Caesar POV

Goddamn it. 

How did this happen?

While I fought against these two demigods, another army came out of nowhere and attacked us. They are no friends of ours or the Imperial. 

Valarie's fanatic.

These idiotic bunch crashed into our armies, sending everything into disarray. Our lines are mixed, every soldier have to be aware of their own surroundings. They have to defend at every angle. The wyvern riders were uncontested until now. The fanatics' wyvern riders engage against my forces, shooting them down. One can see the fierce aerial dogfight, but more magical explosions cover the sky. Legion soldiers try to fend off against the hordes of enemies, but they are getting cut down. There are too many enemies all over the damn place. 

I avoided an incoming spear flying right at my head. Twisting at the last second, I halt a blade aimed at my skull. Forcing the enemy back, I evaded another swing from my right, stabbing at the woman's side. Dragging her body in front of me, I used it as cover. A fireball rams into the dead body as I charge forward. Pulling my sword out, I slapped my shield across the face of another opponent, sending her onto the ground. Panting, I scan the area. Several beings have zoned in on us and the Imperial demigods. These fanatics know that I am an important figure. Sending most of their trained units after me, they want to demoralize my army. Sadly, they have no clue that my troopers will continue to fight on. 

A magic arrow slams into me. Falling onto the ground, I quickly rolled to my right, avoiding the incoming arrows. Mages, warriors, archers, how many fanatics are here?! And why!?

Raising my shield above my head, arrows rain down from above. I thrust my sword out, stabbing into another enemy, running from my spot. A meteor blast my previous location. I hacked at another warrior on my left until someone rams into me. Quickly deflecting the spear, I tackled my enemy to the ground. I punch her a couple times in the face before I stab the woman in her stomach. Something was screaming at me to get away now, abandoning my sword. Hiding behind my shield, an axe slams hard against the thick layer. I felt a stinging pain on my forearm, giving me warning signs about something. Cutting the straps that tied my shield to my arm, I picked up a new weapon off the ground. Taking a quick glance, I can see some blood on my right arm. The warrior pulls the shield from her axe, growling at me. Before she can take a swing at me, a spear pierces her head.

"My lord!" Two legion soldiers of mine approach me, blocking the incoming arrows.

"You fools, get back!" I evaded a throwing knife, turning my gaze at the assailant. Getting a good grip on my spear, I tossed it at her. The moment the spear impales the rogue woman, an arrow pierces into my right shoulder. Grunting at the sudden pain, I try to ignore it. Seeing that, my two warriors try to regroup with me. They got blown away by that stupid mage. Looking up at the sky, I try to find her. 

Big mistake. 

A shot echoes in the air.  

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Louise POV

How long has it been? 

Ever since we engaged the Ironclawz, we have been losing our soldiers and strength to them. Heck, I think most of our enemies are dead except these bastards. Their armored bodies ignore our strikes, showing no dents on their impressive black armor. Roaring, yelling, laughing, these orcs slice through our ranks. If I had a witch, they would be handy against these guys, but they still have a lot of soldiers. If I had any cavalry, they could do an effective charge and try to penetrate their armor. Sadly, General Mortis' army is gone. His Lanze cavalry would have killed a couple more of these orcs. Out of the two hundred, I think one hundred and thirty orcs finally left the battlefield. They must have gotten bored or did not want to kill the leftovers. Only forty orcs remained on the field, slaughtering the rest of my army. A good thirty orcs did die on the field though, but this was with the help of three armies holding a good thousand or so troops. 

With their low numbers, we could try to sneak past them, but I highly doubt it. Their remaining commander is a demigod. He would stop our movements if he decides to activate his [Demigod's Realm]. Activating it just once will slaughter a good chuck of my soldiers. No one in my army tries to retreat, fighting with their fellow brothers and sisters to the death. I have no clue how many soldiers are still on the field, but I can see a bunch of my troops surrounding these orcs. Despite the numbers though, these orcs are taking their sweet time.

Sadly, I am fighting ten of them right now with my Offenders and Shield Sisters. Sweating and panting, I rush through their ranks. Evading two axes, I duck under their swing. Slicing at their sides, knowing full well that would do nothing, I slid past a couple more orcs, evading their half ass swings. I forcibly kick one of their armored bodies, watching him fall onto the ground. Twisting my body sidways, I watch an axe slash at the empty air. Coating my elbow in some mana, I ram it against the orc, forcing the body away from me. Distracting the ten orcs, my sisters and brothers try their best to stab into their sturdy armor. It has no effect, making the orcs redirect their attention to them. A few of my sisters did not evade their counters, wounding them heavily. 

"Pull the wounded back! Just hold them back!" I exclaimed, blocking two axes and kept them at bay. I am praying, hoping, that my brother will come here in time. His army should be fine against those former Imperial bastard. Moving swiftly away from my spot, I evade another axe.

"Hold still! Just die so we go home!" An orc yells, stomping his foot on the ground.

"Humies are stubborn!" An orc has grabbed one of my Offender's shield, dragging the man into his axe. Killing my warrior, he tosses the body towards a group of soldiers. Tumbling and falling from the dead body, the orc quickly jumps on them. He crushed a couple of my soldiers, but he finished the job with a swing of his axe towards the survivors.

"[Taunt]! [Steel Wall]!" Activating two abilities, I draw the ten orcs onto me. Unable to ignore my taunt, they swing and stab at me. With my [Steel Wall], I can easily deflect and withstand most of their attacks. As long as we have the same level and rank, my body will take the heavy damage. Even if their blades hit my neck or head, I will receive no mark. This ability makes my skin impervious to their blades. They could do no real damage against me, but I need to keep moving. If they decide to hold me down once my [Steel Wall] becomes inactive, then I will become vunerable. And they can kill me.

