Tides Of Protomis CX

Friend, or foe, what was Hyperion to them… This was a question not even Miyamoto had an answer to. But she most definitely preferred the former to the latter, if not due to the power she knew the demon held, then due to the history they had together. Hell, this was the being who taught her what demonic energy even was, let alone how to draw it out. Though some of the highest level demons could get away with just launching it out, the same could not be said for herself at that time. Regardless of that, such thoughts were thrown aside, as she knew very well the possible danger of the situation. Eventually, the silence was finally broken.

“I thought I sensed someone familiar, So i came right over… Didn’t expect to see you here of all places. I heard about humans somehow getting in, but I didn’t know it was you…”

“It seems that we both have our questions. I don't remember you traveling around with this many demons around you. Mind telling me what that’s all about?”

Hyperion glanced back at the mass of demons, and it began to dawn on him how this looked. Some of the realm’s denizens get together and invade, and now he had an army in tow? Add on the fact that he’d never been one for this beforehand, and there was some suspicion to be had.

“You see… The one you’re probably after, Maleggan, has been making moves in this realm too. The other “Lords” were already bad enough with trying to make laws or whatever they call em’, and wiping out whoever they want. But he cranks it up to 11. We don’t like that, So we see the need to knock him down a peg.” He explained, as he began stepping toward them once more, stopping at a much shorter distance.

“If you’re gunning for him too. I'm guessing we can help eachother out.”

“We’ll have to think about that… Give us a minute.” Arctaius responded. Hyperion nodded, and the eight closed the distance between them forming a tightly knit circle. Alarick glanced over his shoulder at Hyperion as they did so. For the time being, he and his army were standing in silence. The blonde looked at them once more, as he spoke.

“Well, now we have a new question to answer. Do we bring this “Hyperion” with us?”

“He’s done nothing to harm us in the past. I don’t see why that would change now.” Arctaius answered.

“While that’s certainly a point, we can’t rule out the possibility that he’s working with Maleggan, can we?” Liang questioned

“Even if he said what he did, You never know… I’m not even sure at this point. All types of demons are apparently getting mixed in.” MIyamoto answered.

“Still, he could end up being important to us if we bring him.. There’s certain risks, but we don’t exactly have anyone to navigate. With that said, I say that we should.”

“To think that you of all people are fine with letting people join the operation so easily. I say we don’t.” Alarick responded in disagreement.

“I must agree with this one. You might’ve known him before, but this is a demon we’re talking about.” Gilga responded, to very little surprise.

“Well, I'll have to agree with Taius. We’ll need all the help we can get.” Zhao responded

“While there certainly is risk involved… I would prefer our mission done sooner than later, me as well.”

It was clear to Kazimir that there was some disagreement within the group. To that end, he began to tap his foot as he thought about a way to mediate the situation, though he doubted that any of them would come to blows, after all, they were more level-headed than that. But a decision was to be made quickly as he saw it, as such, the Russian began speaking.

“Well, Here’s what I think. While we can’t trust them outright, which- I'm sure you all agree with. As Zhao said, we need all the help we can get. I say we let them come with us, and keep watch on them. If Alarick is right, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I sense that he’s the strongest amongst them either way.”

The group stood in silence for quite a bit, with no words of disagreement, it was clear that they’d come to a consensus. A smirk crawled onto Arctaius’ visage as he broke off from the circle, starting to walk toward the demons.

“Huh. Never thought you’d be the one saying something that smart.”

Kazimir rubbed the back of his head.“Well thanks, I ac- Wait a minute!”

Soon enough, Alarick, Jirou, Liang, and the rest began to step forward as well, stopping in front of the makeshift army. With the one who knew the demon best speaking as well.

“Hyperion, We’ve decided. We’ll work with you.”

“Alright then… Let's cut this “Malleggan” Down to size. It’s time to move!!!”

While this action took place, on the other side, another group had finally decided to make their move. Though, this was after a large amount of deliberation. In the holy order’s Headquarters, Lyle D’Chatuvthier stood on an elevated platform, behind a podium, in a position to address all of the holy order’s troops. They knew not what the council had decided upon, only what they’d gone to discuss. Anticipation was rapidly building within them, as they awaited the head’s declaration.

