Neila managed to safely return to Syi and provide reports to the guards at a cost of leaving Simonn to delay Demons forces. Unfortunately, when Davin and her warned the town the presence of Demons, they were quickly apprehended for questioning.

“Now I’m sure it was just a normal Basilisk you guys encountered. The rest of the Demons were sealed by the Hero and his Acolytes before this war, you know?”

“But it poisoned some passengers, and it could petrify things.”

“Bah, tell me something I don’t know. Basilisks are Soldier-Ranked monsters by the guild’s standards. Don’t confuse something you can’t beat for something like a Demon. You’re causing a ruckus for this town.”

“It’s a Wicked Basilisk.” Davin corrected. “It also led an army of Demons through the rift. You need to evacuate this town before it’s too late!”

“Riiiight. If there was this “Demon Army” you saw, the outpost would’ve sent us a word.”

“We just came from there! It’s literally in ruins!” Davin was about to tear his hair off trying to persuade the guard to listen. “We had to leave a friend behind to warn you about this!”

“Aren’t you a nice fella? What about you, young lady?”

“You’re not going to take our statements seriously. I don’t see the purpose to repeat ourselves. Can I go?”

“As long as you don’t spread rumors and cause trouble. Get lost.” The interrogator sighed. “Damn Adventurers. You kids always play pretend heroes just because you can kill a few monsters.”

“Ah?! You want to say something? Say it to my face!”

“Davin, don’t cause any more trouble. He won’t listen to us. We’re leaving.”

“Grrr… fine.” Davin marched off after Neila. “What do we do now?”

“I need to find Elizabeth. Simonn said she will help.”

Neila secured Simonn’s tag. She bit her lip and headed for the tavern where most staying adventurers gathered.

Elemental Spirits, please keep Simonn safe.

The place was bristling with dinners. When Neila stepped through the entrance, she was immediately greeted by one of the waitresses.

“Hello, welcome! We’re full at the moment, it’ll take another twenty minutes for a free table.”

“O-oh… Actually, I’m looking for someone.”

“Hmm there’s too many faces to remember. I’m afraid I cannot help you. Anyways, there’s lots to do, yup! Feel free to look around or find a table if you feel hungry. If you adventurers don’t eat, you won’t have energy for your quests!”

“Thanks, were fine for now.”

“Okay, if you say so! Yup!”

The waitress dashed off into the bustling mixed crowd of adventurers and miners. All around them the smell of savory food and drinks wafted on the air. The sound of sizzling meat and searing fat served on a hot slate tempted them as they walked around. They dodged a few servers carrying platters of food.

Neila spotted a familiar Beastkin towering over a few figures cheering with a fork in her hand.

“Meat, meat, meat!”

“Now we’re talking! After we brought that Kobolds Chieftain down, I could eat more!” A male fighter sharing the same table cheered. “Hey waitress! Bring me another plate- make that three! I have the money for it!”

“How could you two eat that much?” The halfling frowned as she ate her meal delicately. “I haven’t seen any as much a glutton as you two. Lucy, where does all that food go?”

“I dunno.”

“Is that so?” The Halfling commented staring at her friend’s chest before she noticed two figures approaching the table. “Elizabeth, we have company.”

“Oh, it’s them.” Elizabeth said, acidly. “What do you want?”

“We need your help-.”

“Pass.”

“Don’t just ignore us like that!”

Before Davin could slam the table, he was stopped by a fighter. A buster sword of Davin’s height rocked forward and used by the fighter to stand up from his seat.

“We might know each other’s names but we’re not well aquatinted to be doing favors for you guys.”

“Dammit Tyler, get out of the way.”

“Ha! You’re ordering me around? Who do you think you’re talking to?”

“You want to fight? You’ll get one after.”

“After? Are you too chicken to fight now? I’ll let you land the first blow if you dare. I won’t even dodge.”

“Settle down, you two.” The halfling hollered. Her large ears perked up. “Didn’t they have a third person with them from this morning?”

“Adbelle’s right.” Elizabeth head took a few turns and raised her eyebrow when her eyes landed back onto Neila. “That’s strange. Why isn’t Simonn with you-? Oh. Oh no.”

