The training yard echoed with the sound of steel on steel as Jason parried Captain Darian's attack, spun gracefully, and countered with a lightning-fast thrust that stopped just short of the veteran soldier's throat. A heartbeat of silence followed, then applause erupted from the circle of Temple Guardians watching the sparring match.
"Well done, Champion!" Darian exclaimed, lowering his sword and offering a respectful bow. Sweat dripped from his brow despite the cool morning air. "Your skill is remarkable for one so new to our ways."
Jason smiled, feeling the exhilaration of physical prowess flow through him. He had always been athletic—captain of his college football team, an accomplished wrestler, skilled in several martial arts—but the Goddess's blessing had elevated his abilities to something beyond human. He moved faster, struck harder, and anticipated his opponent's moves with preternatural awareness.
"You're an excellent teacher, Captain," Jason replied, returning the bow. "And these Temple Guardians could give any special forces unit on Earth a run for their money."
The assembled warriors nodded appreciatively, though Jason knew they didn't understand the Earth reference. He had quickly learned that speaking of his home world created an unnecessary barrier between himself and these people who looked to him for leadership. Better to focus on the present, on the mission.
"Enough flattery," High Priest Alaric called from the edge of the training yard. The elderly man approached, leaning slightly on his ornate staff. "The Champion has a council of war to attend. General Thorne awaits."
Jason nodded, handing his practice sword to a waiting attendant. "Will you be joining us, High Priest?"
"Of course. The military and spiritual leadership must work in unison. Especially now." Alaric's expression darkened. "Our scouts have returned from the northern border with... troubling news."
Something in the priest's tone made Jason's enthusiasm dim. "The demons?"
"Yes. But let us discuss it in the war room, away from anxious ears."
As they walked through the Temple of Light's vast corridors, Jason observed the ordinary citizens who had come to pray or seek blessings. Their faces lit up as he passed, many reaching out to touch his cloak or simply bow in reverence. Children pointed and whispered excitedly. The adulation still felt strange, but less uncomfortable than it had at first. These people needed hope, and if his presence provided that, so be it.
"You've unified them," Alaric commented quietly, noting Jason's observation. "For years, fear of demon raids kept our people divided and distrustful. Now they stand together, inspired by the Goddess's chosen champion."
"I haven't done anything yet," Jason replied. "Just trained and attended ceremonies."
"Sometimes, merely existing is enough. A symbol can be as powerful as an army." Alaric gestured to a small girl who was staring up at Jason with awe. "For her, you are the embodiment of the Goddess's promise that we will not be forgotten."
Jason smiled at the child, who beamed back before hiding shyly behind her mother's skirts. A wave of responsibility washed over him—these weren't just abstract "people" to protect, but individuals with hopes and fears. Families. Children who deserved to grow up in safety.
They reached the western wing of the temple complex, where the military headquarters had been established. Guards in polished armor stood at attention as they passed through several security checkpoints. Finally, they entered a large circular chamber where a massive table dominated the center, covered with maps and figurines representing troop movements.
Around the table stood four individuals who, Jason had learned, represented the highest military authority in the human kingdom. General Thorne, a battle-hardened veteran with more scars than unmarked skin, oversaw all armed forces. Commander Elysia, the only woman among them, headed the elite ranger corps that patrolled the borderlands. Marshal Garrick, a giant of a man with a booming voice, led the cavalry. And Lord Commander Taric, whose keen strategic mind was housed in a surprisingly frail-looking body, directed the kingdom's defensive fortifications.
They looked up as Jason entered, their faces brightening visibly.
"Champion," General Thorne greeted with a formal salute. "We were just reviewing the reports from our northern scouts."
"I understand there's troubling news," Jason said, stepping up to the table.
The military leaders exchanged glances.
"More than troubling," Commander Elysia said, her voice tight with tension. "Our forward scouts have confirmed the rumors. The Demon King has returned."
A heavy silence fell over the room. Jason had heard mention of this figure—a quasi-mythical demon ruler who had supposedly died centuries ago.
"I thought the Demon King was killed by his human queen," he said, recalling fragments of the history he'd been taught since arriving.
"So our histories tell us," Lord Commander Taric confirmed. "Queen Elara drove a blessed blade through his heart as he slept beside her, ending his reign of terror. But demons have always claimed he would return."
"And now he has," Marshal Garrick's deep voice rumbled. "Our scouts observed a massive gathering at their fortress-city. A coronation, or some demonic equivalent."
"Do we have confirmation?" Jason asked. "Actual sightings of this... king?"
Commander Elysia stepped forward, her face grim. "One of my rangers managed to infiltrate their outer territories. At great risk, she witnessed the new king's first court assembly." She hesitated. "Her description matches the ancient accounts—crimson skin, obsidian horns, tremendous height and strength. But she reported something strange..."
