Chapter 15

Next day, evening, inside Rebel's City.

Formerly, it was one of the most popular cities within Fallen Angels territory. All thanks due to a very beautiful landscape; mountains and forests. It was a good place to spend holidays, to get a deserved break. Many people also came there to find a job, if not in mines then by hunting beasts and destroying their lairs, it was commonly known that different kinds of monsters were living in those areas. But no matter how you tried, you couldn't exterminate all of them, they were always back and that was one of the main sources of income there.

All changed when Rebels arrived. By sweet-talking most of the citizens, they managed to turn them on their side, joining their rebellion. Everyone thought that they would become warriors of freedom, true freedom, that they would live in riches, be at the same top as superior beings. But that was just wishful thinking, the reality was much harsher. Instead of warriors, they became slaves, instead of richness, they started living in poverty and misery, instead of being on top, they were thrown at the very bottom of society, worse than filth, not deserving a second look.

70% of citizens were moved to do labors inside mines in the north, while 30% left were living in appalling conditions. Most of the houses were abandoned and robbed. Sometimes you could see skeletons walking on the streets, searching heaps of garbage for the piece of food or fighting over one. Those walking corpses were citizens of this city, brought to this state because of the lack of food. Once dreaming about being on top, now we're killing each other over a single bite of food. 

In the past, they were given food once a week, but that changed once a month. During that time, Rebels from city hall were throwing a small pile of food "out of their concern for their people'', but the last time was three weeks ago. Now, many of them were just sitting in front of their houses, in hope to find a rat or a bird and catch it, to relieve themselves from starvation just for a moment.

The gossip flew across the city that the Grigori waged an all out war against Rebels. Only yesterday Rebels lost thousands of soldiers. That would explain why Rebels stopped bothering poor citizens, they had to secure the walls and increase city overall defense. People had mixed feelings about it. On the one side, the nation that they abandoned and betrayed was knocking on their doors, they were afraid. On the other side, they felt hope that their nightmare would end soon. 

Inside the city hall.

"Master!! We have a matter that needs your attention!!" yelled a middle aged man, clothed in brown robes. He was kneeling in front of a man sitting on a big chair. 

Hall itself was changed to resemble throne rooms, a place for kings. There were traces of demolished walls, it seems that the place was way smaller, but they destroyed walls between rooms to make it bigger. On the left and right side, a dozen Rebels were sitting with a woman on their laps, on the floor or they were just laying on the ground, motionless. There were also teenage girls and, surprisingly, even boys, all wearing one piece of cloth with iron collars on necks.

"Speak quickly, I have a... 'meeting' in a few minutes. Huehuehuehue." Smiling lecherously, he licked his lips and leaned back at the chair. He has shoulder length hair, deep red in color. His muscular body was clearly visible through his revealing robes. That man was Byron, commander of the Rebels in this territory and Cadre Fallen Angel.

"Yes! Few minutes ago, a man appeared at the gates of the city. He said he's from Grigori's army."

"So where is the problem? Just kill him and get over with it." He waved his hand casually.

"That's what we tried to do, but he was defending himself and started screaming that he wants a meeting with you. He didn't kill anyone, but he had occasion to. He even cuffed himself."

"Hoo? So? What he has to tell me is soooo important then?"

"He refused to tell. He only said it would help you destroy them."

After a moment thinking, Byron fixed his position on the chair.

"Let him in. Nothing to lose anyway."

Kneeling man nodded and left the hall, only to return with a bald man wearing a cloak. He was led by two peak High-class on sides. Before they could make him kneel, the man fell on his knees on his own, and bowed deeply. 

"So, this is your audience. Say what you have to say, so maybe I will kill you quickly. Nah, probably still kill you slowly, but speak anyway."

"My Lord!! I'm honored I'm here!! I have great information that can help you destroy that mongrels! I know where their camp is and how to get on their back! Unseen!!" Bald man yelled without looking at Byron.

