I stepped out of my house and started walking towards the Mortalis Training Grounds.
The sun was just starting to rise, casting long shadows across the town of Malakar.
Six months here, and I had learned quite a bit about this place. Malakar, situated right at the border of the human and demon territories, was a hotspot for conflict. Skirmishes and full-blown battles were common, and the tension was always high.
Twenty minutes later, I reached the training grounds. As I approached the entrance, I overheard a heated conversation between a group of demons.
"Hey, do you know those filthy humans have started attacking the borders of our town?" one demon snarled, his voice dripping with anger.
"Yeah, those selfish humans formed an army of so-called 'demon hunters' and launched a sneak attack on our patrolling guards." another demon replied, his eyes narrowing with contempt.
"I heard over 300 demon soldiers died." a third demon added, shaking his head in frustration.
"It's an all-out assault this time. They're not holding back."
My ears perked up at the mention of the attack. A war at our borders? This wasn't just a random skirmish; it sounded like a full-scale invasion.
My training had prepared me for a lot, but a full-on war? What a joke.
War is going to start soon? I guess I'll have to postpone my training. Just great, as if things weren't complicated enough already.
I approached the group of demons, trying to gather more information. "What's going on?" I asked, attempting to keep my tone casual.
One of the demons turned to me, his expression grim.
He was a hulking figure with red skin, sharp horns jutting from his forehead, and glowing yellow eyes. His armor was dented and scratched from previous battles.
"The humans have launched a major offensive." he said, his voice low and serious.
"They're trying to push into our territory, and it's not looking good. We've lost a lot of our forces already."
"How close are they?" I asked, feeling a knot of anxiety form in my stomach.
"Too close." he replied. "They're right at the edge of Malakar. If we don't push them back soon, they'll breach our defenses."
I took a deep breath, trying to process the situation. This was bad—really bad. I had hoped to focus on my training and gradually grow stronger, but it seemed fate had other plans. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing while our town was under attack.
"I don't think I will able to escape from this battle, I will have no choice but to participate in this battle." I muttered to myself, clenching my fists.
"It's time for some real action."
I quickly made my way to the training grounds, my mind racing with thoughts of the impending battle.
The sound of clashing weapons and the smell of burning wood filled the air as I joined the other demons preparing for war. The training grounds had been transformed into a makeshift war camp, with demons arming themselves and strategizing for the upcoming fight.
Eltor, my mentor, spotted me and hurried over. "Azazel, have you heard?" he asked, his voice urgent.
"Yeah, I heard. What's the plan?" I asked, trying to stay calm.
"We're mobilizing all available forces to the front line." Eltor explained. "We need every able-bodied fighter to help defend Malakar. Are you ready for this?"
I nodded, determination setting in. "I'm ready. Let's do this."
Eltor handed me a iron sword and a set of leather armor.
"Stay close and follow orders. This isn't a training exercise. There are no room for errors."
"Understood."
I strapped on the armor, feeling its weight settle around me.
This was it—the moment I had been training for. I have to focus on the fight ahead and do everything I could to protect Malakar, otherwise, I would die before I even get a chance to get stronger.
As I stood there, adjusting my sword belt, I noticed a familiar figure approaching me. It was Kael, a young demon around my age, with fiery red hair, sharp golden eyes, and dark brown skin.
He was already dressed in his armor, an iron longsword strapped to his back.
"Azazel!" Kael called out, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Are you excited? We finally get a chance to kill humans with our own hands. This is so exciting!"
I couldn't help but feel a wave of unease wash over me.
Exciting? For what? To kill a human with my own hands? I've never killed anyone in my life. Could I really do it?
"Yeah, Kael." I said, trying to match his enthusiasm but failing miserably. "It looks like we're about to find out what we're really made of."
Kael's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "I've been waiting for this since ages. All those training sessions, all those drills... it's time to put them to the test. Are you ready?"
I forced a nod, feeling a surge of determination despite my doubts. "I'm ready. Let's show them what we've got."
We exchanged a firm handshake, but my mind was racing.
Could I really kill someone? And Kael... he seemed almost too excited about this. I glanced at him, seeing the wild look in his eyes. This guy... he must be enjoying the thought of slaughtering those humans.
It not just him. Everyone seemed excited about this. As I looked around, I saw eager grins and intense eyes, demons ready for the battle ahead.
Just then, Eltor marched up to a makeshift stage at the front of the training grounds. His presence commanded attention, and the murmurs of the gathered demons fell silent as he prepared to speak.
Eltor raised his sword high, the morning sun glinting off the blade. "Demons of Malakar!" he bellowed, his voice carrying across the grounds.
"Today, we face a great challenge. The humans have dared to invade our territory, to threaten our homes and our way of life!"
A low growl rippled through the crowd, the tension palpable.
"They believe they can defeat us, that they can drive us from our land." Eltor continued, his eyes blazing with fury.
"But they are wrong. We are demons, born of darkness and chaos, forged in the crucible of battle. We will show them the true meaning of fear!"
A roar of approval erupted from the gathered demons, their bloodlust ignited by Eltor's words.
"They think they can conquer us, but they have underestimated our strength, our resolve." Eltor shouted, his voice rising to a fever pitch.
"We will fight with every ounce of our being. We will make them regret ever setting foot on our land. We will send them back to their homes broken and defeated!"
The roar grew louder, the demons' eyes burning with a fierce determination. Weapons were raised, and the air was charged with the promise of violence.
"To the front lines!" Eltor commanded, pointing his sword towards the edge of Malakar.
"For the Demon King! For our survival!"
"FOR THE DEMON KING!" the demons echoed, their voices merging into a single, thunderous battle cry.
Woah, that's a pretty good speech. Even though I was human once and still haven't fully gotten used to this whole demon thing, that was pretty damn inspiring. I mean, if I was a regular demon, I'd be ready to rip some humans apart right now.
But still, the reality of the situation hit me hard. War was no joke. People—demons and humans—were going to die today. And I was about to be thrown right into the middle of it.
I tightened my grip on my sword, feeling the rough leather of the handle under my fingers.
"Azazel, stay close." Eltor's voice broke through my thoughts.
"We move out in ten minutes. Stick with your group, and keep your head down and your weapon ready."
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Got it."
Kael clapped me on the back, nearly knocking the wind out of me. "Don't look so nervous, Azazel. Just stick to the plan, and we'll make it through."
Easy for him to say. He looked like he was about to win the lottery. Meanwhile, I felt like I was walking into my own execution.
As we gathered in formation, the atmosphere was electric. Demons around me were psyching themselves up, exchanging battle cries and slaps on the back. I tried to absorb some of their energy, to pump myself up for the fight ahead.
Eltor raised his sword once more, signaling us to move out. "Remember, for the Demon King and for Malakar!"
"FOR THE DEMON KING!" We echoed again, and with that, we started marching towards the edge of town.