Call to Arms I got Dreu’s immediate attention. He had seen how powerful his summons were and the thought of expanding his group excited him. Without further hesitation, he picked the option and called upon a new footman.

Guiot, it’s good to see you!

Bayard walked up to the new footman and patted his shoulder. Rohese also welcomed the newcomer.

Ready to fight the demons? Dreu asked after he and Guiot exchanged pleasantries.

In response to the question, Guiot drew his sword, directing it at the battle. Dreu led the way at the center with the two footmen flanking his sides. Rohese followed a few meters behind them with an arrow already notched. By the time the group reached the last line of humans, the humans pushed back the demons to the breaches in the wall. Dreu looked up to see more human soldiers reinforcing the walls. His group had to wait for their turn before they could engage the demons.

The breaches should give our side a big advantage, remarked Bayard. The demons can no longer use their numerical advantage.

Dreu couldn’t help but envy the footman’s height. Towering over most humans, Bayard could scan the battlefield with ease. Compared to Bayard, Guiot looked more like an ordinary footman in height. Even Rohese was the second tallest in the group. Among the four of them, he was the shortest and that fact hurt his pride. Without warning, Guiot grabbed Dreu and leaped away with the others from the battle. The group then watched as wyverns dropped large sacks onto the battle. As soon as the sacks hit something solid, they burst into flame igniting everything around them.

The human soldiers screamed in pain and tried rolling on the ground to put out the flames. Dreu backed up a few steps when the flames refused to be put out.

Chaos flames cannot be extinguished until the target is burnt to ashes or a strong healing spell is cast on the victim. Given how tightly packed our formation was, this approach was a no-brainer.

Bayard quickly glanced behind him.

It doesn't help us when those capable of healing spells stand like cowards in the back.

Dreu gulped at the idea of the agony as he watched the humans scream until the flames ended their lives. There were several demons engulfed in flames but they continued fighting. The flames made them harder to approach and the unfortunate soldiers who got too close shared the fate of the poor souls earlier. In the face of these demons, many of the soldiers fell back while those wielding polearms took their place. The extended reach allowed the humans to fight the demons with less danger to themselves. The demons covered in flames were quickly dispatched.

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The small victory was short lived when more demons broke through the breaches. The chaos flames from earlier created many gaps in the human formation which the demons took advantage to break through. Only Dreu’s group stood between the demons and the High District. The group was quickly surrounded, forcing all of them, including Rohese, into close combat. The demon charge felt like a tidal wave and Dreu barely stood his ground. The resulting battle was slow and grueling. Having adjusted to the blade more, the young man found himself slicing through the demons with relative ease. He also felt himself putting more of Bayard’s lessons into actual combat.

Dreu eventually felt his arms growing heavier and his mind becoming less focused. It was times like these when he was envious of his summons who never got tired, whether physically or mentally. Their inability to gain fatigue made them truly terrifying in combat. Refocusing on the battle, he prepared for a thrust when a white light engulfed him. After blinking his eyes, he found himself across from Jeane and Sela. Jeane, upon seeing him, ran to embrace him while the other adventurers cheered. The two of them embraced for a full minute before they separated with Dreu looking away. Then, Dreu looked around and, when no demons were in sight, sheathed his weapon. Bayard supported him when his knees suddenly gave out while Guiot and Rohese stood guard on his flanks

Get some rest! You have earned it!

Bayard helped Dreu to the ground. Once he sat down, Dreu smiled as the adventurers gathered around him.

“How are you feeling?” asked Jeane.

“I could use a nap.”

“I’m terribly sorry!” said Sela as she bowed down at Dreu. “I missed your name on the list.”

“List?” Dreu looked at Sela with puzzlement.

“It’s the list of adventurers who stayed at the adventurer inn,” said Sadon. “Sela felt terrible for abandoning us so she was trying to make up by getting all of us to the castle.”

“Castle?”

Dreu forced himself to stand and walked over to the battlement. The inner walls provided an incredible view of the entire capital. If it weren’t for the smoke from the Lower and Middle Districts, he would have enjoyed the view. Even from where he stood, Dreu could see the demons swarming into the High District.

“The demons will soon fear the Magic Council! We will make them regret attacking the capital.”

Dreu turned to see a confident Sela. Her confidence brought out a smile on his face.

“I sincerely hope so," said Dreu from his heart. "I’m tired of fighting the demons.”

“Well,” said another familiar voice. “I see my niece has completed her task.”

All the adventurers turned to greet Aleit. The sorcerer walked up to Sela.

“You should prepare. The demons will soon be here!”

“What about the Upper District?” asked Sela.

“Everyone....vital has already evacuated into the castle.” Aleit’s expression turned serious. “We will let the demons have it while we make our last stand on these walls.”

At the mention of a last stand, the earlier celebratory mood quickly dissipated. Dreu turned to Bayard but his summon looked at the sorcerer instead.

“How much longer until the Purificator can be activated?” asked Bayard.

The sorcerer looked shocked at the mention of the device.

“We already learned of it at the Cleric Fortress of Ujun. We saw an Amplifier destroyed by the demons.”

“I see.” The sorcerer paused for a moment. “I would say we just need to hold out for four more hours. Once those four hours are up, victory is ours!”