Chapter 40

"Let me go, you morons!" Magnus Ironfist bellowed, his voice echoing through the chaos. He struggled against the firm grip of his men, their strength restraining him from diving headfirst into the inferno. The flames licked at the sky, dancing with an unholy fervor. But Magnus knew deep in his heart that within those billowing walls of destruction lay something precious, something he couldn't bear to lose. "There are things in there that I need to save. Let go!"

His muscles strained, veins bulging with determination, Magnus attempted to wrench himself free from the iron grasp. But his loyal men, faces etched with worry and loyalty, held steadfast, their eyes pleading for him to reconsider. The crackling roar of the fire seemed to mock his defiance, adding fuel to the burning desire in his soul.

Lalitha surveyed the raging inferno with a mix of awe and apprehension. She could sense the unmistakable presence of ancient magic interwoven within the flames. This was no ordinary fire; it pulsed with malevolent power, a force to be reckoned with. The water spells cast by the adventurer will not be able to put out the fire and at this rate, there is a danger the fire would spread and the whole town will be on fire.

Lalitha turned to her master, her eyes wide with urgency. "Master Astaroth," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling flames. "I can sense dangerous magic, it is likely this inferno is set ablaze with a ferocious magic, far beyond the feeble abilities of those mere adventurers. If we do not act swiftly, catastrophe will befall this realm. However, you have cautioned us against revealing our true powers to outsiders. I implore you, dear master, to divert their attention while I quell this raging blaze."

Master Astaroth's piercing gaze locked onto Lalitha's, his mind swiftly calculating the risks while the weight of the impending charade settled upon his shoulders. With a solemn nod, he fully comprehended the gravity of the situation and embraced his role with unwavering resolve. "Lalitha, what are your plans?" he inquired, his voice laden with anticipation.

"I shall conjure a rain cloud," Lalitha responded, her voice filled with determination. "Casting an ice spell would be far too conspicuous, as it would undoubtedly trace back to us."

Encouraged by her master's unwavering faith, Lalitha advanced, her slender fingers intertwining with strands of ancient incantations. Arcane energies surged around her, dancing in a mesmerizing display, casting an ethereal glow upon her form. Astaroth, ever vigilant, cast a protective shield around her, ensuring the magic would remain hidden from prying eyes. He also whispered an incantation, cloaking the surroundings, rendering the imminent transformation imperceptible to onlookers.

Soon, ominous dark clouds materialized above the adventurer's guild, swirling with malevolent intent. A torrential downpour ensued, unleashed by Lalitha's formidable talents. The rain cascaded upon the raging flames, quenching them mercilessly. The once ferocious inferno now smoldered, defeated by the forces of nature.

As the final tendrils of smoke gracefully twirled toward the heavens, an overwhelming surge of accomplishment and relief washed over Astaroth and Lalitha. Their hearts pounded in their chests, echoing the intensity of the battle they had just fought. The guild's courtyard buzzed with a mix of jubilation and intrigue, for even the seasoned adventurers among them sensed an air of mystery. Whispers floated through the crowd, hinting at the possibility of someone summoning the rain clouds that doused the fiery inferno, yet nobody could discern the elusive figure responsibly. Magus, the esteemed guild master, fought against the firm grasp of his rescuers, his eyes ablaze with determination as he broke free and raced toward the charred remnants of their once majestic guild house.

As Magus reached the scorched threshold, his heart sank at the sight of the destruction that lay before him. The grand hall, once adorned with vibrant decorations and polished wooden pillars, now stood as a somber monument to the flames' merciless dance. The air was thick with the acrid scent of burnt wood and lingering magic.

Gnashing his teeth, Magus let out a furious roar and slammed his fist to the ground, sending shockwaves through the air. Nick and the other adventurers rushed to Magus, their hearts pounding with concern, trying to console him in his moment of rage. Astaroth watched the scene unfold, his eyes filled with anticipation, before turning to Lalitha, his trusted companion.

"Tell me, Lalitha, what have you discovered?" Astaroth's voice resonated with an aura of authority and curiosity.

