A Declaration Of War

"Caldris, Jutemburge, and Trimoon have joined the Northern Army," Old Man Burg announced the moment we stepped into Moonvale, the capital of Silford and home to the King's palace.

We had been summoned back to the palace in a hurry, but I hadn't expected news like this to greet us upon arrival. The Republic of Trimoon was one thing, but Caldris and Jutemburge? Those were nations located on the southern front. What could they possibly gain by aligning with the Northern Army?

"What is going on here?" I asked, my voice tense.

"We're still gathering information," A female voice replied, her tone grim. "But we thought it best to bring our nations together to discuss this matter."

"Visha!" I exclaimed.

Visha Elaiea Figrea stepped forward. A dark elf and renowned as the Hero of a Thousand Blades, her reputation was legendary. It was said that no blade existed that she could not master.

It had been a while since we'd last seen each other. Her hair, a shade of soft gray, was tied into a ponytail. She wore a pair of glasses, and behind them were her striking violet eyes, unmistakably distinct among the dark elves. In her waist, Moon Bearer, a twin blade, one of the four divine artifacts forged during the ancient age of the gods.

"It's been a while. I hope we didn't interrupt your fun," she said with a smile. But her eyes seemed to pierce straight into my soul, sending shivers down my spine.

Gulp.

It had been a while, and I'd completely forgotten how sharp her instincts were. Perhaps she already knew about our plan, maybe even about Ran. This could go either way: for the better or horribly wrong.

"What could you mean by that?" I asked cautiously.

"Whatever, hahaha," she laughed, dismissing my question. "You're too good-natured to lie, so don't bother trying. Just tell that friend of yours: Elaiea is open to the idea."

Elaiea—the vast expanse of forest lying north of Silford. It's home to her people, the home of the elven kind. We're practically next-door neighbors and longstanding allies, along with Lucia. Our three countries share a long history of helping each other. At a time like this, they might be our only friends.

"Shall I call for her?" I blurted out without thinking.

"Elaiea might be okay with it, but what about Lucia?" she replied, her smile unwavering. "You really should start thinking things through before acting on impulse."

Her words carried weight, as they always did. At ninety-two, she was the eldest among the heroes, yet she looked more like an older sister than someone of such an age. Her wisdom, however, was unmistakable.

"I understand," I said simply. "But for now, there's something else that needs to be addressed."

"Lucia should be here within five days."

...

Council of the Three States

"As everyone is already aware, Trimoon, Caldris, and Jutemburge have joined the Northern Army," announced Surtr, a broad-shouldered man and the representative of Lucia, the country of warriors. "They've even gone so far as to rename their alliance."

"But the more concerning issue," said Tusk, my older brother, his voice heavy with tension,

"Europa." He said in a serious voice. "The northern army, no, Europa have declared war against the Eastern Countries."

Europa—the ancient human empire that defied the gods and brought the entire continent under its dominion. Declaring humanity as the rightful successor of the divine, they waged a relentless campaign of fire and destruction, leaving nothing but ashes in their wake.

The Second Holy War wasn't fought against a demon lord; it was the darkest time in history when humanity itself was the enemy of the world.

"What?" I asked, startled. Even my companions were visibly shaken by the revelation. I'd be lying if I said none of us had anticipated this, but at a time when the threat of the Demon Lord's army from the Northern Sky is at its greatest in the past seven hundred years—what are they thinking? They could easily get surrounded by the Eastern countries and the Demon lord army. More so, they will be antagonizing the Southern countries and Agorath.

"If you hadn't been so caught up with your little friend, you might have known," Surtr said, his tone dripping with menace.

I had no retort. How could I? It had taken months after months of painstaking effort to summon a single person. Could the King have leaked the information? No, this went deeper. But more pressing than the leak was the question of how Lucia would react.

The Kingdom of Lucia was once a part of Elaiea. A civil war broke out, and though they were ultimately subdued, dissatisfaction quickly spread among the population. The former King of Elaiea eventually made the decision to cut them off entirely. It's a long story, but now the two kingdoms are allies.

"As of now, nothing has come of their war declaration, but it is only a matter of time," Brother said. "Similarly, Agorath is moving to support Sieto, while increasing its military." Just like what I thought.

