The next day, Aengus issued a decisive order to his army: they were to march toward Crimson City.
The demon minions, now bolstered by captured humans from the Dragon Empire, obeyed without hesitation. A shared sense of purpose seemed to unite them, even if some still harbored quiet reservations about their new leader.
However, the announcement came as a shock to Belial and a few other higher-ranking demons.
It didn't take long for Belial to understand Aengus' intent. A cunning smirk spread across his face as he realized the boldness of the plan.
"Crimson, your time has come," Belial muttered to himself, the memory of his separation from Bella's mother flashing through his mind. Crimson had played a significant role in that painful chapter of his life. Watching Aengus bring him to ruin would be a satisfying reckoning.
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Belial also felt a surprising swell of pride. Accompanying his son-in-law on this conquest wasn't just about vengeance—it was a chance to witness firsthand the rise of someone who could one day reshape the very fabric of their world.
And so, as the army began its march, Belial's smirk turned into a grin. This was going to be entertaining.
Aengus, accompanied by Aria, Bella, Sen, Sienna, Gourmond (leader of the Lizard Tribe), Butler Yu, Vespera, and Duke Belial, rode together atop a massive flying demon.
The demon, Gabi, had undergone an incredible evolution, now resembling a Nine-Headed Hydra with enormous wings. Its powerful presence alone inspired awe and fear, a fitting mount for such a formidable group.
Bella winced slightly as they soared through the skies, drawing Aria's concerned gaze.
Aria quickly realized what must have transpired the previous night, and her cheeks flushed at the thought.
So that's why she's sore...
Aengus could also sense an army being mobilized just outside the walls.
It wasn't a surprise; they had likely received word of the attack and were preparing for the battle ahead.
"Sen, Sienna, tell everyone to prepare for battle without fear!" Aengus commanded firmly, his voice carrying over the roaring winds.
"Yes, My Lord!" They nodded obediently.
"Are they prepared, Hubby?" Bella asked, her eyes glinting with a mixture of excitement and concern. "And how many are there?"
"At most three times our number," Aengus replied, calm and composed. "But don't worry about the numbers. We only need to take down their higher ranks swiftly while Aria provides support to our army."
Aria, who had been quietly observing, suddenly interrupted, her voice tinged with worry. "Ethan, I'm sorry! But I can't use my nature powers here. There's no trace of nature here... It's barren, and the earth feels... saddened."
"Huh... Oh, right," Aengus said, his brows furrowing in realization. "I didn't consider that."
He nearly forgot that the Demon World was devoid of greenery or natural elements, a stark contrast to the human world Aria was accustomed to.
"It's all those Gods' fault!" Bella added, her voice laced with bitterness. Her hatred for the Divine was clear, her demonic heritage fueling her resentment.
"Okay, then. You'll join us too, Aria," Aengus said decisively, glancing ahead at the towering walls of Crimson City. His expression was calm, yet his mind was calculating. "I'll figure out a way to safeguard the army from any surprise attacks. For now, we'll focus on the higher ranks."
As if responding to his words, the deep, thunderous beats of wardrums and the sharp blaring of battle horns echoed through the air. Both sides were preparing for war, their sounds clashing like the prelude to an inevitable storm.
The Liberation Army rallied with a synchronized rhythm, their war cries growing louder as the sound of their drums intensified. On the opposite side, Crimson City's forces were equally charged, their horns and chants creating a sinister harmony of defiance.