Chapter 52 Fallen Elves is Eliminated

The trade talks commenced, Kaylessa presenting a selection of their finest goods: vibrant fruits and vegetables, exquisitely crafted arrowheads, and other unique wares. Tatsuo, in turn, proposed a road construction project, offering to finance the endeavor to improve accessibility and trade routes. He inquired about the town's population, learning that approximately 5,000 elves resided within its borders.

However, Kaylessa revealed a grave concern: the presence of Fallen Elves, followers of Hirave, the Demon Mother and the first fallen elf. This group, numbering around 2,000, posed a significant threat, capable of attacking both the Elven Town and Tatsuo's people. "To eliminate their influence," Kaylessa explained, "we must destroy the altar within their camp."

Tatsuo, taken aback but also recalling the System quest related to absorbing the Elven Town, sought further information. He asked the name of the town, to which Kaylessa replied, "Ifelon Town." He also inquired about the possibility of saving the Fallen Elves, but Kaylessa confirmed that they were irrevocably corrupted, now half-demons.

Before committing to aiding Ifelon Town, Tatsuo inquired about the rewards for his assistance. Kaylessa offered special trade deals and the finest elven bows for his men. However, Tatsuo had a different reward in mind. He revealed his identity as Prince Tatsuo of the Shinku Hou Empire, the heir to the throne, and declared, "I will eliminate the Fallen Elves and ensure your people's safety, but in return, Ifelon Town will become part of the Empire."

Kaylessa, surprised by his bold proposition, requested time to consult with the other elders. Tatsuo, in the meantime, dispatched his elven scouts to survey the Fallen Elves' camp and potential attack routes. He also sent messengers to Dragonsden City, instructing Rota to bring his and Ragnar's brigades to Hollowtree Town, then Ifelon Town. Captain Valerius Thorne was ordered to deploy the Wyvern Knights to Ifelon Town. A letter was sent to Archbishop Ignatius, requesting the assistance of holy knights and priests to combat the half-demonic Fallen Elves.

As Tatsuo and Ragnar strategized, Kaylessa returned, her expression hesitant but resolute. The elders had agreed to Tatsuo's terms.

The next day, Rota's and Ragnar's brigades, along with 200 Holy Knights led by Holy Knight Commander Gyrard, arrived at Ifelon Town. The Wyvern Knights had arrived the previous night, their presence a reassuring sight.

Tatsuo, now with his forces assembled, prepared for the operation. He issued a clear and decisive command: "Flatten everything. Kill every last one of these Fallen Elves."

The combined forces of Dragonsden County, the Holy Knights, and the Wyvern Knights moved towards the Fallen Elves' camp. The elven scouts, having thoroughly mapped the terrain, led the way. The Lion Cavalry, with their speed and power, formed the vanguard, followed by Rota's and Ragnar's brigades, their ranks a formidable wall of steel. The Holy Knights, their armor gleaming with holy symbols, marched with unwavering faith, their presence radiating divine power. The Wyvern Knights soared overhead, their eyes scanning the forest for any sign of enemy movement.

As they approached the camp, the Fallen Elves emerged, their forms twisted and corrupted, their eyes burning with demonic malice. They charged, their numbers overwhelming, their howls echoing through the forest.

The battle was fierce and brutal. The Lion Cavalry charged into the Fallen Elves' ranks, their lances piercing through corrupted flesh. Rota's and Ragnar's brigades formed a solid line, their shields deflecting the Fallen Elves' attacks, their swords and axes cleaving through their ranks. The Holy Knights, their holy magic imbued in their weapons, fought with righteous fury, their attacks burning the demonic corruption from the Fallen Elves' bodies. The Wyvern Knights rained fire from above, their flames engulfing the Fallen Elves, their screams filling the air.

Tatsuo, at the forefront of the battle, moved with deadly grace, his sword a blur of motion. He cut down Fallen Elves with ruthless efficiency, his attacks leaving trails of destruction in their wake. Ragnar, his massive frame a force of nature, smashed through the Fallen Elves' ranks, his axe cleaving through their corrupted bodies like paper.

