MLII C3.1, P5- "No Man's Land"

"No Man's Land" is the fifth Part of "Miracula Luxia II" 's third Chapter (Episode Two).
It was released on 20.01.2021.
== Plot ==
After avoding a near-death experience in the cave that was supposed to lead them deep into Vahnatai lands, our heroes finally reach their intended destination.
However, truth be told, it is not what they were expecting to find. But, unbeknownst to them, it is the place that will lead them to the heart of the infestation... eventually.
No Man's Land. A place infested by powerful creatures that has never be held by anyone, let alone a disorganized army like the one that Rentar-Ihrno commands.
In other words... a place that only the bravest souls are able to approach, and only the strongest are able to handle.
Whether our heroes are fit for such an unexpected challenge... remains to be seen.
== Story ==
Jared takes a step forward and stares at the land ahead of him.
"No Man's Land... "- He mutters.
No Man's Land is... well... a desolate wasteland, to say at the very least. A place devoid of any life. Or, at least, any peaceful life forms.
The only ones who able to survive in a place like this are creatures of the dark, comfortable in such a land of the dead. They lurk in the shadows... and attack those who are foolish enough to let their guard down, even for a short time.
Jared scans the perimeter around them and sees that there are many eyes watching them from the shadows. The eyes of beasts that are ready to lunge at them, should the opportunity arise. But for now, they are content to sit in the shadows and watch them carefully.
His allies notice those eyes, too. Their reactions are completely justified, to say at the very best.
John looks at Jared and shivers. The cold stares of the creatures that are hiding in the shadows have given him the chills.
"A-are you sure that we will be fine?"- He asks him.
Jared sighs and looks at John. His eyes are as cold as those of the monsters, perhaps even more so.
"So, John. You are telling me that you are afraid of what lurks in the dark. You are afraid to die to creatures like those and wish that you were elsewhere."- He says stoically- "Is that correct?"
His stare alone gives John the shivers. He knows how serious his best friend is about completing this mission and making the criminals pay for their crimes.
In a few moments, his attitude changes and it is as if he never that seed of doubt in the first place. His desire to protect Jared has won over his fear and thus, he is back on the right path- the one that leads towards the Light.
He nods.
"I would never let anyone get hurt by those fiends. Especially my best friend, whose presence I value so much."- He says stoically- "Let's finish this."
And so, the four of them walk forward, not daring to look at the shadows as they do.
"Keep moving calmly and ignore them."- Jared mutters to his team- "Although they can be foolish sometimes, such beasts respect those who show fearlessness and determination. Am I clear?"
Everyone nods.
"Very well."- He says and continues to walk forward.
As he does, he cannot help but notice that his hands are trembling. He is close to drawing his sword and screaming at the monsters, effectively getting their attention. However, he shows a remarkable level of self-control, thus being able to keep his fear from taking over his calm attitude.
"There is nothing to fear, not when I have my family by my side."- Jared says to himself- "Together, we are always strong. Even the strongest evil shall pale in comparison!"
Guided by Jared's words, the four heroes emerge from No Man's Land, safe and sound.
Jared looks back and sighs.
"So, this is what mom warned me about when I talked to her."- He mutters- " "In order to reach Heaven, you must traverse the Underworld itself. Have no fear for stepping into the fire, for it is an important step to purify your soul and live a meaningful existence.". Interesting."
He is distracted by his mother's words, but not so much to make him unable to notice the one that is attacking him.
Jared draws Demonslayer with remarkable speed and swings it at what looks like thin air.
However, everyone soon realizes that he hit something. The creature that was about to attack him howls and steps back.
"I can recognize one of you, even with my eyes closed."- Jared mutters- "Show yourself, demon."
The creature fully reveals itself and everyone soon realizes that it is indeed a demon.
"But... but how?!"- John wonders to himself, clearly confused.
Jared points his sword at the creature, that is tending to its wound.
"Make your move."- He says stoically.
The demon laughs, a truly horrifying sound that can give a person nightmares for at least a few days.
"I have finally found you, murderer."- He says- "You killed our leader, Dorikas. And now, you're going to pay."
Jared sighs.
"I may be a murderer to some, but I am a hero to many more."- He responds- "You are a fool to think that you still have a chance against us, especially after your foolish leader was slain. But go ahead."
He swings his sword a few times.
"Do your worst, fiend."
The demon grins.
"You should have joined us while you had the chance. You should have listened to the darkness that dwells within your heart."- He says- "And now, you shall become a victim of what you once fought so valiantly."
It whistles and soon, the creatures hiding in the shadows answer its call. They surround our heroes, rendering them unable to move forwards... or backwards.
John sighs.
"This situation is indeed very familiar."- He says and draws his sword.
The demon smiles.
"The curtain has fallen for you, young Kaos."- He says, preparing to launch a fireball at him- "And now, it is the time for the final act- the one that will show your demise!"
While Jared's allies fight the shadow creatures, Jared himself fights the demon.
Although Jared gains the upper hand, he easily loses it when the demon casts a fireball and hurls it at him, causing to drop Demonslayer in the process and fall to his knees.
