Chapter 12

In the training hall 50 thousand Fallens were gathered, standing in the even ranks, straight like taut strings. They weren't talking, whispering, some even weren't blinking or breathing as quiet as possible. Serious expression decorated their faces. If you compared current them to themselves from three weeks, everyone would thought that they were totally different people. Whole place was silent, but suddenly clapping sound resounded through the area.

*clap* *clap* *clap*

Eyes of all 50 thousand Fallen Angels fell on the man standing in front of them. All of them flinched, from Low-Class to High, even few Cadre Fallens shuddered. Especially certain Cadre Fallen Angel with long black hairs and red sclera. The man in front of the crowd stopped clapping and looked slowly at the entire crowd, from the left to the right. His indifferent, emerald eyes, made them tense. And that's not surprising, judging by what they went through in last three weeks or rather 2 months. Suddenly man coughed, again gathering their attention.

"Well, I'm surprised, to be honest. All of you withstood last 2 months and survived till now, despite few unsuccessful suicide attempts. I didn't expect that. And now, look at yourself. From shits you were at the beginning, you finally looks like a proper army! I'm proud of you, seriously. Good job everyone!" he smiled at them gently and compliment them. Everyone breathed sigh of relief and smiled slightly.

During the time they spent under the eye of that man, they get to know him a bit. He was a man of his words, when he said he won't tolerate insubordination, then he really won't... They remembered when during 2nd week, a group of High-class Fallens under lead of Kokabiel, again, refused to train as its too hard and exhausting and they said, they were completely fine without it, because they were High-class and could crush Rebels at ease. Razjeel told them to back to training three times, but when they kept refusing... No one, from 50 thousand Fallens knew, that limbs could bend in such a strange shapes. If what happened to Kokabiel earlier didn't warn them, then that did.

They also learn that he wasn't some psycho who enjoyed torturing and beating people. He didn't discriminate a Low-Class and High-Class, he treated them the same way. When some started giving up, because they couldn't keep up with training, Razjeel didn't abandon them or insult them. He encouraged them, praised when they finished the tasks, rarely though. Even if there was 50 thousand of them, he still pointed out the mistakes everyone of them individually did. He told them on what they should focus, what to correct, how to prevent making and repeating mistakes they did. He was theirs guide and he didn't get angry, if someone asked questions because he/she didn't understand, he calmly and patiently explained till the person get that. They also learned he had great leadership and even greater power. He was toying with Cadre and High-Class Fallens like with kids, and he even looked bored at that times. Also, they never saw him using the green flame he used the first day, he overpowered them using only his physical power. His attitude towards them, great leadership, power and lack of discrimination, made them respect him and even they started to idolize him. Of course, certain brain-cells killer had a different opinion.

"As you saw yesterday, the obelisks crumbled, so it's the end of our sweet time together!" he said again, which gained scowls and wry smiles from his soldiers. 'Sweet time?! You don't want to commite suicide, if you have sweet time!' they thought inside their heads.

"But! Although the training is over, I have another task for you!" they all tensed up, seeing that he lost his smile, making serious expression. They hearts started beating faster, as the silence prolonged. But suddenly, Razjeel smiled again.

"Your next task is, to go home and rest. Spend this day with your friends, families or go to brothels, whatever makes you happy. I won't be fooling you or told you some bullshits, that we all gonna back alive. Use this time as good as you can, because today, maybe is the last day of yours life, so make it great to remember. Tomorrow at 3am we will be gathering outside Northern Gate. Everyone understood?! " he raised his voice.

"Yes, Sir!!" deafening shout of thousands Fallens exploded all over the place.

"Dissmised!"

He waited till the last of the Fallens left the Hall and said to himself, while scratching back of his head.

"Haaah... Now the worst part, the war meeting. I hope I can finally get enough sleep today. Maybe I should ask Raynare to make something sweet to eat? Hm, Hm, cheesecake would be great."

He talked to himself, while walking towards the exit, completely not worried about the coming war.

