Battle for survival

The aftermath of the undead messenger left all of the adults of the Green Claw tribe to meet in the chief hut to discuss how they should handle this situation. "The way the undead messenger appeared, that odd weather was likely the result of the fourth-tier spell, Control Cloud." the female elder said, further elaborating that she could only do second-tier magic. If the tribe's most proficient magic user could not compare then that meant they were against quite a strong opponent. The head warrior, while confident in his abilities, was unsure how high their survival chance was. The head hunter doubted they could survive holding out defensibly either since their food could only last for so long. 

Zaryusa waited for his brother to nod at him before speaking, as until then he was unsure if he would be allowed to speak. "If the choice is between retreating and abandoning this land or fighting for survival, I would choose the latter." there were murmurs before a male elder said "Zaryusa, as a traveler you should not even be here-" Shasuryu slammed his tail on the ground and said "any with knowledge is welcome to speak at this meeting." the elder would say "but Chief, you should not be so lenient, even if he is your brother." the head warrior said "I for one would not turn away the one that wields frost pain." and the female elder would also defend the chief's words by saying "those who ignore those with knowledge are truly fools." 

After one more nod from his brother, Zaryusa would explain his reasons. "Some years ago, there were seven tribes instead of five like there are today. Us the Green Claw, the war-loving Dragon Tusk, the Red eye who has a larger amount of druids, the moderate Yellow Speckle, the Sharp edge who had mastery over swords, the most defensible Razor Tail, the hunter master of the Small Fang. for a while we all lived in peace with one another, but then due to food shortages, we were forced to war. It was us, the Small Fang, and Razord Tail tribes against the Yellow Speckle and Sharp Edge tribes. We managed to come out on top and the remaining members of the two losing tribes were absorbed into Dragon Tusk." to the Lizardmen the way was not more than a few years ago, yet it felt both a lifetime ago and like it was still fresh in their memories. "It was due to this though, we were able to survive with more food to go around. However…" Zaryusa made sure everyone was paying attention now "I do not know how we would fair in a new land, all the tribes. Since Harald said we were second, that means we will be wiped out in order. So we should do something our enemy does not expect, and ally with all the tribes to make a stand all at once."

More talk happened, the Small Fang and Razor Tail tribes would likely be willing to work with Green Claw again, but the other two tribes were still in question, especially Dragon Tusk due to it having members of the disbanded tribes. Zaryusa offered to go alone and tried to convince them. Shasuryu decided he would give his brother the chief's seal, as it would maybe help convince the other tribes that they truly meant to join hands for this conflict. Zaryusa and Shasuryu had one last talk, Zaryusa headed out on his pet Hydra Rororo after feeding it some fish. His brother had given him the number of Lizardmen they would allow to escape before the battle should they lose, that way all tribes would live somewhere and it would lessen the chance of all of them fighting for food in a new land. Twelve warriors, 3 druids, some hunters, Seventy males, one hundred females, and some children. He and his brother agreed that if either tribe turned down joint defense, he would attempt to kill the chief and assume control.

By Day time he made it to the Red Eye Tribe, Zaryusa had asked to meet with the chief and even showed them the chief seal for the Green Claw. he was confused when they told him "The one that holds the tribe together will see you." after entering the chieftain's cottage, inside Zaryusa saw what in his eyes was the most beautiful Lizardmen he had ever seen. She was an Albino Lizardman and had deep red eyes. "Hello, why has the esteemed wielder of Frost Pain come to see me? And he seems to be in awe of my appearance." the female Lizardman said while Zaryusa slowly walked up. All that came out of his mouth was a high-pitched squeal that made her blush. "S-sorry, you are just so beautiful that no words escaped me for a moment." again she blushed "W-what?" 

"I am Zaryusa, of the Green Claw tribe. You are not the chief, at least only acting chief as the elder of your village said." the lady nodded at his words before saying "I am Crusch Lulu, acting chieftain. Again if I may ask, why have you come to visit me?" Zaryusa suddenly said "Crusch, Marry me." suddenly the two blushed, Crusch stuttered and her eyes swirled as she was unable to process it given how out of the blue it was. Zaryusa bowed his head a little "Sorry, I know we should focus on the main issue, but we may die soon. You do not have to answer me right away of course." both of their tails were wagging, it took a bit for them both to calm down. 

