***

--- Rondel ---

Date: June 16th, 2026

As parts of the city engulfed in flames, Kagash sat on the roof of the Magic Guild headquarters, watching the carnage with her family. "What a beautiful sight, isn't it, son."

"Yes, it is, mommy," Fagrish replied. "Is our time finally coming?"

"Yes, it is," Kagash stated confidently. "The era of Rondel has come to an end, and we will become the dominant mages on Falmart. Once the corruption and filth is brushed away, all this will be your generation to do as you please. With Rondel gone, Earth mages face a massive backlash from this, according to Soredin. As the Other Worlders say, two birds with one stone.”

When Soredin was telling Cato her people's story, Kagash had a spy fairy listening in(1). Unlike in Falmart where magic is accepted as the norm, on Earth it is a different story. Being a science-based society, the people of Earth are distrusting of magic, especially on the fact that they only recently learned of its existence. Right now Earth magic is barely a threat however, she knew that would change over time as the Other Worlders get more comfortable with it, especially with Rondel’s help. With Rondel’s destruction in this manner, it would only lead to backlash on Earth, ending a possible long term threat in the magical competition for generations to come.

Hearing her husband comment on how the defenders tried and failed to stop the Balrog, she chuckled. "They have no idea how to stop it."

"But what if NATO uses their missiles? What if that Grand High Witch pulls some powerful sorcery like she did with that magic sword?" Fagrish asked.

"That would be a good thing, my dear," Kagash answered. "Our goal is the destruction of this city. If NATO wants to bring their full might against this Demon, so be it. The city will be destroyed one way or another. We have won. That Grand High Witch and her sword might be powerful but it is clear that she is no match against the demons! There is a reason why Zufmuut told us about this demon."

As the battle rages on, Kagash looks toward the illusion of their leader, Lord Valker, watching the fight from Sadera. "Are you pleased, my lord?"

With a delayed response, Valker said, "Yes. Zufmuut is pleased."

Kagash found it strange that a god was working so directly with mortals; however, she trusts their lord. Zufmuut showed them where the Demon was at Arrun, that it could summon the demon realm, and brainwashed the Apostles to serve the League to prevent them from switching sides.

"Watch, my dear. Remember this day."

--- Rondel, residential district ---

With the greatest threat to Rondel in over a millennium, the towering Balrog continued to ravage the city. Half of the city lay in waste as the Demon destroyed everything in its path. Even with the Rondel, Rose Knights, Imperial Army, and Vanguard-7 united, so far they have only been able to slow the Demon down.

In this strange twist of fate, Lelei couldn't believe the similarities of this moment with the 'Fellowship of the Ring' when Gandalf faced such a monster. It has been hell to contain the Demon, trying to prevent it from destroying everything.

Lelei also found an even stranger sight of Imperial soldiers who were mortal enemies only ten minutes ago assisting the Rangers and Rose Knights. Having no love for the Empire, it has been a struggle to turn her back towards them. Especially how quickly everyone had accepted it. Pina plans to battle against the Demon while Sharpe and Pepreos are setting their trap.

Watching Cato and Mimoza cast blizzard spells against the Demon, the temperature around the Demon dramatically dropped as hundreds of ice shards struck. The Balrog unleashed a mighty roar as flames exploded in all directions, canceling the spell. Lelei saw her opening; She gathered her mana in preparation for her newer spell, Sonic Shock. It is her sonic boom spell – but this time focusing it into a concentrated blast besides an area of effect spell.

The Sonic Shock hit the Balrog while shattering glass windows around the nearby area, but all that did was anger the Demon as it took its sword and swung it at Lelei.

Seeing the strike, Lelei formed an energy barrier. The force from the blast is unbelievable as it took all her strength in keeping the barrier up, draining much of her mana. Following the attack, Tuka unleashed an explosive-tipped arrow, impacting the Demon, stunning it a bit.

