Chapter 4: War

༻————— ˗ˋˊ˗ —————༺

The battlefield erupted into chaos as the human and demon armies clashed with a vengeance. Magic projectiles soared through the air, causing fiery explosions that ripped across the once serene landscape. The ground became a grisly tapestry of fallen bodies, both human and demon, as the relentless exchange of firepower continued unabated.

In the midst of the turmoil, a commanding voice cut through the chaos. A beautiful young woman with dark skin and vibrant yellow hair, her weapon gleaming with deadly precision, called out to Aurianna amidst the ongoing battle. Her heroic prowess was evident as she single-handedly fended off waves of attacking demons to protect Aurianna.

"Aurianna, go along with the heroes to the Demon King's castle. My men will lead you there,"she shouted, her voice determined.

Kent, ever the confident leader, wasted no time in issuing his own command. "You heard her, let's go!" he declared, urging Aurianna and the others to press forward.

Aurianna, filled with determination, nodded in response. She joined the heroes, their united force cutting through the chaotic battlefield. Ahead of them, a contingent of knights led the way, their swords slicing through demon flesh with precise efficiency.

As they advanced, Aurianna's staff became a beacon of power. With each wave of her hand, a brilliant golden light radiated, blinding and damaging the demons that dared to approach. Simultaneously, the light worked its healing magic, mending the wounds of the valiant knights who fought alongside them.

Kent and Derek swiftly dismounted from their beasts, bracing themselves for the onslaught of demons and monsters charging towards them. Meanwhile, Cindy, recognizing the imminent threat, summoned her magical prowess. With a raise of her staff, a surge of vibrant blue energy enveloped her, and in an instant, a fierce wind erupted from her, quickly transforming into a massive hurricane. The tempest tore through the ranks of demons, slicing them apart or sending them hurtling into the sky, only to meet a gruesome fate upon crashing back to the ground.

Amidst the cacophony of battle, Aurianna stood in awe, surrounded by the sounds of clashing weapons, anguished cries, and the vivid scarlet hue of spilled blood staining the earth. The grim reality of the violence unfolding before her eyes struck deep within her, unsettling her to the core. She yearned to escape from this chaotic scene, to retreat from the horrors of war. The sight of carnage, which she had previously only witnessed in aftermaths, now played out in real-time, threatening to overwhelm her senses.

Just as Aurianna contemplated fleeing from the overwhelming scene, her wavering resolve was steadied by the resolute cries of the valiant knights fighting by her side. Their determination and belief in her abilities ignited a spark of courage within her. She couldn't abandon them; they relied on her presence and powers. With determination welling up within her, she pushed aside her fear and hesitations. Aurianna knew that she had to stay strong for the sake of the kingdom and all those fighting alongside her.

Thus, Aurianna steeled herself and suppressed her own unease as she followed the knights and heroes towards the ominous Demon King's Castle. Each step brought her closer to the heart of the enemy's stronghold, where the final battle awaited.

Throughout the arduous journey, Kent persistently sought to impress Aurianna, attempting to save her even in situations where she didn't require rescuing. He showered her with compliments, extolling her beauty and kindness. Though she couldn't deny the sincerity behind his actions, Aurianna couldn't help but question the timing and appropriateness of his advances. In the midst of the perilous mission, personal matters seemed trivial and out of place. However, Aurianna recognized that now was not the time to dwell on personal grievances. The urgency of the task at hand demanded her complete focus and determination.

Aurianna took Kent's compliments as a gesture of kindness and camaraderie during their arduous journey. She appreciated his efforts to uplift her spirits amidst the harsh and deadly challenges they faced together. However, several days later, when they found a moment of respite after a grueling battle, Kent crossed a line. He attempted to kiss her, crossing the boundaries of their platonic relationship.

With grace and poise, Aurianna respectfully declined Kent's advance, explaining that she was already engaged to the son of the Grand Duke, someone she held dear to her heart. Her rejection of his gesture seemed to stir anger within the Hero, but he chose to remain silent, retreating into the forest to blow off steam and process the sting of his rejection.