"What?" Jason pressed when she paused.
"He ordered his generals to delay their planned offensive against our territories. Demanded more information, more reconnaissance."
General Thorne snorted. "A tactical feint, nothing more. The demons prepare for war while pretending restraint."
"Perhaps," Elysia conceded. "But it's unusual behavior for demons. Typically, they attack with overwhelming force, not... careful planning."
Jason studied the map, where red markers indicated known demon positions along the northern border. "What were their activities before this king's return?"
"Minimal," Lord Commander Taric replied. "Occasional skirmishes, small raiding parties testing our defenses. Nothing coordinated."
"And now?"
"Significant activity in Shadowthorn Valley," Marshal Garrick said, pointing to a location on the map. "They've reclaimed an ancient temple there—one that has been abandoned for centuries since the war began."
Jason frowned. "A temple? Why would that be strategically important?"
"It's known as the Void Chamber," High Priest Alaric interjected, his voice hushed with reverence mixed with fear. "A sacred site to both humans and demons in the time before the war. It was once a place of meditation, communion between our peoples, and... connection to the divine realms."
"My rangers report increased demon presence there," Commander Elysia continued. "Not a military force, but scholars and what appear to be religious officials, guarded by elite warriors. They're conducting some kind of research or ritual."
"The blue-skinned demoness is there," General Thorne added with obvious distaste. "Lyria, they call her. Court historian to the Demon King, rumored to be studying ancient magic."
"Our intelligence suggests the Demon King himself plans to visit the site soon," Elysia said. "Apparently, the temple was being prepared specifically for his use. Some kind of royal ritual chamber."
Jason studied the location on the map. Shadowthorn Valley was isolated, positioned in a narrow passage between two mountain ranges, far from the main demon fortress but also distant from major human settlements.
"Why would they risk their king visiting such an isolated location?" he wondered aloud.
"That's what makes it concerning," Lord Commander Taric said. "The site must hold tremendous importance for them to take such a risk."
High Priest Alaric traced his finger over the valley's outline on the map. "In ancient texts, the Void Chamber is described as a nexus between worlds, a place where the veil between realms grows thin. If the demons are attempting to harness such power..."
"Then we have to stop them," Jason finished, resolve hardening within him. "Before their king can access whatever power this temple holds."
General Thorne smiled grimly. "Precisely, Champion. A strike force could reach the valley by dawn tomorrow. The demon presence is still relatively small—perhaps forty to fifty individuals, most not combat specialists. With the element of surprise, we could seize or destroy the temple before the Demon King arrives."
"And if we're lucky," Marshal Garrick added with a predatory grin, "we might even capture this historian, Lyria. Imagine the intelligence value of such a prisoner."
Jason nodded decisively. "How soon can we move?"
"I've already assembled a strike force of our best warriors," General Thorne replied immediately. "Fifty elite Temple Guardians plus Commander Elysia's rangers for reconnaissance. They await only your word."
"And your blessing," Alaric added. "Tonight's prayer ritual will ensure the Goddess's power flows strongly through you during battle."
"Then we attack at dawn," Jason confirmed. "We'll prevent the Demon King from accessing this ancient power, whatever it may be."
As the meeting continued, the military leaders discussing logistics and approach vectors, Jason felt a strange sensation—a momentary tingling in his fingertips, a brief blurring of his vision. Similar to what he'd experienced during the council meeting days earlier, but stronger now.
He flexed his hand experimentally, and the sensation passed. Probably just nerves about the upcoming mission, he told himself. His first real combat as Champion. His chance to prove the Goddess had chosen well.
---
The war party departed before first light, moving swiftly through the forested foothills that separated human territory from the contested borderlands. Jason rode at the front alongside Commander Elysia, whose rangers had scouted the path ahead to ensure no demon patrols would detect their approach.
The Temple Guardians followed behind, fifty warriors in lightweight armor designed for stealth rather than the ceremonial plate they wore in the capital. Each had been personally selected by Captain Darian for this mission—veterans of previous demon encounters, skilled in both conventional and magical combat techniques from the time before the Goddess's departure.
"Remember," Elysia said softly as they approached the valley, "we must maintain absolute silence. The temple guards may be few, but demons are disciplined sentries."
Jason nodded, feeling a surge of anticipation. The Goddess's power hummed within him, ready to be unleashed. During last night's blessing ritual, High Priest Alaric had anointed him with sacred oils and led the Temple Guardians in prayers that seemed to physically charge the air around them. Jason had felt the divine energy flowing into him, filling him with certainty and purpose.