Soredin arrived, utilizing her powerful ice magic, and began dropping the temperature all around. The ground around her iced over as the frost coated the buildings nearby. However, the Balrog used his wing to block the attack, causing the surrounding area to be swallowed up by the steam.

"Are you ok, Lelei?" Tuka asked.

"Yes, but I had to use so much of my mana," Lelei replied. "But I think we got its attention."

As Cato approached, Soredin was by his side. "We need to keep it away from people's homes."

"That is not the only problem," Mimoza said. "I have been thinking about the plan, and there is a hole in it. Those wings."

"They are a pain in the ass," Soredin added. "They keep blocking our attacks."

"That’s part of the problem, but I think what Master Mimoza meant is that the Demon will just fly away once he senses danger, like what happened with the gunship," Lelei corrected. Watching the Balrog, she continued, "teacher, can you use your sword to take out its wings?"

"No," Soredin said. She then smiled as she snapped her finger. "The Demon is too powerful, but all we would need to do is wound the wing."

"That could work," Arpeggio said. "If you look at the wings, they emit far more fire than the rest of the body. When that… gun...ship… fired those missiles, the Demon’s wings reacted first. I don’t see a staff or other enchanted tool to project such a field and it has to be coming from somewhere. I think the wings are the heart or a key component of its power."

"Alright," Soredin said. "The problem is, once I summon Excalibur, I cannot use any of my magic. All my remaining mana goes into summoning the sword. And there’s a good chance that once I use it that Demon will probably be focused on me."

"Not necessarily," Mimoza said. "Cato, remember that abnormal Hobgoblin we fought?"

Cato smirked. "How could I not? Our victory celebration after that battle was something I shall never forget." Almost protecting himself from Mimoza's wrath, he continued, "what we had to do was lure it outside of the town. While the hobgoblin was focused, we struck this strange hunchback from its back, killing it."

"All we have to do is continue the plan," Lelei explained.

"Correct," Cato said. "This is our plan ladies; Lelei, Arpeggio, and Tuka will lure the Demon to Pina’s army. Once that happens, Soredin will summon the Excalibur and strike its wings."

"Hold on," Soredin urgently stated. "This is a one-time thing. If I do this, it has to count. The amount of heat that Demon emits will fry any of us before we get close."

"Then I will use it, teacher," Lelei said. "When it is time for me to lure it out of the city, I can use the Excalibur to neutralize its wings. We don’t want to play our hand before Sharpe is ready.”"

"That is very dangerous, Lily," Mimoza said. "Are you sure?'

"That is all we have," Lelei replied. "And I know I can do it."

Agreeing to the plan, the four girls ran through the streets. A group of Rondel Knights to the left are helping some people escape from fighting Darlko Guild allies. Looking around, Lelei still saw citizens trying to evacuate. Quite a number of those people were those whom Lelei recognized from class or the markets.

Not only that, the more she looked at the destruction all around her, the more she felt this heart-wrenching feeling within her. Part of the Grand Library building where Lelei always dreamed of working as Grand Librarian was now in flames. The shopping district, which she often visited just to walk around, and recharge after a tiring day of study, was now littered with fire, debris, and the dead from civilians. Watching her city burn like this filled her heart with rage, now understanding how Sofia felt all along.

"Pina's plan is just as crazy as Sharpe’s," Arpeggio commented. "Is this seriously what you two have been up to all this time?"

"Yeah, you will get used to it, sister," Lelei said.

Tuka bursted out laughing, "Two weeks ago, there were assassinations attempts on your life, last week you got infected by an undead curse, now it is a rampaging demon. I think next week should be boys, well, for you two."

"This is no time for games, sister," Lelei said toward Tuka.

"We are fighting a Demon; we could die right now," Tuka replied. "And I mean it. After this, let's have some fun. I know you find that Jaleoa attractive."

With everything happening around her, Lelei suddenly felt her heart rate increase. She found the boy charming, always joyful, good with kids, but most importantly – he is fun. She admits that she fantasized about being with him but has always suppressed it, usually by going back to her studies.

