Lucilla was ultimately unable to kill the finely dressed man before he escaped. The moment he and his two guards started running away the other side started fall into formation, getting into range to provide the three or them covering fire. Lucilla's side was able to kill one of the guards in the process, but that was all they were able to do.
It's been three hours since the fighting broke out. They were at a great disadvantage when it came to numbers; if they were to fight head on normally, they would lose. Their saving grace was the fact Monster's and fay tend to be naturally stronger than people. They also retreated into the forest a little, using the large and imposing trees along with the underbrush as cover.
Two of the three young Dragons flew above in the air, with their assigned entourage underneath to help protect them. The Lime green Dragon, flying high could be seen gathering their light green Mana in their throat before opening their mouth. A powerful concentrated shockwave shot out at incredible speeds, causing a massive boom to be heard across the battlefield. The concentrated wind pressure hit the opposing side, kicking up the earth and causing the area to be covered in a brown cloud of dirt and dust.
Simultaneously the second dragon deep blue in color, was also gathering its deep ocean blue colored Mana in its throat before releasing it in the opposing army. The jet of water sliced through the air with a roar as it collided with its target. A large amount of mist from the attack quickly spread through the area making it difficult to see the results of their attack.
"RRROOOOOAAAAARRRRRR!"
"RRROOOOOAAAAARRRRRR!"
Satisfied with their attacks the two young dragons let out triumphant roars. That is until the dust and mist cleared away. Revealing a magic barrier that protect the main part of the army and their encampment. Those that was outside the barrier at the time where completely annihilated, but the inside of the magical cover was completely untouched. The magic devices that held the barrier together could be seen letting off large amounts of Mana as it held the protective barrier in place.
"Damn, that barrier is sturdier than expected." Lucilla cursed as she used her old daggers to puncture a soldier's heart before using him as a platform to leap at another and using the claws on her hand to tear their throat open. She tore out their vocal cords in a bloody display of brutality. Another warrior tried to take advantage to the fact Lucilla was on the ground after her attack. He swung his great sword quickly, but a jet of water hit him from the side, sending him flying. Lucilla glanced in the direction the attack came from and smiled at her sister in thanks before assessing the situation of the battle.
"Alright this isn't working." Lucilla said with a hint of frustration. "Tell Cristina that she and her people are going to cover our retreat along with the water Dragon." She told a Goblin nearby who was fitted in simple leather armor.
Giving a small nod in understanding he went in the direction Cristina was located. Just as the Goblin left a volley of spells from the Mage's came flying in from above, coving the sky in its sheer volume. Prosperty's front line pulled back a little to avoid getting hit by their own allies.
"Shit! Naiads!" Lucilla called out to the water Nymphs connected to fresh water. "Barrier!"
All at once the freshwater Nymphs thrusted their hands out into the air in front of them. A watery half dome spread across the forest edge just as the torrent of fire, water, and earth spells landed. This was one of the major advantages that the Fay and Monsters had over normal people. They were capable of casting almost instantaneous. Unfortunately, there were still those that were outside the rang of protection and were subsequently injured or killed in the attack.
"Naiads keep the barrier up for a little longer, Oger's collect the injured!" Lucilla yelled out orders. "We're retreating, Cristina and her people will cover us! As soon as the injured is out the way Naiads you can begin your retreat!"
She glared at the enemy vanguard surging forward again, ready to engage once more. The water barrier will slow them down, but they can still walk through it. Its main purpose was to stop magical attacks, but people themselves could still walk through. Equipment and all.
Channeling Chi imbued with the wind element into her legs, Lucilla rushed forward along with Cristina's own subordinate's. With the goal of escaping, Lucilla and the other's felt no need to hold back anymore to effectively pace themselves. She quickly found herself in front of a group of mercenaries, and in on fluid motion took out their tank, her dagger gliding across his neck like it wasn't even there. The man didn't even have time to raise his shield before a fountain of blood bloomed from his throat.