After explaining how the messenger told her tribe that they would be fourth Crusch listened as Zaryusa explained they planned to resist, because if that way if they did end up being wiped out on the battlefield, a number of survivors had a better chance of thriving in a new land with fewer mouths to feed. And since all tribes fought together, there would be no inter-tribe conflict, they would just be survivors of a war where all five tribes joined hands. He also assured her they were not fighting intending to die. After telling Crusch the number of survivors they intended to allow to leave, Zaryusa asked "And what did your tribe intend to do?" Crusch would calmly say "We decided to leave this land. What will you do if we decide to not join with you?" Zaryusa crossed his arms "We would be forced to attack you first." Crusch understood the logic, any tribe who would put their safety first over the survival of their race would be seen as selfish, and would not fit in well with the survivor plan. "In that case, though I will have to convince the tribe, we will fight by your side."

Some more talk was had. After some questions were asked about how the Red Eye survived the food shortages Crusch would shamefully admit their tribe partook in cannibalism. It happened whenever an individual or family broke one of the chief's strict rules, and after banishment the next day the chief would show up with more meat. Everyone knew what it was, but they just took the meat. Eventually, guilt piled on, and Crusch led a revolt against the chief. The chief refused to back down until he was killed during the battle, yet when he did he smiled. Crusch felt that she was wrong, as the chief only accepted the reality of their situation and tried his best to keep the tribe from starving. Zaryusa however comforted her. 

The next day as Zaryusa was heading out after getting a night's rest he ran into Crusch at the gates. She was wearing a literal bush over her body, covering everything except her legs, tail, and hands. When asked about it she said that as an albino lizardman the sun was tougher on her skin this it was on others. She offered to go with him to the Dragon Tusk and he agreed. 

When they arrived at the village of the Dragon Tusk tribe many of the Lizardmen came to greet them. One Lizardman walked forward, behind him was an oddly dressed Centaur who stopped a few feet behind the Lizardman. "I am Zenberu Gugu, chief of the Dragon Tusk tribe. What is it that the wielder of Frost Pain and a plant monster want from me?" Zenberu said while holding a polearm axe over his shoulder. "I am not a plant monster!" Crusch stuck her head out from the bush. "Do not insult her" Zaryusa said with indignance. "Easy, I was just trying to joke around." Zenberu scratched the back of his head with his big hands. 

"I am Zaryusa, I assume you already know why I am here. Your tribe is the last holdout. I ask the Dragon Tusk to join hands with us and stand against the Great one that intends to destroy us." Zaryusa was beaming with confidence, but he had expected some pushback given how a number of the Dragon Tusk were their former enemies. "We never intended to retreat. However, we are under no obligation to listen to weaklings. Raise your weapon, Zaryusa." 

After Zenberu agreed not to attack Zaryusa's "woman" that being Crusch the duel began. It started with Zenberu's Axe clashing with Zaryusa's ice-based sword Frost Pain. once the polearm axe was knocked away Zaryusa thought he had the advantage, but suddenly something slashed his left cheek which started to bleed. Seeing Zenberu's fist light up Zaryusa realized his opponent was a Monk, and had used an axe to get an easy first hit since the fist and claws would not be expected. However, Zaryusa still had the advantage, as he simply played defense and she blocked every punch and slash from Zenberu. Eventually due to the cold damage from touching Frost Pain Zenberu's hands froze over, and he was forced to acquiesce victory to Zaryusa. 

After being healed and Zenberu promising the Dragon Tusk will join them for battle, even going to far as to say he will go back with Zaryusa and Crusch while the tribe prepares, the Lizardmen celebrate with a party. Drinking and eating, after all, with the coming war they are unlikely to have moments like these for a while. Turavin and Zaryusa got to know each other a bit, including how the Centaur and Zenberu met. "Wait you beat him in a duel as well?" Zaryusa asked in amazement as Turavin explained how Zenberu surrendered after one attack. "Seesh, I am on a losing streak. Better change that with this war. Though to be fair, you would surrender had you seen how many trees his attack cut down after I ducked." Zenberu said in between drinks. "Turavin, if you're a strong warrior may you consider-" Zaryusa was cut off by a cold stare Turvain gave him.