Agorath is currently the largest and most powerful country. Historically, they have never been on the aggressive side of the coin. However, with Sieto under the threat of war, they appear to be taking action. Adding to the urgency is the fact that Caldris and Jutemburge, both of which have long sought to expand their territories into Agorath's domain, have joined forces.

"Then what about the Western front?" I asked, in total there were five countries on the west, Three of those were Silford, Lucia, and Elaiea, while the other two, Silveria and Regalia, had been locked in constant conflict for centuries. Communication with those two had always been limited, making it a delicate and complicated situation.

"We can only wait and see what happens," my brother said, his tone pragmatic but heavy with resignation.

"Is that really the best we can do?" I pressed, frustration seeping into my voice.

"So, what do you propose?" Surtr interjected, his voice sharp with challenge. "Should we advance our troops and join the war? And whose side would we take? Or perhaps you'd rather we intervene and preach about world peace to nations that would sooner laugh in our faces?"

"That's not it," I replied quickly, though his words struck a nerve.

The reason I befriended Evangeline wasn't to take sides but to foster understanding. I wanted to uproot the seeds of conflict and create a world where peace was possible. Call it idealistic if you will, but ideals are worth pursuing.

"I..."

"Anything you want to say?" my brother pressed.

"It seems like you're still too young," Surtr cut in, his tone steady but condescending. "I understand what you're thinking, but mere ideals will get you nowhere."

"Before you can speak for world peace, you must first become a hero for your people. Secure them. Protect them. I thought you understood that." He paused, letting his words settle. "Until that day comes, your ideals will remain just that—ideals. You need to face reality first."

His words struck like a sharp arrow, piercing through my resolve. My thoughts unraveled, leaving me defenseless.

"I apologized," Surtr added after a moment, his tone softening. "I got a little heated. But it had to be said."

"I understand," I replied. What else could I say? Perhaps there really was no easy path to peace.

"Shall we move on, Hero of Silford?" Surtr said, signaling the end of the discussion.

"Yes,"

"The Western Front has six countries in total," Surtr continued, surprising me. "While we've been talking, messengers have already been dispatched to Silveria and Regalia. We have two options: wait or unite the Western countries. Naturally, we've chosen the latter."

"Six countries?" I asked, confused.

"I see," Visha said calmly, her voice steady. "King Ambrosius truly is a cunning man." She looked at Surtr meaningfully. "Am I to take that as a sign that you agree with the Seven Sources Hero?"

"My words are that of the King," Surtr said, his expression firm and unwavering. Then, with a slight smile, he added, "Sooner or later, their eyes will turn toward our lands. We will defend it, even if it means casting aside our beliefs." His gaze shifted to me, sharp and resolute. "Make sure your friend understands that."

I wasn't sure what kind of expression I was wearing. My emotions churned within me, conflicted, uneasy. This meeting... it felt orchestrated, as though every move had been preordained. Yet, even so, we had achieved our first goal. There was still much left to do, and the specter of an imminent war loomed ever closer.

"If you want your peace," Surtr continued, his words cutting through my thoughts, "you must begin with your own backyard. Am I right, Silford's Hero?"

"Hai!!!"

A pang of guilt struck me. 'Was Ran still necessary for the plan?' I sighed inwardly. I'd have to apologize to him later. Maybe treating him to lunch would be best, perhaps I can just offer myself for marriage.

"I see," Visha replied, her voice calm and measured. "Then Elaiea, Lucia, and, finally, Silford are aligned with Silica's plan to establish peace with Balmoria, the Western Demon Lord faction."

"Indeed," Surtr said with an air of finality

"Might as well summon the Reaper back to the capital," Brother Tusk said, his tone carrying a weight of inevitability.

"The Reaper, huh?" Visha echoed, a hint of excitement flickering in her voice. One of the only two warriors among the allied countries who could truly match her in combat.

Seeing that spark of enthusiasm in her eyes, I couldn't help but feel reluctant to call her back.

...

"O glorious gale, sharp as your veil's edge, cut true, Wind Blade."

A blade of wind formed, its size stretching about six meters across. It whispered as it sliced through the air...

and the willow tree in front of me.

"Shit," I muttered. The spell had been successfully chanted, but, it was far larger than I had expected.

"So, who's going to clean that up?" Vera's voice cut through the moment, her veins popping. She had taken the time to help me practice this spell today.

