"Warlord Bazark… The preparation for our final siege is complete. We await your orders."
"…"
Kneeling in front of me were the trusted officers of the Liberators. These men, handpicked and nurtured, were the epitome of loyalty, strength, and unwavering dedication. Each one of them shared my fervent belief that the gods of this world held the key to salvation for us mortals. The Liberators, as a collective, were driven by a common purpose—to curry the favor of the divine beings that governed our realm. It was through this reverence and devotion that we sought to obtain boons and acquire the profound knowledge that would empower our kind, allowing us to thrive and flourish.
Throughout history, tales had circulated about the gods' benevolence towards certain races, particularly humans. Legends spoke of divine intervention that granted bountiful harvests, abundant rainfall, and bestowed power upon nations, elevating them to positions of prominence and influence. These stories, while inspiring, also carried a hint of frustration, for the gods seemed to favor other races while seemingly disregarding our own, the demons.
I have even heard whispers of deities descending upon the mortal realm and engaging in procreation with humans, resulting in the birth of demigods. It was a concept that I found both puzzling and somewhat amusing. What made these defects so special? They lacked the inherent ability to harness mana or Qi, the very essence of power in our world. To me, they were nothing more than flawed creatures, mere anomalies incapable of reaching the true potential, unlike us.
"What a bunch of a bullshit…"
My strategist, Asaun, gave me a worried frown. "Is something the matter?"
"No, I was merely reminiscing. Bring me the communications device. I shall speak to Linark and Nastro."
With a sense of urgency, Asaun made his way towards the log table, his metallic steps echoing in the tent. I watched as he reached out his hand snatching the circular trinket from its resting place. He carefully placed the item in my outstretched hands, its weight and smooth surface comforting against my palms. Leaning closer, my lips parted as I whispered into the contraption.
"Linark, Nastro, are you there?"
The device in my hands hummed with a pulsating energy, its intricate mechanisms springing to life. Blue particles danced within its core, swirling and interweaving in a graceful dance. Then, the device sprang into action, tracing a luminous path through the air as it headed toward Linark and Nastro. I waited patiently for a reply. Soon, the voices of the two came out of the communication device.
Satisfied, I whispered to the trinket. "We will be heading to Arago as of now. As the great Xalan had ordered us, we will commence our attack tonight. My troops will march across Talik Gorge. I will send you another message once we arrive. Keep your eyes and ears peeled."
Once I had finished listening, I tossed the device to one of my trusted officers. With a sense of purpose, I rose from my seat, the weight of responsibility settling upon my shoulders. I made my way toward the corner of the tent where my armaments and prized piece of armor awaited. Resting atop a series of sturdy crates, my weapons gleamed in the dim light. Among them was a striking piece of armor, an open-visor helmet adorned with numerous scratches and the majestic horn of an alabaster rhino. Its presence commanded attention, a symbol of strength and resilience. I carefully picked the helmet up and tucked it under my arms as I spoke to my officers.
"Let's go."
The men nodded in unison while I took the lead. Stepping out of the tent, the blinding glare of the sun caused me to recoil. Sweat trickled down my brow, but I welcomed the heat. Afterall, the sun, at its highest peak, signaled that the time for action had come. Before me stood a formidable force, thousands of armored troops lined up in perfect formation. Their imposing figures created a sea of strength and resolve, each soldier a testament to the training and discipline they had undergone in my care. Their armor gleamed under the harsh sunlight, a reflection of their readiness to engage in battle. Firm gazes met my own, their eyes reflecting the determination and unwavering loyalty that fueled their spirits. A sense of satisfaction curled at the corners of my lips as I surveyed the sight before me. The collective might of our army was a force to be reckoned with. With a purposeful stride, I moved forward and raised my voice.
"Attention, fellow soldiers! Today marks the commencement of the grand mission we have diligently prepared for. Our purpose is clear: to launch a raid upon Arago, liberating its inhabitants from their misguided beliefs. The Marauders, like a noxious disease, have infested the land, disseminating their venomous ideology that poses a grave threat to the very existence of our continent. Arago stands as one among numerous fortresses harboring these heretics, and it falls upon us, the Liberators, to safeguard the Demonic Continent and restore its true essence."
"Yet, we must remain steadfast in our resolve, for the conquest of Arago is merely the beginning of a protracted struggle. The Marauders have spread like a malignant force throughout our lands, and if left unchecked, the gods' favor upon us will wane, and they will truly ignore us further. To secure the blessings of the divine, we must purge the disease. By doing so, we shall earn the pride and attention of the gods themselves, and they will bestow their blessings upon our noble cause. Only then shall our existence warrant their divine attention and favor."