°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°

Few hours later, in the meeting hall.

On the big, round table, was the map of territories belonged to Grigori. According to the map, on the Western side, were territories that belonged to the Devils. Wide an deep canyon made a natural border between two factions, with four passages that allowed to safely travel back and forth.

Why using passages while you can just fly over the obstacle? It's because of the thick mist that covered the canyon. It messed up with people minds on a different ways. Some went crazy and started killing each other, only to commit suicide if they were last alive, others started seeing their greatest fears and ran into the mist, only to never came back. Another yet, testified that when in the mist, they heard tempting voice, attracting to enter the mist. The voice was so irresistible that their comrades had to knock them out, to stop them from throwing themselves in to the dark abyss of canyon. Mist reached so high in the sky, that it's mix up with clouds.

On the south, were no man's lands. The desert was alternated with rocky steppes, forming huge land unfit for life. Only monsters were living there, but the weakest met so far, was on the level of High-class and the deeper you went, the stronger the monsters became. It was confirmed that an unknown civilization lived there in the times of "Old Gods", as during the expedition Devils sent, they came across ruins of cities. They were in the not so bad state, thanks to Magic flowing through the structures of buildings and they contained valuable items, but of course that wasn't so nice as it sounds like. The ruins were far in the barren lands, where commonly-met monsters reached level of Ultimate/Cadre-Class each, the surrounding and the weather gets worse to travel the deeper you goes into the land, in some areas, the Magic is blocked, making it unable to use. And the last things were "The Protectors". Survived members of the expedition testified, that in the place which probably was the center of the city, the palace, were two golems that were on the level of Half-God, almost Low Rank God. Few other factions in Underworld also sent their expeditions, but with death rate of 93% of all expeditions, all they accomplished was the confirmation of Devils statement. All factions decided that sending expedition was too risky and doing that, was only waste of funds, so none bothered with these lands anymore, leaving them to themselves.

On the East side of the map, were territories that were homes of different spices like Dark Elves, Imps, Goblins or Cave Fairies. The majority of landscape was covered in thick forest with lakes and rivers, it was mainly occupied by Dark Elves and Cave Fairies. The highlands and mountains were homes of Goblins, while Imps preffered to live on the lowlands. The four major races didn't made a faction, they were separate from each others as a tribes, but along with other, minor races, in the times when someone invade their homelands, they unite to repel the enemy. Example are Devils, in times before Fallen Angels moved to the Underworld, they tried to take the "Wildlands" as they call that, but their forces were crushed mercilessly. Spirit Magic of Cave Faires, Elemental Bending of Elves, along with craftsmanship and numbers of Goblins, supported by cunning strategies and Curses of Imps, were something that couldn't be underestimated. In the end Devils abandoned the plan of invading the lands, as it wasn't that important and Original Four Great Satans had to prepare for Great War. Further East was territory of Greek God, Hades.

And finally, the North. Currently over 40% of lands belonged to Rebels. 'What the Hell... It's worse than I thought... Azazel you idiot... No, I can't blame Azazel. He's a smart guy, so there had to be circumstances that I'm not aware of.' thought Razjeel while looking on the map. Grigori had 11 cities and 24 fortress, while Rebels possessed 8 cities and 10 fortress, along with outposts. He expected that Rebels would had one, two cities at most and few fortress, but 8 cities?

"So, how is the situation on the Rebels side?" Razjeel took his eyes from the map and asked people gathered at the table. Except him, there were thirteen Fallen Angels. Azazel, Baraqiel, Shemhazai, Tamiel, Penemue, Kokabiel and seven unknown Fallens. They weren't all High or Cadre-class, three from the seven were Middle-class. It was as Razjeel announced three weeks ago. Your status in army wasn't based only by strength anymore, but also by abilities to think strategically and exceptional leaderships skills. Tamiel cleared his throat, gathering attention of others. He gestured his hand and one of his subordinates gave all of them small stack of files.

