The allure of the potential spoils from this battle had successfully recruited the 'Sacred Fang' to attack the outpost alongside Regal and the heroes.
Demonic seeds, one of the particular rewards which drew the adventurers to fight, are small cores within demonic beasts which exude demonic energy. Demonic energy in the hands of a beast is nothing more than an enhancement to basic physical attributes, which is far behind what it is truly capable of.
Demon's use demonic energy masterfully, it flows through them from birth and acts in a way that's similar to mana and aura. They can use this energy in any unique way they desire, making it similar to mana in the variety of its abilities. But it's also a power only for demons, harnessed within their bodies similar to aura.
However, despite the name 'demonic energy', an energy is energy nonetheless. The small seeds which hold this energy are as useful as mana when it comes to powering magical tools. They typically require special mechanisms making them quite expensive, but if they are still purchased by the rich because of their usefulness, then demonic seeds will be bought just the same. Often for a nice price.
The entire cohort is approaching the outpost, mere minutes away from arriving. Regal is now at the front of the group with the heroes behind Regal's right and the adventurers behind his left.
"What do you guys think is going to happen?", William asked to the other heroes.
The heroes were just as unsure, looking at each other with concern.
They had no say in the matter of joining this extermination, they were already on this trip simply because they were told to, and now the danger level has increased. The majority of the heroes were unaware of how dire the danger truly was, especially due to the confidence exerted by both Regal and Kendrick.
Anne was the only exception, she always spent her time in the library, reading miscellaneous books to pass the time when she wasn't training or felt bored. This led to a few discoveries, and one of the most important was demonic beasts. They were dangerous, but also a precious resource due to being the only income of demonic seeds, existing only within the demonic forest bordering the demon territory. It showed that the Kingdom of Prevalis was succeeding in keeping the demon's at bay, some countries not even aware what a demonic beast is.
But with reward, there is risk. There is seemingly no end to demonic beasts. Even when occasionally exterminating the weaker ones from the border of the forest, more always end up appearing in time. There is also no way to find out or stop this from occurring, as this would mean invading demon territory with their measly forces which can hardly even contain the demons as it is.
She also knew some information about her master, about how significant someone of his strength was. A mage of the 8th circle.
"Nothing I think... I believe master will just make us fight some demonic beasts while he eradicates the rest", Anne answered with strange confidence.
The other heroes didn't disagree much either, as far as they were aware, Regal was the strongest person they knew. He didn't have much to show for it, other than of course the political power of speaking on seemingly equal terms with the king. But there was still this strange feeling, sort of like an energy surrounding Regal, that suggested he was strong.
But the word 'eradicate'... it sounded like Anne was overestimating... or exaggerating what would occur. At least it felt that way to the heroes.
Suddenly the group around them stopped, starting with Regal.
"What is it?", Kendrick asked.
"Nothing much, I've had some time to think about how we should do this, so I figured we should go over the plan before we invade that", he replied while pointing ahead.
They were currently on a very slow slope upwards, seemingly just one of the many variations of the path's elevation throughout their journey. However, at the end of this slope in the distance, they could see the wooden walls of some sort of camp. Or at least, what was left of them. The majority of the wall had fallen over, leaving only a few brief protrusions throughout its perimeter.
There was a tower on the right side of the camp almost twice as high as the wall, and the broken supports of another tower on the opposite side. It seemed as though there was a roof to some buildings peeking over the edge of the slope... but it was incomplete, the structures obviously destroyed.
"Shouldn't we hide? What if they have a lookout?", Tristain asked.
Regal looked at him and stared for a few seconds.
"Are you asking that because you know? Or did you assume that a horde of demonic 'beasts' would have a lookout for some other reason?", Regal questioned.
It was obviously strange that mere beasts would have a lookout...
...but they did.
Regal knew this, but he wasn't sure how Tristain did.
And as if the answer was obvious, Tristain quickly responded.
"Well of course, if such a large horde of demonic beasts attacked the outpost as if somehow working together, it most likely means... that there's a demon"
'Right, common sense for anyone who frequents the forest', Regal figured.
"Well, to answer your question then. There's no point in hiding since they already know we are here", Regal casually revealed.
Regal's demeanour threw the adventurers off, they believed they may have been walking into this with a secret advantage, but it was quickly seeming otherwise.
'Damn it! If we run, can we make it back before they catch us!?', Tristain thought.
As if he could read Tristain's thoughts, Regal spoke.
"If you are thinking about running, don't bother. There's a reason that I know they have a lookout and are aware that we're here"
Then a face of surprise appeared on Tristain's and perhaps a few other faces too.
'Right... he said that they knew we were here, but how would he know? In fact, if they truly knew we were here, why haven't they attacked?', Tristain thought.
And once again, Regal spoke to answer the unspoken question.
