Gradually, sensation returned to her limbs, a welcome change from the numbing aftermath of her ordeal. It was almost as if her body was awakening from a deep slumber, reacquainting itself with the ability to move and feel. Jade's gaze shifted to her energy bar, which had reset to zero before steadily climbing to a full 23 out of 23—a sight that brought both relief and confusion in equal measure.
Her contemplations were abruptly interrupted by the voice, louder and more commanding than before, its booming quality causing a painful resonance in her ears. "Food, stand up. I did you a favor; the least you can say is thank you!" The voice's demand carried an expectation of gratitude, adding a layer of complexity to Jade's predicament.
In this bewildering and hostile environment, Jade's primary concern narrowed to a singular focus: survival.
Jade's every muscle tensed under the weight of shock and a creeping fear as she prepared to face the unknown. Her hands, trembling noticeably, found support on the lush carpet beneath her. Gathering her strength, she pushed herself up from the ground, her movements hesitant but determined. As she rose to her feet, her gaze was drawn irresistibly towards the source of the commanding voice.
Glancing over her shoulder, she caught sight of the creature they had battled, its form marred by the battle's violence—a gaping hole in its chest and a deep gash across its neck. Yet, against all odds, it showed signs of life, a testament to the extraordinary resilience, or perhaps the unnatural vitality, of these beings.
Turning her attention forward, Jade's eyes settled on a figure of imposing stature. Seated upon a massive chair that seemed more a throne of dominion, was a muscular creature whose presence dominated the room. Its sheer size and the air of authority it exuded made it clear this was no ordinary being but one of significant power and status.
"Don't be too frightened, little human," the creature spoke, a mocking kindness in its tone. "I see your arms and legs shaking. Please, do tell me how you, a mere human, managed to do this to one of my low-class creatures—a 500-year-old creature, nonetheless."
"Ah yes, the Angelic Death Ruler. One of the Angelic Gods' 12," the creature mused, its voice resonating throughout the room, leaving no room for Jade's protests.
Her eyes widened in shock, the mention of the Angelic Death Ruler sending a jolt of surprise through her. The creature's next words only added to her astonishment. "So that's it, huh? The Angelic race is aiding you all in fending us off?"
Frustrated and caught off guard, Jade retorted, "No! They have done nothing to aid my people and have done more damage than not, as I have been told by my boyfriend!" The words spilled out before she could catch herself, leading her to hastily cover her mouth, a futile attempt to retract her unintentional disclosure.
"Boyfriend? What is that?" the creature inquired, its confusion evident.
In that moment, Jade resigned herself to her fate, figuring that a mention of Ty might be inconsequential given her dire situation. "Ty Hockenson, a friend that is more than a friend, pretty much," she explained, her voice a mix of fondness and resolve. "He had his soul taken by a vampire and was taken to the Demon Realm. The Angelic Race tried to take him back.
He's fighting tooth and nail to get back here, though, and he will one day, whether I die in this room or not."
The Skeleton Man, right? The creature started as Jade's eyes widened in shock as her first thought flooded in, 'I'm not crazy; that vision wasn't me coping.' Gripping her fist tightly, she waited for him to continue his words.