VICTORY

We had not long set off before Tulote had called me to his side in the carriage, and had started discussing battle strategy.

“This is what the front looks like right now. Eldrica's forces have been pushed back to the capital. There have been reports of three greater demons supporting the assault on the elves.” He continued, “This is going to be annoying.”

“Greater demons? What are those?”

“Remember the demon that invaded the castle?”

“Yeah”

“Well, a greater demon is incredibly strong; they're almost calamity level threats, and just like our armies, the demon army has ranks. You could consider a greater demon a commander of sorts.”

“So we're up against some incredible foes, aren't we?”

“Yeah.”

“I don't mean to sound harsh, but, didn't you struggle against the demon in the castle? If these greater demons are what you say they are, then shouldn't we be WAY more concerned than we are now?”

“Oh no, I couldn't use nearly as much of my power as I'd want to in the castle.”

“Why's that?”

“Because my powers would destroy the castle and create quite the stir throughout the castle. Despite my physique, I am growing quite old, and it is becoming harder to control my powers, so I only unleash my full powers when all avenues are exhausted.”

“That explains some things, but wouldn't saving Thial nullify such safeguards?”

“I appreciate your concern Arda, but I'm a ruler. I have to keep a level head and take the safest, least casualty inducing route. Besides, I wouldn't hear the end of it from Thial. Having said that, though, I took a gamble and thank Erton that it worked.”

“That sounds plausible, but no more gambles, yes?”

“Let's hope so”

After that, we went back to discussing battle strategy.

“Looking at this map, It seems that the enemy has made a significant blunder right here.”

“Is that not a forest?”

“Yes, it is. I'm going to be completely honest with you, Arda. There's a part of me that believes this is a trap, and I need to confirm that when we get there.”

“I agree, this looks a bit too coincidental. And would it not be easiest to set an ambush in a forest?”

“Absolutely. I always assume my enemy to be smarter than myself. Underestimation kills.”

“You aren't Lord Regent for nothing, Tulote.”

“Hahaha, yes, oh and Arda, just a word of caution when we get there.”

“What's that?”

“When we arrive, don't reveal to anyone that you are the hero. I need to gauge the situation, and if it IS a trap, I would like to get you out of there as soon as possible. Your preservation is PARAMOUNT”.

“I agree to the first part of that, but if it is a trap, I simply won't back down. I am the hero, after all.”

“I'm still whisking you out of there myself at the first sign of instability.”

“Right, well, your father told me of a nifty trick right before I left.”

That trick was the ability to morph the Gladius into any weapon of choice. Since I was to conceal my identity, I just morphed the sword into a normal one-handed metal-aluminium sword.
Perfect for matching the quota.

“That solves one aspect, but how do you suggest we explain to the people or commander or whatever of Eldrica, why I came out of the same carriage with you? THE Lord Regent of the imperium?”

“Oh, I'll just name you as my newly appointed right-hand man. I'll inform the convoy so that it sounds and looks believable.”

He then passed on the word to the driver, and it slowly made way around the convoy, by the time we had entered the Eldrican border, the whole convoy knew that the act was on.
It was still a ways away from the capital.

“Usually there would be elf escorts joining us about now, but I declined the offer.”

“Wise move, the elves will need every able-bodied man and woman to defend the city.”

“Now you're thinking like me”

We were deep in Elven territory when a messenger pigeon landed inside the carriage.
Tulote read it.

“CAPITAL encircled by demon forces. Lost Cause, fighting to the last man.”

“We must make haste, Tulote! Forget not revealing my powers. They need us.”

“You're right. MEN, LET US MAKE HASTE.”

The convoy moved faster and Tulote headed out to lead the convoy, I joined too.

“WOAH, I didn't know I could move this fast.”

“You are the hero! Chances are you can move even faster, hahaha!”

“Well, we're going to need all we can to get to the elven city in time! The people need us.”

We arrived at the outskirts of the city. 
Before us lay a vast demon army.

“No greater demons on this side. I don't sense any large concentrations of Demonic energy.”

