On a ruined battlefield, strewn with corpses of fallen soldiers and the remnants of a defensive line, a red portal, perched atop a hill, towers over the plains around it. The fields around the portal are filled with tens of thousands of demonic beasts. Coiled around the hill, the demonic lord Basilisk is perfectly still, as if it’s hibernating. From the glowing portal, a hum of power awakens it. Its attention is drawn toward to portal.

Inside the portal’s red veil, a monstrous, humanoid entity approaches the boundary, but a translucent barrier prevents it from exiting to the outside. Fear and respect fill the Basilisk’s eyes as it focuses on the humanoid figure. Instinctually subservient to the figure, the Basilisk waits for its next command.

In an inhuman voice, the figure says with a proud grin, “Soon, the portal will complete its transformation, and I’ll be free to ravage this planet of its resources.” Its attention turns towards the Basilisk as it commands, “Two of the demonic lords have fallen, and you are the last remaining. You must defend this portal until it’s transformation is complete.”

The Basilisk’s eyes widen at the announcement of its brethren’s death, its underdeveloped brain growing furious. Stuck inside the portal, the figure begins to rant, “When this planet is stripped bare, and it’s inhabitant corrupted, then I will return to planet War with a new army. With this army, the hundred millennia stalemate will be broken, and the demonic race will be free from its shackles!”

The figure’s gaze, hiding an unkempt hatred, directs towards the seemingly empty sky. Addressing an unseen entity, the figure shouts with glee, “The grace period is coming to an end. Per the oath, once the portal’s transformation completes, then nothing will be able to obstruct me. You’ve grown complacent, and now this planet will suffer as a consequence!”

High above, past the eyes of mortals, the Goddess of light observes the portal below. Her wicked smile tarnishes the Goddess’ beautiful countenance as she gleefully listens to the demonic Guardian’s taunts.

With the green moon hovering far above her, she considers the situation, “What a foolish creature. Oaths hold power, but when did we ever play fair? The demonic race should know their limits; only through our help can they afford to summon new portals on planets. I’ve given them enough time to gather resources; they shouldn’t become greedy.”

Her smile grows wider as she contemplates, “If they weren’t such a useful tool, then we would’ve forced their portals open to the ascension planets and let their inhabitants keep the demonic race in check. The half-gods of those planets are always eager to prove themselves to us, so I doubt they would mind.”

Her gaze shifts towards the border fortress, “My heroes are coming to play their part. Despite their delay in defeating the demonic beasts, I have confidence they’ll succeed. Once this whole charade is over, then the demonic race can go back to playing their part in ensuring the reign of Gods.”

Down at the fortress, inside the command room, everyone takes a seat around the stone table. Taking a seat next to Cale, Rebecca whispers to him, “Did you miss me?” Hearing her, Cale flashes a cocky smile, but the General’s voice interrupts them, “My captains will return momentarily, then we can plan our offensive.”

As the last captain enters the command room, he locks the heavy door behind him. Clearing his throat, the General says, “I’m confident everyone here is aware of the importance of tomorrow’s attack; thus I won’t reiterate the stakes. Regardless of the outcome of this meeting, tomorrow we’ll attack. Any further delay will only strengthen the demonic horde guarding the portal.”

The next morning, at the break of dawn, battalions of soldiers and adventurers gather outside the fortress. Each captain commands a battalion of soldiers, and each gold-ranked adventurer leads a division of adventurers. The General commands the army, while the Guild Leader commands the adventurers.

Cale, nominated by the heroes to take command, forms the bridge between the two forces. Taking the position as the de facto leader of the two armies, Cale is situated at the front of the troops. The other heroes and leaders are gathered around him, including the General, Guild Master, the Founder and Rebecca.

Turning towards Rebecca, Cale asks, “Are you sure you want to come along; it’s safer to stay in the castle?” Rebecca’s expression grows kind as she responds, “I appreciate the concern, but I’ve made my decision. Don’t worry, Grandpa and I will stay at the back without interfering.” Having eased his worries, Cale turns towards the General and nods.

The General steps forward and commands in a booming voice, “Battalions form up and move out! We’ll lead the way.” The ground starts to tremble as the thousands of troops begin their march. In the lead, following next to Mia, Centum’s expression is complex as he contemplates, “Something isn’t right; why do I feel so unsettled?”

His gaze shifts towards the Founder and then to the Guild Leader, but they only flinch in response to his gaze as they quickly look away. “I fear the outcome of today’s battle, but I shouldn’t be. I’m only an observer, the outcome of their tale has nothing to do with me…” A frown forms on his face, as his nineteen-year-old heart, fills with unease.

Before the start of midday, the army arrives at the plains surrounding the portal. Forming a rudimentary formation, the soldiers and adventurers move to their assigned positions. The General turns to Cale and says, “The battle is about to start; I hope your method of closing the portal works. I don’t know why you’re so secretive about this method, but I trust your judgement.”

Behind them, the Founder says will gesturing towards Centum’s general direction, “From here on, Rebecca, the Guild Master and I can’t interfere. I hope you understand.” The General nods reluctantly, somewhat understanding of their predicament.

Around the portal, the hordes of demonic beasts gather in the direction of the army. Sensing the army’s arrival, the Basilisk begins to uncoil itself from the hill as it releases a demonic howl. Under the commands of a demonic lord, the hordes of demonic beasts being to storm towards the heroes’ army.

“Archers, fire! Priests, prepare the shields!” Numerous orders are shouted in rapid succession by each of the division leaders, and in less than a minute, the army springs to life with activity. The rain of arrows cull hundreds of demonic beasts before they manage to reach the front lines. Hundreds of holy shield spring up to block the demonic beasts’ charge.