Neila, after pulling up a stool, put his tag down across the table and slid it towards her. The hostility between the group began to fade as Elizabeth picked up the tag and inspected it.

“He’s fighting and he needs your help.” Neila said.

“Fighting what?”

“Demons.”

The table next to them went silent and that silence carried throughout the dinning area until murmurs broke out.

“Demons? Did she say Demons?”

“I think she did.”

“Hey, girly. You said you saw Demons? Aren’t you mistaking them for those, whatchamacallit? Otherworlders-, Players?”

“No, they were Demons. The one we encountered had wings, a scaly body and a head of a snake. It can breathe poison and petrify people. It led a group of Lesser Demons.”

No patron had encounter or seen Demons since the last war. It was said they were sealed by the seven Acolytes and can only be freed when the seven joined together to unlock the seal.

“Hahaha! She said she saw Demons! That’s just a Basilisk!” A drunk from another table laughed hysterically. “Girlie, you know how to joke. You almost scared me there!”

“You drunkards!” Davin shouted. “We really saw Demons! Don’t laugh!”

“What kind of Basilisk has wings? They must’ve encountered a Lesser Wyvern from a nearby swamp but they don’t petrify people. What if…”

“No way. All Demons have been sealed away from this world. No one, not even the Hero can break it except if all the Acolytes came together to undo the seal.”

“Look, she’s a Rookie Rank. Maybe she encountered a slime too strong for her. She got scared and cried, ‘Demon’!”

“Go home girlie, adventurer life doesn’t suit you.”

“You bastards…!” Davin made a fist.

In a matter of seconds Neila became the laughingstock of the tavern. Adventurers and the like chided her warning and kept the festive atmosphere alive.

Neila bit her lip as hung her head and endured the humiliation.

A moment later, a tag approached her line of sight. A finger tapped her shoulders.

“Is it true?”

In response to Elizabeth, Neila only gave a small nod.

Elizabeth groaned displeasingly.

“Where ya going, Elizabeth?” Lucy asked.

“You guys watch over her. I need to make a call.”

Elizabeth made her way towards the residential area of the hall. An awkward atmosphere fell onto the table as Tyler, Davin, Adbelle and Lucy passed awkward glanced among themselves.

Lucy pushed a platter of steak towards Neila. “So, umm… food?”

“Quit it, Lucy. It’s best to leave her alone for now.” Adbelle sighed. “If they want something, they’ll order for themselves.”

“I know I’m a prick sometimes but you’re just ice cold.” Tyler frowned, but his expression changed when he spotted a figure opening the saloon doors.

Heavy footsteps echoed from the hall quelled the sound of the crowd.

The disturbance came from a masked individual carrying a ginormous guillotine blade chained on his back. If an arms dealer just outside the tavern was selling a greatsword that was considered one of the largest in town, the masked individual’s weapon size outclassed it by three folds. It was like seeing a giant board with a handle strapped onto his back as he walked.

“Whoa!”

“Is it real? How could anyone carry something like that into battle?”

“That has got to be the biggest weapon I’ve seen anyone carrying.”

The blade certainly peaked everyone’s interest. The masked individual remained on the move, unbothered by voices circulating around. He brushed aside the energetic waitress’ greeting and shrugged off strange looks as he weaved through tables with a bold stride.

His appearance was unique as his stature was much smaller than other muscular men drinking in the hall.

The leather armor covering his abdomen and chest was black with light yellow stripes. The tasset around his waist was made of red cloth but the belt holding it had the same color scheme as his armor. Such villainous patterns weren’t unique in Yilan, but the materials used to craft it were unfamiliar to his watchers.

The polished mirror on his face reflected everyone’s expression around the table and stopped next to Neila. Neila grew increasingly anxious as the visitor stood there and watched them silently.

The mask turned very slowly towards Neila’s direction. The speed which it moved was non-human and more inanimate, like a mechanical doll. His voice sounded entirely synthetic.

“Iliac hair. Is it you?”

“S-sorry, do I know you?” Neila asked.

“No, but I know you. I heard what you said.”

The Masked individual unshackled chains around his guillotine blade and set it off his back. His fingers opened like his hand held some invisible object and stretched his arm over the table.

“Yol, Foram, Zek, Ruh, Val, Exlas, Dejent. I recreate what has been trapped in the void.”