Tuka laughed again as she stopped to fire an arrow. "You humans are so shy."

"I had no idea Lelei," Arpeggio said, surprised. "I never would have believed that."

"Knock it off, sister. You have been treating Flat with disrespect all this time even though he loves you." Lelei stopped, forming a barrier to block falling debris before turning to Tuka next. "And I know you've been getting friendly with Master Cato's servant, Welulia."

"Yup," Tuka said. "After seeing the world nearly coming to an end around us, all I can think about is what happens afterworlds. A home, someone whom to love. We allow so many silly things to get in the way; I know I decided to take what I want and have a good life once all this is over. Sisters, I recommend both of you claiming your man."

Hearing Tuka's words, Lelei looked to Arpeggio and Yao. The three of them agreed and faced the Balrog, deciding to strike together. In combination, she conjures several explosive orbs, her sister uses a beam of light in combination with one of her enchanted artifacts andYao conjures a huge block of ice and throws it at the Balrog. Lelei hurls the orbs at the Demon, swarming its face and igniting an explosive chain reaction, causing the demon to look back in anger. Seeing that they got its attention, the girls started sprinting as fast as they could until they reached the plaza.

The ground trembled as they were being chased. Seeing the Plaza, Lelei pointed with her staff, motioning people to get to cover.. Once everyone was out of the way, she watched Pina’s Imperial forces fire three Ballistas in combination with arrows and four Imperial mages.

Lelei and Arpeggio combined their mana to create a powerful repulsive force to knock the Balrog into a nearby building. The Balrog let out a bone chilling roar as it rammed into a building as the sisters unleashed their spell. Cato ordered them all to give everything they had. Tuka fired another magic arrow whileYao fired the M203 under-barrel grenade launcher at the Demon as the two sisters used their telekinesis to bring down the buildings around the Demon.

Lelei smiled, seeing they harmed the Demon. The soldiers cheered as the three gave high-fives in celebration.

With a mighty roar, the Balrog rose, body emitting flames, incinerating the debris. The Javelin that rammed into its body burned away. Seeing all their efforts result in nothing felt like a defeated note in her gut.

The Balrog lifted his flamed sword and swung it into the Imperial lines, killing many.

"It is ok, Lelei," Cato said as he approached. "This is war; we must remain resilient."

Everyone gathered, watching as the Balrog marched, swinging its sword into the Imperial and Knights. They all want to join the battle, but their mana levels are spent. Soredin used all her remaining mana to summon the sword, while Cato and Mimoza used theirs to help.

A JLTV approached as Andrew got out. "Hey, we got the word. Showtime."

"It has been showtime, jackass," Tuka said.

“Calm down Tuka,” Lelei said. "Everyone, you should go to Pina. Once I piss it off, nothing is stopping it from coming."

"I think we have already angered it," Arpeggio commented. "But you don't have to do it alone."

"No, it has to be me. Someone else might have gotten it wrong." Lelei said. "Once I get its attention, we need to move fast."

Andrew walked up, "Don't worry everyone, she won't be alone. Remember, we don't leave anyone behind."

"Then it is time," Soredin said. She used the last of her mana and reached into her chest, chanting, requesting strength from Merlin and King Arthur. The legendary Excalibur emerged and was handed to Lelei. "Let your aim be true."

"Teacher, you know there is a good chance the legendary sword might get destroyed," Lelei solemnly said as she took the sword.

"It is ok, Lelei," Soredin said. "King Arthur and Merlin would be happy it was used like this. In saving this city and crushing evil. Now, I hope it is enough for the plan to work. Don’t worry too much about the sword, the Lady of the Lake created it to be used by not just King Arthur but people with a heart of a warrior and a hero like you!"

Arpeggio hugged Lelei and then handed her a bag of amulets. "Take these. They will amplify your mana for the attack."