The Centaur downed one drink before speaking "I am a soldier, not a warrior. That means I only fight when commanded to or in defense of my general. Since Zenberu is my friend, I wish you all luck and truly hope for your survival. But I will do no more than that." Turavin then smirked "Besides, to make up for scaring Zenberu I did leave him a gift. It won't bring you victory, but it may turn the tide in your favor." Zaryusa looked at Zenberu, the chief placed a crystal on the floor. It could only be used once, so they should only use it as a last resort. 

Crusch would lean against Rororo and say "Personally if it is between fighting for our lives, or surrendering and being slaves. I would choose the latter option." Zaryusa shook his head "Don't say that, if we become slaves, then we truly will never be able to celebrate like this ever again will we?" Crusch nodded, she still preferred survival, but she had no intention of turning tail and running "Then promise you'll survive at least." Zaryusa grinned "I won't die until you give me your answer." he meant his marriage proposal. Zaryusa would look at Turavin "If you will not help us in this war, can you at least do me a favor? If we lose, please take the survivors we set aside beforehand, and bring them to a new land." Turavin looked serious and twirled a new cup of alcohol in his hands "Tomorrow I intend to leave. However, perhaps I will find myself too drunk to leave. You have till I sober up, I will wait at the base of the first hill you see when you leave west of the swamp lands." the three lizardmen smiled and thanked Turavin.

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In one of the homes owned by a now former noble family a girl dressed as an adventurer exited a room, just as she did though she ran into her two younger sisters, Ureirika and Kuuderika. "Big sis Arche, are you leaving again?" Ureirika asked with a pouty face, "you only were here for one night" Kuuderika said with a more saddened expression. Arche smiled warmly and patted her little sister on the head, after yet another stressful conversation with her parents who still refused to accept the reality they were no longer nobles, spending money they did not have, racking up debt that she had to pay off for them, it was therapeutic to see her sisters. 

They were the reminder she needed about why she gave up her ambition at the magic academy and why she became a worker to secure money for them. Despite having a scholarship as a prodigy, as she was able to cast tier-three magic at a young age, she gave it up because she could not let her parent's reckless spending get her sisters out on the streets. Or worse, sell them. Still, it was not that she had no love for her parents and had tried to pay off all the debts, and they accepted they needed to leave this mansion and live somewhere smaller, live frugal lives. But they were a lost cause, Arche decided that after she paid off their latest debt, was was larger than she had seen before, she would leave with her sisters. She still planned to be a worker as she has grown attached to her worker group, but instead of coming here, she would buy a small place. Where she could afford to live with her sisters and still have money left over to buy them things, they deserved to have a good childhood. 

"Yes, but I'll be back. You two behave yourselves, and I'll bring you back a treat." Arche said with the warmest smile she could muster. The two girls hugged her and went to their room. That reminded her, she had to get going. She would meet up with the rest of her worker Group, Foresight. The leader Hekkeran was easygoing and understood fully why she joined their group, simply because they needed a magic caster and she needed money, most worker groups worked mostly for money. Then there was the sound-minded Roberdyck a cleric and one that kept the team nice and healed. Finally, there was the half-elf Archer, Imina, who was also Hekkeran's lover. Arche fit in well and their teamwork was solid.

"There ya are, kept us waiting," Hekkeran said with a huge smile, they were meeting at an odd location in the outer reach of the capital because it was close to where their latest employer was waiting for them. "Let me guess, more family Drama?" Imina was both teasing and spoke with a little sympathy, Arche acts grown up but Imina likes to tease her because she's the youngest member of the group. "Yes, sorry, I will not delay us any longer." Arche just hoped this job paid well, though regardless of the amount she would still need plenty of jobs before she paid back the debt. Roberdyck crossed his arms "Don't worry about it, this job will be dangerous though, we are supposedly being hired by a mercenary company to help take care of the rebel leader Zunkin." 