Aftet that moment onward, an air of awkwardness settled between them. The incident made it clear that they were strictly comrades, bound together by their shared mission and the imminent battle they had yet to face. Though the tension lingered, Aurianna remained focused on the task at hand, determined to fulfill her duty and bring an end to the darkness that threatened their land.

༻————— ˗ˋˊ˗ —————༺

Two weeks had passed since their perilous expedition to the Demon King's castle had commenced, and with each passing day, they faced relentless waves of demons blocking their path. Aurianna, burdened with a heavy heart, devoted herself to tending to the wounded knights who miraculously survived the demonic onslaught, while offering prayers for those fallen by their hands.

In the depths of her mind, her father's words echoed persistently. "Do not waste your time reviving fallen soldiers, focus solely on the Hero and his group, for their triumph will pave the way to victory." Aurianna tightened her grip on her staff, conflicted by her duty to the greater cause and her innate desire to save every life she could. Despite the weight of her father's directive, she refused to abandon any fallen comrade and vowed to bring them back from the clutches of death. However, an unsettling sensation gnawed at her, as if an unseen gaze bore into her very being.

Throughout their arduous journey, whenever Kent and his companions suffered injuries or teetered on the brink of death, Aurianna's healing magic flowed forth, mending their wounds and granting them the strength to continue their relentless assault on the encroaching horde of monsters. The symbiotic cycle of healing and battle propelled their entire team to new heights of power and resilience. However, Aurianna's benevolent efforts exacted a toll on her own vitality. Fatigue settled deep within her bones, yet she pressed on, determined to support her comrades until the bitter end.

After persevering through countless battles, enduring pain and exhaustion, they finally stood at the gates of the formidable Demon King's castle. A surge of determination coursed through their veins as they prepared for the final assault. However, just as they readied themselves to strike, an earth-shattering roar filled the air, causing the ground to quake beneath their feet.

From the depths of the earth, a colossal dragon emerged, its massive form casting a shadow over the brave warriors. Its scales shimmered with an otherworldly sheen, its eyes burning with a fierce, malevolent fire. The sight of this formidable adversary sent a ripple of unease through their ranks, as they realized the true magnitude of the challenge that awaited them within the castle walls.

Before them stood a creature of unimaginable terror, its presence alone sending chills down their spines. With sapphire eyes that pierced through the darkness, the creature's elongated face bore a fierce and menacing expression. Atop its head sprouted several colossal horns, accentuating its intimidating stature. Curved ears and a series of tendrils adorned its jawline, while its small, slender nose boasted two delicately curved nostrils. Additional tendrils cascaded from its chin, adding to its grotesque visage. And as if to foretell the horrors lurking within, razor-sharp teeth peeked out from its massive mouth.

Aurianna couldn't help but gulp, her mind conjuring vivid images of the creature engulfing her whole. The sight was enough to make her tremble in fear. A massive neck extended from its head, leading down to a majestic body draped in warped blue satin scales. Along its spine, dozens of small crystal spikes ran, adding to the creature's formidable presence. Powerful limbs supported its noble frame, each claw resembling obsidian blades.

Adorning its formidable figure were magnificent wings, poised just above its shoulders and extending towards the lower portion of its back. The wings, rounded and ethereal, appeared as a delicate fusion of crystalline structures and armor-like scales. Its elegant tail, also enveloped in the same twisted scales as its body, culminated in a curving talon, ready to strike with deadly precision.

With a hundred surviving knights by their side, Aurianna and the heroic trio steeled themselves for the gruesome battle that lay ahead. They knew that this would be their ultimate test, a clash of forces where victory or defeat would determine the fate of their world. Weapons gleamed in the dim light, armor creaked with anticipation, and hearts beat with a mix of fear and determination. It was time to face this monstrous adversary head-on.

With unwavering determination, Aurianna raised her staff high, invoking the power of the goddess she revered. "Please bless me, oh goddess of beauty, lend me your strength to support our heroes and vanquish the malevolence before us," she fervently muttered, pouring her faith into her plea.

