Chapter 446: Growing forces

"Master, I've infiltrated their communication channel."

"Good," said he promenading atop the sought-after bridge. Arches at regular intervals with inlays of dragons and other deities gave an idea of its origin. The opposing cavalry was naught but horses without horsemen. Staxius's companions took care of business. Mainly Intherna, her trail of fire burnt many to crisps.

"Excuse me," voiced the Commander in utter amazement. The view stretched before was of a team seemingly indestructible. "Who are those with his majesty?"

"Oh," paused Yves who scanned for a path of exit, "-those are his majesty's personal guards and allies, I think."

"You think?" 

"Didn't you see how quickly they dispatched of the coming waves…"

"Still," the tone came across as indecisive, "-I see no way how one could defeat 120,000 men alone."

"He's not alone, you're gravely mistaken. Our leader is the owner of Phantom, and Phantom does war better than the countries fighting. He'll be fine. Furthermore, I need a map, if things go wrong, we'll need to escape."

"Sure," they bounced onto the stairs with nervous energy. Tis was the first such a large scale army came to wage war. The soldiers, with superior weaponry, were but sitting ducks. A shield versus a spear. 

The narrowed path across the expansive forest came to end rather quickly. Nature had overgrown the only access further to the mountains. Quiet suspicious movement of the trees, leaves, foliage, branches, and all that move added to the overall harshness. Fighting as a vanguard in a coming siege was foolishness at its peak. Nonetheless, Gophy and Intherna sprouted wings to dash around the greenery, they killed and killed and killed until the head of their leader, a lieutenant (showed by the outfit and badges) was brought forth by a grinning Gophy. 

"This should prevent any advancement into the forest," voiced she who had bravely took his life.

"I doubt that," said Miira curiously peering towards the right. A small clearing amidst the trees gave time to rest and strategize. Being strong didn't matter with such large numbers.

"I agree with lady Miira," said Cleopatra viciously eying a map, "-we took the head of one of the leaders. The forest is massive, it goes from here to here. To lead such an operation – there must be Sergeants of 150 to 300 men scouring the area. The prior charge was also quite a bold move."

"There might be another plot in place," wondered Staxius, "-which is why I'm not holding back this time."

"Excuse us?" inquired Intherna with a squint. 

"What I mean is I will use any means necessary, and this includes the power of the gods." The visage sunk into a state of cold empty stare, the dormant crimson glance burst forth into a raging whirlwind of flames. *Blood-Arts: All-Seeing eyes.* 

"Adete, could you explain?" said Miira towards the little lady.

"He's using the curse of the Nox clan. The all-seeing eyes, an ability that is crucial to warfare. Answer me this, what is important before waging a war?"

"Information," interjected Cleopatra, "-many o' battles are won using brute force, yes, tis true. However, the greatest battles were won with legendary strategist alongside the Great Generals of my era." 

"Tis a bittersweet arrangement," whispered Staxius. "-Brains and brawns are most often enemies. Smart people refused to fight as 'orcs' and so can be said of the 'orcs'. Finding the perfect balance is another matter in it's lonesome. Those Great Generals which lady Cleopatra mentioned were smart enough to request the brains of another, and this, the foolish pride of riding into war for fame and fortune is rendered worthless." On that, the sun moved to allow the moon to take over. A darkened shadow laid atop the still to come battlefield.

The crackling of fire burnt slowly into the night. The goddesses sat and jested with one another. The bond seemed strong, Cleopatra – a relatively new addition would often have her smile changed to one ingenuine. Staxius noticed and chose to remain silent.

"Master."

"What is it?" returned he using a holographic display.

"What is that?" asked Cleopatra with the others soon to approach.

"A prototype display made by the Elon Empire. It's newer and uses my theory on mana conversion to work."

"…" the cold wind blew to amplify the clueless glares.

"Fine," the shoulders relaxed, "-consider it a map," with a simple gesture, a three-dimensional chart of the area materialized. "We're currently here," he pointed at the blank spot. "The speculation of a plot being enacted is true. The remaining soldiers regrouped at the edge to plan for the next attack. Our camp is their destination." 

"Sorry?" 

"I knew it," laughed Gophy.

"Should have expected that much," Intherna rolled her eyes to then grin.

"I'm confused," Miira and Cleopatra could but stare at one another for answers.

"Let me explain," interjected Adete, "-the reason we stopped wasn't to plan. It's to wait in ambush for the coming forces. Vampires are strong, you'll see." 

'Now for the waiting game.' He stood atop a branch with the other ladies taking a favorable position on their respective branches. '-We'll hit them hard. Strength alone isn't going to win the war. We need the head of their General as well as all the other leaders. The gentle sloped desert-like opening after the forest is troublesome. There are troupes there waiting. Their march continues – establishing an outpost to prepare for the siege. What would have happened if we didn't have the technology by our side.' As he wondered, the other army was lesser equipped in terms of modern gadgetry. King Juvey was hardheaded and distrusting of the coming new wave of weapons. He only allowed the fundamentals, a single-shot rifle with a long reload time.

General Jei Lo, on the other hand, didn't think of such things. He took and bought weapons, radios, and much more to aid his battles. The successes in the many campaigns led towards the independent nations in Melinda was proof enough. 

