Decimation and utter bloodshed— that's what the battlefield portrayed. The battle took place in the dark, and as the darkness receded, the morning sunrise emerged. Despite the war playground hosting over 1000 soldiers, none survived.
"Hm, it appears they all killed themselves off," said the demon, unlike the one that terrorized the king of Babylon, this demon revealed its face. Holding his hand behind his back, the demon slowly descended from the far sand dune where he had been observing the raging battle. He witnessed the Egyptians using magic while the Assyrians fought fiercely, resulting in losses on both sides.
Inspecting each body, the demon ensured they were destined for the pits of hell. He was awestruck by the brutality of each corpse, almost like a fan-boy of violence and gore. Murder and gore were in his demon blood. He ranked each body on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being a clean kill and 10 the most brutal.
"This one was beheaded… I'll give it a 4, the cut wasn't as clean. This poor sap got trampled to death, and this one took a spear to the heart. Some of these are so boring, nothing like the torture we specialize in," he proclaimed.
On the floor, a body still clung to life behind the demon. With a weak voice, he mustered the best cry for help his body granted him.
"H…help…p… please," said the man.
The voice reached the demon's ears, causing him to turn.
"Oh, so someone is alive after all… Oh boy, if it isn't General Balashi. Haha, I bet you're wondering how the Egyptians knew about your position. Well, that's a secret," laughed the demon, bending down to get closer to the general.
"It appears your legs have been severed, and your whole upper body is left… I'll give this one a 3. What kind of warrior doesn't finish off his opponent? You know, it's a miracle you're still alive."
"P…please kill me," Balashi slowly stated.
"Sorry, no can do. You see, we demons aren't allowed to kill humans, although there are ways around it. Besides, why kill you when I can have some fun? No, no, no, I can't let you die either. You and I are going to have some fun… haha," laughed the demon with the most murderous laugh ever heard by any man. Thereafter fear overcame the pain Balashi had been feeling.
"Goodbye, the old capital Assur," stated Rabona.
The army had only spent the night in the old capital of the Assyrian empire. The city was magnificent and lively, but the army had a duty to uphold, leaving no time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. They had a brisk breakfast to ensure the army was well-fed, but not to the point of overindulgence. The army was headed towards the city of Opis, with a brief stop planned in the city of Takrit, which was less important than Opis.
Along the way, the soldiers encountered various challenges and trials. They had to cross treacherous terrains, withstand harsh weather conditions, and face the constant threat of enemy ambushes. However, their determination never wavered, and they persevered through every hardship.
At the city of Takrit, they halted to replenish their supplies and to rest their weary bodies. Despite the fatigue, the soldiers remained vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. They knew that at any moment, they might face an unexpected attack, and they were prepared to defend themselves with unwavering valor.
The days passed by although much of the soldiers grew tired they were still ready to accomplish their mission to ambush and destroy the kingdom of Babylon. The next stop was the great city of Opis, and after opis the final march led straight to Babylon.
—
Sumai rushed through the city like a madman, determined not to be late for his post as the prince's bodyguard, yet always arriving early.
"Head guard, apologies for the late arrival, reporting for duty!" Sumai shouted, standing stiff and dedicated as ever.
"Sumai, I'm sure you've realized by now that arriving this early to guard the prince isn't necessary. He usually wakes up late," replied the head guard, Anos.
"I understand, head guard, but I will offer my services until the need to protect the prince arises," Sumai stated firmly.
"Okay, okay, get into your armor," replied Anos.
"I hate mornings," I thought to myself. The idea of getting up early every day was becoming something I dreaded, which seemed unusual to me. I wasn't lazy or anything before I died and reincarnated, but this weakness is something new. Perhaps my injuries haven't completely healed.
"My prince, are you awake?" I heard at the door after two knocks.
I recognized the voice as Sumai's. Ever since he saved me and those children a few days ago, I've grown to tolerate his presence. Yesterday, I went on a mischievous mission to buy and sell items to earn some money, but I couldn't get far because Sumai watched my every step. With him by my side, I couldn't steal, or rather, borrow items. The number of bandits on the streets increased, and a few have already attempted to attack me, only to stop in their tracks when they see the intimidating figure of Sumai behind me.
I began to remember our conversation from yesterday.
"From this day forth, you are my muscle," I declared to Sumai.
"Yes! What an honorable title, my prince! I shall carry this title to my grave and dedicate my bloodline to your service," Sumai replied, kneeling in respect.
I couldn't believe he accepted the title so readily. I didn't mean to give him such a formal title, but he took it literally.
"Yes, come in," I yelled back.
The door to my room opened, and Sumai stepped in.
"My prince, reporting for duty! I sensed that you would be up around this time; I hope my timing wasn't off!" he said.
I was surprised by how well he could sense such trivial things.
"No, you're just on time. Get ready; today, we have a busy day ahead. First, I'll play with my friends for approximately two hours, then I'll head to the markets to make some money, and after that, we'll pay a visit to the academy," I replied.
"Of course, my prince. If I may... you are the most grown-up 5-year-old boy I have ever met, and I mean that with the utmost respect, my prince," declared Sumai.
"You can just call me Nebu," I said.
"Yes, my prince... I mean, Prince Nebu," Sumai replied with a hint of respect in his voice.
After I finished playing with my friends and collecting money, I was ready to head to the academy. Playing with my friends had become a familiar routine—showing up and engaging in competitive games. Collecting money from the market was a bit more challenging, but I managed to earn a considerable amount. Despite that, I still played my part in donating a large portion of food to those in need.
