They returned to the demon base in grim silence.

Zareth's body was carried carefully, yet no amount of care could hide the damage done to him.

When the soldiers laid him down inside a temporary shelter, the surrounding demons stepped back instinctively. Fear crept into their expressions. A captain was dead. Killed outside the camp. He was killed by a human.

The five captains gathered again, the mood heavier than before.

"This can't wait," Valeryss said firmly. "We must inform a commander."

Iskara nodded and reached into his cloak. From an inner pouch, he took out a small, faceted crystal. It was deep purple, swirling with faint light inside, as if mist were trapped within it.

A communication crystal.

He poured mana into it. The crystal glowed brighter, then warmer. Runes flickered across its surface. A low hum filled the air, vibrating through their bones.

After a moment, the mist inside the crystal twisted. The communication crystal connected to the other side, where Commander Vaelrix and Commander Renard were.

The one who answered was Commander Vaelrix.

"This channel is reserved for emergencies," Vaelrix said calmly. "Speak."

Iskara swallowed and lowered his head slightly. Even though he was not in front just hearing Vaelrix voice it made him move unconsciously on it own."Commander Vaelrix… we report a critical incident."

Vaelrix spoke from the other side. "Go on."

Valeryss stepped forward. "During the night, our base was attacked. The controlling system tent was destroyed. Multiple tents were set on fire using fuel and explosive devices like grenades."

Vaelrix's voice sharpened. "Casualties?"

"Two soldiers," Valeryss replied. "Burned in the fire. Several injured."

"And the cause?" Vaelrix asked.

"That is where it becomes… complicated," Morgalina said, forcing herself to speak. "There was no external breach detected. No enemy forces."

Vaelrix said nothing. He simply listened.

Lina continued, her voice tense. "The prisoner tent was destroyed. Two human bodies were found burned inside. But one human. The third one, was not found. So we assume that he escaped."

Valeryss clenched his fist. "Captain Zareth seems to have pursued him into the forest."

Vaelrix did not reply and remained silent.

"…And?" Vaelrix asked quietly.

Iskara took a breath. "We found Zareth's body deep in the forest. He is dead."

Silence again.

Vaelrix's cold voice came once more. "Describe it."

Valeryss spoke carefully, choosing every word. "His stomach was sliced open horizontally. His skull was crushed from the back. His sword was broken. Signs of an intense battle were everywhere. Lingering mana… the elements used in the battle were mostly darkness and wind."

Vaelrix's fingers tightened slightly, the only sign of emotion.

"Killed by the human?" he asked.

"Yes," Valeryss said. "There is no doubt."

For several seconds, Vaelrix did not speak. Then he exhaled slowly.

"A human prisoner," he said, voice calm but heavy, "killed a demon captain of noble blood. Destroyed a forward base. Escaped into the forest."

His voice was cold that made them felt as if he was directly looking at them through the communication crystal. "This is no longer a small matter."

The captains lowered their heads.

"Commander," Morgalina said carefully, "there is more. The forest… it felt wrong. Shadows moved unnaturally. Our soldiers refused to go deeper. The shadow ghosts, who were calm and made no noise, suddenly started to behave differently. They looked more aggressive."

"Oh… those shadows?" Vaelrix repeated.

"Yes," she confirmed. "As if the darkness itself was watching."

Then a commanding voice came from the crystal. "You did the right thing by withdrawing," Vaelrix said. "Do not pursue the human further without direct orders."

Relief mixed with unease spread among them.

"We won't be coming back until completing our mission," Vaelrix continued. "So you all have to handle this. Pack up everything and change your position as we instructed, as fast as possible."

"And from this moment on… try to find that human on your way. And if you find him, don't leave him alive. Kill him on the spot."

The crystal's light began to dim.

"He must be a threat."

The connection cut off. The purple crystal went dark.

The captains stood there, the weight of Vaelrix's words settling over them.

---

Far away from the demon base, where chaos had erupted just moments ago because of a human.

In a dark forest without any light,

A fire flickered somewhere, brightening the area around it.

Two figures clad in armor sat beside it.

One was a demon with long gray hair and dark blue eyes with vertical slits, wearing heavy armor. This was Vaelrix. Two horns on head.

The other was leaner but no less intimidating. His skin was dark ash-gray, his eyes glowing faint violet. He wore lighter armor engraved with runes. This was Renard.

"You heard that right?" Vaelrix said after cutting the connection from the communication crystal.

"Yes," Renard replied calmly. "I heard everything clearly. It's really amusing how a single human ran away while causing such chaos… even killing Zareth."

"True," Vaelrix said. "But talking about it won't do any good. Only three soldiers died, including Zareth. It's not a big loss." He gaze at the flickering fire.

"Just yesterday we left the base," Renard added, "and this is what happened."

"Well, let's put that topic aside," Vaelrix replied. "We don't even know if we can survive once we reach our destination. Their problem is lot better than us. Despite we being far more stronger than them."

"Oh, yes. You're right. Our situation is far worse than theirs," Renard said. "How much time do you think it will take us to reach there?"

"By tomorrow afternoon," Vaelrix answered. "At least, that's what I assume. But we need to keep traveling throughout the night."

"Then it's not too long," Renard said. "Let's rest for some more time and then start again. We should face it. It would be lie if I said I am not curious about that tree. I wanted to see it as well."

"I agree," Vaelrix replied. "We should rest for a while. I wonder what that dead tree hides within it."

Both commanders continued to talk. Not knowing what their future held ahead.

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