Vera was the one who served us cakes during the time Sylvia and I were having a discussion about magic. Unlike the others, she was strict, rarely holding back. Completely different from my first impression of her.

"Aiiiiii, I'll do it, so no need to beat the hell out of me!" I said quickly, noticing the glint in her eyes as though she were about to draw her twin blades.

Vera was the head maid, but before serving here, they said that she was a respected knight. Her swordsmanship was unmatched, easily surpassing the knights stationed at the mansion. And she was a bit scary, especially during physical enhancement practice. Even with her glasses on, she'd effortlessly outmatched me in every session, leaving no room for mercy.

It'll be another beating today

'shit'

...

"I'm beat." My whole body aches so much, I couldn't even eat dinner. Yet again I failed to escape the beating express.

"She should take things a bit easier," I grumble as I slump onto the bed. It's so soft, you wouldn't want to get up. This should at least help heal my body.

"I wonder what's going on in the capital." Silica and the others haven't reached out to me since they hurriedly left for the capital—Sylvia too. We haven't even talked about my role here.

Whatever. Not my problem. It's been fun days since I came here. I just hope this continues forever. My brain is becoming fuzzy as time passes, a sign I need to sleep now.

...

Yawn.

Morning already? I must have been so tired I don't even remember falling asleep. The sun is already rising, its orange light streaming through my window, a sight I haven't seen in a while. I miss the feeling of watching the sun rise above the horizon.

"I have to start waking up earlier," I say, blocking the light with my hand.

"Huh?" Something feels strange. What's going on?

My body jolts out of bed, and my drowsiness disappears all at once.

This room has only one window, facing south. For the sun to be shining directly through it. It's never happened before. Something's wrong.

I don't know what's going on, but a sense of danger tingles in my mind. Using physical enhancement, I rush past my room to look for someone. 

"Secure all civilians!" Vera barks orders at the rushing knights and maids. Something is definitely going on. "Gather everyone who can fight; we have to hold them," she continues.

"Vera!" I call out to her. She looks at me and nods.

"Katherine, Pruscha, stay with Ran," she commands the two girls.

"What is going on?" I ask.

"We're being attacked," Katherine answers. "We need to secure you."

"Attacked? By who?" I know this probably isn't the time for questions, but I need answers.

"Doesn't matter who," Vera replies sharply. "We need to hold them back. Charlotte, take all the mages, you'll lead them."

"Hmm," Charlotte responds, already moving.

"I've sent a letter to the capital!" an out-of-breath maid bursts into the room. Her name is Pristina, and she has the ability to tame and summon monsters. "It'll take three hours to reach them."

"Good job. Join Charlotte," Vera instructs her.

"What can I do?" I ask. I can't just sit here while everyone else is fighting. But my question is met with silence.

"We have to go," Katherine says, grabbing my arm.

"Go where?"

"The capital."

The capital? Doesn't that mean we'll be escaping, leaving everyone else here to fend for themselves? I can't do that. I still have my pride, I can't let them fight while I am escaping. 

"It's what you do that defines you."

A single memory flashes in my mind. In that memory, in that eyes of her...

I'm not trying to be a hero, I'm just saving my pride. Was it the wrong choice, I couldn't care less. I'm not trying to live in this world to regret something. 

The people I met in this place were kind and warm. I'm not leaving them behind.

"I'm staying. Order me to do whatever you like. I'm staying."

"Barrier," Charlotte interrupted.

Vera stopped shouting orders and looked directly at me. Our eyes met. I had no idea how I appeared to her or what she was thinking, but I knew one thing: the moment I took my eyes off her, I'd lose my case.

"Katherine, take him to the artifact room," Vera ordered. "Use that massive mana of yours and try to block that thing in the sky."

"I will," I said firmly.

"Then that's good enough."

...

Katherine, Pruscha, and I hurried to the so-called artifact room. From the name, it's likely where artifacts are stored. Obviously.

When we arrived, Katherine opened the door to reveal five people standing around a machine-like object. It looked like one of those healing tubes from anime, filled with green liquid and connected to large gems that glowed faintly.

"How's it going up there?" asked one of them, a man I didn't recognize. I hadn't seen him or the others around the mansion before.

"Will the barrier hold?" Pruscha asked.