"Hoo? Continue." Said Byron.

Bald man lifted his head and looked into his eyes.

"I was part of the 7th Division, under Kael's command. What they don't know is that I'm from this area. I know this place better than my own pocket!! Grigori's army set up a camp under mountain foot, inside the forest. They are patrolling sky and ground, but I know the guards routes! I also know the way through the mountains, through the caves that led on their back!!"

"Hmm. It's too good to be true. Why should I trust you? How should I know you're not plotting something? Why did you even betray them? "

"My Lord! I believe in your wisdom!! I prefer to serve under your majestic wings and live the live of the true freedom fighter!!" Yelled emotionally man.

"Hahahahahahahaha!! Don't fuck with me! Tell me the real reason or I will crush you here and now!!!" Furious Byron, unleashed his Magic to put a pressure on bald man. Poor traitor groaned in pain and landed flat on ground.

"All... r-right!! I-I... will... Tell!!!" Barely said bald man. Feeling that the pressure was lifted, he kneeled again and started speaking. "I... I want revenge!! I want you to destroy them!!" His scream was filled with anger. 

"Haaa? Why?" Asked curious Byron. "I thought you live happily there?" 

"Happy my ass!! In the past, I lived the life of a master! A king! I maybe wasn't at the peak, but I was still higher than others! But now?! Power is meaningless! Now Low-class have the right to order those more powerful than him, because of what?! Because he sucked his officer to get a higher position?! I, peak of High-class, bowing my head to Low-class?! I'd rather die than become an errand boy to the trash below me!!" His words were filled with hatred, his eyes were those of madman.

Byron was taken aback at that. He smiled.

"Hmm, I'm almost convinced, almost. But I can't risk my men's lives carelessly."

"My Lord, I think it's a chance for you to regain your face. You already lost two armies" He gulped, seeing displeased face of Byron. "But now you have a chance to destroy core of the Grigori's army! In one blow! It's your only chance, in one day, reinforcements from capital will arrive! If you attack them before it, you may even kill main Commander of their whole army!! Don't you feel joy when you imagine people talking about the cunningness of Commander Byron! The greatest commander that defeated core of the enemy army!! Man who ended the war!! Stories of your wisdom will be eternal!! Please, consider this, my Lord!" He smashed his head on the ground, in a pleading manner, showing his submission.

Byron closed his eyes. He was considering whether to do it or not. If something went wrong, he would lose half of his already depleted forces. But, if it turns out to be a success. He will payback for those two defeats, because of which Jadalbaot was getting into his ass. And of course he will gain more support from other Rebels and maybe even overthrow Jaldabaoth from his position. He can't miss it! 

"Before I accept, I will send six of my men with you. You will show them the passage, to see if what you said is true. If not, I will feed you with your own balls, raw. How long does it take to get there? "

"I wouldn't dare, my Lord! It's 30 minutes my Lord. I won't disappoint you!"

"Hah, you have 15 minutes, meet my men at the gate. Time's start." Byron snorted and left the hall, walking towards his bedroom. 

Bald man ran outside the hall. His cuffs fell on the ground, but he didn't even notice. He was focused on saving his balls.

After exactly 15 minutes, seven men rushed in the hall again. Red haired commander of Rebels was just about to sit on his chair again. He was in the middle of tying his robes.

"Boss! We confirmed what he said is true! We arrived there unseen. From that spot we could see the back of their outpost. Cave passage is high enough to fly through it." Reported one of the Rebels.

"You see, my Lord? I wouldn't dare to lie to you!" Said loudly bald man with a happy face.

Byron grinned, in crazy euphoria. He stood up from his chair and shouted on top of his lungs.

"Get ready, bastards!! We are moving in an hour!! Time to slay some bitches! Whatever you grab! Whoever you catch! Belongs to you! Huehuehuehue!!"

All Rebels started to laugh maniacally. Sounds of laughter traveled across the city, making citizens shiver.