As I force the ten orcs to fight me, a miracle happened. A cry of joy could be heard.

One of my rank thirteen Shield Sister accidentally picked up one of the fallen Ironclawz weapon. Using their axes, she killed one of these orcs. It took me a while to register why one of the ten orcs did not move against me. Realizing this huge opportunity on the orcs, I quickly relay my orders.

"Any rank thirteen warrior who can pick up the Ironclawz's weapons use them on the orcs! Their weapons can pierce through their armor!" Hearing a loud roar acknowledging my orders, I can hear some cries of relief echo in the air. It seems like someone killed an orc, raising the morale of my troopers.

"Yes, they can die!"

"We can pull through this!" Covered in sweat, I nod at my comrades.

We can turn this around.

"Enough." A heavy atmosphere pushes all of us onto our knees. 

No! I wanted to cry, our sudden hopes are extinguished. The demigod leader decided to stop us, activating his [Demigod's Realm].

"These humies did well. Can't have more die on us. It will be a shame. Kill them- no more playing." Understanding that command, the remaining orcs nod at the command. The nine that I kept at bay decided to split up. My taunt has ended, but I am still protected by my [Steel Wall]. However, they approach my kneeling soldiers, hacking them down.

"NO!" I yell, trying to move. I can feel my bones crack under the pressure. Noticing my resistance, the demigod orc focuses on me as I slam into the ground. I heard a few cracks along my body, cursing at our end.

At that moment, my [Steel Wall] disappeared.

This is the end. Unable to move, I close my eyes. I can feel the orcs around me. One of them raise their axe, aiming to end my life. 

I can hear their axe cut through the air... yet I hear a weird sound ring through the air. A clanking sound resonate through my ears.

"Hey, aren't you suppose to put up more of a fight?" That voice...

Opening my eyes, I find a silver haired girl wearing leather armor wielding two axes in her hands. Surprised at who it was and how she was wielding the Ironclawz's axes, I could barely say anything at her sudden appearance. Out of anyone who would rescue us, I would not except my younger sister, especially one who has never left my mom and dad side, to appear before me. Staring at her for a few seconds as she holds the orc at bay, she lets out a rare smile with a special shine resonating through her green eyes. The orc, stunned at Aisha's appearance, found an axe in his chest. Blinded by the sudden pain, Aisha takes her other axe and quickly slash his arms off. Kicking the body away, she takes his axe and rotates them in her arms.

"Well, I can't blame you because of that demigod though. Take it easy, we'll clean this up."

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 Aisha POV

I am glad that we arrived on time. If we were a few seconds late, Louise would be dead. I would be annoyed at my late decision making if I didn't save her in time. Her army is defenseless against the [Demigod's Realm]. Everyone looks tired as hell, but they still fight on. I am impressed at the amount of soldiers that are still on the field. I noticed the other two armies have been eliminated. Still, I am glad my sister is still a beauty on the battlefield, even if she's a mess right now. I would say that she still has her charms. I wonder how these orcs can ignore her charms. They must have a violence fetish or something. Damn warmorgers- maybe I used some poor words to describe these orcs...

Ignoring my own thoughts, I look across the field. Golem has eliminated three orcs in one go, crushing them with his shields alone. I shoved the sudden notification about my new traits off to the side, focusing on the upcoming fight. One orc jumps into the air, having his axes high above him. Having my [God's Realm] active, using it on myself, Esta, and my knights, I toss my axe at his head. He should have attacked me normally instead of jumping like that. Heck, having his axes way too high above his head left him open. If he was a bit faster, he could have blocked or deflected my axe. Despite the armor's sturdiness, the axe definitely went deep into his head. Stepping aside and letting the body fall, I casually pick up one of his axes and deflect an incoming orc. Parrying his strike, I slash the orc right through his chest with my other axe. Even if the axe tore through the plating and created a serious wound, he is still alive. These orcs have a stupid amount of health, taking this one hit. With an axe deep in his chest, I took the chance to hammer him viciously with the one axe I still had. Using both hands, I slam my axe into his head, ending the creature. Grabbing the body before it hits the ground, I used it as a shield. Two orcs tried to stab me, hitting the dead body instead. Taking that brief moment, I slam my axe deep into one of their heads. There was no time to retrieve the axe as the other orc regained his focus. Rushing towards him, I empower my arms with a bit of chi, twisting the arm that held his axe. Disarming the orc, I take his axe and forcibly slash his entire right arm off before he recovers. 

The remaining orcs back away from me, astounded and confused to my sudden appearance and massacre.

A rank two warrior just took down five of their rank thirteen warriors. Unable to cope with these strange facts, I point an axe to them, saying in their tongue, "[[Come at me.]]" Freezing at my words, I immediately dash to them. In the middle of the group, I activate [Piercing Tornado]. Spinning with my axes, their armor received numerous cuts throughout their bodies. With slow reaction times, they could not defend themselves in time. Unable to comprehend what happened, their lives have been forfeited. Once I exit out of [Piercing Tornado], their bodies hit the floor.