Magic? He’s not using any magick ink. Moreover, what element is that?

“Don’t tell me he’s-.”

“You two, get back!” Tyler yanked Davin and Neila by their collars and threw his greatsword to the front.

The air vibrated as a black orb materialized from thin air. It expanded until it reached the size of a keg barrel and was smashed on top of the table.

“What are you doing?!”

The entire tavern filled with adventurers bounced off their chairs and drew their weapons.

“Evidence.” The masked man said, pointing towards the table.

The appearance was rather hard to see because of the constant miasma pouring from the corpse, but the non-human features of horns and bat-like wings confirmed everyone’s suspicion.

“I encountered it on the field. And much more.”

“I-is that a Demon? All I can see is some black blob.”

“Perhaps the idiot who asked that question is taking the situation too lightly.”

“Eh? Wha-.”

The drunkard from across the room had his face covered by a hand grabbing over his face.

The crowd was dumbfounded how quick the masked man towed his enormous guillotine blade through the crowd and himself towards his target while he was seen only taking onestep forward.

The rest was speculations of what skill he used. Did he even use a skill?

“H-hey! Let go of me!”

“I believe you were the one of the first people to laugh at her. My master sends his regards. Be grateful he is occupied elsewhere, or he would have your head on the spot.”

In an instant, he slammed the drunkard face first into the counter, shattering everything on the way down. The man he threw was in full plated armor forged of steel. After the dust settled, there was a body- broken limbs and barely breathing. Metal bits of the armor scattered around.

The masked man raised the drunkard’s helmet and crumpled it to the size of a baseball barehanded. For someone to destroy a knight’s heavy armor with nothing but his bare hands, it only meant the masked adventurer possess abnormally threatening physical ability.

“Anyone else?” He asked whilst tossing the innkeeper a golden chit.

His audience were either too shocked or frightened to make a sound. Among a few were guards. They swallowed heavily since their duty was to arrest any troublemakers in town. They were willing to look the other way due to being certain the same fate befell them if they engage in a brawl against this man with monstrous strength.

He passed the crowd like taking a stroll through a silent forest. The echoing footsteps stopped when Elizabeth spoke out to him in the background.

“I didn’t expect you to arrive that quickly.”

“It was you who summoned me?”

“Wait, let me get this straight.” Adbelle lifted her glasses and rubbed her eyes. “You called him?”

“Simonn instructed me to call his emergency contact if his tag falls to my hands.” Elizabeth answered. “He said something about the situation would take care of itself. It did, did it?”

“I see.” The polished masked turned to Neila. “Apologies for the late introduction. I work for my master. I served as a soldier from the last war.”

“A soldier from the war?”

“No wonder he was that strong.”

“Are soldiers who fought in that war this insanely strong?”

Murmurs erupted left and right.

“Y-yeah, nice to meet you-, umm and your name?”

“As a Slave, I have been ordered not to reveal my name until I have gained my master’s permission. However, it’s an honor to finally meet you, Neila. My master has mentioned you numerous times during the time we served our calling and my curiosity has finally been satisfied.”

A slave? Him?

Neila was baffled a person this strong was controlled by someone. She knew there were slaves in this world, but she never expected Simonn out of all people to own one. As she stole small glances off him, she noticed he had no collar, bracelet, or a crest to identify him as a slave.

“He took off my slave collar when he purchased me. To this day, I continue to declare myself his slave to pledge my loyalty to him for I have unrepayable debt.” The masked man answered as if he could read Neila’s mind.

“I don’t think this might be the best place to talk given I’ve asked for a room if you’d like to brief us there.” Elizabeth said.

“Us?” Lucy, Tyler and Adbelle asked.

Following the leader’s words, Elizabeth’s group shrugged at each other. It was only when the masked man stepped out of the hall, gasps of air were heard.

The well-oiled door moved as the group walked in only to find the room sharing a bronze-colored theme with the furniture. On one side, a line of wooden mannequins by the wall were fitted with different styles of old armor once worn by unknown adventurers. On one side, a grandfather clock showcasing its impressive gears continuously provide a soft background noise to help ease Neila’s anxiety.

“We have until daybreak.”

However, her anxiety returned when the masked stranger spoke.

