Chapter 11: Chapter 10

The next day, Arlan woke up at seven in the morning to get himself ready for the monster subjugation. After tending to his hygiene and equipping his armor, the young baron headed down to the main hall.

A tavern wench approached Arlan to deliver a plate of fried eggs and tauro steak. As usual, Arlan finished his food in minutes and prepared some notes for the briefing. He ordered a cup of tea as he worked on last-minute details.

By the time it was eight, the Banner of the Claw had come down in force and the main hall was lively again. Each member greeted their Captain as they walked by his table. JD sat with Arlan as he ate his breakfast as well. They conversed about small details and got ready for the operation brief.

As all squads reported they were done. Arlan approached the front of the room to address his soldiers. He was joined by JD at his side.

"Good morning." said the young lion loudly.

"Good morning, Captain!" responded every Banner of the Claw member.

"Our mission here has changed. We are no longer investigating the monster sighting. Our new objective is now monster subjugation," stated Arlan as some of the soldiers looked confused, "We will be splitting up into two detachments and destroying monster nest positions. We will be aided by the Nymedes party and the Red Rose party. I will lead one and JD will lead the other." said Arlan as JD comes forth.

"Meet with your squad leaders. They will inform you of your squad's responsibilities and details will be covered by them," announced JD as the three squads shuffled around.

They all prepped their gear and went over the final details. A nervous look took over some of them as this would be their first battle. Nymedes and Red Rose joined them outside the Inn. The Banner of the Claw gathered outside the Northstar Inn so Arlan could address them before leaving.

"Listen up, every single one of you here has trained intensely. Because of that, you're stronger than the average soldier. As long as you follow orders and remember your training, you will be victorious. Bring Midland great honor my brothers and you will live forever!"

An immense fire was lit in each soldier’s heart. The rallying presence and atmosphere pierced into their souls. Even the Nymedes and Red Rose felt a burning emotion.

Arlan's detachment began heading out the west side of the village and JD’s detachment exited the east. Many villagers cheered them out as well. Arlan took note of Lord Poma's absence.

The young lion’s detachment was led by the Nymedes party as they knew the area well. Mahari was the lead scout. They entered the northwest side of the Wolf Forest. The area wasn’t too thick of trees and meadows pocketed the area.

As they traveled, Arlan kept his [Battle Trance] on and Yanie approached Arlan. The elf asked, “Arlan, I heard of your duel with the mercenaries.”

Arlan smiled and replied, “They asked for it.”

“You defeated Boss in a duel,” said Yanie as she blushed, “that’s most impressive.” The young lion noticed her forwardness while Trent let out a devious grin from behind Arlan.

Then Trent interjected, “That’s our Captain! He beat Boss without even drawing his sword.”

As they arrive at a meadow with a broken-down village, Mahari softly declared, “Arlan, we’re close.” 

“Trent, have the first squad formed on me,” ordered Arlan.

“Aye, Captain,” said Trent as he turned to the first squad, “On the Captain, first squad!”
Arlan turns to the Nymedes party, “Anthony, your combat experience is invaluable. Since you’re not directly under my command; do as you see fit that would support us without endangering yourselves.”

“No problem, Arlan. We’ll defend your flanks,” replied Anthony as the Nymedes positioned themselves behind the line of soldiers. As they advance on the clearing, Fiala begins casting a chant and mana flows out from her staff. A green circle appeared at her staff with ancient markings.

Fiala spoke her incantation, “Numen, bless us with your divine protection.” As the cleric finished her incantation, everyone glowed green with a layer of mana. Arlan could feel the barrier of mana around him as well. His [Battle Trance] could see traces of mana on everyone.

As the group advanced, Arlan sensed dark essence, and traces of mana burrowed into the ground. The reason why the nest was hidden for so long was that they were burrowed underground.

“Halt!” yelled Arlan as everyone stopped.

“What is it, Arlan?” asked Anthony from the rear.

“They’re underground right in front of us. At least fifty monsters. Send a runner to the JD’s detachment and inform them that all nests are likely burrowed. Use spears and strike at the ground.” ordered Arlan.

“Yes, Captain!” replied Trent. The first squad advanced another five meters and thrust their spears into the ground. Dark brown blood began to emerge from the ground and loud screeches of pain could be heard. In response to this attack, monsters began to rise from the ground in front of them.

The monsters who rose were ant-like humanoids with four sharp claws. They were known as phormics. They behaved like ants on Terra with a hive mind but with much more superior human-like intelligence. They couldn’t be reasoned with.