"It still amazes me," Elysia whispered as they dismounted at the valley entrance, "to see magic again after this past month."
"What do you mean?" Jason asked.
"When the Goddess departed our world just one month ago, all human magic vanished with her," Elysia explained, adjusting her bow. "Skills and knowledge remained, but the power to channel magical energies disappeared overnight. Our mages became ordinary scholars, our enchanted weapons became simple steel." She glanced at Jason's glowing sword with something like reverence. "Until you came. The Goddess's final gift—all her remaining power in this world, concentrated in one champion."
"I didn't realize..." Jason began, looking at his hands with new understanding. No wonder the people had reacted to him with such awe. He wasn't just a divinely chosen warrior; he was the last vessel of magic in the human world.
"The demons still have their powers," Elysia continued, her expression darkening. "Their magic comes from the Demon God, who remains. It gives them an advantage we've only recently had to face without our own magic. Until now." She nodded respectfully to Jason before signaling her scouts forward.
The path narrowed as they entered the valley, forcing them to proceed on foot. The scouts vanished into the underbrush to secure their route. The valley walls rose steeply on either side, the morning sun not yet reaching the shadowed floor where they crept forward.
After twenty minutes of silent advance, Elysia held up her hand, stopping the column. One of her scouts had returned, moving with practiced stealth through the forest.
"The temple lies just ahead, Commander," the scout whispered. "An ancient stone structure with several smaller buildings recently constructed around it. Approximately twenty demons visible, with perhaps the same number inside."
"Defenses?" Elysia asked.
"Minimal. A few guards at key positions, but they're not expecting trouble this far from the front lines. Most appear to be scholars or workers. Several are using magic to excavate and restore parts of the temple."
General Thorne, who had insisted on accompanying the mission despite his rank, smiled grimly. "This is our chance to show them that humans are not defenseless without our magic. We have steel, courage, and now—" he nodded toward Jason, "—the Goddess's champion."
Jason closed his eyes briefly, reaching within himself for the power the Goddess had bestowed upon him. He could feel it responding, a warm golden energy collecting in his core, spreading through his limbs, sharpening his senses, strengthening his muscles.
"I'll take point," he said, opening his eyes. "Captain Darian, have your Temple Guardians form a perimeter to ensure none escape. Commander Elysia, your rangers provide covering fire from those ridges." He pointed to elevated positions overlooking the temple. "General, the remaining forces are yours to command as needed."
Thorne nodded approvingly at the battle plan. "And what will you do, Champion?"
Jason drew the sword that had been ceremonially presented to him by High Priest Alaric—a magnificent blade of gleaming silver with golden runes etched along its length. As he unsheathed it, the runes began to glow with the same golden light that now pulsed faintly beneath his skin.
"I'll remove their leadership. Cut off the head, and the body falls."
The warriors around him nodded in grim satisfaction, and Jason saw renewed confidence in their eyes. This was why he had been brought to this world—to lead, to inspire, to fight. Everything in his life had prepared him for this moment.
As the units moved into position, Jason crouched in the underbrush at the edge of the clearing where the ancient temple stood. The main structure was far more impressive than he had imagined—a temple of dark stone with towering spires that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. Strange runes glowed faintly along its walls, pulsing with a rhythm that reminded Jason of a heartbeat. Around it, demons had established temporary structures—research tents, living quarters, and storage facilities.
Jason studied the demons, getting his first close look at the enemy. They varied in appearance—some nearly human-like with ashen skin and small horns, others more monstrous with scaled hide or multiple limbs. All moved with predatory grace, their weapons and armor suggesting military discipline.
One demon stood out—a slender figure with deep blue skin and silver markings, dressed in scholarly robes rather than armor. She appeared to be directing some kind of excavation near the temple entrance, gesturing to workers who carefully removed rubble from what looked like an ancient stone circle embedded in the ground.
That must be Lyria, Jason thought. The king's historian.
The temple entrance itself was massive—twin doors of obsidian carved with scenes that seemed to shift and change when viewed from different angles. Even from this distance, Jason could feel a strange energy emanating from the structure—ancient, powerful, neither good nor evil but simply... other.
Waiting until the Temple Guardians and rangers were in position, Jason took a deep breath, focusing his power. The Goddess's blessing responded immediately, golden light beginning to emanate from his skin, his eyes, even the blade of his sword. The divine energy filled him with strength and certainty.
He stepped from the forest's edge into plain view, making no attempt at stealth.
For a moment, the demons didn't notice him, continuing their work. Then one guard looked up, shouted an alarm in a harsh, guttural language, and the entire temple grounds erupted into activity. Warriors grabbed weapons, scholars fled toward the main structure, and archers took up defensive positions.
Jason raised his glowing sword, and the human forces attacked from all sides.