The Fallen Elves, though numerous and ferocious, were no match for the combined might of Tatsuo's forces. The Holy Knights' divine magic weakened their demonic powers, the Wyvern Knights' aerial attacks disrupted their formations, and the disciplined ranks of the brigades overwhelmed their chaotic charges.

As the battle raged, Tatsuo led a small group of his elite soldiers towards the center of the camp, where the altar stood, its dark energy radiating through the air. The altar, a twisted structure of bone and corrupted wood, pulsed with demonic energy, its presence a blight upon the forest.

Tatsuo, his eyes fixed on the altar, charged forward, his sword raised high. He cut through the Fallen Elves guarding the altar, his attacks swift and decisive. He reached the altar, its dark energy swirling around him. He raised his sword and brought it down, shattering the altar into pieces.

The destruction of the altar sent a shockwave through the camp, the demonic energy dissipating, the Fallen Elves' powers weakening. They fell, their corrupted forms dissolving into dust, their screams fading into the wind.

The battle was over. The Fallen Elves were no more. Ifelon town was safe.

With the last of the Fallen Elves vanquished, a sense of grim satisfaction settled over the battlefield. The forest, once echoing with the howls of the corrupted, was now eerily silent, the air thick with the residue of demonic energy. Tatsuo surveyed the scene, his gaze sweeping over the remnants of the Fallen Elves. Though the battle had been fierce, his forces had emerged victorious, a testament to their superior training and the strategic deployment of their combined strengths.

Remarkably, not a single soldier from Tatsuo's side had perished. Many had sustained injuries, but the timely intervention of the Holy Knights and their priests proved invaluable. Their divine healing magic mended wounds and soothed the lingering effects of the demonic corruption, ensuring a swift recovery for the injured.

Tatsuo, satisfied that the threat was eliminated, ordered his forces to return to Hollowtree Town. He, along with Rota and Ragnar, made their way back to Ifelon Town, the elven settlement now bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun.

Upon reaching the Elder's office, Tatsuo found Kaylessa awaiting him, her expression a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Vanguard General," she said, her voice filled with emotion, "you have saved our town. We are forever in your debt."

Tatsuo nodded, his expression serious. "The threat is eliminated," he said. "Ifelon Town is safe."

He gestured towards Rota and Ragnar, who stood beside him, their presence a silent testament to their loyalty and strength. "I have brought my trusted companions," he said. "They have proven their worth in battle."

Kaylessa's gaze shifted to Rota and Ragnar, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of Ragnar's massive frame. She offered them a respectful nod, acknowledging their contribution to the victory.

"Elder Kaylessa," Tatsuo continued, his voice firm, "we have fulfilled our agreement. The Fallen Elves are no more. Now, it is time to discuss the integration of Ifelon Town into the Shinku Hou Empire."

Kaylessa's expression turned thoughtful. "Indeed," she said. "We have consulted with the other elders, and we have reached a decision."

She paused, her eyes meeting Tatsuo's. "We agree to join the Empire," she declared, her voice clear and resolute. "We believe that under your leadership, Ifelon Town will flourish and prosper."

Tatsuo smiled, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. "Excellent," he said. "Together, we will build a strong and prosperous future for Ifelon Town and the Empire."

He turned to Rota. "Rota," he said, "inform the mayor of Hollowtree Town that Ifelon Town is now part of Dragonsden County. We will need to establish trade routes and integrate their economy into our system."

Rota nodded, his expression efficient. "It will be done, Your Highness," he said.

Tatsuo then addressed Kaylessa. "Elder Kaylessa," he said, "I wish to learn more about Ifelon Town. Its history, its culture, and its people. We must work together to ensure a smooth transition and build a strong foundation for our alliance."

Kaylessa smiled, her eyes filled with gratitude. "It would be my honor," she said. "Ifelon Town has a rich history, and we are eager to share it with you."

Tatsuo, Rota, Ragnar and Kaylessa then went over the details of the integration.