As her prayer reached its conclusion, a surge of energy coursed through her body, causing her knees to tremble under the weight of exhaustion. Yet, she remained resolute, unwilling to yield. "Rorias!" she exclaimed with unwavering conviction, unleashing a brilliant cascade of radiant white light that descended upon the unholy creature. The dragon's skin sizzled and seethed under the divine onslaught, unable to escape the wrath of the goddess. Aurianna's companion, empowered by the goddess's benevolence, harnessed the newfound strength to bolster their collective attack. In the blink of an eye, the tide of battle shifted dramatically, turning the tables in their favor.

With unwavering resolve, they charged headlong towards the colossal dragon, each casting their most potent spells in a desperate bid to inflict damage. Yet, to their initial dismay, their combined assault seemed to have little effect on the mighty creature. The dragon bellowed in defiance, unleashing a torrent of scorching fire breath that engulfed the majority of the valiant knights. Agonizing screams filled the air as the knights writhed in pain, their outstretched hands pleading for Aurianna's aid.

Aurianna, along with Kent and Cindy, found shelter behind the protective shield conjured by Derek. As she watched in sorrow, her heart ached for the fallen knights, their sacrifices etched in her memory. However, amidst the chaos and devastation, a disturbing realization began to seep into her consciousness. The expressions on the heroes' faces, once filled with determination and courage, now twisted into something sinister and cruel. Aurianna couldn't help but feel a chill crawl up her spine, their newfound demeanor instilling a sense of fear within her.

"Saintess, please save us," the knights implored, their desperate cries piercing through the chaos before their bodies were consumed by the flames, reduced to mere ash. Aurianna's instinctive response was to rush to their aid, to offer solace in their final moments. Yet, before she could take a step, Derek stood firmly in her path, blocking her way with a detached gaze.

"Don't exhaust your mana on these insignificant knights. If you run out before we reach the Demon King's castle, we're all doomed.”

"But if I don't revive them now, their lives will be lost forever!" Aurianna's voice trembled with desperation as she pleaded her case.

"It's not about that right now. We need you to focus on supporting us," Cindy asserted, her tone resolute.

"Time is running out, and we can't afford to delay any further. Attacking the Demon King's castle now is our best chance. Every moment wasted gives the demons an opportunity to regroup and strike back," Kent emphasized, his voice filled with urgency.

Aurianna clenched her jaw, torn between her compassion for the fallen knights and the pressing need to prioritize their mission. The weight of responsibility bore down on her, the conflict of duty and empathy waging war within her. With a heavy sigh, she finally nodded, steeling herself for the difficult decision.

As the dragon ceased its fiery onslaught, Kent swiftly lunged forward, his saber slicing through the air in a rapid flurry of strikes aimed at the colossal creature. Initially, it appeared as if his efforts were in vain, but after a few tense seconds, deep gashes marred the dragon's scaly hide, oozing dark blood as it bellowed in agony. The dragon retaliated by unleashing another torrent of flames, but Cindy skillfully conjured water chains to counter the attack, forming a powerful defense.

Aurianna, witnessing the bravery and resilience of her companions, felt a renewed surge of determination welling up inside her. Gripping her staff tightly, she raised it high, her voice echoing with unwavering resolve.

"Genesis!" she cried out, channeling her mana into a spell of immense power.

In a dazzling display, a radiant burst of energy surged forth from Aurianna's staff, illuminating the sky with a brilliant white light. As if responding to her command, golden chains materialized, swiftly wrapping themselves around the writhing form of the dragon. The creature's scales sizzled and smoked under the relentless grip of the enchanted bindings, eliciting agonized roars that reverberated through the battlefield.

Struggling to maintain her hold, Aurianna gritted her teeth and exerted every ounce of her waning strength. Beads of sweat dripped down her face, her breath ragged, and her hands trembled with the immense effort. The weight of the moment bore down upon her, but she remained resolute, refusing to yield.

Recognizing the opportunity, Cindy swiftly took action, positioning herself alongside Aurianna. Raising her staff high, she summoned a tempest of icy power, causing shimmering icicles to manifest around her in a swirling vortex. With a determined gesture towards the dragon, the ice shards were unleashed, hurtling forward like a barrage of lethal arrows. The dragon's once formidable scales were torn asunder, revealing vulnerable flesh beneath.

