In front of the entrance of Black Death Forest an army camp of thousands is set up with tents all standing tall while in rows of a neat orderly fashion. smoke rising up into the sky because of the numerous campfires. Flags flapping on the sides of each tent with a logo of a golden roaring lion. This was the royal army of the human kingdom Buthrium.
Tall wooden walls made of logs surrounding the camp is set up to act as protection, not as sturdy, but it was most quickest and efficient ones to make. Watch towers behind the walls with soldiers wearing full sets of bulky silver armour, walking around not forgetting to scan every area in detail in case of intruders. You can tell at first glance that these soldiers are well trained.
In middle of the army camp a magnificent tent made of precious materials stood tall and proud looking down on all the other tents. Inside numerous of men wearing different kinds of armour but all of the same colour silver, while all giving off a variety of auras gained through seasons of war. These were veterans of war and generals of the army. In the middle two were in a heated arguement.
"We need to go back now, do you know where we are? We're sitting right infront of the world's most dangerous place. Black Death Forest!" Roared A tall brown haired old general with a scar on his face.
Some people in the crowd agreed nodding.
"Ha! You fool, don't make me laugh. You're just afraid of gaining another scar. " Scoffed an old black haired short general.
Most people in the crowd laughed with the old general, causing the scar faced general to frown.
The scar faced general stared disdanfully at the general.
"Your the fool for thinking we can take over Black Death Forest! Just because one scout made it alive, doesn't mean we all can!"
"Haha! You fool if he can make then we can, for it was us who trained him!"
Upon hearing this, others looked proud while straightening their backs.
'What a bunch of idiots!' thought the scar faced general angrily. He was still thinking of ways to persuade them, until he remembered a valid reason why not to enter the forest.
"And how would we handle the king of the forest?" He asked with mockery.
The short general instantly paled, while the others choked and whistled looking away. But the general slowly regained confidence.
"H-haha! that is nothing but a overgrown liza--"
"Enough!" Interrupted a man sitting on a golden throne behind the two generals.
A beautiful young man with long blonde hair, handsome face, white armour and along with a beautiful long sword with engravings on it lying on his lap. This was none other than the 1st Prince of Buthrium, Prince Leon. A strong prince with SS Rank, so he was decently strong.
The two generals(Dragon Master Ranked) realised their mistakes so they tried to apologize, but were stopped with the hand of Leon.
"No more talking about that crappy lizard! I came for the mana crystals in this forest, and I know for damn sure I will get them. Now shut up and get ready to march." He shouted with a stern expression. Then he stood up to leave, everyone knew he was afraid of Abyssling Emperor Drake, like everyone else, but they ignored it. They silently saluted while Leon made his way out, including the two generals.
'Greedy lizard.. keeping all those mana crystals to himself!' Leon angrily thought while leaving the tent.
The only reason why the scout made it alive was because the lizard went to fight Makar at that time.
Once Leon left everyone sprang into action, for the words of their Prince is not to be taken lightly.
Immediately loud sounds of horns sounded throughout the camp informing every soldier and others to get ready to move out.
But inside the massive tent, there was two people left standing face to face. It was the two old generals who are both Dukes of Buthrium. Duke Collum with brown hair(Dragon Master Rank) and Duke Wallrick with black hair(Dragon Master Rank).
They stared into each others soul for a minute or two, while sparks clashing from both of them, until Duke Wallrick walked to Duke Collums ear softly whispering.
"You better watch your back in the forest, for this might be your last scar.." Then laughed his way out.
Duke Collum had a relaxed expression for he was used to theses death threats coming from Wallrick. But today he was uneasy because if he was to die so be it, but he can't let his only daughter who persistenly followed him into this dangerous mission. For her curiousity was always getting the best of her.
'I need to go and see her and hopefully persuade her to change her mind. If not I will for the first time in my life, force her.' Collum thought, determination filled his eyes as he also left the tent.
Collum was against the idea of storming through the Black Death Forest because he knew from experience the dangers that were lurking inside, or even more powerful creatures still in hiding. If they went through a massacre will happen so he tried to persuade everyone, but hardly anyone was on his side. Greed for untold riches controlled everyone, including the Prince.
*Sigh* Collum sighed then went to find his daughter.
