The Fated Mission V

In a room well-lit by magic lamps…

A crowd of men and women in uniform could be seen surrounding a wide rectangular table.

On the table was a large map that entails the whole of human territory.

"Commander Piers, I suggest that we request reinforcements from the neighboring cities."

"I second that motion."

"Right, those filthy demonic humans dare lay their eyes on our home! We should do everything in our power to make sure that they won't dare act presumptuously again."

…

The officials discussed what course of action they would take.

However, Commander Piers, who was at the head of the table, remained frowning.

His short, grayish hair was neatly combed backwards, while his full, grayish beard emitted masculinity.

If not for the few wrinkles on his eyes, one would mistake him for a man who was in his early thirties.

'It's too strange.' Commander Piers thought as his frown deepened.

He didn't bother hearing the suggestions of those around him since he knew that their priorities were only their self-interests.

'May Lemetina send me someone who'll actually be of some help…'

Just as he thought of this, the door to the room suddenly opened.

Seeing the balding man coming through it, Commander Piers's eyebrow twitched, 'The Goddess must have forsaken me…'

"Constable Gerold, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

The thoughts in his mind seemed in contrast with the words that came out of his mouth.

The balding man, Constable Gerold, smiled and loudly said "Everyone, please pay your respects to Her Emine–"

"That would not be needed." An elegant woman cut him off as she strode to the room.

She looked around for a while before seeing the man at the head of the table.

Seeing her walking towards him, Commander Piers widened his eyes, "I greet Your Emine–"

"I don't need meaningless formalities. You can just call me Anna."

"T-Then Lady Anna…" Commander Piers took a second to regain his composure.

"Ehem. I assume that Constable Gerold has briefed you a little bit about the situation."

Anna nodded in response.

Commander Piers then frowned as he traced some sections of the map.

Pointing at the Toran City, he said, "According to the reports from about a month or so ago, the demonic humans seemed to have attacked the slums of Toran City."

He then pointed his finger to some of the villages nearby and continued tracing his finger in the direction of the West.

"According to their course, the villages near Corelli Fortress would be their next target. However…"

Seeing his doubtful expression, Anna became curious, "Do you have something in mind?"

Commander Piers nodded, "That cult seems very strange…"

"Strange in what way?"

"First of all, ever since we got a report of the first few villages that they had raided from Toran City, we had sent out our own scouts after them."

"According to them, the demonic power signatures lingering in the villages they had raided have two defining characteristics."

"It's the fact that the demonic power signature looked as if the demonic humans who raided the villages were only around the One Star Realm."

"The other characteristic is that the demonic power signature seemed chaotic."

Hearing his words, Anna's delicate brows turned into a frown, "Go on."

Commander Piers nodded, "It's exactly as you think, Lady Anna. It seemed to be the same as the signs before the incident twenty years ago."

He then continued explaining his doubts, "Not only that, we sent squads to ambush the demonic cult. However, they were able to evade them every single time."

"Hold on." 

"Yes, Lady Anna?"

"You said that you sent your own squads? Didn't the army of Toran City already send their own troops?"

"Well, Lady Anna. Upon reading the reports of the demonic humans raiding the slums of Toran, I noticed something…"

And without waiting for Anna to ask, Commander Piers continued, "It's the fact that they didn't mention anything about defending their city."

Anna's frown deepened, she had an inkling as to what the commander was implying.

"Besides that, there are too many strange things about this demonic cult. They don't leave any trails in the nearby mountains and forests."

"The things that we currently found about them seemed to imply that they were only a small cult."

"However, those would be impossible without the aid of at least a High Ranked Magician or…"

"A demon… more specifically one that's at least a Baron…"

Commander Piers solemnly nodded, "It's exactly as you said, Lady Anna."

"Regarding the things that you said, I will first contact Ligera to see the most suitable course of action. Can we postpone the briefing for the time being?"

Commander Piers nodded repeatedly, "Of course, Lady Anna."

"If what you said were proven to be true, then it will change everything." She then looked at the people around her and then at Constable Gerold.

"I shall bid farewell to all of you first as I have urgent matters to attend to."

"O-Of course, Your Eminence!"

"Please take your rest first…"

"Our family will visit you at a later time to pay our respects!"

…

Constable Gerold snapped out of his daze and nodded, "Let me personally lead you to your residence, Your Eminence!"

Anna smiled kindly, almost blinding everyone in the room, "Thank you."

As the two of them left, the people remaining in the room were able to breathe freely.

"Ugh, it's a pity that I wasn't able to form connections with her."

"Right? The presence of an Executor is really outstanding!"

"I didn't expect this incident to be a blessing in disguise!"

…

The officials discussed animatedly.

Seeing this, Commander Piers shook his head, 'I can't believe these fools.'

Countless villages and lives have been taken, and yet all they thought about were forming connections with the Executor.

'Still, I'm glad that there's at least one person that can actually be of help…'

He slumped on his chair.

***

Day 183 of 183

"Are you all in position?" 

The demonic human leader's voice sounded.

"Yes, Leader!"

Answered the demonic humans.

Smiling twistedly, the demonic human leader's voice once again echoed in the ears of every demonic human.

"Attack!"