88 A Great Sacrifice

The demons had been quietly gathering their forces in preparation for their attack. They were planning on going through the mountain range and descending directly into the area formerly part of the Kingdom of Everwinter. The human armies would be caught off guard and the demons would be able to advance unopposed.

However, that was not to be. The demons knew they had been spotted and they abandoned all attempts at stealth. Before, the demon forces had trickled in through roundabout routes as to not be discovered. However, now they were being sent to the forward outpost en masse. The demon army swelled further and it was soon going to be time for them to launch their full attack.

Meanwhile, they began launching raids into human territory. The outlying villages and towns were destroyed. However, soon the army began arriving on the trains and they began skirmishing with the small forces of demons.

The force of demons being assembled was terrifying and it was far beyond anyone's imaginations. Drastic action would need to be taken.

That is why Roland was now addressing the pilots of his air force. He had a solemn look on his face and spoke most seriously.

"Men, there is something that I must ask of you." Roland paused as he looked everyone in the eye. "I need a volunteer for a very important mission."

Before anyone could respond, Roland said, "I will not force anyone to take this mission. I will only send you if you volunteer. Do not feel that you are required to do this. It should be something done of your own free will."

"This is a mission that will be of utmost importance to the war effort. It will strike a massive blow to the demons", Roland said. "However, the nature of the mission makes it inevitable that the person carrying it out will die."

All of the assembled pilots were silent.

"Keep in mind that this is a definite thing", Roland said. "There will be no chance for survival. Luck will not help you in the slightest. So, even knowing this, who will be willing to take on this task?"

A man stepped forward. "I will", he said firmly.

"What is your name?", Roland asked.

"My name is Jason Grant", he replied.

Roland looked Jason in the eye. "Jason, are you willing to sacrifice your life to strike at the demons?"

"Yes, Your Majesty", Jason said unwaveringly.

"Very well then." Roland nodded his head. "All of humanity thanks you for your service. Once you have completed the mission, you will posthumously be given the medal of honor and all of Neverwinter will know of your contribution."

"Also, do you have any family?", Roland asked.

"Not anymore." Jason shook his head sadly. "My parents died when I was young. I had an older brother who joined the army. He died during the war against the demons. There is no one else who I would call family."

"I see." Roland was contemplative. "Do you have any close friends? I wish to give them a reward in your name."

"I do have a close friend", Jason said. "His name is Logan. He has been trying to start his own business for a while, but he has always lacked the funds."

"Your friend shall be given all of the support he needs to start his business", Roland promised.

Jason bowed. "You are too kind, Your Majesty."

Roland dismissed the others and took Jason along to receive the briefing for his mission.

"Your job is to deliver a weapon to the demon base", Roland said. "It is called the nuclear bomb, a device capable of destroying their entire army. Once you approach the demon base, you will press a button to arm the bomb. The sensors inside will cause the bomb to detonate once it falls below a certain height."

"So as long as I get the plane to their base, the bomb will go off even if I die?", Jason asked.

"That is correct", Roland answered.

Jason was somewhat confused. "But if I manage to drop the bomb and leave, won't that be enough too? I wouldn't need to die to deliver it."

"Normally, that would be the case", Roland said. "However, your plane will not be able to get out of the blast radius in time. It is inevitable that you will die. Thus, you must do all in your power to ensure the bomb reaches its destination, even if you must die before it goes off."

"I understand." Jason made peace with himself and accepted his death.

That night, he was given the best meal possible. Jason couldn't help but note that the last meal was something given to prisoners facing execution the next day. This would be his last dinner.

The next morning, Jason boarded the plane. He was the only one aboard; the back was already loaded with the bomb, in a heavily armored case. The plane took off and Jason went on the last flight of his life.

As the plane flew, Jason saw the world below him. Everything down there seemed small. It had been an amazing sight when he first started flying. Now, it would be his last time seeing it.

Soon, the demon base came into sight. Jason hit the switch which activated the bomb. Then, he began to fly straight toward the base.

The Devilbeasts in the base reacted, flying up to intercept Jason. He shot a few of them before flying through the gap in their lines. He made several flips and spins to avoid the incoming spears. He got closer and closer to the base.

There were more and more Devilbeasts around him and it was becoming increasingly difficult to avoid them. Still, he pushed on with determination. A clank was heard when a spear clipped a wing.

The base was getting closer and soon he would be there. The plane turned and began diving toward the base. There were too many Devilbeasts to avoid now. The spears began hitting the plane, damaging many components. However, the bomb was safe behind armor which the spears couldn't break through.

The plane was now plummeting uncontrollably, but it didn't matter anymore. Suddenly, Jason felt a spear go through his stomach. He glanced down for a second and saw the spear sticking out of him.

As the life drained out of his body, Jason could see the demon base right in front of him. With the last of his strength, he adjusted the plane to crash straight into the tower. Then, all he saw was black as he died.

The plane careened toward the tower. Then, the bomb detonated. A flash of light consumed the demons.