The phormic soldiers in front of them measured to be tier-one but there were pockets of phormic veterans with tier-two capacities. The largest phormic with six claws that emanated a tier-three core, was likely a phormic overlord who commanded this nest. Each nest always had at least one phormic overlord.

Arlan knew that the first squad was powerful enough but fighting outnumbered like this is dangerous without proper formations and teamwork. This was also their first battle. Arlan ordered the first squad to advance immediately. Speed was the key to reducing the enemy’s numbers.

The Nymedes party pushed forward straight into five phormic soldiers with Mahari at the front. Arlan’s [Battle Trance] revealed that all Nymedes party members were at least tier-two white cores. As Mahari reached melee range, the lizard beastmen let out a monstrous roar. It was a Mar-Tech known as [Challenge], it threw any monsters or animals within ten meters into a hateful gaze onto the user. This served as his taunt that kept their attention on him. [Challenge] wouldn’t work on more sentient beings though.

As the five phormic soldiers began trading attacks with Mahari, Yanie showered arrows into them. She made sure not to hit Mahari. One phormic fell prey to Yanie’s arrows, allowing Anthony to flank another with his spear. Anthony thrust upward into its head and killed it instantly.

Another group of phormics began to advance on them but Arlan was confident they could handle it. Nymede’s coordination was incredible. They were B-rank adventurers after all.

On the Banner of the Claw’s side, two groups of five phormics clashed with the first squad’s line. The protection spell was powerful enough to deflect certain attacks that would’ve injured some of the men.

Trent began ordering his men to strike and kill the ten in front of them with a combined attack. This left roughly thirty phormics but it was still a high number. The phormic overlord began charging the first squad’s line formation. The phormic overlord had twenty behind him while the other ten began pushing towards the Nymedes party.

Arlan jumped in front of his men and prepared to meet the enemy commander. Arlan channeled his essence and drew his mithril sword. As the promise of violence reached its climax, Arlan dashed forward and activated [Titan Strike]. This Mar-Tech was Arlan’s strongest attack.

As the young lion was within range of the phormic overlord. The monster responded with all six claws aimed at Arlan. A massive burst of yellow essence coated Arlan’s sword.

The young lion then swung overhead onto the phormic overlord and the yellow essence shotgunned down. The kinetic force pierced multiple holes into the phormic overlord, killing him instantaneously. Only a husk ridiculed with holes was left. Even the ground below was cratered outward like a cone.

The remaining phormics cried out and were extremely confused. Killing the phormic overlord left them without a leader. This gave the Banner of the Claw a massive advantage. The Nymedes party also participated in the one-sided slaughter. Together, they systematically killed off the rest of the phormics with minor injuries.

Arlan pulled his teal blade from a phormic and checked the surrounding area with his [Battle Trance]. Killing the enemy commander is going to be the key in the fights against the phormics. Trent and Anthony approached Arlan and congratulated each other on a victory.

Anthony turned to Arlan and said, “I’ve been through these woods numerous times, and never did I expect phormics to dig and wait. They normally attack anyone near their nest. This is odd behavior.”

“Correct, something intelligent is controlling them. We should proceed with caution,” replied Arlan.

“Agreed. By the way, I saw the Mar-Tech you used. I’ve never seen anything like it. You’re at least tier four aren’t you?” asked Anthony.

“Yes. I’m at tier four.”

Trent wasn’t surprised, but the rest of the nearby soldiers and Nymedes party all had widened eyes. Arlan ordered the expedition to rest as a village guard runner delivered a message.

“Milord, a message from Recruit JD. He says that they’ve wiped out a nest on the northeast side of the village. It wasn’t easy but they suffered no casualties. They’ll continue on their mission.”

“Thank you, return to your post,” replied Arlan as he returned the runner’s salute.

Arlan sat on a log overlooking the aftermath of the small battle. Trent approached his Captain to give his report, “Captain, only Drowa and Jams have small cuts. Everyone else is fine, but a little shaken up from the battle.”

“Good job, Trent. Join me, have a seat,” replied Arlan as Trent sits on the log. Arlan offered Trent his waterskin as inside was a rare red berry juice made in Galdo City.

“Thank you, Captain,” replied Trent.

“Why did you sign up for the Midland Army?” asked Arlan. Trent was only about fifteen, the same age as JD. Most of the recruits were between sixteen and eighteen.

“I joined the Midland Army because I’m bad at anything else. I needed to make some kind of money to take care of my sister. Recruits get paid three silver a month and that’s enough for us to get by.”

