World Declaration (pt.3)

"What is the meaning of this?!"

In the meeting room of Fort Elinor, the only one who hasn't sent any of their troops out, a man screamed at the top of his lungs while slamming his hands onto the table hard. The people in the room, all looking to be of high status, all had a grim expression on their faces.

"Demons are suddenly bombarding the Mages of Curtis, then there's that Demi-human at Alicurt, what the hell is going on?! Did those pesky cowardly elves contract with a Great Devil or something?!"

The man wasn't shouting at the people in the room, though. He was dreading the documents and reports he suddenly received from the other two Forts. He called in for the emergency meeting, and then continued reading since he'd only finish reading the first letter. There's about 8 more waiting, and after he's done reading all of the 8 letters, he scattered them outward to the middle of the big table.

"...What is this?"

"You tell me, General. This whole thing just suddenly happened out of the blue."

"What's their current status?"

"Dead bodies are piling up as we speak. Thousands, maybe tens of thousands. The details in one of the letters say of a name, Saurosh Koravek Solomon. Possibly our Great Devil, and from what I've read he's pretty powerful to be able to summon Lesser Viles numbering in the hundred of thousands, some even said there's Demons and Grand Daemons."

"..."

Everyone's faces weren't so bright. This was an unprecedented event. In the past, there are records of Demons from a place they called Hell. They invaded the 'surface world' as they called it, with numbers in the millions, tens of millions even.

If it weren't for their Gods who were born in that same time frame, then Humanity would be the first to fall under the Demons. Humanity acted with bravery, being the first fronts for the other Races that cowered or hid away. They repel the dark forces and reclaim their lands, now expanded to what it is now, almost owning the entire Middle Continent.

The other Races, Orcs and Lizardmen being the most prominent, all perished, coming close to extinction if they didn't decide to flee as far away from Humanity. They aligned themselves with the Demons, so Humanity's Gods viewed them as betrayers deserving of death, every last one of them.

"So, the plan still holds? Elinora, what's your take?"

"..."

The only woman in the room. The second most powerful out of the 12 people here, and also the one to make the outrageous decision of not sending anyone from their Fort out. She was deep in thinking, shown through her eyes being closed and her brows furrowed and knitted.

"...It won't change, but instead, I'll go alone. No one is allowed to follow me."

"Seriously, and what can you do? Every one of us should go with you, this is definitely something else much bigger than what our predecessors have faced. If things turn worse with it being a Great Devil, you can get corrupted and turn against us. Now personally, I won't want that since you're a pain to deal with."

"Although I don't want to say it, Kreg is right. If it's a Great Devil, then even you will have problems dealing with it by yourself. We'll help, and if it comes to it, the weakest of us will remain."

"...And who's the weakest out of 12 of us, old man?"

Let me introduce our lovely cast of Fort Elinor, the 12 Generals, listing from strongest to weakest.

Orashiki Jingen, male, 38 years old. A sword user with 24 years of experience, hailed from the Eastern lands and is considered to be one of Humanity's strongest physical combatants. He's seated at the end of the table, middle with his hands clasped in front of his mouth.

Elinora Franches, female, 27 years old. A greatsword user with 15 years of experience, born from nobility and had a well-off lifestyle, though she doesn't flaunt her riches like the other nobles seated in this table.

Regus Archibald, male, 46 years old. A sword and shield user with 31 years of experience, born from a commoner family yet showed outstanding and shining talents for combat with the sword and shield combo. He's been the longest serving soldier at the Fort along with Elcham, his friend-in-arms.

Kreg Silvano Belef, male, 26 years old. A spear user with 7 years of experience, born of nobility and had what one could only say a miraculous talent for the spear. His case is similar to Elinora's, only slightly weaker it seems. He's arrogant, high and mighty because of his family's social standing of 3rd amongst the other nobles.

Alphonso Felan, male, 33 years old. Also a spear user, sometimes trains with Kreg on their offtimes, though he can't stand the younger lad's attitude whenever he wins or loses. He's born from nobility, though quite low on the rankings, but that doesn't discourage him from trying to improve for his family.