"Orders from the General. Troupes, go ahead and move towards the gathering point. We'll use the night to charge and capture the bridge. Mages of earth affinity, take point, and built the walls as soon as it starts." Éclair easily intercepted the orders, and so it was redirected to Staxius. 

'Combat mages. It's been a long time since I've seen them in war. I guess the ways of magic are yet to be overtaken by the world of guns.' Countless footsteps marched from the north. First came scouts dressed in black and faster stature. They were quick to scan the area and nod. The fire that burnt earlier was of Intherna's making, and so, there was no sign of anyone having remained here.

Following them came officers accompanied by robe-wearing men. The mages unit in a four-man diamond formation. Standard practice for fighting using magic – the formation had a focus on four differing affinities. Most common: Earth, Water, Fire, and Light. Earth and Light were charged with defense. Water as support and Fire on offense. Many alterations of said formation were popularized in the age of Magical Warfare and today, they but used the norm.

Soon enough, two sergeants arrived on their horses. They held olden looking radios with smirks. Infantry in armor with guns soon piled towards the left and right.

'Guess it's time to attack.' 

"Time for us to move," voiced Gophy with them jumping onto the unsuspecting leaders. It didn't take long since Courtney (who had been on a recon mission) returned to behead the leaders. Shook to their core, the infantry charged with battle cries. Saying blood shed that night would have been an understatement. The way they were killed, the disrespect to human lives. Staxius stood with arms crossed, the companions gladly did their due. In total five-hundred were killed. The failed ambushed had their head-quarters in disarray. 

"So messy," thought he stepping over broken limbs, "-thee sure are vicious." Facing him was the euphoric visage of his companions. Bloodstained their attire; Courtney's blade was drenched in dried blood.

"You did say to go all out," said Gophy lustfully licking the blood of those fallen. 

"I want more enemies," voiced Cleopatra, "-seeing the death here has given me a feeling of solace. Please, master, let's go storm their main-camp."

"Wait a moment," he shook his head, "-you are too anxious in wanting war. Give it time, we'll get to slaying soon." The figure soon returned to scan the dead bodies; '-this could not have been a better chance.' 

*Once living now dead. O' thee who've lost thine life to mine blade, thee who held regrets in the mortal world, I grant thee a chance at life. Be one with those who are to serve me, Blood-Arts: Ghoul Revival.* A giant crimson orb levitated to head for the heavens. It stayed with mesmerizing movement – a fake-moon shining scarlet rays atop the dead. 'Jei Lo's arms is strong. They managed to hold against the slaughter of my companions. Respect must be given, and so I shall give them in form of being a part of my puppet army.' 

The deceased arose once more, heads which were once torn reattached to their former selves. The paleness in the skin intensified. The eyes were blank and devoid of expression. Some had sharp canines grown as a side-effect. An undead army of low-tiered nightwalkers. The only power granted was immortality and inhuman strength. 

"You're not serious…" said Courtney with a drained outbreath. 

"Oh that I am," he smiled slyly with countless faceless bodies stood in rows behind. "-I present thee how we are to fight the Jei Lo's army."

"Killing their forces and recruiting the dead as thy own army…" commented Intherna.

"Yes, the more the merrier. Besides, isn't the Shadow Realm lonesome without people. They may be dolls in the real-world, however, the souls are bound to the shadows of mine."

"I suppose so," shrugged Gophy. 

In total, around 2000 men, including the cavalry from before, became part of his army. The orbs shining overhead acted as a beacon for the lost, the attracted souls brought their bodies in tow. 

'The lieutenant and sergeants evolved into slightly better ghouls. They hold the rank of 'guide' in the puppet army. I suppose it's all good. We march forth to their outpost tomorrow.'

"Rest up everyone, tomorrow's going to be a rough day." 

"Seriously?" wondered Intherna with a look of dejection, "-are you going to have us sleep in such bloodied mess?"

"Obviously not," he looked at Adete who already began Bloody-Mary. Multiple apples hovered at her side.

"Want some, master?"

"No," he kindly refused, "-you eat them."

"Oh, thank you," to which she devoured the rest.

"Guess we'll be heading to the Shadow Realm," said Miira.

"Good night." 

Mist followed by bodies, those captured reawakened in their former selves. Some stood sharply, others took their time. The place was new and strange – a stadium with unknowns stood upon above.

"Is this the afterlife?" asked many caught by the change of scenery. 

"No," returned a thunderous yell, "-you are unfortunates who were killed in the battle of Netlo's bridge are now bound to the Shadow Realm. Tis a place ruled by the God of Death, thee might say tis a stop before the eventual journey to the Hall of Rebirth. You will live 'normal' lives without the fear of death. The continent of Hidros is ripe for exploring – go forth and do what thee want. The capital cities are there but without inhabitants. Tis a virgin world," Intherna's words resounded deep, "-Any questions?"

"Why are we here?"

"Because thee are part of a puppet army led by the God of Death. Each time he calls, thee will be sent forth into the 'real world'. There, consciousness will be lost. Tis a matter you needn't worry since there won't be any memory to recall upon."

"So we've been brought into another world where we can do what we wish?"

"Be mindful, the world is ruled by me and lady Gophy. We're the goddesses and guardians of said realm. Consider us the law, and on that, go forth and live a new life."