“I see. If money wasn’t an issue, would you still be here?”

“If you had asked me a few months ago, I would have answered no. But with the inevitable war coming, I’d still be here. If I can make sure my sister lives on peacefully, I’d happily stay in the Midland Army.”

“Then let’s make sure the drums of war don’t reach her.”

“Captain, as long as I’m following you, I know we can make a difference.”

“Alright, our rest time is up, let’s continue this another time. Have the first squad prepare to move out.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Arlan’s detachment continued on in the same formation with Mahari as the scout. They traveled further north into another meadow. Once again, they encountered a phormic nest. Arlan’s predictions of potential nest locations were accurate. This battle was much shorter as Arlan charged into the enemy’s backline and killed the overlord phormic immediately.

No casualties and only minor injuries were had. The battle was over faster than the first. The Banner of the Claw was gaining invaluable battle experience. They resumed their trek north to one more potential nest location.

As they traveled, Fiala approached the young baron, “Arlan, you’re from House Reeve, right?”

 Arlan answered, “Yes, I am.”

“House Reeve all have blonde hair and you seem to have only dark brown hair. Why is that?” asked Fiala.

“I was adopted by Duke Louis Reeve.”

“Oh, I’m sorry about asking.”

“It’s fine, Fiala. I’m not offended at the thought of being adopted. To me, a family can mean more than just blood. All of my men are also family to me.”

“Kinda like how the Nymedes is for me!”

“Yes, exactly that. You guys fight pretty well. How did you guys start out?” asked Arlan.

“Well… My brother started the Nymedes party three years ago. Right as I finished training to become a cleric.”

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“I see, is Anthony your brother?”

“No… my brother passed away during a battle deep in a dungeon.”

“I see. It's my turn to apologize for asking.”

“It’s alright. I’m sure Numen guided his soul to the High Heavens.”

As Fiala finished her sentence, Mahari appeared to let Arlan know of the nest up ahead. Arlan nodded at Fiala as she returned to the Nymedes formation. Trent elbows Arlan from the side indicating that he noticed even Fiala talking to him.

The expedition continued with their monster subjugation by destroying another nest of Phormics. The same way as they did before, with no casualties and only minor injuries. Fiala was able to heal the minor injuries as well. Healing spells help close wounds and can nullify pain but cannot restore lost blood. Because of this, healing spells have a diminishing return.

After the third battle, it was about an hour past noon. They had another hour before they had to be at the rendezvous point. Arlan ordered everyone to rest. Yanie and Mahari disappeared for a few minutes then reappeared with a massive wild boar over Mahari’s shoulders. The Banner of the Claw cheered on the Nymedes party now that boar was added to their lunch.

Mahari was able to butcher and clean the boar carcass in a matter of minutes. Lizard beastmen are natural hunters. Lunch was served after fifteen minutes with Mahari cooking it. Trent was given two helpings of boar and brought it to his Captain.

Arlan was busy looking over his map but paused to accept the food brought by Trent. “Thank you, Trent,” said Arlan.

“No problem, Captain,” replied Trent, “Do you have any news about the other detachment?”

“They sent another runner earlier saying they’re on their final waypoint before heading to meet us. They should arrive at the rendezvous point shortly after us,” said Arlan.

Morale was high and the operation was going much smoother than Arlan expected. After twenty minutes of resting and eating. They continued onward to the rendezvous point and waited for the other detachment.

Upon arriving, Arlan ordered his men to stay and decided to scout the area himself using his enhanced speed. Yanie tagged along and was able to keep up with Arlan’s speed. Given that she knew the area better, Arlan allowed her to take point.

They arrived at another clearing, but this time a massive clay phormic fortress was erected. Although there was no sign of the phormics, there was a giant gate at the front. It was at least twenty meters tall and twelve meters wide. It was a double-door style gate.

“Yanie, was this here before?” asked Arlan as they were crouched behind a bush.

“No, this wasn’t here a week ago.”

“We’ve seen enough, let’s return.”

The pair began their trek back and after a few minutes, they returned to the rendezvous point. JD’s detachment had already arrived. JD rushed over to Arlan and gave him a quick report of what happened on the northeastern side.

“We took out four nests. All phormics. We struggled with killing the phormic overlord but it wasn’t anything we couldn’t handle. Minor injuries.” reported JD.

“Good, have the entire banner form up,” ordered Arlan.

“By your command,” replied JD.

