Stawford Village
Janne Grenoble had to admit that she was expecting the Monster Shifter to be more an adult man rather than a rather oddly dressed teenager her age. Yet the footage that unfolded in the Battle for the Bread Hills made it clear that Jack Andros defied all expectations. A boy with the special power to transform into various monsters not seen in the land of Eostia. Many believed that he would bring salvation to the in their war against Olga.
His victory against the Savage Dracon, one of the Dark Queen's strongest abominations, marked a turning point as many demons fled and retreat back to Garan, afraid that Andros would target them and believed that only because of Olga's power that deterred him from entering Garan completely. Because of this, the kingdoms were able to regain their numbers and slowly push back against the remaining demons that stayed and the bandits that once plagued their lands.
Of course Janne knew that many nobles would seek the Monster Shifter for their own purposes, either to control him or try to marry their daughters to secure a powerful bloodline. She was aware that it could lead to disputes that would result in the kingdoms fighting each other or even Jack turning to Olga if he thought he was gonna be turned into a pawn. The latter terrified many.
Which is why Celestine proposed a coalition for an expedition to the Forgotten Everlands. It is located north of Thorn where the peak of the Eostia-Garan war happened and where hundreds of thousands of people have died against her legion of demons, where they ultimately lost and forced to retreat as the monsters made it their home.
It was named Forgotten because of how the first expedition came in thinking the monsters were no longer as dangerous as the earlier battle, forgetting demons multiply as fast as cockroaches and caused many deaths that depleted their already low manpower, resulting as it being regarded as the worst events in records and how people wanted to forget it ever happened.
But now with the Monster Shifter turning the tide, the Shields Alliance and the other kingdoms were confident in taking a second approach to the Forgotten Everlands. Arriving in Stawford, she alongside Farasha Awar Crusch and Iris Arcadia would represent their kingdoms as Claudia greeted them. Once inside the tent, they would discuss on their next move. There are some arguments between going for another full frontal assault and trying to take it area by area, other wanting to capture key locations.
This went on back and forth with some noticing this was going nowhere, but couldn't speak up against their superiors. That was until Jack, who was leaning on a wall looking annoyed at the general arguing like dogs, spoke up and pointed in one area, the Crystal Pillars the left side of the Forgotten Wasteland. Turns out he had already scouted the area a few weeks back when he was exploring and eliminating any demons he came across with while rescuing any unfortunate victims. He was in the process of going taking another trip before the Savage Dracon forced him to reveal his identity and shift focus.
The Crystal Pillars is a mountainous area with a several massive pillars near each other, dwarfing even the Celestine's palace and Olga's Black Fortress. It carried the risk of running into demons that would most likely spot them first given the high terrain view it offer. But conquering could also allow the coalition to gain a vital foothold as it was an uphill location which could provide excellent recon. After a while, many agreed and decided upon heading to the Crystal Pillars.
"Still thinking about him Janne?"
The princess of the Ribfoul Kingdom is broken from her thoughts when Farasha asked her as she, Iris and Janne watched their soldiers gather the necessary supplies for their expedition which includes food and additional equipment like magic flares to send out SOS signals in case they are in need of reinforcements. Claudia was at the back managing her own troops.
"That obvious huh?" Janne shakes her head. "Sorry, it's just still a lot to take in after knowing that the famous "Monster Shifter" turns out to be a guy my age and has done all of that." She admitted.
"In fairness, we had no idea it was a teenager that did all of that." Iris said. "After all, he was hiding his true identity up until the Battle for the Bread Hills and even people can be skeptical. If anything, we should be grateful for Andros for letting us have some breathing space after monsters and bandits constantly harass the unprotected villages."
"Although, this does make people question our competence if one boy was somehow more effective in wiping out the threat than anything can ever do." Farasha frowned, a gesture shared by Janne and Iris as they too contemplated that thought. Several villages in their territories have reportedly been deserted and it was discovered that they wanted to relocated to Stawford for better protection and the income to feed their families. Some even dropped their dreams of becoming a knight to enlist as an adventurer in the Adventurer's Guild in Stawford.