What began as a coordinated assault quickly descended into chaos. As the humans charged into the temple grounds, a series of pre-planned defenses activated. The ground beneath several Temple Guardians suddenly collapsed into concealed pits lined with obsidian spikes. Demon archers appeared from hidden positions on the valley walls, raining arrows down on the exposed human forces.
They knew we were coming, Jason realized with dawning horror.
From the temple roof, Insectoid demons with mantis-like features unleashed volleys of crystalline spikes, pinning down Captain Darian's squad. Three warriors fell immediately, their armor providing little protection against the razor-sharp projectiles. The captain himself barely raised his shield in time, the impact driving him to one knee.
"Fall back to defensive positions!" Commander Elysia shouted, but her voice was drowned out by the roars of massive Ursidae Beast demons emerging from concealed chambers beneath the temple grounds. These bear-like warriors charged into the human ranks, their stone mauls shattering shields and armor with terrifying ease.
Jason fought his way toward a group of pinned-down soldiers, his divine powers allowing him to deflect the worst of the demon attacks. His golden blade cut through a charging Felidae demon, the cat-like creature hissing in pain as it fell. Two more took its place, their coordinated attacks forcing Jason to give ground.
"Champion!" General Thorne's voice called out. The veteran soldier was bleeding from a gash across his forehead, his armor dented in multiple places. "This was a trap! We must retreat before we're completely surrounded!"
Across the battlefield, human soldiers were falling. The rangers' positions on the ridges had been overrun by shadow demons materializing from the darkness behind them. The Temple Guardians' disciplined formations had broken under the assault of elemental demons who controlled the very terrain they fought on.
Jason's power flared as anger and desperation fueled his attacks. He cut down three warrior demons in quick succession, golden light blazing from his sword with each strike. For a moment, it seemed his divine strength might turn the tide.
Then a deep, resonant voice echoed from within the temple: "Enough of this."
The temple doors swung open, and a wave of pure darkness rolled outward like a physical force. It extinguished torches, deepened shadows, and seemed to absorb sound itself. In its wake, several more human soldiers collapsed, their weapons clattering uselessly to the ground.
Through the doorway, in the depths of the temple's main chamber, Jason caught a glimpse of a towering figure partially obscured by shadow. Crimson skin, obsidian horns, golden eyes that glowed with inner light. The Demon King.
But something was off. Despite the intimidating appearance and the tremendous power radiating from the figure, there was a moment—just a split second—when their eyes met across the distance. In that instant, Jason saw something unexpected in those golden eyes.
Uncertainty. Reluctance. Perhaps even fear.
Before he could process what he'd seen, a massive Ursidae demon charged into his line of sight, blocking his view of the temple interior. Jason parried the beast demon's first strike but staggered under the sheer force of the blow.
Nearby, he spotted Lyria being escorted away by several Scholar demons, disappearing deeper into the temple complex. The blue-skinned demoness glanced back once, her silver eyes meeting his with an unreadable expression.
As Jason fought the bear-like demon, he felt that now-familiar stutter in his powers—the golden energy flickering, fading momentarily before surging back. This time, the fluctuation lasted longer, leaving him vulnerable for a crucial two seconds.
The Ursidae's claws raked across his chest, drawing blood despite his armor. Pain lanced through him, and he fell to one knee, the world spinning around him.
"Champion!" A voice called out. Through blurred vision, Jason saw Commander Elysia fighting her way toward him, her armor stained with blood—some of it her own. She dispatched a smaller demon with a precise thrust of her sword, then reached Jason's side. "We must retreat! The mission is lost!"
From all around them came the sounds of battle turning to slaughter. The human forces were being systematically cut down, outmatched by demons who had clearly prepared for their arrival.
Jason wanted to refuse, to fight on, to reach that shadowy figure in the temple. But Elysia was right. Staying would mean death for everyone.
"Fall back!" he commanded, his voice enhanced by a pulse of golden energy that carried across the battlefield. "Retreat to the valley entrance!"
The surviving humans began a fighting withdrawal. Jason positioned himself at the rear, his glowing sword keeping the pursuing demons at bay while his remaining forces escaped. General Thorne organized the survivors into a defensive formation, with the wounded in the center.
As they retreated down the valley path, Jason risked one final glance back at the temple. The imposing figure of the Demon King now stood in the doorway, silhouetted against the inner light. Even at this distance, those golden eyes seemed to lock onto his.
In that moment, Jason made a silent vow. He would return. He would be stronger. And next time, he would face the Demon King directly.
The survivors—less than twenty of the original fifty—made it back to their horses and fled into the forest. Behind them, triumphant roars echoed through the valley as the demons celebrated their victory.