We continued upwards, scaling the tower quickly as we dispatched the waiting Praetor's on each floor.
Some provided a challenge, their control over mana and finesse using their weapons putting them on par with a training dummy, but sadly most of the humans we encountered were pathetic, the lack of will in each pushing them into an early grave.
The organization of the squads was mixed, and we noticed quickly that there were few places where we could expect a challenge; most of the time, the squads rushed us all at the same time, believing in their numbers.
Anput made quick work of those squads, her spear growing slick with blood, while Leone behind her utilized perfect precision to burst the humans heads with a small bolt of condensed flames.
Both of my fiancee's wore contemplative expressions as they worked, likely mulling over the incident from the floor below; I knew that my actions would spark something in them, and I needed to make sure to take the time to talk with them afterwards.
Iaso spent most of her time idly buffing and healing any small wounds any of us accrued, while Liga backed me up on my floors, using her precise lances to impale any fortunate soul that slipped past my notice.
In all, the tower was 25 floors tall, and the amount of knowledge stored inside was impressive, but I had my doubts on the value of these tomes and papers.
Reaching the top floor, we were greeted with a room housing a large green crystal, the Wind Mana radiating off of its jagged edges making me stop for a moment.
Standing before the giant chunk of Wind Crystal was a man wearing pale green robes, the heavy cloth draped over his thin frame.
"So you are the invaders, hmm~? Interesting..."
Turning slightly, we frowned as we saw the slightly elongated ears of a Half-Elf, the man chuckling as he noticed our expressions.
"Surprised? The Empire isn't the only place open to different races. Though, I would admit that the 'openness' of the Kingdoms and Empire are vastly different. My mother was captured and sold to one of the Kingdoms Princes as a... concubine. When I came along, she killed herself after letting me drift along in a river in a small boat."
Snorting, he shook his head as gestured to the room around him, continuing on.
"Like that would actually work. My 'father' found me moments later and began to raise me as a punching bag, before-"
"Alright, why do you want to recite your life story to us? Should we care?"
Cutting him off, I raised a brow at him as I crossed my arms, staring down at the smiling man as he shrugged.
"No, it's just been lonely up here; no one talks to the halfling willingly. The only reason I've been granted such luxury is because my ability with magic far surpasses what a normal human is capable of~!"
Saying so, he flicked his fingers forwards, sending dozens of blades made from wind towards us.
Leone frowned, her eyes observing the crystal as he did so, before she muttered "It's the crystals power he's using; that's why he's so close."
Nodding, I let the blades harmlessly impact the golden shield in front of us, watching as the man stared at me in shock.
"W-Wait... tall Demoness... blue skin... gold tipped horns?! The Asmodia Heir?! No no no... they said it would be manageable! HOW IS THIS MANAGEABLE?!"
Stamping his foot into the wooden floor, the Half Elf growled as he turned back towards the crystal, muttering to himself.
Blinking, I watched as he reached out and touched the crystal, before he stomped over towards his desk.
Confused, I observed him as he sat down and opened a tome, his bony finger dragging over the pages as he continued to mutter to himself.
"-se the crystal as a conduit... I did that, but why..? Ah, here... Place hands on crystal and say the following line... 'Crystal, grant this humble soul your power; let your magics flow through me...'"
Turning, I glanced down at Leone, who was just as confused as I was, before I looked towards Anput, who was staring at me.
"Can I just kill him? I mean, he turned his back on us and all..."
Before I could give her an answer, he giggled to himself and stood up, striding over to the crystal again.
Placing his hands on it, we watched as the green crystal pulsed once, the color dulling slightly as raw mana coiled around his body.
Laughing, the Half Elf absorbed the mana and turned, his eyes glowing green, while small veins of green pulsed from his eyes, spreading throughout his head.
"HAHA~! With this, I'll surely smite you down! Then... Then... Then I can finally get that funding~! HEHA HAHE~!"
Raising his arms, the Half Elf shouted "DIE! FOR MY FUNDING!", and the mana he absorbed from the crystal materialized between his hands.
A giant sphere of condensed Wind Mana gathered in front of his palms, and the Half Elf continued to laugh maniacally, before he pushed it forwards.
"THE HEIR TO HOUSE ASMODIA, KILLED BY ME, SORCERER ELFAN!"
Pursing my lips, I stared at the approaching sphere as it tore away the floor boards, and raised my hand as well.
Pushing the golden shield forwards, I poured some extra mana into it as I wrapped it around the sphere, before clenching my fist.
The outside of the sphere was impressive... for a hybrid of a magical race and non magical race, but...
The inside held nothing; it was an empty sphere, so with just a swift counter spell, the attack became nothing as well.
The golden shell I had formed over the sphere condensed into a small ball, roughly the size of my palm, and I willed it back towards me.
Catching it, I stared at the trapped Wind Mana for a moment before focusing on the 'Sorcerer Elfan', who was standing rigidly near the crystal.
Silence fell over the towers top floor, and I glanced at the broken floorboards and muttered "He damaged my tower..."
Looking back towards the Half Elf, I sighed as Liga used her magic to create a path towards him, while Anput approached him.
"Make it quick, Anput... we have a schedule to maintain, after all."
Nodding, the Jackalkin smiled at the Half Elf, who finally sputtered to life.
"I-Impossible!!! T-That was impossible! Th-That was the f-famous, unbeatable attack of Sorcerer Elfan! Y-You must have cheated! Y-Yes, you cheated! N-No Demoness can block m-my signature move!"
"Oh, shut up will you? By the Goddess, you're insane..."
Flicking her hand to the side, Anput stared at the now silent man as he reached for his throat, his eyes widened in terror as his head rolled off his neck.
With a wet thud, the Half Elf Sorcerer Elfan fell dead, and his tower became mine.
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Sorry, rest of the siege will be more serious, I just... couldn't help myself lol~
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