Chapter 23 - Apocalypse - Part 2

As the gravity of the situation settled upon them, Tina and Rohan knew that their actions were imperative. With the threat of the demons looming large and the safety of the realms at stake, they devised a plan to seek aid from the celestial realm.

Tina, with her familiarity of the celestial realm and her unwavering determination, volunteered to undertake the perilous journey. She promised to return swiftly with the necessary reinforcements. 

 Tina embarked on her journey to the celestial realm, she left Rohan with a crucial task: to seek out Nitesh in the northern direction. Rohan nodded in understanding, knowing that their success relied on the collaboration of their allies.

Setting out towards the northern horizon, Rohan traversed through rugged terrain and vast expanses, his determination unwavering despite the challenges that lay ahead. His path led him through various obstacles and each step bringing him closer to his destination. After days of travel, he arrived at a small village in the evening nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant fields.

The village bustled with activity as villagers went about their daily routines, their lives seemingly untouched by the looming threat that Rohan carried with him. Yet, beneath the tranquil surface, Rohan sensed an undercurrent of unease, a palpable tension that hinted at the village's vulnerability to the encroaching darkness.

Approaching the village center, Rohan sought out its elder, a wise and respected figure known for his knowledge of the region and its inhabitants.

"Excuse me," Rohan began, his voice respectful as he broached the subject. "I'm searching for someone named Nitesh". Before Rohan could respond, a voice called out from behind him, drawing his attention. Turning, he saw a figure approaching, his features obscured by the fading light of dusk. As the figure drew nearer, Rohan's heart leaped with recognition, realizing that it was none other than Nitesh himself.

"Niteshhh!" Rohan exclaimed, relief flooding through him at the sight of his ally.

Rohan laid eyes on Nitesh, a surge of relief and gratitude washed over him, overwhelming his senses with a profound sense of reunion and camaraderie. Without hesitation, he rushed forward, closing the distance between them in swift strides until he stood face to face with his trusted ally.

"Nitesh!" Rohan exclaimed, his voice filled with emotion as he wrapped his arms around his friend in a tight embrace. "It's been too long."

"Rohan, my friend," he replied, his voice tinged with warmth and sincerity. "It's good to see you again." With their reunion bringing a sense of reassurance and solidarity, Nitesh extended an invitation to Rohan, welcoming him into his home with open arms.

Rohan stepped into Nitesh's house, he felt a sense of warmth and tranquility wash over him. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating a cozy atmosphere that enveloped the room.

"Nitesh," he began, his voice carrying a note of concern, "after the chaos in the celestial realm... How have you been holding up?"

"Rohan," Nitesh began, his voice tinged with gravity, "after the chaos subsided, Avyaan made the decision to pass the throne to Sura, his second brother."

Rohan listened intently, his brow furrowing with concern as he processed Nitesh's words. "Sura? But why him?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

Nitesh sighed, his gaze distant as he considered the complexities of the situation. "It seems that Avyaan believed Sura to be the best candidate to lead the celestial realm in this time of uncertainty," he explained, his tone thoughtful. "He felt that Sura possessed the wisdom and strength needed to guide our people through the challenges that lie ahead."

"Avyaan had indeed crafted a powerful spell to keep the demons imprisoned in the underworld."

"A spell?" he echoed, his voice filled with astonishment. "But how does it work?"

"So, Avyaan entrusted us with safeguarding the spell from four corners of the earth," Nitesh mused.

"Nitesh," Rohan began, his voice filled with curiosity, "who are the other people entrusted with guarding the spell alongside us?"

"The others chosen by Avyaan to guard the spell," he began, his tone thoughtful, "are Monica in the south, Harry in the west and Tina in the centre."

"Then who is in-charge of east direction." questioned Rohan.

"Avyaan was guarding the East direction himself," explained Nitesh

Nitesh observed the weight of silence that hung heavy in the air, recognizing the solemnity that enveloped Rohan's thoughts at the mention of Avyaan's name.

Rising swiftly to his feet, Nitesh met Rohan's gaze with a resolute nod, his determination mirrored in the depths of his eyes. "We must act quickly to gather our allies and strengthen our defenses before the demons can regroup and launch another assault."

With their resolve firmly set and their belongings hastily packed, Rohan and Nitesh embarked on their journey towards the west to meet Harry. They ventured deeper into the heart of the forest, their senses heightened by the mysteries that surrounded them, they stumbled upon an unusual sight that gave them pause. They stood amidst the shadowy depths of the forest, Rohan and Nitesh remained vigilant, their eyes scanning the surrounding foliage for any signs of movement.

