Chapter 976

Chapter 976

A week passed, and I led an army composed of recruits from Chalm out onto the battlefield. I’d like to say that the mood was good, but the honest truth was that their morale was exceptionally low. Rumors had spread across the army about the fight in Deeksville. At this point, everyone knew how strong the girls were, and at least half of them were on the opposing side. More than that, they knew they were fighting an army supported by Prince Aberis, and opposing a man who looked like Deek.

The only reason I even got the army out here was because of their desire to protect their city, their trust in me, and their uncertainty regarding these events. It would have to be enough. Once the battle started, there was no going back.

As we stood out on the field that I had spent a great deal of time preparing beforehand, a portal opened on the other side. Deek and his armies began to walk through. Maybe, I could have stormed him with our army rather than letting them prepare, but this wasn’t that kind of battle. After all, Deek could have just as easily opened a portal into the middle of the city and taken the fight to the streets. We both knew what the other was capable of. We needed to fight fair, because if we allowed ourselves to cheat, no one would win.

Ultimately, we both cared about Chalm, and that was why we started down this path. I just hoped that things went according to plan. After his army finished lining up, I surveyed the field, only noticing a group in the distance.

“Who is that?” I asked, pointing at the group standing in the distance almost like spectators.”

“That’s him.” Bernice spoke breathily. “That’s the Demon Lord Aberis.”

“I see. I thought his army was currently in the gorge. That’s the most defensible position.”

“They are, my lord. However, it looks like he came out to observe things.” Astria sighed.

“It’s worse than that, look!” Shao pointed. “He has Calypso… and right next to her, Siti!”

“What?” I looked harder in that direction, and I could see that the group did include the two of them.

Calypso appeared to be in chains, kneeling at his feet like a dog. Meanwhile, Siti was standing behind him, no expression on her face.

“This is bad.” Astria hissed. “He’s had a blue mage all this time. That entire march was just an intimidation tactic. He could have shown up on our doorstep two weeks ago if he had wanted.”

“Then, let’s be glad that he didn’t.” I sighed.

“You don’t understand, Master.” Astria shook her head. “After your battle with Deek is over, he can open up a portal and bring the army over to finish you off. The gorge was half a day away. We thought, at the very least, after this battle, we’d have a day to prepare for a battle with Aberis. Now, he can attack as soon as we are at our weakest!”

As she stated this, all of the other girls began grumbling.

“This doesn’t change anything.” I responded in a low voice.

“But…”

The next part I gave as a Slave Communication. “You will have to trust me. I know what I’m doing. Spread out in the army and take control of your individual units. When the time comes, we charge their forces. You do what I do. You attack who I attack. This order is absolute. Do you understand?”

The girls all looked at me tearfully but nodded. “Yes, Master.”

As the girls rode away, I muttered under my breath. “This better work.”