The Heroes ate as we travelled by cloud. Alicia wasn't coping to well with the increased speed and had her head hanging over the edge. Time was of the essence here. The sky had already turned to night. It took us awhile to get everything prepared to leave the town as the Heroes had taken the opportunity to repair their damaged equipment. As Lisanna was only travelling with Gilda she could reach the town just as fast as I would however she'd be making a detour to round up any knights. In other words, if there really was one of my armies there, it would be us five versus them. If we made it before any fighting occurred I could talk with whoever was leading them but… apparently that wouldn't happen. After two hours of flying the town came into sight. Row upon row of armoured demons were currently set outside the town's small walls ready to invade. They were mostly orcs and two flags were flown. One was my families mark representing me the Demon Lord and the other was a flag marked representing the Orc leader and one of my Generals. Figures it would be him. Out of all my Generals he was the one most opposed to humanity and the most rash.
The army was marching slow and purposefully. This battle would be no contest for them. The human town Trafkir only had a small wall and what looked like several soldiers plus two hundred or so militia. Compared to the five thousand strong Orc army I was surprised that they hadn't surrendered already. There was no time for talk with the army already marching so close to their walls.
"Prepare for battle," I told the Heroes and swept the cloud down low. Alicia slurred something and held her mouth.
I swung us past their main battalion of troops and dismissed the cloud. We landed securely… except Alicia who immediately keeled over. Ignoring the poor girl suffering from motion sickness I stamped my foot down and released a shockwave of power stopping the armies advance,
"By the name of the Heroes I ask you to halt!"
Behind us on the human walls the few defenders cheered in relief but in front of us the demon army, my army, just stood motionless.
"Heroes?" a significantly larger Orc stepped forward. He was wearing a captain's pin on his breast. "And why would we listen to the human Heroes, we only listen to our General and our Lord."
If this guy knew who I was he'd freak himself but for now, "You will listen!" I clapped my hands and a thunderous clap resounded. He flinched. "Turn back your army. We have no quarrel with you as of yet."
With the army backing him the Captain just laughed, "Even if you are the Heroes what can five mere humans do?"
I knitted my brows, "Alicia if you could and without killing anyone."
"Of course," she smiled seemingly recovered from her sickness. "I warn you, I'd rather not have to beat up anyone here too badly." She jumped forward and into the sky. "Meteor Driver!" With that yell her fist fell to the ground and a mass impact sent the frontlines of the army back. The Captain managed to withstand the outburst but barely.
"S-so what if you're a little strong. All units forward, take their heads!" he yelled. Tch, I had wanted to intimidate him but I underestimated their Captain's recklessness. Things were going to get busy.
"Carl you're on point, Gary use large scale knock outs, Alicia and Sayuri stop anyone from flanking the town," I commanded.
"And what about you?" Gary asked.
"I'll do whatever the hell I want," I released my mana and targeted the magicians in their ranks. The purity and amount I sent at them quickly flooded their systems and soon they were foaming at the mouths. Orcs had a high vitality but not much room for mana. With their magicians gone Gary now had free reign as he began to conjure gasses to keep them in check.
The vanguard reformed itself and charged. Carl drew back his sword and swept it in a powerful arc, "Burst Rhapsody!" The surrounds were filled with explosions of air knocking them back. Carl let out a tired breath but reforged himself. Alicia and Sayuri sprang to the sides and stopped any other progression. Things were going well but the Heroes as strong as they were right now could not hold off against such large numbers. Maybe they could if they started to ignore the lives of their enemies but it was a steep slope form there and more importantly, though right now they were a hassle, these were my subjects.
I flew up into the sky and gazed down at the battlefield. An array of magic constructed around me as I pulled together my mana.
"I command you to stop," as the words left my mouth the pressure in the air suddenly thickened and the enemy army was pushed to the ground. They struggled and slowly rose again but their movements lacked their original vigour, barely moving. Those who broke out of my grasp were immediately thrown back in by the Heroes. From my position I could see the General's command unit. From his personality he wouldn't stop. As long as there was a chance of success he would not back down. The risk was great for his men, but if he could take down the Heroes here and now, he'd become a Hero himself.
Even I couldn't hold back this many people without killing them for too long. Minutes passed into dozens as the five of us held the line, slowly being pushed closer to town walls. As an hour finally passed my mana supply had dropped to low levels and the Heroes were barely keeping up now. Time and time again the Heroes had pushed them back only for the army to shuffle and strike again. Even with my help they weren't ready for this. But our victory condition would arrive soon.