"They are indeed being led by a demon, I just figured it was a regular scout demon at first, nothing more than a C, or perhaps B-rank threat. But it's hard to get a grasp on levels of power when it comes to demonic energy.
After getting closer I noticed that we are not dealing with a scout demon, not a simple soldier or anything of that sort. That thing in the outpost is a two-horned majin."
A hint of despair appeared on the adventurer's faces, their eyes widening at the word 'majin'.
Majin were the nobility of the demons, their demonic energy on a whole different level than the mere fodder they send out to control small battalions of demonic beasts.
The highest rank of power a demon could be aside from the demon king is an three-horned majin, equivalent to a demonic general and an S-rank threat. Making two-horned a threat of A-rank, one of the stronger threats in that category without a doubt, suitable as commanders under the demonic generals.
What rank were the adventurers? B-rank. But more importantly, they were a B-rank party, not all individuals were at the level of B-rank themselves. When all member's of a party are of the same rank, then their party naturally receives the corresponding rank. But there are some outstanding parties with excellent teamwork and unique skills which allows them to hunt monsters of higher ranks than their own.
Sacred Fang is one such party, and their results allowed them to become a B-rank party with approval of the guild, presenting them with more opportunities and commissions to further their own progress.
But the true difference between ranks? A D-rank monster could probably take out a C-rank monster with the right attributes and skills. The same goes for a C-rank monster against a B-rank, but only under such an extremely unlikely but very advantageous situation. But then a B-rank against an A-rank? Impossible.
Not even a question to the Sacred Fang, an A-rank foe was impossible to beat, even if they were all individually B-rank, there would only be a slight chance.
"Hey, what are you lot spacing out for? I haven't even explained why they haven't attacked yet", Regal interrupted the ongoing despair stirring in the minds of the adventurers.
The heroes in the meantime were just thinking, 'Majin? What's that?', 'Are they pink and immortal?', 'They know we are here!?', with Anne being the only exception, looking blatantly calm.
"They haven't attacked because the demon is assuming we are just a human group sent to check on the outpost since we haven't heard anything from them", Regal continued.
"We aren't the official party sent to check on their condition, but we are something similar. And assuming that we are of course here to check on the outpost, we would have no choice but to investigate the wreckage, presumably unaware of the awaiting horde resting within it.
Luckily me and Kendrick know how to hide our presence, not fully, but to the extent that we don't seem that strong in comparison to you lot. If they knew of our true strength, they wouldn't be waiting."
Tristain and the rest of Sacred Fang looked... unsure.
"So... what is the plan you were referring to?", Tristain wondered, hoping for something to make this situation a little better.
Regal looked at him blankly.
"Well... I said I thought about it for a while, but the plan is simple. Kendrick charges in alone to slaughter as many demonic beasts as possible as you lot and the heroes follow along to deal with stragglers."
Regal then turned to Kendrick who seemed quite pleased by this plan.
"While I said as many as possible, hold back a little, otherwise there won't be any stragglers for that lot."
Kendrick's mood seem to drop slightly but was still overall quite happy with the situation.
Meanwhile Tristain looked with even more uncertainty than before.
"Kendrick...? You keep calling this man by that name...", Ren pondered with a finger against her chin.
Confused for a moment, Regal and Kendrick remembered that he was dressed rather poorly for someone known as the 'Sword King'.
"I never felt the need to introduce, but yes, this man is Kendrick. I'm sure you can infer the rest from the fact that we are friends, he holds a sword, and has been tasked to charge headfirst in this plan, who he really is", Regal spoke in a tone which suggested it wasn't that important.
From that description, it was entirely possible that Regal was sending a random man named Kendrick to his death, but the adventurer party knew better. This man was almost certainly the renowned sword king who spent his youth alongside Regal while they were both adventuring decades ago.
The party wanted to be surprised, but the pressure of the situation still took hold of them. They were already in the presence of the Archmage anyway, so what does it matter if the sword king is also present.
"Y-you? The sword... king...", Turos however was particularly in awe, though he quickly shook his head and snapped out of it.
Regal sighed.
"Yes he is the sword king, now that we got that over and done with, the final part of the plan.
I'll be taking care of the two-horned majin... it's disappointing really, something that powerful can't quite be used to train the heroes, so its up to me."
'Heroes...?', Tristain thought as he looked at the four individuals who the Archmage dragged along.
"Anne...? Uh, yeah. Anne. Focus on fighting the enemies in front of you, but if you're not occupied, I would recommend watching my fight against the majin. It won't be of much help to you right now, but it could be useful to remember for the future.", Regal suggested.
Anne nodded in response.
'Hah... a two-horned majin huh... why couldn't it be a one-horned? At least the heroes might stand a chance if I injure it enough, but a two-horned one is dangerous injured or not.
Too bad, it's hardly a match for me either... perhaps I should limit myself to the 5th circle? I could make it work', Regal thought.