The Demon Lord's Army Advances

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The day had finally arrived. The sun barely peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the gathered army. The air was electric with anticipation as every adventurer, healer, and knight in Riscone assembled before the kingdom's massive front gates. Cal, Melina, their party, the Vast Star, the Cheery Black, and hundreds more stood shoulder to shoulder, ready to protect their home and loved ones.

Tobe scanned the crowd, his expression serious. Turning to Princess Tulia, he asked, "How many do we have here?"

Princess Tulia, holding a detailed ledger, replied, "Approximately a thousand and above. It's all we could muster on such short notice."

Tobe's brow furrowed. "Do you think it's enough to face Demon Lord Crockus' army?"

The princess hesitated, her lips pressed into a thin line. "I… I don't know. But what I do know is that we have no other choice."

Before Tobe could respond, the resounding voice of Knight Captain Helrin Maggus broke through the murmurs. She stood tall atop a raised platform, her polished armor gleaming in the morning light. Raising her longsword high, she bellowed, "EVERYONE! IT'S TIME TO HEAD OUT AND STOP DEMON LORD CROCKUS' ARMY! WE WILL FIGHT WITH EVERY OUNCE OF STRENGTH IN OUR SOULS! WE MUST NOT FALTER IN THE FACE OF DANGER! WE. WILL. FIGHT!"

Her powerful declaration sent a ripple of energy through the crowd. She thrust her blade skyward and shouted with unyielding determination, "FOR THE HIGH KINGDOM!"

The crowd roared in unison, their voices shaking the very ground beneath them. As the massive gates began to creak open, Helrin launched a Monitoring Orb into the sky. The glowing sphere hovered high above, its magical energy capturing the moment and broadcasting it across the kingdom and beyond—to the capitals, towns, and villages. The kingdom would witness their bravery.

Helrin then pointed her blade toward the open gate and shouted, "CHAAAAAARGE!"

The army surged forward, their hearts pounding with a mix of fear and determination. Tobe, however, hung back, a sudden idea forming in his mind. He turned to Princess Tulia and said, "I'll catch up. There's something I need to do that might give us an edge in this war."

Princess Tulia's eyes widened but quickly filled with understanding. "Go. I'll inform your friends."

With a nod, Tobe bolted toward the kingdom's main prison, Flake flitting alongside him. Meanwhile, Princess Tulia approached the Cheery Black and Vast Star members, who were glancing around for their missing comrade.

"Tobe will join you all soon," the princess assured them. "He's working on something that could turn the tide."

Max crossed his arms. "I hope he doesn't take too long. The battle's not going to wait."

Yuka clasped her hands together. "Senpai better hurry back…" she murmured as her voice trailed off.

Jun smirked. "Shortstack senpai's going to miss all the action if he doesn't catch up soon!"

Lala chuckled. "He'll be here~ You know how dramatic and flashy Tobe can be~"

As they charged ahead with the rest of the army, Miri hesitated. She glanced over her shoulder, worry flickering in her eyes. "Tobe… Please don't take too long," she whispered before running to rejoin her comrades.

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Tobe sprinted through the city streets, the sound of his boots echoing in the stillness left behind by the departing army. He reached the prison, where a guard halted him.

"What's your business here, Sir Tobe of the Cheery Black?" the guard asked, his tone respectful but firm.

Tobe didn't hesitate. "We need someone locked up here. It's crucial to our success."

The guard's brows furrowed, but he nodded after a moment. "Very well. As long as you keep them under control and bring them back when it's over." He handed over the cell keys. "I trust you, Sir Tobe Kusakabe of the Cheery Black."

Tobe took the keys and strode into the dimly lit corridors, determination etched on his face.

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Far ahead, the army reached a strategic chokepoint between two mountains. It was the perfect place to set a trap. Helrin directed the troops to prepare. Archers, mages, and sorcerers took positions along the cliff edges, ready to rain devastation from above. Healers stationed themselves far behind the frontlines, while the summoners and beast tamers gathered in formation.

Julius, perched atop a cliffside, activated a magic circle to enhance his sight. His voice echoed through a communication spell. "The demon army is 0.625 miles away and approaching fast. Everyone, prepare yourselves!"

On the ground, Elma's mind raced as she devised a plan that she announced to everyone, including Julius. As she handed potions of invisibility to Yuka and other summoners and beast tamers with flying mounts. "Drink these just before they arrive. Fly over the army and rain down spells and attacks."

