While trekking through the forest Experiment #2987 was thinking. He was so deep in thought that he didn't even notice a group of wolves approach him and growl. But soon his scent confused the wolves. They didn't know what he was. The wolves ran away from him at full speed after recognizing some if the dangerous scents coming from him.

Experiment #2987: Hrmm Experiment #2987 seems too long, I need to change it. Vigil sounds good to me, I can always change it later.

It was dark out and the forest amplified the darkness but Vigil could see in it perfectly. Soon he spotted some lights in the distance.

Vigil: That must be what's called a village.

Soon he came to a break in the forest. Dead bodies were strewn about and there were large bonfires. Swords and armour were strewn about on the ground. Both sides were human at first sight.

Vigil: Not a village.

Vigil became slightly depressed more so from not finding a village than this gruesome scene. He accepted that they were dead and felt no need to think about them any further.

~1 hour later~

Vigil finally found a small town. He walked inside of it and attracted stares from the locals. There were a few people out and about despite the time.

Vigil: Must be from my scars or lack of hair. Oh well, my hair will eventually grow and cover up the scars. For now, I need to find out where I am.

But a guard interrupted his thoughts by walking up to him. He was glaring at Vigil.

Guard: Come with me to the barracks citizen.

Vigil: Have I done anything wrong?

Guard: Yes you have. Walking around in public naked is against the law.

Vigil: Hrmm that's right humans wear clothes. Bit of a miscalculation there.

Vigil was brought to the barracks where he was provided with some rags to wear. Then the guard led him to the town hall to be tried for his crime.

The local priest was the one to preside over the hearing. He opened a holy book. The Defectus religion grew so much that it made several books including ones about the law like this one. But the priest was tired and struggled a bit before finding the part he wanted.

Priest: Let's see public nudity... you have good luck. The only punishment is a light fine.

Vigil: I don't have money

Priest: Nothing?! No possessions either to substitute?

Vigil: Nothing but the rags just provided to me but then I'd become naked again. Do you want me to break the same law again?

The priest flipped a few more pages in the book before finding the required passage.

Priest: If a fine cannot be paid off then it can be worked off. If there is no work to be done locally then they'll be drafted into the military. Another alternative is to donate one of your organs.

Vigil: Sounds good to me, I'm joining the military.

Priest: But there's work available here in the village. No need to rush.

Vigil: Nope I'm going to join the military.

Vigil: If I get a local job then I'll be stuck here indefinitely. I need a job where I travel like being a soldier. I can always desert later on if necessary. Donating an organ sounds good too since I'd just regrow it. But I doubt my organs are compatible with a normal human.

~1 week later~

Vigil was transported to a nearby boot camp. The boot camp was filled mainly with young people looking grim. This suggested that they were at war and have been for awhile now. Which explains the scene Vigil saw before.

A drill instructor came out from the barracks while Vigil and the new recruits were lined up in the mud. He seemed to be a veteran judging by his steeled look on his face and by the stump where his right arm was supposed to be.

Drill Instructor: Okay new recruits keep your backs straight.

He then went down the rows hitting anyone who didn't stand up straight. He then approached a random recruit.

Drill Instructor: Why are you here?

Recruit: To fight for our country(sarcasm)

Drill Instructor: Exactly recruit. Unfortunately, your response was lacking enthusiasm.

He then stepped forward putting one leg in-between the recruit's legs. He angled it behind one of the recruit's legs then pushed with his only arm. He tripped and pushed the recruit over into the mud with ease.

Drill Instructor: Do a lap around the camp then clean yourself up.

Without waiting for a response the Drill Instructor moved on. He then came to a stop in front of Vigil.

Drill Instructor: Ah an actual recruit that's not wet behind the ears. Why are you here? You've got enough scars to suggest you already were in a war or two.

Vigil: Punishment for walking around in public.

The other recruits snickered from Vigil's response. The Drill Instructor got visibly angry.

Drill Instructor: How does one get a punishment for walking? Were you walking around someplace you weren't supposed to like holy land?