Despite the excruciating pain, the dragon's fiery eyes of determination remained unyielding. It defied the chains that held it captive, flapping its massive wings and soaring high into the sky, unleashing another resounding roar. The very air crackled with arcane energy as thousands of magic circles materialized, adorning both the dragon and the surrounding area.

Derek, ever the observer, couldn't help but release a nervous chuckle amidst the unfolding chaos. "This beast just doesn't know when to quit, huh?" he muttered, a mixture of awe and trepidation coloring his voice.

Green orbs of energy formed around the intricate magic circles of the dragon, pulsating with ominous intent. The ground trembled beneath the immense power gathering, a palpable sense of impending danger filling the air.

As the dragon prepared to unleash its devastating wave of attacks, the heroes steeled themselves for the impending clash, their expressions a mix of grit and unwavering resolve. The battlefield quivered with palpable anticipation, the air thick with tension.

Yet, in the midst of their unwavering determination, a sudden shift in Aurianna's countenance caught the attention of her companions. The color drained from her face, leaving her looking visibly pale and startled. With wide eyes, she watched in horror as the chains she had summoned to restrain the dragon shattered into shimmering fragments, their magical grip instantly dissipated.

A trickle of blood escaped from Aurianna's ears, marring her visage. In a swift motion, she wiped it away, refusing to succumb to panic or show any signs of weakness. Her resolve, though momentarily shaken, remained unyielding. She knew that her role in this battle was far from over, and she couldn't allow herself to falter in the face of adversity.

Realizing the imminent danger, Aurianna's voice rang out, sharp and urgent, "Everyone, get behind the shield now!" With a swift motion of her staff, she conjured a protective barrier, a radiant ray of white light enveloping the heroes and herself just in time. The onslaught of destructive energy began to rain down upon them.

Explosions erupted all around, decimating everything in their path. The shield shimmered and wavered under the onslaught, as the heroes stood within, their faces glistening with sweat from the intense battle. Their resolve was tested, but they held fast, unwilling to succumb to the overwhelming force unleashed upon them.

In the midst of the chaos, Cindy, her voice tinged with nervousness, encouraged Aurianna, "Don't give up now, Aurianna! We need you!"

Breathing heavily and with her grip tightened around her staff, Aurianna mustered every ounce of remaining strength. Through labored breaths, she managed to utter, "I'm... almost... out of mana..." The strain was palpable, but she refused to yield, pushing herself to the brink for the sake of their mission and the lives at stake.

As minutes passed, the strain on Aurianna became unbearable, and she could no longer maintain the magic shield that protected them. Without skipping a beat, Derek swiftly stepped in, using his own shield to shield the group from the impending blast. His quick reflexes and unwavering commitment to their safety earned him the admiration of his comrades.

"This won't end until that beast is dead!" Kent bellowed, his voice brimming with determination. With a burst of speed, he dashed toward the explosion, leaping onto newly formed magic circles that appeared beneath his feet. Without hesitation, he propelled himself toward the dragon, raising his sword high, poised to deliver a devastating slash to its menacing face.

The sight of Kent's audacious move sent waves of panic rippling through the group. They gasped, their eyes widening in disbelief at the apparent recklessness of their comrade. Yet, despite the mounting fear, Kent remained unfazed, a sly grin playing upon his lips. With a low murmur, he invoked the power within him, whispering the words, "Saber wrath."

In an instant, his sword was enveloped in a radiant golden aura, while twenty ethereal sabers manifested around the dragon, suspended in the air. With unwavering focus, the phantom blades surged forward, hurtling toward their target with relentless force.

The dragon, sensing the imminent danger, let loose a powerful roar, its thunderous vibrations reverberating through the battlefield. The sheer force of the roar momentarily pushed back the ethereal sabers, but undeterred, the blades regained their momentum, swiftly closing in on their intended target. With unyielding resolve, they pierced through the dragon's scales, finding their mark across its formidable body.

A collective gasp escaped the lips of the onlookers as the dragon writhed in agony, its bellowing cries filling the air. The assault from the ethereal sabers left visible wounds upon the dragon's form, causing it to falter in its attack. The tide of battle had shifted once more, and hope rekindled within the hearts of the heroes.

