26: There Are Demons Here

Several servants remained perplexed.

"By using these humans to attract Asgard's attention, we'll create an opportunity to access the ice treasure box."

Sudden realization dawned on the servants. They now understood the calculated foresight behind their leader's actions over the past few days. Grasping the depth of his strategy, they secretly smirked, realizing that humanity was being unwittingly manipulated.

...

In Athens, following a thorough investigation, every inhabitant across the Greek city and affiliated villages was questioned.

The people of Athens recounted witnessing a blue-skinned figure moving westward and verified the Pegasus knights' intelligence. The information confirmed Laufey's westward movement.

The westward direction led to Egypt. To reach Egypt, Laufey had only one path.

"What's our next move?" Seeger inquired.

Rhodes tapped a few times on the crystal screen embedded in his arm, issuing a command to the Pegasus Knights, "Assemble the elite forces and prepare to journey to Egypt."

The order sparked immediate action. All Pegasus knights engaged in the search across Greece converged in the west, forming a united force.

Rhodes and Sig also set forth. The rapid movement of the Pegasus allowed them to cross vast distances in mere hours, traversing from one city to another.

Within three hours, they had already left Greece's boundaries.

At the Greek-Egyptian border, the assembled Pegasus forces awaited their next directive.

"Ready to follow your command!"

Rhodes paused, considering his options, before issuing his next order: "The entire force will follow their respective squad leaders into Egypt, establishing positions along the border and awaiting further instructions."

With that, the Pegasus troops commenced their march toward Egypt.

Rhodes and Sig, however, chose to adopt a lower profile. Rhodes urged his Pegasus to fly at a lower altitude, mindful of avoiding Laufey's detection. Meanwhile, he instructed the remaining Pegasus knights to adopt a conspicuous presence near the Egyptian border, deterring Laufey from departing Egypt.

This strategic maneuver concealed their presence, thereby maintaining a tactical advantage.

After an afternoon's flight, the sky darkened, prompting Rhodes to grant the Pegasus a respite. The two alighted in a village, perched at the border of Egypt.

Approaching the village gate, several young and middle-aged men wielding farming implements confronted them, holding their tools aloft in a defensive stance.

Their attention shifted to the Pegasus accompanying Rhodes, captivated by the sight of the revered creature.

The farmers gradually lowered their implements, humbling themselves before Rhodes and Sig. "Are you the envoys sent by Lord Tianqi?" they asked.

Rhodes exchanged a glance with Sig, both shaking their heads.

"Is there trouble here? And why are you guarding the village gate at night?" Rhodes inquired.

The villagers shifted their gaze to the Pegasus behind Rhodes, their curiosity piqued by the mystical sight.

The implements they had wielded cautiously found their way to the ground. One of the farmers explained, "You, clad in such powerful armor, must surely be messengers of Lord Apocalypse. Our village has suffered from demonic attacks. The night sentinels were killed, and their corpses consumed by the demons."

"We beseech your aid!" They knelt, beseeching Rhodes and Sig with bowed heads.

Rhodes furrowed his brow. Their mention of Tianqi indicated that he held considerable influence in this land, possibly extending to a network of informants.

While treading cautiously, Rhodes clarified, "We are not under the employ of Apocalypse. I am an Asgard officer. Call me Rhodes."

"Asgard?" The villagers' limited experience extended only as far as the nearby river. As a result, they remained ignorant of the Protoss's jurisdiction and power dynamics.

However, they recognized Rhodes as a magical warrior, warmly welcoming him and Sig into their village.

Allocating their finest house for their guests, the villagers set up a grand feast.

Rhodes and Sig seated themselves at the table, and dishes of hot food were promptly served.

The servers, adorned with subtle makeup, represented the village's utmost elegance. Adorned in scant attire, they moved gracefully, occasionally casting furtive glances at Rhodes.

"Sir," Sig cautioned softly.

Rhodes comprehended the situation. The welcoming gesture transcended mere hospitality, hinting at ulterior motives—enticing with food and allure.

A few men entered the hall, the same individuals who had stood guard the night before. Accompanied by several young women, their gazes shifted to the Pegasus, awed by its sanctity.

Approaching Rhodes and Sig, the men commenced conversation.

"Masters, please partake without reservation. Rest in our village. Enjoy fine cuisine and delightful company. If you so desire..."

Their words trailed off, as they gestured toward the young women, who shyly leaned against Rhodes and Sig, eyes averted.

Rhodes frowned, comprehending their intentions. "Are you seeking our protection from the demons?"

The implicated individuals hesitated, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads. They feared the women from their village would be deemed unattractive, potentially angering the magical warriors rather than winning their favor.

Aware of the demonic threat, which had already claimed countless lives in their village, the women volunteered to offer themselves in the hope of preserving the village's future.

Rhodes' gaze sharpened. "Are you asking us to protect you from the demons?"

The individuals at the center of attention were taken aback, their expressions frozen with fear. Cold sweat dripped down their foreheads as they feared their unwittingly misjudged offering would offend the two magical warriors.

Faced with the malevolent forces that had devastated their village, these young women included daughters without fathers and widows who had lost their husbands, well-acquainted with the horrors of the demons.

Fully aware of the grotesque deeds these demons had committed, these women willingly offered themselves, sacrificing for their village's future.