°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°

One and half hours later.

Byron was standing at the cave entrance, facing the outpost. Behind him was his army, barely keeping silence, because of excitement they felt. He took 3/5 of his all men left to attack the Grigori forces. He looked at the outpost and saw soldiers either walking between the tents or sitting at the campfires. He also noticed women among them. His lips curled up in a crazy smile. It was only around a 1 mile between them, a seconds to dash there and start a carnage.

"Let's go a little closer, then, you know what to do."

Walking quietly for two hundreds meters down the mountain side, through the forest, some stayed on the ground, but the majority flew in the sky, at the height of tree peaks.

Byron took his weapon and checked it. It was a two handed morning star, black in color with spikes long as an adult's hand. Swinging it a few times, he one last time looked at his people. They stood or flew behind him, only waiting for a sign to attack. Bald man was just behind him, with a trident-like weapon.

He raised the morning star in the air and swung it down, dashing at the same time at the enemy. Soon after, everyone followed him. It was hard to say who, but when they were on the halfway to Grigori camp, someone performed a war cry, maybe out of excitement, and everyone followed the example. Thunderous cries of thousands men spread across the area, breaking the silence of the night.

Startled Grigori soldiers, all at the same time, turned to look in that direction. They realized that they were under attack. Commands and shouts spread through the camp. Soldiers hurriedly went out of their tents, fully equipped. They barely managed to move at the opposite side of the campsite and set a formation.

Byron was surprised at their fast response and the fact that they had their gear somehow prepared beforehand, but he and his men already entered the camp anyway, they couldn't retreat now. He shot a quick glance at the enemy ahead.

They formed three separated units standing in rank next to each other, with three commanders at the front of each unit. He noticed attractive females in each of the units, his attention was especially picked up by pretty girl in maid clothes. Getting closer, he could take a better look on their faces. Suddenly his eyes become bloodshot, veins pop up on his face.

"KAEL!! YOU MAGGOT!!" Screamed Byron in fury.

Keal only raised an eyebrow in response.

Blinded by rage, Byron didn't notice that the opponent soldiers were strangely calm, despite being outnumbered and attacked by surprise. Second in command in the Rebel's army, a middle-aged man in brown robes, noticed that all and the fact that there were far less soldiers than the tents in camp. Unless they were rich enough to buy every soldier their own tent. A realization struck him.

"STOOOP!! IT'S A TRAP!!"

But it was too late.

With the corner of his eye, Byron noticed green light coming from the right side. All bells started to ring in alarm in his head. He stopped by digging his weapon in the ground, like an anchor, and used all his strength to jump backward, as far as he could. In the next moment, a stream of green fire cuts between two armies, separating them like a wall. Some couldn't make it and get struck by flames, but nothing was left after them.

*Whoosh*

*Whoosh*

*Whoosh*

Same thing happened on the sides and at the back. They were trapped, like rats in a cage! Byron was looking around, as if cluelessly, but second later his chin started to tremble, his muscles tighten up. When he couldn't find a bald man, all became crystal clear. He was tricked, he was furious! Poor man standing closest to him was grabbed by head and squeezed till he exploded like a blood grenade.

Rebels felt unbearable heat coming from the strange flames, so they had to back off from it, squeezing themselves in a tight crowd. Few tried to fly over it, but fire walls high for several dozen meters, as if were conscious, grew higher, burning those who dared to. Many flew in the air, to avoid being squeezed on the ground.

"Don't you have any honor in you?! Fight like a men!! Or perhaps you're too scared, pussies!!"

In a response, the black sky above them lit up in yellow light. All of them looked up, staring at the unexpected phenomenon. But soon, surprise turned into shock.

" Barriers!! Set up the barriers, fools!!" Screamed Byron.

Almost all of them managed in time, but of course there were several who were too late. The rain of spears, arrows, javelins made of lights fell on the Rebels, pinning to the ground and striking from air those unfortunate ones. Soon, another volley fell on them. And then another. And another. 