In a swift and practiced motion, Nitesh began to weave intricate patterns into the air, his movements fluid and precise as he summoned the ancient energies that lay dormant within the forest. With each twist and turn of his hands, arcs of shimmering light began to materialize, tracing ethereal pathways through the darkness.

As the patterns took shape, Nitesh's concentration intensified, his focus unwavering as he channeled the raw power of the elements into his spell. With a final flourish, he brought his hands together in a resounding clap, releasing a burst of energy that rippled outward in all directions. The air crackled with electricity as the released power surged through the forest, illuminating the darkness with a brilliant display of light and energy. 

They pressed forward through the forest, their senses alert and their guard raised high, and suddenly they encountered a chilling sight that sent a shiver down their spines. Emerging from the shadows with snarling faces and gleaming eyes, a horde of ferocious demons appeared before them, their presence casting a pall of darkness over the once serene landscape.

Rohan's heart quickened with adrenaline as he took in the sight of the menacing creatures, their twisted forms brimming with malice and hunger for destruction. Beside him, Nitesh tensed, his expression grim as he prepared to confront the imminent threat.

Nitesh asks Rohan to stay by his side as he will take care of the demons. With a firm nod of agreement, Rohan positioned himself beside Nitesh.

With a swift and decisive motion, Nitesh unleashed a barrage of spells and incantations, his movements fluid and precise as he unleashed the full force of his power upon their adversaries.

Nitesh unleashed his powers against the demonic horde, Rohan watched with growing concern as the creatures continued to advance despite the onslaught. With each wave of energy that Nitesh unleashed, it became increasingly apparent that their numbers were too great for him to overcome alone.

Rohan's heart sank as he realized the dire predicament they were in, the overwhelming odds stacked against them seeming insurmountable. Despite Nitesh's formidable abilities, it was clear that they needed a different approach if they were to stand any chance of emerging victorious against the demonic horde.

Rohan's eyes locked onto the charging horde of frightful demons, a surge of fear threatened to overwhelm him, his mind momentarily blanking in the face of the danger. The sheer ferocity and number of the oncoming creatures seemed to loom over him like a suffocating shadow, paralyzing him with uncertainty.

Rohan's vision blurred and darkness enveloped him as he collapsed to the ground. Nitesh's heart sank as he watched his friend fall, a surge of worry coursing through him at the sight of Rohan's unconscious form. With grim determination, he redoubled his efforts, fighting on with renewed vigor as he sought to hold back the demons and protect Rohan from further harm.

Despite his valiant efforts to press on, the toll of the fight proved too much to bear, and with a final, labored breath, Nitesh's legs gave way beneath him as he collapsed to the ground, his body wracked with exhaustion.

As the demonic horde closed in on Nitesh, their snarls growing ever closer, a sudden, swift movement caught their attention. With a blur of motion, a gleaming blade sliced through the air, cleaving through the neck of the nearest demon with effortless precision.

The demon's head rolled to the ground with a sickening thud, its body collapsing in a heap as blood spurted from the wound. Shocked by the sudden attack, the other demons faltered for a moment, their advance momentarily halted as they turned to face the new threat.

Standing amidst the chaos, bathed in the glow of the fading sunlight, stood a figure cloaked in shadows, its features obscured by the darkness. In its hand, held a gleaming weapon, its blade shimmering with otherworldly energy as it crackled with power.

With a steely gaze, the mysterious figure turned towards Nitesh, eyes burning with determination as prepared to face the remaining demons. Without a word, it leaped into action, their movements fluid and precise as they engaged the creatures with unmatched skill and agility.

As Nitesh scanned the chaos of battle, his heart pounded with a mix of fear and determination. Amidst the swirling melee, he caught sight of Rohan, his form surrounded by a shimmering aura as he soared through the air with breathtaking agility.

With a flash of recognition, Nitesh realized that Rohan was wielding a magnificent blade imbued with powerful magic, its ethereal glow illuminating the darkness of the forest. With each swing of his sword, Rohan dispatched demons with astonishing speed and precision, his movements fluid and graceful as he danced through the sky.

Nitesh's eyes widened in awe as he watched his friend unleash a barrage of devastating attacks upon the demonic horde, his magical blade cutting through their ranks with unmatched ferocity. With each strike, demons fell in droves, their roars of pain echoing through the forest as they succumbed to Rohan's relentless assault.

In mere minutes, the battlefield was transformed into a scene of utter devastation, the once-raging horde reduced to nothing more than scattered remnants of darkness. The forest fell silent once more, the echoes of battle fading into the stillness of the night as Rohan stood amidst the aftermath of his victory.

Breathing heavily, Rohan lowered his blade, the glow of its magic dimming as the last traces of the demonic presence vanished into the ether. 