But what he and the others didn't know was that deep into the forest, two beings wearing dark cloaks with bat like wings sprouting out on their backs, with a certain demon symbol on their cloaks. Were watching their every movements smiling sinisterly. Then they slowly faded away into darkness.
Duke Collum made his way through crowds of soldiers rushing from place to place, who didn't forget to salute Collum, so he did in return. A few moments later he found the group he was looking for. People lifting large pots, pans, knives, spoons and more into the horse driven carriage. They were the royal armies cooking team, who had a mixture of young men and women. In the group a beautiful woman stood out like a sore thumb, she was none other then his only daughter, Sky Collum. She is seen cheerfully smiling while helping with the heavy lifting.
A high noble in the kingdom of Buthrium but she never liked the arrogant ways of the nobles, just like her father. Unlike most nobles who can't stand of getting the tiniest bit of dirt onto themselves, she liked getting her hands dirty and in her childhood she liked playing around with other commoner kids. Which gave her some hateful gazes from the other noble children, however she didn't give two shits about it.
Brown hair with blonde highlights, 5'8, beauty that even surpasses elves, clear blue eyes, hour glass figure with perfect curves making her very seductive. Even though a lot of nobles have asked her hand for marriage, she cold heartily declined all of them, a reason she gave them was that she was going to study in Major 7 Acedemy soon because she recently became of age(18). She was eager to join but was forced to wait until they held the next entrance exams in 4 months time, she didn't mind the wait. But she knew that after she graduates, she will be forced into marriage.
She was persistent on following her father because she loves experiencing new things and if lucky enough to find ruins, she can find new magic or forgotten magic and among other things. But her real reason as to why she was so persistent to come, was because of a rumor she heard of Makar, yes Marker the Legendary Bringer Of Death.
When she was in the royal palace paitently waiting for her father to finish his audience with the king, she overheard two court mages(both Dragon Rank) talking about the Guardian sage of Buthrium(Dragon Emperor Rank) saying that Makar was still alive and is inside the Black Death Forest. As how she knew was because of her special ability to see visions of the future and in one her visions she saw the God Of Death himself walking out of the Black Death Forest, smiling.
Which scared the living soul of the Guardian and others.
Sky was utterly shocked because the Guardian Sage Of Buthrium would never tell lies especially about her visions, which helped prevent famines, diseases and more.
Sky was also overjoyed not because she could finally meet the worlds most feared being, but overjoyed to meet the worlds strongest. Sky knew that if she doesn't want to get married off, she will have to be strong(She's D rank btw). She's tried hiring a few tutors to teach her but all of them couldn't get her to rank up. She firmly believes that she only rank up if she got the best teacher in the world, thus here she is now.
Sky upon seeing her father, sky dropped the objects and ran straight into her father hugging him. For she was thankful for bringing her along.
Collum who was just about to order her to leave, got taken by surprise when his precious little daughter hugged him warmly, which shattered his new profound confidence completely. Having no other choice he softly rubbed her back.
A few moments later Collum lifted Sky's face with both hands, now staring into her adorable pouting face.
"Sky I know I can't change your mind, but please when theres trouble promise me you will leave immediately."
Sky hearing her father tell her to abandon him made her frown.
"Look Sky" He continued "Just promise me, please?" He said with a bit of saddness.
Sky couldn't counter back so she gave in.
"Yes father.." A voice so sweet and beautiful replied.
"Good." He now smiled happily, knowing that he could at least buy her time while she runs for safety.
They hugged for a few more mintues until they continued to pack up like everyone else.
Soon the royal army marched into the the entrance of the Black Death Forest, upon entering the creepy and dark dense forest. Everyone felt like they were all being watched. For they were right, because after walking for a few miles.
*Rumble..*
Upon hearing the faintest sound, Leon at the very front leading the army like a true leader, signalled to halt.
*HUUTT*
Which they all did. But once they did the ground started to shake, then they could hear screams of laughter and war cries getting louder from all sides.
Everyone widen their eyes in shock, they realised too late that they have completely walked into an ambush.
'No wonder it was too quiet!' Leon realised.
"Soldiers! shield wall of Burthium!" Commanded Leon.
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"""OUU"""
They shouted in unison while shield bearers skillfully excuted the command, all forming a circular wall around the archers, spearmen, mages and non-combatants placing them in the middle of their protective circle. Protecting them from the incoming charge of the enemies.