Vigil: Nope just a normal town, but I was naked at the time.

Some of the other recruits started laughing. The Drill Instructor got even angrier.

Drill Instructor: You, you, you, and you ten laps around the camp!

Vigil and 3 recruits that laughed started running around the camp. Vigil having the best pace with his physique. But he soon slowed down slightly noticing that he was outpacing the others. The other recruits managed to catch up then he kept pace with them. They didn't find this unusual at all. In fact, they took this as a sign of wanting to chat rather than an attempt at normalcy.

Laughing Recruit: My name is Illius, what's yours?

Vigil: Vigil is my current name, my real name is quite bulky.

Laughing Recruit: That's fine my name Caeruleum. It's a mouthful so everyone calls me Cal.

Laughing Recruit: My name is Victus. It sounds like Vigil but my name sounds better.

Vigil: Do they even know what their names mean? It appears not.

Their chat ended as they caught up to the muddy recruit ahead of them. He was running awkwardly with his legs spread out because his pants were wet from the mud.

Illius: What's your name? Muddy?

Muddy Recruit: Tis not muddy, my name is Lutulentus.

Cal: Too long, how about a nickname? Louis or Lulu?

Lululentus: Louis then.

Victus: Lulu it is.

Lulu: No, that sounds like a girl's name.

Illius: What about you Vigil, what do you think?

Vigil: True it sounds feminine but it's easier on the tongue.

Victus: Yeah nicknames should be cute and feminine no matter the gender.

Vigil: Ah I see.

Lulu: ...

Cal: Victus, why do you have to be creepy about it?

Victus: I'm not!

Illius: Yeah, you were. And Vigil don't listen to him.

The recruits continued chatting while jogging peacefully. A few other recruits joined in later due to the uptightness of the instructor.

~2 years later~

Victus: Finally graduated from the academy. Time to make my name remembered across the battlefields.

Lulu: It's not all fun and games, we're winning now but magic users are dangerous. We could be killed before we even get a chance to fight properly.

Cal: Calm down Lulu, the number of talented magic users has decreased drastically over the years. That's why we're winning.

Lulu: Stop calling me that stupid nickname.

Illius: Well I agree with Victus, no reason not to be optimistic. Streaker, what do you think?

Vigil: My name is Vigil, and my opinion remains neutral. Besides that name isn't cute nor feminine.

Illius: Vigil is a nickname too, so it's fine to call you something else. Also, why does it need to be cute?

Cal: Naw I prefer Vigil, finding out he told the instructor the truth at the beginning of training was funny. But Vigil suits him better.

They were chatting while walking towards a military base with the rest of the trainees. Alongside some unnervingly younger ones. Vigil looked to be about eighteen-ish yet he was the oldest looking ones there.

Soon they reached the military base without incident. But there was a sense of foreboding. Wounded troops were everywhere. Missing eyes, cuts, black and blue bruises, infections, amputated limbs, and the burns. So many burns creating a smell of burnt flesh permeating throughout the camp. It felt more like a hospital than a military base.

A man walked over. Unlike the rest, he was clean, well-trimmed, and unharmed. Despite his surroundings, he was smiling creepily. He was a priest too, holding in his hands a few books and wearing telltale clothing. A symbol rested upon his shirt, the royal symbol of Magianon.

This showed that he was high-ranking clergy. He started to speak yet his face remained neutral with a smile seemingly plastered to it.

Priest: Ah the new vassals of Mars have arrived. To achieve our grand ambitions and give older vassals solace. Free the heretics of this world and let them come before Jupiter where they shall be shown the Universe through his eyes. Then be judged, they will serve their time on Pluto then come back to the world. Oh, how jealous of them I am. Yet they will not remember their journey when they come back. I am Commander of this modest place, Praevideat.

In the country of Magianon, the officers in the military were mainly priests. Some of which were quite fanatical like this one. Vigil took it in stride while the other recruits were left speechless.

Praevideat: Any questions before I show you to your rooms?

Cal: Yeah, I thought we were winning. Why is there so many wounded and such young recruits?

