"—Adavire, you're really going?" Elna appeared in the doorway as Adavire was getting ready in the room.
"Yes."
"You're wearing clothes suited for comfort and combat alike. I heard you even requested chainmail for women earlier." Elna gave that offhand comment.
Adavire's never been one to wear dresses so she's in ordinary dress pants and comfortable shoes with a white blouse with large sleeves. And yes, she wore chainmail underneath her clothes and a tunic under that.
This was a meeting that Lord Marius made possible so even if she did get cold feet, she had a favor to pay back for halting their operations and making them open to attack.
Miraculously, the demihumans didn't attack during this time, as if they were eager to listen. This made Adavire hopeful that there's a peaceful solution. Even if no further blood is spilled in this region, there are many other fortresses or battlefields where people are dying every day. She's but one person but she hoped that, if she manages to stop the fighting here, it would inspire others to speak up.
That's why she wants to do this despite its supposed insignificance in the grand scheme of things.
"How is your intel coming along?" to mask her pounding chest and muddled thoughts, she changed the subject.
"An exchange of information is complicated, as you already know, even if the demihumans aren't attacking for now. And while we can't send any messengers out yet, I've been using ravens to the capital. It will take a few days for us to get a message back for further instructions."
"We're going to be stuck here for that much longer…"
Elna confirmed with an "unfortunately".
The sound of steel being unsheathed resounded—Adavire took a look at her sword in the light of the lamp. Behind her, Elna spoke, "Do you intend to use that if they attack you?"
She couldn't answer.
She believes all life is precious… but she knows she must have something to protect her tonight. Hopefully, they get a scare once she releases all her aura and unsheathes her sword. The years of hard work, blood and sweat, can finally bear fruit.
"…I will do my utmost to ensure an agreement is reached so that it may never come to that." she sheathed the sword then put on a jacket to shield herself from the cold night breeze.
Her arm was grabbed just as she was about to walk past Elna, "Remember that your life is on the line tonight. You can still join the war and fight on the side of humans—"
She shook herself loose, "I don't weigh the value of life based on what race the person is. I want to save everyone tonight, not just our people."
Their conversation ended just like that but Elna followed her from behind. Perhaps knowing trying to dissuade her wouldn't work, Elna kept quiet.
Marius Greyth Solave was standing in his castle's great hall in front of a mirror while his servants put on his armor. It wasn't to escort her to the agreed upon meeting place, as a gentleman should, but rather he's preparing for an all-out fight tonight.
Adavire was worried he would attempt to go with her along with a battalion under the guise of escorting her only to get a chance to kill the leader. This would be very in character for him since he's show how calculating he can be. But anyone with a head on their shoulders would be able to predict that.
The mere fact that the demihumans aren't storming this castle immediately means they know what they're dealing with. Most of their forces would die in such a suicide run. Whoever was the leader of their tribe knew this so they don't send everyone at once.
"My, my, you do not lose a bit of charm even when you dress like a man." he noticed her approaching as he put his helmet on.
"…Thank you for the compliment but this is how I typically dress."
She's not a fan of flashing whatever she's wearing underneath when fighting. Yes, she can wear shorts and such but that's besides the point.
"Hm? A sword? Ahaha! I see even the most virtuous of maidens know when a weapon is necessary!" he laughed, as if it was ridiculous for her of all people to show such caution despite speaking so bravely about protecting all life.
She ignored his mockery, "…Has a carriage been prepared for me? The tribe lit a bonfire over the river a few minutes ago so that means they are ready."
Marius harrumphed and cleared his throat, "There are horses for you but no carriage or coach willing to go. What, were you attempting to bargain with our supplies or—" he suddenly gasped exaggeratedly, "You want to take our prisoners!?"
She said nothing as he figured her out immediately. Despite appearing impulsive, he has sharp wits. It's no wonder he's in charge of this fortress.
"Tsk, tsk. Now that cannot be allowed. That will show we are gullible so a horse is all you will need." Marius took the sword a servant brought up to him, "I will be ready to bombard them with the weapons my engineers built over the last few days so I do hope you can get to safety in time."
"Eh!? But you said I can—"
He held up a hand to stop her, "It is a mere precaution in case they attack. They may attempt to use your meeting to slip in through our defenses. This will show them we don't tolerate such underhanded tactics."
He sure is one to talk, muttered Elna.
Does this man truly care about Adavire or is that excuse of his just a means to show he tried to save her so that the empire doesn't respond with hostility at one of their bright talents being murdered in a foreign land?
"…So, you will not use the weapons for anything other than bluffs?"
"Of course~" he answered as if he had the response ready beforehand.
He put a reassuring hand on her shoulder as they walked into the courtyard.
"OPEN THE GATE!" a nearby soldier shouted. At the same time, a horse was brought over and handed over to Adavire. She quickly hopped on and slowly let it walked forward.