“I’ve spoken to my master. He can only hold against their numbers until he has to attend to another matter.”

“I find this absurd. Demons? How did they even get here? I thought the Acolytes have sealed them off after the end of the last war.”

“Not all Demons were banished. Those who chose to follow the Hero were spared. Those who kept to their pride fuel with vengeance were given eternal banishment.”

“How did you know that?”

“I believe all of you are aware the answer you seek but you refuse to accept it.”

Adbelle gave a mixed expression of confusion and frustration. She tried to dig deeper for a solid answer, but the masked man brushed them aside with vague statements.

“I dun get it.”

“Lucy, not now. We have bigger things to worry about.”

“Yes, we do.” The masked man agreed.

Elizabeth pulled out a map she obtained from the front desk and laid it on the table. “Do you know what we’ll be up against?”

“This town will defend against Imps and Lesser Demons. Possibly a Behemoth as well.”

“No Greater Demons? They’re looking down on us, aren’t they?” Tyler groaned.

“No. Master has promised to slay all Greater, Higher and Arch Demons to reduce the risk of the town being seized.”

“Hang on. He’s even fighting against Arch Demons alone?” Adbelle exclaimed.

“Am I supposed to be concerned?”

“We’re talking about Arch Demons! Monsters that can wipe out cities on their own! Your so-called Master is just going to deal with them?!”

“Compared to master’s next task, Arch Demons are hardly considered a threat. All I ask of you is to rally as many arms to defend this location at all costs if you wish to see my master ever again.”

“How strong is Simonn anyways? Every time I ask him for a duel, he refused.” Tyler asked.

“My strength could be considered slightly below his.”

“So very. Noted.”

“From your words, does it mean Simonn’s not going to come back?” Neila asked.

“That depends whether or not you are victorious.”

“I know Simonn’s counting on us, but you saw the people down there.” Davin pointed. “They don’t believe us, neither did the guards. Anyways, you’re here to help right?”

The masked man reached for Simonn’s tag and dropped it in Neila’s hands. He stood up from his chair forcefully, bringing his guillotine with him.

“Wait. You’re not staying?”

“I have already completed my task. This battle is not my main concern. I am instructed to return to my master’s side-.”

Neila stood her ground between the masked man and the exit.

“Take me with you. I want to see Simonn.”

“Master does not wish to see you at this crucial time.”

“There’s no way Simonn doesn’t want to see me.”

“And you wish to leave this town defenseless while you chase after him? From what I’ve gathered, a bigger storm is brewing because he complied with your wishes. Fulfill what you’ve started or else you would have soiled my master’s efforts.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you only understood what great lengths master has done to protect you, he would not have been dragged back into this mess.”

“Back into this mess? Ah, fighting Demons again.” Elizabeth mumbled.

“Something else.”

I don’t understand him!

Before Neila could bring in her argument, he had already walked out of the room. She chased after him, but the hallway was empty. The masked man simply vanished.

Where did he go? Just who is he to Simonn? Master this, master that. It’s kind of irritating to hear him keep saying that.

“Neila, get back in here. That guy’s not going to help. We need to find a way to convince the adventurers.” Davin hollered.

“No, I think the adventurers believe us from that guy’s actions. It’s persuading the guards.”

“Elizabeth, couldn’t u do something bout dat?”

“I guess this is an emergency. I hate to call on favors from my aunt, but it seems like I have no choice.”

Feeling a bit hungry, Neila decided to visit the hall to get some food.

It was late in the night with only the innkeeper and his daughter, a waitress serving a small group that came for a drink. The table which the masked man destroyed was already cleaned and replaced.

“I thought you left.”

“I have another message from Master.”

The masked man helped himself to a seat across from Neila. He slid a folded note towards her and crossed his arms as Neila opened it.

Neila,

If you’re reading this, I’m assuming everything went as expected. Sorry that I’m not able to get back to you immediately, but I’m tangled in a sticky situation. I wish I can talk about it, but I don’t want any chances of it being leaked.

I’m sure you have questions and I promise to answer them when I get back. For now, I’m going to leave you with a spell that’ll help you when you’re in danger. Felix, my aide, will give you a present I’ve prepared for you.

Will see you soon, and don’t forget to think about how much I love you!

Simonn.

