Although I am a bit sceptical if Yuan was truly the man that died. What if it wasn't really what happened? However I need to stick to my task, the one who will die today is me, Yuan.
"Let's go we need to move now"
Burying my distracting thoughts I stealthily made my way towards the other edge of the forest. It was the one where the flaming bird was fighting the horde of demons.
"Amazing he actually created a wall of fire to prevent the entry of other demon beasts"
The walls of golden flames burst and my skin could feel its scorching heat. Then my eyes switch towards the maker of this scenery. A bird with a flaming body and an eagle-like appearance clawed into the crowd of enemies. Its cry echoes making the demonic beasts retreat.
[What do you plan to do Creator?]
"Nothing I just thought I needed to make friends with him"
[Are you serious?]
"Yeah, I just thought, maybe this was the only option Yuan had at that time"
I walked and soon gained the attention of the high-rank beast. Our eyes met and somehow I felt a connection, he was looking at me and I was the same.
He made a war-like cry before gliding through the air towards me.
{Human}
His voice spoke to my mind making my heart pound in anticipation.
{I can see your heart, you are mourning}
"And I can see yours as well, you are longing"
We both looked at each other and despite the chaos we found peace.
"I know what you want and you know what I want"
{I see, however, both of our desires have a price}
"Does it even matter?"
I heard a faint laughter inside my head then the flaming bird slowly approached. Strangely his flames didn't hurt me, it doesn't feel burned or painful, instead, I felt warm like someone was embracing me.
No more words were exchanged instead we let our will guide our actions.
....
As per the order of the king all injured militants and civilians were tasked to make a path for those who were not injured, and stayed behind in order to buy enough time.
However, when they were about to do the task the sky turned red while the temperature rose. A wave of uncertainty splashed into their minds until they heard the cry of the Guardian. All worries disappear as the spirit creates a wave of flames that burn a path for them.
Their eyes were surprised by the sudden turn of events until the demonic beast rushed through like a raging tsunami. It wasn't enough, the power of the Guardian couldn't keep up with the intense amount of enemies. However, the flames didn't falter instead they burst even more and started to spread outside the forest.
The current barren land became scorch, while the pile of bodies of other demonic beasts was forged to become a bridge. A black bridge composed of a demon carcass.
It was eerie at first sight however a voice suddenly came that made everyone even more surprised.
{Go}
A voice that seemed to be the unison of two entities spoke.
"Wait that voice"
Opposite to the surprise reaction of others, three people immediately recognize the voice.
"Yuan"
Jun recognizes while looking at the sky his eyes full of worry.
{Hurry}
They thought that their journey would be endless until they saw it. The end of the bridge that connects another forest. A forest filled with the power of spirits. A ray of hope shines on the people and makes them run eagerly. However, as the light shone upon them so did the darkness, it continued to move not letting anyone survive.
"Run!"
Someone shouted and the reason for that was the demon beast that began to climb on the bridge.
"Hurry!"
They could feel the bridge shook signifying the amount of beast that managed to climb on.
"Go inside the forest now!"
Desperation kicks in as the people see hundreds of mouths preparing to eat them.
Then the forest glowed and the spirits that protected it began attacking the advancing enemies but still it wasn't enough.
"More are coming!"
Somebody warned and everyone kept running forward.
"Watch out!"
Another scream was heard and right after that, something rammed on the bridge.
Time seems to stop when a being with a height as big as a tower comes. Its build was humongous, as it raised its claws the people could see black scales that covered its body. It suddenly breathed and a warm repulsive air came to them.
"What now!"
"Kept running!"
They didn't have time for panic they needed to keep moving but then the beast was fast despite its size and was about to grab onto the crowd of people.
"RAGHH!"
A roar of pain was heard instead. Some were curious to know the situation and looked up while others remained running.
Right in front of the behemoth, a flaming object can be seen floating. However, it wasn't really an object but a person. Having the body of fire Yuan's wings dance across the sky as he fights the demon beast.
He is buying enough time for the people until the last person enters the forest of spirits.
After some time his objective was finally achieved and now the price has to be paid.
Yuan merged with the fire spirit and ended up becoming one with him. However, it doesn't end there, his life as a human ends since his remaining life force was used to protect the citizens of the kingdom. He is slowly losing himself and will soon be devoured by the spirit.
Yuan on the other doesn't have much regret he did his part and now it's up to them whether they will survive or not.
"Hooo..."
He began to breathe and the flames surrounding his body ignited even more.
"RAGHH!!"
The demonic behemoth went wild after his arms were severed by Yuan but the spirit and the man no longer cared about the beast. Instead, they landed on the bridge which are now brimming with monsters.
Now the history shall be fulfilled, the ground shook and the beasts that tried to invade the spirit forest died under the bridge. Flames burst even more and the black bridge was destroyed.
"Yuan!"
Jun shouted trying to get a glimpse of his brother however no matter how hard he tried all he could see was an endless sea of flames and blood.
Another wave of flames cascaded and forged another structure using the pile of demon carcasses. From a bridge, a wall was erected, and now the forest is safe.
{Human it's time}
"Yes, thank you"
Yuan's body disappeared and the flaming bird replaced him. Now the two of them became one turning into a more powerful being.