Yuka grinned. "Got it! Leave it to us."

Julius listened and nodded from his perch. "Noted. I'll signal when it's time."

The frontlines gripped their weapons tightly. Determined faces turned toward the horizon as the thundering footsteps of the approaching demon army grew louder. Summons and beasts growled and pawed at the ground, ready to charge. The tension was palpable, a storm waiting to be unleashed.

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while on Tobe's end.... 

Tobe's boots pounded against the cold stone floor as he sprinted through the dimly lit corridors of the Kingdom's prison. His breath was steady, but his eyes carried a sharp focus, locked on his goal. As he approached a heavy iron door marked "Confidential Items of Prisoners," he pushed it open, trying to find something.

With the item secured in his Space Space spell, Tobe moved swiftly through the prison halls, passing rows of cells filled with the occasional disgruntled prisoner. The air smelled of damp stone and faint rust. He stopped abruptly in front of a cell labeled "Cell 35; Prisoner 667, Naoto Yugaha."

Inside, a man with disheveled hair and a sharp, handsome face sat on the floor, his back against the wall. His yellow prison jumpsuit was slightly wrinkled, and his eyes carried a mix of disdain and melancholy. He didn't bother looking up until Tobe crouched down to his eye level.

"Yo! Prettyboy," Tobe greeted casually, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Naoto's gaze flicked toward him, narrowing slightly. "Oh... it's you... Shortspark. What do you want?" His voice was cold but carried a hint of curiosity.

Tobe leaned closer, "Ya didn't hear the announcement? War's happenin'."

Naoto raised an eyebrow but remained seated. "Yeah... and why are you here?"

Tobe jangled a set of keys in front of him with a mischievous grin. "You're coming to help."

"Why should I?" Naoto asked, his tone laced with skepticism.

"Don'tcha wanna redeem yourself?" Tobe replied, his voice dropping slightly, a rare seriousness taking over his usual playful demeanor. As he spoke, he stood up as he started unlocking the cell door, the hinges creaking as it swung open.

Naoto stood slowly, his eyes flickering with a mix of hesitation and introspection. Thoughts raced through his mind, memories of his dark past and the weight of the guilt he carried. For a moment, he was thinking of escaping, considered running, escaping into the unknown—but as he reflected on his actions and the people he'd wronged, he felt a crack in the shadowy ego that had gripped his heart for so long.

"Fine," Naoto said at last, stepping out of the cell. His expression softened slightly as he extended his hands, revealing the mana-binding cuffs clasped around his wrists. Tobe raised an eyebrow but didn't comment, instead unlocking the cuffs with a quick motion.

Once free, Naoto rubbed his wrists briefly before Tobe reached into his Space Space spell and pulled out the Angel Scythe. The weapon gleamed in the dim light, its ethereal glow illuminating the space between them.

"Here. But listen up," Tobe said, his tone firm. "If you ever use that damn mind control skill again, I won't hesitate to blast your ass, got it?"

Naoto hesitated, his hands hovering over the scythe. He met Tobe's gaze, searching for any sign of mockery but found only determination. With a quiet nod, he took the weapon, its familiar weight grounding him.

"Good," Tobe said, a smirk returning to his face. He turned on his heel, gesturing for Naoto to follow. "Well then, c'mon! Let's move, prettyboy!"

Naoto scowled and retaliated back "Ugh! Shut up, Shortspark."

Together, they dashed through the winding prison corridors, their footsteps echoing in unison as they headed toward the battlefield, ready to rejoin the fight and catch up with the others.

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The air was thick with anticipation as Julius's voice cut through the gathering tension like a sharp blade. "Alright, everyone... Crockus' army is closely approaching. Get ready!"

The soldiers sprang into action, each group taking their designated positions. On the cliffsides, the archers, mages, and sorcerers readied their bows, incantations, and magic circles, their silhouettes framed by the setting sun. Their faces bore the determination of those ready to defend their home at all costs. Below, the frontliners formed a solid wall of shields. Miri stood at the front, her shield gleaming as she raised it high. Around her, knights, grounded summoners, and beast tamers prepared their weapons. Adventurers of every melee class stood shoulder to shoulder, among them the B-Ranked teams of Vast Star and Cheery Black, including Jun and Max, their eyes alight with resolve.

