Return of the Demon Sovereign (Book 2) [MxM]

73. War

Then, the first strike began.

Across the grounds, groups of Shadowbane soldiers rushed in to attack. Archers launched a wave of arrows from their concealed positions, each projectile laced with shadow mana to maximize damage. Arrows hit their targets in the back lines, sowing confusion as soldiers fell seemingly at random. Jericho's men frantically scanned the darkness, unable to see their attackers.

Meanwhile, the first set of attackers moved toward the panicking soldiers. They rushed in through the shadows, slicing necks or tendons, picking off those on the outside of the ranks.

But they disappeared as quickly as they had appeared—like ghosts, disorienting their enemies even more. Jericho's forces scrambled, pushing toward the center in a desperate attempt to avoid further attacks.

Jericho's captains shouted orders, trying to regain control. But as soon as their soldiers rallied to one area, another pocket of attacks erupted on the opposite side of the estate. Their forces quickly became split, stretching their defenses thin. The coordinated attacks made Jericho's army paranoid, causing them to swing their swords at shadows.

Leo, observing alongside Erebus, smirked as he saw Jericho's ranks begin to falter. "It's just like you planned. They're scrambling, turning on each other without knowing where to defend. One more round and their morale might break."

Erebus gave a satisfied nod. When his soldiers regrouped behind them, he gave a quiet command. "Press them harder. Every squad in position—focus on isolating smaller groups. Break their ranks and scatter them."

His captains nodded in unison, then disappeared into the chaos. They had fought together for so long that they cut through Jericho's disordered ranks like a blade through fabric. One by one, clusters of Jericho's soldiers found themselves isolated, vulnerable, and filled with fear.

Erebus and Leo exchanged a look and shared a smile. They disappeared into the shadows to join the battle. They reappeared in the center of the fight, Erebus' daggers carving through armor. Leo was a relentless force beside him, each swing of his sword cutting down enemies.

Jericho's elite soldiers rushed in, their fire mana brightening the battlefield, but Lord Eld, Halcyon, Leonis, and Fenrir quickly intercepted them. The four tore through them with ease, littering the ground with bodies.

Panic spread through the ranks like wildfire—commanders shouted in vain, desperate to regroup.

Leo's voice cut through the fray. "Erebus, their flank is collapsing!"

"Then let's shatter it completely," Erebus replied, shadows flaring around him. He launched himself back into the thick of battle, his strikes a blur. The two fought side by side, their movements perfectly in sync—turning Jericho's last defense into utter disarray.

Cries of fear and desperation rose above the clash of blades. Bit by bit, the enemy crumbled.

Jericho stood apart from the remnants of his army, his face pale and movements frantic. His voice cracked as he shouted orders to regroup and kill Shadowbane. But his commanders were either dead or scattered.

He had already struggled to gather the numbers he did, but they had fallen far too easily. Now, there was no one to heed his calls.

His gaze darted across the battlefield wildly. For a moment, his expression was one of dismay. But then it changed in an instant, his madness boiling into raw anger. He seethed, his fists clenched tight enough to draw blood.

"I know you're here!" Jericho roared, his voice cutting through the chaos of battle. His wild eyes searched the shadows. "Stop hiding like a coward, Erebus! Face me!"