Part 2

Before we move on, I'll expand on the topic of the intelligent sentient species, those regarded as higher level, not animals, you could also call them humanoid races, that live in this world. By the way, I hadn't yet mentioned that the world is called Luavheim, the name of the planet, that is, so here you go.

In reality, if scrutinized close enough, there were countless highly intelligent different races, besides the millions of species of other creatures. However, generally, by those who weren't specialists in that area, humanoids were fundamentally, liberally classified into four groups.

Human race. The most abundant, prevalent and dominant race of the world of Luavheim. Capable of adapting to all living conditions and found in almost all corners of the world, the exceptions being only due to the residence of other greatly hostile races, demons to be exact. A very collaborative race, which lead the first initially small communities to establish their own governing bodies, that leading to the formation nations, which in turn diverged into spawning kingdoms. And the expansion and power of some kingdoms have made them worthy to be labelled as empires. By abilities they're the average amongst others – decent physical strength and adequate magical talent.

Beast race. Comprises humanoid races with a variety of animal characteristics. Humanoid in the sense that they have a similar skeletal structure, thus their body shape resembles that of humans, and they are bipedal -mostly-, such things. However, they are usually covered in fur, some reptilians have a scaly skin, they might have claws, talons, wings even, and great physical capabilities, though generally below average magic, all depending on their base animal. To clarify, for example – a tiger beast race individual is bipedal, has paws but also opposable thumbs, fur with a specific color pattern, and is quite strong physically.

Demon race. Alongside beast races, it's a moderately diverse category. They as well are humanoid like the beast races. However, they have extemely great magical affinity, and their origin is unknown. By their abilities they resemble type II magical beasts more than humans or beast races. Quite sparsely situated, usually congregated around areas of higher mana concentrations. For one, due to their hostile nature and general aggressiveness, but mostly because of fundamentally different religion and gods, they're regarded as enemies by all others, labelled as evil, and waged wars, so called holy crusades, against.

Halfs. The most diverse category of races, simply due to comprising of all the non-pureblood races. Bloodlines are a complicated matter in this world. The thing is – even if individuals of different races, say a beastman and human female, were to produce offspring, the progeny would typically have the racial traits of only one of the parents. However, sometimes one might be a half, not have the full characteristics of a race, that is, but a part of each. The cause for that is unknown – many see it as a curse, sometimes it's thought as a defect, but always interpreted as a consequence of magical interference. Also, naturally, the descendants of halfs are also halfs. So, since halfs are seen only as a negative result, they're greatly discriminated against, as mentioned before, and thus tend to form their own communities away from other races' territories, but not always though. Besides discrimination, they're also treated as articles of slavery. In the end, their status and conditions are certainly on the low end.

There are some races that don't belong to any of the four categories, but are nevertheless quite populous. For example – elves, which in turn divide into many variants, such as wood elves, desert elves, high elves, night elves, and more; dwarves, who are most abundant on a separate western continent; gnomes; fairies; and more. Generally they have their own habitats, and depending on their nature they either collaborate with others or tend to seclude themselves.

So, finally we arrive at the point that's relevant to our current situation. Because not always do halfs isolate themselves from other races, they can sometimes coexist, to some degree at least. Namely, the disposition towards half-demons, or demi-humans as they're called, is most lenient in demon territory. Meaning, full-fledged demons treat demi-humans, somewhat ironically, considering the name, better than most other races. Better, but not well. One of the reasons being that demi-humans comprise a part of demons' armies, serve as foot soldiers usually, they're the expendable meat shield, so to say. And in turn they have some protection and are allowed to live in demon territory.

A little before we arrived at the castle town, I noticed from the corner of my eye Lessa'El fidgeting slightly. Or maybe not really fidgeting, but she had a minor anxious aura about her.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Oh, umm... I'm just wondering about how I'll be seen here. I've talked about halfs of different races are seen, right, how they're treated generally. So... I doubt I'll be very welcome here..." She had quite the insecure expression as she said that.

However, I resolutely responded, "No worries! Whatever happens, at the very least I won't let you get hurt." Finishing with a reassuring smile.

"A-, I-... Thank you... Ehehee--," With a girlish giggle, her cheeks blushing red, she coyly averted her gaze, trying to hide the otherwise jubilant mood. ". . .Hey, I've been meaning to ask, back when we met, and just now too you said the same, that you would protect me if I follow you. What do you mean about that?" She asked, her eyes sunny, gleaming with auspicious anticipation.

"Of course, just as my underlings serve me well, as the master, I also have to attend to my subordinates' well-being. ... There's no king if there's noone to serve him. And a true ruler is one who, in turn for his vassal's service, also ensures the vassal's welfare and safety!" It was a splendid, admirable speech, if I dare say so myself. However, my exquisitely honorable monologue was met with an unexpected declination.

She came to a full stop. "A subordinate... Haaahh--. . ."

'What?! What?! What's with that somber sigh? Why in a sullen mood suddenly?'

Disregardid her reaction -I wasn't as thickheaded as it might have seemed, I had adequate comprehension of her behaviour-, I prompted her to move on, which, after a scathingly bitter and resentful stare, she slightly grudgingly did. We were just fifteen minutes away.

The gatehouse of the all-surrounding walls of the town was as menacing as the almost 3 meter ogre that guarded the checkpoint. A thorned drawbridge to get across the moat full of wooden spikes; just as barbed gate; spearpoints on the wall allowing only a single narrow passage; and sculptures of sinister gargoyles looming over the entrance.

"Stop right there! Announce yourselves, or you won't be allowed inside," a burly, with copper colored skin, two small horns on the forehead, and eardrum quivering booming voice, towering ogre clad in dark green metal plated armor and equipped with a just as long glaive halted us in our steps and requested, no, demanded us to state our business.

I was not daunted by his imposing presence. However, glancing beside myself, an involuntary tremble had run over Lessa'El, and my companion retreated a step or two, now trying to block the sight with me in between. It seemed a bit of an excessive reaction, such fright, that is, but perhaps there was a deeper reason for that.

So, being the man of the situation, I responded, "I have important affairs to handle at the castle. Make way!"

"An official? No, the lord is busy, and noone's allowed inside unless they go through inspection. What rabble are you if you don't know a simple thing as that?"

My plan to impersonate some authority had failed. Well, it was just a trial, and I had no earlier knowledge to base my act on. Alright, let's see how a polite and affable approach works.

Conjuring up the most refined smile I could, though I had no reference as to how it looked on my face, I began,

"Greetings! Good work guarding the city gates. My name is Hax and this here" I almost patted her head, but managed to retract my hand at the last moment, thus pointed towards her, "is my companion Lessa'El. We've been travelling for quite a while now, so would it perhaps be possible to apply for some accommodation for a day or two at this lovely town?"

From his expression, as he looked at me eyes slitting, in suspicion and derision, it would be safe to presume that again my little act was ineffective. After he ran over me with his characteristic golden hued eyes, assessing both my strength and credibility, the moment Lessa'El entered his vision, his sight fixated on her. Eyes flaring up, a creepy grin forming on his face, revealing two small lines of black decaying teeth, with repulsive movement his tongue running over and wetting his lips, he ogled her body, in all likelihood envisioning some vile actions. My comparably short and frail companion flinched at his intent gaze, shrinking back even more.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

"Give her to me! She's mine now!" the ogre declared in a dominant, impertinent manner.

There was only one way I would answer to that, "Hah?! Pft, no way, go to hell."

"H- Aah?!" Dumbfounded at my response, the imminent foe could only gape his jaw and groan some incomprehensible croaks.

"Didn't you hear, you dipshit? Get to the gutter where you belong."

His copper colored face flushed crimson, distorted and went up in fumes, and with a trembling voice containing extreme ire he squawked, "YOU!", and fiercely plunged towards me. The battle was on.

However, since a moment ago this course of action had already become evident, and thus, anticipating his attack, by this time I had prepared my counter. Just by lifting my arm and pointing it towards him, the ogre's life was in my hands. As if kicked from nowhere, the ogre suddenly flew backwards, crashing into the guardpost which then collapsed onto him.

I had used non-lethal magic, however. It was an experimental spell, a mere shockwave of compressed air.

"Wooah! Was that an "Air cannon"? So powerful..." Lessa'El blurted in awe.

I didn't care to explain what it actually was. Seems that in essence it was very similar to a spell called "Air cannon", so might as well name my version the same.

There was no movement in the rubble. By some remote odds, perhaps the ogre wasn't as resilient as I had estimated and was knocked unconscious in a single blow. For my mental peace I bet on the chance that he hadn't actually died, but was not concerned enough to bother verifying it.

"Come, let's get going," I started valiantly marching into the town, Lessa'El hesitantly following a step behind.

A foul putrid stench entered our noses as we stepped through the gates. The bustle and throngs of people one might expect from a city, as well as a town, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the denizens were lethargically plodding about. There were was a variety of races, but, at first sight, they were all only demi-humans, no demon was visible. Their height about that of human's, some had small leathery wings, some had different horns, some tails, an assortment of skin hues – in the end they were all half-demons, mostly of imp variants, while the characteristics of the human part were the general body image and facial structure -in other words, they looked like humans wearing costumes-.

From the very gates until the end of the street the sight was nothing but miserable and gloomy. For one, noone had come to check the commotion I had caused at the entrance. The few stalls that checkered the streets were occupied only by the salespersons, who, not invitingly, but despondently were merely sitting on some worn creaky chairs, their faces scruffy and shoulders hanging low, and not at the slightest trying to attract the very few viable customers wandering around. In the houses, tailor's shop, a blacksmith, an alchemy shop, an inn, there was also minimal activity – a single person rearranging some textile; languid, sluggish banging of a hammer; no brewing or any distinct smell of herbs from the apothecary; and but a single drunkard with his nose down on the ground. In the murky alleyways dwelled almost unrecognizably squalid creatures.

It was clear that not from the sweltering weather were the residents so listless, but from a whole other reason. As they looked at the strangers, at me, I saw no care about the newcomers, merely woe and resignation to whatever would befall on them. Yet, their eyes still cried for help.

I made my way towards the castle where the lord of the area resided.

In front of the massive doorway of the looming enormous castle two fully armored sentinels stood at watch. Before approaching, I surveyed the place. It was quite dreary, as opposite to how most human fortresses were made, this one had very little outcrops, few towers, and no openings or windows. It was just a simple immense wall, like a block of stone. Vines creeped up on the crumbling wall. The top edge was worn and falling apart. If it were under siege, it would no doubt fall fairly quickly. And totally unsuitable for some great lord. At least, that's how the outer appearance was.

"I have come for a meeting with the lord. Let me pass!" I self-importantly demanded from the two.

They glanced at each other, befuddled by my sudden approach and declaration. Then one of them stepped forward and, in a husky and guttural voice, stated,

"The lord is having a meeting right now. And who are you anyway? We're not expecting visitors."

It was pretty much the same reaction as the town gate guard's. However, considering the importance of the authority from this point on, I could not make do with polite manners to gain passage. On the other hand, I was aware, courtesy of Lessa'El's lectures, of how demons' hierarchy operated. Might makes right! And so, through strength, domination is established as well in these lands. It was time I used that method.

However, in a turn of events, at the moment I prepared for hostile action, the gates leading to the castle opened, and from inside, with a bellow, ringed a man's voice,

"What's the commotion here?"

From the dark, compared to the bright outside, a figure manifested. Wearing exquisite regal garments, a gold-embroidered blood-red robe that extended from the neck to down to the feet. About a head shorter than me, while he similarly had two horns on the side of the head, curving to the front, and, likewise, a tail, though thinner, whipping side to side in rhythm with his gait from under the vestment. His visible skin, his face, was dark gray, while from its depths two radiant amber eyes glowed.

"My lord?! It's just-, this person here arrived a moment ago and requested audience with the supreme ruler."

From the conduct and the words of the guards I safely presumed that this new, unfamiliar individual was the local lord.

"Is that so?" he said, running his eyes over me. But merely finished with a sneering, disdainful look, doubtlessly having judged me not worthy of any further attention.

Then, just the same as at the town gates, when Lessa'El caught his sight, his demeanor straight up changed. Similarly, to the extent as declaring ownership over her, he approached her with the impudent proposition,

"Hohoo, what a woman we have here! How about it," addressing Lessa'El, "become my concubine, and you'll have nothing to worry about for the rest of your life." His eyes turning cold and drab, "And this is not a request."

Haaahhh--... I could only sigh at the audacity, a possibly ingrained, or inherent, trait that these demons exhibited. So, again the same course of action was required. Well, it was necessary as the next step anyway, so there was no problem.

"Hey, you," nudging the hem of the arrogant master's sleeve, nearly touching him, "Since I'm running for lordship, to succeed you, the only way is through defeating you, right?"

With a face crumpled from utmost rage, he glanced back at me, and scoffed me off, squalling,

"Don't you dare touch me you worthless trash! Kill him!"

However, just as the two guards were brandishing their towering glaives and I was preparing to shoot off two shockwaves in retaliation, another figure appeared from the darkness and brought the space to a still with her golden, honey-like, sonorous voice,

"Stop right there!"

The moment she appeared before us, my sight fixated on the comparably short, adolescent girl. A body that of a developing teenage maiden, nigh unnoticeable but still outlined curves. Velvety lavender hair flowing past her shoulders. And as her willful eyes that accommodated a sharp glare met with mine, my heart was taken by storm as my insides spiraled into an unfathomable ardor, and a mysterious will surged forth, telling me with a feral tinge, "I want her!".

- - -

Thank you for reading!

Any feedback is appreciated. Please rate the fiction.

Best wished to all!