"I should have tried some new abilities. I need to stop using [Piercing Tornado]." I reprimand myself, looking for Gallant. The dual wielding black knight swiftly took down several orcs before he reached the demigod. Without using any fancy ability, he just slashed the body in two. The sheer fact that his blade pierced cleanly through their armor so easily hints at their quality. Both of my knights have their [Hidden Rank] on, not using their full powers. Despite their weakened state, they can still dispatch these orcs with relative ease. I guess that their stats and their weapons play a key factor. The remaining soldiers are getting up, shaking off the dirt. Louise Graham is the seventh princess of our family. With light green hair flowing off of her shoulders, she quickly rallies the soldiers back into formation. Even if she were to gather her soldiers, the battle will be over in a bit. As my two knights are running through the field, butchering the remaining orcs, Esta is healing anyone who is gravely wounded. I was reluctant to bring Esta along with me, knowing full well that this is a battle. Something that would do no good to an innocent and pure elf like her, yet she proved me wrong in a strange way. 

Despite the blood and gore, mutilated bodies, hundreds and thousands of dead bodies scattered around the field, the elf seems to ignore it all. She hurries through the field, healing any soldier who needs it. It wasn't hard to spot these injuried soldiers. Some were holding their sides or were crowded around the few healers who are still alive. My eyes scan the field, looking at all of these bodies. The casualties are high, and I can barely see a bunch of orc bodies. I glance at the demons, unfamiliar with their allegiance. Staring at them, they are definitely under someone's control. They wore armor in an organized manner and wielded weapons like any other being who has been trained in combat. Wild demons do not follow such traditional means. Yes, they could, but if they are true demons, they will abandon their weapons halfway through their fight. Analyzing the battlefied, my sister interrupts me... rather aggressively. She pulls me by the shoulder, turning me around so we can meet eye to eye.

"What are you doing here sister?! I thought you were back at home?!" Her expression displays confusion, unable to comprehend how I was the one to save her or how I killed several orcs that are above my rank.

"Things happened... You should know." Keeping it simple, my sister gives me a look. She glares at me, demanding that I tell her everything right now. 

"What... How... When..." Despite her fierce gaze, she pauses after each word. 

"I can explain at a later time." I ignore her questions, sensing a slight movement from the other orcs who have left the battlefield. The hundred and thirty orcs that retreated, stopped to split into two groups, thinking that someone might be in pursuit. They realized that someone has executed their fellow brothers. It seems like they wish to ambush whoever might go into the forest in pursuit. Realizing that I can detect these orcs, even if they hid their presence, I guess I picked up a new trait from one of the orcs I have slained. 

"No, explain to me how you became this strong." My sister, once again, pulls me to her, making me face her. Agitated by this, I simply shove her off, saying, "At another time. Not right now."

"You will tell me everything right now!" Trying to grab me, I quickly slap her arm away from me. 

"Enough! I told you not right now!" I yelled.

"I NEED to know everything that has happened!" she slams her hand to her chest, "Do you know how worried I was? No, I am still worried about what has happened!? No one told me about the events that has transpired at our home. I quickly rush back right after I completed my task, scared at our family's well being. And not only that, how come you are here with..." Her eyes turn towards my knights, realizing something. "They're... What is their actual rank sister?"

"I will tell you in due time." I repeated for a third time. Yet my sister press on.

"What are your knights?! What secrets have you hid from me? From us!? And you, have you been hiding all your powers all this time?" I scoff at her last question. Did I really have this much power in me? No. I have not. I never had this power. My father, the greedy side of him, would have used me as a tool. Monopolize me in some way for his greedy benefit. Mom was smart enough to give it to me when I was older and ready. Moving forward, I was going to help my knights out until I hear my sister utter something ridiculous.

"You have always been selfish." I stopped. Selfish? Me? I have not been selfish. Not when I was a prisoner by that bastard of a father. No, I should not let her words affect me. Trying to move from my spot, her next set of words definitely provoked me.

"And you do not understand what it is like to lose your own soldiers." 

I immediately turned on my heel, walked right up to my older sister, and slapped her across the face. She falls onto the ground, grasping her cheek. Several of her Shield Sisters stepped forward, yet I suppress them with my [God's Realm]. 

"NEVER tell me that I do not understand the concept of losing soldiers! I can ignore your taunt, your jabs, your insults on me, but I will not stand for your disrespect to my knights! I would be damned if I hear any sort of trash talk to them. Hell, I should beat you up for that insult! You do not know what I had to go through just to be out here. You don't understand the ill treatment my men have to go through. Why should I even tell you anything when you have turned a blind eye to me? You never-"

"You think I had time to sit with you and figure out what was wrong?!" She stands back up, facing me. I was a bit impressed at how she recovered from that slap. "Understand that I had a duty to fulfill! I did not shy away from what our parents wanted of me-"

"Wanted of you? Do you even hear yourself?!" I let out a laugh, "You were being used. Everyone who agreed to the sudden new rules our dad placed down did not realize how greedy he has become. How corrupted he was because of the money he could obtained! Did you realize that our mom said nothing when he established those stupid rules?! Everyone who was older than me, sisters and brothers alike, agreed to such a stupid notion?"

"It might be stupid, but it was something that would help the family! We wanted to repay our father."

"In a dumb way!" I countered, "Do you really want our own father to tell us how we should live?! Why do you think he singled me out compared to the rest of you? You all agreed to his stupid rules, marrying these random suitors you never met before. Yes, you could work it out, but still, was it your choice?"

"You do not question-"

"I question it because I DID NOT WANT THAT!" I emphasized my words, jabbing my finger into her chest amor, "You have always been stubborn and stupidly loyal, sister. You will do whatever our parents tell you because they told you to do so. But ultimately, you are being a fool and a tool. I am glad that our father died." Saying those last words, I can feel a sudden slap across my face. Taken aback by the action, my sister gives me a furious gaze.