Elcham Ulthero, male, 45 years old. A battle axe user, friend-in-arms with Regus Archibald, and the second oldest member. He's a man who comes from the northern Kingdom, patriotic and loyal to Humanity, not its nation. Kind and tough, he's a wall that most can rely on in trying times.

Rogan Roframe, male, 35 years old. A long bow user, friends with almost everyone, and nicknamed White Glimmer for when the sun is positioned right, his arrows will reflect and hit someone's eye as a shining glint thousands of kilometers away. Confirmed kills up to 1,845 but there are times he's on solo missions outside of the Fort.

Franky Franches, male, 34 years old. Older brother to Elinora yet they rarely speak with each other, and the least noticed one amongst the Generals. He uses a barbed whip that has a small blade at the tip, and his combat style is still unorthodox and unpredictable.

Malie Rem, male, 22 years old. He's a knife user, and his win rate against opponents is the highest amongst the Generals, but that's only because of the first time. He uses a very elaborate strategy, weakening, exposing their vitals if they have protection, mentally straining them, and then delivering the Deathblow within just an hour. He works best in one-to-one situations.

Obol Alan, male, 40 years old. A two-handed hammer user, usually on building tasks as in his previous life before becoming a soldier, he was a builder for his village. His strength is on par with Elinora, maybe a little higher if he was still in his twenties or early thirties.

Uranzep Ilan, male, 40 years old. Also a two-handed hammer user, a twin brother to Obol Alan and also a builder. His strength though is a little lacking compared to his brother, but he can go on longer with more dexterity and precision.

Vayne Trazine, male, 20 years old. The youngest of the 12 Generals and also the weakest in all aspects except for one. Though in certain conditions, the little guy can become quite a barb in the foot of the enemies. His win rate is low, but through time he can even reach higher than Malie.

And that's the whole roster of 12 Generals. Picked either by the others, or promoted by the Higher-ups at the Fort.

"Personally, I would like to say you, but I can't deny the hardship you went through."

"Oh, you finally brighten up those weary things of yours to see true talent? Good for you, gramps. That's the least you can do before you retire."

"Stroking your own ego, what did I tell you already Kreg. He's a senior, both in terms of age and achievement."

"Tch, I didn't ask for your opinion Alphonso."

"Well, everyone seems to be energetic and all, but we're in the middle of a meeting! Please, compose yourselves until this ends, alright?"

Rogan intervened to stop any sparks from flying any further. After the place quieted down, Elinora let out a sigh as she stood up suddenly.

"I'll be leaving early, and my statement remains. No one is to follow me."

"...Eli, you do know we're with you, right?"

And for once, after so long, the first of them spoke up. His voice was charismatic and can turn heads, his accent on the other hand is interesting to say the least. It's high pitched, yet soothing to the ears. It has this commanding tone to it, making everyone in the room stiffen.

''We're all in this together, our duty is to guard this part of the Great Wall, and I would like to not see a young girl such as yourself go out to die for our sake this year."

"With all due respect, sir. It's my decision and my decision alone, and it was a lucky one as well since no more than one life will be sacrificed in this meaningless endeavor."

"Oi, who do you think you are? A Saint? Fuck that decision, I ain't gonna stay here and let a girl do my job."

"...I am older than you, though?''

"Tch, age's just a number. What really matters is strength."

"...And I'm still stronger than you?"

"...Shut up."

"Well, anyway, what Kreg said is right minus the strength and stuff. Elinora, we're all picked to be here because we earn it. It ain't on fair grounds, but we're all the same here with the same responsibilities. So in short, we can't let you go on a suicide mission."

"Yes, you're still young, and have much to learn. This old man should go in your stead, but even with me some would say the same."

"Sister…"

"So, with everyone's vote, let us say that General Elinora's decision is revoked. All in with the accord?"

"Aye!"

"Yes."

"...Everyone."

Elinora, with a complicated expression, sat down again with her shoulders slumped.

"Now, let's form a plan of attack, shall we?"

....

The battlefield of Alicurt was fierce, tense, and a spectacular sight to behold. Spells of Eastern origins and colorful Skills intertwined with each other, creating a firework-like scenery that further enhances the action.

"Hup!"

"Kuah!"