When they entered the location, it was an abandoned fortress that had many holes, but this was just the meeting location. Inside they saw two more groups, another Worker group named Dragon Hunt led by Parpatra, and a few knights led by the imperial knight Leinas. Hekkeran was assured that they would not be arrested when he took the job, but that still did not leave either of the workers feeling uneasy around the female imperial knight. "So you folks are here as well? Figured there would be more of us. Maybe this job is a waste of time." Parpatra said while stroking his grey beard. "Well Old man you can leave, we are more than happy to take your half of the payment," Hekkeran said with a grin. "Oh? If you're that confident maybe you would give this old man a duel." Parpatra said back with a grin. Imina walked between the two "Ease up you two, we haven't even met the one that hired us, only the broker." Leinas then said, "How unprofessional, no wonder none of you are adventurers." 

Things were getting heated, but all attention was brought to a stone platform when someone clapped their hands. Rerugen adjusted his glasses "Seems all are present, good we can begin, general." soon walking out was Tanya or Argent Silver as they knew, the worker groups were surprised to see the famed leader of the Imperial Unit was a small elf. "Huh, thought she would be taller. And hotter." Hekkeran was hit on the back by Arche, Imina, and Roberdyck all at once. "Seems he has not heard the rumors," Parpatra said before looking at the knight "is it true she can use tier six magic?" a realm very few reach, even an elf would take years to get to that level despite their longer life spans. Leinas looked over at Tanya and then nodded. "I can use tiers much higher but that's irrelevant."

"What do you mean?" Arche asked as level six was the highest tier any human had reached before, at least not counting the god-level heroes of legend. Tanya looked at Arche and held a hand out in front "on a need-to-know basis." Arche was annoyed by that but Imina placed her hand on her shoulder before Arche could say something that would get them removed from the job. Tanya snapped her fingers and a low-tier Automaton placed a board in front of everyone. "Right now, my main forces are moving to take down the bases boarding the Re-Estize Kingdom. Our job is simply to take down the leader at the isolated base. So long as you keep his smaller army busy while I or Rerugen kill him, you all get paid." 

Rerugen sighed, remembering what Zewaurt had asked of the Emperor in exchange for allowing one of his direct loyal knights to join, "however, only kill their forces where necessary, and keep them alive." what Zewaurt had asked for was for all captives to be brought to them, and be allowed to settle in a village near their base. The Emperor agreed so long as the rebel leader and his commanders were killed. Tanya grinned "However, if you wanted personal glory, I offer you this. So long as you do not attack your allies to do so, whichever team can find and kill the leader before either of us does, will get a special bonus. Every team member of their group will get full payment individually." with this Foresight, Dragon Hunt, and even the Imperial knights all looked at one another. 'We have to be the one' Arche thought, while it still would not pay off the debt, it would save her a lot more time to pay it off before her parents made it worse. 

"Don't get too overconfident though, he was the champion of the arena for so long because he was quite strong. If I were to make a guess, he is probably near if not exactly in the realm of Heroes." to Tanya, that was still nothing, he would be level thirty to thirty-five at most. She could flick him and it would be done. If these people died fighting him so be it, the extra incentive was to make sure they held him off long enough for her or Rerugen to get to him. This was due to her setting all four teams on either side of the small rebel base, should the leader use his secret escape route, he could appear on either side of the base, and they could not let him escape. 

"Are sure that our small numbers will be enough?" Hekkeran asked a rather sensible question. Tanya folded her arms behind her back and merely walked off the platform, landing perfectly on her two feet and not flinching despite how long the fall was. "Unless you doubt the skills of you and your comrades, then yes, I believe it will be enough. Understood?" Hekkeran nodded, not understanding how despite being barely half his size he was still a little scared of Tanya. Leinas shook her head "This is why we should have never used workers." all the workers glared at the knight, but Tanya raised her hand to get their attention "As of right now, you all are allies, if you want to win you will fight the enemy as such." 