"Take that back. You do not deserve to say that!" Heated in our argument, I just shake my head, not backing down at all. Before I can say anything, she interrupts me, "Despite his change, you did love him for a certain moment. He did care for you when you were younger. Even if he did gain your hatred and the retribution he rightfully deserve, do not say that you were glad that he died. Mom and dad are the reason why you- why we- are here." I was going to say something, say anything to refuse such a declaration, but she did have a point. Ignoring the sting on my cheek, I slowly regain my composure, toning down my anger.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"I'm... sorry." I guess there are a few things my father did right. Maybe not to me, but my other siblings may look up to him as a helpful father figure. I have no clue. Maybe he corrupted a few of them in his own twisted sense, but at the least, he did give them purpose in their lives. And maybe I did go a bit too far... Even if he did change, he is still my dad. I did love him before he became the greedy monster that he become. 

"I'm also sorry for saying some foolish things, sister." Louise apologized, looking at me with a small smile, "I left a very bad impression as an older sibling." 

"Please," I chuckled at her remark, letting go of our heated argument, "At least you're not that bad." In my mind, I thought our meeting would be a sour one. I never seen eye to eye with my older siblings, let alone talk to them as much. I have only fought against my older brothers for their ill treatment towards the servants of our household and my knights. Louise, not really doing such things, was an oddity to me. There was no certainty that our interactions would have been a good or bad one. Louise was a bit puzzled at my words, but I left it at that. I did not need to bring the abuse my brothers have done in the past. I will address them to those idiots when the time comes.

Easing Louise's worries, I gave her this, "Guess I can say that our family is fine... Well, those who were in the mansion. Ethan, Olivia, Jennifer, and Jessica are with me although they are in Zezrious. Our other young siblings are with our mom, who is still alive, back at the mansion. Patrick is back home as well. He should be fine." Should. Honestly, I forgot about him. He did help my mom defend our home against Emperor Titus. So he should be fine. I think... 

Louise's shoulders slack a bit, showing her relief. The next question, however, would most likely stir another agrument between us.

"What about Caesar?" I frown at the name. How am I suppose to put this lightly without pissing off my sister. As I contemplate on this dilemma, I can hear my knights approach us. They easily dispatched the orcs, joining in our conversation. I got a huge feeling that Gallant is going to be blunt about our response. Before I can turn towards my knights, I felt a slight presence coming from above. It was small, at first, but it is getting closer. Noticing the incoming figures, my knights direct their gaze at them. With my enhanced sight, I can see their shape. I can easily recognize my family's insignia from here as it is carved into the shields of the riders riding the Alduins. The black wyverns were zoning in on our location. Once they reach our vicinity, they land right next to us. I did not need to ask the rider why they were here. Knowing Caesar, he was in a sticky situation where he wanted some of his troops to get aid or sent these three squads of Alduins to aid in Louise's struggle. Louise was the first to speak up.

"Why are you here? Aren't you with my brother?" 

"Your brother told us to assist you in your fight," the squad leader of the Alduin spoke up, wearing a yellow cape and a dragon like helmet, "We came here as fast as we can... But it seems like you do not need our assistance." He glance at us. "I have seen you before, haven't I?"

Gallant just scoffs a bit, shrugging his shoulder, "Can't remember. Most of us were treated rather harshly, if you recall."

"Either way, you saved Louise from her certain demise. Caesar is extremely grateful for that..."

"Is he alright?" Louise asked, worried. The squad leader did not give an immediate response. He seems to be... struggling. Knowing full well that Louise will press him for an answer, he eventually gave in.

"Things have turned for the worse. We were doing fine with the former Imperial armies, but a third party has emerged out of nowhere. It seems like Valarie's fanatics started to move against us. With this third army, and one with stronger forces that exceed our own, he ordered a few of us to help you and stay with you." 

"What do you mean stay? You have to-"

"Caesar plans to take the fall and keep the enemies focused on him." I announced this, a bit amazed at Caesar's foresight. Not the ability to see these new enemies, he did not know about Valarie's forces, but he knew damn well that asking for help, especially from Louise, will motivate Valarie's fanatics. How will it motivate them... Well, they're crazy lesbians- they will most likely go after my sister because of obvious reasons. Valarie does not control every army within her faction which, more or less, creates problems. It seems like General X's personal army, or subordinates, are well under her control. They will not do anything too rash without her permission. And if they did do something rash, and without her permission, General X will most likely execute them without any shred of mercy or hesitation. I heard the crazy reports about Valarie's armies just doing whatever the hell they want at random times, but under an order from Valarie. Granted that they do not do anything too stupid that would piss off their lesbian overlord, they will still be a part of Valarie's faction.

Valarie's fanatics are a bunch of idiots who only do whatever they want in the name of Valarie. Or something like that. In all honesty, Valarie cuts all ties with these fanatics due to breaking a rule or being too overly obsessed with spreading lesbomancy... I mean... Eh, I really can't explain it. Well, I could, but it makes me sound a bit dumb. Pretty much, they want to spread the 'magic' of Valarie's love and the feeling of a woman loving another woman. Silly, really, although the vast majority do wish to spread Valarie's greatness, while others do that as an excuse to fulfill their own agendas. Ignoring these little things, their presence in this area suggests a few things that I would have been slow on. And I had a feeling this would happen eventually.

