Chapter 200: Prelude to Siege
Chapter 200: Prelude to Siege
Based on the information she extracted on the dwarf, Valeria now had an idea on where the humans might be. And that is Akarios Island, the human's fortified military base.
Another bitter memory flashed before her eyes-how she was pushed back by the humans, their conventional weapons hammering her forces. They had no magic, no ancient powers, yet their guns, missiles, and machines had inflicted heavy casualties on her army, forcing a retreat. The thought burned within her, fueling her rage.
Valeria clenched her fists, her crimson eyes glowing in the dim light of her hideout. She had been humiliated, driven back by mere humans. But not this time. Now, she had the knowledge she needed.
"Akarios Island," she whispered, the name dripping with venom. "This time, it won't be just me invading the island. It would be the whole force of the demon realm."
Valeria closed her eyes, gathering her strength and focusing her dark energy. In an instant, she teleported from her hideout, the air around her warping and crackling with demonic power. When the distortion settled, she found herself standing before the towering gates of the Demon King's castle, its ominous silhouette looming in the distance.
The massive fortress was shrouded in dark clouds.
Guards flanked the entrance, their armor gleaming with dark enchantments, their eyes glowing faintly with demonic energy. They stepped aside as Valeria approached, recognizing her status as one of the Demon King's most trusted generals.
Without hesitation, she marched through the grand halls of the castle, her boots echoing off the stone floors. Her thoughts remained fixed on Akarios Island-the humans' stronghold that would soon face the wrath of the demon realm. But before that could happen, she needed to report to the Demon King himself and convince him of the importance of this strike.
As Valeria reached the throne room, the heavy doors swung open before her.
At the far end of the room sat the Demon King, his massive form draped in dark robes, his eyes glowing with an ancient, malevolent power.
Valeria knelt before him, her head bowed in deference. "My Lord, I bring important news." The Demon King's voice was a deep, resonating growl. "Rise, Valeria. Speak."
Valeria stood, her crimson eyes locking with the Demon King's gaze. "The humans...are collaborating with the dwarves as we speak and the Queen of the Dwarves are in Akarios Island, the base of the humans."
"I see," the Demon King rumbled, his glowing eyes narrowing as he absorbed Valeria's words. "The humans have allied with the dwarves, using their craftsmanship to strengthen their already dangerous weapons." His tone was cold, calculating, as if considering every possible outcome of this alliance.
Valeria nodded. "Yes, my Lord. Their conventional weapons, even without magic, proved devastating in our last encounter. But now, with the dwarves' assistance, they're forging something even more dangerous. If we do not strike soon, they may become unstoppable." The Demon King sat back on his massive throne, tapping his clawed fingers against the armrests. His gaze never wavered from Valeria. "And what do you propose?"
Valeria's voice was steady, filled with dark conviction. "We must mobilize the full force of the demon army and strike at Akarios Island. It is their stronghold, where they are manufacturing these enhanced weapons. If we destroy it, we cripple their alliance and ensure their forces cannot resist the might of the demon realm."
The Demon King remained silent for a moment, his gaze piercing as he studied Valeria. Then, with a low growl, he leaned forward. "I have given you many chances, Valeria. You have failed before. Why should I believe this time will be different?"
Valeria's heart raced, but she stood firm, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. "Because this time, we know where they are, and we know their weaknesses. At the time of the attack, I was alone, yet they were having a hard time dealing with me. This time, with the full might of our forces, they will have no chance to stand against us. We will overwhelm them before they can strengthen further. I will not fail again, my Lord."
The Demon King's glowing eyes bore into Valeria's, weighing her words carefully. The silence stretched for a moment, heavy with unspoken judgment. Then, with a deep, rumbling breath, he rose from his throne. His imposing figure seemed to darken the already dim room, and his presence exuded raw, ancient power.
"Very well," he said, his voice carrying the weight of a final decision. "You will lead the demon army to Akarios Island. But heed this, Valeria-failure is not an option. If you do not succeed, there will be no place in my kingdom for you."
Valeria bowed deeply, a surge of determination coursing through her. "Thank you, my Lord. I will not fail you."