"It's time to move out" Rerugen looked over at the board, he was grateful to Zewaurt. He did feel elation at wiping out an army, but part of him deep down wondered if they all truly had to die. Most of them were just following commands after all 'damn it, she barely even flinched at the idea of wiping them all out. I've lost my edge.' he stood at attention "Pray you live to tell the tale of this battle." elsewhere, while they moved to the main but smaller rebel base, Warn and Zewaurt were moving on their enemies.

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In the Razor Tail village, all five Chieftains and Zaryusa gathered. Shasuryu Shasha, Crusch Lulu, Zenberu Gugu,Sukyu Juju, Kyuku Zuzu. the last two being the leaders of the Small Tail and Razor Tail tribes. They were planning and preparing for battle which would come in four days. They had a plan in place. They along with Zaryusa would make up an elite squad, who would only attack should the commander make themselves known. 

Four days later from the temporary false Nazarick, Cocytus was watching the Lizardmen prepare and had many scrolls by him, all with the spell message. Entoma was also there, she was requested by Ainz to observe how Cocytus handles this war and report back to them since she naturally knew the message spell. "These parchment for each spell scroll were given by Demiurge from his farm. They are high quality and are at the level of the scrolls we had before." Entoma explained as Cocytus looked over the scrolls. "I see…once again Demiurge has distinguished himself over me." the large insectoid was so distracted by watching the Lizardman prepare for survival he was not paying attention to Entoma until she brought up another guardian. Deciding not to push off the battle any further he threw the spell scroll into the air, and announced through the message spell "Undead army, advance!"

Ainz is informed of the battle starting with Narberal. Noting how Cocytus seemed to admire the Lizardmen and did not immediately send out the commander, based on Entoma's reports so far. This was not how he hoped it would go, how this battle went would determine if his prediction was right or not.

At the edge of the village with shallow waters, the Lizardmen waited. All warriors waited while all clerics were preparing to summon an elemental. "There!" Zaryusa shouts as the fight wave of the Skeletal army advances through the forest and into the shallow waters. However, they set off traps in the water, after most of the traps go off the warriors yell and charge to engage the enemy. The ground skeletal forces and Lizardmen were pretty evenly matched, but the Skeleton horsemen were a problem. Luckily they set off more traps so they could not complete their attempt to get around the main Lizardmen warriors. Not one but two Swamp elementals. The tide of war was in the Lizardmen's favor so far, even with their dropping numbers. Still, none of the chiefs moved forward, not until the army leader showed up. 

Cocytus had realized he had underestimated his opponent, despite having observed them beforehand he realized their morale had pushed them to fight to their last breath. Cocytus lifted up a message scroll and contacted Demiurge. "What is it I can help you with Cocytus?" Demiurge asked while looking through the newest parchments he had made on his far in the Albion plains. "I could use your advice, it seems my underestimation of the enemy may lead to Nazarick's first loss. I can accept loss caused by my hand, but I cannot accept tarnishing Lord Ainz's name." Demiurge posed a question to Cocytus "Why is it that you must win? Think about the disadvantages Lord Ainz gave you by only allowing you to use the low-level undead army?" Cocytus had not considered that, Demiurge further explained "Perhaps it is not Lord Ainz's goal for you to win. He is testing you to think for yourself." the demon had to go before he could further elaborate. "There is no choice then." Cocytus, accepting the possibility of loss, sent in Iguva=41. If he fell that would signal the first battle as their loss. 

Iguva appeared before the Lizardmen warriors "You all will only know suffering for standing against the great one." he cast fireball multiple times, and many Lizardmen warriors were felled at once, including the Green Claws head warrior, and the Swamp Elementals were destroyed instantly. The Lizardmen were forced to retreat closer to the village. "We must act now!" Kyuku walked forward. "That is a terrible idea, none of us would make it. The fireball barrage would be too much" Crusch pointed out. But both Shasha brothers looked at Rororo who seemed eager to join in. An idea was forced, it would just take three of them.

