Chapter 5 - Brilliant Gold

Magnus is seen running like a bolt toward the place Ava had mentioned, in his determined race through the dense forest to reach his destination, Magnus's heart pounded with anticipation.

Magnus moved swiftly, his stealth like that of a seasoned spy. As he reached his destination, he muttered, "Bloody hell..."

He observed the incredible sight of a thriving demon kingdom being built before his eyes.

The demon beings bore humanoid features and were engaged in various activities, using monster-like creatures, for labor just as humans used animals, the same creatures that attacked the town.

They have all the elements of a humane society, from their methods of labor and technology to their trading practices.

As he ventured further into the kingdom, he discovered that these demons even used the mindless monsters as a source of food, mirroring the human way of life.

"They have achieved this level of advancement, while being in hiding, truly commendable" Magnus couldn't help but be astounded by the level of civilization they had achieved.

"It would be criminal to call these people, mere demons..." Hidden from sight, he continued to spy on the demons, uncovering a hierarchy within their society.

At the lowest rank were regular demon folks, while above them were commander-ranked demons, each with their distinct roles and responsibilities. All these commanders, in turn, answered to a supreme commander.

Magnus didn't witness any of the commanders or the Supreme Commander, he only heard it from the chattering of regular folks.

Magnus's curiosity led him closer to a massive fortress at the center of the town, where the commanders resided.

However, as he approached, an overwhelming pressure descended upon him. "What!!! What the hell is that!!"

He realized that going any further would be perilous, and without a moment's hesitation, he took a step back and began to retreat, "God Damnit!!!" fully aware of the danger that lay within the fortress.

Utilizing all his stealth skills, he made a hasty escape, the urgency of the situation demanding that he inform the others about this impending cataclysmic threat.

The wind blows to Agha, who appears to be wandering in solitude just outside the bustling town of Balkias.

A profound sadness weighed on him, and he found himself lost in thoughts of his older brother, the one who had often sparred with him, consistently besting him.

"Damn you... Leave my head already...", as his reminiscences consumed his attention, Agha was abruptly jolted by a piercing and haunting cry – the call of a bird-like creature.

It echoed through the air, leading his gaze toward the distant east, away from the town, and curiosity stirred within him. "Dang it!! Am I some kind of a monster magnet??"

The bird's trajectory indicated that it had journeyed from a place far beyond Balkias, possibly another town or village altogether.

However, what truly captured Agha's attention was the object being transported by this bird-like creature.

As it drew nearer, it became evident that the creature was carrying a fragile human baby.

"A baby!? What the hell!?" Agha's eyes widened in alarm as he sprang into action, intent on intercepting the creature before any harm could come to the infant.

With a powerful leap, he attempted to strike at the bird-like being, but the creature proved to be surprisingly agile, swiftly evading his attack and retaliating with a flurry of strikes.

Agha's combat skills came to the forefront as he deftly parried and dodged, ultimately cutting the tube's leg, and securing the precious baby safely in his arms. "Eye's down bitch! You are in the presence of The Great Agha Goldstorm!!"

The situation took a surreal turn as the bird-like creature underwent a startling transformation, sprouting spider-like legs and multiple horns, and unfurling a set of formidable wings.

Agha, though shaken by the sight, "Why the hell am I the only one running into these lowlifes??" responded with annoyance.

Entering into a fierce battle with the creature, determined to protect the helpless child he now held in his arms.

As the confrontation escalated, the creature's actions defied simple animal instincts. It displayed signs of intelligence, and inexplicably, its attention shifted toward the helpless baby.

Agha, his reflexes lightning-quick, "D-Damnit" moved to shield the infant from harm, but the bird-like creature, astonishingly agile, managed to strike at the child.

In a desperate and selfless attempt to protect the defenseless child, Agha sacrificed his own body, allowing the creature's blade-like legs to tear into him.

Wounded and gravely weakened, Agha managed to escape the perilous encounter, clutching the infant, "Huff... Screw me... Why am I so damn soft...", running towards safety.

The previously unconscious baby in his arms had now awakened, crying out in distress. "You are awake!!"

"Ding Ding Do!! Ding Ding do!!" Making silly faces, in an attempt to soothe the child, Agha donned a reassuring smile and made playful faces, which seemed to have a magical effect, calming the baby's tears.

Addressing his injuries, Agha resourcefully tore a piece of his noble cloth and used it to staunch the bleeding from his shoulder and leg. "Shit... I liked this one..."

The sight of his muscular frame revealed beneath his now-torn shirt spoke of a physical strength that belied his youthful appearance. "Huh... Great... now my noble body is exposed to this dirty air..."

With ingenuity and haste, he fashioned a makeshift baby carrier out of his coat, securing the child close to his chest, "This should be good!" and resumed his determined dash towards safety.

Agha believed he had gained a fleeting moment of respite, but it was cruelly short-lived. The relentless bird-like creature closed the distance between them at an alarming pace. "Great... He is back again..."

As he continued to push through the oppressive heat and evade the relentless pursuit of the creature, Agha entered a foreboding valley along his path.

This valley exuded an ominous and sinister aura, and his eyes fell upon a chilling and unsettling sight.

Strewn across the valley floor were the small human skulls, unmistakably the remains of infants, painting a grim picture of the horrors that had unfolded in this desolate place.

"What the hell!?" Agha's rage surged like an uncontrollable storm, and the very earth trembled in response to his fury. "How could you!!"

While he was immersed in his overwhelming emotions, the bird-like creature drew perilously close, poised to attack.

However, Agha remained unmoved. His seething anger transformed into an aura of lethal intent so profound that it paralyzed the creature in sheer terror.

Agha seized the moment, slowly lunging towards the creature, with steps of pure anger.

He gripped its head, speaking with a stern voice, "You've reminded me of something bad"

In an act of resolve and vengeance, he forcibly tore off the monster's head, and the creature's blood-drenched him, leaving him smeared in the gruesome aftermath.

With an unsettling smile, he seemed to be bargaining with fate, presenting that his painful past had been relieved through the creature's demise, juxtaposed with the baby's cries.

Agha quickly regained his composure and turned his attention to the infant. "Aww... You cutie... It's alright little one! Uncle Agha will save you!!"

The baby, who had nearly succumbed to the overwhelming pressure released by Agha, was now safe in his care, cradled tenderly.

However, a sinister revelation awaited. Agha became aware of the chilling presence surrounding him.

Thousands of the creatures, like the one he had just slain now stood perched upon the rocks, gazing upon him with predatory menace.

"Hahaha!! Let's have a slaughter party!!" Agha passes a haunting smile, his eyes ablaze with a brilliant light, hinting at the impending confrontation with this enigmatic threat.