Banner of the Claw was now at full strength and assisted by the Red Rose party and Nymedes party. The young lion turned to his men and addressed them.

“In the meadow ahead, lies some kind of fortress. Inside has to be the remaining phormics along with whoever is controlling them. We’ll move in this formation while I maintain the vanguard. We don’t know what’s inside so in the event of an emergency, I want everyone to retreat if I give the order. No hesitation.” proclaimed Arlan.

“Yes, Captain!” acknowledged the Banner of the Claw.

The group approached the castle but still no signs of any activity. Oddly enough, Arlan’s [Battle Trance] couldn’t register anything either. The young lion pushed open the gate revealing a massive blue brick hallway with a red carpet lined in the center. The hall was wide enough for the expedition. Pairs of gothic pillars flanked both sides.

At the end of the hall was a massive red portal. The Banner of the Claw approached with caution but there were no phormics or any other monsters. No one in either adventurer party recognized the portal. As they got closer to the portal, a figure emerged from the red portal.

The figure had red skin with horns protruding from his shoulders and head. He wore blacksteel armor lined with green demonic engravings. He towered at seven feet. His face resembled a human but had orange eyes. Arlan’s [Battle Trance] could not detect any essence. The demon was likely hiding it.

The monstrosity took another step forward. Then it drew a blacksteel greataxe and pointed at Arlan to say, “We finally meet, Ashra.”

Arlan responds, “I’m not who you think I am. Identify yourself.”

“I am the Eighth Malum Incarnate, Izradon.” stated the demon as phormic soldiers began to appear from the portal.

“You’re the one controlling the phormics in this area?” asked Arlan.

“A wonderful observation, Ashra,” replied Izradon. As the Malum Incarnate finished his words, an extreme fear penetrated deep into the hearts and souls of the Banner of the Claw.

“What is it you’re here for?” asked Arlan as he drew his mithril sword.

Izradon laughed and answered, “I’m under orders by the First Malum Incarnate to raise phormics to attack Galdera, but you’ve killed most of them. Now Ashra, you and your little merry band will die.”

As Izradon finished his last word, phormics soldiers continued to pour out of the portal by the dozens. There were at least fifty on the other side with phormic veterans pocketing around.

Arlan noticed everyone on his side was still fear-struck. “Everyone! Remember who we’re fighting for, do not falter. Do not waver, do not let me down!” yelled Arlan in an attempt to rally them.

Although they weren’t fired up, it kicked most of them out of their fear state. Arlan started the first move by ordering everyone to charge and engage the first line. As they moved together in unison, the B Rank adventurers flanked both sides.

The initial clash this time was much different. Phormic veterans locked blades with the Nymedes party and Red Rose. Phormic soldiers were much more ferocious on the Banner of the Claw’s line. Arlan began ferociously cutting down phormic after phormic until it was only him deep in their lines. But his aim wasn’t to cut down phormics, thinning them out helped but he aimed to lock blades with Izradon. Arlan’s [Battle Trance] could detect that Izradon's core was a tier-four red core.

Striking down Izradon would turn the battle in Arlan’s favor and potentially stop the phormics from coming through the portal. While Arlan made his way through using [Automatic Parry], he channeled his remaining essence to prepare for the upcoming battle. Every second, another claw struck at Arlan but the attacks were all deflected by his mithril sword.

Arlan responded by using [Trifecta] and cutting down three phormic veterans in front of him. Each with a wide slash through the head. Izradon readied his blacksteel greataxe and swung into Arlan but was deflected by Arlan’s impervious parries. Arlan’s [Battle Trance] notified him that his men were beginning to falter and some were mortally wounded.

They weren’t going to hold for more than two minutes before being overrun. Arlan channeled his only essence into enhancing his speed and maintaining [Automatic Parry]. While also saving enough essence for one last [Titan Strike] against Izradon. Arlan started to trade blows with the demon so he could look for an opening. Izradon was able to match Arlan’s speed but Arlan activated [Titan Strike].

Izradon held a defensive stance and prepared to block the inevitable attack. Arlan’s sword swung down, unleashing the shotgun blast of kinetic force. The aftermath showed Izradon was hurt but not killed. The attack penetrated parts of Izradon’s arms.

Arlan followed up with [Trifecta] and Izradon countered with a pommel strike. The young lion was sent flying back ten meters. Arlan landed on his feet and phormic soldiers surrounded him once again. This time, a claw made it past the [Automatic Parry] and struck into Arlan’s left arm. The wound wasn’t deep but this kind of damage wasn’t good for his duel with Izradon.