She glanced to the side, spotting the other students, all of whom had worried expressions on their faces.
Trying to reassure them, she smiled despite her racing heart.
**
There was a large fire a fair distance away across the river, just as she had mentioned. The meeting place was close to the forest that surrounds the mountain. Even before this battle, rumors already spread years ago that demihumans were spotted and the reason for so many disappearances in the last decade.
Maybe they've been in hiding because they were afraid of the Inquisition? This war was the perfect time for them to come out and take advantage of the chaos.
As she approached the river after leaving the main road, she spotted several tall demihumans, each with thick, log-like muscles, holding rusty weapons—some still wet with blood.
The bonfire behind them crackled loudly, the flames rising high enough to illuminate more than just their silhouettes. There were too many of them to be called a mere scouting group. Too disorganized to be called an army. A few of them crossed the river while the rest remained on the other side.
They watched her the way wolves watched a lone deer that had wandered too far from the herd.
Before they could come closer, she introduced herself, "Greetings and thank you for agreeing to this parley, a tactic often used by lords of both sides! My name is Adavire, a student of the Ardark Academy!"
"Ain't that music to me ears. A hot bod, pretty face and a cute voice~" a slouching wolfkin said while salivating profusely.
Now that she got a look at them, most were wolfkin. About three of them had approached her, the one in the middle being the biggest.
"I came alone," she said, her voice carrying over the river. "As agreed."
The two beside the bigger one chuckled.
One of them mimicked her tone under his breath, drawing quiet laughter from the others on the other side of the riverbed.
Her fingers twitched at her side.
No… stay focused. It was like dealing with children. She had hoped to have a civil discussion but… if they are like children, they can be pleased easier.
A larger figure stepped forward, towering even among them. His body was scarred, but unlike the others, his wounds looked poorly treated—festering at the edges, as if he never cared to heal properly.
"Back off, Neut and Bruan. Your human tongue stinks like cow dung." The biggest one said, "I am Rock and since I was a pup, I fought in a mercenary group that used to fight in wars all the time so I know these tactics all too well. They're only used when one side is on the verge of losing."
Well… she can't deny that. they've barely been able to survive in that fortress for a month at this point. She's missing out on a lot of school work, which Elna profusely apologized for as she couldn't have predicted this would've happened.
This tribe giving them trouble wasn't part of the Rakeshi tribe, but are actually nomads who took control of this region under the chaos and used the large tribe's name to instill fear in others. This is something they didn't foresee at first as they weren't familiar with demihuman customs, if you can even call it that.
One of the brothers went over to her horse and inspected it. Feeling unease, the horse neighed and tried to gain distance from the demihuman but it was tied so…
She couldn't focus on the horse right now, "A messenger has made it to the capital to send for reinforcements… Inquisitors will mobilize within the next few days. Soldiers from both the Eulia Empire and Holy Kingdom."
The man was visibly startled hearing about Inquisitors, "Shouldn't they be focusing on the five tribes…?"
"Is bullshit, brother! She tryna scare us!"
"If you are so hesitant on dealing with the Inquisitors, why do you persist in terrorizing these people if it's only temporary…? Must you shed blood within the territory of the ones you fear? If you stop, we could discuss compensation for all our wrongdoings…"
"Kukuku, look at Missy being all incent." After he was done checking out the horse, the other man came back.
"If two armies are fighting in a region, bandits take the chance to take as much as they can—we are no different. We participate if we wanna but we're only in it for the human meat and gold. We don't care about land, even if our ancestors were here before you humans."
Adavire's eyes widened hearing him say something that deplorable so easily.
"…You k-kill people… for no reason at all…?"
"Ah? You deaf? Bro said he and us just take chaos… uhhh… advantaygist— ACK!" he got slapped in the head.
"I said stop speaking." Rock smirked, showing his fangs, "Like your Vikings who raided villages during wars to build up their wealth, we do the same. Though we are just hired hands of sorts since we aren't part of the unified tribes."
They… take just because they can…?
"Y-You said earlier you were in an army as part of a mercenary group—didn't you witness how families are torn apart, their life's work is taken from them and everything they love is destroyed…?"
Children crying over the corpses of their parents. Pregnant women bleeding out after their stomach was slashed open as their husbands are tortured and eaten alive… The elderly who are chased until they can't continue anymore before dying a gruesome death.
Adavire may not have witnessed this but she has read about it. Every witness report, every victim, every innocent life that had to fight or escape…
It sickened her how much the human mind can be corrupted to that degree. But she still believed redemption is possible.
Anyone can be redeemed, even those who choose to walk the path of demons. There's never an "end" to one's humanity, only a new beginning where you are saved. That's why she vowed in front of Guinevere's painting every day to save everyone.
It may have just been a painting to others, but to her, she's carrying on the legacy of someone who thought the same as her.
"I did." Rock nodded.
"Then…!"
"But so what?"
"...Eh?"