Nitesh watched Rohan's breathtaking display of prowess, a flood of memories washed over him, transporting him back to the chaotic scenes of the celestial realm. In his mind's eye, he saw the devastation wrought by Rohan. The memory of the chaos and destruction filled Nitesh with a profound sense of sorrow and regret, his heart heavy with the weight of their failure.

Nitesh's attention returned to the present moment, his heart skipped a beat as he witnessed Rohan falter and collapse to the ground. Shock and concern flooded through him like a tidal wave, his mind racing with worry for his friend's well-being. Gently, he cradled Rohan's head in his hands, his touch gentle as he checked for any signs of injury or distress.

Rohan slowly opened his eyes, the first rays of morning sunlight gently pierced through the canopy of trees, casting a warm glow upon the forest floor. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he found himself lying on Nitesh's back, the events of the previous night slowly coming back to him.

The memory flooded his mind – the chilling encounters with demons, the adrenaline-fueled battle, and the desperate struggle for survival. Rohan gently motioned to Nitesh to set him down. Nitesh, understanding his friend's need to stand on his own two feet, carefully lowered him to the ground. Rohan's legs wobbled slightly as he adjusted to the solid earth beneath him, but he stood tall, determination etched into his features.

"Nitesh, I'm sorry... I shouldn't have let myself become unconscious like that. I saw those demons moving towards you, and I froze. and also Thank you, Nitesh, for protecting me from those demons. If it weren't for you, I don't know what would have happened."

Nitesh tells Rohan that he was the one who defeated the demons in the forest. He also tells him that his movements were swift and very powerful. "Thank you, Rohan. You saved us back there. When I was exhausted and couldn't fight anymore, you stood your ground and defeated those demons."

Nitesh's words sank in, Rohan's brow furrowed in confusion. "I... I don't remember anything, Nitesh. It's all a blur."

Nitesh's expression softened, realizing the weight of Rohan's words. "You must have been overcome by exhaustion, Rohan. It's alright. The important thing is that we're both safe now."

As they ventured deeper into the forest, Nitesh's expression grew determined. With a swift gesture, he drew intricate patterns in the air, channeling his energy into the creation of a portal. A shimmering vortex of light materialized before them, its edges pulsating with otherworldly energy.

"Come on, Rohan," Nitesh said,

Finally, they arrived at their destination – a humble cottage nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of the realm.

Nitesh approached the door with purpose, knocking firmly before it swung open to reveal a figure cloaked in shadow.

"Harry," Nitesh greeted.

Harry's gaze fell upon Rohan, a warm smile spread across his face, dispelling the shadows of concern that had lingered there. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and enveloped Rohan in a heartfelt embrace.

"It's good to see you back, Rohan," Harry said.

Seated in the cozy interior of Harry's cottage, Rohan and Nitesh exchanged determined glances, their resolve unwavering. With a sense of urgency weighing heavily upon them, Rohan spoke up, his voice tinged with determination.

"Harry, we need your help. The spell has been broken, and the demons are planning an attack on the mortal realm. We must stop them before it's too late."

Harry's expression grew solemn as he considered Rohan's words, the weight of their meaning evident in his gaze. "I understand the gravity of the situation, Rohan. The forces we face are formidable, but together, do we stand a chance?."

"Harry, the demons have already breached the mortal realm," Nitesh explained, his tone grave. "They roam freely, posing a grave threat to innocent lives. Rohan and I encountered them firsthand last night. They're more powerful than we anticipated."

"This is worse than I feared. If the demons are already within the mortal realm, then time is of the essence." Harry's expression darkened.

Harry rose to his feet, his resolve unwavering. "Then let us waste no time. We must make haste to the south to take help from Monica."

Nitesh's hands wove intricate patterns in the air, a shimmering portal materialized before them, its edges pulsating with arcane energy. With a shared glance of determination, Rohan, Nitesh, and Harry stepped through the portal, their senses tingling with anticipation. Emerging on the other side, they found themselves in a quaint village nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery.

The streets, usually bustling with activity, lay eerily silent in the dimming light of evening. Not a soul could be seen, and the only sound that echoed through the deserted thoroughfares was the soft rustle of leaves in the evening breeze.

"This isn't right," Nitesh murmured, his brow furrowing with concern. "The villagers should be out and about at this hour." Rohan's senses prickled with apprehension as he scanned the empty streets, a knot of worry forming in the pit of his stomach. "Something feels... off."

Nitesh swiftly motioned for Rohan and Harry to follow him as he led them towards a secluded cottage nestled at the edge of the village. With silent determination, they approached the quaint structure, its weathered walls offering a sanctuary from the encroaching darkness. As they entered the cottage, Nitesh gestured for Rohan and Harry to be quiet. Nitesh approached the keyhole of the cottage door, his movements deliberate as he positioned himself to peer through the opening. With one eye pressed against the cool metal, he scanned the outside world, his gaze narrowing as he took in the scene beyond.