Someone must be spying on me, or I must have pissed off one of Valarie's devoted followers. I am leaning on the latter, but the first is still a possibility. I did not anticipate such a fast response. Then again, these are Valarie's fanatics. They have a dangerous reputation for hunting down people who spoke ill of Valarie. Before I made up with the crazy lesbian, I did say some harsh things in public. One of our escorts must have leaked out information about my engagement with their master. Either way, this was bound to happen. Just that I did not expect such a response so soon. It seems like my knights understood my brother's intention, nodding at my statement. 

"So he is sacrificing himself for me?" Louise shows a bit of her anger, looking at the armored wyvern rider, "I will not allow this. We have taken care of our enemies- we will assist him before he-" She shakes her head, ordering her Shield Sisters, "Get our soldiers ready! We march towards Casear. Quickly!" Swiftly, they rush towards the others, ushering out their commands. Turning to me, she says, "You going to help me?" It was more of a statement than a question, but I wouldn't object to her demand. I was going to nod my head until I heard a scream from behind us.

Turning, I can see a demon charge towards Esta and a bunch of Shield Sisters. Seeing this wounded armored demon, he was holding something in its hand. Esta, stepping forward and casting a small shield around the others, cast a small light arrow towards the demon. Piercing through his body, he falls, but it seems like the object in his hands let out a bright purple light. Shielding my face from the intense light, my body became utterly stiff. My thoughts stopped and my emotions start to get the better of me.

Esta is gone.

"What was that?!" My head bolts to Gallant, "Where is Esta?! Is she hurt?!"

"...That was a teleportation scroll. It would redirect an individual to a certain designation point." Understanding my panic, he reassures me, "Esta is close by. You can feel her presence."

Oh, I can feel it alright, but I can feel something else lingering near her. Something that is telling me not to go there. I would take caution, I would have thought this out, but I have no clue what this thing can do to Esta. Angered by this, I immediately get ready to rush over there. Knowing that I will do something reckless, Gallant grabs me by the arm.

"Aisha, what about Caesar?"

"I have to save Esta. I will not abandon her or leave her unprotected." If I had to choose between Caesar and Esta, I will choose Esta, however, I can give my sister some help. "You two should help my sister. There will be high ranking fanatics in the area-"

"And what about you? We shouldn't-"

"Then I will ORDER you two to help her. Do what you must. Reveal your true powers and finish off the enemies that pose a threat to her or Caesar. Do not come back to me unless you have done so. This is my direct order. DO NOT say anymore." I sternly told Gallant off, pulling my arm out of his grip. Even though he has a lot more experience, is my teacher, my friend, he is my soldier. My knight. Without raising any objections, he bows his head.

"By your command." Without another word, I immediately teleport from my spot.

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Gallant POV   

We followed Louise's army as they march for Caesar. The Alduin took to the air, guarding the skies from any unexpected aerial attacks. Louise was at the head of her army, running. She did not bother us with questions. She did not ask us where Aisha went off to, and why she would save an elf compared to her brother. With their earlier argument, she must have understood Aisha's priorities. Also, she acknowledges Aisha's relationships with most of her older siblings. As we continue our march, Golem and I are trying to get a feel for the upcoming battlefield. Most higher rank beings can do this, if they know there is a fight in the area. There is a certain distance where one can feel another higher rank being. If they were a couple miles away, then there is a chance that they could sense one another, reading each other aura or essence alone. Twenty miles away would be harder, barely getting a hint or indication of another being within the area. And if they are fifty miles away, you cannot read them at all.  

When Esta teleported from our area, she was only a couple miles away from us. Maybe ten miles away, but I can definitely sense her. I curse at myself for being too lax. I should have checked all of the bodies to ensure our safety. Hearing that little tip at the inn should have made me on edge. The demon must have acted dead, hoping to get one of the Shield Sisters or Louise to Charlotte.

Worse, they could have targeted Aisha.

I just shake my head at how bad this was. Golem and I have to exterminate these armies. Aisha will stand no chance against a Gate Guardian. Especially with a vicious reputation.

The Crimson Overlord Charlotte.

She was a renowned vampire that have purged, decimated, and massacred several cities centuries ago. From birth, she has violently fought against her own kind to gain dominance and eliminated her enemies by herself. She has aligned herself to the dark side when they approach her. She has personally ended two Crusades, was a general at a time, and succeeded in capturing several cities through the Hell's Wrath campaign. She even had a chance to enter the upper echelons of Hades, but she declined such an offer.

Who would have thought that she was a Gate Guardian near Zezrious? And why would she become a Gate Guardian?

Golem snaps me out of my thoughts, saying, "Focus."

"Right." I can worry about that later. Hopefully Aisha can handle the vampire for a good twenty minutes or so. We have to be quick about it, or else I will forever regret this. Our new Imperator cannot die. Not when we finally fulfilled our duty. I let out a small smile underneath my helmet, surprised that Aisha sternly ordered us around.

This was the first time where she ordered us to do something despite our objections.

In the past, she has always, ALWAYS, let us push her around. This isn't entirely a good thing, but this only shows Aisha is changing slightly from her former self. 

After a few minutes, I can finally feel the demigods and lesser gods within my internal radar. Our [Hidden Rank] is still active, giving us a slight advantage. Slight. This advantage was destroyed the moment Valarie's fanatics saw our approach. Several regiments of female warriors split off from the main group, charging at us. Using various attacks at Louise's army, they unleash bullets, magic, and other projectiles that can be tossed at us. Immediately, a magical transparent shield covers Louise's army, absorbing the shots. Golem and I can see several figures rushing ahead of the incoming soldiers.

These are the demigod and lesser god ranks.