“Men, Today is the day- We have finally done it. A portal to our opponent’s homefront… No longer will we allow them to ravage our lands, Kill our people. It is time that we take the fight to them, and crush them with the strength we have gained. We will eliminate the demon scourge, No matter the cost!“ He shouted. Soon enough, a wildfire lit within the troops, as cheers began to echo within the room. The demon attacks had clearly worn down upon the Morale of all the troops, and the announcement they heard may have just reversed that trend. One of them in particular stayed quiet as he leaned on the room’s walls. Decidedly not speaking about what he’d heard, which wasn’t unexpected for him.

“It took long enough… But we can finally make our own moves… There’s no way I'll let some novices who’ve never fought demons before get the last strike... I will defeat mallegan, and that general zeta myself… Then, And only then, Will I return to that woman i call a mother.”

The man looked forward as yet another gate between worlds was opened, and with it, a new frontier revealed to them. Volker ceased his leaning as he began walking toward it.

“We’ll see what’s reality and fiction after this.”

Volker was not alone for long, as the head of the order himself stepped to his side, walking with him.

“Remember, Volker- You’re the strongest one within the invasion force. They’ll need to depend on you if push comes to shove.”

“I’m well aware…”

While the words of praise weren’t unexpected, it wasn’t as if he didn’t appreciate them. Having your strength acknowledged by the head of the organization, and one of the first ever humans to slay demons was something that many considered a goal. Even getting to have a conversation with him was a rarity, given his busy schedule.

“Good…. Try not to get yourself killed out there. It’d be a shame.” Lyle commented, as he began stepping off, and making his way toward the other members of the council. Volker stopped just in front of the portal, waiting for the mass of troops to form into lines behind him.

“Holy Order, the time has come, MOVE OUT!” He shouted

“YES SIR!”

With no hesitation, they all made their way within, ready to begin their own campaign.

Part B

The largest group of humans to ever set foot in the demon realm had arrived. Though, they were only the second group of humans to do so. Boots landed on the dense earth, which seemed to be stripped bare, leaving only soil. A rocky wasteland which seemed to stretch on in any direction. Among the troops, differences between their own world and this one were made evident.

“The air is much thinner here… As if we’ve gone up some sort of mountain. Not to mention the amount of heat… No doubt, a normal person would’ve felt like they were roasting here. Very few would make it here, as I see it…”

Volker turned on his heel, back toward the crowd of slayers, to address them.

“Remember our mission. Let’s make this quick. The faster we are, the less people die later.”

Volker took the moment to gain a higher vantage point, leaping to the top of a nearby hill. It did not take longer for two more to join him. A tanned-skinned man with a head of red hair, somewhat taller than Volker himself, wearing the very same uniform, Bui Lai Phuc. And landing next to him, was the white-haired slayer known as Mazurus Eio.

“I never thought we’d be in their realm, taking the fight to the demons, rather than the other way around…” Mazurus noted.

“Mm.” Bui nodded.

“I wonder what Johann and Moritz would say. Do they know about the mission?” Volker shook his head in response to Bui's question.

“No, I didn't have time. Besides, telling them we’re doing this might distract them from their defense.” These three slayers, and the former two, had joined the holy order at around the same time, and subsequently began training to do battle with demons. However, that did not mean all of them decided to stay. The three were somewhat saddened when the two decided to leave, but in the end it was their choice. Their lives had simply taken different paths, that simple. But, for the time being, there were other matters they had to attend to. Their eyes moved across the barren landscape, as they looked for any targets. Eventually, their sensors began to pick up on something.

“Our Sensors are detecting a large mass of demons to the west.” Bui informed them.

“One to the east as well…” Mazurus responded.

“Then I guess the question is, who’s who... If they are not actively aggressive, we don’t need to waste time on them. But then again, we may open ourselves up to an attack from behind…”

Volker placed his hand on his chin as he considered his options, tapping his feet in silence for a number of moments. Eventually, the tapping stopped, as a whistle came from his lips, catching all of their attention.

“Alright, Listen up. We’re heading west of here to take care of the demons there, stay vigilant, we could be attacked at any time.!”

“YES SIR!” With his message sent, Volker leaped down, and with his two old friends went to follow him.

“How far are we from the enemy, Bui?”

“I’d say about 20 Miles sir, If we proceed at our current speed, we’ll be there in about 10 minutes.”

“Alright thenLet's go.”