Lucilla quickly grabbed hold of the man's face and tossed the dying man directly at his two other companions. One had a short sword and managed to roll out of the way, while the other with the spear got knocked down. Not letting the opportunity go the monster woman froze the area where the man with the short sword rolled too. With his legs starting to freeze over the young man panicked as he yelled out in pain. Before he could do anything though Lucilla mercilessly used her foot to crush the man's skull, blood and brain matter splattering the ground beneath her as she cast fire magic in the other two's direction, setting them ablaze.
The smell of burnt flesh wafted into her nose, causing her to scrunch up her face slightly. She then ducked as a Halberd swung in her direction from behind, nearly decapitating her. Just as she faced his direction a cat woman jumped onto his back, then jumped away, before retreating. Lucilla and the man with the halberd stood in mutual confusion when he suddenly exploded. Blood and viscera flying in all directions from the explosion, with a good amount splattering onto Lucilla herself as she stumbled backwards from the blast.
Scowling in disgust she looked to her right to see Cristina far above everyone on a pillar of crystalized blood. The monster woman looked on in wonder as the Vampire woman used the Pillar of blood to form sharp crystalized tendrils to pierce anyone nearby. Creating a forest of blood and bodies as a low red mist covered the battlefield.
Unfortunately, there seemed to be those able to fight back against the attack. Particularly Lucilla noticed the Hunter's Guild's Leader, Guild Master Branko. With each swing of his mace the Crystalized blood that dared to approach him exploded in crimson fragments, as mages worked on a defensive spell. He may be retired but Bronko managed to work his way up to a Five Star Gold Ranked Hunter. Rumor had it that he could've become a platinum ranked if he tried.
Other high-ranking Hunters were by his side also putting up decent, if not a less effective fight against Cristina's own attack. Unlike Branko the Other Hunters used teamwork to defend against the blood tendrils. The desperate desire to not be dragged back to join the forest of death Cristina has created pushing their teamwork into another level of flawlessness that they have ever experience.
Seemingly realizing her attack was having little effect now that some actual powerful people started entering the battle, she cancelled her attack short and dropped to the ground, her great forest of blood and corpses still standing. Despite the fact she was no longer feeding it magic the blood didn't dissipate since she used the blood from the battle, and so until someone removed it manually, it would stay for a while yet.
Blood magic was also hard to control and took a lot of energy, so using it when it didn't affect anyone was just wasting stamina. Cristina pulled out her trusty cutlass when Lucilla received word that everyone had successfully retreated.
"Cristina! Pull back, we're going now!" She called out, before creating a massive wall of ice to escape herself.
With a smile, the blond Pirate blew a kiss over to the people she was just fighting before grabbing a corps off the ground and running away.
_____________________
"Huh, they didn't follow." Lucilla observed, a hint of disappointment in her voice. If they had chosen to follow like they planned, they would've walked right into their trap. Instead, it looked like they are playing it safe and are setting up their encampment like before.
"Well not everything can go according to plan." Said Aliaa, the same cat woman that blew the halberd wielder up earlier.
"You and your team keep an eye on things. The rest of us are going to head further in to rest and regroup." She said as she explained her new set of orders. "I'll also leave a small team alongside yours to help out if the enemy makes a move."
"Your word boss." Answered the cat woman with a salute.
"Sara, you're with me." Lucilla called out to the young girl who was in the tree across from her. "Want to ask how you're first fight was like... not that you did anything anyway."
Sara nodded as she headed back to the lake. Lucilla watched her go before she went to search for Morella and relay her orders to everyone. She didn't want to be in the leadership position, but Sara was technically the one in charge and she had appointed Lucilla as her representative. So, her she will was Sara's will. Honestly, she didn't understand the Fay. Was this contract really that important they're willing to listen to a twelve-year-old and her... guardian? 'Actually, what am I? Her teacher or guardian?'
Whatever the case Lucilla was tired and wanted to finish this day then sleep. Thus, the first day came to a close with neither side gaining the upper hand.