With a resounding thud, the heavily injured dragon collapsed to the ground, its magical explosions silenced. Kent, though victorious, found himself in dire need of healing. He called out to Aurianna with urgency, "Hey, Aurianna! Quickly heal me! I'm injured."

Upon closer inspection, it was evident that Kent's left arm bore burn marks, and his trousers and armor showed signs of scorching. While his armor remained mostly intact, it was clear that his defensive capabilities had been significantly compromised.

A look of concern crossed Aurianna's face as she swiftly cast her healing magic. A wave of exhaustion washed over her, further depleting her already taxed stamina. Kent, sporting a smug smile, marveled at his now unblemished skin, devoid of any trace of injury. He casually strolled over to where Derek stood, making his way towards the fallen dragon's body.

Aurianna, struggling to regain her footing, rolled her eyes at Kent's lack of gratitude. She mustered the strength to follow him, albeit with some effort. The dragon, weakened and coughing up black blood, made feeble attempts to move. Derek approached it with purpose, his Holy sword raised high, ready to deliver the final blow.

"Hey, that finishing blow was supposed to be mine!" Kent protested, shoving Derek playfully aside.

"Well, you were too slow," Derek retorted, playfully bantering with Kent before charging ahead towards the Demon King's castle, leaving a trail of slain enemies in his wake. The dragon's demise had evidently alerted the other demons residing within the castle, as their presence grew more pronounced.

As the group hurried past the fallen dragon, Aurianna felt a pang of sorrow, prompting her to pause for a moment and gaze upon the lifeless creature. Dried tears stained its face, and its decapitated head lay a few meters away from its body. Pity and guilt welled up within her at the sight.

In essence, they had invaded the dragon's territory, its very home, and exterminated all they encountered. Aurianna couldn't help but wrestle with conflicting emotions. Since her childhood, she had been indoctrinated with tales of the evilness of demons, the imperative to stop them, and to eliminate them without mercy. Suppressing her inner turmoil, she pressed on, disregarding the empathetic stirrings within her.

The quartet ventured further into the castle, and a chill ran down Aurianna's spine as she bore witness to the gruesome aftermath of their encounters. The lifeless bodies of brutally slain demons littered the halls, their blood staining the floors. Among the carnage, Aurianna's gaze fell upon the lifeless form of a demon woman, her lifeless hand resting protectively over her young, deceased child.

Doubts crept into Aurianna's mind, questioning the righteousness of their actions, 'Are we really doing the right thing?' She observed how these once inexperienced teenagers, who couldn't even handle a simple snake, now reveled in the act of mercilessly killing demons, their smiles stretching wide across their faces. Even demons who surrendered were not spared, falling victim to the relentless blades of the heroes.

‘I cannot feel pity for demons! I must not! They are monsters!’ Aurianna forcefully reminded herself, seeking solace in the knowledge of the destruction demons had wrought upon the towns and villages of Sandeph. She silently followed behind the heroes, suppressing her doubts, all the while struggling to reconcile her innate compassion with the grim reality of their mission.

***

"Can we rest a bit?" Aurianna wheezed, her breath coming in ragged gasps. They had been trekking through the castle for what felt like an eternity. Turns out, the place was way bigger than they had anticipated, with countless hallways that seemed to twist and turn like a labyrinth.

Cindy shot Aurianna a concerned glance. "What's the matter?"

Aurianna managed to muster a weary smile. "I'm just exhausted, and I need to catch my breath and recharge my mana. All that healing and spellcasting has really taken its toll on me."

Kent chimed in, his voice laced with urgency. "We can't afford to rest now, Aurianna. We're deep inside the Demon King's castle, and if we pause, they might call in reinforcements. Besides, it looks like we're getting close to the Demon King's chamber."

Reluctantly, Aurianna yielded to their insistence, pushing through her fatigue as they pressed on. Finally, after navigating through countless corridors, they stood before the entrance to the Demon King's chamber. The heroes shared a sense of excitement and pride, bracing themselves for the ultimate showdown.