They began moving as well, unaware of who observed, apparently. In another stone keep, which clearly took on a more brutalist style, a group of demons sat within a darkened room. The largest among them seemed aged compared to the rest, shriveled and covered in wrinkles. Though it was clear he was past his prime, he kept his high position of power nonetheless. In demon society, that meant something. Maleggan’s General, Mu, looked down upon the Eagle Mashvet, who’d been tasked with patrolling the general’s territory. The rather boring daily affair had been broken up by unexpected news.

“Well, Isn’t that something... Looks like some humans have found their way in… Xiliv, What else do you know?”

“Apparently, another group has been sighted in Sigma’s domain… I assume that he will be sending somebody to take care of them soon… As for these ones, Shall we take care of them?”

“I see no issue… Make sure they are eliminated entirely. We don’t need to have another group of humans making waves here.”

A small imp-like creature floated forward, breaking off from the line of demons standing on the right side of the room, re-orientating himself so he faced the general.

“What is it, Vurias?”

“If we want to ensure that he’s destroyed, Perhaps you can send that half-breed son of yours, Eh, Mu?” Mu paused to consider this choice, as he glanced over his shoulder, at a demon leaning on the wall. About the same size as Muso, and having the same green skin. The difference lies in the two wings on his back.

“Muso, Head over there…” The demon looked up with his eyes narrowed, speaking in response.

“Alright then, Father…” With no more words, Muso made his way out of the room. All the while, Mu watched this take place with a smirk upon his face… Even with his advancing age, he didn’t plan on losing his position anytime soon.

”As long as I still have that one here… My power will not be challenged. I am more than powerful enough, but with him under me, my position is all the more stable.”

The demon realm, as called by most humans, is populated by a number of creatures who take differing forms, differing species. There are two traits these species share in common, being able to produce demonic energy, and being able to reproduce with members of other species, given that they are of a similar build. These Cross-Breeds can end up being exceptionally stronger than both parents, given that they can share the positive traits of both creatures, though, the opposite could also be the case. The son of mu, Muso, However, was known to be a member of the former group. While his father was a Zekro, a species known not only for their heightened ranged perception, but being able to strike enemies at a distance. His mother was a Jigun, a winged humanoid species which is known for their extremely agile flight.

The cross-breed himself stood ready to attack the targets set for him, an army of demons beginning to move toward their opponents, as he pointed forward. It seemed that the confrontation would be coming sooner than either side had expected. Volker’s senses began to pick up the quick approach. Being the quick thinker he was, his strategy was shouted out almost immediately.

“It looks like we’ll be in fighting range soon, ranged fighters, spread out and prepare for bombardment, melee fighters, present Holy Arms!”

The army moved like a well-oiled machine, acting upon his orders. While some decidedly stopped in the back, weaponry from different eras began to appear in the hands of the fighters in the very back. Gauss Rifles, powder guns, Bows, and Crossbows. While the ones in the front had an equally as diverse variety of weapons. And as for the three commanders themselves, they leaped from the ground and began a quick flight forward. Leading their army’s charge into battle.

“Astaroth!” Volker shouted, followed by the swallow appearing in his hand, and a luminance glowing around his body. To his right, Bui opened his hand, with a Chakram appearing.

“Zaisus!”

Mazurus was next, with a large Rotary gun, which is somewhat larger than his body as a whole appeared in his hand. He did not follow them from there, instead settling on a nearby hill, and essentially setting up an impromptu machine gun nest.

“Ogun!”

With his command, the barrel was uncovered, something followed by bullets of golden light flying out of the barrels, shredding the lower level demons at the front of the formation apart. Of course, they were not exactly content to let this continue for long. With one at the center of the formation seemingly growing in size, with armored plates formed from his skin spreading across his body, shouting out his command.

“Break!!”

“:Send in the D-Classes, We’ll swarm them!!!” Another yelled.

Volker and Bui were more than prepared to get into the battle themselves, especially given they were in the position to swoop down upon them from above, which would certainly help if they were able to proceed unabated.. But alas, it wasn’t to be. A flash of crimson light appeared at the edge of Volker’s vision, causing the man to both elude it, and push his comrade out of the way within moments. But the effects of the energy bullet itself became clear as it crashed into the ground that lay behind him, which was promptly cratered.

“Damn.. Where did that come from?” Bui questioned.

While he pondered this, the source of the attack seemed unfettered in regards to his failed shot. Rather, he continued floating there with his same standard expression.

“First attack was a failure. Going for another one soon.”

To Be Continued