Lalitha, her eyes gleaming with knowledge, responded promptly, "Master Astaroth, the fire that engulfed our surroundings was no ordinary blaze. It was unleashed by a powerful wizard or perhaps originated from a potent artifact. The people nearby, their mana were feeble, unable to wield such a spell. From my observations, it appeared to be a Tier five fire spell."

In the mystical realm of Acrania, magic flowed in tiered levels, ranging from the lowly Tier One to the awe-inspiring Tier Seven.

"So… you are suspecting it could be an artifact?" Astaroth asked again. His hand on his chin, Astaroth ponders on Lalitha's suspicion. A tier fiver magic artifact is nothing much in his eyes but from this incident, he found that the adventurers' skills are lacking and they have no means of putting out the fire if Lalitha has not intervened.

"I don't believe we should continue getting involved, Lalitha," Astaroth said, his voice filled with caution. "Let's return to the inn and rest. I'm also eager to hear what Ezio has discovered." With those words, Astaroth and Lalitha departed the scene, as they made their way back, they scanned their surroundings but found no sign of the three mysterious figures who had roused their suspicions.

Once they settled into their room at the inn, Lalitha summoned Ezio and requested his report. "I've been tailing those three individuals from the inn to the adventurer guild," Ezio began, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Here's what I've uncovered. They go by the names Lock, Rowan, and Finn, all registered members of the guild. Each possesses a set of skills suited for tracking and scouting. While I didn't spot any weapons, my keen observations suggest they are proficient in wielding daggers, swords, or bows."

"Also I think they are elf, they had communicated with each other using elfish language which I could pick up a few words but that's all. Unfortunately, I have not discovered why they are interested in Master Astaroth" Ezio gave his reports and stood still. Astaroth and Lalitha ponder on what Ezio has given in his report, it was strange for an elf to be spying on them. Astaroth has not had any encounters since he had been woken up in Acrania.

"Where did they go? Lalitha and I haven't seen them since we returned," Astaroth asked Ezio, his voice filled with concern.

"They left after the fire was extinguished. The three of them went their separate ways, and I couldn't keep track of all of them alone," Ezio replied, his brow furrowed with worry.

Astaroth, the master, interrupted their conversation. "Ezio, I have a new mission for you. Investigate Nick from the adventure guild. Something seems amiss. Once you have gathered information, report back to Lalitha immediately." Astaroth's voice dripped with intrigue and suspicion.

As Ezio departed on his perilous mission, Lalitha's insatiable curiosity consumed her. Unable to restrain herself any longer, she approached her master, a surge of anticipation coursing through her veins. "My lord," she implored, her voice quivering with eagerness, "what is your suspicion regarding Nick? I sensed no flicker of mana within him, and his physique betrays no semblance of training in martial arts or physical discipline."

Astaroth, his gaze piercing and eyes ablaze with an unholy glimmer, fixed his attention on Lalitha. The corners of his lips curled into a wicked smile, suffused with dark and enigmatic knowledge. "Lalitha," he murmured, his voice laced with a sinister allure, "do you not see? I am the embodiment of the Demon King, and the depths of mortal desires cannot elude my omnipresent gaze. I have glimpsed into his heart, and his yearnings are something truly intriguing."

As Astaroth contemplated, a surge of excitement coursed through him, fueling his anticipation for what lay ahead. The mere thought of consuming the desires of this mortal and unlocking the mysteries that entwined his fate sent a thrill down Astaroth's spine. With each passing moment, his power grew, radiating a malevolent aura that permeated the air.

Lalitha's heart raced within her chest as she comprehended the true extent of her master's capabilities. The realization struck her like a bolt of lightning, and she felt a mixture of awe and trepidation coursing through her veins. How could anyone hide their deepest desires from the all-seeing eyes of Astaroth, the Demon King himself?

Astaroth's laughter echoed through the chamber, a chilling sound that reverberated off the stone walls. "He most likely has a connection with the three elves," he mused, his mind already concocting a plan. "Their desires shall be mine to consume, and their very essence shall fuel my unstoppable power! Ahahaha!"

Lalitha bowed before her master, a sense of anticipation and dread intertwining within her. She had pledged her loyalty to the Demon King, but she couldn't help but wonder what role she would play in his grand design. Little did she know that her path would soon be entwined with a destiny far greater than she could have ever imagined.