Soon the mad screams and laughter got closer and closer, until they could finally see thousands uopn thousands of Black Orcs(SS ranked) with their long swords and spears, Blood Red Goblins(A ranked) running madly laughing with little daggers and knives, and lastly the cause of their despair! One Horned Ogres(SSS ranked). Giant ogres with one massive horn on their forehead, harden skin that looks like iron with bulging muscles making it hard to penetrate. Destructive power and amazing regeneration ability, which is what makes them harder to kill. They are a lot stronger than their counterparts.
Upon seeing the size of the army and what they were up against, despair rushed through them all!
Collum realising that this spelled trouble, quickly turned his head looking towards the middle of the formation. There he saw his beautiful daughter shaking uncontrollably, but with sheer will power she was standing bravely. While most of the others were overwhelmed with fear causing them to collapse on the ground, while yellowish liquid covered their pants.
Collum gritted his teeth because morale was dangerously low, and he has someone so dear to him that he can't afford to lose.
Sky who caught the gaze of her father tried to appear unshakened, however it was impossible with of the amount of bloodlust generated from the monsters.
Collum released his full might, bright flames engulfing his entire body.
"ARRRRGGHH!! COME ON!!" He roared, shaking the ground which made some goblins and orcs lose balance. Immediately charging out.
*WOOSSHH*
Collum instantly approached a fast-approaching ogre, but the ogre was already prepared and ready to strike!
"ARRH-- Ou?"
Before the ogre could attack Collum, it realised his hands were chopped off, while the tips were burnt blocking any recovery to happen.
Collum took this time to perfectly jump on the ogres head then he swiftly shot fire balls into it's eyes, burning his eyes out.
"Arrrgghh!" The Ogre screamed painfully but it was too late, for it's head instantly fell afterwards.
*Thud*
Collum didn't stop there, instantly he swiftly jumped off the shoulders of the now headless ogre, high into the air while quickly summoning massive condensed fire balls. Then launched it into the oncoming waves of monsters.
*WHOOOSSH*
*BOOOM!*
WHOOSSH*
*BOOOM!*
Huge explosions erupted in different areas which sent countless of monsters blown to pieces, while some burned to death.
Collum then landed onto ground looking back onto the army, while huge pillars of flames erupted behind him.
"For the King!!" He roared passionately.
When Leon and the royal army saw this, morale sky rocketed. They realised that they had two Dragon Master Ranked with them and saw hope. So they regained their composure and Leon continued leading again.
"Archers and Mages, Fire!!" He shouted loudly causing spit to fly everywhere.
Archers regained their confidence and started releasing volleys of magic arrows. Mages quickly casting all kinds of powerful spells onto the oncoming monsters.
*BOOM*
"Argh!"
"Huuk!"
"Sccreekk!"
Screams filled with pain echoed which lead to a lot of monsters dying. Some burnt to death, arrows struck on their heads, some frozen and broken to pieces, see through holes on their bodies with remaining electricity still running throughout their bodies, and more.
The monsters were decreasing rapidly, but there were a lot more who were still charging.
Wallrick who was stunned before, quickly regained focus when he saw Collum charing out by himself like an idiot. He couldn't help but get his blood boiling!
"HAHAHA if I die, I'm taking down more kills than you Collum! hahaha!" He shouted madly while releasing his full power, blue flames emitting all over his body. Showcasing he was also a Dragon Master Rank. Wallrick immediately casted one of his powerful spells 'Water Dragon Breath'.
100m tall and wide tsunami charged towards the on coming monsters, sweeping them away. Collum was a bit stunned upon witnessing the scene, while Wallrick had a proud expression.
"Hahaha! We'll see about that!" laughed Collum while immediately charing out again. Killing goblins, orcs and a few Ogres in a flash.
Wallrick grinned and followed after Collum. 'Crazy fool haha' Wallrick thought while fighting alongside Collum, causing a lot of destruction onto the monsters. But unforunately they were rapidly losing large amounts of mana.
They were rivals but right now the situation didn't call for that, for their peoples survival came first. But for Collum, it was for his precious daughter Sky.
When Sky saw her father charging out she feared the worse, but unfortunately she forgot her father was a battle maniac. She sighed with a bit of relief. Then proceding to cast her light magic, which was really weak. Only causing some monsters to go blink for a few seconds. Instantly arrows flew onto them, killing them.
