[This is a short chapter. In this chapter, I am simply setting the stage for upcoming fights. All the fighting scenes will start from the next chapter.]
...
At the top of the burning Sacred Tree, there is an area covered with ice on which 4 people are standing.
ADELPHUS'S POV:-
'Just where is she?' Confused by the sudden change of scenario I ended up questioning myself.
Unia was supposed to take care of Zwain. Then she was supposed to take care of the Elven Princess.
'If she isn't here, does that means she directly went to the Elven Princess? Then why isn't Parker here yet?'
So many disturbances.
Just what is going on?
I and Arlington were supposed to take care of the Devils' escape.
'Despite our first failure, our plan was supposed to be going smoothly. How come there is a sudden deviation from the plan?' Uncertainty clouded my mind.
And why is he here?
Fifth Elven Branch Zwain.
I look at him standing in front of me.
'As if, Karina wasn't enough now we have to fight two monsters at once,'
sigh
'Guess, both of us need to go all out or else even death would be an easy way out for us.'
After collaborating with the Devils, we don't have anywhere to go.
'Torture by nails, was it? I think that would be the lowest punishment.'
This isn't how it was supposed to go.
I didn't sign up to die here.
'Had he planned this? Does he want to dispose of me, because he thinks I might be a hindrance to him?'
'Ladros...is this one of your dirty tricks?' I mumble as I look at the duo standing in front of me.
...
ARLINGTON'S POV:-
I wonder what happened.
Zwain's presence and Unia's absence.
'Just what could possibly have gone wrong.'
I shake my head.
'None of that matters to me, I was sent here to support Adelphus until he dies, if things go south, I will just kill him and escape. That should keep the vow intact.'
I look at Adelphus.
He has lost faith in winning.
'Zwain isn't someone with whome you can mess with, and get scott free.'
'An Elf Branch in their home is equal to a half king of other species.' I recall back to what I was taught at the Royal Academy.
Even though the Sacred Tree is burning, it still can provide a lot of mana to Zwain.
'Sigh, this is really going to be a tough one,'
...
PARKER'S POV:-
I was supposed to check if the High Devil has transported the Elven Princess or not.
'It was supposed to be an easy job given his hiding ability.'
But looks like that useless piece of sh*t couldn't even handle a bunch of kids.
'Just what the f**k was he so proud of? Are all the devils so boastful?'
Whatever, let's just clean up his mess and move from here.
'I might need to stay in my hideout after this for a long time.'
Before I can take another step forward, someone comes in front of me.
Looking at his features, he is a young boy with a scythe in his hands. He looks quite handsome. One of the qualities I hate in other people.
'Who is he? Maybe he got lost?'
A smile forms on my face as I think,' Let's destroy his face.'
'Yup, let's 'help' him face the reality of the situation.'
"Hey kid, you got lost? I can help you get out of here. It's not safe here," I ask him trying to 'help' him, in a sincere tone.
'I am a good citizen, aren't I?'
"That's true. It's really not safe here around these parts. Who knows what might kill you," he speaks casually.
"Yeah? I guess you can say that. Why don't you come here and I will help you get out of here," I ask him as I channel mana into my hammer.
"Are you strong?" He speaks getting excited
"Yeah? I guess I am," confused at his question I tilt my head as I answer him.
"Can you fight with me?" He asks again
'Just wha-'
Then
He blinks in front of me.
"Pretty please?" He speaks with a smile on his face as he prepares for a slash.
'Huh?' My eyes widen.
I jump back dodging him.
He jumps forward with a devilish grin on his face. He is enjoying this.
-Clang
He moves his scythe for a diagonal slash which I block with my hammer.
Pushed back by the impact I again take a clear look at him.
He is still standing there with an 'innocent' smile on his face
Understanding the situation I have gotten into, my expression turns serious.
If there is one thing I realized by our exchange right now, it would be that the person in front of me is a monster hiding in a kid's disguise.
...
ROBIN'S POV:-
We have to do something about this mess or at this rate Eslaine will be destroyed.
'These devils and those who supported them ...' Slashing every devil in front of me I move forward towards the Sacred Tree,'... I will kill all of them.'
Having the water attribute, it would be one of my responsibilities to put off the fire.
I take a glance at the Sacred Tree,' it would take months to heal it. That too would be only possible under the best case scenario.'
As I was slashing the Devils, they started running away.
'Cockroaches,' I muttered with disgust.
If even one of them survives they can convert others into Devils.
'One of the main reasons why they are ordered to be killed on sight.'
I slash the building from which they ran through.
"Stop running, you bastards," I speak with disdain as I walk out of the rubbles.
As the smoke cleared, a few other people come into my vision.
Looking carefully, 'Queen Aria and Queen Leleina,l.'
They are sitting at the shoulders of an adventurer, looking at the Sacred Tree with a determined gaze.
'Why are they here? At least that saves a lot of trouble...but first.'
I look at the Devils coming from the other side and the ones already there.
'Let's deal with the Devils.'