After the demon's retreat, Adam met up with his allies.
"How's it going- woah." [Adam]
From what Adam could see, there were plenty of wounded. Tiffany was going around healing them whereas Felix was speaking to someone of higher standing considering that their armor was more decorated than the rest.
"Is this your friend?" [???]
The decorated soldier pointed at Adam.
"Yes, that's Astos." [Felix]
"Nice to meet you Astos, I'm Roderick. Hero of Ruitaria and wielder of the ax." [???]
The decorated soldier invited Adam to a handshake.
"Oh. Well, you've already heard of me from my friend. Nice to meet you." [Adam]
He shook Roderick's hand.
"I'm quite impressed by your performance. Not many can stand toe to toe with the Feerae Asil, Demon Captain of the fourth squad." [Roderick]
"It was nothing." [Adam]
The flattery was making Adam embarrassed.
"It wasn't just "nothing". Your contribution of holding her back allowed me to recover my injured allies and push the demonic forces away. Many lives were spared today. In that regard, I truly thank you." [Roderick]
He lowered his head in a reverential bow.
"P-Please don't do this." [Adam]
Placing his hands on Roderick's shoulders, Adam raised the hero's head.
"Humble as well as strong. You have the makings of a hero." [Roderick]
"Ahaha…" [Adam]
He laughed nervously thinking that he may have been caught imitating a hero against Asil.
"Now that this battle is over, we must move quickly." [Roderick]
The hero began to issue commands to his troops, leading to everyone picking up the injured and moving with them.
"Please, you two, come with me." [Roderick]
He motioned to Adam and Felix.
"Understood. Astos, inform Til to follow along." [Felix]
"Alright." [Adam]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
They moved through the forest path, eventually taking them to a small fort. It had four towers, a metal gate, and torches hung near the entrance. It also looked to be quite sturdy considering that it was made entirely out of stone bricks.
"Bring the injured inside!" [Roderick]
After organizing his troops and setting tasks, the hero returned to Felix.
"Can you call your friend here too?" [Roderick]
"Is there something you need from us?" [Felix]
"You saw right through me. Though it stains my honor to ask for help, the situation me and my men are in is quite…" [Roderick]
"Precarious?" [Felix]
"Yes, that. You're very good with words." [Roderick]
Felix then brought Adam and Tiffany over. They moved into one of the towers of the fort, which appeared to be a meeting room. There were wooden chairs, a large table, and several wooden pieces shaped into strange symbols.
"What's this about?" [Adam]
"I'd like the three of you to assist me in pushing our forces into Lithik." [Roderick]
"You want to expand your territory? I don't think it would do well if we stepped into your political schemes." [Felix]
Roderick shook his head frantically.
"No! No! Perish the thought!" [Roderick]
Roderick then took out a map and rolled it out onto the table.
"Look here." [Roderick]
Circling a finger he tapped on a hill.
"This is a supply point that is essential in the war of humans and demons." [Roderick]
"And where exactly are we?" [Felix]
Roderick pointed a bit further away.
"About a two-day walk. The supply point has a garrison stationed there composed of two squads." [Roderick]
"And you want us to help occupy it?" [Felix]
"Not exactly. I just need someone to help distract one of the captains. I will take the other." [Roderick]
"Captain. Like, Asil?" [Adam]
Roderick nodded.
"It is very likely that Asil's squad is also stationed there. So either I, or you three will be combating her." [Roderick]
"Do you know who the other captain is?" [Felix]
Roderick strummed his fingers along the table when trying to recall.
"It is either captain of the second squadron or captain of the first. Both are Feerae boasting great strength." [Roderick]
"Can you take them?" [Felix]
"I am unsure since I have never met them. However, I am confident that I am not weaker." [Roderick]
("So it's at least a tie…") [Felix]
"I understand that this may be dangerous, but the plan isn't to defeat the captains. We will just defeat the weaker soldiers until they are forced to retreat. It's easier that way." [Roderick]
"The same could be said for you. What if your troops lose while we hold the captains?" [Felix]
"I can assure you, we won't lose. Our forces exceed their expected force." [Roderick]
Glancing at his allies, Felix asked Roderick for a moment of privacy.
"If that is what you need." [Roderick]
He then stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him.
"Fe-Fable, what do you think?" [Adam]
"Our main goal is to enter Lithik and defeat the Supreme Demon Lord. Won't this put us behind schedule?" [Til]
"I understand your concerns, but I'm also thinking of it another way. Roderick mentioned a human-demon war. That means both sides are on high alert against the strongest fighters. Namely, heroes and feerae." [Felix]
"...And?" [Adam]
"We aren't on that list. If we help Roderick take control of an essential spot, then the demon's focus will be on him. We can then sneak into Lithik and directly confront the Supreme Demon Lord." [Felix]
"Not a bad plan. If you're not counting the big bad boss' subordinates." [Krino]
Krino was right. What if they were just walking into the tiger's den?
"Fable, I think it would be better to kill off the captains instead of distracting them." [Adam]
"Why? That's more work than profit." [Felix]
"Not exactly. We can take out some of the Supreme Demon Lord's strongest members so we can force them to expend more resources. In the end, we only want a one on three confrontation against him right?" [Adam]
Felix went silent.
"...You're being a little smart today. Are you sure you're Adam?" [Felix]
"I'm Astos." [Adam]
"Ah, you're right." [Felix]
"What do you think, T… Til?" [Adam]
It was a little difficult getting used to the alias'.
"I think it's worth a try." [Tiffany]
"Alright then, our objective is killing the captains. Let's get Roderick back in here." [Felix]
They called in the hero, who seemed to be quite happy to hear they would join.
"Splendid! I'll let you all know when the siege begins!" [Roderick]
"Hold on. There's one more thing I'd like to add." [Felix]
"Hm?" [Roderick]
Felix expressed his intent on not stalling the captains, but instead defeating them.
"...You all have more courage than I imagined. Very well." [Roderick]
"Ah, and also, I'd like to stick with you in your fight against one of the captains." [Felix]
"...Are you questioning my capabilities?" [Roderick]
Roderick seemed to be a bit offended.
"Nothing of the sort. I'm ensuring victory." [Felix]
Hearing that, Roderick let out a small chuckle.
"Pardon me. I never expected such a response." [Roderick]
With a big grin, Roderick shook Felix's hand.
"Very well. It will be my honor to fight by your side." [Roderick]
"I as well." [Felix]