“That last part is really Simonn. But a spell? I thought Simonn doesn’t know magic?”

“Master is well versed in magic. Unfortunately, I’m the middle of our journey, his body has contracted a unique condition that does not allow him to control mana freely.”

“I didn’t know that. Why didn’t he tell me?”

“I believe it’s simply because it wasn’t worth bringing up. Although both of us had spent a lot of time with Master, he holds many secrets even I do not know.”

Grah! I’m so confused. Why doesn’t Simonn tell me anything?!

“His secrecy was to keep you safe.”

“Just how many secrets does he need to keep me safe?”

“A lot.”

“What kind?”

“Dangerous kind.”

“How dangerous?”

“Very.”

“Explain.”

“No.”

He’s dodging all the questions!

The masked man sat stilly for a moment with his head down. He wrapped his fingers into a ball and let out shallow sigh.

“I heard if it weren’t for you, master wouldn’t be the person he is today. That would also mean my sister and I would’ve been left to rot within that Slave Trader’s dungeon.”

“You have a sister?”

“Yes.”

“Her name?”

“Elin.”

“What is she like?”

“Kind.” He spoke softly.

A moment of silence later, he spoke again.

“Back then.”

“Back then? Does that mean…”

“Yes, but she was happy her life did not end in that dark place. I remembered when I was starving, she would give me her portion of the only meal we would get that day.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yes. It was nice. To have a sibling.”

“I can relate to that. I have a younger sister.”

“Younger sister?”

“Her name’s Laura. She lives with my parents back in the capital.”

“Laura. I see.”

“Yup! By the way, not to be rude but I’m curious. Was there a specific reason why Simonn chose you?”

“I do not know. I believe it was by chance. I could still remember the joy in my sister’s voice when Master had bought and treated our wounds and all. If only I could see what face she made when we knew we were going to see the sun again.”

He’s blind…?

“Is that why you wear a mask?”

“No. I wear it to suppress a growing curse. I’ve had this for as long as I remember being alive.” He then set a package on the table. “As requested of my master, I have made the delivery.”

“Just one more thing. Are you sure I can’t meet Simonn?”

“I cannot as the days coming will be crucial. Please believe in him.”

“I always do. I know he’ll never break a promise with me. When you get back to him, I want you to deliver a message to him. If he makes me wait too long, the deal’s off.”

“Deal?”

“He knows what I mean. Go. Help Simonn so I get to see him as soon as possible.”

“Understood. I shall deliver your message to him without failure. And thank you.”

“For what?”

“Out of all the people I’ve spoken to, I found our talk… enjoyable. I can see why he’s thinking about you all this time. I am envious.”

The next day arrived.

The town was unusually active before the sun had even risen. People, mainly adventurers camped by the main entrance from an emergency quest posted by the mayor. Soldiers stationed in town were mobilized into platoons and fortified defenses in preparation of possible Demon invasion.

A request for reinforcements from the capital was sent overnight. Although their prayers were answered, help would not arrive until noon. The town would need to defend itself until reinforcements arrive.

“That did it. Let’s hope this is enough to hold against Demons.”

“If they do come.” Tyler rolled his eyes.

“And if they do, let’s hope we’re ready for them.” Said Davin as he looked at the main gate being reinforced by earth magic barricade.

The threat of Demons wasn’t to be taken lightly. Upon those who do not wish to fight Demons because of inexperience but would like to offer support were able to participate by helping soldiers to fortify defenses.

“What were Demons like?” Elizabeth asked. “How strong are they?”

“I can’t really gauge because Simonn cut them down like nothing, but…”

“But?”

“There was one that could regenerate any lost limbs instantly. It can petrify and shoot poison. I know it sounds like an ordinary Basilisk but it’s not. Simonn called it a Wicked Basilisk.”

“A wicked archetype. I heard about those encounters from papers.”

“Elizabeth, don’t tell me you believe him. Basilisks can’t fly.”

“We’re talking about monsters that came from the Demon Realm. Anything’s possible. Also, we can’t dismiss the fact there are Demons. The guy from yesterday even brought a corpse out to show us.”

“I’m not fond of using my brain. Just let me hit stuff.” Tyler groaned. “Adbelle. How’s restocking?”

“We’re almost done crafting spells.”