This was a blow to the kingdoms' pride, but they could not do anything to change their minds. The war with Olga as well as their own enemies had taken a massive toll on both manpower and resources and they could simply spread out as it will leave them extremely vulnerable. Thus allowing to the commonfolk to suffer at the hands of raiding aberrants and bandits.
Even worse was that some of them were often exploited by the very nobles that were supposed to protect them. So it was ironic that they can only perform their jobs better when a boy of unknown origin and can transform into monsters that can rival an entire army showed up to pick up the slack. Arrests have been made but did little to convince the commoners to go back.
Their conversation is interrupted by a commotion near the plaza. Curious, the three princesses headed there to see what's going on. At first they assumed there was thief that used the opportunity to rob street vendors or maybe some drunkards starting a fight in broad daylight, something that they were all used to.
Instead, the scene they stumbled upon out of something one reads in one of "those" books.
"Ladies, ladies, please. You don't have to go this far." Jack laughed nervously, raising his hands in an effort to placate the sea of females flocking him to no avail. Turns out it happened because he'd received a basket of fruits from a mother he'd save last month and may or may not pressed her breasts against his arm in an attempt to flirt with him. He assumed it was her way of thanks and coping (as he discovered her ex-husband intended to rape and kill her while selling her daughter to a brothel) and gave a smile that made her blush.
However, Jack had done it in the village center where people had seen them and unintentionally sparked an arms race with the females where they sought to seek his attention as well. Before he knew it, Jack was surrounded when he was about to meet up with Claudia and the representatives of the other kingdoms in the coalition.
"Nonsense Jack-sama!" A woman with strawberry-blonde hair and a huge pair of breasts objected, offering him a basket filled with smoked fish. "All that hard work must've left you starving! These are some of the freshest fishes my father caught! I made them for you to enjoy!"
"As if he likes rotten fish!" Another woman with brown-hair in a ponytail and equally curvaceous scoffed, pushing forward to hand the Monster Shifter four bottles of expensive. "My family has made some of the best wines Eostia has ever experienced! I insist you take them for your journey Jack-sama! I have more if you want!"
"Move over whores!" Yet another female with blue hair and white streaks pressed forward and shoved a basket into Jack's arms with the undeniable smell of cooked meat. "You think mere fishes and drinks would satisfy a man like Jack?! Keep dreaming! I brought some of mother's best selling beef and chicken! Keep them Jack-sama, they'll keep you full for a week!"
Naturally this caused a crowd to form as they watch the drama unfold. Be it the citizens, adventurers or even the knights from both the Alliance and the coalition Many were amused and laughing at Jack's situation as he was easily flustered by something like this, while others looked on with envy as a boy was able to amass a huge fanbase of women. Even female adventurers and knights got jealous that they weren't able to get as close to Jack like they do.
One adventurer even fell on his knees and slams his fists to the ground shouting, "It should have been me, not him! It's not fair!" while his companions patted him on the back awkwardly to comfort him. Claudia arrives to try and dissuade the fangirls from turning it into an all-out brawl only to be ignored. Iris' eyes twitch as she witnesses the scene. Whether because of jealousy or disappointment, no one knows.
"Let's hope "playboy" isn't part of his resume." She muttered just loud enough for Farasha and Janne to hear making them chuckle.
Eventually Jack manages to maintain order and prevent a fight by convincing the women to put their baskets near the carriages to be loaded. There was so much that two carriages are needed. Afterwards the women dispersed and went their separate ways, but not before slipping in papers that essentially told him their locations if he wanted to stop by.
"Oh man, I didn't it'd be that hard to handle fangirls." Jack moaned, collapsing on a chair as he slumps down exhausted. "Some of them are even old enough to be my mom for fucks sake! Fighting monsters and bandits seems way easier than this!"
"And you're complaining my boy? Some people die of thirst, while others drown." The village chief shakes his head and laughs which is shared amongst those watching as Jack sulked. Claudia offered him a glass of water which he took and downed with no difficult. Janne and Iris sighed as Farasha smiled, finding the Monster Shifter to be unique,
(^)(^)(^)(^)(^)
An hour later.....
