‘What an entrance.’ Sedall chuckled.

‘It certainly had an impact.’ Belgroth agreed.

Alaster fired off another volley of [Necrotic Bolt], ‘Impact?’

‘Yeah, for thinking emotional creatures, such as Humans, or even Argalon, their emotional state is vital in battle. You suddenly dropping from the sky and massacring them drove a spike into their morale.’ Belgroth explained.

‘Morale is that important?’

‘Absolutely.’ Sedall agreed, ‘I have personally seen battles where the drastically outnumbered force manages to defeat the larger force due to morale.’

‘Destroy their morale, and you will destroy them.’ Belgroth recited.

‘Any good methods for doing that?’ Alaster asked, summoning his various types of archers.

‘Terrify them. Momentum is also important. Right now, you have them on an off foot, keep that.’

‘So…’

‘Keep doing what you’re doing.’ Sedall surmised.

Alaster had been using the [Necrotic Bolts] mixing in both Fire and Earth Mana into them, depending on the result he wanted, whenever the Tarvians attempted to fight back.

But now, they were interlocking shields, forming a shield wall. This made using his Bolts difficult as even the Soldiers behind the front line raised their shields over their heads. It also made the Blackguards’ attacked less effective.

Alaster instead switched to using [Dead Bombs]. He had preferred using the Bolts because they caused more blood, which would empower his Strength Bonus [Imbuement]. Already, Alaster could feel himself brimming with pure physical power.

Three Bombs exploded through the Tarvian ranks, spaced to eliminate as many as they could. Their own Constitutions protected them at various levels. Some were completely wiped out, others had portions left, but very few survived.

Their screams of pain sowed terror not only in the hearts of Tarvian Soldiers, but also the Onigarian Soldiers who had stayed behind.

Those three balls of explosive Mana cost Alaster a little over six hundred Mana. A large amount, even with his impressive Regeneration. Especially so without his [Regeneration] and [Last Stand] active.

Alaster considered using [Blood Price] to recover the Mana. It would only cost one hundred Health. But he decided against it. He wanted to keep all the Health he could while he was still figuring out the situation.

Besides, those Bombs had shattered the Tarvian morale. They backed up, crowding into each other, shivering in fear. Alaster created three more Bombs, holding them over his head.

That was the last straw. The Tarvian Soldiers broke. They all fled to the siege tower that had anchored itself to this section of wall. Many clambered over the wall, back onto their ladders. Several abandoned their weapons in their haste and Alaster even saw two Soldiers fall off the siege tower’s bridge, screaming as they fell.

Alaster could have sent the bombs forward to reap more lives, but he didn’t. They were already fleeing, and he wanted to save Mana. Alaster opened the portal to his Domain and ordered his Undead to return. As they marched through, heavily damaged but none destroyed, Alaster returned to the Onigarian Soldiers.

Most of them shuffled away from him, but one stayed standing, despite how obviously uncomfortable he was being so close to the large, armored man. Alaster leaned his halberd against his shoulder and opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, a horn sounded, coupled with a bright flash of light shot straight in the air over the Tarvian Camp.

Alaster changed what he was about to ask, “What does that mean?”

He noticed that despite their fear of him, the Soldiers relaxed their shoulders.

The man who appeared to be the ranking Officer among these Soldiers spoke up, “It’s the Tarvian’s Retreat signal.”

‘Why would they retreat now? I understand that they lost this section, and maybe the next one by the influx of more soldiers. But it seemed like the Onigarians were about to break.’ Alaster asked his mentors.

‘You underestimate the imporantance of momentum and morale. If they lost this section, and were struggling in the next, word would pass, other sections would soon be struggling. The Onigarians would be bolstered and fight harder.’ Sedall said.

‘The enemy commander was smart to order the retreat. They have the time, the resources, and the Soldiers to be patient. In a siege, morale is the most vital resource, for both the attackers and defenders.

And you came out of nowhere.

You are an unknown variable, and in a war, that is critical. They don’t know how strong you are or what you are capable of. All they know, is that you almost singlehandedly recaptured an entire fifty-meter section of the Battlements that were on the verge of collapsing.’ Belgroth added.

‘At least until the surviving Soldiers report what they saw of me.’

‘Even then. If the commander is intelligent, they will reevaluate the siege, taking all their information about you into account.’

‘You think they will call off the attack?’ Alaster asked, hopeful.

‘No. At least, not unless the commander is overly cautious. They will simply change their plans, taking you into consideration.’