Praevideat: Some things come at a great cost, right now you are not young. You're soldiers, vassals of the gods. As you suffer so shall the gods. In return, you shall become heroes, and the heretics will be rehabilitated. We do our parts, while the gods will sort out the rest. Don't hate the heretics; Hate the magic that corrupts them, the diseases that change people, and the demons that first wielded magic.

The recruits asked no more questions in fear of more overly long explanations. Especially ones that dodge the original question. Praevideat was satisfied and lead them into the barracks.

Praevideat: Pick an empty bed and sleep, you'll need it. From now on you'll continue your training until you're needed.

Vigil immediately went to bed as he was told. Though he didn't need that much sleep for his body. It was more to conserve energy. He didn't always get all the food his body needed. Once in a while, he'd sneak off from boot camp to gather extra rations from the local wildlife.

The others stayed up a bit longer chatting. Some were nervous, others excited, no one but Vigil slept well that night.

Come morning, at the normal time they woke up back at the boot camp, Vigil came to consciousness. The other recruits were still asleep, the long night taking its toll. But no one came to wake them up and force them to train. As a result, Vigil went over the knowledge in his head.

Vigil: Magianon, formerly known as Defectus, is a Theocratic Oligarchy. In my creator's time the religious group that controls this country was just starting to rise. It quickly took over the country after assassinating the king. With a favourable aristocracy and monarch they easily spread their influence.

The clergy renamed the country, remade the laws, tweaked history, and released a plethora of books favourable to them. Those that joined them got generous benefits like higher positions in the military and nobility titles. Thanks to Aliquid's influence with the lower masses, the clergy's values spread slowly with the commoners and poor.

They controlled everything but the hearts of their people. Then came the propaganda and the exodus. Magic users were kicked out, half-races were persecuted, a witch hunt began against their opposition. The common people soon stopped their opposition. The next generation came and they never knew life without the religion.

Then came war, the religion angered the other countries in the world. The country of Ardebit was the first to declare war. A country that focuses on raising fire magic users yet dabbles in other forms too. Several smaller countries allied to them declared war too. To this day they're still at war. Both sides claim to be winning yet neither claim is justified. Other magic using kingdoms ignore the conflict. They have no reason to get involved as it has nothing to do with them. The half-races aren't organised enough to declare all-out war but small scale conflicts break out. It should be interesting to watch over this conflict, I've got a front row seat.

Praevideat: Wake up vassals, you're needed on the battlefields.

Vigil got up and started putting on armour. It was thick leather since metal is vulnerable to high temperatures and electricity. But soldiers can't go on battlefields without protection. Praevideat wasn't loud enough to wake everyone up to his annoyance. He lifted his cane, one of the symbols of a priest in Magianon, and slammed it against the wall. The loud sound woke the rest of the recruits up.

Praevideat: Get yourselves battle ready vassals. Today you're the reserve unit. If you're lucky you'll be able to watch over the battle without actually fighting. Giving you the chance to formulate plans easier and not panic during the real battles.

Recruit: Is this an actual battle with Ardebit and/or its allies?!

Praevideat: No it's a small skirmish with our diseased brethren. Today it appears to be orcs. As they're more numerous than most diseased, they'll be difficult. But we're all vassals of Mars here, even me. We will stay the day, and destroy more of the diseased.

Vigil: Instead of acknowledging the half-races as a separate species, they're seen as diseased humans. The priests of Magianon fervently believe that the half-races have one or more STDs that alter both appearance and behaviour. They believe the half races were created by chaotic and evil gods, ones that oppose their gods.

Common people tend to be more skeptical, but believe in some sort of evil or magical meddling in the creation of the half races. Some other human countries hold similar beliefs but don't discriminate against them so much.

Several groups of half races were kicked out of Magianon's lands, almost all still hold a grudge against Magianon. Others simply do not understand the concept of owning land. This causes many conflicts whether intentional or from self-defence.

By the time Vigil was done dissecting Praevideat words, everyone was done getting ready. Praevideat's creepy smile got wider as he turned and left. The new recruits all followed him.