The sound of hooves and metal boots clattering the ground echoes as the coalition heads to the Forgotten Wasteland to conquer the Crimson Spiral. The coalition of the Seven Shields Alliance, Ribfoul, Burkan and the Holy Aurelian Empire converge as they moved through the area. True to its name, the Forgotten Wasteland was devoid of any signs of life barring several trees that were most likely dead after years of drought, surpassing even Garan's infamous Badlands. It was full of rocky terrains, caves and several bodies of water that were mostly likely contaminated and needed purification spells just to be drinkable.
What unnerved some of the soldiers though were the thousands of bones scattered across the field, whether they'd be humans or monsters. While some looked fresh, possibly those stupid or unlucky enough to enter here, the rest were old and many have no doubt it they were the soldiers of the failed expedition in the past. However, what worried the more experienced soldiers was the lack of monsters in sight despite previous reports from those that did surveillance.
"Even being told of the stories, seeing it for myself is still unsettling." A soldier hailing from Janne's kingdom muttered as he glances at the skulls that rest laid on a destroyed carriage, one having a spear pierced through the center of it that made him wince and hoped that whoever it was died quickly.
"It's tragic, but a harsh reminder as well on what not to do." One knight from Burkan told him as he inspected the scattered bones.
"Doesn't change the fact that it's considered as one of the worst disasters Eostia has witnessed." A Dawn Templar grimaced as she was careful not to step on the bones of the soldiers that died in the failed expedition years ago.
At the front are Claudia, Janne, Iris and Farasha riding their horses. Their faces grim as they surveyed the barren land. Claudia had a sadden look as she starred at the skeletons that bore the emblems of the Shield Alliance on their rusted armors while Iris gave silent prayers to those that had fallen.
A flapping of wings made some knights look up and notice a figure from above. Above them is a massive bipedal bird-like purple and gray monster covered in purple scales tipped with large spikes and three spikes jutting out of its tail laced with strong poison. It has a massive long beak with with wicked ear frills along with a silver mean around its neck and red eyes that speaks danger. The signature blue and black hourglass symbol located on the left thigh made them relax as they recognize who it was.
"Other than a few goblins scurrying around from northeast of here, there's been very few activities going around here. Squawk!" Yian Garuga, the Black Wolf Bird, reported as he flies down next to to the four female commanders and walked alongside them. "Which makes it all the more suspicious and made be believe they're either retreating or coming up with a plan. Squawk!"
"I see, then we must be more alert once we get closer to the Crimson Spiral." Claudia nodded. "If it's not too much, I think it'd be better if you stuck to the ground Jack. We don't want the demons to be spooked by your presence in the air and ambush us."
"No problem Claudia. Squawk! My ears have heightened senses so I can still give out the alert if those bastards try something. Squawk!" The Black Wolf Bird nodded.
"Must you end a sentence with that noise?" Janne raised an eyebrow as she turns to him, finding that a bit unnecessary.
Yian Garuga shrugged his shoulders. "Can't help it. Squawk! When I transform I retain the behavior and personality of the Monster I use. Squawk! Yian Garuga here is an aggressive Monster and often makes noises for everything. Squawk!" Janne sighed with Claudia, Iris and Farasha chuckling.
20 minutes went by before the coalition could finally the iconic Crystal Towers in view. Yian Garuga is impressed by high huge these things are. Sure he's been doing reconnaissance several months ago in the Forgotten Wasteland but mostly from above and never this deep. And he was aware that if he flew high enough. He would see Thorn in the south as well as the Garan-Thorn border. Alongside a stream that provide clean water and several place to set up camp if they get tired.
However, the Bird Wyvern also knew they had to be cautious. The dense forestation surrounding them serves as a hiding place for the demons and the last thing the coalition wants an unexpected ambush. In fact there was something off.
"Something's not right. Squawk!" Yian Garuga muttered, eyes narrowing as his ears spun around trying to pick up any unfamiliar noise. "It's quiet. A little too quiet. Squawk!"
"He's right. An army this size would've alerted the demons in this area given their enhanced senses." Farasha admitted, gripping the tightly. Claudia, Janne and Iris slowed down and waves the soldiers behind them to do the same. All of them taking cautionary steps while looking around and even on the ground they walk to make they don't trip and set off any traps.
