~Lithiaran Main Military Camp
"How many casualties from last night's border patrol, Maddox?"
"From the two hundred that were dispatched, only thirty have made it back unscathed, with a body count of one hundred and fifty-six deaths and fourteen in critical condition."
Useless new recruits! What good are they, if fending off demons is too heavy of a task for them? They're better off dead!
"Get rid of the injured ones and forge the report to reflect fewer fatalities."
"Y-yes, your royal highness."
"Make way for Crown prince Kazein and his men! I repeat! Make way for the crown prince!" bellowed a guard outside.
They were cheering loudly as if a savior had just entered these grounds. One could feel the tangible shift in the atmosphere as his horse confidently trotted forth. A large group of soldiers were trailing behind him while the other ones continued to clap excitedly. The unwavering, haughty expression on his face was so intimidating that I felt chills running down my spine when he suddenly dismounted his horse before me.
"Welcome. Your highness crown prince Kazein. Though we are meeting again in a less pleasurable circumstance, it is good to see you." I said, as I extended a handshake.
"Hey! Move along, you slowpokes!"
"Who are they?" he questioned as he swiftly removed his hand from mine.
"Four buffoons dispatched from the Uluka tribe. They are clearly making a mockery of Lithiar by sending us these useless fools."
"I see."
He strode towards the four Uluka lads, who seemed to have recognized him as they placed down the water barrels to salute him. What a bunch of obsequious toads they are. Surely, they won't rattle us out to him, will they?
"At ease." said the prince.
His knights had already prepared his tent in advance. They even took care to guard it and refused to let anyone in, not even me. What is so great about him is that they treat him with so much reverence. A broken young man with his reputation in tatters, hated and despised by his own people. That's who he is. What right does a social reject like him have to waltz into my camp like he owns it? I heard he's quite easy to intimidate. I shall see to it that he runs off this camp with his tail between his legs in no time.
+++++
"Am I the only one who's having trouble understanding this report, vice commander Maddox?" he asked sternly.
"Y-your highness, I guarantee that the information is true and…" stuttered the vice commander.
"This is your last chance to tell the truth, commander. Bring me the correct report in less than fifteen minutes or I shall inquire about it from the prince myself."
He was shivering and sweating when he reluctantly left his highness' tent. Prince Kazein gave him quite the scare with the constant glares all throughout the entire exchange.
"Something fishy is happening in this camp." He mumbled and pondered.
"Shall I assign a spy, your highness?"
"That won't be necessary. I'm sure this will be just a walk in the park for you, Leo."
"Understood, my prince."
"Pardon the interruption, your highness. We have brought the Uluka boys you requested to see."
"Escort them in."
As they awkwardly entered the tent, there was a certain familiar air about them. How odd. I don't believe I've met them before today. They lowered their gazes as they lined up in a row, squirming in discomfort in front of me. This must be the signature male garments of their tribe, which sparingly covers the upper body. Aren't they cold?
"Raise your heads and state your names." I commanded sternly as I rose from my seat.
After much fidgeting, shivering, and averting my gaze, one of them finally broke the ice.
"My name is Uwol, your highness. I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Ulrick at your service, your highness."
"My name is Ulyx. It is a pleasure to meet you, your highness."
"I am Uler. A pleasure to meet you, my prince."
They look so much alike that it will prove difficult to tell them apart. However, since they wear distinctive hairstyles, it might not be hard after all. The one with his entire hair braided is Uwol. Ulyx is the one with his hair tied up in a ponytail. The one with the rope twists is Uler, and the one with straight hair is Ulrick. Not bad. I think I got it right from the first try.
"Are you perhaps, brothers?"
"Yes, your highness! We are, in fact, quadruplets!" blurted Uwol cheerfully.
"P-pardon? Qu-quadruplets, as in…"
"…born from the same mother on the same day, your highness." Inserted Leo.
Until now, I thought twins were exceptional, but this is outrageous. I heard that birthing a single child could have detrimental effects on a woman's body, but four at once?
"I-is your mother alright?" I asked nervously.
"She passed away while giving birth to us." replied Uler while giggling nervously.
Looks like I asked a useless question. Their expression instantly turned glum as they forced a smile on their faces.
"How old are you?"
"We are fifteen years of age, sir!" answered Uwol perkily.
"No! you idiot! We turned sixteen last week! How can you forget something so important?"
Their bickering was surprisingly entertaining, which reminded me of Fatima and her friends.
"Teehee! Sorry, I really thought we were younger than that."
"Are you calling us old, you birdbrain?"
"Shh…behave yourselves. We are in the presence of an imperial prince." whispered Uler frantically.
"You should join in the fun, your highness. I have a feeling that these lads will play a very important role both in this war and in your life." whispered Leo in my ear.
"A-ahem! Now then, why don't you fill me in on everything that's been happening in this camp?"
++++++
"Look at their luscious pink blush! I bet they taste wonderful."
"You're drooling again, Fati." Said Ivy with a chuckle.
"Clover, what are you doing?" Ivy grumbled loudly.
"Climbing up to get one, of course."
Her rambunctiousness has worsened ever since I came back. Look at her go! She must really want to eat one. Hm? What is that thing climbing down in her direction? When I realized what it was, I yelled at Clover to jump down, which she did without hesitation. However, when the dark shadow lunged itself after her, it missed . As a result, it collapsed on the grass.
"Stay back, you two!" I yelled in panic.
If my hunch is right, this is a demon. Its rotten stench was permeating the forest, which scared away most of the animals. Based on the way it's slithering; I'd assume it's a snake demon.They're quite dangerous, as their venom can petrify and kill their prey almost instantly. Since this is a small one, I can just smash its head with a rock, and scorch it. The problem is, it's just standing there.
A sudden gust of wind emerged in the forest as the dry leaves scattered and the tree branches fluttered briskly. In an instant, the small shadow had transformed into a giant twenty feet tall black snake standing on its tail. For a moment, I felt my soul leave my body. Ivy and Clover were screaming their heads off as they ran away.
"How dare a mere human stand before me?"
It spoke? Did I just hear the voice…of a demon? How terrifying. Look at the size of those fangs.
"Fati! Get out of there! Hurry!" screamed Clover.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't afraid. I may be a Sant and I may also possess the power to defeat that thing. However, I have never been in a situation like this before, so I lack the experience and confidence to fend this thing off. I don't have a sword, and even if I had one, I wouldn't be able to use it, for I can wield my limbs better than I can a sword. Hold on-
"I have been waiting for months to enter this territory because someone had the nerves to purify this land. Preventing me from feasting on those delicious souls. From what I can see, you must have been the one who dared to interfere in my affairs. You shall pay for your insolence with your very life, child."
"Goodness! Your breath smells horrible!"
Could the small white lights that roam around in the forest at night be what she's referring to? I thought they were giant light bugs. So that's what a soul looks like, huh? Suddenly, I feel like an uncultured dunce. I should have known this.
"Fati! Look out!" screamed Ivy in panic.