Alaster nodded to himself and faced the wall, watching the Tarvians retreat while the Onigarians attempted to shoot those they could. In a siege such as this, there was no room for honor, only survival.

Alaster didn’t look away, but he spoke to the Officer, “I’m sure that your commanders will be interested in speaking to me. However, I will only speak to Lord Siphas. Tell him bringing Lukas would be appreciated.”

The man stumbled over his words, “It-It’ll take a-a while for word to reach the Lord. Even l-longer for him to come here, I-if he agrees.”

“That’s fine. I will be here.” Alaster said with a wave of his hand, opening his Ring of Holding and allowing a stream of bone to exit, forming into a chair.

Alaster sat down and pulled out the book about Classes. If he was going to be fighting Humans in this siege, he wanted to familiarize himself with what kinds of Classes and Abilities he would be facing.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

The man seemed to take that as a dismissal. He ordered two of the three squads to remain here, taking the last ten soldiers with him. He rushed off at a light jog, his men right behind him, only too happy to distance themselves from the armored man.

Alaster calmly read the book with his halberd close at hand but leaning against the battlements. After a couple of tense moments, the remaining Soldiers seemed to relax enough to sit down. They kept their distance and more than once peeked over at him.

Occasionally, Alaster would look around. More soldiers were funneling into this section of wall through the Towers or the bridge, but they all kept their distance from him. Their weapons and armor showed extensive use. Barrels of arrows were wheeled across the bridge and into the two towers at either end of the section.

Eventually, food was carried across the bridge. Only a small loaf of bread and a small sliver of dried meat per Soldier. Despite the simple and meager meal, the Soldiers looked at it like a blessing from the Gods themselves.

Looking over the wall at the Tarvian Camp, Alaster was able to see similar actions. They were much too far for him to see the details, but what he could see was enough to know that both sides were hurting. At least the common soldiers themselves.

Alaster had just read half the book when a commotion raised Alaster’s head.

Crossing the bridge was a convoy of twenty Soldiers, all in high-quality armor. The armor had seen recent use, but nowhere close to the amount as the other Soldiers. In the middle of the convoy, Alaster spotted the giant Lukas and besides him, Lord Siphas. Wearing high quality leather armor.

All the common Soldiers backed away and saluted as they walked past.

Alaster stood up, creating another chair across from him.

The bodyguards circled Alaster, but kept clear, creating a bubble around him, which the Lord and Lukas entered.

Alaster silently motioned towards the chair and sat down himself. He would have created another chair for Lukas, but he knew the giant would prefer to remain standing, especially this close to the enemy camp.

Lord Siphas cautiously sat down and studied the black armored man before him. Several minutes passed in silence as they studied each other. However, while the lord was trying to judge him, Alaster was merely reminiscing about the memories.

Alaster had spent months without talking, a few minutes was no issue, and the Lord broke first, “Who are you?”

“Someone who would prefer to see this city remain Independent.” Alaster answered mysteriously, smirking under his helmet as he did.

“You aren’t tied to any other Nation?”

“No.”

“What do you want?”

“Oh, I have a few things I want.”

The lord narrowed his eyes but didn’t speak.

“But I would have thought you would know what I want.”

“How? You won’t even tell me who you are.”

“Then let me put it very simply. Right now, I want what is owed to me.”

Lukas’ hand on the grip of his sword tightened.

“Oh, calm down Lukas. All I want is my salary. I was unable to collect before leaving last time.”

The lord cocked his head slightly before his eyes widened.

“Alaster?”

The Pact removed his Helmet, revealing his grin.

“Hello again.”

Before anyone could react, Lukas stepped forward and grabbed the young man in a tight bear hug. From memory, Alaster braced himself to feel his ribs creak, but the man wasn’t even able to squeeze his armor.

Lukas dropped Alaster and stepped back, as stoic as ever.

Lord Siphas was the next one to hug Alaster, but it was much more reserved. He was still a lord, and they were in public.

“It’s great to see you again kid. You must have quite the story!”

“I do, but I think we have more pressing matters.” Alaster relented, motioning towards the army camped outside the walls.

The Lord sighed, “That we do. But we at least have until tomorrow. And with you here now, they will likely take longer. Come, the City Lord heard the reports of you and wished to meet you, should not prove a threat.”

Alaster opened his Ring, allowing the two chairs to stream through and followed the Lord, the bodyguards encircling around them with Lukas right behind them.

“I don’t mean to be arrogant, but I am most certainly a threat.”