"The only thing I regret not doing is feasting on them as they bled out. I always had to run back to the villages were pillaged hoping to find a survivor but most of the time they're already dead and taste awful." His face distorted, "Eating a human when they're still alive—now that's when they taste their best."
"…."
….
"T-That… H-How… You…" Adavire's pupils shook.
"Ah? What is it? Agh, whatever, you cracked too quickly so now I'm bored." he shooed her, "If your leader already declared a ceasefire, shouldn't he release our people?" as he spoke, the other demihumans crossed the river and the pressure on Adavire began to increase.
They slowly surrounded her. Although they showed no hostility, it felt like she was thrown onto a snowy mountain with only a thin layer of fabric to protect her delicate body with how much she was trembling.
"L-Lord Marius hasn't declared a ceasefire yet… But he implied that if we come to an agreement to stop meaningless slaughter—"
She shuddered when one of them grabbed her hair and sniffed it. She quickly brought all her hair to the front.
"Tsk, tsk. You don't seem to understand something, Missy. There are thousands of us free men—just look." He looked behind him towards the forest where it was said their camps are located.
Almost the entire field of green was being crowded by a variety of furry and scaley individuals, some carrying around corpses of humans, one still feasting on a human child's torso and others carrying alive women with all their limbs cut off as if they were backpacks.
Adavire threw up in her hands, making the demihumans laugh. She gritted her teeth and tried to grab her sword but her hands… just wouldn't move.
"Toying with your food is nice in a while but we've grown a bit bored of those humans who hide behind their castle walls. Why aren't there powerful warriors to meet us on this battlefield!? Are all humans weak cowards!?"
"Toying with your food" echoed in her head.
"Tch, fine. As respect to your confidence to come out here alone, we can do this peacefully, I guess."
"…!" the light began to return to her eyes, "T-Then—"
Yes, they can still be redeemed. Even if there were people who fell victim to their strength and cruelty, many more lives can be saved.
"Kekeke…" as if they enjoyed her reaction, they all laughed. Even Rock struggled to hold his laugh in.
What's… What's going on?
"Since you've been so kind to us and have shown your bravery, we'll leave you alive. You can even pick five people you want to escape with—aren't I generous? So, can't you go in there and politely open the gates so that we can kill the others? I promise no harm will come to you, though~"
"T-That's not… That's not a-a p-peaceful s-s-solution…! P-Please reconsider!" she tried to reason with him.
"Ah? If you want me to reconsider then I'll just kill you all then and rape your pretty little corpse." He grabbed her arm.
"!" as if on instinct, her free arm struck forward, hitting Rock with her elbow right on the jaw.
"Guhk!" Rock staggered a few steps back. But that was all despite Adavire hitting with all her strength. Even if it's not with her aura, that was still a full-powered strike from a 6-star powerhouse.
"T-That… I-I'm sorry!" for her instincts and reflexes to kick in now…
"Kekeke." The man cackled and took off his halberd, "What a strong human woman. Those noodle arms of yours are truly an illusion to your strength. Alpha Razor will be pleased if I bring you to him as he values strong human women. He may even give me a rank of commander in his army! You know what that means, boys! We get to live in a fortress of our own!"
"Hahahah! I say we ask Alpha Razor for the one in front of us, boss!"
"Good eye, brother!"
Sensing the impending danger, Adavire unsheathed her sword, with some difficulty, and released all her aura.
Though a few backed off feeling that kind of aura, Rock, and the rest merely looked at her in amusement, cackling to themselves.
Then…
"!" it felt like all the air in her lungs were forced out when she felt the aura of over a hundred savages that confronted death on battlefields ever since their childhood.
She almost dropped her sword, and feeling her knees grow weak, she almost fell down.
"Eek!" she shrieked when Rock charged at her. But her instincts kicked in again and blocked his strike. But instead of being evenly-matched, she was sent flying and tumbling onto the ground.
It felt like she hit a concrete wall with a sledgehammer when they connected their strikes. Cackling, he approached her with relaxed stride then kicked her in the stomach so hard that she saw stars in her vision. The food she ate at dinner was forced up her throat until she could taste it again. The acid made her cough violently.
She tried to grab her sword while bearing with the pain but...
"Uuuu... Hcckkk.... Uuuu.... Ughk!" the pain in her hand was so severe that she dropped her sword. Losing your ability to fight in the middle of all this is basically a death sentence.
She's never used her left hand in combat before but since her right hand was damaged, she had to use it for now. Even if she can't match them in physical strength, she has various techniques that can bridge that gap.
When she tried to pick up her sword with her left hand, a foot stomped it, making her withhold a bloodcurdling scream. Instead, she whimpered.
"P…P… Please…" warm liquid stained her legs as she begged through the gnawing pain.
But when she looked up, all she could see were the smiling faces of demons who enjoyed trampling over the weak.
…
..
Why couldn't I just stay back home…