Chapter 225: Questions

Chapter 225: Questions



Two more days had passed since Duchess Elinalese had regained consciousness, and the tension in Akarios Base remained palpable. The soldiers and officers moved with a sense of urgency, knowing full well that the Demon King's forces were regrouping. Vincent kept himself busy with strategy meetings, checking on supply lines, and reviewing intelligence reports. But all the while, his mind kept returning to the woman who was recovering just a few floors below.

Finally, the call he'd been waiting for came through on his comms. "Commander Stryder," the voice of Dr. Harris came through, steady and professional. "Duchess Elinalese is ready to be discharged. She's requesting to speak with you."

Vincent took a deep breath, closing the folder he had been reviewing. "Understood. I'll meet her in my office," he replied, standing up and grabbing his jacket from the back of his chair. He knew this conversation was going to be difficult-Elinalese had been through hell, and there were hard questions that needed answering.

Akarios Command Center

Vincent stood behind his desk, hands resting on its edge, as he waited. His office was sparse but functional-maps of various regions pinned to the walls, a few tactical reports spread out on the table. The sound of footsteps echoed in the corridor outside, and then the door opened quietly.

Elinalese entered, her posture still slightly stiff, but her eyes were clear and focused. She wore a simple outfit, provided by the medical wing, a stark contrast to the tattered royal attire she had been wearing when they rescued her. She looked around the room briefly before her gaze settled on Vincent.

"Commander," she said, inclining her head slightly. There was a newfound strength in her voice, though it was still tinged with exhaustion.

"Elinalese," Vincent responded with a nod, gesturing to the chair across from him. "Please, have a seat. I'm glad to see you up on your feet again."

"Thank you," she said softly as she eased herself into the chair. Despite her recovery, there was still a frailty to her movements, a lingering reminder of her ordeal. "I owe you my life... again," she added with a faint smile.

Vincent waved it off. "Just doing what had to be done," he replied. He settled into his own chair, leaning forward slightly. "Now, I need to ask you some questions about what happened in Eldoria."

Elinalese's expression grew somber, and she nodded. "I expected as much," she said, her voice quieter now.

"Tell me everything you remember," Vincent said, keeping his tone calm and steady. "We need to know what we're up against."

Elinalese took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "It started... suddenly," she began, her voice steadying as she recounted the events. There was this sudden explosion in the capital as if a meteor struck it. Then all soldiers were mobilized in the area and were slaughtered."

"How many demons attacked Eldoria?" Vincent asked another question.

"It was only the Demon Lord. He came alone, yet... it was as if an entire army had descended upon us. The sheer destruction... it was unlike anything we had ever seen."

Vincent leaned forward, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean, 'he came alone'? No demonic horde, no soldiers at his side?"

Elinalese nodded slowly, her hands trembling slightly as she recalled the horrors of that day. "Yes, just him. But he brought with him a power that... defies reason. The sky turned black, and a wave of dark energy swept through the city. Our soldiers, our knights... they were reduced to ashes in seconds. He tore through our defenses like they were nothing."

Vincent's jaw tightened. This revelation was far more troubling than he had anticipated. A single entity with the strength to obliterate an entire kingdom without the need for an army? That was a level of power beyond what they had faced before.

"Very well," Vincent said, his tone firm. "Then let's start planning. We need to anticipate his next move. If he's aiming to break our spirits, we'll turn that against him. We'll show the world that he can be resisted."

Elinalese nodded, a spark of determination in her eyes. "What do you need from me, Commander?"

"For now,"

," Vincent replied, "we need detailed information on Eldoria's defenses, the tactics

your forces used, and any weaknesses the Demon Lord might have exposed. Anything you remember could be crucial."

Elinalese took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment as if gathering her thoughts.

"I'll provide whatever I can," she promised.

"Thank you, Elinalese," Vincent said softly. "Your insights will be crucial. But for now, I want you to take the time you need to recover fully. We'll gather the details from you when you're

ready."

Elinalese gave a small nod, though her hands still trembled slightly as they rested on her lap.

"I understand, Commander," she said, her voice steady despite the weariness that still lingered in her eyes. "But please, don't leave me in the dark. I want to know everything we're

doing to stop him."

Vincent leaned back in his chair, studying her. He saw the steely determination in her gaze and knew that keeping her sidelined would be a mistake.

"You'll be kept in the loop," he promised. "But I need you to prioritize your health. We're

going to need you at your best when the time comes."

A faint smile tugged at her lips. "I appreciate that, Vincent. And... thank you again. For

everything."

With that, she rose slowly from her chair, her movements still stiff but much steadier than before. Vincent stood as well, walking around his desk to escort her to the door. As they reached the threshold, Elinalese turned to face him, her expression softer now. "Commander," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I will never forget what you did for me. For saving me... and giving me a chance to fight back." Vincent gave a short nod, his expression serious. "You don't owe me anything, Elinalese. Just keep that fire burning. We'll need it in the days to come."

With a final nod, Elinalese turned and left the office."