From the west a large cloud of dust was quickly approaching and at the lead Lisanna stood out fully releasing her dominate presence. Behind her was Gilda followed by their knights in a full cavalry charge. With only an hour to spare they couldn't have gathered many but Lisanna had been their Knight Commander for a good reason. Instead of rushing to the fight she split her men and had them charge from both sides of the town. The amount of dust being kicked up into the air was no small amount and with visibility being low as it was there was no telling just what her numbers were. And to add the finishing touch I let go of the spell holding the army down. The sudden removal caused them to lurch and fall to their feet.
I landed on the ground and let my mana shake the earth. Unsteady and being attacked by the Heroes was bad enough but what seemed like the at least several thousand cavalry were approaching them at terrifying speeds. The retreat order was given as a flare shot into the air. In haste the Orc army began to pull back to a more defensive position. Gary and I continued to throw small spells their direction to ensure they kept up their retreat and didn't return. Finally they had pulled back just at the edge of the forest.
Lisanna dismounted next to me, "Thank the heavens we made it in time. Heroes you have my thanks. Dave what's the damage?"
"Zero on our side but heavy damage and no casualties on the other," I replied.
"Good job," she smiled in relief. I inspected the knights behind her, many of them looked tired and there were even less than I expected, numbering only one hundred or so. However their saddle bags had been stuffed with fine dust. So that's how she did it. "I've sent word for reinforcements I can trust. They'll be here by sunrise however our tricks won't last long. Our opponent will realise our numbers quickly."
"Have everyone garrison inside the town. Set up fires and make it lively. We'll pretend we have an army enough to match theirs. Let's be a bit flamboyant."
"You heard him," Lisanna shouted to the nearby Knights, "Secure and assist the town. Make it lively men."
"Yes your highness!" they replied in unison and departed.
"What about you?"
I examined the Heroes. They were sweating, tired and leaning on anything nearby. "We'll refresh ourselves and rest up. We spent a lot of energy here." I pulled Gary up from where he had just sat down, "Come on, you all did great. Let's go."
"Are you sure it's okay?" Carl asked.
"Whatever we do we'll need rest, leave this to Lisanna."
"I can follow that plan," Alicia leaned over and rested herself against Carl as they walked towards the town.
A soft bump pressured my side, "Sorry but I'm tired too…." Sayuri leaned herself against me.
I gently rubbed her head, "Don't worry we'll get through this."
This was becoming a strange habit. Watching and waiting for the Heroes to go to sleep and then sneaking off in the night. The town mayor welcomed us with very open arms and organised accommodation for us all. If we had been even a few minutes late all I had worked for so far could have been over turned. A war with the humans, a war against the Heroes.
I quietly opened the door to Alicia and Sayuri's room. They were both sleeping soundly. As the days went by Sayuri's ability to elude my senses continued to surprise me. At this rate she could be sitting on top of me with a knife against my throat and I would have no clue. It would be quick and painless death for me. Not that she would do that, but knowing that fact certainly brought a certain frightening mortality to me.
With all the Heroes accounted for I left the house the mayor had allowed us to stay in and flew up to the roof. Lisanna stood there with her red hair blowing in the wind.
"Are you going?" she asked me naturally.
I floated closer, "Of course I am. All of this is my fault. Regardless of the fact the General disobeyed my orders he's still my subordinate. The Generals are an extension of my powers that my hands cannot reach alone. Their actions are mine."
"Good luck," she chuckled, "though you don't really need it."
"Look after the Heroes while I'm gone."
"I will."
I took off into the sky and sped across the open field leading to my army's camp. It seemed that they hadn't expected such heavy resistance. Though none of them were fatally wounded, half their number had some sort of injury. Not only had their fighting potential decreased but so did their mobility. Orcs may be a relatively violent race but the one thing they cared most for was family and their companions. No Orc left behind. It was for that reason I suspect the General acted. Although I had destroyed the slavery organisations in the Klerical Kingdom and Lisanna had made slavery illegal in her own country, Rentolt's traditions were heavily ingrained. It wouldn't be surprising for a few incidents to occur. The only way to stop it completely would be to remove its roots. In other words, kill the country.
The General's tent was by far the largest and most protected. Barriers blocked all incoming pathways and the most elite of the Orcs stood guard. However against an angry me this was all moot. I tore through the barriers and blew apart a large chunk of the tent as I landed before the Orc General. They were having a war meeting and the table their discussion was being held at was now crushed beneath my feet.
While all the other officers flinched, backed away or drew their weapons, the General did nothing. He just stared at me with a cold gaze. To some up the General's appearance, an Orc the size of an Ogre. It made sense actually considering he was half ogre. Instead of green skin, his was blue.
"Welcome human Hero," he spat. "Your performance in today's battle was valiant however for daring to interrupt the meeting of General Ogral Grim-tooth, leader of the Orcs I expect you have a death wish. Name yourself!"