Further back, Elma and Yuka moved quickly with the summoners and beast tamers who commanded their flying rideable summons and beasts. Elma carried a pouch of invisibility potions, passing them out along the line. Each soldier took a swig, as did their summons and beasts. The air shimmered briefly before they vanished from sight, the faint ripple of their presence the only indication they were still there. In the very rear, the healers knelt in quiet concentration, their hands glowing faintly as they prepared their spells, ready to support the frontlines.

Julius stepped forward, his staff glowing as he raised it high. His voice boomed, carrying across the battlefield. "They are here! FRONTLINERS, HOLD THE LINE WITH EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT! CLIFFSIDERS, READY TO HAIL DOWN FIRE! MS. ELMA'S INVISIBLE TROOP, TAKE TO THE SKIES! HEALERS, SUPPORT THEM WITH ALL YOU HAVE!" He paused, his voice rising with unwavering determination. "FOR THE HIGH KINGDOOOOOOOOOOM!"

The cry was echoed back with a thunderous roar from the army. "FOR THE HIGH KINGDOOOOOM!"

From his palace balcony, King Danayus watched the scenery. His hands clasped tightly together as he whispered, "To everyone willing and ready to protect the kingdom... please, make it back to safety. I beg of you, may the grace of the gods shine upon you all."

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The horizon darkened as the demon army approached, a chaotic sea of about 4000 monstrosities. Demon soldiers marched in formation, accompanied by snarling demon wolves and lumbering demon bears. In the air, demon bats and hawks circled like vultures. At the center of the horde, the towering figure of Demon General Cassius barked orders, his menacing presence unmistakable. Far in the back... Demon Lord Crockus observed with an eerie calm, his piercing gaze locked onto the battlefield.

The clash began with a deafening roar as the demon army charged forward. The frontliners braced for impact, their shields forming a formidable barrier. The first wave of demon soldiers slammed against them, claws screeching against metal. Spears thrust forward, piercing through armor and flesh. Miri's shield glowed faintly as she deflected a savage blow before countering with a powerful Shield Bash that sent a demon reeling.

Despite their efforts, the sheer force of the demon army began to overwhelm the frontliners. Cracks formed in their formation as some demons broke through, their feral howls echoing across the battlefield. Julius's voice rang out sharply. "CLIFFSIDERS, FIRE AT WILL!"

The cliffsides erupted in a cascade of light and color as arrows, spells, and magic circles unleashed a torrent of destruction onto the demon horde. Fireballs exploded in brilliant bursts, lightning bolts arced through the air, and arrows rained down like deadly meteors. The center of the demon army was thrown into chaos as bodies fell and the ground was scorched.

But the demons were quick to adapt. Several began scaling the cliffs, their claws digging into the rock, while demon bats and hawks soared upward, aiming for the vulnerable cliffsiders. Cries of alarm rose as the defenders fought back desperately, blasting the climbers with spells and felling the flyers with precise arrows.

Julius turned to Elma, who gave a curt nod. "Invisible troop, now!" she commanded.

Above the battlefield, the invisible squadron of summoners and their beasts moved into position. The air shimmered faintly as they unleashed their attacks. Spells, fireballs, and explosive projectiles rained down like divine wrath, bombarding the demon army from above. The devastation was immense; over 1500 demons were obliterated in moments. The remaining demons roared in fury, directing their efforts toward the sky. Demon archers, mages, and sorcerers launched a counterattack, filling the air with arrows and dark magic.

Despite the initial advantage, the invisibility began to wear off. One by one, the summoners and their beasts became visible, drawing the full ire of the demon forces. Elma's voice cut through the chaos. "Mix it up! Lower altitude fighters, engage directly! High-altitude fighters, provide cover!"

The squadron split seamlessly. Some dove into the fray, engaging the demons in close combat with swords and claws. Others remained above, raining down support fire. The battlefield turned into a chaotic ballet of violence, with Elma's planned troop holding their ground despite mounting losses. Twenty-three of their number fell, but their sacrifice kept the demon army disoriented and fractured.

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Elma, after sending her invisible troop into the skies, turned her attention back to the frontlines. With her bag of potions clinking inside and her hammer in hand, she charged forward, ready to bolster her comrades. She weaved through the chaos, tossing health potions to the injured and shattering vials of acidic and flaming brews at the feet of encroaching demons, the ground sizzling and burning beneath their feet.

