Morning arrived before I had truly rested. Not because I had not slept, but because my mind was already on the next step. As soon as I opened my eyes, the feeling was clear. Today was not an ordinary day. It was the beginning of something more direct, more intense.
I got up without haste, but without hesitation. When I came downstairs, everyone was already ready. I did not need to say anything. Liriel had a more focused look, Elara already seemed to be analyzing possibilities, Lyannis held a few records, Scarlett maintained that calm expression, Vespera observed in silence, and Rai'kanna simply crossed her arms, waiting.
"Let's go," I said.
No one questioned it.
We left the mansion and headed straight to the guild. The movement was already intense even that early. That place never truly stopped. As soon as we entered, some glances turned toward us, but this time there were no comments. Only silent recognition.
I walked straight to the counter.
"Those missions I picked up yesterday… I want to confirm all of them."
The receptionist nodded, quickly going through the records.
"They are high-level missions. Are you sure you want to carry them all out at the same time?"
"I am."
She did not question it further.
Lyannis stepped closer.
"Among them, this one is the main one."
She pointed at the document.
"Troop movements connected to the second general."
My expression became more serious.
"Numbers?"
"Variable. But they confirmed multiple groups attacking nearby villages."
Scarlett gave a slight smile.
"So it's not just a mission."
"No," I replied. "It's a purge."
Elara crossed her arms.
"And we're splitting up."
"Yes."
We left the guild immediately afterward. There was no point wasting time. As soon as we reached the city gates, I stopped and looked at all of them.
"We're splitting into pairs."
Rai'kanna slightly raised an eyebrow.
"I already thought about that."
I nodded.
"Liriel and Lyannis. You cover the eastern sector."
Liriel agreed immediately.
"Understood."
"Scarlett and Vespera. Western sector."
Scarlett gave a short smile.
"This will be quick."
Vespera simply nodded.
"Rai'kanna… you stay with me."
She said nothing, but gave a slight smile.
"And Elara too," I added.
Elara nodded.
"I'll maintain defensive support."
I looked at all of them.
"One hour."
Lyannis confirmed.
"Meeting point in the center of the marked area."
"Exactly."
The silence that followed was not doubt. It was focus.
"Move."
Each pair headed in a different direction. The open field quickly turned into distance. Only Rai'kanna, Elara, and I remained.
"North direction," I said.
We moved without delay. Our speed was steady, the terrain was not difficult, but the feeling in the air changed as we advanced. It did not take long to notice.
They were there.
We stopped before being noticed. I observed from a distance. A group of demons, around fifty, spread out irregularly. They were not organized like an army, but they were not disorderly either.
"They're patrolling," said Elara.
"Or looking for something," Rai'kanna added.
I took a deep breath.
"It doesn't matter."
I stepped forward.
They noticed us immediately.
There was no dialogue. No hesitation.
They advanced.
I activated the sword at the same instant. Energy flowed through my body naturally. Rai'kanna advanced through the right flank while Elara kept the rear protected.
The battle was direct.
There was no difficulty.
They were fast, but not fast enough. They were aggressive, but not organized enough. Every movement I made was calculated, every strike eliminated one or more.
Rai'kanna was no different. Her attacks were precise, strong, direct. Elara maintained constant barriers, nullifying any attempt at a counterattack.
In just a few minutes… it was over.
Silence returned.
I looked around. No survivors. No immediate threats.
"They're weaker," Rai'kanna said.
"Or we're stronger," Elara replied.
"Both," I said.
I cleaned the blade before sheathing it.
"This was only the beginning."
Elara looked around.
"We still have more."
"Yes."
We returned to the meeting point without rushing, but without wasting time. When we arrived, Scarlett and Vespera were already there.
"We finished quickly," Scarlett said.
"How many?" I asked.
"Around forty."
Lyannis and Liriel arrived shortly after.
"Sector clear," said Lyannis.
"No relevant resistance," Liriel added.
I nodded.
"Then only the main force remains."
Lyannis opened the map.
"There's larger movement coming from the north."
I looked in that direction.
"They're gathering."
Scarlett smiled slightly.
"Now this is more like it."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"Finally something interesting."
I took a deep breath.
"We're not splitting up this time."
Everyone nodded.
"We move together."
The tension changed.
This was no longer a simple mission.
It was the beginning of something bigger.
And I knew it.
I looked toward the horizon one more time.
"Let's finish this."
And this time… no one would remain standing.