Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 976- Battle of Mount Gorgor (2)

Even the high ranking Demon Nobles had to restrain their auras before him.

Garvex's voice reverberated through the chamber causing the place to be silent for a while before murmurs began rippling through the area.

"They dare regroup so close to our domain?"…

"A mere platoon of the Southern Alliance? Pathetic, They should be crushed for their insolence."

Whispers of curiosity and disdain spread among the demon nobles and other beings gathered in the room.

Garvex's third eye swivelled toward the speakers, silencing them with a single, unblinking glare. He continued "They've chosen their position wisely, the fortress at Mount Gorgor is defensible and strategic. Their intentions are clear: they mean to stall us, perhaps even to bait a response."

Even the lowest ranking Demon Baron could see that the opponent human army was not a match for their forces. So the human suddenly trying something different was either a bait or deliberate attempt to slow them down.

The question was do they fall for it or not?

"A bait? Hah! Do the humans think we don't know what they are up to? A show of force is overdue" a demon noble clad in blood-red armor spoke.

Gavrex's three eyes turned towards that Demon Noble — "And what would you suggest, then? Should we mobilize the full might of the Demon Lord's army to deal with a mere platoon? The Demon lord's orders are precise, we need to march straight towards the south of the central continent, trample any obstructions and regroup with the Demon Lord of Greed's army"

The room fell silent again though not for long.

"Garvex is right, The humans at Mount Gorgor aren't worth the attention of our full army. Their strength and numbers are insignificant, a distraction at best."

 "And what would you propose?"…

Vordanaz answered feigning a smile "A detached unit. The key is time, we don't want to make the Demon Lord angry. A show of overwhelming force would be a waste. Let the humans see just a fraction of our power—and let them tremble."

 The demon nobles murmured in agreement.

"Very well," Garvex said after a moment "We will send a detached force…"

.

.

 In a few hours, the first light of dawn crept across the battlefield, the rising sun painted the world in hues of crimson and gold. The sky was heavy with dust, and the air was thick with the lingering stench of blood and ash.

Shadows moved like phantoms across the war-torn landscape in an organised way. From his vantage point atop a cliff, Vordanaz gazed down at the assembled detached force.

It was a modest force compared to the full might of the Demon Lord's army, but it was more than enough for the task at hand. At the forefront were Infernal Hounds, trolls, golems, minotaurs and centaurs, their glowing eyes filled with predatory hunger.

Most were around level 400, their strength formidable but far from the apex of what the demon army had.

Leading the force was a Demon Earl who although exuded a formidable aura, lacked charisma. He was aided by several Demon viscounts who followed him around like baby chicks following a mother hen.

The band of demons were none other than Melkan and his group.

Melkan strode confidently at the head of the detached force, Pride swelled in his chest as he surveyed the army at his command. Behind him was an army that could flatten anything, as they marched in unison, he basked in the aura of authority they granted him.

This was it, this was his golden opportunity. To be tasked with destroying the humans occupying the fortress at Mount Gorgor—it's more than a mission. It was his chance to rise.

What initially seemed like a disastrous encounter with Simon, had turned into an unexpected boon. He had narrowly avoided humiliation and instead found himself leading this force.

If he crushed the humans at Mount Gorgor, his success would elevate him within the Demon Lord's ranks.

"Perhaps even Garvex himself will take notice of me."

Melkan glanced at the distant fortress, victory seemed inevitable with such a powerful force at his command.

"I'll ensure these wretched humans are obliterated. No one will doubt my worth after this." Drowned by the sudden power he held, he was completely unaware of the fact that he was being used as a disposable both by Simon and the Demon Lord's army.

As the detached force drew closer to the fortress in Mount Gorgor, high up in the sky Vordanaz was suddenly distracted by an abrupt change in air. The sky darkened without any indication and the temperature dropped sharply.

A presence approached, from the darkened sky a figure of a person descended. Wrapped in crimson winds, ever changing and turbulent, the figure looked like they had no physical body.

The newcomer arrived behind Vordanaz in an instant.

"Why are you here, Gareth?" Still standing in his place with his back facing the newcomer, the Demon Duke asked. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The malleable body covering the figure faded and the silhouette of the being could finally be seen. A prominently handsome face, short black hair, crimson eyes and horns that curved backwards, his features were the very definition of how a Demon Noble should look.

Donned in an extravagant suit and fur cloak over, he exuded authority and power. This was Gareth, one of the most feared Demon Dukes in the Demon Lord of Envy's faction.

"Why, nothing much," The demon duke referred to as Gareth replied. His sharp teeth glinted as he chuckled. "I was just curious about this little detached force. Why would you Vordanaz, of all people, involve yourself in such a trivial matter? Surely, a platoon of humans isn't worth your time."

Of all demons, it had to be Gareth, Vordanaz clicked his tongue inwardly. This was the worst possible outcome he wanted to avoid.

He had been attempting to tread carefully after Simon's warning, trying to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and give the humans a chance to retreat without escalating the conflict.

But with Gareth here, it didn't seem like his plans would come to fruition anymore.