Rororo acted as their shield, Guarding Zaryusa, Crusch, and Zenberu from the fireball barrage, the other chiefs were left as a backup for now. "You dare to insult me by sending a simple monster?" Iguva used Fireball and fired at Rororo as many times as he could by the time Rororo fell, the three Lizardmen were right by the elder lich enemy. "Impossible! Summon undead!" Iguva summoned fourth-tier undead, and Zenberu engaged them alone so that Zaryusa and Crusch could take down Iguva. He was hurt quite a lot by the time he took down all of the undead that were summoned, he was barely conscious. Iguva used a fear spell on Zaryusa, but Crusch managed to save him with a cure spell. Enraged, Iguva hit her directly with a thunder spell, and while not dead the Albino Lizardman was unconscious. 

Zaryusa steeling his resolve placed Frost Pain against the water below, creating a mist. "Fool, I am not affected by passive cold damage," Iguva said bluntly. However, the elder lich failed to see what Zaryusa's true goal was, as the Lizardman jumped up after getting close enough to Iguva thanks to the mist. Thanks to the mist covering him the attack was a success and Frost Pain was stabbed directly through the elder lich's eye and right into his skull, dealing massive damage, just a few bits away from outright killing him, "I…will..not…fall!" Iguva suddenly gripped Zaryusa's neck and began to suffocate him. "Die. Be the sacrifice to the great one you were meant to be!" Zaryusa tried to lift his hands and closed them together 'Rororo, Zenberu, Crusch' he remembered that if he failed those three would be killed next since they lost a lot of health. Iguva was low enough for any of the chiefs to finish him off, but Zaryusa would not let more of his people be slaughtered. He slammed his hands on Frost Pain, making the weapon pierce further into Iguva and finishing the elder lich off. They had won. For now.

Cocytus was in disbelief he had lost, and yet due to his previous acceptance that it was a possibility, he felt respect for them. Entoma walked up to Cocytus, her "hair" twitching, "Lord Ainz wishes to speak to you."

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Near the western rebel base, a small army of Automatons and a few manticores were following Zewaurt towards the base. The rebels had spotted them and were prepared for fire. "Look at them! That the mercenary group? Their army is so small and they are led by an old man!" one of the people who manned the front canons said with some snark. Zewaurt merely pulled his monocle off and cleaned it a bit. "Take care of them, only kill where necessary. Kill the commander no matter what." His orders were simple, as that was all he said before manticores immediately broke down the front wall before the canons could even fire. The Automatons moved to use their firearms to suppress anyone attacking the manticores or outright killing a few of them.

Zewaurt walked while cleaning his monocle. 'Why did you ask for us to take in those people Zewaurt?' he remembers one of the commanders, Rerugen, asking. 'Because it would fulfill the grand general's ambitions.' to him if Argent Silver was to take this country, they needed the people on their side. Because it would save them the headache of rebellions. What better way to do that, than taking in people suckered in by heroics from failed arena fighters? That was his logic. He felt confident that he was right because Argent Silver did not try to stop the request. And seemed to be all for it. 

"So you're the commander, huh?" Zewaurt looked over to see the man speaking to him was human wearing no armor, only cloth clothing. He was spinning knives in his hands "Names Kent. gotta say, underwhelming to see an old man here. Though…" Kent looks at his army being defeated quite easily by the Automatons and Manticores. "I suppose we aren't winning. Still, maybe if I beat you here, we have a chance of yours retreating" Kent took a fighting pose. "Cause I will make Zunkin the Emperor!" 

Kent went very fast, to any normal person he would seem to be going fast enough that after images could be seen of him. But to Zewaurt, he could see him coming before Kent even knew where he was going. Zewuart casually loaded his magic rifle, and just as Kent was about to stab him, Zewaurt held out his hand and grabbed Kent by the neck. "ACK! What? Ack!" the man could feel himself being choked, Zewaurt would look him dead in the eyes "To answer you're question, I merely leading this force, I am not a commander." Kent was confused and did not realize Zewaurt meant the rhetorical question he asked before. 

"But you lead this force, don't you?" Zewaurt threw Kent on the ground and the man managed to start breathing again. "I will give you a choice, die so that your comrades may live, or run away as fast as you can." Zewaurt aimed at Kent but the former arena fighter did not even think before running towards the base. 'I'll get the soldiers to attack him, if I can do that I can retreat across the border in no time.' 