As they activate their [Demigod's Realm] and [God's Realm], Golem and I deactivate our [Hidden Rank], hitting them with our own realms. I dash right through Louise's ranks, piercing through two bodies and unleashing an energy slash towards four other warriors. Golem teleports into a group of them. He bashes them hard with a single sweep with his tower shield, sending them through the air. Both of us did not hesitate to unleash our energy around us. We are purposely giving away our aura, challenging anyone who wish to fight us. The fanatics halt at our appearance, allowing Louise's soldiers to unleash several volleys to wipe out their frontlines. Snapping out of their daze at the last minute, Louise's ranks ram into them. The Shield Sisters and Offenders quickly pierce through their lines, pushing the enemy back. Looking up towards the sky, I can see several enemy wyvern riders engage against the Alduin. It seems like the commander of these fanatics had a good amount of soldiers under their command. 

Feeling three mages lock onto me from above, I teleport from my spot towards them. The moment I appear near them, explosions erupt around me. I quickly cast an energy shield around me. A dark red dragon mouth appears from the smoke, trying to engulf me. Calling my mana into a single point within my body, I unleash it the moment the dragon closes its mouth around me. The moment I dispersed their attack, I charge at the mages. I swiftly dash through their magical minefield, stabbing one of the mages in the stomach. The other two quickly unleash a blast of fire and thunder, trying to kill me. I flung the dead mage at them, using the body as a slight shield and distraction. I was going to teleport behind them until I can feel an eye on me. At the last second, I move my head to the right, evading a bullet to the head. 

A sniper.

In combat, I am suppose to be reserved. I am to be calm, collective, cautious, but the moment I see the bullet fly past my head, I recall Dan's death. Triggering my hidden regret and anger, I found the sniper on a hill with her long barrel gun. Powering one of my swords, I glare at the armored woman. Not giving her a chance to reload or fire, I flung my sword at her. Enhanced with my energy, the sword pierced through everything in its way until it reaches the sniper. The moment my sword impaled the sniper through the chest into the ground, a blast of energy exploded around the area. It sent a ton of fanatics through the air as I instantly appear beside my sword. Taking it out of unrecognizable body, I look for a grouped up area of fanatics. Once I did, I charge at them. 

The two mages from before try to stop my advance, but I unleash two energy slashes at them. Being pushed from this attack alone, I continue my charge. Two demigod warriors try to intercept me, but I easily slip past them. Like any sane enemy, they will pursue me or try to give chase. Clouded by my anger, I made sure they would suffer. I mutter this under my breathe, "[Precision Slash]." Unable to block my attack, and they have their backs to me still, my swords slashed at their Achilles tendon. Even if they have a good amount of protection, these two warriors did not have armored shoes. My blades easily cut through the material, cutting through their flesh. I did not stop, charging at the group of fanatics. I can just hear a thud and scream coming from the two demigods as I left them. 

The moment I appear behind a group of fanatics, I unleash my signature move. [Piercing Tornado]. Cutting through the many bodies, I force my way to the center. Seeing their fellow sisters slained before them, they rush me. Using no fancy technique or skill, I used my swordplay to dispatch these mindless idiots. I deflect a blade with my sword, using the enemy's body as a shield as several bolts slam into them. Kicking the body forward to stop several enemies from swarming me, I duck under someone's arm, crouching. Using my swords, I sweep them around me, hacking off the legs of my surrounding enemies. I jump from my spot, moving away from the cluster that tried to surround. I land on someone, pushing them onto the ground. I finish them with my blade to their back. I can feel the two lesser god mages prepare a deadly spell from above. I stayed in my spot, hacking down any fanatic who charged at me. The moment the mages unleash their spell, I just teleport to them. Obviously, they will have a bunch of magical spells around them, but I just unleash a [Chi Eruption] to set off their magical minefields.

[Chi Eruption] is a handy martial art skill that can set off magical traps. It could also knock back your enemies for a few seconds, but it will not create too much harm unlike [Chi Blast]. Throwing my opponents off for a few seconds, I behead them with both of my blades, ending this little game. I look towards the aftermatch of their destructive magic. Their fellow allies were killed by friendly fire. They seriously have no care for each other.

Idiots.

And these are the same idiots who killed my blood brother.

"Gallant! Caesar?!" Golem grabs my attention with those two words. He is barely using any of his actual skills, deflecting attacks and sending his opponents off of him with too much ease. Jeez, a high god is no joke. Even if a soldier tried to attack him, magical or by physical mean, his armor will not be scratched from their pitiful attempt. I reel in my anger, sighing. 

"I'll look for him now... Make sure Louise is fine. Don't stray too far." I focus my gaze through the battlefield to find Caesar Graham. He shouldn't be hard to locate, mentally, but physically, the battlefield is a mess. There are too many soldiers on this battlefield. Unlike Louise's battlefield, there are too many living bodies, making it hard to pinpoint where the heart of Caesar's army. Even his soldiers are scattered through the battlefield, fighting against two opponents. Frustrated in such a disorganized mess, I was tempted to clear out these fools all by myself, but it would create a lot of trouble. Reigning in my anger again, I finally found him.      

"[Lightning Blast]!" I evade the incoming blast, ducking and weaving through a hail of bullets. I noticed her presence, but I did not need to acknowledge it until she showed herself. Floating in the air, I can stare at the armored dark hair woman. She did not stand out too much, but I do remember her face. She was with us during that trip back to Aisha's house. Frowning at my evasion, she just lowers her gun for a moment.

