Alaster stood outside the gates of Onigas, watching the Demons set up the meeting place once more.

Wind whipped at the cloaks of the Black Knights standing behind their Master. Alaster had used his mastery of Necrotic Mana to alter their armor, covering their faces, the only indicator that they were skeletal.

The soldiers could feel the essence of Death that lingered on the Knights. An essence that felt similar, yet somehow different from the Necromancer they knew. To the soldiers that were constantly being marched into the city, the Hero of Onigas had simply taken upon two apprentices.

They stayed clear of Alaster normally, afraid to offend or interrupt him. But now with two more beings that radiated death, they steered away out of fear. Many did not even realize they were doing it.

The harsh wind brought with it dense cloud cover that threatened to drench the land below. No one liked being outdoors during a downpour, let alone fight in one, but Alaster was kind of hoping it rained.

The defenders of Onigas had permanent shelters and roofs they could take cover under, sometimes even while on duty. However, regardless of how sophisticated and skilled in Magic, the Demons would not be able to reach the same level of comfort.

The Demon Army had continued to set up and prepare for the siege, despite being the ones to propose a bloodless alternative. Their neat formations had gradually turned into a city of tents, with wooden barricades, trenches lined with hastily sharpened stakes, and even a few watch towers.

Despite being ones to attack the city, they had to ensure they were not flanked or routed if the defenders decided to sally out. However, Alaster doubted the City Lord would allow such a tactic.

Sallying was always met with heavy casualties. It was only considered a successful sally if the defenders managed to kill more than they lost. And it was only a sound strategy when the Defenders were on equal skill and number as the attackers.

The Demons could disable the System that the Humans relied on. This alone made such brazen tactics foolish.

Alaster continued to watch the Demon servants prepare the meeting area, even setting up a large tarp to block the wind and another to block any potential rain, while still leaving the meeting table in clear view of both Demons and Humans.

Soon, Alaster heard the massive gates opening to allow the City Lord, Lord Siphas, and their respective body guards through before closing again.

The guards were mounted and armored steeds and lined up against the gate. They would not come to the meeting and were only there to provide assistance should the Demons decide to attack immediately once Keylan told them his answer.

It was a smart move, Alaster doubted the Demon Envoy would be happy to here the man's alternative.

"Alaster." The City Lord nodded respectively.

"Who are your friends?" Lord Siphas asked, looking curiously at the two uncaring Knights.

"Long story," Alaster stated, still watching the Demons, "I will explain later, if we get the chance."

Elliot shrugged. If it was urgently important, he trusted that Alaster would have told him, or even just dealt with it himself. The boy he had fostered all those years ago had turned into quite the reliable young man.

The Demon servants finished their preparation and casually rejoined their army. As they did, Alaster spotted the same Demon Envoy and his retinue step forward.

"Here we go." Keylan mumbled to himself.

Taking the lead, Keylan walked towards the meeting area.

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The tension in the air grew heavier with each step, both for those meeting, and those watching. This meeting, between just a few people, would determine the lives of thousands. Whether they lived or died, would be decided here, in just a few minutes.

After what seemed like eternity to the soldiers on both sides, the Envoys sat down.

"Good afternoon." The Demon Envoy greeted, "Have you come to a decision?"

Keylan nodded, "We have, though not one that was offered."

The Devil raised an eyebrow, and Alaster felt the Mana around the two Argalon bodyguards tense, "Do tell."

"We will fight to defend our home. However, we wish to evacuate the citizens, so that they may be spared the horrors of war. We respectfully request two more days to do so, through various means."

Devil leaned back in his chair, scratching his chin in thought. The look on his face was strange, but Belgroth assure Alaster that look meant the Devil was thinking.

After several moments, the Devil leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table, "I respect this decision. You cannot give up the home your people have been building and nourishing for generations. But at the same time, as a someone responsible for the lives of your people, you cannot, in good conscience, let the citizens suffer."

"So you will grant us the two days peace?"

The Devil sighed deeply, "I am sorry, but I cannot."

Keylan clenched his fist tightly, his words strained, though his face remained passive, "Why?"

"Because it is not in my ability to do so. I do not control this army, I merely speak for it. The General is already grinding his teeth at the thought of putting off his attack for a week to capture the city unharmed. The idea of putting off the attack for two days only to fight for it after would break his teeth. There is no way he would accept this compromise.

I will log this meeting and this alternative for the records and pass them directly to the War Masters, but I am afraid this will not help you.

If you refuse to turn over your city peacefully, then this army has no choice but to take it through blood. Regardless of whose."

"Then there is no chance?" Lord Siphas asked.

The Devil shook his head sadly, "I will tell him of your request, but no. He will undoubtedly refuse."

Keylan stood up, "Then if there is no possibility for peace, we will welcome you with blade and spell."

Lord Siphas stood up and together the two Lords began walking back.

"Will you not go with them?" The Devil asked.

"I will, but first I wish to ask you a question. Two actually."

"Ask, though I may not answer."

"I learned your language and customs through ancient records. In one of these records, I read of an Argalon Guardian. One referred to as the Dragon. The context of this record and name piqued my curiosity. Perhaps you know of what I speak?"

The Devil nodded, "I do. He is an Argalon of renown and awe. One that children grow up playing as, though their mothers hope never become.

The Dragon is a title the Argalon give to their most steadfast and skilled warriors. A title reserved for one who has not merely survived, but beaten, unsurmountable odds time and time again. Since this war between our races began, there has only ever been one Argalon granted this title.

I do not know his name, for it is kept secret among the War Master out of respect.

History tells that when our people were fleeing our home world, while the Guardians protected us from the attacking humans while the final spell was being completed, only the Dragon stepped out of the spell's effect. In doing so, he brought upon himself the wrath of the Humans, yet he allowed not one to pass him.

When the spell was completed, still he refused to return, as doing so would allow many of the Humans to enter the spell, possibly disrupting it. Instead, he remained behind, fighting to his last breath.

Or so the legends say."

Belgroth did not speak, but Alaster had not expected him to.

"Has this satisfied your curiosity?"

"It has, thank you."

"You had a second question?"

"Yes. When you attack the city, will the General participate in the battle? Or is he a coward who commands from the rear?"

The Argalon bodyguards growled but Alaster ignored them.

"The General is not likely to participate himself, though I imagine he will come near the frontlines to better command and inspire his soldiers near the end. He has never been one to isolate himself. Why do you ask?"

Alaster stood up, politely pushing his chair back in, "Oh no big deal, I was just wondering if an Argalon General's blood was different from a normal soldier. I guess we'll see."

The Devil stood up with a smirk, "Perhaps you will, though I doubt it. Good day."

"To you as well." Alaster nodded respectfully to the Devil.

He would enjoy killing him.

Alaster walked back to the gate with the Death Knights in tow.

The Lords had waited for him, and as he approached, the gates opened.

"We must speed up the evacuation." Keylan stated.

"The majority of the citizenry has already left, but there are still much that should be protected. Even if we leave some things behind, it will take time."

Alaster walked past them, walking through the tunnel between the outer and inner gate of the outer wall, "Time we don't have. They will attack before the sun sets."

"How sure are you of this?" Keylan asked.

Shouts from atop the wall reached them, "Pretty sure." Alaster sighed.

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