Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 1005- Seraphim of Honor— [Barachiel] (2)

The combined forces of two Demon Lords, the clans of the Spriggan Continent, and the remaining armies of the Demon faction promised a terrifyingly powerful war machine.

On the other hand, opposing them was the Alliance— a vast coalition of human kingdoms, demi-humans, angels, and countless other major and minor races. United under the crushing pressure of the demons' tyranny, they had formed a desperate confederation to resist annihilation.

For the first time, Simon could grasp the full scope of the conflict. The collision of these titanic forces was no mere war. It was the cataclysm itself. It was no wonder the dragon lord had to intervene.

A neutral race, one that existed as an apex predator among predators, breaking their impartial stance to intervene— it all made sense now. If this war were allowed to continue unchecked, it would destroy the balance of the world, perhaps even endanger the world itself.

As Simon processed these thoughts, Garvex's voice once again rang out, pulling his attention back to the present.

"All plans moving forward will hinge on the conquest of Orlandos," he declared.

Orlandos—a once-proud kingdom now reduced to a pitiful state. Garvex's lips curled into a sneer as he described the situation. "The humans have abandoned the lands surrounding Orlandos. Their villages are empty, their fields lie fallow, and their people have either fled or gathered in the capital to mount a pathetic resistance"...

"What's more, their so-called king has already fled. A being that they regard as their lord has abandoned his own people and ran away to save their own hide. Truly a human like behaviour".

 The room erupted into mocking laughter. For the demons, the pitiful state of Orlandos was nothing more than a joke and a form of entertainment.

"Lord Agramon has decreed that Orlandos will fall. No matter how inconsequential their resistance is, our forces will march on the capital with full might and raze it to the ground. The fall of the Orlandos is important for the next part of our plan".

Garvex discussed the plan with high-ranking demon nobles sometimes adding their opinions.

"Orlandos is weak, and its defences are laughable. But it's too… convenient. The humans are no fools. If they've concentrated their forces in the capital, it could mean they're planning something. Or perhaps they're stalling for time"...

"Everyone from the Angels of Principality to Dominion from the Three Star Scripture has been accounted for except for the Seraphim of Honor. He has yet to show his face or make his move"...

"It is highly likely that he will interfere in the upcoming battle for Orlandos. So before you leave, hear this: Orlandos will fall within the week. Lord Mammon's forces will rendezvous with us shortly thereafter, and the intercontinental teleportation gate will be constructed"...

"This is the beginning of the end for the Central Continent. Prepare yourselves accordingly. If it's the Seraphim we must fight, then we shall. Nobody can stand in our way! All for a better world for us!!"…

"All for a better world for us!!"

The assembly shouted in unison….

.

.

The Capital of Orlandos, Solastre, stood silent and heavy under a blood-red dusk. The air was thick with tension, each breath feeling like a weight on the chest.

Everywhere, the flames of war cast long shadows on the walls, both literal and metaphorical. The news of the approaching demon army had reached every ear, from the lowliest foot soldier to the most seasoned commander.

Soldiers in mismatched armor moved through the city streets haphazardly, their faces pale and their hands trembling. Even as they worked to prepare defences, their movements were mechanical, as if the gravity of the situation had sapped their very will to fight.

Inside one hastily set-up barracks, groups of knights and soldiers could be seen sitting in tense silence. Some stared at their swords, others looked at the pictures of their family and loved ones, and a few clenched their fists, trying to suppress the visible tremors.

The very city was a picture of despair.

"I heard the demons burned three cities in a single night," the soldiers discussed lifelessly.

"Yeah, I heard that there are many monsters in their army that can breathe fire which can even melt steel"…

"Haha, monsters are the last of your worries. The truly terrifying ones are the Demon Nobles. You can't understand their power unless you've seen it with your own eyes. They don't fight. They annihilate."...

"Haha, honestly what am I even doing here. I should have just abandoned everything and fled with the others".

The atmosphere became eerily silent after that, the weight of the words pressing down on them like an actual physical force. It was not only this barrack, everywhere you can lay your eyes in the city, you would see demoralised and lifeless soldiers.

In the streets, a few brave souls tried to rally morale. A young knight stood on a crate, addressing a small crowd of soldiers and citizens.

"This is our home! We may be facing annihilation, but we can still overcome it! We've fortified the walls, and we have steel in our hands. As long as we stand together, we can protect our city, our families, and our lives!"

His voice was the very description of passion and vigor. But without strength all it would get you was a few half hearted cheers at best. His words felt hollow against the tidal wave of fear that gripped the hearts of the people.

Even in the capital's royal palace, the mood was no better. Once a grand hall where the king of Orlando held court, it now stood hollow and cold, devoid of its sovereign.

The throne sat empty, with a long round table at the centre of the place. Commanders, knights, and advisors gathered in the room, their faces drawn and pale. Maps, scrolls, and scattered reports covered the table, hastily marked with ink displaying how dire their situation was.

A silence hung over the room until someone finally broke it. @@novelbin@@