"Where's that bitch?" As a lesser god, she and I will be fighting evenly. To an extent. Nonetheless, I just shrug my shoulders, saying, "I have no clue which bitch you are referring to. I met so many in my lifespam, I could just say that she's right here."

I try to sneak in an attack, but the woman blocks my sword with her own. 

"Trying to let my guard down?"

"Not even close. The bitch I was talking about is you." I replied, kicking her away from me. She evades it as she swings her gun right at me. I teleport from my spot, unleashing an energy slash right at her. She cuts through it with her blade, dashing towards me. I stop myself in midair, charging right at her. She flies high above me, casting a spell right at me. Lightning spreads throughout the air, trying to ensnare me. I move my body with slight movements, evading the thin straps of electricity. I activate [Piercing Tornado] when she cast a spell of a lightning dragon to try and eat me. Swinging my sword, I let several energy slashes fly at her as she evaded them with ease or cuts them down. She continues to shoot me with a mix of bullets and magic. On the ground, I decided to head through the crowded armies. Using the soldiers on the battlefield, specifically the Imperial and fanatics, I use them as cover against the lesser god. Ignoring the soldiers who try to stop me or hack me down, I just slip by them with ease. Annoyed by this, the lesser god unleashed one of her highest spells onto me, hoping that this will get me. If she was a bit quicker with the cast time and did it quietly, she could have got me. But even then, my armor would prevent its true damage on me. I immediately teleport from her spell though. Appearing beside her, she blocks my blade. She lets out a growl as her destructive spell wiped out a lot of her own troopers and the Imperials. [Lightning Hailstorm] is a magical move that fires in a circular blast. It unleashes a bunch of lightning from the center area and spread outwards. 

"You should have died along with that master of yours. You are an eyesore and disgrace to our goddess." The dark hair girl glares at me as I shrug my shoulder.

"Your 'goddess' are allies with us. You are doing this out of your own interests, and you are clearly ignoring your goddess by doing such independant actions." I countered, forcing her back.

"Ha!? As if! No one, I mean, NO ONE talks rudely and stupidly about our goddess!" I would continue my conversation with my opponent, but there was no need for it anymore. I just let out a sigh, shaking my head. 

"I got other things to do, you have my regards."

"What for?!" 

"So there were idiots hunting down Aisha? And due to words only? You're kidding. And I was expecting a lot more from you. Shame." Hearing the child's voice, the dark hair girl turned to the newcomer. The only thing she could register before she fell from the sky was a bullet to her head.

General X has shown up, and she seems pissed. Turning to me, she says, "Sorry about these traitors. I will personally end this battle for you. I knew that there would be a bit of problems, but I can't believe it would happen so quickly. There are too many idiots within our faction." With a sweep of her hand, General X ushers out a command.

"Kill all of these traitors my elites!" Several figures came out of nowhere, holding various weapons. The instant they appear, they activate their realms, nullifying the enemies' movement. Depending on the elite soldier, they used a variety of methods to exterminate the traitors and the Imperial. One would cast a bunch of spells on them and around the area, eliminating the soldiers with ease. Another would be firing their guns at the downed troopers, wiping them with little effort. A crazy female was running through the enemies, hacking and slashing through the masses. She did not care if the blood paints her entire body, she was laughing liked a crazy maniac. Correction, it seems like she is a crazy maniac. Maybe a war fanatic. All of these individuals are high gods. They must have used [Hidden Rank] as well, waiting for the command to reveal themselves. These elites were few in numbers, but they alone turned this entire battlefield into a one-sided massacre.

"I will also take the liberty of finishing off these Imperials as well. They are survivors who resist Valarie's mercy and show disrespect. I pray that Caesar Graham is still alive. With that, I will leave you be Gallant- Where is Aisha?" General X seems calm about everything till she realized that Aisha was not with me. 

"She is... confronting the Crimson Overlord Charlotte." General X frowns at my response.

"How come? I have a few elites watching her from afar, but I thought she would be... smarter than that. And you let her be? Are you aware of the power difference between her and the Crimson Overlord?"

"I know theres a difference, but I let her go for several reasons. And most importantly, she ORDERED us to assist Louise and try to save Caesar. Although I trust that Aisha will be able to hold out till we come back." General X just nods at this, understanding my thoughts.

"I see. If thinks will go bad, even if you help Aisha, I will help out as well. But that is only if things are going bad. Anyways, I will let you go for now. I cannot let anyone of these fanatic live. They bring a disgrace to Valarie and my own reputation." Teleporting away from me, I shake my head. I was not worried as much with these fanatics because General X was in the area. Even if she hid herself well, from our last talks, I understood that General X will be watching over us and Aisha for a while. Even if it wasn't General X, her elites would have revealed themselves because of these fanatics. Like these crazy fanatics, there are loyal fanatics that despise these crazy fanatics. From the looks of things, I can tell that General X's soldiers despise traitors, even if they have a twisted sense of loyalty to Valarie still. Allowing the elites to clear up this mess, I head to Caesar's location.

Teleporting there, I see that Louise was holding her dead brother in her arms. Crying, she hugs the body as Golem silently stood behind her. Seeing my approach, he says, "Fought. Against. Many. Foes." Looking around the site, I can see many bodies shattered around the place. It seems like the Imperial forces had a decent amount of elites, but the fanatics sent a lot of troopers to kill Caesar. Caesar fought to the death, slaughtering as many as he could. Closer inspection of his body, I notice a huge hole in his chest. Remembering the sniper from before, I can only guess that she was the one to end him. A crying shame. I am glad that I killed her mercilessly. I would let Louise grieve over her dead brother, but I do not want to extend our stay. Even if General's X soldiers are helping us out, they have many enemies. With the Crusade and the dark forces nearby, they will notice the elites and their alignment. 

