Night fell without ceremony.
The detachments were already positioned along the defined routes. The forest seemed calm from a distance, but beneath the surface every unit awaited the signal.
I remained at the central forward coordination point, an elevated natural platform formed by intertwined ancient roots. From there, it was possible to observe three main corridors of demonic advance.
Elara stood beside me, reviewing the alternative routes one last time.
"If they react too quickly, we have two safe retreat options," she said, pointing at the reduced map.
"We won't use both," I replied. "Only one. The second is real contingency."
She nodded in understanding.
Vespera appeared behind us without a sound.
"First demonic detachment detected to the east. Approximately three hundred. Compact formation."
Lyannis raised her gaze.
"Scouts or reinforced test unit?"
"Reinforced test," Vespera answered. "They're evaluating local response."
Rai'kanna flexed her shoulders.
"Then let's respond."
Liriel closed her eyes for a few seconds.
"Mana flow is stable for now. We can act without risk of instability."
Scarlet remained a few steps behind, observing in silence.
I took a deep breath.
It was time to put the plan into practice.
"The first move will be controlled," I said. "Fast strike on the right flank of the formation. Disrupt and withdraw before the rear realizes."
Scarlet tilted her head slightly.
"Without seeking total annihilation."
"No excess."
Rai'kanna smiled.
"That will require discipline."
"Then keep yours," I replied.
She just let out a quiet laugh.
I transmitted the signal.
The eastern detachment advanced through the treetops, using elevated natural pathways. Elven archers positioned themselves silently above the demonic route.
I observed the movement through the enhanced vision crystal provided by the elven command.
The demonic unit marched with rigid organization. Frontline shields, conjurers protected at the center, impact soldiers on the sides.
They were not careless.
They were trained.
"Now," I murmured.
The first rain of arrows fell from above.
Precise.
Directed at the central conjurers.
Four fell immediately.
Before the formation could react, Rai'kanna led the impact group through the right flank, breaking the outer line with controlled force.
Scarlet moved almost at the same time, entering through the opening created, striking specific articulation points in the formation.
I advanced through the center, aiming at the unit commander.
The demon noticed my approach and tried to react with a quick conjuration, but the cut was faster.
The formation lost coordination for a few seconds.
It was all we needed.
"Withdraw in five," I ordered.
We did not pursue those who retreated.
We did not extend beyond the objective.
We returned to the elevated line before reinforcements arrived.
Elara confirmed.
"Demonic rear is changing formation. They detected the rupture."
Lyannis observed patterns on the map.
"They reduced overall speed."
First effect achieved.
Small.
But significant.
Scarlet cleaned her blade with a short motion.
"You really don't want prolonged confrontation yet."
"Not here," I replied.
Rai'kanna seemed to hold back the urge to push further.
"If we had stayed a few more minutes…"
"They would have surrounded us," Elara interrupted.
Rai'kanna sighed, but did not argue.
Liriel approached.
"Minimal casualties on our side. Two lightly injured."
"Stabilized?" I asked.
"Yes."
I looked again toward the eastern corridor.
The remaining demonic unit was reorganizing its ranks. The march would continue, but now with caution.
That was exactly what I wanted.
Force them to spend time.
Force them to doubt the linearity of their advance.
Vespera returned after another check.
"Similar movement detected to the north. Larger unit. Approximately five hundred."
"They're adjusting their pattern," Lyannis commented.
Scarlet stepped forward.
"Want to repeat the move?"
"Predictable patterns are traps," I replied. "We change the approach."
Elara was already anticipating.
"Partial frontal attack followed by vertical dispersion?"
"Yes."
Rai'kanna's smile widened.
"That's better."
I transmitted a new order.
This time, we advanced differently. Part of the force appeared from the front, simulating a direct confrontation. When the demonic unit adjusted shields for resistance, Vespera led a secondary group from above, striking the conjurers from the rear.
Scarlet descended through the center of the formation while I broke the frontline.
The disorganization was more intense than in the first action.
But we maintained discipline.
We did not prolong beyond what was necessary.
Coordinated withdrawal again.
When we returned to the elevated point, the night was already deeper.
The demonic advance had noticeably slowed.
Small units began regrouping before moving forward.
"He will notice," Scarlet said.
"He already has," I replied.
Lyannis analyzed the illuminated map.
"The central pattern is being adjusted. They're expecting another rupture."
"Then we won't give them the same one," Elara said.
The surrounding forest seemed to react subtly. The pressure of enemy mana was still distant, but now there was our interference in the flow.
Liriel observed the horizon with a focused expression.
"This is only the beginning."
"Yes," I replied.
Scarlet stepped a little closer.
"You know he might respond by sending something bigger."
"I expect him to."
She stared at me for a moment.
"You really want him to react."
"I want him out of his comfort position."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"If he sends a heavy force, are we going to face it?"
"We'll choose the terrain," I replied.
The first move had been executed successfully.
No significant losses.
No unnecessary exposure.
But the war had not truly begun yet.
We had only announced our presence.
I looked into the darkness beyond the trees.
The Fourth General was advancing with confidence.
Now he knew the forest was not passive.
He knew there was active resistance.
And more importantly, he knew someone was leading that resistance.
The strategic game had begun.
And we had made the first move.