Chapter 24- Asura, The Demon King.

The Demon King Asura was a figure of myth and legend, feared and revered in equal measure for his unmatched strength and insatiable thirst for conquest. His very name struck fear into the hearts of mortals and demons alike, a harbinger of destruction and chaos wherever his shadow fell.

Rohan fell unconscious to the ground, a sense of urgency seized the trio. Their hearts pounded with a mixture of fear and determination as they watched helplessly, their friend disappearing from their sight in the clutches of the dreaded Demon King Asura.

They understood the grave implications of Rohan falling into the hands of the Demon King Asura, knowing full well the immense power he possessed and the catastrophic consequences it could entail if wielded for malevolent purposes.

Their minds raced with the possibilities of the havoc that could be wreaked upon both the celestial and mortal realms should Asura harness Rohan's formidable abilities to further his dark ambitions. 

On the other hand,

Rohan opened his eyes, he found himself in a place shrouded in darkness, the air thick with an oppressive aura that sent shivers down his spine. Confusion and disorientation washed over him as he struggled to make sense of his surroundings, his mind reeling from the sudden shift in his reality.

Rohan's heart raced as he blinked, trying to adjust to the darkness enveloping him. His senses strained against the thick, oppressive atmosphere, each breath feeling heavier than the last.

The air was heavy with the scent of sulfur, and eerie whispers carried on unseen currents, promising doom to any who dared trespass. The landscape itself seemed to writhe with a sinister energy, as if the very ground were alive with malevolent intent. Rivers of molten lava snaked through the barren terrain, casting an eerie glow that illuminated the twisted forms of demonic creatures that prowled the shadows.

Time held no sway, and reality itself seemed to warp and twist, defying comprehension. The laws of nature were bent to the will of the dark entities that ruled this domain, their power radiating from every crevice and shadowed corner.

There stood a towering fortress that served as the seat of power for the demon lords who reigned over this nightmarish landscape. Rohan's heart skipped a beat as the sound of footsteps echoed through the darkness, cutting through the eerie silence like a blade. With bated breath, Rohan turned towards the sound, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement

Rohan's pulse quickened as he strained to make out the silhouette of the mysterious figure emerging from the shadows, recognition flickered within Rohan's mind as he beheld the mysterious figure before him. It was the same enigmatic presence that had encountered in the South Village.

"Who are you?" Rohan's voice wavered slightly as he addressed the figure.

The figure regarded him in silence for a moment, its gaze seeming to pierce through the darkness with an intensity that sent a chill down Rohan's spine.

"I am but a wanderer, a traveler between worlds," the figure intoned.

The figure reached up to remove its mask, and before him stood a figure of striking handsomeness, with features that seemed to have been sculpted by the hands of a master artist.

The man's face was a study in perfection, with chiseled cheekbones, a strong jawline, and a nose that added symmetry to his visage. His eyes, a mesmerizing shade of deep blue, held a depth and intensity that seemed to pierce through Rohan's soul, leaving him momentarily breathless. A smile played at the corners of the man's lips, warm and inviting, revealing a set of perfectly aligned teeth that added to his magnetic charm. His hair, styled with effortless elegance, framed his face in a way that accentuated his features, adding to his undeniable allure.

"Who are you?" he asked, his words echoing in the stillness of the shadowy realm.

"I am known by many names," he replied, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to resonate within the very fabric of the darkness surrounding them. "But you may call me Asura."

"Asura..." Rohan murmured, the name rolling off his tongue.

"Yes, Rohan. I am Asura, ruler of the demon realm," came the reply.

"But why have you brought me here? What do you want from me?" Rohan pressed.

"I have watched you from afar, Rohan," he explained, his voice tinged with regret. "I have seen the struggles you have faced, the battles you have fought. And now, I believe that your destiny is intertwined with mine."

"What do you mean?" questioned Rohan.

