V2 C10 Back

A few hours later, Jean returned, his face bathed in sweat.

''We have to leave,'' he said.

''The uniforms aren't reloaded yet and each one of us is exhausted!'' Retorted a soldier from Cleppe.

''I wish we had time! A 10 000 men army is coming near and that's only the front guard. If they hurry, they'll be here in less than 2 hours!''

The group had no choice. 30 minutes later, they set off.

The trip proves to be a challenge for Alain and Emilie, both of them unwilling to leave their newly acquired armors.

Fortunately, they arrived without worries.

''No... This is...''

''A hell, there are no other words,'' Jean replied. ''I wished it hadn't reached there but... this was merely disillusion.''

They couldn't lie to themselves anymore.

Tents covered the now ruined camp were the countless rocks stopped invading. The dyed red soil lighted up by the sun, emitting both the stench and the ominous aura. Morale was falling to an all-time low, affected by this devilish aura and the innumerable dying soldiers. Both tents and blankets were lacking, letting them decompose, scorching, their mouths agape. one movement, and blood spurts out, dripping onto their clothes. Their face was ashen, turning to the blue. Blood was everywhere - too much to only belong to these. Apparently, a cleanup had been done, most soldiers finding the Gods - some horses too.

...

A day passed. During that time, they learned what had happened there.

Only about 12,000 people remain fit to fight, most of them slightly injured. About 30,000 others were still alive, laid out wherever they could find room.

Rodolphe was fine, as were Cleppe's soldiers - their wagons forming a formation protecting them. The cost, however, seemed quite expensive in energy, given the power needed to stop such an impact.

''To put this much money into wars...'' Cleppe wasn't a military power but an economic one. This decision didn't seem logical. Typically, each soldier had to provide his own equipment. Prestige really was quite costly.

''Such is the result of the weapons restrictions. Real war weapons can only be compensated by magical stuff whose are much coster. No wonder the free republics are so strong.'' he then mumbled ''But life isn't some sprint.''

Learning that only 2 days had passed was hardly credible. The ancient zone was purely magical.

During this time, the commander-in-chief had sent a Grand Master Knight to warn the nearest fortress city. The future was uncertain, that was for sure.

...

After recuperating, they began to help, pilling rocks out the camp, giving their energy to barriers masters, and digging ditches.

Appearing useful to ordinary soldiers, the Knights - exempted of it - knew the truth. These measures were more to occupy men than anything else. At the first positive answer, they would leave. A war couldn't be fought with so few soldiers. Jean was right: the commander had sent some grand master knights as scouts, and they had counted at least 100,000 men. More were coming. Their scouts had already reached this place and the vanguard was coming - information that could hardly be kept secret.

That's why the arrival of the emissary, of THIS emissary, was a joy to the troops.

Floating fifty meters above them, his aura mixed with his yellow uniform gave him a divine aura.

''Is that? A paladin?''

''First time I've seen one.''

''The empire didn't screw with us.''

To arrive so quickly, both the Grand Master Knight and the Paladin probably had to run day and night. Strangely, he didn't come back with him.

''Silence.'' His voice sounded like a shout despite the distance between them.''I will now read the decree.''

He extended his parchment - an object from the past but still in official use. A symbol of imperial authority whose reproduction was prohibited.

''The army has suffered colossal losses. According to the report, barely 10% of the force is fit to fight. Furthermore, we have received information that the demons have gathered their forces. Precepts of evil, their retreat is the proof of their involvement in the explosion. As such, we cannot forgive them, nor will we. This war has taken a whole new magnitude, letting them go and they will attack our cities, destroy our fields, our countryside, kill without mercy, loot, and rape.

That is why the imperial authority and the council of humanity order you to defend this place until the arrival of the angelic reinforcements.''

The atmosphere froze. The worst had happened.

''Your excellency, please do stop making jokes! How do you expect us to hold out? Not only are we outnumbered but we are fighting demons! For humanity, you who represent peace, can't you help us?''

''This is not my business,'' he said emotionlessly. ''I have orders that I must carry out. Conserving peace is indeed a Paladin's duty, but when peace isn't present, Paladins have nothing to do. There would be no use in mixing Paladins and Humans.''

''your highness!''

''By the way, I have received a second decree.'' He opened and read it. ''Losing more than half the dispatched men without fighting a single real battle is proof of extremely inefficient commanding capacities. Furthermore, both you and the vice-commanded are suspected of treason against humanity. As such, you will have to follow me.''

''What? How dare you! I am under Pepin, under the orders of the army, not the imperial power! Besides, your decree is ridiculous!''

''Orders are orders. And I must respect them.''

The ex-commander dash in a flash, fleeing west - towards the demon army.

''Even though you saw that realm, you don't understand it, huh? No wonder you failed.''

A string of gold-like energy flew out, immobilizing them.

''The strike of a Paladin won't be diminished with distance, but only increase.'' he shook his head.

''that is basic knowledge. You should have fought me at melee. The highest-ranking one will take command. I wish you luck.''