Praevideat headed onto a road that was well traveled. He walked yet the recruits had to jog in order to keep up. Priests held most of the higher positions in the Magianon military. But they were by no means incompetent, all were trained in military arts. The Magianon church not even close to being a peaceful religion.

Soon they passed by groups of men heading back to the camp. Wagons that brought supplies to the battle now brought back bodies. Both dead and wounded lay in these wagons. Orcs were a non-magic using half race, so there were no burns or anything else of that nature.

Instead, there were brutal wounds from blunt or serrated weapons. Orcs liked spiky things yet didn't bother to keep them clean or sharp. This in some ways made it worse. Infections came easily and wounds sometimes contained broken pieces of mismanaged weapons.

Recruit: Monsters.

Praevideat: No worse, your fellow-men corrupted. No morals, no mercy, no honour, nothing that civilised man has. May Jupiter have mercy on them when we strike them down.

They soon arrived at the scene of the battle. Magianon soldiers were engaged in battle with a large group of orcs. They were winning but taking lots of injuries. The orcs were vicious and were fighting like cornered animals.

Orc is a very general term for mongrel half-races. They're a mix of several half-races with a series of similar traits. They were all vicious, impatient, aggressive, and bred rampantly. These orcs seemed to lean towards pig like features. This particular variation of Orc is much more gluttonous than most so they spread their territory out wider to get more food. As a downside, they got in conflict more often. As an upside, they were used to fighting and had several veterans at fighting.

On the other hand, Magianon not only had plenty of veteran soldiers from waging war for so long. They also pre-trained their soldiers for combat and had plenty of soldiers.  Pre-training was rare among half-races except for more civilised ones like the dwarves and elves.

But Magianon was forced to use young men to keep the supply of soldiers high for so long. As a result, the nation's health was starting to suffer. In some places, polygamy was being considered even though it was rejected under the Magianon religion.

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They did not take part in the conflict. The recruits watched as the orcs were wiped out. The soldiers fighting did not celebrate. They looked over the battlefield grimly then started preparing for the trip back to the base. Many of the recruits were left confused.

Recruit: Didn't we win, why isn't anyone happy?

Praevideat: You can't be happy fighting a war, only afterwards shall we celebrate. Peace cannot exist without war. Without war, peace is stale, after war peace is a sweet and ripe fruit. It can be sour for the losers but it's better than no war. During the war, so many vassals are lost yet so many heretics and diseased are released. It's best to keep a neutral impression during a war, easier to adapt. Optimism leads to despair, pessimism leads to false hope.

Illius: Isn't it the other way around?

Cal: What is?

Illius: Optimism should lead to false hope and pessimism to despair.

Praevideat: Foolish vassal, think about it. If you were expecting the worst then it'd be fine if it happened, you'd accept it. If something better happened, your heart would get hopeful. It will cling to that hope and when it comes unfulfilled then your heart shall break. Now if you expect the best, your naïveté would be crushed quite fast. But this would pressure the mind, a sound mind is needed for battle. Without one then everything will come apart at the seams. The pit called despair will receive a new tenant as a result.

Illius: Oh.

Praevideat then turned and started walking back to the camp. The recruits followed reluctantly, some wanting to stay and help the wounded. Others wanted to see the aftermath of the battle for a bit longer. But Praevideat creeped them out, they wanted to avoid any reason for him to talk to them more than necessary.

~1 year later~

Vigil and the other recruits started participating in battles. The battles were mainly comprised of skirmishes against half-races so the battles were small-scale. Also, they were the rearguard so they took minimum casualties. Most human commanders put new soldiers in the front as fodder.

But Praevideat preferred a checkerboard formation in battles. Newbies fought alongside veterans. With veterans supporting the newbies from behind. This eliminated several weak points in traditional formations. More veterans died but more new recruits survived to become veterans. Vigil and the others were in the back so they rarely saw combat.