"You possess a power within you, Rohan," he said, his words carrying a solemn weight. "A power that has the potential to change the course of history. Together, we can unlock its true potential and confront that threatens to engulf us all."

"I don't know what you see in me, Asura," Rohan began, his tone unwavering despite the apprehension that gnawed at the edges of his mind. "But I assure you, I possess no power worth mentioning. And even if I did, I would not share it with someone who claims to be the Demon King."

"You underestimate yourself, Rohan," he replied, his voice calm and measured. "There is a strength within you that you have yet to discover—a power that could change the fate of worlds."

Rohan shook his head, his resolve unwavering. "I'm just an ordinary person, Asura. I have no desire to be caught up in some grand cosmic struggle between light and darkness. And please guide me towards the exit."

Rohan's defiant words reached the ears of the Demon King, a flicker of anger flashed across Asura's face, his eyes narrowing in response to the challenge. With a terse command, he gestured to his soldiers, who moved with swift obedience to carry out his orders.

"Take him," Asura commanded, "Lock him away in the prison with the others. Let him learn the consequences of defying the will of the Demon King."

The soldiers seized him roughly and dragged him away into the darkness. Rohan was forcibly dragged into the depths of the prison, his senses were assaulted by the sight and sounds of despair. The dimly lit corridors were lined with rows of cells, each containing a multitude of prisoners from various mortal realms, their faces etched with exhaustion and fear.

Rohan's heart sank as he took in the sight of so many souls held captive within the confines of the prison. Some sat huddled in dark corners, their eyes vacant and hollow, while others paced restlessly within their cramped cells, their voices raised in cries of anguish and desperation.

Among the prisoners, Rohan could see men, women, and even children, each one a victim of the Demon King's tyranny. Their presence served as a grim reminder of the true extent of Asura's power and the suffering he had wrought upon the mortal realms.

Rohan was roughly thrown into the empty cell by the demon soldiers, he landed with a jolt, the impact sending a shockwave of pain reverberating through his body. Groaning softly, he struggled to his feet, his muscles protesting against the rough treatment he had endured.

The cell was small and dimly lit, the walls lined with cold, rough-hewn stone that seemed to press in on him from all sides. There was a solitary cot in one corner, little more than a slab of wood with a thin mattress, and a rusted iron door barred his only means of escape.

Rohan's eyes adjusted to the dimness of the cell, he noticed a figure huddled in the dark corner, their presence barely discernible amidst the shadows. With cautious steps, he approached, the silence of the cell broken only by the sound of his footsteps echoing against the stone walls.

"Hello?" Rohan called out softly, his voice carrying a note of uncertainty.

The figure stirred, their movements slow and hesitant as they turned towards him.

The figure rushed towards Rohan, a surge of surprise and warmth flooded through him and hugged him. Rohan reciprocated the hug, his arms wrapping around the stranger, offering solace and solidarity in their shared confinement.

"We'll get through this," Rohan said softly, "Together, we'll find a way out of here."

As the figure released him from the embrace, Rohan's surprise turned to disbelief as he realized the identity of the person standing before him. It was none other than Avyaan, his boss, whom he had known for years in the mortal realm.

"Avyaan?" Rohan gasped, his voice tinged with astonishment. "Is it really you?"

"Yes, it's me, Rohan," Avyaan confirmed, his voice filled with emotion. "I never imagined I would be able to get out from here."

Rohan looked upon Avyaan, his mind flickered with memories from the past, memories tinged with sadness and pain. He recalled a time when Avyaan, his once-respected boss, had mistreated him, their relationship strained by harsh words and unjust actions.

The memory weighed heavily on Rohan's heart, casting a shadow over the unexpected reunion with his boss in the depths of the demon realm. Despite their shared ordeal, the wounds of the past still lingered, leaving Rohan grappling with conflicting emotions.

Avyaan noticed the sadness etched upon Rohan's face, his own expression clouded with regret as he sensed the turmoil within his employee.