"Go," the Demon King commanded, his tone brokering no argument. "Prepare the army. Leave no stone unturned, and leave no enemy alive."
Valeria straightened and turned on her heel, her mind already racing with strategies and tactics. The Demon King's faith in her, albeit conditional, was all she needed. She would make sure that this attack would be the turning point in their war with the humans and dwarves. She left the throne room swiftly, the heavy doors closing behind her with an ominous thud. As she walked through the grand halls, her thoughts were laser-focused on the mission ahead. There would be no hesitation this time, no room for error. The humans had underestimated her once, but that would not happen again.
Back in her private chambers. Valeria planned the assault. This time, she would only bring one of the Demon King Generals, Garruk. Because he was the only one dependable compared from other generals. Then she'd bring about 1,000 troops, a force she knew could operate effectively while delivering a crushing blow. Valeria knew that overwhelming numbers weren't the key in this battle; it would be speed, surprise, and brute strength. The humans would never expect an invasion so soon, especially not with their focus on strengthening their weapons alongside the dwarves.
Garruk, her chosen general, was a force of nature on the battlefield. His brute strength and relentless savagery were unmatched, and his presence alone was enough to instill fear in the hearts of their enemies. Valeria trusted him to follow orders and bring destruction wherever he went. Together, they would lead the assault, destroying Akarios Island's defenses before the humans could even comprehend what was happening.
In the dim light of her chamber, Valeria summoned Garruk through a dark spell. A swirling mass of shadows formed before her, and within moments, the massive figure of Garruk appeared. His eyes burned with a primal hunger for war, his muscles tense and ready for action.
"Valeria," Garruk growled, his voice deep and guttural. "What is it you require of me?" "We are going to attack the humans that you were so infuriated about," Valeria revealed.
"Why am I the only one being summoned?"
"Because the two of us are enough. If we can't end the humans, then I'm afraid the demon race—will suffer greatly," Valeria finished, her crimson eyes narrowing as she met Garruk's gaze. "The others are unnecessary. Too many hands will only slow us down.
Garruk grinned, showing his sharp teeth. "I like it. Just the two of us, bringing ruin to their so-called fortress."
Valeria nodded, satisfied with his enthusiasm. "Prepare the troops. We leave at dusk."
Garruk gave a curt nod before disappearing into the shadows, leaving Valeria alone once more in her chamber. The plan was set, and now, the waiting game began. Dusk would soon fall, and when it did, the humans and dwarves on Akarios Island would face the wrath of the
demon army.
As dusk settled over the demon realm, Valeria stood at the head of the small but elite force she had chosen. Garruk was by her side, his towering form radiating menace. The 1,000 troops she had summoned stood in neat ranks, ready for battle. Their dark armor gleamed faintly in the dim light, enchanted with protective spells that would allow them to withstand the humans' conventional weapons.
Valeria raised her hand, and the air around them began to warp. The power of her dark magic surged, enveloping the entire army in a swirling vortex of shadows. Within moments, the entire force was teleported from the demon realm to the edge of the continent where across it
was Akarios Island.
Valeria stood tall as the dark magic dissipated, leaving her and the elite force she had
summoned at the edge of Akarios Island. The wind howled around them, carrying the faint scent of the ocean, but her eyes were fixed on the distant military base-the stronghold that would soon fall beneath the might of the demon realm.
The soldiers behind her shifted silently, awaiting her command. Garruk stood at her side, his eyes gleaming with anticipation, his massive form ready to unleash chaos. "Tonight, we will make them pay for their arrogance. The humans think their weapons can protect them, that their alliance with the dwarves will keep them safe. But they are wrong." Her gaze swept over the assembled troops, her crimson eyes glowing with conviction. "They will soon realize the futility of their efforts. We will tear down their defenses, crush their forces, and remind them of the true power of the demon realm. Let this be a warning to anyone who dares to stand against us."
Garruk let out a low growl of approval, and the soldiers around them straightened, their
resolve hardening.
"We move swiftly," Valeria continued, her voice rising slightly. "Strike hard. Show no mercy.
By dawn, Akarios Island will be nothing but ruins."
The demon army let out a unified, guttural roar of approval, their weapons ready, their minds
focused on destruction.Nôv(el)B\\jnn