"Attention!"
"Yes, my lord!"
Fifteen thousand fifteen-year-old soldiers stood in formation in a square as snow lightly fell on them, each the result of Damian's training and attention to detail.
What Damian had been thinking about for a long time was the potion Syndra had used on him to enhance his bones and strengthen his muscles. If he obtained that potion, all his soldiers would be killing demon machines.
"I will visit her and ask if she is still alive." Damian thought as he stood in front of all the young soldiers, who had determined faces for battle.
The only thing he regretted about all this was that these children could not experience their childhood like many others, but he would ensure that the future children of these soldiers would have the chance to enjoy that childhood.
"Glory to humanity!" Damian placed his hand on his chest as he made this military salute.
All the warriors in the field who were waiting saluted back: "Glory to humanity!"
Damian assumed that everyone understood the weight of their responsibility, so he said, "For no one has it been easy to live in times of war; most of us have lost something or someone. If you are here, it is because you have not yet lost the will to keep fighting or seeking revenge."
Clang!
Everyone watched as Damian unsheathed his sword. He looked at everyone fiercely and shouted, "Young warriors, today we face the greatest challenge of our lives."
The earth trembled at these words; the lightning in the sky that protected the surroundings from demonic energies stirred, and everyone felt nervous.
"In these turbulent times, our swords not only defend our homes but also the future that awaits us. At fifteen, many may doubt our ability, but remember that bravery knows no age."
"History does not recognize names, surnames, or races. Time will only remember in the history books the banner of those who have taken up arms against the demons."
Damian paused, lowered his sword, and shouted, "On your shoulders rests the weight of forging a new tomorrow. Every blow and every sacrifice will be another stone on the path to peace and freedom. Always remember that the strength of the heart surpasses that of steel."
"In this battle, unity is our greatest strength. As brothers in arms, we must support each other, trust in our abilities, and defend our ideals with honor and dignity."
"Look around you and see in the eyes of your comrades the reflection of your own courage. Together, we are invincible. Together, we can change the course of history."
"May your valor inspire future generations. May your determination be a beacon of hope in the darkest moments. Always remember that you are the architects of the new world, and in your hands lies the destiny of our land."
"Forward, young warriors! May your swords shine with the light of justice and your hearts burn with the fire of freedom! For a better tomorrow, for a world where everyone can live in peace and harmony!"
"Attention, night guard!"
"Yes!"
"Surrender your swords to the future!"
Everyone unsheathed their real swords—those swords that were promised to them and were special because they were infused with magic.
"Exterminate the demons!"
"Yes, my lord!"
"Kill every last demon!"
"Yes, my lord!"
"Then come and give me your oath." Damian shouted, looking at the soldiers who would now be part of the main army of Snowstorm City, his main territory.
At that moment, a young man approached and kneeled on one knee. Showing his sword to Damian with both hands, he said proudly, "I am the watcher of the borders. I am the fire that burns against the cold, the light that brings the dawn, the horn that wakes the sleepers, and the shield that defends the realms of men. I pledge my life and honor to the Night's Watch, tonight and all nights to come."
"I expect the best from you!" Damian extended his hand and gave this soldier a necklace with a thunder symbol; this was a magical item that only once released a powerful attack spell.
"I will use it wisely."
"Next!"
"My lord..."
One by one, they all made their oath; from today, they would accompany the mercenaries who were part of the Night's Watch, who were also accompanied by the descendants of warriors who had fought with Damian over thirty years ago.
Everyone knew that Snowstorm City was growing in strength; its soldiers currently numbered twenty thousand, which was a significant number considering the situation in the north.
...
A few hours later, Damian was with his right-hand man. "My lord, we are about to become one of the largest cities without the protection of magical barriers; we will be a target for demons from now on."
"The city's defenses are at their maximum; you will activate the magical barrier when you think the time is right and will have control of the stone soldiers who will give us time to prepare and evacuate civilians to the bunker." Damian had many ways to protect his citizens.
To be honest, he didn't know if this was the reason why that demon came to kill him a thousand years ago, but if he had achieved this now, he didn't want to know how it would be in the future.
"Are you planning to visit that great mage who sits at the peak of human power?" Sebastian asked this, knowing that all the best warriors of the time had been called.
Damian nodded, then said, "Frieren wishes to visit that woman, so I believe it is not a disadvantage to visit her."