A solid hit of a very thick stick to the abdomen of a young man. He goes flying through the air, but suddenly stops as a gust of wind blows from behind him. His golden luster spreads in a majestic manner, but his shabby injured form didn't make the appearance go any further than a dignified warrior.

"Impressive, more so than these unworthy fellows. C'mon now, let's resume, shall we?!"

"..."

Farnim Gubert, quite an ordinary name really. In this world, he's a countryside boy who has been granted a destiny far beyond him, or rather a destiny that continues to chain him. A past, and a present that will lead to an indiscernible future.

Zephyr Shinzo Albert, a King, a father, a beloved husband, a great mentor, a friend, and a failure. The past, cold, filled with despair and bitter regret, yet still full of fun, happiness, joy, and fulfillment somewhat. A dog on a leash is probably the best set of words to describe what type of man he became in his later years. A desperate man who clings to a whim of a God, just so that his hope doesn't die because of his inability to secure it. And a respectable man of honor in that same God's eyes.

And yet, that wasn't all to his story of the past. Shinzo Oshikawa. Further back, to the very beginning, as just a small babe in the hospital of Japan. He was born, fed, and lived to carry out his duty to the ones who gave birth to him. But on the way, he lost sight of what's ahead like many do, and not like some fortunate ones, he doesn't raise his head up anymore.

A new life, a new beginning, but in a World that he wasn't the main protagonist of. So, he became a Side Character, a supporting Pawn, yet still he was able to raise his head up this time around. Hope reinvigorated him, a Hope so powerful that, no matter the cost, he would gladly spend it in order to keep that Hope alive.

"C'mon! Battle me with all you've got!"

"Grahhhh!"

But, what am I even spouting about, the past should stay like that. Nothing more than what has happened, good or not. Dwell on it, think about it, reminisce in it, dread it, it'll stay the same no matter what. All you can do, really, is to move on and improve, endlessly better yourself. To avoid becoming that same failure you might be in the past. And one step closer to becoming whoever you envision yourself as, or even take a leap of faith if you're still stumbling on your feet.

A sword collides with a thick bo staff, the Ruyi Bang. A deafening boom resounded as every ounce of power left inside Farnim's body poured out to give this one last strike. It, however, was meaningless to the Monarch who, in spite of his smiling face, was bored inside.

'What a boring fight… he's too weak all of them are… should I just end it all with one strike?'

The monkey man continues his assault, moving one step closer and then swinging the Ruyi Bang from the left side. The force of it causes the air to split, making a noise as it travels through the air. Certain death could be felt in the strike, and this made Farnim extremely alert.

"Kuk!"

"...Hoh?''

The monkey was intrigued, as it showed a shocked expression.

'His power… it definitely rose!'

His golden eyes gleamed brightly as he examined his foe. While Farnim gritted his teeth trying his best to stop the deadly strike. He didn't have enough Agility to successfully dodge it, and dodging a strike wasn't the first thing that came to his mind.

'I need to endure!'

His fighting spirit rises sharply as the battle enters a new height. Sun Wukong, in all of his years, has seen some that have the same potential as Farnim. Sadly though, they never last very long because in the end, he doesn't spare anyone who he fights with.

'It is a shame, I would've much preferred we fight when you're much better than now.'

Sun Wukong, in consideration to his weak foe, decides to give him a swift death when the time comes. For now, he wanted to see how patient he can be.

Strike after strike, the deafening vibrations shook the surrounding. It increases in intensity every strike, and along the way some poor souls thought they could become a protagonist of something grander. Neither Farnim nor Sun relent, with the latter getting more excited as time passed.

Farnim dodge a side swing by jumping above it, retaliate with a diagonal slash on his way down, but misses obviously. Sun backed off, and then re-engage once more after he repositioned his Ruyi Bang.

He swings down diagonally to the left, then rotates his body to continue with an upward swing. The process was swift and precise, with not even a second spared in doing unnecessary very minor actions.

Farnim smoothly dodges with minor movement, his heart pounding loud within his chest as the two dodges were all very close. He felt death creeping up his spine, but that didn't make his resolve falter. He perseveres, substantially so since with just one simple mishap, he might as well say goodbye to this new short life.

"Sword Art: Cleave!"