"Davios Flint," I bowed mockingly. "I'll make this quick. Return to your lands before I get even more angry."
"Bah!" he laughed, "Even if you are a Hero, my abilities far outweigh a youngling like you." An immensely powerful aura rippled off his body as he stood. True one versus one this man could defeat any of the current Heroes with some effort, but I wasn't a Hero.
"I'll say this once more, leave," my eyes were daggers but his confidence was greater.
"You are brave Hero and I thank you for sparing my men's lives but you will see that was a mistake." He hefted an enormous sword from beside him. "This is the blade of my fathers, gifted to me by my Lord. Shall you stay, you will taste its edge."
"Ogral Grim-tooth, I warn you, swing that sword at me and you will feel true fear. This is your last chance, return your army. Your actions are a betrayal to your Lord, no orders were given to invade."
"What do you know of my Lord!" he roared at me. "No order was needed. I move to protect my people. I am a General that supports the Demon Lord and I've had enough of this!" he swung the sword at me. The sword's edge lit red with power and even merely swinging it tore the tent apart. The officers quickly escaped but as the sword reached my neck, it halted. A weapon gifted by the Lord could not hurt the Lord.
"I-impossible," the General's eyes were wide and his limbs began to shake.
"Ogral Grim-tooth do you feel fear?" I lightly pushed away the sword and it fell to the ground.
The General stepped back and fell to his knee, "Forgive me my Lord! I did not realise it was you. W-why are you masquerading as one of the Heroes? If I had known I would have never-"
"General Grim-tooth be quiet," I waved my arm and the tent repaired itself. "Everything you have seen here shall not be spread, understand?" I looked at the rest of the tents occupants. They quickly fell to their knees.
"Yes my Lord!"
"As for you General, no orders were given because I expected you to stay home."
"B-but my Lord the humans-,"
"Silence! Do not disrespect your lord. My plans have woven much further than you can fathom, yet by your actions they almost unravelled. Do you understand what that means?"
The General looked at me with teary eyes, "I have failed you."
"Yes you have General," I stepped closer and he bowed his head in shame, "But you acted out of love for our people. Had you acted for the pure intent to kill the humans your head would be rolling across this floor. I will forgive you this one time."
"The Lord is beyond merciful." He raised his head, "What will you have me do?"
"Take your army and return to our lands. The coast guard has been reinforced which has left monsters to roam in greater numbers, split your men and assist the towns in need."
"But what of the humans?"
"I have come to an agreement with them, they will not attack."
"My Lord you cannot trust them!" the General almost yelled. Seeing my gaze he quickly looked back down, "Apologies I have spoken out of turn. I fear however for the life of my Lord. I do not wish to see another betrayal by the humans."
"I will be fine," I smiled softly. "Raise your head General."
The General slowly rose, "By your will I command my men."
"Good. The Heroes will find it suspicious if I am gone too long. I expect you gone by morning," I teleported out of the tent and into the open sky. Damn that was tiring. I let out a sigh and looked down. As soon as I left the General had barked out his orders and already the army was being roused to leave. In a way I was glad that I had such capable men and women working for me.
As I began to fly away I felt a familiar disturbance near the ground and I quickly flew towards it. Beside a tree Sebastian appeared.
"Greetings to my Lord," he bowed.
"Sebastian, is there a problem?" I asked concerned.
"I am afraid so my Lord," his tone wasn't right. The usually calm old man was finding it hard to focus.
"If it's about General Grim-Tooth I've settled that matter."
"No, although that matter slipped by us we can only ask your forgiveness. I have come at the will of your father and grandfather." He paused and seemed to struggle with his words, "The barrier is slipping." I immediately knew which barrier he was referring to.
"What?" a pang of dread pierced my soul. "That can't be possible."
"It is true."
"By how much? A few years?" my heart rate began to rise.
"The barrier will likely fall within the year."
I smashed my foot into the ground and the earth erupted around us, "No! That's can't be right. Why did my mother die then? What the hell was it for? Fifty years! It was meant to last fifty years!"
"Please calm down my Lord," Sebastian said gently. "I understand how you feel."
My mind was a mess as the memories of that day flooded in. The overbearing pressure that Monster exerted, watching not only my father but even my grandfather being thrown around like puppets. Nothing I did helped and I could only watch as all we could do was make a small insignificant crack in its Armor. Then finally my mother sacrificing her life to keep it sealed.
"Since when?" I asked Sebastian once I had gathered myself.
"Three days ago there was a sudden change, as if the monster had become enraged. At the same time the barrier's strength was consumed to keep it in check. It was only decided to contact you once we were certain of the implications."