"If I may my Lord. This is the intel I gathered during those 3 weeks. From the 8 cities only 3 of them are occupied, as these are cities that have best defend capabilities and also have more active mines in their territory. They are also three the biggest cities in Northern Region. Unfortunately, all 10 fortresses are packed with Rebels, mostly with that, that left Grigori 3 weeks ago."

"Then what with other 5 cities? Are they destroyed?" Razjeel asked.

"Negative. The civilians are living in there all the time. Once in a while Rebels sent their troops to collect "Taxes", as they call it. People are living in really poor conditions, getting all they have stolen once in a while, being unable to feed themselves and treat illness they have. Also every time they visit the cities, they took around 50 random people and force them to work in mines, it's truly miserable fate."

"Hmm, it is. So as I assumed, not everyone are sided with them willingly. But what are in those mines that makes them sound so important?" Razjeel asked, resting his chin on his palm.

"Their rules are truly barbaric. Strong have privileges to live in one of the 3 cities, where they can do whatever they want, while weak ones are forced to do labors. When Rebels formed in the Northern Region, they started promising better future, wealth and "True Freedom". People tempted by that, supported them, giving them lands and doing as they said. But soon after, harsh reality hit them. The privileges they promised didn't applied to weaker of them. The men were forced to work as slaves, they took women as their sex-slaves, even the children were forced to work. As for the mines, they are important and we need them. Firstly, because of precious gems found in there, using for sales, jewelry and so on. Second reason, we discovered there big amounts of Orichalcum and Star Silver. Both of them are very rare metals with many uses." Tamiel said after his long speech. He took a glass of water and took a small sip, signaling that he's done speaking.

Razjeel once again looked at the map. The 3 mentioned cities were placed in advantageous position. Looking at the files, he checked the defenses enemy had. The only thing he found problematic is barrier that covered the city in the far north and the terrain. The barrier was sturdy, whistanding even Middle-rank God assault for an hour at most. What was the most irritating wasn't the barrier itself tho. It were the Magic Circles placed on the outer side of barrier. If you get near that, the Magic Circles will explode in not so small explosion. The terrain put the attackers in disadvantage. The cities were placed on height and there weren't any cover in the radius of 2 miles. No trees, no rocks, no high grass, nothing. Only meadows. But all that was only irritating, not impossible to conquer. Enemy was confident in their defenses, but they didn't predict new factor that will make those barriers useless. Him.

"Okay. Baraqiel, what's the status of enemy forces compared to ours?" he asked, looking to his left.

"If believing the raports we have, our army have 75 thousands soldiers ready to fight, while enemy had around 215 thousands, 225 if they throw 'slaves' to a fight, and they surely will. Summarizing everything, we are outnumbered 1:3."

"Hmmm.... 25 thousands will stay in the cities and fortress as a garrison if something unexpected happens. We will use the 50 thousands I trained as a invading forces. We will divide ourselves in 10 divisions, 5 thousands each. I will lead 1st division, Baraqiel 2nd, Kokabiel 3rd and rest will be lead by you." He said last part looking at the seven Fallen Angels. They nodded in acknowledge, swearing to not let Razjeel's down. Seven Fallens, now Divisions commanders, already knew that Razjeel was de facto leader and Azazel was only an acting leader. They were shocked at first, but when they learned who was he, they couldn't thought of better person to fit the role. They pledged their's loyalty to him and promised to support him in everything. Well, certain Fallen with red sclera did that reluctantly, though. Razjeel continued.

"This will make it harder to us, we will be outnumbered 1:5. Division 10th, 9th and 8th will attack Western sides, 7th, 6th and 5th you will go by East, 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st will attack by the center. Priorities of Western and Eastern Divisions is to conquer enemy's Fortresses, leave no one alive, no prisoners. When you finish your 1st target, your next task is to secure the 5 cities. The resistance shouldn't be strong, all stronger enemies will be in the 3 main cities. When you secure the 2nd target, don't touch the civilians. Give them food, drinks and gather them all in one place. Penemue, you will take care of well being of civilians and also you will be responsible for the secured mines. If there'll be slaves left in mines, transport them to nearby cities and treat the same way as the civilians, but put them separately. We don't know if enemy wouldn't act as a slaves to suddenly attack or something." he started drawing on the map, to show them what they should do. He looked at Azazel then.