"Ohoho?!"

The sword glowed in a bright orange hue and the blade envelops in a red color. Farnim reposition his sword over his head and swings it down. The force of said swing, enough to split the air apart as it descends.

"Getting heated, are we?!"

Sun's expression turns into that of excitement, evident through his eyes glowing a brighter yellow color and discharging sparks of yellow lightning. He brings his Ruyi Bang, along with 7% of his power, to block the strike. He estimates that that was all the power he'll need, or more like barely need.

'...?!!'

But surely, even for a Sage his calculations were extremely off. Given that logic isn't much of his strong suit, but still. The consequence for his misjudgement was his legs, which weren't powered enough to be stable, collapsed down to a kneeling position.

Farnim aimed at this opportunity, a golden and hard one to pass. He knees Sun in the face, with him unable to respond since he's in a brief moment of shock. A yelp escapes his mouth as he falls back, the Ruyi Bang out of his reach, but disappears before Farnim could grab it.

"Owowowow! You sly little human! That was a nice attempt."

Sun rolls a few times backward, and then stands up as he lets out a hearty laugh. He reaches his hand into his head full of fur, and then plucks a strand from his head and shakes it. Golden particles appeared as, once again like magic, the Riyu Jingu Bang appeared in his hand.

"It seems like I underestimated you, human. Although the others are weak, you set yourself apart. And for that, I am glad. Show me what you've got, and maybe I can let you go with a near death experience at least."

"Thank you for the compliment, sir. It's a pleasure to battle you, and apologies that I'm still far too weak."

"Oh? Hmm… Well, I guess since you said that, I can consider doing something for you. But, we've already taken too long. Let's continue!"

Sun re-engages, a sparkle of yellow lightning leaks out from his iris as he moves in. He spins, the Ruyi Bang suddenly extending as he goes for a sweep.

Farnim jumps above it, rotating his body midair as he does so, and as he lands his sword is already moving upward.

Sun didn't stop his motion, though. He continues and rotates his body, moving his leg up for a swing and hits the sword away. Farnim then utilizes this to continuously move, jumping away as Sun brings down his Ruyi Bang.

The hit misses and snaps at the air, making a crisp whipping sound as the staff wobbles surprisingly flexibly.

Farnim refocuses his gaze, and Sun moves in for a jab. Farnim moves his right foot a bit to the right and then swings his sword. The result was a parry, moving the Ruyi Bang off course and narrowly misses him as it extends.

"Tch…"

Sun rotates for a forward jump kick to keep up momentum, but Farnim rolls to the side before he could attempt it. So instead, he goes for a swing, holding the end of the Ruyi Bang like a baseball bat.

He aims to end the fight like he'd said, the head of Farnim clear and shattered to smithereens in his vision. That was what's supposed to happen, but no. His expectations were defied once more as the hero prevails.

Farnim unexpectedly went in, a foolish move for those who're watching, but an excellent maneuver as right then, a sliver of a gap is revealed by his muscles tensing up for the killing strike.

'...now!'

And furthermore, he activated his trump card. A Skill that he recently uncovered deep within his fractured memories.

"Divine Sword: Sundering The Sky!"

His sword was positioned over his head, a beaming golden light enveloping his sword that was blinding like the sun itself. The air around it sizzles, and the clouds above part ways as it comes down.

'...'

Sun felt the strike with his back against it. Within the next seconds, he'll receive a long wound across his back and then, if he's lucky, he can kill his opponent with just enough force.

Silence, though that's not because of the situation. No, the entire time and space freezed up like someone just pressed pause.

"...you fucking piece of-"

"Apologies, Monarch Sun. But I'm in charge of you, and I'm reported of your tendency to be 'fair and square' that tends to lead to some cumbersome situations."

"I know my opponent's limits, as well as mine. Unfreeze the time before I beat you all the way into the ground like a nail."

A profoundly powerful and oppressive aura burst forth even though the time has stopped completely. The person who stopped it, he came out from the shadows suddenly materializing his form. In his left hand, he swings a 18th century pocket watch that has a golden case. The clock hands though, it wasn't moving, just trembling in their places.

"If that'll be able to appease you, then you may. My orders come first, after all."