Kent could see a Manticore was injured and had cornered two of his men. Figuring he would get some heroism in he looked over his shoulder to see Zewaurt had not moved, so he went for it. He rushed for the Manticore and just as he jumped up he could see Zewaurt already waiting for him on top of the Manticore "Unlike you. I value my lesser soldiers." Kent's face did not even finish contorting in horror before Zewuart fired a magic bullet, the resulting spell and initial bullet piercing caused Kent's upper half to be completely blown up, leaving only his legs and knives behind. The soldiers stopped fighting as they saw how easily Kent was defeated. Zewaurt turned to them all "Those of you who surrender at this very moment, I not only promise your survival but also your freedom from the empire cells. Take my hand, and live to see another day." all the remaining rebel forces at that base surrendered. 

At the eastern base, the leader was a woman warrior who was spinning her lance waiting for an attack, her name was Renia and she only joined Zunkin's cause because he beat her in a duel. But to her shock, she came to care for all the people who were under her command. Unlike her they had family and people to return to. They deserved a bright future, in her eyes at least. Suddenly the ground shook Renia rushed outside, and there, she joined everyone in being in Awe of the fact they were now fully surrounded by thick vines that went more the twice the height of their base. And they had the largest of the three rebel bases. 

"Is everyone alright?" Renia asked the closest soldier, who nodded. She breathed a sigh of relief, before suddenly, they heard monstrous shouts. "Some weird tree monsters have come down from the vines! They have us surrounded!" coming at them from all sides was a mix of plant-based monsters, Treant, enhanced Treant, and a predatory plant. "Defend the base! We will not be taken down by cowards who hide behind plants!"

Renia used her lance to fight the creatures. But they were tough. One by one she managed to take down four Treants, but they left her injured heavily. "Damn it they just won't stop coming," Renia said as more plant monsters moved in. But hey men got in the way "You idiots! Stay on the weaker ones." she suddenly froze as she heard behind her "Do not question their resolve, a leader never should." Renia slowly turned around to see a Death Vines, a creature she had only heard from stories, standing behind her. Warn looked at her as his eyes moved around freely behind the plant that made up his body. 

Warn personally was not for Zewaurt's plan, the enemy deserves to be wiped out because they choose to fight. He also liked offensive warfare, so avoiding killing was not his deal. Still, he knew his creator would have gone with it, Weikarn also would not let anyone insult someone's resolve let alone those under their command. "Eighteen dead. Thirty injured…now the numbers are twenty-two and thirty-eight." Warn simply told her the numbers for casualties on her side. "Do you want to save their lives? Even if it means they will live under my Grand General's commands?"

Renia gripped her lance "N-not the bloody Emperor?" her new resolve to fight had been to protect the family of her soldiers from Jircniv's wrath. But if they would truly be protected, did she have to fight? "Will…they be okay under this Grand General of yours?" Warn could see Renia's concern, who looked at her and said "There is no one I would trust the lives of your soldiers with more. She will defeat your leader. And I promise these people will be safe." Weikarn would have probably done something like that as well. 

"Thank you…I assume I still have to die myself then?" Renia spun her lance. "At the very least, I want it to be at a duel." she cleared her throat "Everyone stop fighting!" her voice echoed out and every rebel stopped, Warn did the same for his plants. "If I lose this duel, everyone is to surrender to this plant monster. He has promised your safety." she smiled at Warn "ready whenever you are." Warn motioned Renia to come at him. But the battle did not last long, as when Renia reached Warn, the lance was stopped by his Viney hands, and three vines were pierced through her torso. 

The soldiers watched with tears as Renia fell into Warn, smiling even in death. Her second command approached Warn who was carrying Renia's body in his arms, the woman ran her fingers along Renia's cheeks, she looked peaceful. "We only knew her for a little over a month. She had no family, so I guess we became hers without knowing" The soldiers started to cry as they realized Renia fought despite the obvious disadvantage because they were what was most important to her now. Warn looked at Renia's body "Let's bury her and those who died with the respect they deserve. All of you can say your goodbyes then