Miri was a bastion of defense in the heat of the battle. Her shield absorbed blow after blow as she expertly countered with shield bashes that sent demons sprawling. Her blade danced in swift arcs, slicing through the thick hides of her foes. Oculis tried to help most of them by constantly healing them with Wide Party Heal. One demon lunged with a spear aimed straight at her chest, but Miri activated False Judgement, and the demon, deceived, thrust its weapon into thin air. Before it could react, Miri sidestepped and decapitated the creature in a single, clean motion. A cluster of demons advanced, and with a flash of her halo, she unleashed Halo Flash, a blinding radiance that disoriented her enemies, leaving them vulnerable to the frontline's counterattack.

Jun moved like a light rabbit among the chaos. He leapt from one demon's head to another, his dagger flashing in the sunlight as he slashed throats and severed tendons. Landing nimbly on his feet, he spun to launch his wired hook at a demon attempting to flank him. The hook latched onto the demon, and Jun yanked it forward, stabbing it mid-air. Jun looted its coins with a smirk before using its body as a projectile to knock over a cluster of advancing demons. From his position, he flung a volley of needles that pierced through the eyes and throats of another group of enemies.

Max was a force of raw power. His greatsword cleaved through lines of demons with sweeping arcs that left carnage in their wake. Each swing sent bodies flying, crashing into their own comrades and disrupting their formation. A group of demons attempted to surround him, but Max planted his sword into the ground and used it as a pivot to kick outward, knocking them back before reclaiming his blade and slashing through them in a single, wide motion.

Above the battlefield, Yuka commanded Scale with precision, raining down Wind Blasts and Wind Cannons that tore through clusters of demons. Her vantage point gave her the perfect view to summon her allies. With a quick incantation, Blubby, Balboa, Spryt, Gyutei, and Fang materialized down on the battlefield.

Balboa, the hulking rock golem, barreled through the demon ranks like a living battering ram. Each swing of his massive arms sent demons flying, their bodies shattered by the sheer force of his blows. Perched atop Balboa's shoulder, Blubby, the mischievous slime, launched corrosive Slime Shots at demons that got too close, the acidic projectiles eating through their armor and flesh.

Spryt darted through the battlefield, her form a blur as she alternated between the quadra-elements. She unleashed Fire Beams that incinerated rows of demons, Water Beams that pierced their ranks like high-pressure drills, Wind Shots that swept enemies off their feet, and Earth Shards that erupted from the ground to skewer them.

Gyutei, the massive poisonous frog, was a one-frog wrecking crew. He leapt high into the air, crashing down onto groups of demons with bone-crushing force. As demons attempted to retaliate, Gyutei exhaled a thick Poison Mist, the toxic cloud choking and weakening all demons who were caught within it. Those who weren't outright killed staggered, leaving them easy prey for the advancing frontliners.

Fang, tore through the battlefield with ferocious speed and precision. His Arm Muscle Claw Slash strike ripped demons apart with every swipe, leaving a trail of carnage in his wake. Spotting a particularly dense cluster of enemies, Fang activated Leg Muscle Burst, launching himself high into the air. With a guttural roar, he triggered All Muscle Form, his body swelling with power as veins of mana pulsed across his massive frame. He plummeted to the ground in a devastating Groundslam, the impact creating a shockwave that obliterated everything within a wide radius.

Elma, catching sight of the devastation wrought by Yuka's summons, couldn't help but grin. "Keep it up, everyone! Don't let them gain an inch!" She threw another volley of explosive potions into a charging group of demon brutes, the resulting blast creating a fiery wall that halted their advance.

In the midst of the chaos, Julius's voice rang out above the din, rallying the troops. "Frontliners, hold the line! Cliffsiders, rain down hell! Invisible troop, regroup and press the advantage! This is our kingdom! WE. WILL. NOT. FALL!"

The battle raged on, each warrior's strength, skill, and determination turning the tide against the demon horde.

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The battlefield roared with chaos as the Vast Star also took their positions, their individual strengths shining brightly amidst the onslaught. Each member fought valiantly, their movements a testament to their skill and determination.

Lala was a force to be reckoned with in the frontlines. Her weapon, Fervent, was a blur as she thrust it forward with precision. Each strike tore through demon after demon, leaving gaping holes in their grotesque forms. She tapped the ground with Fervent, activating its weapon skill: Thorned Vine Rush. From the earth erupted a surge of thorned vines, their sharp edges stabbing and blasting away waves of demons in front of her. The vines moved like living entities, piercing through armor and flesh alike. Lala shouted to rally those near her, "Hold the line! Don't let them break through!"