Nitesh's gaze swept over the deserted streets, he caught sight of movement – shadowy figures lurking in the shadows, their forms twisted and grotesque. His breath caught in his throat as he realized the full extent of the danger that surrounded them.

"They're here," Nitesh whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "The demons have already infiltrated the village." Harry and Rohan positioned themselves at nearby openings in the cottage, their eyes trained on the shadowy streets beyond. With each passing moment, their senses remained on high alert, attuned to even the slightest movement or sound that might betray the presence of the lurking demons.

"There are more of them than I anticipated," Harry murmured, his voice tinged with concern. "We'll need to be cautious." Rohan peered through the opening in the cottage, straining to catch a glimpse of the figure moving amidst the shadows.

It is Monica!" Rohan exclaimed, his voice filled with relief. "She's fighting the demons."

Harry and Nitesh wasted no time as they rushed out of the cottage, their resolve firm and their determination unwavering. Guided by Rohan's indication of Monica's location, they sprinted through the deserted streets, their footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night.

As they drew closer to the scene of the confrontation, the sounds of battle grew louder, the clash of steel and the unearthly cries of the demons filling the air.

Arriving at the scene, they found Monica locked in combat with a group of demons, her movements fluid and precise as she fought with unwavering determination. With a fierce battle cry, Harry and Nitesh joined the fray, their weapons flashing in the moonlight as they launched into the fight.

Monica caught sight of Nitesh and Harry rushing to her side, a wave of relief washed over her. Despite the chaos of battle and the darkness that surrounded them, their presence brought a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.

"He's here," Monica said, her tone grave. Nitesh and Harry's expressions shifted from determination to shock as Monica's words sank in. 

Rohan's gaze swept over the scene before him, he caught sight of a figure emerging from the shadows, his form cloaked in an aura of dark energy. Instinctively, Rohan's heart quickened with apprehension as he realized the imminent threat posed by this mysterious individual.

Rohan stepped forward to confront the shadowy figure approaching them. His heart pounded in his chest, but his determination burned bright, fueled by a fierce desire to protect his friends and the village from the looming threat.

"Who are you?" Rohan demanded, his voice steady despite the tremor of apprehension that ran through him. "What do you want?" The shadowy figure halted in his tracks, his features obscured by the darkness that cloaked him. A sinister aura surrounded him, pulsating with malevolent energy as he regarded Rohan with an intensity that sent a chill down his spine.

Rohan stood firm in the face of the shadowy figure's ominous words, he tensed as he sensed a sudden shift in the air. Before he could react, a dark tendril lashed out from the shadow man's outstretched hand, striking Rohan with an unexpected force. With a cry of surprise, Rohan stumbled backward, the impact sending him sprawling to the ground several feet away.

The shadowy figure advanced once more towards the trio, Rohan's resolve hardened, his muscles tensing as he prepared to face the looming threat. With each step the figure took, the air crackled with dark energy, casting an ominous pall over the deserted streets.

As the shadow figure prepared to unleash its next assault on the trio, a sudden sensation of being ensnared gripped its form, freezing it in place. A powerful force seemed to wrap around it, constraining its movements with an unyielding grip.

Confusion and frustration flashed across the shadow figure's obscured features as it struggled against the unseen bonds that held it captive. It thrashed and writhed in vain, but the invisible grasp held firm, preventing it from carrying out its malevolent intentions.

The shadow figure's gaze turned towards the source of the mysterious force holding it captive, its eyes widened in astonishment at the sight of Rohan hovering in the air, surrounded by an aura of power and concentration. His mouth moved in a continuous murmur, his hands weaving intricate patterns in the air with swift precision. The air crackled with arcane energy as Rohan's incantations filled the night, his movements guided by a deep connection to the forces of magic. 

Rohan's magical assault closed in on the mysterious figure, it suddenly broke free from its invisible bonds with a surge of dark energy, its movements swift and decisive. With uncanny speed, it intercepted Rohan's attack, blocking it with an effortless motion that belied its otherworldly strength. Rohan's eyes widened in astonishment as he realized that he was facing an opponent unlike any he had encountered before. 

Rohan landed on the ground, his eyes blazing with determination, he uttered the word "Asura". As the word "Asura" echoed through the night, a chill ran down the spines of Nitesh, Harry, and Monica. They exchanged tense glances, their hearts quickening with a mixture of apprehension.

A profound sense of dread settled over Nitesh, Harry, and Monica. The mere mention of the name sent shivers down their spines, as they knew all too well the legendary status and unimaginable power associated with the ancient entity.

Asura - The demon king has appeared and showed himself.