Fein had been staring at the parchment on his desk for hours, yet his mind was not focused on the words written on it. His thoughts kept drifting to the comforting aroma of spices and herbs emanating from the kitchen downstairs. He sighed deeply, feeling guilty for not being more invested in the recent events.
After another moment of contemplation, Fein decided to put the parchment aside and go check on his mom and sister. As he made his way down the hallway, he could hear the clinking of pots and pans, and the occasional laughter and chatter.
Upon entering the kitchen, Fein saw his mom, Melissa, at the stove, stirring a pot of soup while Fey was busy chopping vegetables. Both of them turned to greet him with warm smiles.
"Hey, Fein. How was work?" Melissa asked.
"Same old, same old," Fein replied with a shrug. "Anything I can help with?"
eαglesnᴏνel "You can set the table," Fey said, gesturing towards the dining area.
Fein nodded and made his way over to the dining table, which was already set with plates, cutlery, and glasses. As he arranged the napkins, he couldn't help but think about the recent news of West's victory over the demons.
"Mom, did you hear the news?" Fein asked, breaking the silence.
Melissa turned to face him, her eyebrows raised in curiosity. "What news?"
"West won the war. The demons were defeated," Fein said, trying to sound enthusiastic.
Melissa's eyes widened in surprise, but Fey didn't seem to share the same excitement. "That's good news," Melissa said with a smile.
Fein could sense Fey's unease, and he decided to change the topic. "So, what are we having for dinner?" he asked, peeking over at the stove.
"Your favorite, chicken soup," Melissa replied, giving the soup another stir.
"Great, can't wait," Fein said, trying to sound more upbeat.
'What about the Central Plains? I wonder if the so-called strongest region would be able to defeat the demons...'
He doesn't have an idea if there's satans leading the army of demons in the Central Plains. Because in the war with West and East, the highest fighter the demons sent were devils. And it's already four months since South's victory and death of the three satans; Asmodeus, Abaddon and Leviathan. Yet there's still no movement from the demons' side. No act of revenge towards him. Fein wonders if he scared that shit out of the remaining satans.
'I obtain four golden tickets this month.' The thought of another mythical technique put Fein a good mood.
...
Fein, Melissa, and Fey were still talking about the West victory over the demons. The news of Central Plains' victory reached their ears. Despite the heavy casualties and loss of nine S-rank degu users, the top three managed to severely injure the powerful Satan Belphegor and force the demon army to retreat. The news spread like wildfire throughout the continent, and people rejoiced at the victory over the demons.
In the bustling streets of the Central Plains, people gathered in groups, talking excitedly about the latest news. The air was filled with a sense of relief and hope, knowing that the demons had been dealt a severe blow. Merchants loudly advertised their goods, hoping to take advantage of the festive atmosphere. Children ran around, laughing and playing, blissfully unaware of the dangers their parents had faced in the recent war.
In one corner of the street, a group of elders sat, sipping tea and discussing the news. One of them, with a wrinkled face and a long white beard, spoke in a hoarse voice, "I never thought I'd see the day when we'd win against the demons. It's a miracle that we survived their onslaught."
A young woman, who had lost her husband in the war, wiped away her tears and said, "It's all thanks to the brave degu users who sacrificed themselves for our safety. We should never forget their bravery and sacrifice."
Another man, who had lost his arm in the war, spoke up, "The top three degu users who injured Belphegor deserve our respect and admiration. They risked their lives to protect us all."
The group fell into a thoughtful silence, reflecting on the horrors of the war and the sacrifices that had been made. But despite the sadness, there was a newfound hope in the air, a belief that the demons could be defeated and the world could be made safe again.
In another part of the Central Plains, a group of soldiers gathered in a tavern, drinking and swapping stories of the war. One soldier, with a scar across his cheek, boasted, "I fought one of the demon generals single-handedly and won. I'll be remembered as a hero!"
His friend, a young recruit, rolled his eyes and said, "You didn't do anything alone. We all fought together and won as a team."
The scarred soldier chuckled and said, "You're right. It's because we fought together that we won. We should celebrate our victory and honor the fallen."
The tavern erupted into cheers and laughter, a celebration of life and hope after the darkness of war. The people of the continent knew that the demons would always be a threat, but they also knew that as long as they stood together.
...
Fein sat at his desk, staring intently at the map of the North and East. His shadow summons had scoured the border of the South for any sign of demons, but they had found nothing. He needed to take action, to strike back at the demons for what they had done to the people of the continent. He called in his shadow emperors and gave them their orders.
"Spread out and search for any demon army that still lingers in the North and East. Eradicate them and help any survivors and free any slaves you find," Fein commanded.
"Yes, your highness," the shadow emperors responded in unison before disappearing from sight.
Fein leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples. Revenge was all that he could think about now. The demons had caused so much destruction and suffering. It was time for them to pay.