“Then Let us go. I'm tired of sitting around.”

“MEN CHARGE”

The order charged the men, and with a thunderous roar, the Lancers charged. Their polished armour gleamed, a very stark contrast to the demonic hordes they sought to destroy. 

“LANCERS, SPEAR FORMATION”

They struck the demonic vanguard like a spearhead, catching the grotesque creatures entirely by surprise. The beasts stumbled and fell, impaled by the masterful aim of lances. 
The Lancer's initial assault ripped through the enemy's rear lines and provided an opening for the rest of us.

Before the demons could recover, the earth itself seemed to erupt.

“RANGED UNITS, ENGAGE”

 From the hills, our Terrarcane cannons fired, unleashing bolts of pure Terra that tore among the ranks. The mages fired shortly thereafter.
Their fireballs incinerated clusters of the bastards, lightning bolts arced through those who had not been burnt beyond recognition, and waves of concussive forced hurled the rest of those lesser demons back into the swirling chaos.

In all the carnage was a sort of beauty to it, the constant barrage of explosions, tearing demonic flesh, and the sickening splatters of ichor and gore painting the walls of Eldrica's capital blood-red. 
The combined suppressive fire of the cannon fire and Terra kept the remaining demonic forces disoriented and unable to press their attack.

“MEN, IT IS OUR TIME! LET US GO”.

“FOR THE PEACE AND PROSPERITY OF ALL MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILD” The men thundered

“RAAH!” I screamed as I charged.

Tulote and I led the vanguard.
As I gripped the hilt of the Gladius Nobellus, I felt the power of the blade amplify my own.
My eyes glowed yellow as I had become one with the sword.

The world narrowed to the clash of steel, screams of my kin and of demons alike. 
Blood gurgling screams that urged me to fight harder and faster so that less lives would be lost.

With every swing of the Gladius, the light of Silus' being seemed to have protruded into the real world via the sword. It cleaved through the demonic ranks, pushing back the encroaching darkness, one desperate, defiant step at a time.

And so it was.

Electricity cackling through my veins as I walked. 
It was as though the electricity itself was controlled by my very being.
It struck at demons that dared to get close.

I looked to my right, and there Tulote was. Laughing with flames protruding from his sword, his hair, and his arms as he fought.

“GIVE ME A FIGHT YOU VILE CREATURES. YOU COME TO MY REALM AND HAVE THE AUDACITY TO WREAK HAVOC, BUT CAN'T STAND YOUR OWN? HOW PATHETIC HAHAHA!”

He really was having fun with it.

“THE LORD REGENT IS HERE, SUPPORT HIM FROM THE WALLS.” A voice screamed from over the walls.

Just then, arrows rained from the walls, aiding us in our assaults.

“CASSANDRA, AREN'T YOU A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES!”

“Leave some of them for me, both of you!

An elf floated down with such elegance. Her brown hair reacting in a frizz, and her clothes looking worn. I assumed she was some leader of sorts for this place.
Her weapon appeared from thin air.
It was a rapier.

“What is it with you people and weapons appearing from thin air?”

“For a hero, you really have a sense of humour!” Cassandra said.

“Yeah, I've been told that before haha”

We fought.

We slayed.

We liberated.

In no time, we had cleared the demons surrounding the immediacy of the capital walls. 

“Ah, I haven't stretched this well in a while!”

“Oh Tulote you monster, it's been forever since I've last seen you! Come, we have much to discuss.” Cassandra continued, “And you Hero, you've blessed us all with your presence. Thank you.”

“Don't mention it!” I said with a slight chuckle.

The gates opened.

“Welcome to Elevetih, capital of Elvetica!”

“Right, now time is of the essence, that breakthrough you mentioned?”

“Yes, we shall speak of that as soon as we head inside!”

I stayed back a little while longer to help recover the wounded and deceased from the battle.
Of the 3500 men strong, 250 were injured and 25 dead.

It was a relatively successful battle, but I'd prefer it if we didn't lose anyone going forward.