Chapter 59: Chapter No.59 The Cult of the Infernal Eye
[???'s POV]
Huff~ Huff~
Step! Step!
I don't know, what I did wrong. But what I know is they are going kill me...
My lungs are burning due to running from their pursuit for so long but I can't stop now. Every step is a fight against the pain, but it's the only thing keeping me alive. The dense forest around me offers some cover, but I know it's only a matter of time before they catch up.
The darkened sky above gives me a sliver of hope; maybe I can lose them in the shadows. I force myself to push harder, weaving through the trees and dodging low branches, my ears straining for any sound of pursuit.
As I run, my mind races with thoughts of what led me here. I'm not some nobody, but the princess of the demon race and in my family only me and my mother are alive... I guess? Because I hadn't seen my mother for six months, If I'm ambushed then mother...
Anyway, No use of despairing thoughts, I was sent on a mission by "The Cult of the Infernal Eye"— They are like a council formed by some of the oldest demon lords. I was supposed to infiltrate the human realm, gather intelligence, and report back. But something went terribly wrong.
I was discovered, betrayed from within, and now, I was on the run, hunted by both humans and those who once claimed to be my allies.
I had to survive. Not just for me, but for my mother, for the future of our race. The cult might have used me as a pawn, but I wouldn't let them discard me so easily.
I stumbled over a root, barely catching myself before I hit the ground. My breath came in ragged gasps, my heart pounding in my ears. I could feel the demonic energy inside me, a burning force urging me to keep going.
But then, a sound. Footsteps, getting closer. I forced myself to stay quiet, hiding behind a thick tree trunk, my eyes darting around for any sign of my pursuers.
A whisper of movement to my left. I held my breath, trying to blend into the shadows, my hand gripping the dagger at my side.
Three figures emerged, their eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. Demons. My own kind sent to kill me.
"We know you're here, Princess," one of them called out, his voice smooth and mocking. "Come out, and we'll make it quick."
I clenched my jaw, tightening my grip on the dagger. Quick? They had no intention of making it quick. They wanted to make an example out of me.
I glanced around, searching for any possible escape route. The forest was dense, but it also offered plenty of hiding spots. I just needed to be smart about it.
My infernal mana (Demon's Mana) was almost depleted, and without it, my abilities were severely limited. I had to rely on my wits and what little energy I had left.
Taking a deep breath, I focused on the faint remnants of my mana, channeling it into a minor illusion spell. It wasn't much, but it might buy me a few precious seconds. A flicker of shadow moved to my right, a decoy to distract them.
The lead demon's eyes snapped toward the movement. "There!" he shouted, and the three of them rushed in that direction.
I took my chance. Silently, I moved in the opposite direction, keeping low and using the thick underbrush to mask my escape. Every step was a battle against exhaustion, but I couldn't afford to stop.
I could hear them crashing through the undergrowth, their frustration growing. They wouldn't be fooled for long. I needed a plan, a way to turn the tables.
My mind raced, trying to recall any useful spells or tactics. Then it hit me. The old ruins. If I could reach them, I might have a chance. The ancient structures were imbued with residual magic, a perfect place to hide or even set a trap.
Pushing through the pain, I changed course, heading toward the ruins. The forest began to thin, and the outline of crumbling stone walls came into view. Relief surged through me, but I couldn't afford to let my guard down.
I slipped through a narrow gap in the wall, making my way deeper into the ruins. The air here was thick with ancient power, a comforting reminder of the demonic heritage that flowed through my veins. I found a small alcove and crouched down, catching my breath and assessing my options.
The ruins had once been a fortress, and while much of it had fallen into disrepair, there were still pockets of strong, lingering magic. I focused on these areas, sensing the remnants of old wards and enchantments. If I could tap into that power, I might stand a chance.
I closed my eyes, reaching out with my senses. The magic responded, sluggish at first, then more eagerly as I poured my will into it. Slowly, the air around me began to shimmer, the old spells awakening to my touch.
Footsteps echoed through the ruins, growing closer. I could hear the demons cursing under their breath, their patience wearing thin. But I was ready.
As they rounded the corner, I unleashed the spell, a burst of raw energy that sent them sprawling. It wasn't enough to defeat them, but it bought me time.
With a surge of determination, I bolted from my hiding spot, heading for the heart of the ruins. If I could just reach the central chamber, I might be able to find something more powerful, something that could turn the tide.
The demons recovered quickly, hot on my heels. I could feel their anger, their desire to see me broken. But I wouldn't give them that satisfaction.
I skidded into the central chamber, my eyes scanning the room for anything useful. And there, in the center of the room, was an ancient altar, its surface etched with intricate runes. Power radiated from it, a beacon of hope in the darkness.
I didn't hesitate. Placing my hands on the altar, I channeled my remaining mana into the runes, praying they would respond. The air hummed with energy, the runes glowing brighter with each passing second.
The demons burst into the chamber, their eyes widening as they saw what I was doing. "No!" the leader shouted, lunging toward me.
But it was too late. The altar's magic surged to life, enveloping me in a protective barrier. The demons slammed into it, recoiling from the force.
I felt the power coursing through me, rejuvenating my mana and strengthening my resolve. This was my chance.
Drawing on the altar's magic, I cast a powerful spell-
"Demonic Illusion: Hell's Gate!!!"
This is one of the most powerful spells in the arsenal of the royal family of the demon race, one that could either save me or obliterate everything in its path. The room filled with a dark, swirling energy as the Hell's Gate manifested, a portal leading directly to the depths of the demon realm.
The demons' eyes widened in fear and awe. They knew what this spell could do. It was a gamble, but it was my only hope. I poured every last bit of my mana into the spell, feeling the strain on my body and soul.
The portal opened with a thunderous roar, and from it emerged infernal flames and shadowy figures. The demons hesitated, unsure whether to advance or retreat. Their moment of indecision was all I needed.
"Get her!" the leader finally commanded, but it was too late.
The dark figures from the portal surged forward, grabbing the attacking demons and pulling them into the abyss. Their screams echoed through the chamber, a chilling reminder of the power I had unleashed.
My consciousness started going in and out as the spell took its toll on me. I felt my vision blur, and my body grew weak from the immense effort. But I couldn't let go now; I had to see this through.
The leader of the demons fought desperately, trying to resist the pull of the Hell's Gate. His eyes locked onto mine, filled with a mix of hatred and desperation. "You won't get away with this, Princess," he snarled. "The Cult of the Infernal Eye will never let you live."
His words sent a chill down my spine, but I pushed the fear aside. "I will find a way," I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. "For my mother, for our future."
With a final surge of power, I forced the remaining demons into the portal. The Hell's Gate began to close, the infernal flames and shadowy figures receding into the void. The chamber fell silent, the air thick with the remnants of dark magic.
I collapsed to the ground, my strength utterly spent. The protective barrier around me flickered and disappeared. I had bought myself time, but I knew this was only the beginning. The Cult would come after me, and I had to be ready.
As I lay there, catching my breath, a glimmer of hope stirred within me. The altar's magic had rejuvenated me enough to survive this encounter. I had to believe that I could find my mother and together, we could fight back against those who sought to destroy us.
These were my last thoughts as I finally lost consciousness before the exhaustion overtook me completely.
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[To Be Continued]
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