Adbelle tended a small flame built of rocks and branches to set a traveler’s alembic kit above it. The equipment she owned produced volumes of the finished product lower grade than professionals but being able to create catalysts anywhere was better than not having any.

On the other hand, Neila rolled materials into a mortar and crushed them. A powerful but smelly dissolvent was then help breakdown the compounds. Although she didn’t take proper measurements, the process was that familiar to her. She filtered the newly crafted solution into a cartridge and fit it in her pen.

“Neila, next time let the dissolvent react a little longer. It’ll spare you the work to scrape off the excess.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Also, keep the waste. If you coat your arrows to them, your spells will activate at the tip instead of the shaft.”

“I never knew that. How does that work?”

“If I would put in a comparison, think about conductivity. When we want to invoke a spell, it’d want to activate where most mana is being gathered on the object upon activation. In this case, the tip because there are some traces of extract in the waste. It’ll also focus the effects of your spell into one point, making it stronger.”

While holding the flask, Neila dipped each of her arrows and laid them on the ground. Depending on which ones her arrows were dipped with, they had different colors corresponding to the elemental.

“By the way,” Adbelle pointed her finger to an elongated box hanging on Neila’s back. “What’s that? You didn’t have that when I saw you yesterday.”

“This? That person delivered something from Simonn.”

“And?”

“Apparently I’m supposed to use it when it’s an emergency. I tried opening it last night, but it was sealed. I hope that seal knows what a real emergency is.”

“I’m more worried about its feasibility to be used if were caught in a situation where we’re all panicking.”

As Neila waited for her arrows to dry, her attention was on other adventurers doing their preparations.

“I’m back! I got us stuff!”

Lucy hauled in a box of supplies containing healing ointments, stamina potions, bandages and ammunition for her firearms. They were mixed in a wooden crate, but it was divided among the group.

“Any word bout dem Demons?”

“Nothing yet, just some dark clouds. That’s never a good sign.”

“Looks like they’re gathering. We should get there too.”

By now the time for restocking is over. Elizabeth as well as others who own an expensive timepiece looked at the time and decided it was time to rally their parties. Those who didn’t flee last night were no longer given the chance to do so. It was expected the horde of Demons would soon appear.

Neila was nervous as everyone participating in the defenses. They heard many terrible tales from soldiers who survived the last war and were about to experience just a small fraction of that from today’s battle.

“Neila, we’re going to find Simonn after this.” Davin puffed out his chest. “We can’t lose.”

“Yeah.”

A small brimming will to fight calmed Neila down a bit. She nocked her first arrow and stood firm.

-Clang clang clang clang!-

Everyone’s attention was captured by the rambunctious blaring of the bell on top of the watch tower. A watcher pointed to the direction of looming clouds stretching towards the town and shouted a warning to all fighters.

“The Demons! They’re here!”

“Up the walls, hurry!”

“I’m going to go take a look. Neila, stay with the others.”

Davin quickly climbed the stairs to grab a view at the field where the Demons emerged. Two vortexes loomed in the distance, pouring out masses of Demons to charge at the town walls.

You’re kidding me! There’s two of them!?

“Demons incoming! Get into position!” By the commander’s orders, soldiers crouched behind the battlement of the defensive structures. They rested their firearms on the walls and steadied their aim at targets.

One of them dropped their aim and stared off in the distance. “Wait, there’s something big out there?”

“That’s a Behemoth!”

Davin saw a terrifying sight of a monster approaching the walls. Little fiends racing through the tall grass, Lesser Demons spread across the skies with their hideous devil wings. The most horrifying creature for him to feel despair was the Behemoth. It was about the size of a five-story building, commanding the charge with its giant cuddle. It had many grotesque eyes on its arms, constantly staring and blinking.

“Aim for the Lessers and don’t let those Imps up here! Don’t let a single one enter the town! We must stop them here! I want the cannons to focus taking that Behemoth down!”

The first wave of gunshots cracked the air signaling the beginning of the defense. As soon as the little fiends made contact with the wall, they climbed with their squirrel like agility and was stopped by a wall of spikes.

These little creatures were called Imps. They weren’t as strong as Goblins and a little slower, but their movements were much nimble and dexterous. They were red and had long claws and sharp fangs. They showed intelligence to use their skewered comrades as foot hold to climb up the spears.