"We should go. Gather our troops and retreat back to Zezrious. Golem, you will have to speak with Abdul and see if he can allow Louise's army to enter the city. They need their rest. We cannot stay here for long. Even if Valarie is helping us, we will attract a lot of attention if we linger here any longer."

"Why. Me?" Translation, 'Why am I going back to Zezrious? And why me?'

"You're stronger than me and can protect. I am not suited for escorting. Besides, it'll be better for one of us to head back to inform Abaddon Morrin. Even if she does not have a high rank in terms of the dark side, she can still stop the Gate Guardian if needed. I can send you a mental message if things go south." Golem pondered on this for a while, not liking the idea, but he gave in. 

"Come. Louise. Not. Safe." Hearing our conversation, Golem picks up Caesar's body and walks beside the shield princess. Watching the two, I let out a short 'ha' out of my mouth. There was another reason why I let Golem protect the shield princess. Sure, Golem can protect individuals a lot better than I can. No doubt about it. Yet I wanted the princess to have some time with her idol. 

Yep, Louise Graham admired, and maybe, maybe, liked Golem in a lot of ways. 

When she was young and lingered around the mansion still, she was trying to find a style that she wanted. Like Aisha wanting to dual wield, Louise saw Golem's fighting style. Amazed at how he can fight with two tower shields and inflict so much damage and use them in ways that were unimaginable, she decided to copy him. Most of the black knights knew about this, but Golem did not. He is a bit slow sometimes. Hell, Golem seems impressed by Louise's army when we saved her. The big guy just doesn't know that he was the one that influenced Louise's decisions. And thinking about it, the princess did stare at Golem and peek glances at him whenever she could back at the mansion. Does she still harbor those feelings? 

Returning back to his original thoughts, Gallant looks back in the direction where Aisha has went to. 

"I hope you're doing okay. Don't make me regret my decision."

----------------------------------------

Esta POV

I know I was teleported... It's just...

W-Why am I getting attacked?!

A few minutes ago, I was standing in front of this white haired beauty, amazed at her body. I can tell, or more like understand, that the being I was staring at was a vampire. Her red eyes gave it away along with her fangs. I think I just stood there silently, ignoring her words. She must have been mad at me for ignoring her or something else. I cannot recall what she said exactly, but she did come up to me and...

Did the things that Aisha did that one night... or what all the girls did that one night.

I-I mean... I still have no experience in sex... I-It's just that I cuddled with them and we just slept naked and such.

B-But this vampire...

She's raping me? This is rape right?

She approached me with such a lustful gaze, I just froze in place. Was it out of fear? Did she use a spell on me? I lean on the latter since I did not feel too scared, but at the same time, I struggled at her touch. I think I was unhappy at the fact that I was getting raped by a stranger. Despite her flawless beauty, she was no friend of mine. 

"You're not the warrior that my soldiers told me about. Who are you? I did tell those pawns to bring me their commander or someone of high value, but you are not them. Your rank, your appearance, your race... It does not make sense. Are you reinforcements or someone from Zezrious? Or are you from the other two cities?" Her voice was very enticing. Smooth, calm, seductive, I felt at ease. Yet her body was literally in front of me, pressing against my breasts as she trace her finger around my face. She licks her lips, giving the gaze of a predator toying with her prey. I was shaking a bit, but it wasn't due to my fear. My body was feeling those strange sensations from that time before, making me quiver in place. Trying to fight and ignore it, I answer her questions in earnest.

"I am a slave to my master. I am no warrior and my rank is quite low, as you can tell. I am an Elenaril." I think I should have kept my mouth about being an Elenaril, but I have a feeling that this person would not be harsh with me if I stated the truth. There was a flash of understanding when she heard my race. 

"An Elenaril? Now this... I have never... Ohhhhh, I lost a ton of pawns, but this was worth it. Is your master this Louise Graham?"

"No." I did not say anything else, making the vampire tilt her head. She lets out an evil smile, understanding something.

"Ohhhhhh... That's it? You won't tell me who your master is now? Come now, you should tell me who it is?" She gently turns my head towards her. Her red eyes started to glow lightly. Understanding what she might do to me, I close my eyes. Giggling at my action, she advances on me. Without any warning, I felt a wet sensation at my neck. I let out a squeal as I look at the vampire. It seems like she deactivated her ability, smiling at me with hunger in those eyes. Shivering a bit, I could not stop a moan from escaping my mouth. Her hands were on my sides, traveling to my...

"You shouldn't touch what is yours." 

"Aisha!" I scream out my master's name the moment I heard her voice. The vampire teleported away from me, avoiding the move. Agitated by Aisha's appearance, she glares at my master.

"I was thinking that a rank three would know her place and avoid me, but I guess the world is still full of idiots."

"And apparently there is no consideration to personal space and keeping their hands off of someone else's property. So you're the leader of those demons? Targeting my sister? You should do you rown dirty work if you're so high and mighty."

"Like I need some pest to tell me that? Are you her master? Then if I kill you, she can become mine." The moment she said this, Aisha was already on her, slamming her blade against the vampire's transparent barrier.

"You will feel my wrath for a bit you cunt." 

"Make me, bitch." The vampire growled.

I am happy that my master came to save me... and a bit happy that two beautiful girls are fighting over me, but I think the impending fear and worries got the better of me. 

I cannot read the vampire's rank.