Dancer in the Dark

Chapter 2: Chorus

"Excuse me, sir, we received word that the kingdom has sent reinforcements." Said a demon, kneeling before his higher up.

"Those humans really don't understand when to give up do they?" Asked the demon general.

"Affirmative, Sir Lucifer. These pesky humans don't understand when they're beaten." Replied the general's, right-hand man.

"How many are there, Albedo?" Asked Lucifer.

"About seven, sir." Replied Albedo.

"Only seven?! Those humans must be kidding themselves to think that seven measly adventurers can defeat us." Said Lucifer in a furious tone.

"Well, there's only seven that can be seen, sir." Replied Albedo.

"That can be seen? Explain yourself." Said Lucifer.

"From the information, we have acquired, the kingdom has sent the Fire Elemental Flare and her party." Replied Albedo.

"And what is that supposed to mean, Albedo?! A measly archer like her wouldn't make a difference, especially in a thick forest." Said Lucifer.

"Excuse me, Sir Lucifer." Interrupted Lucifer's right-hand man."

"What is it, Nacht?" Asked Lucifer.

"Well you see, that Fire Elemental is in the same party as the Dark Elemental, Ren. It's rumored that he would give up his own life to protect her so it's reasonable to think that he's with the other seven." Replied Nacht.

"Shit... looks like the kingdom has finally had it with us. I can't believe that they're playing their strongest card already. I thought they would've waited before using their trump card but looks like I guessed wrong." Said Lucifer.

The Dark Elemental, Ren also known as The Shadow of Luthenia, is one of the kingdom's strongest assets. Famed for his ability to kill without the enemy even spotting him. Ren has made a name for himself not only in Luthenia but also in the Demon King's Domain. The mention of his name sends shivers down the spines of both humans and demons alike.

"This is getting pretty exciting if you ask me, Sir Lucifer." Said Nacht with a sinister smirk.

"Interesting indeed. Albedo, inform the others that we will plan an ambush. Tell them that once the adventurers arrive, specifically target the Fire Elemental and the supports. We can use her and the supports to drag out Ren. As much respect as I have for that man, I cannot allow him to escape and interfere with our future plans. Demon Lord Towa wouldn't be very happy with us if we allowed him to escape." Said Lucifer.

"Understood, sir." Replied Albedo as he vanished into the shadows.

"Can I entrust dealing with Ren to you, Nacht?" Asked Lucifer.

"Of course, sir. I will not disappoint you." Replied Nacht.

"Good." Said Lucifer with satisfaction in his voice.

"Let's show those humans exactly what they're up against~" Exclaimed Nacht in a sadistic tone.

~~~~~

"Remember your goal here. We need to break the siege and rescue our comrades. No one left behind. Got that?" Said Flare as their carriage arrived a few miles outside of the forest.

"Yes ma'am!" Replied her party.

"Suisei and Aoi stay behind us. If we allow the demons to get to you two then we're completely screwed. Aoi cast Tracer and Suisei use Encourage Song once we enter the forest." Said Flare.

Tracer, a Wind Elemental Spell, is a spell that detects the position of nearby enemies. The spell works by bouncing molecules of air off of surfaces such as trees or bodies. This is incredibly useful as it allows the user to detect even the stealthiest of enemies as long as they have a physical body. Encourage Song, a Neutral Elemental Spell, is a basic party buffing spell. The spell increases the physical and magical capabilities of allies within a certain distance.

"Yes ma'am!" Replied Aoi.

"Understood!" Replied Suisei.

"My squad and I will scout the area. Give us some time and we'll report right back. The rest of you seven should keep your eyes peeled." Said Ren.

"Sounds good, Ren. Be careful out there, okay?" Replied Flare.

"Of course." Replied Ren as he and his three apprentices disappear.

"For now we have to set up camp and wait for Ren's report." Said Flare.

"Agreed. We can't allow ourselves to be too hasty. Even if it's a rescue mission, we cannot venture into the forest like headless chickens." Replied Yuuki.

"That's like the first intelligent things he has said since meeting him." Thought Suisei.

The seven began to set up tents a few miles away from the forest and waited for Ren to contact them through Spacial Contact.

Spacial Contact is a Neutral Element skill that allows messages to be sent telepathically between two people. Since Spacial Contact is a Neutral Elemental skill, anyone with magical capabilities can learn this skill but it requires training to perfect.

"It's safe to enter the forest. The coast is clear and we spotted no signs of demons." Said Ren through Spacial Contact.

"Roger that! We'll move out right away!" Replied Flare.

"Alright guys, it's time to head out! Ren said the coast is clear. Bring back our comrades and defeat any demon that gets in our way!" Exclaimed Flare.

"Yes ma'am!" Replied the rest of the party.

~~~~~

"There's a lot more of them than I expected. I need to report back to Flare-sama immediately." Thought Ren as he slays another demon.

"Alister,  Sora,  and Tristen retreat immediately. We cannot risk staying any longer." Exclaimed Ren through Spacial Contact.

"Alister? Sora? Tristen?" Asked Ren through Spacial Contact a minute later since he never received a response from the three.

"Come out~ come out~ wherever you are~" Said a demon in a sadistic tone.

"I know you're here, Ren. Your three friends over here would like to say a few last words~" Said the demon in the same sadistic tone as he threw Ren's unconscious apprentices on the forest floor.

"Shit." Thought Ren as he spots his apprentices and Nacht.

Ren and Nacht had their fair amounts of one on one confrontations as the fight between the humans and the demons raged on. The two of them are evenly matched as their several battles against one another always end in a draw. Ren recognized Nacht instantly along with his trademark sadistic tone.

"Flare-sama, Nacht has captured Alister, Sora, and Tristen. Please retreat immediately." Said Ren through Spacial Contact.

"There's no use, Ren. Your Spacial Contact had been intercepted a long time ago. That Fire Elemental should be here with the rest of the party any second now. Show yourself and I might give your comrades some mercy." Said Nacht as he changed to an awfully serious tone.

"Oh, looks like they arrived earlier than I expect." Said Nacht as he spots Suisei and the others entering the forest.

"Shit. Why would they move on their own like this?" Thought Ren inside his head as he spots Suisei and the others.

"You aren't very bright, are you? I just told you why they're here. Your communications have been tapped. I sent your beloved Flare a message that the forest had no sign of demons and knowing how highly she thinks of you, she'll believe everything 'you' say." Said Nacht as if he could read everything going on inside Ren's head.

"Anyways, if Ren isn't going to show himself then I want to see zero survivors! Kill all the foolish humans that dare to get in the way of Demon Lord Towa!" Exclaimed Nacht as he let out his sinister laughter.

"Yes, sir!" Echoed the forest.