Tears on her eyes, Soredin held Lelei’s face “Lelei, you are the best student I ever had and the key for my kind's re-acceptance to society back on Earth. May God be with you.” Soredin wished Lelei good luck.

“Don’t die on us, little nerdy sis!” Tuka and Yao said.

As everyone left the area, Andrew got back into the JLTV, ready to go as fast as possible.

Lelei took a long, deep breath as she turned to the Balrog. "Balrog… you shall not prevail."

During her battle with Valker, Frayen taught her a new way to do magic, combination magic(2). It was the only way she was able to defeat him. With her telekinesis, the four amulets form a circle with the sword being placed between them. Moving her staff right behind it, she began chanting, "Lighting Avalanche... Hypersonic Projectile... combined spell."

The sword glowed a goldish color as a strong electric current formed. As she focused all her mana into this one attack. Her clothes waved through the magical current, her body feeling the intense energy that is being concentrated. "Fire!"

A massive wave of mana burst out as the sword was launched short at hypersonic Mach 8 speed, even the Balrog could not react. The Excalibur impacted the magical barrier, causing a chain reaction until it pierced through, cutting the right-wing from the body.

The Balrog let out a painful roar as its wing dropped to the ground, magma blood oozing out.

Lelei dropped to her knees, drenched in sweat, lungs breathless. Her muscles are screaming in pain, unable to move. She looked up and saw the Balrog turned directly at her, with fear and anger in its eyes. It let out a roar, holding its sword, and started walking towards her.

"Get up," Lelei mumbled, but her body refused. Suddenly her body stood up, and that is when she noticed Andrew picking her up.

"Let's go," Andrew said, putting her in the passenger seat. He quickly got into the driver seat and drove off as soon as he could; the Demon sword slammed into the ground where they once were.

As Lelei slowly gathered her strength, she watched as Andrew drove out of the gate after being cleared in advance by Ambassador Henson. Looking in the right mirror, she saw the Demon right behind them. "This reminds me of Jurassic Park."

Andrew busted out laughing. "You spend too much time around the Colonel, Lelei. But what you did back there was amazing. Now let's get there."

--- Malugis Valley, seven kilometers south of Rondel ---

"Calm down, Colonel," Pepreos said. "We must have faith that their mission will be carried out."

"He just does not like leaving his team behind," Alicia explained. "To be honest, I don't like it myself."

Pepreos crossed his arms, annoyed. "A General is only as good as the men that serve beneath him. If you are saying your people are not up to the task, then we should go back."

Sharpe replied directly at Pepreos, "Oh General, they are more than up to the task. But a true leader stands side by side with their men and faces the danger together."

"Coming from the people who use long-range weapons," Pepreos replied. "Most of your Generals fight through one of your talking devices."

"Yup, that just gives me more of an opportunity to kick your ass," Sharpe replied.

Pepreos shook his head. "Correct me if I am wrong, but you are just a Lieutenant Colonel, far below a General. That makes me the highest-ranking officer here."

"You're right." Sharpe moved one hand high and the other about mid-section. "A General is up here, and I am about here. However,…," He then moved the high hand and lowered it to his knees. "While I am still here, you are on your way down here."

"Fuck…," Alicia said. "If I knew now all you guys were going to do a dick measuring contest, I would have rather died in the city."

"Colonel, this is Vanguard-Actual; they are coming," Sarah said. "Get ready."

"Thank you, Actual. And after this, let us head back to the condo for a bit." Sharpe replied.

The Imperial Soldiers and Rangers stormed away, getting into position.

Sharpe grabbed the AT4 and prepared himself as the Stryker drove off with Alicia. He wanted constant radio communication with the base, so she needed to be outside the magical field the Balrog emits. "General, we will only have one shot with this. That bastard has to stop here; otherwise, all this is pointless."

"You have nothing to fear," Pepreos stated as he tightened his gauntlets. "As you Terrans say, bring the rain."

Looking out, Sharpe saw the JLTV coming out of the trees. Behind them are trees engulfed in flames as the Balrog burst out of the forest, charging close after them. "Alright, I will fire first and then you."