While the numbers of the monsters decreased slowly, there were still numerous more still charging crazily, which didn't take long for them to reach the shield walls of Buthrium.
Leon upon seeing them approaching rapidly towards the shield wall, he roared.
"BRACE YOURSELVES!!"
*BOOM*
*BASSHH*
Loud heavy impact echoed, while soldiers received the hard impact with pained grunts resulting them to move back a few steps. But instantly spearmen behind the shield wall thrusted their long spears onto the monsters throats or body.
*THRUST*
"Arrkk!"
"Arghhh!"
Blood of the monsters stained their faces and shields, but they continued fighting back. If shield bearer fell another came to replace them. They were well trained and disciplined.
The soldiers repeated the process for a while, until the Ogres showed up.
The soldiers could stop a Bood Shot Goblins and Black Orcs charge, but not a One Horned Ogre!
Massive One Horned Ogres madly charged while swinging their massive clubs onto the shield walls.
*BOOOM!"
"Aaahhh!!"
"Ohhuua!!"
Numerous amounts of soldiers were flown away which resulted in a hole appearing in the formation, but swiftly the remaining soldiers with the help of archers and mages targeted the Ogres, killing them. Then they filled up the holes to defend again.
The process repeated for many times while men and monsters died.
Leon noticing a lot of soldiers were dying, issued a new order.
"Arches and mages assist our Sir Dukes with killing the Ogres!!" He shouted.
""Yes Sir"" they responded, immediately shifting their focus on the ogres, who were duking it out with their dukes. With the combined attacks of magic arrows and mage spells, while having to face two blood driven generals. The ogres were falling quickly.
During the archers and mages shifted their targets, the shield wall was crawling with monsters, but it never fell because the shield bearers held strong while the spearmen worked hard in pushing them back. Perfect teamwork.
Throughout the fight both sides lost a large amount of lives.
Blood covered the once green grass, bits and pieces of bones laying around, numerous lifeless corpse scattered everywhere, non-combatants inside the formation were crying while some puked and passed out. Leon fighting while shouting out orders endlessly, both dukes slashing and dicing with theirs swords while casting magic. Waves upon waves of monsters endlessly pouring, but they still bravely fought for survival. It was a hard and long fight, even though they were outnumbered 10-2, the Buthrium shield wall endured persistenly. keeping most the people inside safe.
After 2 long hours of a nonstop bloody battle, the Buthrium Kingdom came out on top with a close victory.
Losing thousands of their soldiers, resulting in one third of the royal army surviving, with most of the non-combatants surviving, including Leon with messy hair and tattered armour covered in blood. Collum and Wallrick both lying down on their mountain of corpses, desperately catching air also with a few deep wounds and bruises. Sky who just tasted her first battle was spacing out, still trying process what just happened.
She looked around the battlefield filled with blood and bones, people moaning with half of their bodies intac, some soldiers who she recognised and young girls she recently befriend in the cooking squad, now covered with blood and guts sticking out.
Tears started flowing out of her eyes but she tried hard not cry, but in the end she cried.
Collum who ran out of mana during one hour had to use the old fists. Once he heared his daughters cry he immediately went to her, hugging her softly. Sky feeling her fathers warmth, hugged her father tightly while sobbing away.
"You did good Sky, you did good." Said Collum in a quiet voice while rubbing Skys back.
"F-father.. all these people fought bravely..*Hic* "
"Your right.. these were brave men and women who fought for their kingdom.." Collum said in a proud voice.
"F-father, c-can we go home now.. please.." Cried Sky while tightening her hug.
"Don't worry Sky, we're most definitely going home now." Collum replied, while searching for Leon. A few seconds later he saw him sitting down a rock, telling a soldier to report back on what happened here, who then got on a horse and rode out. Afterwards Leon caught Collums heartfelt gaze, Leon understood what he was trying say to him. Leon nodded in response and stood up.
"Brave soldiers of Buthrium, we have fought bravely today for our kingdom, while losing many of our comrades. But! we won't forget their honorable sacrifices today! We will not make their deaths in vain. So! we will return, for that is what they would have wanted us to do!" Leon shouted with passion.
"""Yeah!!""" Remaining soldiers and non-comatants replied to the heartfelt speech with burning passion. For their comrades giving their lives to save them, in return they will live and not waste their sacrifice.