~1 year later~

Praevideat moved them to the front. They were still considered new so they were surrounded by veterans. Some of them couldn't help but be giddy to be involved in frontline combat finally. Their first battle on the frontlines ended up being against goblins.

Goblins were the smaller cousins of orcs, yet their blood was purer. Most of their race were quite similar in looks. Goblins were small in stature, greenish hue to their skins from plants growing on their skins, with blue and reddish body paints to indicate rank. Most of them also had an underbite which made them look uglier and more aggressive. In reality, they were stupid, docile, and cowardly. They only fought in groups and used mainly numbers and rudimentary hunting tools as weapons. This group had red-paints indicating that they were higher ranked than most goblin groups. Thus they were experienced with fighting and less likely to flee.

Most of the recruits didn't notice this, they saw it as an easy fight. Some of the veterans more experienced with fighting goblins knew better. Most were just glad they weren't fighting Ardebit or their allies. Goblins knew magic but mainly barrier magic to protect against projectiles and magic. The barriers were useless in close range fights. This is because they must be set up at a distance from what they're protecting as to not interfere with their attacks and movements.

Soon the battle started and both sides came to a clash. Then muddled confusion ensued. Both sides struck out not sure what they were attacking. It was slightly dark out so visibility was low. Soldiers mainly struck at short figures and blue and red-painted bodies. Praevideat, experienced with half race skirmishes, put short soldiers in the rearguard before the battle to prevent friendly fire.

Vigil was towards the back of the unit, he watched over the battle without emotion. He noticed Cal getting pressured by some goblins so he came over to assist. He killed off a few goblins with ease then dragged Cal back to the second line. In the fight, his arm got cut a few times and got all bloody.

Cal: I'm fine, I just lost my shield. No problems here, my arm is fine.

Vigil: We don't know that for sure.

At the second line, the veterans behind their unit gazed at them coldly. Veterans were almost always pessimistic or neutral about battles. They tended to glare at new recruits more often than helping them. Vigil took out his booze ration and poured it on Cal's arm. Cal strangely didn't cry out in pain.

The Magianon religion disliked alcohol but had no intention to ban it. It kept commoners happy and soldiers fighting. Plus it had medicinal usage that was necessary for a country that rejected healing magic.

With the help of the booze and a nearby lantern the wound was revealed. It was several nasty cuts that were quite deep. The pain would normally make a man cry or faint from the pain. Cal stared at the wound, not comprehending its severity.

Veteran Soldier: Goblins are a nasty bunch that uses all sorts of strange things on their weapons. Some'll make you feel no pain. Others will make you unable to move from pain. They got more exotic stuff too, count yourself lucky.

Veteran Soldier: Woah those wounds won't heal easily, they'll get infected. Should lob it off now while you still can't feel anything.

Cal: Is there any other way?

The veterans started laughing at him without restraint. Cal looked at them in utter confusion. They pointed at his arm. Cal started screaming at the sight.

Vigil was patching up Cal's stump with some leaves. The leaves had medicinal properties and stemmed the bleeding. Cal's arm already lied on the ground. Vigil amputated Cal and treated him while he was distracted. Vigil had been assigned as the medic of their unit since he lacked queasiness at gore and was intelligent.

Cal: We could've done something else!

Vigil: What's more important, your life or your arm? Get your priorities straight.

Cal: ...

The battle ended soon after that. Vigil and the rest of his unit participated in the after battle clean up. Then they headed back to base. In the barracks, they chatted about their first real battle. Some of the bunks were eerily empty. The recruits tried distracting themselves from this through conversation. But Victus couldn't help but bring up the topic.

Victus: Hey guys where's Cal?

Illius: Who knows, maybe he's a bit late. Always bad with directions.

Lulu: Probably dead.

Victus: What?!

Illius: You...

Lulu: What? You know it's true. Look around at all these empty bunks. A lot of us died during the battle.

The room became tense and gloomy. Lutulentus pointed out what everyone didn't want to accept. Victus became depressed while Illius looked ready to punch Lutulentus.

Vigil: Woah now, no need to fight. Don't worry Victus, Cal isn't dead. He got injured during the battle.