"Rohan, I..." Avyaan began, his voice faltering with emotion. "I know I've made mistakes in the past. I've said and done things that I deeply regret."

"I'm sorry," Avyaan continued, his voice filled with sincerity. "I never meant to hurt you. Please forgive me."

As the weight of past grievances began to ease from Rohan's shoulders, a sense of relief washed over him, leaving him feeling lighter than he had in ages. With a weary sigh, he lowered himself to the cold, stone floor of the cell, the tension in his muscles gradually melting away.

With a deep breath, Rohan turned to Avyaan, his curiosity piqued by the question that lingered on his mind.

"Avyaan," he began, his voice soft yet filled with curiosity, "how did you end up here in the demon realm?"

Sitting beside Rohan in the dimly lit cell, he spoke of a relentless search born from a deep sense of responsibility and concern.

"I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you, and so visited your house and got to know that you didn't come back to house from past 3 days. So, I launched an investigation, determined to track you down no matter the cost.

The investigation team tracked your phone near a village. I travelled to the located village and witnessed a very disturbing scene. I was about to run when I was caught off guard by the demon king and got captured here from past 5 days."

Avyaan's voice wavered with emotion, tears glistened in his eyes, reflecting the dim light of their prison cell. His heart heavy with despair, he confessed his deepest fear to Rohan, his words laden with a sense of resignation.

"I feared I would never see you again," Avyaan admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I thought I would die here in the hands of demons, never knowing if you were safe." Feeling the weight of Avyaan's sorrow, Rohan's heart swelled with empathy and compassion. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around him, drawing him into a tight embrace.

As they held each other in the dimness of their cell, the boundaries that had once divided them faded into insignificance.

After the embrace, Avyaan's voice broke the silence, the curiosity evident in his tone as he turned to Rohan.

"Rohan," he began, his voice gentle yet filled with curiosity, "how did you end up here in the demon realm?"

With a deep breath, he began recounting the journey that had led him to the depths of the demon realm. Avyaan's inquiry about contacting Tina and seeking celestial reinforcement brought a flicker of hope to Rohan's heart. He had almost forgotten about Tina, their trusted ally who had always been a beacon of support in times of need.

"Tina," Rohan murmured, "I hadn't thought of reaching out to her, but she might be our best chance at getting help."

"I'll try to contact her," Rohan declared.

Rohan took a deep breath, his mind focused as he recalled the method Tina had taught him for contacting her in times of need. With a sense of determination, he closed his eyes, blocking out the dimness of the cell and reaching inward to tap into the cosmic energies that Tina had spoken of.

In his mind's eye, Rohan visualized a pathway of light, stretching out across the vast expanse of the celestial realm. With each breath, he felt himself drawing closer to Tina's presence, reaching out across the distance that separated them.

In the distance, he caught a glimpse of Tina standing before the Heavenly King, her presence radiating with celestial light.

"Tina," Rohan called out, his voice echoing across the astral plane. "We need your help."

But before Tina could respond, Rohan felt a tug at his consciousness, pulling him back to the mortal realm. With a start, he opened his eyes to find Avyaan calling out to him from their prison cell.

Rohan's attention shifted back to the mortal realm, his senses heightened, alert to the imminent danger that approached their prison cell. With a sinking feeling in his chest, he saw several demons marching purposefully towards them, their sinister forms casting long shadows in the dim light.

The demons seized Avyaan, he lunged forward, desperation lending strength to his limbs as he tried to fend off their attackers.

"Let him go!" Rohan shouted,

But his efforts were in vain as the demons overpowered him, dragging Avyaan away despite Rohan's protests. Helpless to intervene, Rohan watched in horror as his friend disappeared into the darkness beyond the cell.

"Avyaan!" he cried out, his voice choked with emotion. Rohan found himself locked once again in the darkness of the prison cell, a surge of pent-up frustration and aggression surged within him. The memory of Avyaan being dragged away by the demons, coupled with his own sense of helplessness, ignited a fiery rage within his mind.

