19 Dueled (1/2)
I jumped down from the wall, my legs still shook slightly, but I've mostly recovered. My squad forms up behind me as I walk to meet the approaching platoon. The commander of the platoon separates himself and approaches me.
He wore a proud expression as he examined the pile of corpses at the foot of the gate. ”Fine work, fine work indeed. The east and west side of the city is being infiltrated as we speak, we need to get to that mansion before they can rally a resistance. Your squad can return to the base camp now, your jobs here are done.” He moved to rejoin his platoon, but I stop him.
”Sir, my squad and I would like to accompany you. There's no telling what kind of surprises there could be, you need all the support you can afford.” My squad nodded in agreement, as they had when I asked before. I called for a vote and they all collectively decided to keep going, there was still work to do and they wanted to be the ones who did it.
The platoon commander smiled and saluted. ”Then you better fall in line, that archdemon won't wait for us forever.”
Our squad fell behind the rest of the platoon, protecting the rear. There were many bewildered civilians and a few confused demons running through the streets. The soldiers quickly cut down any opposition, while Dontae and I used [Bind] on any civilians dumb enough to be running around during a siege.
After a few minutes of marching through the chaotic streets plunged into turmoil, we arrived at the gates of the mansion. The platoon commander spoke a few words that I was too far away to hear and made a couple of gestures with his hands. A set of men hurried to fulfill their orders.
Three soldiers lined the gate and extended their hands towards it, then a great explosion erupted, causing the giant iron gate to be flung from its hinges on to the pristine grass of the estate. Without wasting a single moment the soldiers sprinted to the mansion, a few pulled out grappling hooks and climbed to the second and third floors, while a swath of men busted through the front door looking to clear the first floor for the awaiting others.
The platoon commander casually walked to us, saying. ”Your squad can act as a reserve, but I doubt you'll need it, these are hardened veterans. It would take an army of demons to challenge my men.”
I just nodded at his boasting and watched the platoon skillfully breach the solitary building. Everything seemed to be going well until a burst of flames erupted from a third-story window depositing a charred corpse that plummeted to the ground. The platoon leader's eyes filled with shock and concern, he looked to me pointing and said.
”You, your men, let's go.” I nodded gravely and motioned for my squad to follow.
We and the remaining group of soldiers swiftly ascended the three stories and entering a large main room, that would be furnished generously if not for everything being burnt. Inside were the charred remains of the soldiers that had breached the building. The only remaining men from the platoon were the commanders and the few men that were accompanying him.
In the middle of the room was a lean demon dressed in a finely tailored suit with a pair of small rimmed glasses that housed eyes shining with amusement.
”So you're the commander of this little infiltration force, pitty, all of them are dead. So before I chare you to a crisp, do you and your men have any useful information. I promise I'll make your deaths painless if you do, but if not then I'll just have to take my time with one of you.”
He looked over at Rachel perversely. ”You seem like you could entertain me for a while.” His face morphed into a sinister expression that displayed demonic delight. ”I can't wait to hear your screams, I can already imagine how sweet they'll be.”
I clenched my teeth as anger ignited within my chest, it fueling a burning fury that was yearning to overtake me. Sheathing my weapons and walked past the commander to the middle of the room, just in front of the archdemon. He said, ”Oh, a worm dares to approach me. I don't know whether to commend your bravery or stupidity, so I'll just commend both.”
I look to him unamused while cracking my knuckles. ”That's some big talk for someone who's about to get their teeth knocked in.”
He scoffs at me, flinging a finger in my direction with a disgusted expression. Not even willing to respond to my provocation. Suddenly a [Flame Inferno] raced to engulf me, I cast [Tempest Guard] and walk through the tide of flames unsinged. I smiled dangerously at the bewildered archdemon in front of me while saying in the demon tongue.
”Anything else?” With a defiant tone that held a challenge within.
He started smiling hysterically with a maniacal expression, finding some cruel pleasure in a worthwhile opponent.
”Draw your weapons, but before you do, tell me your name. I want to know your name before I snuff out your life and torture your friends too death. As a courtesy for making my day a little more interesting.”