Before them stretched a vast and ominous hall, its darkness seeming to swallow all light. At its center stood a colossal silver throne, adorned with the bones of a long-slain gruesome being. The grim sight sent a shiver down their spines, but it only fueled their determination to confront the Demon King and bring an end to the reign.

Seated upon the throne was a striking man with a rich brown complexion and flowing dark green hair. His eyes, though golden, seemed devoid of any emotion. Two horns sprouted from his head, adding an intimidating touch to his well-built physique, reminiscent of a bodybuilder. Clad in black armor befitting a Demon King, he was none other than the infamous Demon King Vatium they had been warned about.

Aurianna couldn't help but steal glances at him, captivated by his striking appearance. She couldn't deny that he was the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes upon. However, something about him triggered a sense of familiarity deep within her.

She continued to study him, her mind racing to place where she had seen him before. "I swear I've crossed paths with him somewhere... But where?" Aurianna mumbled to herself, determined to unravel the mystery.

Unbeknownst to her, Vatium caught onto her intense gaze and turned his attention in her direction. Aurianna instinctively flinched, bracing herself for an imminent attack. To her surprise, however, Vatium simply shifted his gaze toward the Hero, locking eyes with Kent. The two engaged in a silent standoff, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

Kent's face radiated an air of unwavering confidence, bordering on sheer recklessness. It was a look that could easily be mistaken for foolishness, fueling the tension between the Hero and the Demon King.

Without hesitation, Kent unleashed his most powerful saber spell, opting to take the initiative. "Heavenly Light!" he shouted, channeling his energy into his saber. In an instant, a vibrant pink light engulfed the blade, slicing through the wall behind Vatium as if it were made of butter. The impact sent shockwaves throughout the entire building, causing the walls to tremble and parts of the ceiling to crumble. Reacting swiftly, Derek shielded the heroes and Aurianna, using his sturdy barrier to shield them from the raining debris.

Once the dust settled and the chaos subsided, Derek slowly lowered his shield, revealing the heroes and Aurianna unharmed but surrounded by a cluttered mess. Before them lay a heap of stones where the wall once stood, a testament to the power unleashed by Kent's spell. The group couldn't help but feel a surge of triumph, believing that they had finally put an end to the reign of the Demon King.

However, their celebration was short-lived as Cindy's voice trembled with fear, drawing everyone's attention. She pointed towards Vatium, who stood several meters away from the damaged wall. To their horror, it became apparent that the spell, meant to vanquish the Demon King, had failed miserably. It had barely left a scratch on him. Despite the massive crater beneath Vatium's feet and the broken remnants of the castle, one could almost question if the spell had been cast at all.

The heroes exchanged uneasy glances, their confidence shaken by the sight before them. It was clear that defeating Vatium would require more than a single powerful attack. They had underestimated the true extent of his power, and now they found themselves faced with a formidable adversary who seemed almost unfazed by their best efforts.

Reacting swiftly to the realization that magic alone wouldn't be enough, Kent, Derek, and Cindy drew their weapons and assumed battle-ready stances. If their spells couldn't harm Vatium, they would have to rely on their weapons and physical strength to prevail. With determination fueling their actions, they lunged forward to engage him in combat.

Cindy swiftly cast a binding spell, aiming to restrict Vatium's movements and limit his ability to use magic against them. Meanwhile, Kent charged in with his sword in hand, launching a series of powerful slashes at Vatium. However, to their dismay, their attacks barely left a scratch on the seemingly invulnerable Demon King.

Not one to be deterred, Derek utilized his shield to create a barrage of sharp stone spikes, aiming to pierce Vatium's defenses. But as their weapons struck, Vatium's body mysteriously became transparent, causing their attacks to pass right through him. It was as if he could effortlessly evade their every strike.

A sinister chuckle escaped Vatium's lips, his eyes gleaming with malice. The heroes continued their relentless assault, pouring their efforts into the fight, but it became increasingly apparent that their attacks were in vain. Despite their best attempts, Vatium remained unfazed, taunting them with his words.

"You'll have to do better than that, heroes," he jeered, reveling in their frustration and growing fatigue.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***