The lord chuckled, “Oh I know. If even half the reports I read about you are accurate, you are a very welcome threat.”

As they crossed the sturdy bridge Alaster spoke up, “How is the family?”

“Both are fine. Isabella was devastated at you leaving for months and the missus is just as tired as I am since the siege.”

“Why?”

“Oh, she has been assisting in the defences. Nothing direct, we haven’t reached that point, yet. But she had helped with the planning and even with moving materials. Just this morning she helped in one of the kitchens, preparing the bread for the Soldiers today.”

“Is Isabella taking her lessons seriously?”

The Lord laughed, “Yes! Yes she is. Since you left, she has dutifully attended each one.”

“How is her training? Did she get a good Class?”

By now, they were walking along the inner wall. Here, the Battlements were mostly ranged Soldiers. Entering the tower, Alaster was able to see some kind of siege weapon ammo and assumed that the top of the tower used it.

“She didn’t get the Class she was hoping for, but she did get a very good Class. A healer. Now, instead of sneaking out of lessons, she is sneaking into the hospitals to help heal the Soldiers.”

“That’s not a bad thing.”

“No, it isn’t. Which is why I haven’t out right stopped her. But I do have two of my best guards following her.”

Alaster chuckled, “Of course.”

They descended the stairs in the tower. The outer wall was only connected to the inner wall through the bridges in the middle of each section. But the inner wall was only connected to the city itself through narrow stairs inside each tower.

Each person they passed briefly saluted or bowed before they continued their preparations. Food, weapons, armor, medical materials, etc. Runners were running messages through the walls. It was just as busy now as it was during the fighting itself.

“How are the City Lord’s Daughters, Alice and Iris?”

Lord Siphas smirked and gave Alaster the side eye, “Special interest in Lady Iris?”

Alaster shook his head with a roll of his eyes, “She was just a child last I saw her.”

“So were you, and she is older than you.”

‘Not with the Dungeons I’ve been in.’

“The only interest I have is as a friend.”

“Sure.” Lord Siphas teased, “They are both doing well. Alice is only a few weeks away from her Fifteenth, but Iris is now a very powerful Adept. Must seem weak to you. Oh she is going to be pissed to find out that you are an Expert before her, despite being younger.”

Alaster looked ahead as they finally entered the city itself, “Levels mean very little in actual power.”

The Lord caught the tone change but didn’t mention it.

“What about Colius?” Alaster asked as they walked through the streets, which were no less busy as the walls. People rushed around. Alaster noticed that dozens of Water Mages were combatting raging fires before sprinting to the next one.

The walls protected the city, but they couldn’t defend against everything, even with the City Mages attempting to do so.

Lord Siphas sighed before responding, “He took a turn for the worse after you left. He blamed himself for it. With the Siege, he is doing better, given a direct task and duty. Currently, as one of the very few Warp Mages, he is leading the Saboteurs.”

“Really?” Alaster tried to imagine the old mage running about blowing up supplies but couldn’t.

“Yes, with his portals he allows the Saboteurs to sneak behind the Tarvian Camp to do their work before sneaking them back. There have been a lot of close calls, but the work they do is vital to making this Siege as short as possible.”

The two continued to talk as they walked through the streets. Even the Noble District had taken damage, though not as severe.

“How severe is the situation?” Alaster asked.

The Lord hesitated, “I’ll let the City Lord tell you. Not really the type of thing you discuss on the street.”

Alaster accepted that.

They soon passed the Siphas Estate and Alaster hesitated but continued. They weren’t headed for the Siphas home, but the home of the Onigas Lord. Besides, he couldn’t see any obvious damage to the estate.

In just a few minutes, they were allowed into the City Lord’s Estate. The bodyguards stayed behind, but Lukas followed them in. A servant met them at the front door to the main building and led them.

The building was just as beautifully built as he remembered, but it did seem smaller.

‘I’ve grown.’

There were only a handful of servants maintaining the estate itself. But there countless of servants rushing around running messages and orders.

“Normally, the City Lord is in the meeting room with the others. But to meet with you, he is currently in a separate room. He wishes to know you and your intentions before discussing you with the rest.” Lord Siphas explained.

“Sounds good.”

The servant led them to a room with two of the City Lords personal Guards standing at the door. One of them nodded to the servant and opened the door, motioning them inside. Lukas remained outside.

Sitting on a small, raised chair, the City Lord was just as intimidating as Alaster remembered, but it also seemed less intense. He had faced several Monsters who gave off a similar feeling, and he had killed each one.