"...Tch."

Sun Wukong, in spite of his anger, calmed down unexpectedly and placed his Ruyi Bang on his shoulder.

"Alright, fine. I'll stop my banter, but for that I can unleash my full power, sounds good?"

"...Master is connecting."

Suddenly, the black silhouette draped in black cloaks transforms to a more recognizable form with colors. He opens his eyes, and all that lands in his sight shudders even though the time's stopped. Death whispers through the air, but since it needs Time to function properly it didn't do anything just yet.

"Sun."

"Saurosh."

The two greet each other briefly, and then the silence settles back in for a moment. But, that moment lasted for a nonexistent couple of seconds before he uttered the delightful words Sun Wukong wanted to hear.

"Sure, destroy that wall over there with one good swing, then."

"Hehe, thanks."

The swinging pocket watch was then pulled back into his palm. The ticking sound started to reverberate as the Time unfreezes, and along that was the disappearance of Absolute Death.

"Aaahhh!"

The sword never landed, not this time at least.

"Well… change of plans, massive change of plans. Looks like I'll have to reserve that thing I prepared for you in our next confrontation, so live until then."

Sun caught it between two fingers, his index and middle finger. The air lets out a sizzling sound, but his fingers barely even scorch. Though, steam did release through the air.

"Now, I need to let out the rest of my steam. I've been stuck in that empty void of black for so long that my previous imprisonment couldn't possibly compare."

Sun flicks away the sword and jumps up, his previous shabby robes starting to fade away in colorful particles and revealing his galiant and awesome armor, completed with two flags that had the insignia of Absolute Death, a malformed human skull that has a pair of curved and curly horns.

"W-Wha?!!"

Farnim, now planted firmly onto the ground by the absolute force of Sun's now released Aura, watches as the Ruyi Jingu Bang extends upward to the sky, piercing the clouds a couple of seconds later.

"Let's make it a big one, for extra impact."

Sun places the Ruyi Jingu Bang over his head, and then its width expands. The spectators below, all widening their eyes as the colossal pillar that pierces the heavens itself formed in front of them.

"Here we go!"

Sun Wukong, with one slight tilt forward, swings the Ruyi Jingu Bang downward. A shadow was casted down below, as the sun was behind it. The shadow made those who're caught in it snap back to reality. They began to scream, flail, and ran for salvation, for safety. What's in front of them was certain and absolute death, and they can't stop it but to run.

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"

"Moommmyyy!"

"Shit! Shitttt!"

A tremble, one that can be felt across the entire middle continent. But, that was from afar. Up close to the crash, it was an earthquake as the entire ground where it crashes form a massive fissure while the tip, somewhere in the horizon, sinks down into the ground.

"..."

A deafening silence. But that wasn't entirely true as a satisfied laughter rang out in the air above. One loud enough to let those who're on the ground to hear.

"Phew, welp, looks like I should head back. My job here is done."

With that, the massive colossal pillar disappears like it was a lie. The survivors, all trembling as the oppressive Aura releases from the air.

"...What, the… fuck."

The only words that could be uttered, was confusion. Varied from person to person, but they were all the same. Complete, and utter confusion. How can one not be, when out of thin air something they've seen for a long time suddenly missing a chunk of its formidability. It created an unfamiliar sight, one of vulnerability and extreme confusion.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, thanks, you?"

"Good, good, a little… sore, it's all."

But, two people were just minding their own well-being as they inquired about each other's conditions.

...…..

"What is this, Hell?"

In Fort Curtis' battlefield, Magic was firing out excessively as the landscape was unrecognizable. Though that wasn't because of the Magic, no. It was Daemon Sorcery.

The Sorcery of Daemons are unique to each Daemons, though sometimes some could have almost identical Sorcery. Which then leads to dispute, and then bloodshed to determine who's the real owner of the unique Sorcery.

For this one, it was the ability to shift the environment, making it hostile to even Demons, though only affecting those that're Level 60 at best.

"Hahaha! You're all gonna die, die, die!"

