Preview: “Open your mind and do not resist.” Sunirae didn’t say much this time and wasted time. As usual, she did what she had to do and enslaved the chief of the Tikbalangs.
In an open space in the 2nd Level of Hell. Magma burst from time to time as the ground illuminated the surroundings while the omnipresent darkness embraced the figures entrenched.
Thousands of figures could be vaguely seen as they unified into one army.
Magma Golems, Ketus, Tikbalangs… They converged and created an irresistible force around them. The air trembled from the pressure and even demons with low intelligence did not dare approach.
The demons formed a formation unrecorded in human history of wars as their positions were based on their abilities and specialties.
The versatility of their abilities and synergies made the troop perfect. With the Magma Golems acting as vanguard, the Ketus as the main offense and Tikbalangs playing the roles of cavalry with their extraordinary vitality and agility.
Together, they marched upon the Hellish lands and brought death to every demon.
Sunirae glanced at the awesome troop she amassed and was greatly satisfied.
“I only need a few more types of blood now and so, we need to find the 3rd Gate soon!”
She declares her intention to the demons in front as they look at each other and exchange information.
“The passageway to the Third Level of Hell?”
“Have you heard of it?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know its location?”
“No.”
They communicated and realized none of them had its coordinates. They turned to look at their masters with guilty expressions as no one spoke up.
Yhaele observed their expressions and already inferred that they must not have coordinates of the place. Then he turned his glance towards Sunirae and wondered how she would react.
Sunirae didn’t mind that no one spoke up about the coordinates as even she was finding it difficult to locate through memories she absorbed. At least, the 2nd Gate was easy to find as it was located in the center.
But the third seems to be around the edges and is not consistent. Sometimes it may appear in one place for a period of time, long or short. Or it would appear in places they don’t know. So the hurdle in finding the passageway is now the problem as the egg is about to be hatched.
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“Okay, I guess we have no choice but to look for it ourselves personally.”
Sunirae said as she thought about how it was to have subordinates. At least, they don’t have to check the entire place with just the three of them. With helpers, they could at least locate it faster than they did.
The other demons had no objections as they awaited further instructions. They stood rooted to the ground as their aura and morale soared through the darkness.
Excitement and anticipation filled them as they thought about the mana concentration and compatibility with darkness in the levels would be. They were excited that they could finally come in contact with it soon.
“Everyone, go and form teams to explore the edges."
The demons looked at each other and wondered about what kind of teams they should make.
They were unfamiliar with each other and didn't know what to do.
Yhaele was about to interfere and suggest that they form teams with a balanced composition to maximize their advantage when Siera, the chief of the Tikbalangs spoke up. She was also granted a name by Sunirae when she received the proof of loyalty.
“Everyone, I think we should have at least one member of a different race in our teams.”
She continued as her voice reverberated amongst the troops. She stood in front of everyone together with the two other chiefs as her suggestion echoed in their minds.
The little demons listened attentively and found her words intriguing but couldn’t understand the essence of it. One Ketus spoke up and asked a question.
“Why should we form teams with the other race? I think we’re pretty strong and can do well for ourselves.”
“That’s right! We can fend off for ourselves! We have very strong bodies!”
“Hmm..”
The others echoed his sentiments, especially the Magma Golems as they couldn’t see any relevance in doing as she suggested.
They awaited her response as she stared fixedly at the front and took a glance at her masters.
“I agree that you guys are indeed strong. But everyone here has their own uniqueness and capabilities. I’m sure you guys are aware that although you have strong bodies and explosive strength, you are also very slow and weak against agile creatures.”
She looked towards the Magma Golems as her words pierced through the cores in their chests. She was right. They could still remember that moment they fought the Lords. Even though one of the Lords had a weak offensive power against their indomitable defense, they were still played by the nose. Just because they were strong doesn’t mean they are invincible. That battle taught them an unforgettable lesson as they are now reaping the consequences of their arrogance.
“I agree with you on that one. And agile demons could also leave you devastating damage if you’re not careful.”
Zenolith echoed his agreement as he looked towards Yhaele. He could still remember Yhaele playing one of his clansmen and dealing a lot of damage and confusion during the battle. And at that time, Yhaele wasn’t strong enough to deal effective damage but now, he grew to a point where he could even damage the Ketus’ scales. Just because one couldn’t deal with you at the moment doesn’t mean the same in the future. That is why he's wary towards creatures like Yhaele who improve quickly.
As demons, they are different from other species as the way for them to gain power is simple. They just needed to consume the flesh, blood and remnant soul power of another demon. Such a simple way of leveling makes them very terrifying. And creatures like Lords have a very strong potential and could grow much faster consuming the same thing as other demons. They tend to possess the ability to extract more efficiently and absorb more essence from their prey.
Siera nodded her horse face towards Zenolith as she continued her words.
“That is why I’m suggesting we form teams containing at least one member from a different race. With a Magma Golem, you can have someone to take the damage at the front and deal occasional explosive damage. And with Tikbalangs, you could have resilient rangers and cavalry disrupting the enemy with their vitality and agility. And Ketus could deal lots of damage with their claws, tails, and other weapons. Especially the immobilizing mist.”
Her eyes stared at the Ketus who asked the question as a formless pressure descended. Although she wasn’t as strong as Lords, she was still a chief of an entire demon race. Her decades of power and authority wasn’t just for show as the Ketus felt suffocated.
The demons looked at each other and had no other choice but to agree. They also couldn’t refute her as they knew her words made a lot of sense.
They shifted their positions and started moving to form teams. This magnificent sight struck Yhaele as he inwardly sighed. And to improve everyone’s impression of each other and nurture camaraderie as well. His words were stuck in his throat as he didn’t say it out loud. He wished for his thoughts to be reality as he remembered his former comrades. He knew it was probably wishful thinking and demons can’t possibly comprehend such concepts and feelings.
Sigh, let’s just get back to work. He moved towards the demons and helped them arrange themselves orderly as they prepared for the eventual exploration. For the upcoming descent.