Vigil: Oh so he'll rejoin us after a little bit of rest?

Lulu: Thank goodness.

Lutulentus was actually the one hit the hardest by Cal's absence. Lulu pretended at times to not be a part of the group and hate his nickname. But he enjoyed their company. Vigil was the real outsider, though he actively participated more often than Lulu. No one knew anything about Vigil, not even his real name.

Vigil: Sorry but that won't happen either. He lost an arm, he'll be retiring early. We can go visit him, though.

This news hit the group hard. It felt like a punch to the face. Times were changing faster than they could process.

~1 year later~

After surviving more skirmishes, their group became recognised as veterans. Unlike most veterans they weren't broken so they helped new recruits. Slowly in their bunker, beds became empty while others filled up. Their unit was mixed in every way. 12 dialects, several hometowns, various degrees of battle experience, transfers from other battlefields, ages, and heights. But no one was over 30 years old.

Meanwhile, Magianon was still at war but was flourishing. Ardebit suspiciously hadn't attacked in a while. Instead, most conflicts were with half races and Ardebit's allies. Magianon's leaders took this as a sign of internal strife and didn't interfere. Let them destroy themselves was their logic. The result: the average age of new recruits was raised, Magianon kept its military at the same size to keep itself ready for a sudden outbreak of war, and made several allowances, helping the country recover during this temporary relief.

Lulu: That lucky SOB.

Illius: What?

Lulu: Cal is back home injured, the only guy under 30 in his town and the ban on polygamy has been lifted.

Victus: I don't think Cal is that type of guy. He might settle with just one girl anyways.

Illius: True.

Lulu: C'mon he's still a guy. Besides, we only got 5 more years of service. Maybe we'll get lucky and find a nice girl or several after we retire.

In Magianon, military service was 10 years. 2 years of training then 8 of fighting. After that, one could choose to retire to another job back home. Or become an officer and continue fighting but by directing troops rather than directly. Soldiers rarely chose the second option so most of the officer spots were filled by clergy.

Illius: Actually I'm thinking of becoming an officer.

Lulu: You're crazy. Leave that to the freaks.

Victus: What about you Vigil?, you haven't said anything yet.

Vigil: I don't know, 5 years is a short amount of time but a lot can happen.

Illius: 5 years short?

Lulu: You're right Vigil, best leave the thinking to later.

~5 years later~

Lulu: Finally in a few days we can retire. I can't wait to get home.

Illius: I think I'm still going to become an officer.

Victus: We're all going to separate. I'll miss you all, I'm already starting to become lonely.

Lulu: Come with me Victus, I'll introduce you to one of my sisters. Leave Illius to rot in the military.

Illius: Don't have to put it that way.

Victus: I think I'll go visit Cal first. I haven't seen him in so long.

Lulu: Oh yeah definitely.

Illius: I think officers are given a short break before they start their duties.

Vigil: I think I'll tag along. The military is getting boring so I'll retire and explore the world. One step at a time.

Lulu: Cheesy as hell but I like it. If you ever come around after traveling be sure to visit.

Just then Praevideat came into the barracks. His smile unchanging on his face. The only difference from when they first met was a few new wrinkles on his face. Vigil's lack of aging, on the other hand, was covered up by his hair.

Praevideat: Sorry to disturb you. Vassals soon most of you will leave the service. But Magianon requires your participation in one last battle. Ardebit has attacked from the West. We'll move to intercept immediately.

Lulu: What but you'd have to cross mountains and monster territory to attack there?!

Praevideat: Don't question how. They're there so we'll go there. The battle moves to where the enemy is.

Victus: That's over where Cal's village is. Haha, we can go visit him after the battle.

Victus became happy, but the others became a bit grim at those words.

~A few days later~

They arrived at Cal's village to find it turned into an Ardebit stronghold. Illius and Lulu looked pessimistically at the scene below. Vigil felt a flickering in his body that got stronger as he saw vultures circling the forest off to the right of the village.