“It got up!”

“No! Help! GAAAAHHHH!”

“Damn… dammit!”

Davin rushed to where he saw the first Imp leaping on top of a poor soldier. The claws mangled the soldier’s face and throat. The soldier was dead, he can’t do anything about it. Davin lunged at the Imp and thrusted sword through its back before the defense broke formation to defend themselves.

“Take that!”

“EEEEAARRRGGGHHH!”

“It’s not dead yet!”

“Don’t just stare at me! I’ll take care of this runt! How, about… now!”

The feeling of a blunt object smashing against flesh was never welcoming. Davin huffed as the edge of his shield sank into the Imp’s skull and gritted his teeth. He could feel the impact of a small crystal breaking to know the Imp had died.

“They’re climbing up the walls!”

“Tch. Defend the walls at all cost! We mustn’t let them take out our cannons!” The commander ordered as he hacked his blade at the climbing Demons.

Davin heard some screams coming from within town. A pack of Lesser Demons have managed to fly over the walls. They landed in the courtyard and started battle against Adventurers stationed behind.

Although there weren’t that many, two was the limit a party could face at once.

“They breached the walls already?”

“Davin, watch out!”

Davin hastily looked for a way down. That is, until a Demon swooped past him and knocked him off the ledge.

“Davin!”

The fall wasn’t at a height to kill but it was tall. Fortunately, boxes and wood panels cushioned his fall. It still hurt, but he wasn’t mortally wounded. He was lucky he had no broken bones or sprained limbs. He gasped for air as he pushed the debris off him. The stamina potion he wanted to drink was crushed under his weight in his soaked bag.

As he sat himself upright, the Demon that attacked him came back to finish the job.

Neila launched an arrow into a Lesser Demon flying towards Davin. The arrow dug into its thigh and shred off its leg with a powerful blast of wind.

“Davin, are you alright?!”

“I’m still alive.”

“Get up. We have to find Elizabeth and the others.”

“Doesn’t it look like we’re losing already?”

Flames flicker on rooftops. A third of the town was set ablaze from random fireball shot by the Demons.

One knight defended their party from a fireblast. As soon as the shield was put down, his fellow Ranger from behind was snatched into the air. Not a moment too soon after it had brought the Ranger into the sky, the Demon dropped him.

Davin powerlessly watched the Ranger’s demise. He heard bones breaking and flesh slapped onto the cold cobblestone floor.

“Dammit. How does Simonn deal with these things?”

“Not now! Demon, watch out!”

“EEEEEEEEEEERRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!”

Davin backstepped away from a swipe attack. There was a small lift under his foot as he managed to jump, but he slipped up his landing and fumbled onto his bottom.

Furl, Ulos, Larv-.

“DOOORRYYYAAA!”

Tyler’s greatsword hacked between them and forced the Demon away. The fighter quickly twisted his body, dragging his large sword along and chopped the Demon in half.

“Elizabeth, I found them. They seem to be alright.”

“Drink.”

Adbelle appeared next to Davin and pushed a stamina potion to his face, demanding him to swallow the contents from the bottle.

“Ironic, isn’t it? It’s like the time we helped you when the Kobolds attacked.”

“It’s more than even. You owe us.” Elizabeth twirled her spear back into her offensive stance. “Neila, are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Are the soldiers holding?”

“For now. I’m impressed no Imps managed to get past the gates yet-.”

“EEEEEEEEEEERRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!”

They were interrupted by a group of rushing Demon.

“Gurd, Foram, Ulos, Dupil, Holk, Jeltz! O’Elementals heed me! From dirt to stone, dull to sharp, fly towards the enemy!”

Adbelle shattered a vial of soil mixed with magick ink onto the ground. In the middle of broken glass, there was a slip of paper with magic words prewritten. She recited magic words to call upon Earth Elementals to build up her spell.

The earth around her formed tiny projectiles and sprayed like a machine gun gone out of control. It tore open holes in its bat-like wings, forcing an early dive for Tyler and Lucy to punish it.

Adbelle readjusted her glasses after a successful enemy wipeout.

“Chat later. The Behemoth is still far from reaching town. When it gets here, we better have brought down their numbers.”