Unveiling the Shadow's Origins

While Zara had been engaged in her fierce battle with Varon, Ace had been on a mission of his own within the demon realm. He had ventured into the deepest recesses, searching for any clues that could lead him to the Rune's creator. His journey had led him to a place of ancient power, a cavern of luminous crystals that emitted an eerie, otherworldly glow. It was here that Ace believed he would find the answers he sought. As he explored the cavern's depths, Ace's demonic senses tingled with anticipation. He could feel the presence of a powerful magic, one that resonated with the Rune of Eldertide. It was a magic that could only belong to the creator. Deep within the labyrinthine passages of the demon realm, Ace had been pursuing a different lead in his quest to find the Rune's creator. He had encountered a subordinate, a shadowy figure shrouded in darkness, who seemed to hold critical information about the creator's whereabouts. Ace had chosen a different approach this time. Instead of launching into battle, he decided to seek answers through conversation. He approached the subordinate cautiously, his demonic aura coiled with intrigue. With a measured tone, Ace addressed the figure. "I seek the creator of the Rune of Eldertide. You have information that could lead me to him. Speak, and perhaps we can avoid unnecessary conflict." The subordinate, its form shifting in the shadows, regarded Ace with a mixture of defiance and curiosity. "You are the Demon King, Ace, are you not? What do you want with the creator?" Ace's eyes held a steely resolve. "I want to understand the creator's intentions and put an end to the suffering caused by the Rune's power. Your cooperation can save us both from further conflict." The subordinate hesitated, as if weighing its options. "Very well. I will tell you what I know, but you must promise not to harm me." Ace nodded, his voice unwavering. "I promise. Now, tell me where I can find the creator." The figure began to speak, revealing fragments of information about the creator's whereabouts and plans. It mentioned a hidden chamber deep within the demon realm, a place where the creator conducted dark experiments to enhance the Rune's power. Ace's determination deepened with each revelation. "Thank you for your cooperation. Now, one more question: What drives the creator to commit such malevolent acts?" The subordinate's voice held a hint of sympathy. "The creator believes that power is the ultimate purpose of existence. He seeks to amass power at any cost, believing it will grant him godlike abilities." Ace's eyes blazed with understanding. "I see. Your information has been invaluable. I won't harm you, but I will take you out of your misery" Ace says "Begone" and the Subordinate instantly dissappeared. He have killed him and his soul. With that, Ace continued on his journey, armed with the knowledge he had gained. He knew that finding the creator was crucial to ending the Rune's malevolence and restoring balance to his world. The encounter with the subordinate had provided a new lead, a path that would hopefully lead him closer to the answers he sought. Ace's quest was far from over, but he was determined to confront the creator and put an end to the suffering caused by the Rune's power. As Zara continued her solo journey through the treacherous demon realm, her determination remained unwavering. She had faced numerous challenges, but her quest for answers and her determination to unravel the Rune's mysteries drove her forward. In the heart of the realm, she encountered another formidable adversary, a towering demon with immense power. Its crimson eyes glowed with malevolence, and its presence sent chills down Zara's spine. Their battle began with a clash of magic and shadows. Zara summoned her dimensional spells, creating intricate patterns of light to counter the demon's dark energy. The battlefield became a canvas of swirling colors and darkness. The demon's attacks were relentless, each strike accompanied by bursts of destructive energy. Zara's skill and determination allowed her to hold her own, but the odds were stacked against her. Their battle raged on, and with each passing moment, Zara grew wearier. The demon's power seemed inexhaustible, and Zara's energy waned. As the demon launched a devastating attack, Zara attempted to counter, but her strength faltered. The impact of the attack sent her sprawling, her body battered and bruised. With the demon poised to deliver a fatal blow, Zara's world darkened, and despair threatened to overwhelm her. But in that dire moment, a sudden and intense surge of power filled the battlefield. The demon's triumphant grin faltered as it turned toward the source of this newfound energy. ACE HAD RETURNED!!!