Weaker Rebels with less Magic, couldn't hold up against constant fire. Their barriers shattered and spears skewered them instantly, reducing the numbers of Rebels. 

Grigori army stopped firing when it became ineffective, Byron ordered his soldiers to set up one, large barrier, instead of many smaller. After the last volley they still didn't cancel the barrier, they were on the highest level of vigilance. But something they didn't expect happened.

A black haired man walked out of the flames. Dressed in black, with his light skin and bright green eyes that made a contrast to his clothing and hair, he walked out of them as if they were nothing. He stood near the fire wall and flames started covering him, burning stronger and brighter, as if they were happy that he was close to them. 

"So, a murder, rapist, thiev and a sadist know what honor is? Truly, surprising." Said man loudly.

Byron made his way through the crowd and stood in front Razjeel, but still within the barrier.

"Who are you, motherfucker?! Free us now or I'll kill you!!" Shouted Byron in anger. He realized that Razjeel was responsible for this trap after he noticed that he was immune to that insane fire. 

"With pleasure, but what will you do, if I do so?" Asked Razjeel, pretending to be curious.

"I'll kill all of you after torturing you, especially Kael and that bald bastard that made a fool of me!!" He was so angry that he started spitting as he shouted. 

"Yeah, very convincing. I'm surprised you're not a diplomat. And are you sure you weren't born like that? It's bad to blame others, kid." Responded Razjeel.

"Kid?! You fucking mocking me!?"

"Oh, you noticed?!" He made a shocked expression. "In reward, I'll make an exit for you." He waved his hand casually.

Part of the fire wall died out, making a wide passage. But before Rebels could feel relief, they noticed that the previous three units entered the field, with Commanders in front. Byron gritted his teeth. He never wanted to kill anyone that bad, like he now wanted to kill Razjeel. But he calmed down when he realized something.

"Huehuehuehue!! You forgot about something!! We're still in the barrier! Just look how many of us is here! You won't be able to get us till the morning and by then, men in the city will noticed something is wrong and will come here!! You won't win anyway, so just surrender nicely, now! Huehuehuehuehuehue!!" Byron threw his head back and laughed maniacally. But stopped when he heard calm voice. 

"What barrier?"

"Ha? Are you blin-" He didn't finish his sentence, as a shock creeped on his face. Razjeel suddenly appeared just in front of the barrier and flicked it, seemingly lightly. 

*Shatter!*

Like a broken glass, a barrier shattered in pieces. Now Byron realized. This man was strong. Really strong. 'Just how powerful you have to to break a barrier made by tens of thousands of people, with a fucking flick of fingers!?' Byron gulped, feeling uneasy.

"All units! Attack!" Shouted Razjeel.

Three Divisions rushed at the Rebels, performing a war cry. Byron was shakin in fury. He was so fucking angry! His hands grabbed heavy morning star tightly and he rushed at Razjeel, blinded in rage. Rebels went after him to fight Grigori's forces.

Both armies clashed at the ground and in the air. Chaotic style of fighting put Rebels in disadvantage, they were interrupting each other's attacks or injuring their comrades. Compared to them, soldiers trained by Razjeel were holding their ground pretty good. Despite the fact that they were outnumbered of course. Commanders played a big role in it, killing more powerful enemies or groups of weakers. But still, casualties were present on both sides, more on Rebel's, though.

Razjeel clashed with Byron at the same center of the battlefield. Unarmed Razjeel was avoiding every single swing that Byron made with minimal movement. In his eyes, Byron was closer to dumb barbarian. His moves lacked speed, were chaotic, like an angry kid that swings his arms around with closed eyes, hoping he will hit something.

Rebel's commander was ticked off. With each missed hit, he was getting more angry, if that's even possible. But you couldn't blame him! His opponent was unarmed, with hands in pockets and he even closed his eyes and started humming a song!!