With clenched fists and gritted teeth, Rohan struggled to contain the roiling emotions that threatened to consume him. His chest heaved with each ragged breath as he fought to regain control over his racing thoughts.

Rohan's consciousness expanded, he felt an unfamiliar sensation coursing through his being, a surge of mystical energy that pulsed with an otherworldly power. With a sense of awe and wonder, he realized that he was no longer bound by the constraints of the physical realm. 

The mystical power surged within him, filling him with a sense of strength and purpose that he had never known before.

With each breath, Rohan felt the energy swirling around him, responding to the depths of his emotions and the intensity of his resolve. It was as if he had tapped into a reservoir of power that lay dormant within him, waiting to be unleashed.

With a surge of mystical energy coursing through his veins, Rohan focused his willpower and directed it towards the prison door. With a primal shout, he unleashed a powerful burst of force, channeling his newfound abilities into a single devastating attack.

The energy erupted from his outstretched hand, manifesting as a brilliant beam of light that struck the door with incredible force. The impact reverberated through the cell, sending shockwaves rippling through the air as the door buckled under the onslaught of power.

With a resounding crash, the prison door was torn from its hinges, propelled into the air by the sheer force of Rohan's attack. It soared through the darkness, tumbling end over end before crashing to the ground with a deafening thud.

With a fierce determination burning in his eyes, Rohan channeled the full extent of his mystical power, directing it towards the remaining prison doors with an intense focus. With a single forceful gesture, he unleashed a devastating wave of energy that cascaded through the cell, shattering each door with unstoppable force.

As the doors splintered and fell, Rohan wasted no time in creating a shimmering portal with another swift motion of his hand. The portal crackled with arcane energy, its swirling vortex offering a glimpse of freedom to the prisoners who had been held captive for far too long.

"Escape while you can!" Rohan called out to the prisoners, his voice ringing with urgency. "To freedom!"

With a surge of hope and determination, the prisoners wasted no time in rushing towards the portal, their faces alight with newfound hope as they passed through to the other side.

Meanwhile, Rohan turned his attention to the approaching demons, his resolve unwavering as he prepared to confront their adversaries head-on. With a fierce battle cry, he unleashed another onslaught of mystical energy, each attack striking true as he fought to defend the freedom of those who had been imprisoned unjustly.

The demons, taken aback by Rohan's sudden display of power, faltered in their advance, their ranks thrown into disarray by the sheer force of his onslaught. With each strike, Rohan pushed himself to the limit, his determination unyielding as he battled against the forces of darkness that sought to enslave them.

And as the last of the prisoners passed through the portal to safety, Rohan summoned one final surge of energy, unleashing a powerful blast that sent the demons reeling.

As the chaos of battle subsided, Rohan seized the opportunity to approach one of the defeated demons, his expression steely with determination. With a firm grip, he restrained the demon, his voice low and commanding as he demanded answers.

"Where is Avyaan?" Rohan's voice echoed with authority, cutting through the din of the aftermath. "What have you done with him?"

The demon, cowed by Rohan's commanding presence, trembled under his gaze, fear flickering in its eyes as it struggled to form a response.

"Avyaan," the demon stammered, its voice tinged with uncertainty. "He... he was taken to the depths of the demon realm. To the stronghold of the Demon King himself."

Rohan's heart clenched with worry at the mention of Avyaan's fate, his mind racing with thoughts of his friend's safety. But he pushed aside his fear, his resolve unyielding as he pressed the demon for more information.

"Tell me everything you know," Rohan demanded, his voice cold and unwavering. "Where is the stronghold? How do I find it?"

The demon hesitated for a moment, as if weighing its options, before finally relenting under Rohan's relentless gaze.