Collum deeply frowned but didn't say anything, for he knew it was partly the Prince's fault. Then he decided he should leave with Sky first.
But before anyone could leave, unwanted trouble came knocking.
*BZZTTZZ*
A loud portal erupted above everyone, frightening them all.
Wallrick and Collum were struck with fear while sweating crazily.
Just when the battle finished another enemy appeared. This time much more powerful.
Two cloaked beings appeared out of the port, flying above the army with their bat like wings facing the group. Dark red auras were raging throughout their bodies. Upon closer inspection two curved horns were sticking out of their foreheads.
'D-demons! I thought they lived in the Dark Realm!' Collum frightenly thought. Holding Sky tighter than before.
'D-demons.. they've been banished to the dark realms thousands of years ago, what are they doing here!?' Wallrick thought crapping himself.
Everyone was shocked with fear noticing that they were demons. For they were notorious for being cold hearted killers, finding pleasure in killing their victims as slowly and painfully as possible.
The taller demon was glaring at Collum and Wallrick as if they killed his whole family. Which they pretty much did, because he was the one that ordered the monster wave. The shorter one was staring at Sky while licking his lips. This made Sky very scared and uncomfortable, resulting in her hugging her father tightly.
Collum was enraged noticing the shorter demon was staring at Sky with lust, he couldn't help but release huge amounts of bloodlust.
But the short demon noticed him.
"Haha! puny human, you dare think you can fight me?" Said the shorter demon disdainfully, while he immediately casted magic, strangling Collum as he's pulled into the air.
"Auuukk!" Collum choked painfully.
The others watching this scene were frightened including Leon and Wallrick, for they knew that if they moved now Collum would be killed along with everyone else. Even if they combined all their powers together, they would still lose. They stood there gritting their teeths while clutching their fists tight. They felt useless and weak.
But Sky was feeling despair.
Dispair struck her soul as she's witnessing her father being strangled in the air. Who she has always seen look so strong.
She screamed begging for it to stop.
"Stop! please stop!" She desperately shouted tears flooding down her beautiful face.
"Hahaha! And what will you do to make me stop?" The shorter demon asked amusingly, while licking his lips.
The taller demon was at first confused why his partner was doing this, but upon realising his partners intentions he also started licking his lips. Then he inspected Sky's body, now also wanting a taste.
Sky knew what the demon wanted but was determined to give it away if it meant saving her dear fathers life.
'Just because he takes my first time, won't mean he is my first love!' She thought trying her best to steel her heart before she agrees.
She fell onto her knees facing the ground crying while softly mumbling.
"I-I will do it.."
"NOO!-- HHEEEKK!!" Collum tried to rush towards the demon, but with a wave of a hand, the strangling intensified. Inflicting more pain to Collum. But Collum didn't care, his eyes mad like a raging bull while desperately trying to charge.
The others also wanted to do something, especially Leon for he had a crush on Sky for many years, but soon changed his mind when he realised the massive difference in power. He was ashamed and furious.
Wallrick looked at the demon with pure hatred, he's known Sky ever since she was a new born. For that was the time when Collum stopped his ambitions, which he tried to presuade him not too, but he declined saying he's got a little girl to look after now. He's even sent birthday gifts to her every year on her birthday, it was books of adventures and history books telling her of ruined temples and more, Sky loved his gifts which always warms his heart. She was also a special person to his heart, basically a niece to him that he would fight the whole to protect.
Hatred and rage spread throughout Wallricks heart, while mentally forming a plan.
'Wait for the bastard to try and touch her, then I strike hard. Even if it kills me! I will do it!' Wallrick prepared in his mind, while blood flowed through his hands.
"Hahaha! this wasn't what I had in mind, but I can change my plans just a little bit." Winked the taller demon, showing a disgusting smile.
"What were you saying human? Say it a bit louder so everyone can hear how much of a whore you are!" Teased the shorter demon, while facing Sky with his hand beside his ear, motioning her to say it.
Collum was infuriated desperately struggling even more.
The others cursed in their hearts, swearing to kill these disgusting bastards if they had the power.
'For my father..' Sky made up her mind while a single tear fell down hitting the ground, took a deep breath and replied.
"I--"
"Will kill you..."
interrupted a deep voice containing wrath and destruction behind the demons ear.
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