The demon laughs.
"Is this really the Kaos that defeated our leader and caused his demise?"- He says- "Pathetic!"
Jared smiles and stands up, as if he is not severely wounded.
"It is a big mistake to underestimate those who are younger than you."- He says- "For they can prove to be more bite than bark, too large of a spoon for a mouth like yours."
The demon raises his eyebrow.
"W-what does that even mean?!"- He asks him.
Jared ignores the creature's question. Instead, he closes his eyes.
"Insults like the ones that you foolishly threw at me give me the power that I have used to defeat both your leader, as well as that sorry excuse for a general- Lysstak the Beast."- He says- "And now, you are foolish enough to fall through the same hole as them."
The demon watches him carefully, waiting for a flaw in his ways.
Jared does not do anything to defend himself. He smiles.
"You know, even the brightest of souls have a fragment of shadow that taint them. The question is whether they can handle it... or not."
"As for the darkness that dwells within my heart... "
He opens his eyes. They are shining in a pure, white color. In others words, they have become miniature beacons of light that radiate purity and kindness.
"... it is long gone."
The demon steps back.
"N-no! This can't be!"- He yells- "Nobody can fully conquer the darkness within their own heart! Nobody!"
Jared smiles and shakes his head.
"Your ignorance is impressive. You are still fighting for your foolish cause, even when you are introduced to strong evidence that makes your argument invalid."- He says- "Oh well. Allow the gates of Heaven to convince you otherwise."
The demon takes another step back. This time, he is overwhelmed by the fear in his heart.
"I am an emissary of the Underworld!"- He yells- "I fear nothing, let alone the gates of-- "
Suddenly, a massive, white gate appears behind Jared.
Jared looks back at his allies, his eyes still shining like small beacons.
"I suggest that you close your eyes while this gate is open."- He tells them- "The light that will emanate from it is strong enough to make a person go blind, even when they are not looking directly at it."
The heroes listen to Jared's advice and cover their eyes. No questions asked. They trust his wisdom and know that he is doing the right thing.
Jared himself does not close his eyes, however. The light coming from his eyes is strong enough to protect him from the dazzling light beyond the gate.
He turns towards the massive gate and raises his hands in the air.
"O, Gate of the Heavens!"- He chants- "Open thy doors... and purify the minds of those unfortunate souls! Send them back from whence they came! Bring joy and prosperity to this unfortunate world!"
Suddenly, the massive gate opens and a powerful light illuminates the area.
All of the dark creatures who were summoned from the shadows immediately disintegrate, leaving nothing behind. The ones who are still hiding are illuminated and destroyed as well.
The demon is severely wounded by the light. He falls to the ground and screams in pain. This whole process is truly agonizing to him.
A few moments later, Jared decides that his work here is done. His eyes return to normal.
"This is enough."- He mutters- "Return to me, mighty gate."
The gate closes and turns into motes of light. Afterwards, they return into Jared's soul- the place from whence they came.
Jared sees Demonslayer near the demon. He approaches it and picks it up.
He looks at the demon and shakes his head.
"What a shame."- He mutters- "You had a chance to escape this nightmare. But you willingly delved deeper into it. And thus, your demise."
The demon gasps for breath and watches Jared, hate beaming within its eyes.
"You will never defeat us!"- He screams- "Demons can never be defeated by anyone, let mortals like y-- "
Jared is tired of listening to his rambling. He plunges Demonslayer into his chest and watches as he slowly dies.
After the fight is over, Lethal approaches his grandson and pats him on the shoulder.
"And I thought that Angelic Overdrive is the most powerful move that you are capable to execute! Simply impressive, my child!"- He says- "But... who taught you how to use it?"
Jared smiles.
"You may not believe it, grandpa."- He responds- "But the person who taught me this move... is someone who is very dear to me. And whom I still love with all my heart, even when she is no longer with us."
He looks up and smiles again.
"Thank you, mom."- He continues- "You are the best."
Lethal smiles as well.
"Seiko... "- He says, remembering his daughter-in-law.
"Seiko, I made a promise to protect this child, to show him as much love and affection as you have done ever since he was born. Sure, I may not be doing it as well as you, but I am doing my best. I... I hope that you are proud of me."
John points at something in the distance.
"Do you see the lights that are flickering over there?"- He says- "I think there's a settlement in that direction!"
Jared nods and takes a step forward.
"Well, it seems like we are very close to our goal."- He says- "Let's end this pointless war, once... and for all.."
As the heroes march towards the settlement, Jared remembers the battle that happened only a few minutes ago and what he said to the demon.
"It is true. My power comes from the determination of those who are trying to kill me. It is something that motivates me to become stronger, both physically and emotionally."- He says to himself- "However, the primary factor that determines my battle prowess... is the fact that my friends and family are by my side. They are my power and that is something that I am confident to admit."
He looks at the settlement.
"And together, we will show Rentar-Ihrno and her dear worshippers that there is one thing that matters when you are fighting beside someone else, someone for whom you are ready to put your own life at stake... loyalty."
He smiles.
"This... will be a lesson that they will never forget."