Chapter 288: Holy war 26

Name:My Family in the Novel? Author:
Since when did everything change? What was the cause of it? How did it happen? Where did it happen? Why did it happen? Constant questions had been looming in Tristan's mind ever since this war started. He knew he wasn't at fault for the war proceeding this way, but he couldn't help but blame himself.

"If only I was a bit faster, if only I was a bit stronger, if only I was there beside him... maybe this war wouldn't have happened."

Tristan knew the death of the hero wasn't caused by him, but the grip in his heart tightened as the regrets of what happened that day still seeped through his soul. The memory of his fallen comrade haunted him, a shadow that darkened even his brightest moments.

"Haah!" Cutting down the demon in front of him, Tristan felt the surge of a heated battle. Every time he faced a demon, his anger boiled over. It was a rage born of loss and fueled by guilt.

"Captain, we need assistance here!" a voice called out, snapping him back to the present.

"Captain, two of them have escaped!"

"Captain, help!"

"Captain!"

"Captain!"

The voices of his comrades reverberated across the battlefield as they called for his help. Tristan, their captain, the one they relied on, had no time to dwell on his regrets now. He had to be the leader they needed, the warrior who could turn the tide of battle.

"Hold your positions!" he shouted, his voice carrying over the chaos. "I'll handle the escapees. The rest of you, maintain the line and push forward!"

With a swift movement, he turned towards the direction of the escaped demons. His body moved with a fluidity and precision that spoke of years of training and countless battles. He couldn't afford to lose focus, not when so much was at stake.

His sword glinted in the dim light of the battlefield as he sprinted, closing the distance between him and the escaping demons. He could hear their guttural growls and see their dark forms against the smoky horizon. His mind was a whirlwind of strategy and instinct.

Leaping over a fallen comrade, he brought his sword down on the nearest demon, cleaving it in two. The other demon turned, snarling, but Tristan was faster. He thrust his blade forward, piercing the creature's heart. With a final, pained howl, it collapsed.

Breathing heavily, Tristan scanned the battlefield. His soldiers were holding their ground, pushing the demons back. They were a fierce, determined group, but they needed his guidance. He couldn't afford to let his personal regrets cloud his judgment.

"Regroup!" he shouted, motioning for his soldiers to form up around him. "We're pushing them back. Stay together and watch each other's backs!"

The soldiers moved swiftly, their training and trust in Tristan evident. They fought with renewed vigor, their captain's presence a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. Tristan led them, his sword a blur of motion, cutting through demon after demon.

For now, the questions could wait. The battle demanded his full attention. And Tristan, the captain, would not fail. Not again.

Amidst the battlefield, Princess Christine stood tall, her regal form hovering in the air as she cast her most powerful spells, providing crucial support to her army. Explosions echoed and swords clashed across every field, from the skies above to the ground below. Violence was rampant, sparing no corner, not even the flowing river beside them, as humans and demons alike ripped each other to shreds.

Her presence was a beacon of hope and strength, her magic lighting up the sky with brilliant, destructive energy. With each spell she cast, the demons were pushed back further, their lines breaking under the relentless assault.

"Your Highness, we are steadily pushing them back," one of her mage subordinates reported, flying close to her. "But it seems the demons are baiting us towards something. Do we proceed with our assault?"

Christine narrowed her eyes, surveying the battlefield below. The demons' retreat did seem unusually coordinated, almost as if they were leading her forces into a trap. She couldn't afford to be reckless, not when so much was at stake. But at the same time, hesitation could cost them their hard-won momentum.

Her voice carried the urgency of the situation, and her troops responded without hesitation. The mages began chanting in unison, their hands glowing as they created a protective barrier around their forces. The shimmering dome of magical energy enveloped them, providing a momentary respite from the chaos outside.

Christine's mind raced. How could she not have noticed those two demons until now? What had happened? Her instincts screamed that this was part of a larger ploy. The demons' retreat might have been a ruse to lure her forces into a false sense of security.

"Stay alert!" she called out to her soldiers. "These demons are more cunning than we anticipated."

The soldiers tightened their ranks, their expressions resolute. They trusted her judgment, and she wouldn't let them down. Christine soared higher, her eyes never leaving the two demons. She needed to understand their strategy and counter it before it was too late.

The demons continued to watch her, their smiles never wavering. They radiated an air of confidence, as if they knew something she didn't. Christine's grip on her sword tightened. She couldn't afford to let fear or doubt take hold. Her people were depending on her.

"Tristan!" she called out, summoning her most trusted knight.

Tristan appeared beside her in an instant, his sword at the ready. "Yes, Your Highness?"

"Those two demons in the distance," she pointed towards them, "they're high-ranking. I need you to lead a squad and keep an eye on them. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary. We need to know what they're planning."

Tristan nodded, his expression grim. "Understood. I'll keep you informed."

As Tristan rallied a small group of elite soldiers, Christine turned her attention back to the battlefield. The barrier was holding, and her troops were regrouping, but she knew this was just the beginning. The real battle was yet to come.

Her thoughts drifted to her father's cautious approach. Perhaps he had been right to be wary. The demons were playing a deeper game, and she needed to be one step ahead. With a deep breath, she focused on the task at hand.

"Prepare for anything!" she shouted to her troops. "We hold this line no matter what. For our kingdom, for our people!"

....

Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, two demons floated in the air, their eyes fixed upon the human army in the distance.

"Hmm~ there are no dragons around," the female demon observed, her gaze sharp and calculating.

"The humans might be acting of their own accord," the male demon responded, his tone mildly amused.

"Well, isn't that quite brave~," she remarked with a smirk, watching the battlefield with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. The sight of their brethren being defeated by humans with slightly better weapons was almost entertaining.

"I know the princess tasked us to only send the lesser ones, but at this rate, we'll lose all of them, you know?" the female demon continued, her voice laced with a mocking edge.

The male demon nodded in understanding; his expression thoughtful.

Stretching her arms, the female demon allowed a purplish-pink aura to engulf her body, highlighting her seductive nature. Her eyes gleamed with a dangerous allure. "Are you joining the battle now?" the man asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, we were ordered to act as bait, so what better bait than me, right?" she replied with a sultry smile. With those words, her demonic wings fluttered, and she descended gracefully towards the battlefield.

The male demon watched her go, a smirk playing on his lips. He knew her presence would draw attention, perhaps even cause confusion among the humans. They were cunning, but demons like her were masters of deception and chaos. He stayed back, observing her approach with a mix of anticipation and amusement.