Praevideat: Attack

The army sprung from the forest and headed towards the village. Wide open grounds surrounded the village. The Ardebit soldiers soon noticed them.

Praevideat: Spread out, don't let their magic hit several of us at once.

The army spread out into a large and incomprehensible mass. Normally an organised square, now a blob. Fire magic rained on them from above. They kept their heads low and their shields high to deflect it. Giant fireballs were launched, shields couldn't do anything. Screams rang out as people burned alive. Their skin fusing to their armour. The heat licking the back of peoples' necks.

Ardebit didn't just rely on magic, but other things as well. Arrows were mixed with the magical projectiles. Fitted with broad piercing heads. Low range but they pierced through shields and killed many soldiers.

Vigil and the rest were positioned in the center of the army. This was no longer set in stone. People kept dying and kept their distance from each other. Soon nobody could tell what people were part of their unit.

They eventually reached the shoddy wooden walls. They began hacking away at it. It was thin and brittle and broke in a short amount of time. But soldiers on the walls rained fire and arrows on them. Creating the desired effect of delaying the army. But the Magianon army broke through and started fighting enemies inside the walls.

The Ardebit soldiers were still caught off guard so it was a slaughter-fest. Some climbed onto the walls forcing the mages and archers into mêlée combat. They assumed the villagers were kept hostage inside the buildings.

Victus: Vigil there you are, have you seen Illius?

Just then Lutulentus met up with them looking grim. Victus looked towards him and repeated his question.

Lulu: He's dead, they're all dead. Off in the forest, piles and piles. Illius got hit by an arrow and stayed behind. I saw it, a fireball hit him head on afterwards. All dead.

Lutulentus dropped to the ground. No tears were shed, just emptiness. In his eyes, everywhere. The stirring in Vigil's body got stronger.

Victus: Wha...

Victus was cut off by an arrow hitting him in the neck. Doors opened and more Ardebit soldiers piled out. The fight turned into a close range brawl.  Magianon stopped slaughtering and became the slaughtered. Vigil ran over and killed a few Ardebit soldiers. He was panicking. Soon he turned to see Lulu's throat being slit by an enemy soldier.

Vigil's stirring became uncontrollable. He didn't understand the unfairness of the battle. People he'd known for years were dying all around. Before he faked a lack of empathy for them. But now all of his closest and first friends were dead. That day he learned what anger felt like.

He drew his sword and felt anger at the Ardebit soldiers that killed Lutulentus. So he threw the sword and it skewered the soldier. His rage was not abated by this.

He turned towards some nearby soldiers and attacked them. He held no weapons, but it didn't matter. He grabbed a soldier and ripped him in half. Another one attacked him in response. He grabbed the sword, bent it backwards, and shoved it back into the soldier's throat. He killed a few more before an arrow hit him in the back.

An arrow meant for piercing shields went through his body. He pulled it out and the wound already started to heal. He used the arrow to stab a nearby soldier. Then he threw it back at the archer.

Three mages concentrated fire magic at him. His clothes and hair burned off but his body remained unharmed. He killed two of the mages with his bare hands. For the third mage, Vigil stole his staff then stabbed him with it.

Soon more bestial instincts came out. He grabbed a soldier and ripped his heart out. Then ate it while the soldiers watched in horror.

Several archers ganged up on him and made him a porcupine. He simply smiled and walked over to them. He politely gave them back all their arrows in various ways.

~1 hour later~

The forces of both sides were almost completely decimated. Vigil stood alone holding an Ardebit soldier into the air by his head. He crushed it and walked into the forest. His hatred finally satisfied. No not satisfied, but away, for now, emptiness replacing it.

Praevideat: Such beauty.

Praevideat participated in the battle himself. He managed to survive the slaughter. He watched Vigil's massacre from the side in a trance.

Praevideat: Immune to magic, such a graceful way to fight, hidden amongst the vassals. It must be Mars himself. Incarnated to the mortal plains. To turn an impossible battle around, or perhaps for his own enjoyment. I must spread the word.

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7/13/2016 edits: Fixed a bunch of grammar errors