Book 5 - Chapter 61 - The Demon Elder (2/2)

The five combatants traded dozens of blows. At first glance it still appeared that no one was gaining ground, but closer inspection revealed the advantage belonged to Arcturus.

Abaddon and Autumn were half a step too slow. The Khan and the drunk were exhausted. As such even at full strength weaknesses began to peak through. As the conflict raged those openings became more frequent. Thus Arcturus did not press the attack, but countered when such flaws became available.

There was a flash of electric light. The drunk was blasted backward with his skin burned black.

Another flash. The Khan of Evernight lost his right leg and could no longer stand.

Autumn and Abbadon continued to trade blows, though they shifted from an offensive posture to a defensive one. Now it was clear they were outmatched. Another five exchanges and the Caliph’s sword of sand was blasted apart. With a swipe from Ruin both god and demon were sent flying.

In the end it was clear. Even the four mighty warriors together were no match for Arcturus Cloude.

However it had not been easy for him. The Governor’s gray robes were dirty and torn in places. The silvery hair as his temples was slick with sweat. They were strangely human details in an otherwise superhuman display.

“The four of you still aren’t enough.” Arcturus took a deep breath. “This fight has continued for long enough. I think it’s time we brought it to an end.”

“End it? So naive!” The Khan cried out to Arcturus in that robotic, emotionless voice. “If you think this will be the end of our struggle then you are sorely mistaken. We are only just beginning!”

A wrinkle appeared in Arcturus’ brow. A disc-shaped aircraft broke through the cloud cover overhead and descended toward the fortress.

The Khan and his allies retreated toward the ship. Everyone turned their eyes toward it in curiosity and wonder.

Its doors opened slowly and from within strode forth a towering figure. The first, most striking revelation was how much it looked like Abbaddon. His body was encased in dark armor and a pair of burning red eyes gleamed brighter than the sun. However the sturdy armor he wore was far more complicated than Abbadon’s. His hideous and contorted silhouette was uncomfortable to behold.

A demon! Another demon! The soldiers from both armies gaped at the sight. Abaddon was a known figure, but this new fiend was completely unexpected. And judging by his look and bearing it was a demon of even higher status than the Caliph.

Arcturus’ eyes were fixed on it. Within them was an exceptionally rare glimmer of dread. However, ever a slave to decorum, he greeted the monster. “Your Majesty, you are...”

“Sovereign of Nox, General of Gehenna, and Elder of the Thirteenth Seal. You may call me Judas.” The demon elder provided a string of lofty titles and with each one he took a step forward. Those burning eyes never blinked and never once turned from Arcturus. “I have heard your name, the legendary Arcturus Cloude. Of all the names scribed in your history of demonhunters, yours ranks among the top.”

That was their ploy. These first four were just the first wave. An appetizer, whereas the real meal they’d prepared for Arcturus was this demon elder.

Judas? It was a name Arcturus had heard before. Not unexpected, as all the famous demon elders only rose to great prominence if they participated in the Great War. Most were slain in the conflict, but the remainder skittered back to the shadows of Gehenna to recover.

Judas also held a unique position among his people. He was a leader of the radical faction who believed, with the Demon King’s absence for over a millennia, that the time of inaction was passed. He led a coterie of demons who thought like him from Gehenna and established the city of Nox far south of Skycloud. He was the undisputed master of that mysterious place.

Any demon active in the wasteland these last many years had some connection to Judas. Most, if not all, heeded his commands. Abaddon was among them.

“You are as strong as the stories claim. In truth, there is even a chance you may survive against me.”

“So to better your chances, you sent your lackeys to soften me up.”

Judas was frank in his response. “Correct. I suspect you now have very little strength left.”

A frown pulled at the corners of Arcturus’ lips. He’d long suspected a demon held the reins of power in Nox. He did not expect it to be an elder demon.

“I came today not just to end you, demonhunter.” Judas’ voice shook the earth in seismic waves. The very foundations of the fortress trembled. Every syllable was clear far into the distance. “I have come to rip away the mask of your realm and reveal its hypocrisy!”

1. Take a moment to pause and remember between Mantis and Abaddon, so long ago.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible.