“It is my honor to introduce you to the war council.”
Leading the way, Bazark removed a part of the red tent, unveiling the interior. It was as spacious as it looked from the outside, kitted with its own furniture. The tables were made of thick logs cut down from trees and sanded to a smooth finish. Scattered across them were sheets of parchment, flasks and a circular trinket with a straight line that remained motionless. Misplaced crates were also present, and the majority of them contained scrolls, books, and polished weapons. The furthest point of the entire structure was a vacant throne that had a view of the whole operations. As opposed to the conventional metal, it was formed from the stout trees located in the fissure. It was the only chair in the region, and I quickly ascertained who it belonged to.
Warlord Bazark reverently declared, “My subservient subjects offer their greetings, oh glorious being.”
“Hm?”
I was perplexed when he spoke of his subordinates, but when I glanced to the side, there were indeed demons kneeling, all wearing plated armor, their heads exposed. I counted six of them, three in each row.
“I did not realize you six were here,” I said to the group. “The worth of your presence is as insignificant as a monkey using a tool.”
“Thank you for the compliment!” said one demon.
I raised my eyebrows in disbelief and asked, “Is this the entirety of your war council? Frankly, I’m not impressed.”
Warlord Bazark let out an awkward laugh. “I’m afraid not. Two of my most dependable officers are in Talik Gorge, however they are holding a different position. The one who spoke is my strategist.”
I glanced at the demon in question. He was the most frail-looking and youngest of the group of demons. His tousled black hair and wide, sheepish grin gave him an aura of youthful innocence. His nose was also flat, as if someone had punched his nose one too many times. If someone of his aptitude is the strategist of the Liberators, it is possible that Warlord Bazark is either dumber than I had previously perceived, or his physical appearance is misleading to those who are not wise.
“Lovely,” I murmured, looking away.
I silently sauntered past, my focus on one particular item. Once there, I plopped myself right on the wooden throne, already feeling uncomfortable. Whoever crafted this thing was sloppy; it felt rough and unfinished. I felt the sting of the prickles, and my fingertips were stained with sawdust.
“Although this is one of the less desirable seats I have had the misfortune of occupying, it will suffice.”
The congregation of demons proceeded towards me.
“May I ask why you are sitting on the throne?” said Warlord Bazark.
“Is it not obvious? I see no other chairs other than this one. I had to travel quite a distance to reach this wretched place, Warlord Bazark. My feet need rest.”
The leader of the Liberators frowned as he said, “I see…”
I found his displeasure amusing and said, “Well, now that almost everyone is gathered, I want you to start a war council as of now. I am interested to hear what you have planned.”
The group became restless as they glanced at each other, shuffling their boots. I stared at them with a bored look. Why are the mortals hesitating? When confronted with a god, one must respond immediately to their every demand. If one of the other gods were present, they would smite these demons where they stand. Their reputation is already suffering, and any disrespect will only worsen it.
Before I could open my mouth, the strategist answered for Warlord Bazark.
“With pleasure, great deity! If you’ll excuse me, I will get the documents!”
The young strategist sprinted to the nearest crate and went through it with an ecstatic smile. The demons remained still and quiet as the strategist revealed a large scroll that had a distinct yellow hue. He approached with his clanking armor and set the scroll down before me, unrolling it. Once fully unraveled, what greeted me was a map of Talik Gorge. The map showed a winding, shallow river snaking through the gorge, flanked by towering plateaus. With a few deft movements, the strategist went to another crate and grabbed a few carved figures, almost like chess pieces. He placed one down, marking our location, near the foot of a mountain. At the other end of the gorge, he placed one on top of a poorly painted settlement. It was like a blind-folded child had their way with a marker.
“Our present position is at the bottom of a mountain. At the end of Talik Gorge is where the Marauders are hiding. It’s the one with the disfigured marker.”
The strategist pointed at a settlement called Arago, a city that settled near a vast area called the Wandering Woodlands. It was a place dominated by ‘dangerous’ monsters that have migrated from all over Talik Gorge. Ordinary and feeble creatures make themselves scarce, cherishing their own lives. It is an optimal location for gathering resources and meat, yet one must be wary of the local wildlife. The demons of Arago had made their home near this forest because of Talik Gorge and the Wandering Woodlands. Basically, Arago rested at the end of the gorge and the Wandering Woodlands are east of the city.
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“Show me where the other two officers are stationed,” I ordered the strategist.
The demon happily nodded and dropped a marker northwest of Arago. Two Xs were drawn in an arched formation, with the names Linark and Nastro hastily inscribed.
“Linark and Nastro were ordered by Warlord Bazark to monitor Arago’s movements. Should Arago dispatch an emissary or a wagon beyond the city limits, they would be intercepted by Linark and Nastro. We are obstructing them from exchanging messages with other Warlords and requesting their help. We cut off their communication line and starve them out until they surrender their entire city to the glorious Liberators. They cannot escape from our grasp and will soon crumble.”
Hmph. As expected from those who engage in warmongering activities. They are highly skilled in creating and executing warfare strategies that would be pleasing to many war gods. Implementing a blockade on Arago is a sound decision because of the lack of alternative routes. Talik Gorge is quite far from other settlements, and it would take them at least two-three days with the fastest demon horses to reach them. If they decided to leave the city, they would be limited to two paths: north or eastward. However, the east is where the Wandering Woodlands lie and the north is dangerous, as it is guarded by Warlord Bazark’s subordinates. It was taking your chances with the monsters in the Wandering Woodlands or fight a splintered platoon.
“If you would enlighten me, how are you able to communicate with your subordinates, Warlord Bazark?”
“With this, great deity.”
Warlord Bazark ambled away and loomed over the table containing the round ornament from earlier. He returned and presented it to me. Upon further inspection, it was observed to have a dark metal base and a glass covering. There was one line that was divided into two halves, one being red and the other white. Whenever the ornament moved, the red half moved as well. It pointed at little engravings with the letters N, E, S, W.
“A compass?” I murmured. “I fail to see how you manage communications with a device meant for directions.”
“There’s an enchantment embedded within it. When the glass is tapped, a brilliant blue light will emerge from the Torqinite and you may say whatever you desire to the device. After a brief silence, the light will dim and someone else who possesses the same enchantment and device will receive the message. It is almost instantaneous. If Linark and Nastro were to be attacked or caught wind of the Marauders’ plans, then I would rally my troops and march to their location if they needed my assistance.”
“What a wonderful invention. You demons truly are resourceful.”
I handed the compass back to the Warlord and repositioned myself. “Now, Warlord Bazark, why do you think I’m here speaking with you?”
The demon pondered for a moment. “You wish to see the conclusion of our siege, correct?”
“Very good. How would you feel if I stated that I would be present while you confront the Marauders?”
All present in the tent were taken aback by my statement. In their eyes flashed skepticism, and then cheerfulness.
“A great deity will watch over the Liberators?!” said one of the demons.
“Does that mean you acknowledge us, great deity?!” asked the strategist.
I held a finger up to silence the crowd, and they immediately shut their mouths.
“Yes. However, no other god will be present other than me. Do you understand?”
They all furiously nodded their heads as their mouths widened with pleasure.
“Good. Warlord Bazark, you said you will begin the attack on the third night from today?”
“Yes, great deity.”
“Instead of the third night, you will attack on the sixth instead.”
The look of joy on his face was quickly replaced with perplexity due to my absurd request.
“B-But great deity, that is impossible! The Liberators are running low on supplies. We have been in a stalemate with the Marauders for months! My troops will be starved once the sixth day hits, and we would have no energy to solidify our victo-“
“And? What of it?” I interrupted, staring coldly at his insistent whining.
“…!”
Warlord Bazarks and the rest of the demons’ knees buckled, and they all crumpled to the floor as the sound of metal reverberated in the area. A bead of sweat trickled down their cheeks as their hearts raced and their breathing sped up with every breath. I have only released a small portion of my mana and these whelps are wheezing as if a giant had stomped on their chests.
“Were you dropped on your head as an infant or have you gone senile so soon? My statements are absolute, and I will not tolerate any disrespect of my orders. I will not repeat myself. Do I make myself clear, Warlord Bazark?”
With veins protruding out of his neck, Warlord Bazark answered in a strained tone. “Y-Yes, g-g-great deity…”
I observed the mortals' uneasiness for a short while until the mana slowly scattered away. The electrifying atmosphere dissipated and the demons' shoulders loosened as they clutched their necks.
“I hope to see you and the rest of your troops at the Marauders’ doorstep in six days. As you prepare, I have somewhere that needs my attention.”
Warlord Bazark squinted at me, his face still contorted. “B-But…”
Ignoring the feeble demon, I rose from the uncomfortable throne and dashed out of the red structure. Upon my exit, an astonished group of demons was waiting outside. They moved away from each other with reverence, creating a space as they bowed profoundly. I wasn’t paying much attention to the display as I was thinking of my next course of action.
I had already finished what I sought to do at the Liberators’ camp. Next stop is the city of Arago. These particular demons will be a nuisance to handle. They are an unorthodox group of demons will have to be dealt with last. Unlike the Liberators who prostrate themselves to gods, these Marauders are the opposite. They believe gods should not be held in high regard, but instead removed from the heavens and brought to Earthiens. The Marauders do not explicitly display such boldness in fear of being struck down. This information was only known amongst the gods later down the road. In fact, you could say such recklessness is one of the kindles that sparked the war.
“Ah, I’m already out.”
In my daze, I had already walked a respectful distance away from the barricade and back onto the plateau. A delicate wind swept across the landscape, and my glossy hair tumbled down my face. A pleasant fragrance of moist earth and blossoming flowers filled my nostrils as I inhaled. Air this crisp and pure was a rarity to experience. Soaking it all in helps the mind and stabilizes mana. Since I do not possess a core, I am actively absorbing mana through the environment and the blood of others. Without a core, mana leaks from my body much quicker. The humans and Apithiens are sponges that can hold mana for long periods of time while I am but a balloon filled with helium. Truly a blaring negative of this mortal body…
“I should start moving now. Time is fleeting and should be used wisely. Following the river, I should arrive at my destination.”
I bolstered the power in my legs and dashed towards Arago.