The confrontation with Valaric was swift and intense. Eliam, Norkle, and Elise launched their attacks, their combined efforts enhanced by Eliam's manifested dark aura. However, Valaric didn't even flinch in the face of their assault.

Eliam, now exuding the dark aura's power, swung his sword with increased speed and strength, aiming to catch Valaric off guard. But the enigmatic demon moved with a grace that defied their expectations.

Norkle chanted incantations, sending bolts of light energy, but Valaric effortlessly dodged or deflected them with a precision that left them in awe.

Elise, wielding her mighty hammer and bolstered by Eliam's dark aura, struck with incredible force, but her blows were met with an unyielding defense.

Valaric remained calm and composed, his expression unwavering. It was evident that he was a formidable adversary, and even the unleashed dark aura's power wasn't enough to shake him.

As the clash continued, Eliam and his companions realized that defeating Valaric would be a monumental challenge, and they needed to devise a more strategic plan to emerge victorious.

The battle with Valaric had raged on, and despite their best efforts, Eliam, Norkle, and Elise found themselves struggling to gain the upper hand. Valaric had remained calm and collected, deflecting their every attack with unnerving ease.

As the battle continued, a sense of frustration and disappointment washed over Valaric. He had hoped for a more challenging encounter, but it seemed that his opponents were not living up to his expectations.

Valaric (thoughts): This is not what I expected. I sought a true challenge, not this...

Valaric sighed audibly, a sign of his growing impatience. With a sudden burst of energy, he seized Norkle and Elise, tossing them against the cave wall with a shocking force. Both of them coughed up blood as they collapsed to the ground, their strength depleted.

Eliam, witnessing the dire state of his friends, felt an overwhelming surge of rage. The sight of Norkle and Elise lying wounded and defeated on the ground fueled his anger and unleashed the dark aura once more.

Eliam (thoughts): This power... it's uncontrollable. I can't let my anger consume me.

With a demonic transformation like before, Eliam's eyes glowed with an ominous crimson light, and his entire demeanor became more feral with white hair and tanned skin with fangs and claws. He charged at Valaric with a speed and strength that exceeded anything they had seen before. In his berserk state, he managed to scratch Valaric slightly on the face.

Valaric, recognizing the dangerous path this was heading, decided to take action. With a quick, precise strike, he knocked Eliam or Zenon unconscious.

Valaric: "Enough, Zenon."

Valaric's words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. The situation had escalated to a point where the line between friend and foe had blurred, leaving everyone uncertain about the path that lay ahead.

Eliam, Norkle, and Elise slowly regained consciousness. The events of the previous clash with Valaric were still fresh in their minds, but now they found themselves in a different situation. Valaric had started a fire and was roasting an animal he had found in the nearby woods.

Eliam: "Valaric..."

Valaric turned to them, his expression more relaxed than before.

Valaric: "Morning, everyone. I thought a good meal might help us recover from yesterday's ordeal."

Norkle and Elise exchanged glances, still wary but realizing that Valaric's intentions might not be entirely hostile. They cautiously approached the makeshift campfire, and the aroma of cooking meat filled the air.

Eliam: "What are you planning, Valaric?"

Valaric: "I'm not your enemy, Zenon. I want to see just how strong you've become."

As the scent of the roasting meat wafted through the air, the group found themselves in an unusual moment of calm, surrounded by the mysteries and challenges of the world that lay before them.

Valaric took a deep breath and began to speak, revealing the secrets that had been hidden for so long.

Valaric: "Zenon, your true name is Zenon van Heim, son of Eumel van Heim, the Infernal Demon Lord. Your mother was the Jeweled Princess of the Celestine Kingdom, and she had a treaty with Demon Lord Eumel."

Eliam's eyes widened as he absorbed the shocking revelation. Valaric continued, his voice steady and filled with a sense of responsibility.

Valaric: "I was away when the war broke out, and it was only recently that I discovered your true lineage. I found your father's journal, and it contained information about your incredible power. It's said that you have the potential to dwarf all Demon Kings when your abilities are fully harnessed. The crest in your chest can absorb or harness the powers of all the Demon Lords by a mere drop of their blood."

The implications of this revelation were staggering, and the group sat in stunned silence, trying to process the newfound knowledge about Zenon's heritage and potential.

Eliam, Norkle, and Elise were still reeling from Valaric's revelation about Eliam's true identity and the astonishing power he possessed. As the aroma of roasting meat filled the air, Valaric decided it was time to share the full truth, including the dark history of the Celestine Kingdom.

Valaric: "There's more to the story, Zenon. When the war broke out, your father, Demon Lord Eumel, made a difficult choice to protect your mother, the Jeweled Princess. He sealed her away in a place only you can reach. Your blood is the key to unlocking her prison."

Eliam's eyes widened in shock, and his friends shared a similar expression of disbelief.

Eliam: "Sealed away? My mother?"

Valaric nodded solemnly.

Valaric: "Yes. Your mother's life was in danger, and Eumel had to act swiftly. He couldn't allow her to be used as a pawn in the war, and so he sealed her away, entrusting her fate to you."

Norkle: "But why Zenon? Why is he the key?"

Valaric: "It's because of Zenon's unique bloodline. He is the bridge between two worlds, a living testament to the alliance between the Celestine Kingdom and the Demon Lords."

Elise: "So, if we find this place, we can free Zenon's mother?"

Valaric: "Yes, but it won't be an easy journey. The path is fraught with danger, and the key to unlocking the seal lies within Zenon's own abilities."

Eliam felt a surge of emotions coursing through him. He was stunned by the magnitude of the responsibility that now rested on his shoulders.

Eliam: "I had no idea... that my past was so entwined with all of this. But I won't back down. We have to find the place where my mother is sealed and free her."

Valaric: "That's the spirit, Zenon. We'll embark on this journey together. But remember, it won't be easy, and many challenges lie ahead."

As the realization of the task before them settled in, Eliam, Norkle, and Elise exchanged determined glances, ready to face the trials that awaited them in the name of family and destiny.

Chapter End