"We don't have enough mana to maintain the barrier," the man replied.

"At its highest output, will the barrier hold?" Pruscha pressed.

"Even if it does, we don't have enough mana to sustain it!" the man snapped, frustration clear in his voice.

"Ran," Pruscha said, turning to me, her tone making it clear she expected me to supply the mana.

"How should I go about it?" I asked the man. He looked at me doubtfully, scanning me from head to toe.

"Just trust us," Katherine said, stepping in to reassure the man.

...

Outside the Mansion

Vera gathered all the knights and servants stationed at Agatha, a mere fifty-seven people. One could only wonder: would they be able to hold out?

From the looks of it, what they were about to face was a full-fledged military force. Most notably, their banner bore the insignia of the Caldris royalty.

"We're done for. I should've asked Linda to marry me," one of the knights said, not out of frustration but as a playful joke.

"Whatever, just ask her after we're done here. Make sure to treat us with drinks," Vera replied, almost too casually, as if nothing was wrong.

Despite the tense atmosphere, everyone burst into laughter.

"Yeah, treat us! Hahaha," some of the knights jeered at him, joining in the joke.

Meanwhile, the guards had been tasked with evacuating all the citizens to the mansion, and they were doing a great job.

As they exited the mansion, they were surprised by the scene that greeted them: adventurers waiting outside, joined by even some ordinary citizens. A single man stepped forward, his name is Arthur, an adventurer and a beast man with dog-like ears.

"Make use of us," he said. "After all, we are part of Agatha."

The scene brightened the tense atmosphere. Agatha was one of the only three towns where people of all races could live freely without question. Because of this, it was home to hundreds of adventurers who considered it their sanctuary.

His words lifted everyone's spirits. Their numbers were not even a quarter of their enemies, but, a single thought filled their minds: We can do this.

"Charlotte, take position at the walls. It'll be tough, but we're counting on you," Vera instructed. "The barrier will hold, I'm sure of it. Use two-man cells or whatever strategy works best. We will not let them capture Agatha."

"Hmm," Charlotte replied, acknowledging the command.

"Everyone, except the spell casters, will follow my order," Vera said "I will not take no for an answer." she clarified.

"Hai!" everyone answered before taking positions.

...

"The time has come," a man in grand armor spoke, his voice resonating powerfully in front of the vast army. Their numbers, though not overwhelming, were sufficient for their purpose, no less than a thousand warriors.

"Brave sons of Caldris, today your story will be written," he continued, his horse pacing back and forth, observing his troops.

Strangely, his voice carried far, even reaching the last man in line. Was it magic? Who could say? Regardless, his voice had the effect he sought to inspire bravery and courage.

Would they return home? Who knew? In the end, only the outcome mattered, not even if the cost was their lives.

"Today, our glorious Europa shall inherit this world." he declared.

"Haaaaa!" "Haaaaaa!" "Haaaaaa!"

The army erupted in a war cry.

"Mages!" he called to the backline as the spellcasters formed a single group. "Turn this world into a blaze," he said, his voice low but commanding.

"Beneath the sky, through roots and stone, Rise from depths, a behemoth unknown, Form of earth, vast and bold, Giant rock, firm and cold, Come forth. Rock Fall." Rock Fall is an advanced earth magic that summons a meteor-like rock. A simple yet highly effective way to destroy massive walls.

"O fierce blaze, heart of the blaze, Let chaos reign, inferno's might, Fierce and untamed, flame of fury, Burn with power, roaring fire, Devour and empower. Inferno Blaze." Inferno Blaze is an advanced magic that summons a lance of flame; its extreme heat can melt even steel. It shot up into the sky where the giant rock is located, but it did not break.

"Breath, O wind, calm the turbulent breeze, From the breath of the heavens, let winds converge, Rising Wind." Rising Wind is an intermediate magic that creates a wall of air, capable of shielding from an attack. The wind rises swiftly, drawn by the heat emitted from the glowing molten rock. It envelops the rock, calming its destructive heat, and concentrating all its force into the center.

In the dead of the night, the sun rises, lighting up the world around it.

"Collapsing Sun." A perfect name for something solely created for the purpose of destruction. 

"Release." The commanding knight man calmly said as he motioned in the direction of a walled town.

AGATHA