"Yes, my Lord. As you wish." She nodded.

" Azazel. When they secure the fortresses and cities, you will take 10 thousands soldiers and reinforce their positions, take some supplies with you."

"Aye aye, captain." Azazel saluted in funny way.

"1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th will assault the 3 cities, along with fortresses on the way. 3rd and 4th Divisions will attack the city on the Northeast, while mine and Baraqiel's Divisions will take the one on east. If you are not confident in taking out cities alone, wait for reinforcements from other Divisions. When the two cities fall, we will reunite under the last city at the far north. That will be the toughest nut to crack. I will take care of the barrier, but enemies inside won't be a joke. I will take out Jaldabaot, this should drop their's morale enough to become easy preys. Any questions?" He looked at the gathered Fallens, but no one spoke, they only shook their heads when Razjeel's gaze fell on them.

" Good. There is one more thing. Announce this in your Divisions. I will not tolerate any rapes or civilians murdering, understood? Anyone who will commit one of the former mentioned two, will be executed by me personally. We will be there to rescue our civilians and to fights Rebels, not to become ones of them. If your soldiers have urges, then let them go to brothels or find themselves a girlfriends. If they can't stop themselves, they are no different from an animals that have to be slaughter. I'm talking to you especially, Kokabiel. Even if it will be you, the verdict will be the same." His eyes became indifferent during his entire speech, but when they fell on Kokabiel, they became cold as ice. Kokabiel flinched and clenched his fists, but nodded slowly.

Penemue and Raynare, standing behind Razjeel, smiled slightly. They were satisfied with what Razjeel said. As a women, they knew that there is nothing more humiliating than that. In the end for a woman, body is one of the most important things.

"We set out tommorow at 3am. We will end this war the same day it will start. They don't expect us to attack, they are disorganized and overconfident. If we use this all to our advantage, it will be easy win. If no one have any questions, the meeting is over."

Everyone left the meeting hall, one by one, until Razjeel was left alone with Raynare standing next to the exit door. She saw that he was still sitting at the table and was looking outside the huge window. He was like that for few minutes.

" Something is wrong my, Lord?" She asked, walking closer to him. Razjeel stood up and shook his head. He looked into her violet eyes and she avoided eye contact, looking to the side. Razjeel smiled wryly and sighed.

"No, no. I was just thinking. You know, it's my first war after 7 thousand years, I wonder if it would feel the same as always, nohow. And..." He didn't finish his sentence and again looked outside window. When she felt he wasn't looking at her, she again concentrated on him. He looked troubled for some reason, the words escaped her lips on their own.

"And? There is something I can do?" Realizing that she said that aloud she covered her mouth, but in the same moment Razjeel looked at her again. Theirs eyes met and she couldn't look away, she was entranced by his gem like, emerald eyes. He smiled brightly and said.

" Then, can you bake me a cheescake, please?"

___________-______---________

This is author note because it wouldn't fit in proper place, 500 character limit. It's not to add more words, it's 3122 words without this note ^^

So I will make a poll in the comments regarding the love interest. It will be Harem but really, reaaaally slow and it won't be irrational, like they will met and fall in love because he is handsome and she is beautiful or he will rescue her and Boom, love till death. NO. I want to write a foundation under their relationship, to be it rational and looks as realistic as possible. And if Harem, the most realistic number of Girls is 3 for me, so this will be the limit.

The poll will looks like that: I will write in comments, names of possible girls, everyone will have 2 votes. You votes by liking the comment I posted. If there will be the a draw, then there will be another poll in next comment, but only with those two. Remember, Chose wisely hahaha.

Have a good day or night, I hope you liked it.