Chapter 361: Split (6)
*On the other side*
3rd Person POV
Amidst the turmoil that is the war between the heroes and the anti-magic cult, the demons decided to interfere and supply some war equipment and food supply to the cult. The cult members were against accepting help from the demons.
The cult members found themselves at a crossroads, torn between their desperation to fend off the heroes and their deep-seated discrimination towards the demons. The cult had always preached the dangers of magic, and their hatred for anything magical, including demons, ran deep. It was a bitter irony that now they were being offered assistance by the very beings they had sworn to despise.
Tensions flared among the cultists as they debated whether to accept the demon's aid. Some argued that they should take any advantage they could get to win the war, even if it meant associating with their sworn enemies. Others, however, refused as their principles and prejudices held strong.
The humans and the heroes viewed the cult's acceptance of demon aid as not just a tactical decision but also as an offense to their shared values and the sacrifices they had made in the war against the demons.
Rumors and tales of this alliance spread like wildfire, further fueling the animosity. In the human continents, families are already being torn apart by the cult's teachings ever since they've followed Phineas' prophecy.
And they now found themselves on opposite sides of an ideological clash. Friends turned against friends, and cities were divided by debates over the cult's perceived betrayal. They once believed that they could rely on the cult's help against the demons, after all, an enemy of your enemy is your friend.
Meanwhile, the demons reveled in the chaos they had sown. They saw the fracture in the human world as a means to further their influence and infiltrate the hearts and minds of those who had once been their enemies. The demon lords whispered promises of power and dominion to those who would listen, exploiting the unrest to betray the heroes and the 4 kingdoms.
In this turmoil, there were leaks of how the demons successfully created the fake rose project, and some individual heroes who broke off the main party decided to infiltrate the demon kingdoms in an attempt to stop it. They were somewhat successful, however, they were caught and tortured in the process.
Over the past several months, there have been a lot of negotiations between the 2 sides for an exchange of prisoners, however, it was all unsuccessful as the value of a hero, no matter how strong or weak they are, is almost priceless. The demands of the demons were too high to be met.
Word of this dire turn of events spread like wildfire across the human continents. The heroes are now unified against the dual threats of the anti-magic cult and the demons.
In a grand assembly, attended by kings, queens, warriors, and common folk alike, the heroes stood before their world and declared with unwavering resolve, "The time for negotiations and parleys has ended. The demons have committed an unforgivable act by kidnapping one of our own, a hero who ventured into their dark lands seeking peace.
"Now, we must respond with all the strength and valor that defines us. We declare war against the demons, and we shall not rest until our captured comrade is returned and their tyranny is vanquished from our world!"
The world then erupted into chaos, families huddled together, whispering fears and prayers into the warmth of the firelight. Mothers clutched their children tightly, their faces etched with worry, while fathers, usually the pillars of strength, exchanged somber glances.
And despite some people being nervous, others wanted the war. The conflict has gone on for long enough, and this war is said to be the last, and they wish for it to be so.
Patriotic humans and demons were hoisting banners high. Their voices rang with unwavering conviction, and they sang anthems of unity and victory. To them, this war was not a burden but a righteous cause, a chance to secure their future once and for all.
The human and demon blacksmiths and armorers, their forges roaring with intensity, crafted weapons of unparalleled craftsmanship. Each blade was imbued with the hope that it would strike down the other side.
The cult faced a difficult decision, and they then secretly met up with the demons and even got to meet the demon lord where they bargained for their lives and safety. The cult would side with the demons, and in return, they would get Tehios and the southern continent for themselves while the rest are to be given to the demons.
As for neutral nations like the village of the Paradis Tree and Tehios, the news of the impending war between the heroes and demons was received with a mixture of caution and concern.
Amidst the uncertainty, the neutral nations found themselves at a crossroads. Its people and leaders grappled with the difficult choices ahead, torn between their commitment to peace and the knowledge that the world around them was on the brink of destruction.
Their response would ultimately be guided by a delicate balance between self-preservation and the desire to maintain their cherished neutrality.
"Dammit, just when the boy is away too." Lake sighs in frustration, " The war started too early, it's too early...the heroes aren't ready, why are they doing this?!"
"War can take years to finish, some lasts even hundreds of years..." Aminu replied, "War starting earlier than expected isn't something to be that surprised about, but with Perseus away, we are in a bit of a bind. He is great for morale, and his presence helps deter our enemies."
"Well, he told us that we can't reach him, we gotta make do, he said that it'll take 3 months or can even take up to 6 months for his return."
"What is he doing exactly?" Aminu asked, "He told me of the goddesses that are with him, but he was so vague about what he's doing. he told everyone different answers."
"Something about making either the moon god or sun goddess active again."
"The moon god is definitely active, we saw the moon lit up...it's probably the sun goddess."