Read Son of the Demon Lord Rises :: Chapter 5 - Departing For Adventure

Four years had passed since the events that had reshaped the lives of Eliam, Norkle, and Elise. They had dedicated themselves to rigorous training under the guidance of Sister Margarette, and the results were evident. They had grown stronger, both in body and spirit, and the bond between them had deepened.

Now, at the age of 14, they stood on the cusp of a new adventure, their hearts filled with excitement and determination.

Eliam, his once-boyish features now more defined and confident, addressed his friends.

Eliam: "The time has come. We've trained hard, and we're ready to face the world outside. Our goal remains the same—to make the orphanage a place of safety, love, and dreams. Are you both ready?"

Norkle, who had grown into a sturdy and dependable young man, nodded with a determined look in his eyes.

Norkle: "Absolutely, Eliam. We've come so far, and we're stronger than ever. We can do this."

Elise, who had blossomed into a compassionate and resilient young woman, echoed their sentiments.

Elise: "I'm ready. We've built a family here, and we'll protect it no matter what."

Sister Margarette, standing nearby, smiled at the determination of the three young souls she had watched over and guided.

Sister Margarette: "You've all grown into remarkable individuals. I have faith in your journey, and remember that St. Claire's Orphanage will always be your home."

With their hearts set on their shared dream, Eliam, Norkle, and Elise set forth on their adventure, ready to face the challenges of the world outside. They carried with them the love and support of their family at the orphanage and the unwavering guidance of Sister Margarette. Their journey was just beginning, and they were determined to make their dreams a reality.

During the four years of intense training, Eliam harbored a secret ambition that he couldn't share with Norkle and Elise. It was a personal goal, a vision of building an army, a force for good that could protect the innocent and bring about positive change in the world.

As he underwent rigorous training under Sister Margarette's guidance, his thoughts delved into the depths of this ambition. He understood that to achieve this goal, he needed not only strength but reputation and power. He needed to become a symbol of hope and justice, someone who could inspire others to rally behind his cause.

Eliam realized that for now, he could only keep this vision to himself. It was a goal he would work silently towards, crafting his identity as a protector of the weak and a beacon of hope in the shadows. As he honed his abilities, he knew that building his reputation and gaining influence would be crucial steps toward achieving his dream.

So, in the quiet of his own mind, Eliam plotted and planned, understanding that this personal ambition was a long-term endeavor, one that would require patience, dedication, and unwavering determination.

Eliam, at the age of 14, and his friends, Norkle and Elise, were on their journey across Varinthia. They had recently honed their skills, and while Norkle had become the more frail type, Elise had grown into a formidable strength-based warrior.

As they traveled, they came across a small village far to the west, nestled in the shadow of towering mountains.

The peaceful serenity of the village was shattered by the sounds of chaos and despair. Goblins and gnolls had launched an attack, and the villagers were in a state of panic. Without hesitation, Eliam, Norkle, and Elise sprang into action.

Eliam: "We can't stand by and let these creatures terrorize this village. We have to help them."

With grim determination, they fought alongside the villagers, driving back the goblins and gnolls. Eliam's leadership and combat skills, Elise's strength with a massive hammer, and Norkle's spellcasting abilities proved to be a formidable combination.

Norkle wielded Sister Marietta's staff, channeling his magical prowess to protect their group with spells and incantations. Elise, on the other hand, swung Sister Margarette's old war hammer with incredible strength, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.

As the battle raged on, the trio noticed that the goblins and gnolls seemed to be working for someone. There was an intelligence to their tactics that hinted at a greater threat. Eliam's curiosity was piqued.

Eliam: "We need to find out who's behind this. These creatures wouldn't have organized like this on their own."

After hours of intense combat, the attackers were repelled, and the villagers cheered the heroes who had come to their aid.

The village's leader approached Eliam, gratitude in his eyes.

Village Leader: "Thank you for saving our village. We don't know how to repay you."

Eliam: "We don't need a reward. But we do need information. Do you know who might be behind this attack?"

The village leader nodded gravely.

Village Leader: "There have been rumors of a mysterious figure known as the 'Shadowlord' who's been uniting various monstrous races. They say he's planning something big."

Eliam's jaw tightened. This "Shadowlord" was a name that had cropped up in their travels, a name that carried darkness and foreboding.

Eliam: "We'll find this Shadowlord and put an end to his plans. No one should have to live in fear."

And so, with their resolve strengthened and a new mission on the horizon, Eliam, Norkle, and Elise continued their journey, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead and uncover the truth behind the mysterious Shadowlord.

After the intense battle in the western village, Eliam, Norkle, and Elise were graciously offered a vacant house by the village mayor. The house, though simple, provided shelter for the night. They found themselves gathered around a wooden table in the dimly lit room, a few candles flickering.

Eliam: "We're grateful for your hospitality, Mayor. This will do just fine for the night."

Mayor: "You've done a great service for our village. It's the least we can offer in return. Rest well."

With a sense of relief and gratitude, they settled in for the night, taking shifts to ensure their safety. As they closed their eyes, the events of the day weighed on them, but they also found solace in the kindness of the villagers and the hope that their journey would lead them to greater revelations.

High in the rugged mountains to the west of Grandale Village, a lone demon with jet-black hair and piercing golden eyes made his way through treacherous terrain. His name was Valaric, a demon on a mission. He sought someone of great significance to him, someone who possessed a unique and powerful aura.

Valaric: "I can feel it... the presence of that power, like my own, that emerged here four years ago. It can only be from the bloodline of the demon lord Eumel."

With each step he took, Valaric's senses heightened. He had been on this quest for years, searching for a trace of that distinct demonic energy. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was drawing closer to his goal.

Suddenly, the air around him grew heavy, and an eerie sensation washed over him. The hair on his neck stood on end, and he clenched his fists.

Valaric: "This is it. I'm close."

As he ventured deeper into the mountains, the presence of demonic power became more pronounced. It pulsed like a beacon, a signal that he was drawing near to someone who held the bloodline of the demon lord Eumel, the same bloodline that coursed through his own veins.

Valaric knew that this encounter would change the course of his journey. With his heart pounding and anticipation building, he pressed forward, determined to find the one he had been searching for all these years.

Chapter End