As the fragmented population had come to be known as "Hollowvale", it was one of the largest remaining settlements, an emerging hope amidst the despair that had enveloped the world. It was a place where survivors had gathered as their last resort and trying to forge a semblance of order in a world engulfed by darkness.
The Protectors of Hollowvale were low in count when compared to the sheer number of demonic creatures but still included a solid, disciplined and organized force with rankings according to their experience and combat abilities. The hierarchy of the Protectors was structured in ten ranks by a rather secret organization controlling among the settlements, each with its own title and responsibilities:
10. Sentinel - 300 in number, generally townsfolk, but having undergone special training, they provide support and aid to the townspeople in need and also act as reinforcements in the army, despite being born with no abilities.
9. Guardian - 200 in number, scouting throughout the settlement area on a regular basis with their enhanced eyes, an innate ability present from birth that can spot things clearly and accurately up to 5 kilometers.
8. Vanguard - 150 strong, people in possession of giant-like bodies and responsible for controlling riots and preventing any kind of bitterness among the townsfolk.
7. Defender - 250 in number, generally anyone is suitable for it and they serve as the "meat shield" in battles while fighting alongside their comrades as well.
6. Warden - 60 in number, people who excel in both combat and wits, making them suitable aspects contributing to the strategies made for battles.
5. Champion - 20 warriors with brute strength that has no relation to their mortal body dimensions and superior combat abilities compared to the other lower-ranking protectors.
4. Paladin - 30 noble and rich warriors of the corrupted church who fight while praying to their "supreme one" simultaneously.
3. Crusader - 28 genetically gifted or modified-bodied warriors? No one knows what secrets they hide upon themselves.
2. Bastion - 22 in number, a group of tank-based warriors and second to the ethereal knights, who have access to enhanced equipment and magical power limited to the creation of a powerful and massive shield immediately anytime and anywhere according to their will, capable of blocking huge damage from the demons.
1. Ethereal Knight - 7 in number, the mightiest and most formidable warriors present on a battlefield, not only do they excel in all the martial arts in existence but also have a significant and greater control over magic.
One cannot acquire their title by will as their corresponding abilities and traits are considered to be god-gifted and pre-determined since the time of birth.
Rex, an individuality of optimism and grit was a former sentinel who carried out his duties to the best of his abilities. This includes helping the townsfolk escaping demons amidst several war like situations and due to his profound knowledge of the terrain, he was able to escort them to safety, to the extent where he once ready to sacrifice his life stood still infront of a reaper protecting an innocent kid terrified and sobbing, one of the most dangerous species who wandered the planet and used to stole the soul out of other people. Fortunately, an ethereal knight was passing by and rescued them from the onslaught. Despite his bravery and only on the basis of his disability, many people underestimated him and rejected him, finally banishing him from the safe area and into the wild where demons roamed. However, some people who had their humanity still untainted in them recognized his contributions towards the society and offered him a sanctuary near a river at the outskirts of Arcadia.
Coming back to the scene of terror, Even the Ethereal Knights, consisting of 7 great warriors, the highest ranking elites among the Protectors, were not fully prepared for the terror that an Archdemon could bring. The Protectors trained rigorously, their skills honed by countless battles against lower demons. Yet, the power of an Archdemon was a force they had never truly faced.
The settlement itself was a well-organized fortress, with defensive walls and watchtowers manned by the vigilant Guardians. The common people of Hollowvale had adapted to the corrupted environment through the use of different equipments which looked like masks and were specialized in blocking the effects of corruption called the " corruption guards " made with use of the breathing organs and special quality skin that once the Wraith demons possessed. The townsfolk kept learning to grow tainted crops and purify contaminated water with the use of a little magic to sustain themselves. They lived in constant readiness, always prepared for the next demonic assault.
As the Archdemon and his beast approached Hollowvale, the Protectors rallied their forces, with the Ethereal Knights taking the lead, the Champions behind them as the dauntless generals, and the Bastions following them with their invincible shields, protecting their superiors and the entire human army that marched behind them, their blood boiling and rage filled in their eyes. The battle began with a clash of energies as the Archdemon unleashed his dark power upon the settlement. The Protectors fought back fiercely, their weapons glowing with enchantments designed to counter the demonic threat. The air was filled with the sounds of battle: the clash of steel, the roar of the demonic beast, and the battle cries of the protectors as they held their ground.
The Archdemon's army, consisting of Wraiths and Reapers, swarmed the walls of Hollowvale, trying their best to collapse them. The Protectors stood their ground, their titles holding firm despite the overwhelming odds. Ethereal Knights led the charge, their blades cutting through the lesser demons with ease, but the sheer number of enemies began to take its toll.
As the battle raged on, the Archdemon himself entered the battlegrounds, his presence alone causing the ground to tremble. His attacks were devastating, each swing of his weapon sending shockwaves through the honored accolades of the protectors, causing uncountable casualties, including a death tally of more than 100 Defenders and Bastions who sacrificed themselves to protect the weak and the remaining army. The Ethereal Knights, though valiant and skilled, struggled to contain his onslaught.
Meanwhile, miles away, Rex stood near the ancient temple, sensing the battle's intensity. His heartbeat increased as he felt the urgency of the situation and wanted to scout the ongoing battle and situation in Hollowvale while keeping himself hidden in the shadows. It was then that he tried to delve deeper into the divine energy circulating throughout his body and unlocked two new powers within him: the "Divine Vision" and the "Ethereal State." The first ability allowed him to see great distances and perceive the battle unfolding in Hollowvale with crystal clarity while the later enabled him to merge with the darkness and make his body ethereal. Through this divine vision, he could see the struggle and determination of the Protectors, the overwhelming force of the Archdemon, and the despair that threatened to engulf Hollowvale.
Driven by a newfound resolve, Rex decided to act. He had already discovered his ability to move at light speed, a power that transformed him into a brilliant ray of light by channeling the divine energy in his mind while imagining himself to be in such a radiant form. This divine light was so intense that it melted non-living objects and incinerated lower demons upon contact. With this power, Rex could traverse great distances in an instant.
Showcasing his divine powers, Rex transformed into a ray of divine light and surged towards Hollowvale. The grass covered ground beneath him scorched as he passed, and lower demons caught in his path were reduced to ashes. His light cut through the darkness of the atmoshphere, a beacon of hope amidst the malevolence that had taken hold of the world.
As Rex reached Hollowvale in a concealed state by making use of his newly found power "Ethereal State" ,he saw the Protectors faltering under the Archdemon's restless assault But the ethereal light emitted witnessing his presence gave the Defenders a momentary respite in their minds at which they were baffled but soon they found their spirits bolstered by the sight of the Divine General's approach as he revealed himself. Rex emerged from his ethereal form at the edge of the battlefield, his eyes blazing with determination.
The Archdemon's army, caught off guard by Rex's sudden appearance, turned their attention to this new threat. Rex's arrival brought a moment of hope to the beleaguered Protectors, and they rallied around him, their resolve strengthened by his presence.
The chapter closes with Rex standing at the forefront of the battlefield, his divine light illuminating the darkness. The Protectors, though battered and weary, drewing the last bit of strength and courage left within their body and mind on witnessing the Divine General's arrival. The Archdemon, sensing a formidable opponent, locked his eyes on Rex, a cruel smile playing on his lips and expecting Rex for a delightful lamb to slaughter. The true battle was about to begin, and the fate of Hollowvale clung to this enigmatic balance of power on the battlefield.