"The stronghold lies deep within the heart of the demon realm," the demon admitted, its voice barely above a whisper. With a sense of urgency driving him forward, Rohan wasted no time in setting out towards the stronghold of the Demon King. As he journeyed deeper into the darkened landscape, Rohan remained vigilant, his senses alert to the dangers that lurked around every corner. The air was thick with malevolent energy, and the very ground beneath his feet seemed to pulse with the sinister presence of the Demon King's minions.

Rohan neared the stronghold of the Demon King, he encountered a formidable obstacle in the form of powerful demons guarding its entrance. These demons were unlike any he had faced before, their towering forms radiating with dark energy and their eyes gleaming with malice.

With a guttural growl, the lead demon stepped forward, its massive form casting a menacing shadow over Rohan. "Turn back, mortal," it snarled, its voice dripping with contempt. "You have no business here. This fortress belongs to the Demon King, and none may enter without his permission."

There, upon the throne of darkness, sat Asura, the Demon King himself, his malevolent presence casting a shadow over the entire chamber. Before him, Rohan's worst fears were realized as he saw Avyaan, his friend kneeling before the throne, his expression one of resignation in the face of impending doom.

With a surge of anger and determination, Rohan stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Asura with unwavering resolve. "Release him," he demanded, his voice echoing through the chamber with authority. "Avyaan does not belong to you. He is mine, not prey for your hunger."

Asura's gaze turned towards Rohan, his eyes gleaming with amusement at the mortal's defiance. "Ah, Rohan," he purred, his voice dripping with malice. "How delightful to see you again. And so bold, to venture into my domain uninvited."

Ignoring the Demon King's taunts, Rohan focused his attention on Avyaan, extending a hand to his friend in a gesture of solidarity. "Avyaan, we're getting out of here," he said firmly, his voice filled with determination. "Together."

But Avyaan remained motionless, his eyes fixed on the ground before him, seemingly resigned to his fate. It was as if he had been ensnared by some dark magic, his willpower drained by the oppressive aura of the Demon King's presence.

With a growl of frustration, Rohan turned back to face Asura, his fists clenched at his sides. "What have you done to him?" he demanded, his voice laced with anger. "Release him now, or face the consequences."

Asura chuckled darkly, his eyes glittering with amusement at Rohan's defiance. "Oh, Rohan," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "You truly are a thorn in my side. But fear not, mortal. Your friend will serve a far greater purpose in my realm."

Rohan surged forward, his determination unyielding in the face of the Demon King's tyranny, he was suddenly brought to a halt by the swift intervention of the guards. With a coordinated effort, they moved to intercept him, their movements fluid and precise as they formed a barrier between Rohan and Asura's throne.

Rohan gritted his teeth in frustration as he found himself surrounded by the Demon King's minions, their imposing forms blocking his path with unyielding resolve. Despite his best efforts to break through their defenses, their numbers and coordination proved too great to overcome.

Rohan's chest heaved with exertion as he closed his eyes, delving into the forbidden depths of dark magic once more. With a shuddering breath, he summoned the potent energy that lay dormant within him, allowing it to surge forth with unchecked intensity.

The air crackled with malevolent power as Rohan whispered the ancient incantations, his voice barely audible over the chaos that surrounded him. With each word, the darkness responded, coalescing into a swirling vortex of shadows that engulfed the guards with terrifying force.

In an instant, the chamber erupted into chaos as the dark magic unleashed its fury. The guards stood no chance against the onslaught, their bodies torn apart by the sheer force of the arcane power that enveloped them.

As the last echoes of the incantations faded away, Rohan opened his eyes, his gaze hardened with determination. Though a pang of guilt tugged at his conscience, he knew that he had no choice but to wield the dark magic in order to confront the greater evil that lay before him.

With a primal roar echoing through the chamber, Rohan surged forward, his feet pounding against the cold stone floor as he charged towards the throne of the Demon King. Every fiber of his being was alight with determination, fueled by the urgency of the moment and the burning desire to confront the source of all their troubles.