Three days ago? It coincided to the time when I entered the Mil Kingdom's hidden laboratory. Was it a coincidence? No, there was no mistaking it. This was my fault. Somehow I had triggered something.
I pulled out the documents I had stashed inside my pockets, "Sebastian these are documents that I discovered in the ruins of the Mil Kingdom. It is highly likely that my discovery triggered the Monster. Take these to Warten and have him analyse them and shift all our available resources to the cannon's production."
"I understand, but what of the Heroes?"
"I am the Demon Lord," I smiled determined, "The Heroes will be mine." As soon as those words left my mouth a twig snapped. There shouldn't have been any life signs other than ours in the area. My eyes quickly snapped to the location. Sayuri was standing there with her hand covering her mouth in shock. Our eyes met and for a fleeting moment we both froze, then she ran.
Not too long ago:
Sayuri:
A sudden buzz woke me up and I looked at the small device in my hand. Yep, he was gone. Dave had ran off again to save the day without us. Did he really think that I'd keep letting that happen? After the battle I had purposely gotten close to him. I didn't expect him to rub my head like that but I was able to do what needed to be done. In other words, I jacked him with a tracer. I bought it from the nice ladies at the General store in Dave's home town. It came as a pair and the receiver would tell me if the other part of the device went too far and its general location. It cost quite a bit but was incredibly worth it.
I thought about waking up Alicia and the others but decided not to. No offense to them but stealth wasn't their strong point. Even Dave wouldn't be able to take on an entire army so he was probably thinking of sneaking in and taking care of their leader. The others would become known almost instantly. I on the other hand could do it and I would.
With my equipment and armour strapped on I left through the window and ran along the roof tops quickly. For a moment I swear I spotted the Queen but didn't give it much thought. Dave could move very fast while flying, if I was too slow I'd never make it to him in time. If that happened I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. Just how many times did he need to save us? I wanted to stand with him and more importantly, honestly I was afraid something would go wrong. If he died when I could have saved him…. I shook away the thought.
It didn't take long for me to reach the wall and soon I was dashing across the field. It was torn up pretty badly. Alicia and Carl's fighting styles didn't really take into account environmental damage. Gary could be worse but he was getting better at choosing the right magic for the job. With such chaotic fighting moving everyone into a reality plane was impossible even for Dave.
Quite some time had passed since I had first been alerted about Dave's disappearance and I was nearing the enemy camp but just as I was about to stealth my way in a sudden explosion of energy released nearby. I hurriedly checked the sensor and it was indeed in Dave's direction. The strange thing was, it wasn't coming from the army's camp but some distance away from it. Did Dave discover something else?
I rushed towards it but a sudden chill in my mind forced me to slow down. Something wasn't right here. Instead of running in, I sneaked towards them. Two figures were talking beside a lone tree in the field. I quickly identified one as Dave but the other was a refined looking old man in a butler's outfit. I couldn't understand much of what they were talking about but he kept referring to Dave as lord. Was he from the Dave's hometown? The children had sometimes called him lord but I hadn't expected an old man to.
Their conversation was hard to follow but I could clearly tell Dave was agitated. Something about a monster and documents? Then suddenly the old man asked Dave,
"… but what of the Heroes?"
And Dave smiled, it was smile that for some reason chilled me to the bone, "I am the Demon Lord, The Heroes will be mine."
My body reacted before my mind could and I stepped back in shock. A twig snapped beneath my foot and Dave's eyes caught on to mine. Fear crumbled into my spirit. Fear of what he would do to me. Dave, my friend. But right now all I could feel was a cold and lifeless dread clawing at me. Why? Why, I couldn't understand why he would do something like this. However there was one thing I was sure of, Davios Flint was the Demon Lord.
He appeared in front of me and I screamed. I tried to hit him but he grabbed my arm and then from his free hand he pushed something at me. A mushroom? It burst into a cloud of spores and my vision darkened
I woke up as the sun rose. My head felt a bit funny but that was probably due to last night's fight. There was a knock on the door. I quickly checked myself. Strange my clothes looked the same as last nights but they felt different somehow. Regardless Alicia and I were both decent.
"Come in," I called.
"Good morning," Dave said as he came inside.
"Is something wrong?"
"No the opposite actually," Dave laughed. "The demon army just up and left suddenly."
"Really…." I looked at him suspiciously, "And you didn't have anything to do with it?"
"Of course not. I was way too tired from last night."
Hmmm, it seemed like he was telling the truth. Otherwise the device I bought from the general store would have triggered. For some reason however when I looked at Dave a small piece of me was afraid. Was it because he didn't end up saving the day and it was something else? I didn't know what it was but it was probably just me.
I smiled to him, "That's a relief, but you better not be lying about anything."
It was only for a moment but his expression stiffened, "Why would I lie?"