Dragons

"Xeron, well done. I didn't expect you to trigger the volcano's eruption and establish a city so swiftly!"

Inside the grand hall, a high-ranking demon commended Xeron, "King Kreegan is highly pleased with your performance and has instructed me to bring you a reward!"

"No matter what reward is offered, nothing can bring me more joy than the impending war!" Xeron replied with fervor. "Did His Majesty specify when we can commence our march?"

"Yes, we are to prepare for departure!" the high-ranking demon confirmed. "Yet, there is a current issue. Our assault on Erathia's capital, Steadwick, may not proceed as planned with our Dungeon Overlord allies. Our spies report that someone has obstructed the path to Steadwick, and it is none other than the AvLee elves!"

"Who?" Xeron inquired with displeasure.

"The AvLee elves," the high-ranking demon responded with irritation. "Historically, they have been allies of Erathia. Not long ago, an AvLee Elf lord marshaled troops and rapidly moved to aid Erathia. Presently, they have not only impeded our advance but also seem to have discovered our presence. According to our intelligence, they have stationed themselves on the main road, constructing fortifications to halt our advance at the Erathian border..."

"Then eliminate them!" Xeron pounded the table. "Those feeble elves cannot deter us. With the iron might of our Inferno army, all obstacles will be reduced to ashes!"

Another high-ranking demon, who had remained silent until now, spoke with a covetous tone, "I share the same sentiment, Xeron. The souls of these elves are exceptionally tasty..."

"Alas, it might not be so straightforward!" the high-ranking demon named Ignatius cautioned. "We have discovered that among the AvLee elven army is the Gold Dragon Queen. She is leading a considerable number of gold dragons to support the elven forces. Rashka, Xeron, those gold dragons are formidable adversaries!"

A moment of silence filled the hall before Xeron spoke, "You are correct, Ignatius. We require a more potent army composition!"

Ignatius nodded. "Summon high-ranking demons. Only they can help us contend with the gold dragons!"

The other high-ranking demon, Rashka, voiced his dissatisfaction, "But if we summon high-ranking demons for assistance, we'll need to share a portion of the harvested souls..."

Xeron declared, "So be it. In the presence of dragons, prevailing with only low-level demons is a challenging endeavor. Our initial objective is to coordinate with our allies and encircle Steadwick. Throughout Erathia's history, the city has never fallen into enemy hands. Today, we must alter that history!"

"Very well. We are in accord!" Ignatius stated. "Now, who will stay behind to summon the high-ranking demons?"

"I won't be the one to remain!" Rashka promptly protested. "Staying confined within the demon city implies I cannot venture out to engage in battle and gather souls. This is unacceptable to me!"

Turning to Xeron, Ignatius asked, "So, Xeron, do you wish to remain here?"

"Why me?" Xeron said with great displeasure, "I've stayed here long enough this month just to build this damn city, and you still want me to remain here?! I want blood, I want to kill, I want souls! Who can give these if I stay here?!"

"All right!" Ignatius sighed. "In that case, I'll stay. You guys can set off with the troops first and get rid of the small reconnaissance forces on the way. After I summon a large enough army of demons, I'll catch up."

"Hahaha! Ignatius, what a great buddy you are!" Rashka laughed out loud upon hearing that Ignatius was willing to remain. "Don't worry. I'll leave some of those pretty elven women for you!"

"Say no more. I'm worried I'll regret it if you keep going!" Ignatius said. "Damn it. I should have just brought one of the Heretic Lords along when I came. That way, he could have stayed here while I went..."

In the Inferno faction, in addition to pure demons like Xeron, Rashka, and Ignatius, there were some lords who were believers in demons and could also lead demons in the war. These leaders were humans who were ostracized by the human kingdoms because of their belief in demons, and they were frequently known as Heretics. Ignatius was referring to these lords.

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