Chisa, not far from Lala, was a whirlwind of grace and ferocity. Her katana gleamed as she slashed through multiple demons with swift precision. One demon charged at her, but she struck its face with the butt of her katana, stunning it. Without hesitation, she decapitated it in one fluid motion. Seeing an opening, she crouched slightly and launched herself high into the air. From above, she unleashed Wind Slashes, crescent-shaped blades of air, that rained down on the demons below, slicing through their ranks. Her voice was calm but firm as she called to her comrades, "Stay focused! We've trained for moments like this."

On the cliffside, Umi was a picture of concentration. She nocked arrow after arrow, her aim unerring as she sent them down upon the demons from above. Each shot found its mark, whether it was piercing through the eye of a demon or halting a charging brute mid-stride. Her vantage point allowed her to provide crucial cover for the frontliners. "Toma, watch your left!" she called, her sharp eyes spotting a demon attempting to flank him.

Toma moved like a shadow, his steps light and deliberate. Each of his strikes was swift and fluid, leaving no room for error. He decapitated demons with an almost artistic precision. As he moved forward, he activated his weapon skill: Cross Shadow Slash. His blade shimmered with a dark aura as he executed a series of intersecting slashes, taking out multiple demons in one go. A demon's strike came dangerously close, but Toma evaded by transforming into a shadow momentarily, slipping past the attack with ease. His voice was calm but laced with determination as he muttered, "This won't stop us."

Meanwhile, Cal was a steadfast presence in the frontlines, his heavy strikes cleaving through demon after demon. Each swing of his katana carried an air of authority, bolstering the morale of those around him. Melina, stationed on the cliffside, coordinated with Umi, her spells enhancing the arrows and raining destruction upon the demon ranks. Their teamwork was seamless, their attacks complementing each other perfectly.

Miri fought with a mix of raw power and tactical precision. She blocked a demon's strike with her shield before bashing it backward and following up with a piercing thrust of her sword, she then decapitated another demon and slowly moved backwards towards her teammates to take a moment to catch her breath, her chest heaving. Her thoughts wandered briefly, Where is Tobe-senpai? I hope he is ok...

Her moment of reflection was interrupted by a suffocating wave of bloodlust that swept over her. The air seemed to grow heavier as a towering figure emerged from the chaos behind her. It was the Demon General, Cassius. His presence alone was enough to freeze the blood of even the bravest warriors. His crimson eyes burned with malice, and a menacing grin spread across his face as he surveyed the battlefield.

Miri's grip tightened on her shield and sword as she turned to face him, her heart pounding in her chest. "Everyone, stay alert!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the noise of battle...

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Riscone Kingdom's army numbers: 930 below are still alive.

Demon Lord Crockus' army numbers: 2,800 above are still alive.

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End of Chapter Stats of our Young Adventurers:

Tobe Lvl 100 - (Race Abilities: High Jump, Cat-like Instinct, Ricochet) (Spells: Mana String, Explosion Impact, Fall Lighting, Space Space, Aqua Control, Reconstruct, Firas Bolto, Rock Spire Shotgun, Vine Whip, Shock Shoot, Iron Arm Impact, Mana End Nuke) (Spark - Ambition Ignition 25% Current)

Flake Lvl 60 - (Skills: Ice Creation, Icicle Rush, Frost Breath, Ice Ball Shot, Familiar Fusion)

Miri Lvl 100 - (Race Abilities: Halo Flash, False Judgement, Weightless Embodiment) (Skills: Strength Up, Defense Up, Agility Up, Slash, Pierce, Shield Block, Shield Bash, Shield Rush, Bastion Wall Shield, Bastion Weapon Integration, Mana Blade Shoot, Rocket Burst Thrust, Single Slash to Thousand Cuts)

Oculis Lvl 61 - (Skills: Health Drain Tendril, Soft Healing Glow, Wide Party Heal)

Yuka Lvl 85 - (Race Abilities: Creaturea Lamvia, Beast Codex Insight) (Skills: Contract, Summon, Half-Summon, Encouragement. Summons: Blubby Lvl 75, Scale Lvl 75, Balboa Lvl 75, Spryt Lvl 75, Gyutei Lvl 75, Fang Lvl 75)

Jun Lvl 91 - (Race Abilities: Danger Sense, All-Four Rush, Bleeding Bite) (Skills: Disguise, Silent Step, Smoke Bomb Drop, Snatch, Stab, Slice, Hook Pull, Needles, Healing Steal, Decoy, Theft Hook, Escape Plan)