Yian Garuga opens his mouth, or rather break himself, to say something, only to perk his head up and his ears rotating around, having heard something most humans can't hear. This put Claudia and the others on guard as he stalks over to the side, head leaning forward towards a massive boulder at the other side of the stream. His eyes narrowed as he thought he could hear chattering, likely monsters hiding and setting up an ambush.
For a moment things were tense as the coalition waited for Yian Garuga to make his next him. Then with a sigh, he straighten up and turns to face them. "Must be my paranoia acting up again." He admitted walking back towards where Claudia and the other leaders are. "I thought I heard some-"
"SURPRISE, MOTHERFUCKER! SQUAWK!" Only for the Black Wolf Bird to quickly 180 degrees and spat out a fireball, the flaming projectile travelling almost a football before it struck the boulder, sending bits of it flying that caught several soldiers off guard. Surprise turns to shock as several goblins and imps were revealed to have been hiding there, screaming as they were on fire as a result of the attack. Several burning imps made a last ditch effort to attack the Bird Wyvern, only for Yian Garuga to let out a sonic scream that made them drop their weapons and hold their bleeding ears in pain.
This provided enough distraction for several archers to lodge their bodies with arrows as their bodies fell to the ground. "Ambush!" Janne shouted, drawing her sword as did Claudia, Iris and Farasha. The coalition armed themselves as rumbling noises appears and soon, a massive monster horde emerged from the forest section where Garan can be seen. And their numbers where overwhelming. The coalition's army is at best 90,000, but the monsters have more than twice the numbers.
The monsters the began making noises as a means to intimidate the coalition. Whether that'd be stomping the ground, beating their chests, banging their weapons against their shields and armor, or outright just roaring. Some soldiers put on a brave face, but can't deny the fear factor put on display especially since the aberrants have the numbers advantage. Claudia grips the ropes of her horse as she stares at the massive monster army with a grim look, knowing full well that even their experience and skills won't be enough to overwhelm the superior numbers of the demons.
Yian Garuga, however, simply scoffed as he looks at the enemy side with an unamused look. He's got a lot of monsters that can easily wipe out an entire army or even a country. He just chose not to go that route because he's not there to wipe out Eostia off the map. "Let's see how you like it. Squawk!" The Black Wolf Bird grumbles before stepping forward in front of the coalition much to the leaders' surprise. "Andros, what are you-" He cuts Iris' voice off as he he leans down to peck at the black and blue hourglass symbol, consuming him in a dark blue flash.
Yian Garuga is now a massive creature resembling a red lion with a mane, two horns curved backwards and a pair of dragon wings. Said wings has a single spike at the tip while they and its tail are covered in fur and and the MonTrix symbol seen on its chest.
"TEOSTRA!" The Flame King Elder Dragon roars, flames spewing from his mouth. Ignoring the awed and shocked looks of the coalition, he stands on his hind legs and gave a a loud, powerful roar that drowns out the demons', making them go quiet in stunned silence. It was unlike anything neither side ever heard of. Ten second passed before Teostra finishes, a smirk etched on his face.
"How do you like them apples?!" He taunted before flapping his wings and began expelling red powder towards the demons. It took another 20 seconds for it to reach to front lines and before anyone could react, Teostra snaps his jaws, igniting the powder as explosions rocked the monsters' side as they screamed. The ones that were in the epicenter are incinerated on the spot while those outside its range but still close enough were burned. They were still plenty but Teostra's surprise attack caught them off guard.
This stuns the demons, but then shock turns to anger as they screamed and began charging towards the Monster Shifter and the coalition.
"Here they come! Formation!" Farasha warns. Archers readied their bows, mages began casting their spells, and the infantries at the front gripped their weapons and shields. Claudia readies her sword as she, Janne, Iris and Farasha face the incoming monsters. Teostra narrows his eyes as the enemies got closer and closer before he rears his head back, flames gathering in his mouth.
"Bring it on!" The Elder Dragon yells, lurching forward to unleashes a devastating breath attack.