Rose Garden,Mino returned to the garden. "Lady Enis~" he called out.
"What's the matter?" Enis stepped out to meet him while I hid inside, eavesdropping.
"His Majesty the Tyrant has launched a new plan. The princess of Tianlai Saint has been captured. The hero will likely return to the Demon Realm soon to rescue her. His Majesty instructed me to inform you that if you encounter the hero, you may execute him on the spot," Mino said.
"Understood. You may leave," Enis replied coldly.
"Yes, Lady Enis. I'll take my leave," Mino said, then departed.
I came out. "What was that plan about? Is the Demon King planning to attack the Human Realm again?"
"It seems so. I haven't heard of this plan either. It looks like they're using the hostage as bait to lure the hero into the Demon Realm," Enis said.
"This way, the hero's team will surely fall into a trap. But they have no choice—they know it's a trap, yet they must come. Enis, I want to take this chance to go to the Demon King's castle. I'll rescue the hostage before the heroes arrive and have you send her back to the Human Realm. This could prevent a disaster," I told her.
"No! That's too dangerous, honey. Even though your strength has greatly increased, even I can only barely hold my own against him. I can't let you take that risk," Enis replied with concern.
"It'll be fine. I've learned a lot of magic from you. I can sneak in quietly without confronting the Tyrant directly. Once I rescue her, I'll teleport back immediately. You stay here—your magic is too strong and noticeable. If you come with me, it might expose us both," I said, holding her hand to reassure her.
"But—" Enis struggled to respond.
"Trust your man. If I run into any danger, I'll use communication magic to call for your help. So don't worry, just stay here," I said, kissing her cheek before preparing to leave.
She hugged me from behind. "Promise me you won't be reckless. If there's any danger, escape immediately," Enis said helplessly.
"I promise. By the way, where is the Demon King's castle? I don't know the way," I asked.
Enis pointed to the left. "Fly straight in that direction. But don't use teleportation magic—it's too noticeable and the Tyrant might sense it. Fly low and suppress your magic," she advised.
"Alright, I'm off. Stay safe and look after the place!" I said, taking off toward the Demon King's castle.
Tianlai Saint Kingdom Training Base,A group arrived at the base. The warriors training that morning were puzzled by their arrival. "Greetings, Your Majesty!" the warriors saluted in unison.
"At ease, everyone. I'm here because last night, demons infiltrated the capital and kidnapped my beloved daughter, Sitori. The hero's team will head to the Demon Realm today for a rescue mission. This place has ample space, so we'll use teleportation magic here," King Jothua announced.
"You're going to the Demon Realm again? Your Majesty, we beg to join the rescue mission. We still haven't avenged our fallen comrades!" one warrior knelt, pleading. Others followed suit.
"This mission is extremely dangerous. It's not something numbers can solve," the king explained hastily.
Kaia added, "We appreciate your enthusiasm, but too many people would hinder the rescue."
Warrior A said, "We gathered here to follow the king's orders. Our only goal is to defeat the Demon King. If you leave us behind, what's the point of our existence? Please, Hero, lead us there!"
Warrior B chimed in, "We've trained tirelessly every day. We won't hold you back. Take us with you!"
Warrior C added, "My comrade is still missing in the Demon Realm. I want to go back—maybe I'll find him."
Overwhelmed by their pleas, Kaia reluctantly agreed.
Once everyone was ready, they gathered on the training field. Just then, Judo returned. "Everyone!" Judo called out, riding in on horseback.
"It's Judo! He's back!" Emily shouted excitedly.
Judo dismounted and greeted everyone. "Long time no see! You've probably gotten stronger, huh?" Kaia said, patting his shoulder.
"It's a long story," Judo replied, recounting his journey.
"You're saying Dir and Gahu are still alive? How? We fought so hard to defeat them, and now none of our enemies are dead?" Kaia was shocked.
"Yes, Dir is sealed in the Haifi Kingdom for now and won't pose a threat. But why are you all gathered here?" Judo asked.
Kaia explained Sitori's kidnapping. "It seems the enemy is plotting something sinister. Going to the Demon Realm now could be dangerous," Judo analyzed.
"We can't delay. The longer we wait, the more danger Sitori is in. Even if we can't defeat the Demon King, we have to go," Kaia said.
"Fine, let's go together. I've grown stronger too, and I won't hold anyone back," Judo said confidently, gripping his spear.
"Of course! Let's avenge Jo and our other comrades!" Kaia said resolutely.
"Everyone, the magic circle is ready. Gather over here!" Emily called out.
"Let's go," Sisi urged, motioning for them to join.
The hero's team and hundreds of warriors stepped into the magic circle. King Jothua watched them go as the outer circle of mages activated the spell. A dome of light enveloped everyone, just like last time. Having experienced teleportation before, no one was fazed.
"I'm not sure where we'll end up, but once we arrive in the Demon Realm, regroup immediately and don't wander off. If you encounter a strong enemy, don't engage directly—use guerrilla tactics. Understood?" Kaia shouted.
"Understood!" the warriors replied in unison.
Feigo said, "This is a good chance. Maybe we'll find the three of them in the Demon Realm."
Na'an agreed, "Yeah, I hope they're still alive."
Nohua suggested, "I think the three of us should hold hands so we don't get separated during teleportation."
"Great idea!" Feigo agreed. The three held hands and stood close together. The dome grew brighter, and with a flash of light, everyone vanished, teleported toward the Demon Realm.