Pausing, I held the sword aloft and toward the heavens, serving as a silent tribute to the heavens.
"I, leader of the glorious Liberators, will now begin our last raid against Arago. Are you ready, troops of Warlord Bazark?!"
A triumphant roar erupted, reverberating through the air and resonating with the very essence of our purpose. The soldiers, their voices united in a powerful chorus, raised their fists high in the air, serving as a symbol of unity among comrades. The ground beneath us trembled- resounding thuds echoed like a war drum, magnifying the intensity of our collective spirit. Spears were slammed onto the earth, creating a cacophony of metal clanging against the ground, a thunderous symphony that echoed our readiness to engage in combat. Pleased with the response, I adorned the obsidian-like helmet and leveled my sword toward Talik Gorge.
"We march for Arago!"
With a powerful deity of blood watching over us, surely our reputation amongst the gods will soar! At first, I had my doubts when I heard a deity was on our doorsteps. There have been no instances of a demon meeting such beings face-to-face, let alone through their minds. I thought about punishing the guard for spouting such nonsense. However, when I stood before the divine being, my doubts and skepticism melted away in the face of its undeniable presence. The crimson gaze that locked with mine held a depth that transcended mortal comprehension. In those eyes, I saw the echoes of ancient battles. It was a gaze that spoke of wisdom forged through the ages, a testament to the power and hidden knowledge that this deity possessed.
The aura surrounding the divine being was both dangerous and majestic, a harmonious blend of strength and grace. It commanded respect and reverence, instilling a sense of awe in those who beheld it. When I observed the deity, I could not deny the undeniable truth that we, the Liberators, had caught the attention of the gods themselves. In the past, such encounters were unheard of for demons. We existed on the fringes of divine intervention, unseen and unacknowledged. But now, it became clear that the tides were shifting. Our tireless efforts, our unwavering dedication to our cause had stirred their hearts.
"The Liberators will not fail you, oh great deity. As your underling, I will make sure I follow your every order. The blood circle around Arago will be made…"
I looked to my far left, past the cheering soldiers. Many stakes had been planted onto the ground. Strapped to them with a rope were magnificent creatures, with their sleek black coats and the unmistakable lightning-bolt horns protruding from their foreheads. They stood proudly; their eyes filled with a fiery spirit that mirrored our own. The demon horse were not ordinary horses. They possessed a supernatural grace and strength that made them ideal companions for travelling long distances. These creatures were capable of traversing even the most treacherous terrains with ease, their hooves gliding over rocky cliffs and surging through dense forests without faltering. Their speed was unmatched, capable of covering vast distances, halving the time it takes for us to reach Arago. On foot, it would take our march three hours, yet it would take these beasts an hour, at most.
Initially, we had nine demon horses, yet two were assigned to Linark and Nastro, resulting in a total of seven. I marched toward the creatures, and my officers followed along. As we drew nearer, the beasts felt our presence approaching and let out a fiery neigh. I extended a hand to my personal steed and allowed it to nuzzle against my palm. It drew a winded breath through its nostrils as it rumbled with delight.
"Grindo, are the beasts well-fed and ready for departure?"
"Yes, I fed them just a while ago. They are full of energy and are waiting for it to be released into the wild."
The demon horses all cried out in unison, as if agreeing with Grindo's words. As I mounted my steed, I heard the gentle whinny of the horse and patted its iron-clad muscles with a smile. With a resolute command, the ground shook beneath the thunderous hooves of the demon horse as it charged forward, its muscular form propelling it with a burst of speed. The soldiers at the front of the formation watched in awe as the majestic creature led the way, its black mane flowing gracefully.
"Pack everything up, my soldiers. We have a fortress to overtake."
****
[Blood Absorption mastery is now level 6!]
[Mana Field mastery is now level 5!]
[Terrorizer mastery is now level 2!]
"That should be the last of them."
I stood amidst the carnage, surrounded by the remnants of my battle. The once vibrant and teeming Wandering Woodlands now lay silent and still, the air heavy with the scent of decay. The life that once thrived here had been extinguished, leaving behind a desolate landscape of fallen bodies. Insects that used to buzz at every minute had gone missing, taking refuge far away.
I surveyed the scene, taking in the sight of the defeated creatures that had dared to challenge me. The iron-tusked boar, known for its massive frame and deadly tusks, was just a shriveled husk. Its demise mirrored that of the other creatures that had crossed my path- a swing of a sword and a quick absorption.
"Today is the sixth day. Five cycles of the moon had passed, so the Liberators should be preparing for combat. If so, it's about time I head over to Arago."
Whirling my body around, I took one last look at the carnage behind me. There was no evidence of creatures with a great deal of mana in the vicinity, so I merely shrugged and kept going towards Arago.