"So, what will we do now?" Pine asked XiYang as the four friends sat down for the celebratory feast the king had hosted after their successful defense against the demon attack.

XiYang reached across the table for a drumstick and took a bite, "How many demon elites are left?"

"Only a couple more. The Demon King should know by now that we had killed another three of his demon elites. It's likely he had called back his warriors to his main fortress in preparation for an all out assault." Janet replied between bites of food.

"So why don't we take the war to them? They're probably thinking we're going to hole up in our own fortress in preparation for a siege. They won't expect us to go to them."

"That's a good idea...but does anyone know where the Demon King's fortress is?" Risa exclaimed as she glanced at the three people before her.

"I actually have a guess." A voice came from behind them.

XiYang and his friends turned to look and saw the king walk up towards them. They prepared to stand, but the king raised his hands and told them to sit as this was a party to honor them...they did not need to be formal.

"Your Majesty, do you truly know where the Demon King resides?" Pine asked expectantly.

"I'm not 100% sure but according to reports of my intelligence group, we've calculated a location that the Demon King will most likely appear at."

"What location is that?" XiYang asked.

"Crimson Cliffs."

"Crimson Cliffs!" Janet yelped but quickly lowered her voice as she noticed some curious heads turning towards her exclamation. "You sure?!"

"That's the problem. We're not 100% sure."

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"How sure are you...exactly?" Risa inquired.

"Only 70% chance."

"Well, that's good enough for me. Let's gather the troops and lay waste to their castle." Janet exclaimed. She prepared to stand in order to leave but XiYang placed his hand on her shoulder, stopping her.

"Now, hold on a minute," XiYang interjected, "we're only 70% sure. That's not a good percentage to work with. What if the castle isn't at Crimson Cliffs? And with the troops gone, who's going to defend the castle when the demons attack?"

XiYang turned to the king and asked, "Have you had anyone go check for sure that it's the Crimson Cliffs?"

"Yes, I had sent my fastest scout to check. He should be back anytime today."

"Okay. For now, have the soldiers prepare themselves. Our troops need to be ready no matter if it's a raid or a siege. As soon as the scout comes back, we can determine our next course of action."

"Okay, I'll do that. You guys get ready too."

..........

"Its been five hours. The sun is about to set. Where is that scout?" The king muttered as he paced around in his study room.

The soldiers have all been accounted for and prepared for battle. Even the hero and his party were well equipped and ready...and that was two hours ago. Where is that scout? As he finally gave up pacing and decided to go look for his Chief of Intelligence, a few short knocks emitted from his door. The king opened the door to reveal an old man with a bent back and graying hair.

"Ah, Chief Getton! Just the guy I was looking for. Is there something you need?"

"Yes, your Majesty. It's about the scout we sent to Crimson Cliffs." Chief Getton replied nervously as he rubbed his hands.

"Is he back?" The king exclaimed as he peered behind the Chief of Intelligence. "I don't see him. Why isn't he here?"

"The scout...didn't make it."

"What do you mean?"

"He...he died."

"What?! What happened?"

"We don't know...but the magic shard connecting to his soul shattered."

"Which very well means he's dead." The king mumbled, a dejected expression displayed on his face.

"But don't fret. The scout did complete his mission. Before he died, he had confirmed that the demons are all situated at the Crimson Cliffs. We were able to monitor and record his last moments."

"How did he die? Did the demons find him?"

"Fortunately, no. It was truly unlucky the way he died. During his scouting, he tried to approach closer but his presence was somehow sensed by one of the demon elites. To avoid being detected and bringing jeopardy to the mission, he sacrificed himself by jumping off the cliff."

"A valiant man. Make sure to award his family and give him a proper funeral."

"Yes your Majesty!" Chief Getton bowed as he scurried off.

The king left his room and pointed to a nearby knight. "Alert the men, prepare to move out. Our destination - Crimson Cliffs!"