As the Demon approached, Sharpe fired. The rocket exploded before impact from the intense heat; however, it did stop the Demon as it adjusted to the new threat.

As planned, Pepreos took a step forward, hands glowing as lightning sparked out of his hand. After the JLTV stopped behind them, he raised his hands and fired. A string of lightning strikes struck the Balrog. It accomplished its goal as the Demon stopped, using its sword as a shield.

"Colonel!" Andrew yelled.

"Got it," Sharpe replied. "Come on, General."

Pepreos stood there, forming an elemental bomb in his hands. "One moment." He then unleashed it by pushing his hands into the ground. Suddenly, a large root emerged from the ground as it grabbed the Demon leg. It began trying to drag it into the ground but it started catching fire. "That will not last long." He quickly rushed to the other passenger seat.

Once everyone was inside, Andrew floored it, going as fast as he could. Leaning over, Sharpe saw Lelei sitting in the chair, looking exhausted. "Good job, kid. Proud of you."

"Enough of the victory lap; the Demon is going to leave the trap," Pepreos said.

"General, form a barrier around this vehicle," Sharpe said. He then looked back as the Balrog broke free from the summoned root.

As the Balrog began moving after them, a massive explosion happened next to it, forcing the Demon to stop. Another explosion went off nearby as US Army Tomahawk missiles coming from Forward Operating Base Kalsu, ATACMS from Italica, and hypersonic missiles from Alnus.

"Don't stop!" Sharpe said. "We need to get at least two miles away, Andrew."

"That is not good news; good thing we passed on our genes already, sir?" Andrew said as he tried to break the stress with humor.

"I have holes in mine; I'd rather live long enough to buy a new one's Sergeant," Sharpe replied.

The vehicle stopped due to the lack of an opening into the forest, only a mile and a half away from the safe distance. "Barrier General, with the amount of ordnance that is about to come down here, we are going to need it."

As a barrier was formed around the JLTV, everyone looked out to the Balrog. Due to the long-range missiles not locking-on because of the magical field around the Demon, the only option was a massive scale bombardment. Luring it out here, away from the city, NATO could unleash everything without holding back. According to Sarah, she said that General Stanford made this operation a priority.

While unable to lock on, missile after missile land all around the Demon. While most of the miss, it still felt the explosions from each impact as it stood on ground zero. The constant missiles that were raining down from all directions had stunned the monster. It flapped its one wing, trying to fly away, gaining a little lift. However, a missile struck its back, tearing apart the last wing.

A massive heat wave emitted out of the Balrog, destroying some of the incoming missiles, but others managed to break through.

"Vanguard-Actual, this is Vanguard-Lead; the target is contained for now," Alicia said. "Ready for Strike Package Hammer."

"Roger that," Sarah said. "C-130 overhead. Dropping MOAB in 3…2…1…, dropped. Let the angels of heaven come raining down and slay the demons of hell, bring salvation to all who are worthy!!"

Looking towards the sky, Sharpe saw a C-130 with the bomb coming out of its back. Moments later, that bomb, one of the most powerful conventional munitions in human history landed on top of the Balrog, exploding in a fiery blast that consumed a full square mile.

While out of the range from the explosion, the heat blast came hitting the barrier Pepreos formed. "Hang on, everyone!"

The vehicle shook violently as the blast moved past them. A moment later, the explosion was over, and Sharpe looked out, seeing the Balrog standing there. At first, he thought it was still alive, however as the dust dissipated more, most of its flesh was gone, half of its chest, a leg, and both of its arms gone. The flames that once engulfed its body were now out, only leaving a black ash shell. The body tipped over and smashed onto the ground.

Andrew got out of the vehicle and stood on the hood. "We did it! I cannot believe we did it."

Getting out of the JLTV, Sharpe gazed at what was left of the corpse. A part of him struggled to accept that it was dead, but Andrew was correct; the Demon was dead. Lelei walked to his side. "Your plan worked."