When Razjeel, with a spin, avoided smash from above, he felt someone behind him with killing intent. Glancing behind he saw a rebel with unfurled wings and Light Spear in hand, aiming for his back. He was probably hoping to kill him by surprise. Just as Razjeel was about to kill that fool, a rebel was thrown to the side and pinned to the ground by two magenta colored Light Spear. Razjeel recognized that jagged spears. He looked to the side and saw Raynare in her maid outfit, with her arm stretched out.

He nodded and smiled slightly at her, which in return, she turned her head away, with a slight pink on her cheeks. He then witnessed the way she fought. She created a jagged spear in her hand and blocked vertical slash from a Rebel who approached her. She then created a second spear in another hand, stabbing the poor man in the stomach only to cut off his head with another spear. 'What a savage girl.' He chuckled to himself. 

Razjeel was positively surprised at the control she had over her Holy Energy. 'When many Low-class have to train hard to even form Light Weapon, she doesn't have any problem with creating two at once, not that bad for a Low-class.' He will train her properly after the war ends, he didn't want to waste her potential.

"I'm here fucker!! I got you!! Huehuehuehue!!" Byron interrupted his thoughts, by swinging his morning star with full strength at Razjeel's ribs. But much to his shock, Razjeel casually grabbed Byron's weapon, breaking spikes on it.

"I'm not blind idiot. And You're loud as fuck." Razjeel glared at him with indifference. His previous playful demeanor was now completely gone.

Byron tried to pull out his weapon from Razjeel grip, but that felt like he was wrestling with a mountain, he didn't budge an inch!! Razjeel tightens grip on the weapon, breaking it in pieces. Stunned Byron came to his mind only when felt a hand, gripping his throat, lifting him in the air. Before he could even try to free himself, Razjeel made a half-spin and threw him at the Rebels army.

Like a bullet, he flew across the battlefield, crushing many of his soldiers on the way, breaking their bones or smashing their organs. They didn't know what hit them, he was thrown with such force that only the blur of his silhouette was visible.

*Booom!*

He crashed into the ground, creating a small crater. Shockwave created by impact, pushed away Rebels within a dozen or so meters. Byron, with tattered clothes, stood on shaking legs. Blood flew from his head as well from his mouth and nose.

Razjeel, like he just teleported, appeared a few meters in front of him.

"*cough* Stfu! You think you will win? So what if you kill me. There are more of us. Your men will get tired and then they'll get killed." He grinned wickedly.

In response, Razjeel also smiled calmly, and waved his hand. The fire wall at their back disappeared, leaving free way to escape. Rebels at the back tried to use this unexpected opportunity, but their group was struck by golden lightning, leaving burned corpses behind.

In the next moment, around nine thousand Fallen Angels stormed through the new path, with Baraqiel in the lead. With a sword made of Light, he was the first one to charge at Rebels, killing them like flies. Now with enemies at the front and the rear, with deadly fire walls on sides, the situation of Rebels became dire.

Byron seeing that, felt like something took over him. He'll lose everything. His pride. His army. His status. His life. And all because of this man. Roaring like a beast, he unfurled his wings and charged at Razjeel.

Razjeel just sighed and created a green spear. Then, he threw it, piercing Byron's neck, ending his life. News spread among the Rebels like a wildfire, that Byron died. Their will to fight was shattered, making them easy to kill. 

Sun started peeking out of the horizon when the last Rebel fell. 

°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°×°

In the morning, around 8 am, Razjeel's current army marched on the city. Remaining soldiers tried to put up a resistance, but something unexpected happened.

Citizens suddenly attacked Rebels from inside, creating chaos in the city. In that spontaneous arme uprising, they somehow managed to disable the barrier around the city. Razjeel, of course, didn't miss that opportunity and sent all his troops to attack. When the city garrison found out that Byron died and an foray army was crushed into dust, they wanted to surrender. But as Razjeel said, no prisoners.

When he was sure that there were no Rebels left, he started securing the city.