In the distance, shrouded in a red sandstorm, the Daemon laughs as it oversees the battlefield of red. Blood Storm Festival was the name of the environment, and its effects are causing discomfort and disorientation, limits the usage of Magic to only 4th tier and above, and other penalties to Accuracy, Critical Hit Chance and directly affecting the Vitality stat.

"Die, die you fleshy mongrels! For my King, for my God!"

The Daemon, James Femtali, shouted at the top of his lungs. Daemons have outfits specially made to separate them from each other and especially from the Lesser Viles, the basic Demonkins like Imps and Sempu, the latter being a word to address Demonkins who're born in Hell like cattle with an animal's mind.

James Femtali, a Level 218 Daemon who's ranked in the middle class amongst his peers, wears a suit that has a red polka dot pattern, a diagonal purple stripes tie, and a red undershirt. His skin was a charcoal color, his hands had sharp fingernails and black in color, and two long curly horns at both sides of his head.

"Focus, everyone! Stick together and we'll be fine!"

The blue robed old man, Grufert Galion Von Elschar, was leading the white robed young Mages by providing his Mana to empower the protection Spell currently being held up. Around them, a swarm of Lesser Viles clawed and banged at the blue fortification with savage intent.

"Move slowly, don't lose concentration! Keep your Mana up, and if you're tired then chug down a potion! We're halfway there!"

It was supposed to be just another trip, with less than one digit casualty, but this year's Conquest was most likely over before it even started. A total of 13 Mages died, and some of those that're alive are barely hanging on to hope. Death surrounded them from every corner and their vision was blurry from the dark crimson storm going on.

"Well, this seems good enough."

A succubus manifested from dark vapor and stands at the left of James. Her words, however, ticks the Daemon off.

"Good? Good?! No survivors, bitch. See that with your fucking eyes? Life, fucking Life! My master, my God. He won't tolerate seeing an ounce of Life be left in this battlefield! So shut the fuck up about being done and do something to help, you cock sucking piece of meat!!"

"Woah, chill. What's with you?"

James Femtali, when he was summoned he was very arrogant but not toxic or anything from her view. However, when he chatted privately with Saurosh, the one that summoned her along with the other Demons and James. He now seems fanatical, almost psychopathical to an extent.

'I should leave before I get tangled up with whatever that is going on between him and that creepy guy.'

She slowly backs away as James watches the battlefield with crazed eyes. She turns back to dark vapor and quickly escapes the scene.

'Though, I suppose I can lend a helping hand.'

She quickly heads to the group of Mages, and then manifests herself in view of a male Mage. Her eyes linked with him in seconds, and the gaze of the male Mage becomes unfocused to a certain extent.

"Come, little human. Come, and rest yourself from this nightmare."

The Mage lets go of control, his brain emptied as he walks away from the group. Everyone watched in surprise and shock, while Grufert had a mortified expression on his face.

"Jackson! Don't!"

But, it was too late to do anything. The barrier was weakening without a single man's effort, so Grufert had to put more of his own Mana to replace the missing space.

"Jackson! Nooo!"

"Miss Rebil, don't leave your spot! He's a goner, we can't help him!"

"Kugh…"

A female Mage shouted, love overflowing from her words. This made the succubus chuckle, snicker, and grin maliciously.

"Come, lover."

Her form changes, face matching that of the female Mage. This made everyone look away, while hope was draining away from the female Mage's face and despair set in.

"Ohh, Rebil…''

"Yes, Jackson, embrace me. Let your tiresome woes disappear in my warm body."

They could do nothing as the sight of a good man falling into the pits of darkness happened in front of them. They avert their eyes, some even clenching their jaws to void out the sensual moans of their dirty pleasure.

...

'Seems like it's time.'

In the distance, I could see the massive gate opening. Fort Elinor, the last Fort to open its gates. I smile, thinking of what Build I should attempt in order to present myself. But after so many days already, I still couldn't decide.

"I'm stuck pondering between a Spellcaster and Necromancer. Jeez, such a hassle."

But, since I can't decide why not both. I have the resources in my Inventory, and a Spellcaster and Necromancer fusion Build isn't too impossible to pull off.

'Alright, it's decided.'

I change Equipment and let the Demonic Drake brush its head against my side. I smile softly and pat its head a few times.

"Let today mark the beginning of Absolute Death."