"May I ask, Prince Nebu, why do you need to visit the academy?" asked Sumai as we walked out of the markets, taking a busy path leading to the top school in Babylon.
"If I want to be a great king, I need to be informed and well-educated," I told Sumai, though my real goal was to research anything I could find on magic. Sumai had mentioned that I was brought back from the dead by a certain mage using powerful magic. If magic existed, I was certain I would remember it from my past life, but everything about my previous existence seemed to grow hazier with each passing day.
As we walked, a man atop a horse suddenly disrupted the busy path, shouting for everyone to move out of the way. Sumai stood in his way, glaring at the man.
"Huh… hey you, beast of a man, move out of the way. I have an important message for your new so-called king. I am the official messenger of the Assyrian empire," the man declared arrogantly.
"It's just you? I might be a mere commoner, but even I know that a messenger is more than a party of 1," Sumai retorted, and the man threatened war in response, instilling fear in everyone who listened, including Sumai, who tightly gripped the hilt of his sword.
I tugged on Sumai's sleeve and signaled him to crouch down so I could whisper in his ear. "Let's escort him there, but don't let him know I am the prince," I whispered.
"Yes, my p… Yes, Nebu," Sumai whispered back.
"You there, I am a guard of His Majesty; I will escort you," Sumai proclaimed loudly.
Sumai ordered a path to be made for the man on the horse, and the people stepped aside, creating a clear passage forward. I followed slowly behind Sumai, trying not to appear as if I were following him or that we knew each other.
As we made our way through the crowd, curiosity hung in the air. The people of Babylon were opposed to the Assyrian empire and loyal to the idea of having their own king, making them wary of any Assyrian presence. The messenger, Yangi, rode a dark brown horse, dressed in dusty white clothes from head to toe, suggesting a lengthy journey through the desert.
"Your Majesty, King of Babylon, pardon the sudden intrusion. I am Yangi, a messenger from the Assyrian empire, ruled by His Greatness, Sin Sar," stated the messenger.
The entire room fell silent, and the guards stood in amazement at the bold move made by the Assyrians.
"Ahh yes, and what message does he wish to convey to me?" replied King Nabopolassar.
"King Nabopolassar, we seek your aid in fighting the Egyptian army. Therefore, we would like to propose a treaty and seek a peaceful resolution," said the messenger.
"Your people starved my people and still had the gall to tax us an outrageous sum. Then, after we gained our independence, you walk into my home and demand peace?" cried the king.
"Yes, our King Sin Sar isn't anything like the kings before him. He is merciful and willing to accept your kingdom as its own entity," stated the messenger.
The Babylonian king pondered the proposal, his gaze meeting those of the soldiers and guards, who looked on nervously. Most of them didn't trust the Assyrians and hoped the king didn't either.
"Merciful? Very well, I accept," the king said, surprising everyone in the room who wasn't pleased with the agreement.
"A small envoy of troops should be here within the next day or so. Please don't be alarmed by their large numbers; we didn't want to risk our advisor getting attacked by any Egyptians along the way. Now, if you don't mind, I must excuse myself and make my way back to the capital. Thank you for the audience, King Nabopolassar," the messenger said before leaving the room, escorted by a few guards.
"What an idiotic move," I thought. The Assyrians seem to think we are weak and, not to mention, idiots. Though my father might be one, I won't allow Babylon to fall. This is clearly a trap to destroy Babylon, and I won't give up on my destiny of becoming king and inheriting this land.
As I contemplated how to ensure my father received my message and made the right move, Sumai stepped forward and knelt on one knee.
"Your Majesty, oh great King Nabopolassar, if you don't mind my rudeness, I have a suggestion," Sumai shouted.
"Carry on," my father said, appearing confused.
"This is clearly a trap; I suggest we use this opportunity to ambush them," Sumai spoke with such confidence and seriousness.
"Yes, good one, Sumai," I thought, looking around to see many people seemingly in agreement, including some important figures who stood at a distance from the king but not near the guards.
"Aren't you the merciless, hardened warrior, Sumai?" My father said.
"I was once given such a name, yes," Sumai replied.
"It is said you are our most skilled, brutal, and powerful soldier at our disposal. The bodies you left on the battlefield a few years ago laid the foundation for our kingdom's position today. I am aware that it is a trap," my father continued.
"Perhaps I underestimated my father," I thought.
"I will assemble a team to ambush their soldiers, and you will be at the forefront of the battle. We have to act with haste, as it appears we don't have the luxury of time," my father finished.
Many of the guards and important figures seemed to have lightened up, with smiles on their faces. They probably doubted my father and are glad that he isn't trusting the Assyrians.
As the plan took shape, my father, King Nabopolassar, displayed a newfound determination. He assigned trusted generals and warriors to Sumai's team, ensuring a well-prepared ambush. The atmosphere in the room shifted, and the once tense faces were now filled with a sense of hope and unity.
"Sumai, you have proven your loyalty and prowess on the battlefield before. I trust that you will lead this mission with excellence," my father said, acknowledging Sumai's capabilities.
"I will not disappoint you, Your Majesty," Sumai replied with a firm nod.
As the preparations began, the city buzzed with activity. The people of Babylon came together, rallying behind their king and his decision to stand strong against the Assyrian threat. Merchants offered supplies, craftsmen forged new weapons, and even the common folk pledged to aid in any way they could.