The fallen fortress was in ruins, a clear sign of the ravages of time and conflict. Surrounding the shattered remains of the once-mighty stronghold, giant cactuses rose from the parched earth like towering sentinels, their twisted forms reaching toward the clouded sky.
But unlike their usual stoic demeanor, these guardians of the desert were engulfed in flames. Their spiky arms were wreathed in auras of fire that danced and flickered in the scorching heat. The flames licked hungrily at the dry, sun-baked soil, casting an eerie glow across the desolate landscape and sending plumes of smoke spiraling into the air.
The air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke and charred wood, mingling with the stale, oppressive heat of the desert. Embers smoldered and crackled amidst the ruins of the fallen fortress, casting long shadows that stretched across the shifting sands like skeletal fingers clawing at the earth.
"This doesn't look like a touristic spot,"
There were some humanoid figures flying above the fortress, and I could see the forms of winged demons. It didn't take long for them to see us and fly in our direction. Melody clicked her tongue in annoyance, as she hated them for taking a part of her territory.
The demons had a weird form, I thought that they would be shameless, and insane, but they were wearing clothes and some pieces of armor to protect their chests and waists. Aside from that, they had dark purple skin and a pair of hones on their foreheads. Classical… bland was also another word that I would have used.
The flying demons had long nails that were pretty sharp as well and could be used for attacks, and fangs, too. They never had the chance to use them since Melody swung her right arm up and down a few times and fired some blades of blood. The attacks beheaded the demons instantly, and they fell to their deaths… I was unable to see their aura, so it looked like I couldn't get any experience for the sins.
"As expected of Your Majesty."
"Let's move away from here and get to the camp. I might take the fortress myself if I keep seeing those disgusting creatures."
Considering my human aesthetics, I would say that demons and monsters looked pretty disgusting… I looked pretty disgusting. I looked like the buffed form a nosferatu, after all. I can't wait to have some skin that doesn't look so dead and eyes that don't make my skin crawl when I look in the mirror.
In any case, we walked a few kilometers south since Roskarl had used too much mana, and after one hour, we reached the camp. Although it was a camp filled with monsters, the place looked pretty organized.
Despite the recent loss of their fortress, the lizardmen worked tirelessly to regroup and strategize, their camp a testament to their resolve. I could only see lizardmen. The tents of the camp were arranged in neat rows, their sturdy frames anchored firmly in the soft earth and their flaps drawn tight against the ever-present threat of the demons.
Within the camp, the lizardmen moved with purpose and precision, fluid and coordinated as they went about their tasks. Some tended to the wounded, their hands working skillfully to dress wounds and administer medicine made from the herbs. Others sharpened weapons or repaired armor.
Despite the somber mood that hung over the camp, there was a sense of quiet determination in the air, a steely resolve that burned bright in the eyes of every lizardman present. They knew that the loss of their fortress was a setback, but they wouldn't be stopped. They were determined to reclaim what was rightfully theirs, no matter the cost.
As soon as they saw Melody, the lizardmen got up and then bowed as she moved toward the center of the place. They were well-trained and polite, even though they could tell who I was, they decided to keep their discipline, at least until Melody left the place.
In the middle of the camp, we found a large tent open, and soon, we found a larger lizardman studying a map on the table. On his back, he had a pretty sick-looking spear. It had three points, and it also glowed while emitting a green glow, just like the lizardmen's skin.
"Your Majesty, thank you for coming.
The lizardman said while bowing deeply. It seemed that he was someone important, a lot more important than Gorgos, and when I looked at Roskarl, he decided to explain it.
"His name is Drax, one of the seven generals of our army. He is a good guy and very loyal, so don't try to pick a fight with him."
"You are indulging me in some brain damage. Do you think that I go around picking fights?"
"How am I wrong?"
"Well, you are not wrong, but you didn't have to go and say it. That is slander."
"It isn't slander if it is true."
"Drax, we have come here to take back the fortress and counterattack against the demons."
"As you command, my queen. After our recent loss, I can't say that my plans would seem appropriate, but I will support you to the best of my ability."
Absolutely eloquently put… I thought that he would insist on telling his idea for taking back the fortress, but it seemed that he knew his place. In front of such a nice guy, I couldn't help but stay quiet a bit. Still, I had the feeling that he would be a different person when Melody wasn't around.