The Void Monarch - Chapter 31

While the news of a new mercenary being rated the highest slowly spread in the Capital, the Western Valley Fortress was desperately in need of assistance. The Fortress Commander stood on the battle-scarred ramparts and overlooked the Diavol. They attacked during the night with siege equipment, catapults, and ballistae were fired throughout the night.

“Lieutenant Commander! What are our casualties?”

A man in his fifties with a bald head and long beard yelled in a gruff voice. His towering stature seemed to match the fierceness in his voice and the greatsword he carried on his back, added to his intimidating image. This man was known as Commander Belmond, a veteran warrior and formerly a mercenary who was in the top 30 before he retired. So how did a former mercenary with no qualifications, get a high position within the military? The Kingdom would never give up on any mercenary in the top 100 who retired and Commander Belmond happened to settle down with his wife and children and was in need of a stable job. The Western Valley Fortress was relatively peaceful except for the occasional skirmish, which was just enough for Belmond to keep his skills honed. Unfortunately, fate had something else in mind.

“Sir, we have a total of sixty dead, thirty wounded, and ten who were sent in order to carry the message to the closest city. Leaving us with a total of four hundred soldiers.”

The Lt. Commander reported calmly. The night attack wasn’t that bad in terms of losses, but it was clear the previous attack was to test the defensive and to get the Fortress Soldiers to waste their supplies. Which worked, the Diavol didn’t stop firing until the Fortress Soldiers returned fire.

“Shit. This fucking sucks, right?”

Commander Belmond used a spyglass to look at all of the tents which were moved away from the firing range of the fortress. The Diavol showed no haste in their movements and casually talked, Belmond could’ve sworn he saw a few of them laughing. Dozens of Cyclopes were chained to one area, eating the rancid remains of deceased livestock, while the Giants were indulging in the carcasses of a variety of monsters.

“That it does, Commander.”

The Lt. Commander agreed with a sigh. As long as the Diavol didn’t launch a full assault, they could last two weeks at the most and that was just being optimistic. The reality was at the first sign of weakness the Diavol would force their way in. Currently, they had the luxury to waste away at the defenses of the Fortress first. After all, why would they needlessly incur casualties?

Commander Belmond put away his spyglass and pulled out a flask of alcohol. He opened it and silently took a drink.

“You’re still young, you have anyone you care about, Lieutenant Commander?”

Commander Belmond asked as he exhaled a visible breath. He took another gulp of his alcohol and handed it over to the Lt. Commander who accepted it after some hesitation.

“No, Sir. Just my younger brother who’s a mercenary and my parents…Excuse me for asking, Sir, but is it true your wife is an Elf?”

The Lt. Commander gulped down the alcohol and handed it back to Commander Belmond.

“Yeah, it’s true. I’ve also got two little half-elves running around driving her insane, while the oldest left to strike out on his own a little while ago.”

Commander Belmond chuckled, which sounded hoarse and reminded one of a growling bear.

“Seems like we both have people to protect, Commander.”

The Lt. Commander said seriously.

“That we do, Lieutenant. That we do-”

BOOM!

Commander Belmond was interrupted by the blast of an explosion which struck just short of the Fortress. Everyone inside grew tense and ran to the defensive armaments. Commander Belmond used the spyglass and could see a young Diavol soldier getting yelled at by a Superior.

“Stand down!”

Commander Belmond ordered as he turned to look inside of the Fortress walls.

“The bastards misfired!”

He spat in disgust. The Fortress atmosphere grew stressful and the rising tension only served to hinder morale. Under these conditions deserters and even traitors could be brought up, only those with something to protect would be the most reliable. Commander Belmond could only hope to have the Kingdom send help soon.

…………………..

Back in the Capital the news of a someone named Ira becoming number one spread explosively through the streets, it was shocking because very few could put a face to the name. The name “Ira” came out of nowhere, usually, there is a steady climb with some special cases. For example, Rhys the former number one jumped 5 places a month in the rankings. Her rise was steady and alarming, shocking everyone, in fact, until now it was the fastest speed in the Kingdom’s history.

Meanwhile, the boy in question arrived on the top floor of the Mercenaries Union building. Samantha guided Ira and Harper with unsure steps, this was her first time on the twelfth floor, she never met with the Head of the MU personally. Ira placed his hands on top of his head and followed casually, while Harper trailed with curious eyes. They were stopped in a lobby area by a female secretary and a pair of guards. The secretary scanned over the trio and focused on Ira.

“Would you happen to be Ira?”