As he closed the distance, Rohan felt the oppressive weight of the Demon King's gaze upon him, a palpable force that seemed to pierce through his very soul. But he refused to falter, his resolve unshaken as he braced himself for the inevitable confrontation.

With a swift motion, Rohan leaped into the air, his body propelled forward by sheer force of will as he launched himself towards the throne. The air crackled with energy as he closed in on his target, his mind focused on a single goal: to confront the Demon King and rescue Avyaan from his clutches.

Rohan's blows rained down upon the throne, each strike fueled by his unwavering determination to confront the Demon King, a sudden sense of disorientation washed over him. In the blink of an eye, the throne before him stood empty, the Demon King nowhere to be found.

Confusion clouded Rohan's mind as he scanned the chamber, his senses on high alert for any sign of the elusive tyrant. But there was no trace of the Demon King, only the lingering echoes of their fierce battle.

Rohan's gaze swept the chamber in search of the Demon King, his heart sank as he spotted Avyaan still kneeling before the vacant throne. A surge of concern washed over Rohan as he rushed to his friend's side, dropping to his knees beside him. "Avyaan," he said, his voice laced with urgency, "are you alright? What has he done to you?"

But Avyaan remained silent, his eyes fixed on the ground before him, his expression a mask of desolation. It was as if he had been ensnared by some dark enchantment, his willpower drained by the oppressive aura of the Demon King's presence.

With a swift motion and a continuous stream of murmurs, Rohan began to weave a complex spell, his hands moving with purpose as he channeled the arcane energies that surrounded them. Each incantation dripped from his lips like honey, carrying with it the power to break through the dark enchantment that held Avyaan captive.

Avyaan's eyes fluttered open, the haze of despair lifting from his gaze as he looked up at Rohan with newfound determination. "Rohan," he whispered.

With tears of relief streaming down his cheeks, Rohan wrapped Avyaan in a tight embrace, his arms enveloping his beloved with a fierce sense of protectiveness and gratitude. Avyaan returned the embrace, his own tears mingling with Rohan's as they held onto each other, their hearts filled with a mixture of emotions too powerful for words. As Rohan and Avyaan embraced, a faint sense of unease prickled at the back of Rohan's mind, as though something was watching them, unseen yet palpable in its presence. With a shiver running down his spine, Rohan reluctantly pulled away from the embrace, his senses on high alert as he scanned the chamber. 

It was the Demon King, his imposing form shrouded in darkness, his eyes gleaming with malice as he regarded Rohan with a twisted smile. The Demon King had returned, his presence a reminder of the ever-present threat that loomed over them. 

The Demon King's vice-like grip tightened around Rohan's neck, draining him of his strength with terrifying efficiency. Rohan gasped for air, his vision swimming as he felt his very essence being siphoned away by the relentless onslaught of dark magic.

With every passing moment, Rohan's struggles grew more desperate, his limbs growing heavy as the Demon King absorbed his energies with insatiable hunger. It was as if he were being consumed from within, his very soul on the brink of being extinguished by the overwhelming darkness.

As the Demon King's grip tightened around Rohan's neck, a surge of dark energy coursed through him, draining him of his strength and vitality. With each passing moment, Rohan could feel his powers being ripped away, consumed by the insatiable hunger of the Demon King.

With a sense of dread, Rohan watched helplessly as the Demon King's form began to change before his eyes. His stature grew taller, his features contorting into a more menacing visage as he absorbed the full extent of Rohan's powers.

The chamber trembled with the weight of the Demon King's newfound strength, the very air crackling with the dark energy that coursed through him. It was as if he had become a living embodiment of the shadows, a force of pure malevolence that threatened to consume everything in its path.

With a cruel laugh, the Demon King flung Rohan to the ground with a force that knocked the breath from his lungs. Pain shot through Rohan's body as he collided with the unforgiving stone floor, his vision swimming with stars as he struggled to regain his senses.

Avyaan rushes towards Rohan and cradled his head in his laps as the demon king disappears from the place.