The holy shields shatter one by one as the battlefield descends into a scene of death. Although smaller than the King’s offensive army, the quality of these troops is being put on full display. For every human death, ten demonic beasts are slaughtered. Observing this situation, the Basilisk is filled with rage. Abandoning its post around the portal, the Basilisk furiously slithers towards the formation.

“It’s finally making its move. In the previous battle, the Basilisk obliterated our front lines and shattered the formation. We can’t allow it to get close. It’s time for the second step of our plan. Emily, Cale and Eric, follow me. Together we’ll take down that beast,” The General says as he rushes forward. “Stay here, Mia, we don’t want you to get hurt again,” Emily says before following along.

Mia can only meekly nod in response as she watches her friends charge forward. “I’ll be here to help you when you need it,” Mia reassures herself while clutching the pearl in her hand. Akin to an arrow, the General and the three heroes puncture a hole through the dense horde of demonic beasts as they intercept the Basilisk.

Observing the battlefield next to Mia, Centum begins to frown as he contemplates, “The final battles in the books were never this easy…” A pulse of energy suddenly radiates from the portal. On the front lines, the demonic beasts’ eyes glow red as their speed and strength double. Their initial advantage disappears as the demonic beasts overwhelm the soldiers.

“This is the end!” the General shout as he lands a fatal blow on the Basilisk. The Basilisk manages a single word as it dies, “Guardian!”. Their eyes are drawn towards the portal as the humanoid monstrosity steps out. “What is that?!” Eric asks in fear. Despair grips their hearts as their triumphant victory becomes a prelude to destruction.

Seemingly limitless power radiates from the figure as it steps forward. Its inhuman voice fills the landscape, “Die for me!” The Founder’s eyes widen in shock, “How can such a creature be here? A world of this level can’t attract a creature of its level. I’m afraid this world is doomed.” Rebecca’s mouth widens in disbelief.

Mia’s eyes dart between the scene of dying soldiers and the faces of her friends in despair. Her grip around the pearl tightens as she decides in her heart. “I’m sorry, Sage,” she whispers to herself. Hearing this, Centum’s premonitions seem to manifest as he realises what is about to happen. Still invisible, his arm reaches towards her, but an oppressive force locks his body in place.

A chantless prayer flows from her lips as she rises a meter into the air. “I promised to avoid casting buffing spells; I hope the others don’t mind.” Channelling half of the pearl’s power through her, she completes her cast; a sharp pain begins to burn inside her. A holy light descends on the battlefield as new strength fills their bodies. Every soldier’s power rises a whole level as they push back the empowered horde.

Up above, the Goddess’ eyes shine with interest as she observes Mia’s actions. “Strange, my hero is using an unknown primordial artefact, I thought we had destroyed all of them. Furthermore, my perception of her is being blocked by something near her. What are you hiding priest? Usually, when a Portal Guardian enters a planet, then the god must kill it, but now I’m curious. Who will die first, you or the Guardian?”

“None shall stop my conquest!” the Portal Guardian shouts as it madly charges towards Mia. Cale tries to intercept its path, but he’s mercilessly thrown aside, “Out of my way!” The three heroes and the General stare in horror as they powerlessly watch as the Portal Guardian nears Mia. “We have to help her!” Emily pleads, but her body won’t respond to this wish.

Next to Mia, Centum makes himself visible. “Mia, don’t do this. There must be another way,” he pleads. A holy light encompasses Mia as she increases the pearl’s output. She looks towards Centum with a pained smile on her face, “I knew you were here, next to me, same as on the hill. You’ve watched over us for who knows how long. My invisible protector.”

Panic grips Centum’s heart as he pleads, “We still have so much left to do, stop this, Mia!” He nears her and barely manages to place his hand on her floating foot, the oppressive force bearing down on his body. A tear rolls down her cheek as she comforts him in a strained voice, “It’s alright, Sage. This is my decision, so don’t be sad. I’d rather die than see my friends suffer. Visit the Mermen for me, okay?” The light around her turns blinding.

“Die!” the Portal Guardian shouts as it leaps towards Mia. A surge of fire elemental power burst from the pearl as it catches the Portal Guardian mid-air. “What!” the Guardian screams as the fire ignites its body. “Mia!” Centum manages a final shout as the Guardian bursts into flames, dying instantly.

Mia looks towards Centum’s tearful face as she smiles a final time. The pearl’s output reaches a hundred percent, and with the death of the Guardian, it assumes control of the portal. Mia’s body begins to disintegrate as it follows her final command. The portal begins to collapse as it dutifully starts sucking in all the surrounding demonic beasts.

In the blink of an eye, the demonic beasts disappear from the planet. The last of Mia’s body disintegrates as her ashes are pulled into the portal along with Centum who’s now clutching the pearl. With a deafening explosion, the portal finishes its implosion.

The battlefield is silent. Everyone’s attention is drawn to the place where Mia once stood. One by one, the soldiers and adventurers fall to their knees as they begin to pray and thank the Goddess for this miracle. The three heroes’ expressions are blank as they struggle to process what happened.

Up above, the Goddess’ expression is uncaring. “She died, but at least she saved me the hassle of dealing with the Guardian. I’ll report the existence of an unaccounted primordial artefact later. There’s no rush. Now I need to find a new head priestess candidate, what a pain,” she thinks to herself. Behind her, the green moon shines a tiny bit brighter, but she doesn’t notice.