazarus stammered, his voice quivering with a mix of fear and awe, "I sensed an undeniable surge of demonic energy pulsating within her. I had wondered from whence it had come, but now it becomes clear. My master has truly found a gem."

Lalitha smiled at Lazarus, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. She turned back to face Astaroth, her eyes filled with determination. "My lord, I understand that I am still young, as you have pointed out. I vow to devote myself entirely to surpassing your expectations. Witnessing the incredible power Lazarus displayed in that fight left me in awe. If you hadn't intervened when you did, I shudder to think how badly I might have been injured."

Astaroth's eyes gleamed with approval, his voice resonating with a mix of authority and wisdom. "Lalitha, you possess a fire within you, a spirit that refuses to be extinguished. I see great potential in you. But potential alone is not enough. It must be nurtured, honed into a blade that can cut through the darkest of shadows."

"Now that both of you have finally crossed paths, Lalitha and Lazarus, I have an important assignment for you," Astaroth declared, his voice resonating with a blend of authority and intrigue. His sharp gaze shifted between the two, seeking their undivided attention.

"There are perplexing matters that have come to my attention," Astaroth continued, his voice laced with an air of mystery. "I have made certain discoveries, and I require your astute minds to help me unravel this enigma and devise a plan."

A momentary pause hung in the air as Astaroth deliberated whether to disclose his suspicions. Then, with an intensity that sent shivers down their spines, he continued, "Lazarus, I suspect that the enigmatic gatekeeper we've encountered might just be one of the ancient goddesses of the old world." Astaroth's eyes gleamed with a mix of trepidation and reminiscence as he revealed his past as a denizen of the ancient realm before ascending to become the fearsome Demon King.

Lalitha and Lazarus exchanged stunned glances, their minds reeling with the implications of Astaroth's revelation. The mere thought of a goddess wielding power in the present world sent waves of excitement and apprehension coursing through their veins. What could this goddess desire? What forces might she unleash upon the realms? Lalitha had read about the goddesses but there was nothing about the old world. She wanted to ask but the demon king did not look at her.

"Lalitha, you were born in this world called Arcania. It's highly unlikely that you have heard about another world known as Eldoria, from which Lazarus and I were transferred. But even before Eldoria, I was birth into existence in the old world," Astaroth conveyed, his countenance etched with profound sorrow as he recollected the memories of the forgotten realm.

His voice filled the room, capturing the undivided attention of the two maids, Isabel and Lucius. They hung on to his every word, eager to delve deeper into the mystical tales woven by the enigmatic demon king. The old world, the very genesis of creation, held secrets so profound that not even the demon king himself, birthed from its depths, possessed complete knowledge of its origins.

"The old world whose name is now forgotten and no longer mentioned on anyone's lips. In that ancient realm, where primordial forces clashed and celestial beings roamed, unimaginable wonders thrived. The realms of light and darkness converged in a symphony of cosmic energy, giving birth to realms unknown and mysteries untold. It was a time when gods walked alongside mortals, forging alliances and waging epic battles that reverberated across the cosmos."

Astaroth's voice grew more animated as he unveiled the existence of colossal creatures, towering giants whose footsteps shook the very foundations of the earth. He painted vivid imagery of sprawling landscapes, adorned with lush forests teeming with mythical creatures, and majestic cities that pierced the heavens with their spires.

"And so, the ancient world thrived, a crucible of unimaginable power and unfathomable beauty," Astaroth continued, his eyes glimmering with an otherworldly light. "But, alas, the cataclysm came, shattering the delicate balance and plunging the old world into oblivion."

There were two dominant forces locked in an epic battle for control over the ancient realm, each harnessing a unique power. On one side stood the formidable force of light, emanating pure radiance and boundless energy. On the other side loomed the enigmatic force of darkness, cloaked in shadows and shrouded in mystery. In this ancient world, the alignment with light or darkness did not signify notions of good or evil; they were merely manifestations of raw power. Just as one does not deem the sun inherently good and the moon intrinsically evil, these forces coexisted in a delicate equilibrium.

The clash between light and darkness was a spectacle of awe-inspiring proportions. Shimmering beams of light pierced through the thick veil of darkness, creating a dazzling display that illuminated the battleground. The air crackled with electric energy as if the very fabric of reality trembled in anticipation.

Astaroth leaned forward, his voice laced with ancient wisdom. "The war, a relentless struggle that spanned centuries, had long surpassed the memories of its origins. Yet, amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged. Powerful beings, both born and bred, took center stage. The realms of existence trembled as new species and classes were forged, experimental creations born solely to tip the scales of battle.

He paused, his eyes glinting with anticipation. "And from the depths of light and shadow, a mere duo stood in defiance. These two warriors, crafted by the forces of light and darkness, possessed unimaginable power. Yet even in their overwhelming might, it became painfully clear that the forces for the light side were faltering. Their attempts to create formidable warriors to match the dark's champions had proven futile."

As the tale unfolded, a gust of wind rattled the windows, as if the very elements acknowledged the impending climax. Astaroth's voice grew softer, charged with anticipation. "But little did anyone know that within the darkest corner of the abyss, a hidden force lay dormant, gathering strength beyond imagination. Unbeknownst to both sides, it was preparing to unleash a storm that would shatter the balance of power."

Suddenly, a crackling energy enveloped the room, pulsating with malevolence. Astaroth's eyes widened in astonishment, a mixture of dread and fascination. "And so, as the war reached its tipping point, forces beyond comprehension were about to be unleashed. The stage was set for an unprecedented clash, where ancient prophecies and forgotten legends would collide in a cataclysmic battle for dominion."

"Out of the depths of oblivion, a sudden surge of energy manifested eight formidable female warriors. Their presence alone exuded an aura of unparalleled might, transcending the boundaries between light and dark. Swift as a hurricane, they descended upon the two most powerful warriors from opposing sides, their lethal strikes leaving no room for mercy. With a resounding victory, they triumphed over the fallen champions, establishing their dominion over this new world they proclaimed as their own. They christened themselves the Eight Goddesses of the Old World, heralding an era of untold power and enigmatic prowess."