Wyverns circling the sky. A massive, eerie castle. An army of undead soldiers patrolling the main gate.
Yup. Classic Demon Lord’s Castle.
We had chosen to strike at night to catch them off guard, but stealth was crucial.
The wyverns weren’t just flying around for fun—they were living security cameras and alarm systems.
Rose had planned everything down to the last detail. She knew that a frontal assault would lead to our annihilation since the demon lord’s army was naturally stronger than hers in terms of combat. So, over the past few years, she built an arena in her village and trained her people. Once mere spellcasters wielding curse magic, they were now warriors, swordsmen, and archers.
The key to winning any battle was a strong commander and solid communication. Fortunately, Rose’s forces could all communicate via telepathy.
Except for me.
I never learned any telepathy skill. But I had something better—my system’s terrain scanner. It gave me real-time updates on enemy locations, including the Demon Lord himself and, more importantly, the Priestess I had come to rescue.
"The Demon Lord is in the throne room," I whispered to Rose. "But the Priestess... she’s in a different chamber."
"Good," Rose replied, turning to her forces. "Asher, you’ll go with Evelyn. She can use telepathy, so you two will work together while we distract the Demon Lord’s army. If I get an opening, I’ll head straight for the throne room. Once you rescue the Priestess, meet me there. We’re ending this tonight."
"Got it. I’ll keep you updated."
"Oh, and Asher. Always remember..."
"The strong rule over the weak." I finished the sentence for her.
She chuckled. "You’re starting to act like you belong in this world, my apprentice."
"No. This world belongs to me." I responded, my ultra-ego kicking in.
The archers took the first move and rained arrows on the undead soldiers at the demon lord’s gate. The skeletons crumbled, their bones shattering upon impact. The warriors of Rose’s army then stormed in, their blades gleaming under the moonlight.
As much as I wanted to witness the clash against the infernal demons, I had my own mission. Grabbing Evelyn’s wrist, I took off toward the castle’s backyard, where the guards were sparse.
"Don’t drag me like I’m a child, human!" Evelyn growled, yanking her hand away.
"But you are a child!"
Her face darkened. "Say that again, and I’ll kill you right here and NOW!"
"Shhh—" I clamped a hand over her mouth and pulled us behind a pillar.
A demon was approaching. Flaming horns, menacing aura.
My attire, crafted by Rose herself, had built-in slots for my scalpels. Slipping one out, I took careful aim and flung it toward the demon’s neck.
It let out a guttural groan, staggering back and scanning the surroundings for its attacker.
I reached for another scalpel, but before I could throw it, Evelyn had already charged in.
With a devastating uppercut.
The demon flew into the air before crashing down, lifeless.
"EVELYN!" I snapped. "Don’t just charge in like that! Do you even realize how reckless that was? Hand-to-hand combat against these demons is suicide!"
She flexed her smoking fist. "This is nothing. I have regeneration magic, remember?"
Stubborn brat.
"Fine. But next time, don’t be so impulsive. Got it?"
She nodded.
The path ahead was clear, save for a few scattered demons. I made quick work of them with my scalpels.
Easy.
Or so I thought—until an urgent alert flashed across my system screen.
[Warning!]
[Demon General Detected Ahead!]
[Proceed with Caution.]
The system pinpointed its location.
Right inside the same room as the Priestess.
I scanned the battlefield again and quickly noticed something.
"Evelyn, tell the others—the infernal demons are trying to encircle them. They’re setting a trap."
She relayed the message instantly. Smart bastards. They were using sheer numbers to gain the upper hand.
Explosions, roars, and metal clashing echoed from the frontlines. The battle had begun. Most of the enemy forces had rushed there, leaving only the Demon General guarding the Priestess.
I inched closer to the chamber, and then, l heard a scream.
Then a deep, sinister voice.
"Come now, Priestess. I won’t harm you."
"Get away from me, demon! By the divine name of the goddess Vireth, you shall perish!" Seraphina’s terrified voice rang out.
"Oh, don’t be like that. I just want to have a little fun, you know?"
My jaw clenched.
I kicked the door open, startling the demon.
"Looking for fun, you bastard?" I sneered. "Why not have some with this?"
I hurled a scalpel.
But the demon caught it mid-air.
"Hah! Who the hell are you? Playing with tiny knives?" he scoffed.
I swallowed hard.
This one was strong.
His flaming horns cast an ominous glow in the room and his body was even more scary. Its skin was red with molten cracks oozing lava.
One punch from him could incinerate me.
Seraphina’s eyes lit up at the sight of me. "Asher! You came?"
I smirked. "Yeah, I couldn’t leave a beautiful lady in the hands of demons, could I?"
I forced confidence, but my trembling fingers betrayed me.
Still, I hadn’t come unprepared.
I’d trained extensively, learning that boosting my Strength, Stealth, and Speed stats could turn the tide of any battle. And when enhanced, my scalpels could slice through mountains.
I activated my buffs in silence.
But before I could finish—
Evelyn shoved past me and lunged at the demon.
Again.
"I’LL KILL YOU, UNCLE DIABLO!" she roared, fist aimed for his face.
Uncle?!
Diablo effortlessly intercepted her attack and countered, sending her crashing into the wall.
"Little niece, is that you?" Diablo mused. "Oh, how you’ve grown. But don’t you think attacking your uncle is a bit... disrespectful?"
I dashed to Evelyn’s side. The blow was fatal, but ateast she had a faint pulse.
Rage swelled inside me. I hadn’t realized how much I cared for Rose’s child until now.
I clenched my fists, letting my aura surge. The very walls trembled.
Diablo grinned. "Wow... you’re actually pretty strong, kid."
Cocky bastard. Typical demon.
"Let’s take this outside," I growled. "I wouldn’t want to wreck the castle. Soon, it’ll belong to Rose and her people."
Diablo chuckled. "Hah! You’re amusing. Fine, let’s go."
Before leaving, I stole a glance at Seraphina, then at Evelyn and gave Sera a slight nod.
Then I leaped out the window.
I had one minute to end this.
Tbc