Arlan was using a tremendous amount of essence to fight Izradon and the throng of phormics. Arlan used [Trifecta] once more to cut the nearby phormics down as a response. The young lion pushed forward into melee with Izradon once more but the demon was starting to falter as well. Arlan used his [Titan Strike] again but instead of an overhead swing, Arlan swung horizontally into Izradon’s greataxe. The blacksteel weapon shattered from the sheer kinetic force. Essence penetrated through the weapon and into Izradon. The Malum Incarnate was now mortally wounded and bleeding profusely.

Before Arlan could finish him, Izradon retreated, and phormics positioned themselves in front of their master. Izradon’s voice rang through the hall, “As expected of the Ashra. We will fight another day.”

Upon hearing these words, Izradon entered back through the portal. The portal’s red vibrant light exited the room as the portal evaporated from existence. The remaining phormics were thrown into confusion. This signaled the Banner of the Claw, Red Rose, and Nymedes to kill the remaining monsters.

Arlan, nearly depleting his essence, swung his blade into a nearby phormic veteran. His weapon of death separated the head from the torso with ease. After a few minutes, all remaining monsters had been defeated. Arlan looked around with [Battle Trance] to make sure there weren’t any remaining threats or potential traps.

The young lion’s next concern was his troops. He immediately ran to JD who wasn’t injured but held onto an unconscious Banner of the Claw member. Arlan’s heart sensed pain rise as he confirmed the fallen soldier. It was Trent. The young soldier had a severed phormic claw inside his chest.

The young baron looked around to see if there were any other fallen soldiers. No one else was mortally wounded. Erin and Dimitri rushed over as well after tending to their squad.

JD called out, “Fiala! Come quickly!” as the cleric answered the call for help. No one dared to remove the claw in fear of blood loss. Fiala analyzed Trent’s injuries and said, “We need to remove the claw carefully first and I will immediately heal his wound after.”

Arlan and JD removed Trent’s broken steel cuirass in preparation. Arlan nodded at Fiala as she prepared a healing spell. The young lion gripped the claw with both hands and carefully pried the claw out. A large gash revealed itself.

Fiala’s spell began its work on the wound. A holy yellow beam eased into the wound from Fiala’s staff. The gash was sealed in less than two seconds. Trent was now stable and death missed its chance today.

Arlan bowed before Fiala and said, “Thank you, Fiala. I am in your debt as you’ve saved Trent.”

“Arlan, there is no need, you all saved Galdera!” smiled Fiala.

“I won’t forget this,” stated Arlan.

After resting and investigating the rest of the hall, the expedition returned to Galdera and Arlan sent a messenger with a report for Count Emile. Upon entering the village, the residents and Lord Poma cheered on their saviors.

The crowd all held thankful eyes. A young girl ran up to Arlan and gave him a tiny white flower to signify her gratitude. Many in the crowd gave similar gifts to the other saviors.

Arlan sent the Banner of the Claw to rest at the Northstar Inn while he handled his duties. The young lion gave a recollection of the operation to Lord Poma, the guard captain, and the Galdera adventurer’s guild branch leader.

Afterward, Arlan paid compensation to the two parties who had assisted the Banner of the Claw. Anthony from the Nymedes party said, “Arlan, there’s a big banquet tonight to celebrate our victory! Will you be joining us?”

“Yeah, you should come!” interjected Yanie.

“I’m sorry, I have to return to Galdo City immediately. Count Emile has summoned me back,” answered Arlan, “but the Banner of the Claw was given a few days of rest so they’ll be here.”

Yanie looked down at her feet in disappointment and asked, “Will you visit?

“Definitely.” 

After a few more goodbyes, the young lion left for the Northstar Inn to gather his belongings and check on Trent. Arlan ordered the Banner of the Claw to rest for three days in Galdera and return to Galdo City so Trent could get some rest. Upon hearing that they earned three days’ rest, a loud cheer rang out from the Inn.

Arlan finally left for Galdo City and realized how active the village was. The residents were celebrating. This was the kind of peace Arlan hoped he could bring across Midland.

The young lion started his trek back to Galdo City. After ten minutes of walking on the path, Arlan turned around once more and smiled at the fact that they were able to save the village. He was rewarded with a warm feeling in his heart. A feeling of relief was present as well. His journey back to Galdo City would only take him an hour. It was already three past noon. The roads were once again busy with other travelers.

Arlan’s mind began to run itself once more as he walked the path.

What’s an Ashra?

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