“And you were able to piss it off,” Sharpe replied, enjoying the moment.

Lelei looked up toward Sharpe and smiled, “I learned from the best.”

Patting her on the head, Sharpe smirked. “That is not a nice thing to say to Sarah.” He then looked at Pepreos. “Going, to be honest. There was no way we could have done it without you and your men.” He then held out his hand.

Pepreos stood there. “Pina was right about you people and what is going on. Krysist was right.” He then took Sharpe's hand. “But the job is not done. We might have killed the Demon, but both of our forces are still stuck in Rondel. Even if we get there before they are all slaughtered, we just don’t have enough men.”

Hearing Sarah's voice, Sharpe held out the radio so she could speak. “That is why God said always have a woman by your side. Someone has to do all the preparation work for you guys.”

Noticing the Stryker and caravans of Imperial soldiers arriving, Sharpe looked to the sky and saw MH-47G Chinook arriving en masse. “I love you, honey. General, you asked for an Army, you got one.”

Only one of the Chinook landed nearby. Colonel Yang with Captain Bailey walked out of it, escorted by some rangers. Sharpe approached and then saluted.

“Lieutenant Colonel,” Yang said. “Didn’t I send you out on a diplomatic mission?”

"Then I would say mission complete, sir," Sharpe replied. "They should have been here already," Sharpe mumbled as he paced.

Yang looked towards the destroyed landscape with a Demon corpse in the middle of it. "We really need to work on your terminology, Sharpe." He then looked towards the Legionaries. "What is going on here?"

Sharpe looked toward them. "Allies, sir. Empress Pina was able to turn the Imperial garrison in Rondel to our side. I will inform you in detail later, both in AAR and personally. So, what is the plan now?"

“Empress now? Interesting,” Yang said. "This is the plan, Sharpe. I have ten Vanguard units plus the 101st ready to take that city. If the League thinks we are just going to sit by and allow this madness to continue, think again." He approached Sharpe and whispered, "Can we trust them?"

"Yes, sir," Sharpe said. "If it wasn't thanks to them, we would all be dead, and we are going to need them."

As two more Chinooks landed, Sharpe saw First Lieutenant Johnson, Captain Charlie's, and many of the other Vanguard team leads. Rose Knight leaders, Beefeater and Bozes, Colonel Anderson of the 101st that was assisting. There seemed to be tension with the NATO side and Imperial side as everyone was trying to figure out how to deal with one-another.

Among the 101st, he also saw the Rondel mage Jaleoa who lived in Alnus. Lelei quickly rushed up and hugged him, confusing the boy. Johnson elbowed Sharpe, joking about the sight. “I will kill him later. But she did good today, they all did.”

“What are we expecting in Rondel?” Yang asked.

“A bloodbath so we better hurry,” Sharpe said.

Yang turned around. "Everyone loads up now, Rangers, Knights and Legionaries. We got a city to save!"

Once on the Chinook, Sharpe saw Rangers and Legionaries standing side by side. There was unease between them, being enemies mere moments ago, but they all know about the common enemy they have now. It is going to take both groups to save Rondel.

Bailey approached and patted Sharpe on the shoulder. "Nice job, sir. Always having fun without me."

"It is not fun until we plant the flag on that Darlko couple's corpses," Sharpe replied, getting a power bar for Lelei to regain her strength. "I heard Delilah gave birth ."

"Yup," Bailey happily said. "Our Twin girls: Dorra and Donna have been born. Wish I was there with Deliah, though. By the way, what happened to Selina?"

"Comes with the job," Sharpe said. "She's at the Villa taking care of the wounded."

"Roger that boss," Bailey said. "When we land, my team will head to the Villa and make sure she is safe."

"Thanks, buddy," Sharpe said. He then stood by the ramp as it was closing and faced everyone. "Alright, Rangers, Knights, Airborne, and Legionaries, let's roll out!"