Chapter 25: Caught by Muscle Mommy
Raven Van Thor stood firm in the center of the room, his gaze sweeping over every single face staring back at him. His voice was deep, carrying weight and authority that silenced even the sound of breathing.
"From this moment on... you all need to know one very important thing," he said softly, yet firmly. "Zholdick... has started moving again."
A few gasps slipped from the gathered adventurers. The name itself carried its own trauma. Raven raised a hand, cutting through the noise with a single motion.
"Yes. Zholdick, the demon who almost wiped out human civilization a hundred years ago. The latest information from our scouts—they’ve already spotted their shadow forces at several locations. And they’re not just moving. They’re invading again."
Arthur froze on the spot.Zholdick? Now?
Raven continued, his stare sharpening like a blade.
"This isn’t just a rumor. Entire villages have disappeared without a trace. The survivors... they described creatures we’ve never even seen on a battlefield before. Zholdick isn’t playing around this time. And if we’re not ready..."
He slammed the end of his massive hammer into the floor with bone-shaking force.
DUMM.
"...humanity will become prey again. Just City will fall. And listen carefully—refuse any offers of Dark Power. Understand this clearly: Dark Power is not the same as Black Mana. If you can’t tell the difference, you will be the first to die."
Arthur felt his throat go dry. His breath caught in his chest.Shit... this is real. Everything’s happening too fast. Why? Just because I refused Kaelthorn’s dark power? Did I trigger this?
He glanced around—the room was filled with serious faces, hardened expressions ready to die if it meant surviving. The weight crushed him from all sides.