SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

The desert air grew suffocating as the golden sands darkened unnaturally, as if the sun itself recoiled in fear. Kent's grip tightened on the hilt of his bow while Grizzac's eyes darted around, scanning the swirling shadows.

Suddenly, the darkness condensed into a shape—a towering figure draped in black and crimson robes, eyes burning like molten embers. A wicked laughed echoed all around before a dark burly figure appeared.

The Demon Emperor emerged, his aura devouring the light around him.

"Who… who is that?" Kent's brows furrowed as he stared at the burly figure opposite to them.

But Grizzac immediately recognised the person before him. His face drained of color. His body trembled.

"Kent, that's no ordinary person. That… that is the Demon Emperor, the head of the Abyssal ghosts and demons. One of the most feared beings across the spirit world."

Kent's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure? He doesn't seem that frightening. Why he is grinning like an idiot."

Grizzac grabbed Kent's arm roughly, his voice a harsh whisper. "Boy, don't be reckless! His ten drops of Demon Intent alone can crush armies. We must be cautious."

Demon Emperor's lips curled into a sinister grin. "How delightful… the dwarf demon head still remembers me. Haha…" His voice was smooth yet cold, echoing unnaturally across the sands. "Grizzac, I never thought you'd survive this long. You should've died with the rest of your pathetic kin."

Grizzac spat on the ground. "I survived because you left me for dead, Demon Emperor. But this boy is not part of your grudge. Leave him out of this."

Demon Emperor's laughter echoed, harsh and guttural. "Are you joking? That rascal killed my son. I have no intention of sparing anyone. Today, you will see my wrath. His soul will serve me as a ghost slave, just like yours."

"I don't care who you are. You're not taking anyone's soul today." Kent stepped forward, divine chakra gleaming in the faint light.

Demon Emperor's eyes flashed with amusement. "Oh, the arrogance of youth… very well. I will break your arrogance and crush you under my feet. I'll enjoy watching the light fade from your eyes."

Without saying words, the old man Grizzac and Kent prepared to escape and defend.

Demon Emperor raised a single clawed finger. The air vibrated violently. "Let's start with something simple. Dark Torrent Slash."

A crescent-shaped wave of black energy erupted toward Kent and Grizzac. Kent lifted his bow.

"Celestial Barrier! Divine Phoenix breaking the storm." he shouted, releasing a powerful arrow spell. The dark slash collided with the barrier, sparks and shadows dancing in the air before it dissipated.

Grizzac wiped sweat from his forehead. "That was one of his weaker spells. He's toying with us."

Demon Emperor smirked. "Correct, dwarf. Let's raise the stakes. Five drops of Demon Intent—Manifest!"

Suddenly, five black drops of glowing Demon Intent floated around Demon Emperor, saturating the air with oppressive energy. Kent stumbled slightly, his knees buckling under the weight.

Grizzac coughed violently, his veins bulging under the immense pressure. "This is too much. Kent, even together… We barely hold three and a half dots of Killing Intent. We're outmatched!"

Kent gritted his teeth. "Divine intent Infusion!" His arrow flared with golden flames, pushing back against the shadows.

Demon Emperor chuckled. "A light-user? How quaint. Let's see if it can withstand this. Demon Fang Rain!"

From Demon Emperor's hand, black blades of energy materialized and shot forward like arrows.

"Guardian Wall!" Grizzac bellowed, raising a stone barrier from the desert ground. The blades shattered the wall, but not before slowing enough to let Kent dodge.

Kent lunged forward. "Heaven's Spear Strike!" A golden spear of light shot from his palm, aimed straight at Demon Emperor's chest.

But before it could reach him, Demon Emperor lazily waved his hand. The spear dissipated mid-air.

"Pathetic," Demon Emperor said coldly. "You barely have half drop of Godly Intent. You cannot harm me."

Kent staggered back, blood trickling from his mouth. "Damn… he's right."

Grizzac panted heavily. "We can't keep this up… but we have to hold on."

Demon Emperor's smile widened. "I'll end your suffering. Demon Abyss Claw!"

A massive claw of black mist formed in the sky and descended. Grizzac shoved Kent aside, raising his axe. "Earthquake Tremor!" The ground erupted, cracking beneath the claw's weight, slowing its descent.

That's only three drops of intent. It's not enough.

The claw struck the sand before them, sending both of them tumbling. Blood spurted from Grizzac's mouth. "We… can't survive long…"

As Kent struggled to rise, Grizzac stepped in front of him, facing Demon Emperor.

"Old man—what are you doing?!" Kent shouted.

Grizzac's expression hardened. "Kent… listen to me carefully. I'm buying you time. You need to leave."

Kent's eyes widened. "I'm not leaving you here to die!"

Grizzac's hand trembled as he took off a silver ring, pressing it into Kent's palm. "Take this. It's my Spirit Storage Ring. Inside… is everything I own and manual related to shrine of eternal sands. But more importantly… my daughter's keepsake is there. When you find her, tell her I loved her until the end."

Kent shook his head violently. "No! We fight together!"

Grizzac's gaze softened. "Boy, if we both die here, What's the use? But if you live, you'll carry hope. You'll carry my legacy. Take care of my daughter… take her as your wife. Please…"

Tears welled in Kent's eyes. "I can't do this..."

Grizzac smirked. "There is no other way. Now go!"

Demon Emperor watched, mildly entertained. "Oh? A sacrifice? How touching."

Grizzac raised himself up. "Mountain God's Fury—Final Form!" His body glowed, drawing the last of his life force into a massive strike.

"Run, Kent!" Grizzac roared.

Kent hesitated before finally summoning his golden throne, flying away at lightning speed, tears trailing behind him. Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire

The Demon Emperor sneered. "Insects can't escape me. Demon Shadow Step!"

But Grizzac's attack came down with terrifying force, splitting the desert. Demon-Emperor dodged slightly, and Grizzac smirked.

"Got you… Kent's out of reach now. But he can't escape for long."

Grizzac raised his dying hand to stop the demon emperor.

The Demon Emperor's eyes glowed with fury. "You fool! Die. Demon Vengeance!"

Grizzac roared defiantly as the spell struck. The desert fell silent.