The Fated Mission IV

Tukutuk~ Tukutuk~

"It feels good being in a carriage~"

Greg smiled as he massaged his sore knees and legs.

Lea nodded, also smiling, "Right? Though it would be nice if we were able to eat too."

Regis helplessly raised his hands.

"I'm sorry, I tried but the looks from the other demonic huma–"

"Shhh, I'm just kidding~"

Lea cut off Regis's words.

"Don't listen to that ungrateful girl, Regis. I'm thankful that you still haven't left us to become crazy like the others…" 

Greg shuddered just thinking about the other children.

He remembered their scared and human expressions when they first came to the demonic human camp.

However, their expressions were now filled with bloodthirst, holding no resemblance to who they were before.

Regis laughed seeing his reaction, "Anyways, enough with that. Be sure to rest as this would be our first time sleeping in a while."

Greg and Lea both leaned at the wall of the carriage, closing their eyes afterwards.

The carriage wasn't that big, it only allowed them to spread their legs in a sitting position.

Still, it was more than comfortable for them, who had suffered many busy nights without even having an ounce of proper sleep.

Regis stared at his two friends for a short while before closing his eyes too.

However, he didn't sleep.

No, more like he wasn't able to sleep.

'Strange…'

Regis thought as he remembered what happened earlier.

He was able to have his first meal in a very long time along with the other demonic humans.

He also saw Vanessa and the other so-called "generals" of the demonic human leader.

However, Regis noticed something wrong.

He had clarified earlier that they were the one with the highest position within the demonic human camp.

It was what has been bothering him since earlier.

'They're too weak.'

Regis thought, thinking of the most possible explanation for the situation.

Demonic humans aren't really united.

There were many that set up their own cults in hopes of receiving more power.

He surmised that this demonic cult was the same as those small cults, meaning that it wasn't a large organization.

However, from what he had seen so far, it was strange for this cult to be a small one.

'First of all, a small cult wouldn't dare attack a city, even if it was only the slums.'

'Second, the amount of hostages that they had let us kill in the beginning looked like something arranged by at least a medium-sized cult.'

'Third, the calming soups that they offered us in the beginning. Ingredients that have a calming effect are expensive, not to mention that there are more than 100 of us.'

'Fourth, the number of villages that we raided. It was too many…'

Regis kept on thinking. 

The villages that they had attacked since they began their expedition seemed too many.

A small cult would be able to raid about a village every week.

To sum it up, the cult's activities were something that a small cult wouldn't be able to do.

'And lastly, the officials of the cult…'

From what he had seen earlier, aside from the demonic human leader, the strongest was only a swordsman at the Peak Stage of One Star Realm.

'And then there's this thing…'

Regis sensed the black mark on his heart.

The demonic human leader had secretly used an unknown evil craft on him.

Upon careful observation, he saw some gray luster on the black mark.

It reminded him of one of the black spheres he saw back then in the red space.

'If only I could go there…'

Regis sighed in exasperation.

***

The remaining days quickly passed by.

Regis, Greg, and Lea repeated the routine of travelling and training in combat.

This was until the giant walls of a city appeared on the horizon.

"Warriors of Agaroth! Today is the day of your fated mission!! The day in which you will prove yourselves to the Devil of Destruction!!! Do your best as Agaroth will be watching us!"

The voice of the demonic human leader resounded upon the ears of the children.

They all had crazy and fanatic expressions on their faces as they repeatedly praised the Devil of Destruction.

Seeing this, the demonic human leader grinned widely.

He turned his head to the City of Toran far ahead as his grin widened even more, his mouth stretching to a grotesque degree.

The demonic human leader spoke once more, "Prepare yourselves! We will attack at nightfall!!"

***

Creakkkk~

The massive gates of a fortress opened as a white carriage adorned with golden patterns passed through it.

It was welcomed by a large crowd who all had their hands clasped together.

"We welcome the Executor!"

Shouted the crowd.

'What… is this?' 

The woman in the carriage frowned slightly.

'Didn't I tell them that I don't like superficiality?'

However, her frown disappeared in the next second.

The carriage then stopped at a huge building.

A knight wearing full-body armor walked in an adequate pace towards the door of the carriage before slowly opening it.

An elegant woman wearing something that was a mix of white robe and golden armor slowly came out of the carriage.

Her blonde hair fell softly on her back as her golden eyes emitted regality.

"We humbly welcome Your Eminence."

A man standing at the entrance of the building bowed gracefully.

He was wearing no armor, only a suit that emitted formality, "I'm aware that you are exhausted from your travels. The Constable has prepared a reside–"

"I wish to meet the Constable immediately."

The elegant woman cut off the man, but the latter didn't show any displeasure.

Instead, he nodded in understanding.

"Your wish is my command. Then may Your Eminence please follow me."

The elegant woman silently followed behind.

It didn't take long for them to arrive at a luxurious hall.

A red carpet adorned with golden engravings could be seen on the floor, while chandeliers hung on the ceiling.

At the center of the room, a huge throne was erected.

Sitting on it was a middle-aged man who seemed a bit chubby, he had brown eyes and a balding head.

As soon as he saw the woman entering the hall, he immediately sat up straight.

"Bergholt! Why are you here? Her Eminence must be tired from the journe–"

"I wish to be briefed about the situation as soon as possible." The woman said calmly.

Again, the balding man didn't take offense.

Instead, he immediately smiled and said, "Oh, Your Eminence is really diligent! Of course, of course, please follow me!"