SOUL SEARCH: Dualities

Chapter 2: Unprecedented Terror

Juseykyo (Paradise),
Serisis,
Eastern Altar.
1091 A.C.

The beast man, Kaizen, sneered at the group, his voice dripping with amusement. "Well, look who finally needed my help."

Ash's expression remained impassive. "We only require the army for this battle. You're here because you're their commander, correct?"

Kaizen scoffed, his grin widening. "Just admit it, you need my help to win this war."

Thundra sighed, muttering under his breath, "This is why we only planned on using this guy as a last resort."

Kaizen's ears perked up, and his grin grew. "Oh, I heard that, elf."

Snow intervened, walking up to Kaizen and embracing him warmly. "That's no way to treat my cousin, is it now?"

Thundra's glower deepened. "He should try earning some respect first."

Snow shrieked in amusement, her eyes sparkling. "Coo! Big words coming from you, Thundra."

Kaizen chuckled, his deep voice rumbling. "Seems like someone's got a sore spot."

Ash's neutral tone cut through the banter. "Enough. We have a battle to win."

Snow released Kaizen, her expression turning serious. "Kaizen, we need your army's strength. Can we count on you?"

Kaizen's smirk returned. "Of course, dear cousin. I'll make sure we crush Astaroth's forces."

Thundra's skepticism lingered, but Snow's assurance seemed to mollify him.

The unlikely allies prepared to face the battle ahead, their differences momentarily set aside.

Kaizen's true intentions remained unclear, but one thing was certain – the tide of battle was about to shift.
Ash's gaze remained fixed on the battlefield, his expression starkly indifferent as he observed Kaizen.

The beast man noticed Ash's look and asked, "Hey, what's that look for?"

Ash ignored the question, his voice firm and commanding. "Summon the battalion."

Kaizen's face fell, his protest evident. "But you didn't answer my-"

Ash's cold tone cut him off. "Just do it, Kaizen."

Kaizen's frown deepened, annoyance etched on his face, but he nodded curtly.

Ash's gaze never wavered from the battlefield. "I'm not sure the mages can hold out any longer."

Kaizen retrieved a golden rink from his pocket and tossed it onto the floor before them. The rink hit the ground with a metallic "clank," emitting a blinding light that enveloped the area.

As the light dissipated, an enormous battalion of the kingdom's finest soldiers and warriors stood before them.

The troops bowed in unison upon seeing their rulers, but Ash raised a hand, halting their gesture.

"That's not important now. What is crucial is that you support the mages as they lead the attack against Astaroth with the magelights."

His calm tone belied the urgency of the situation.

"All seven pillars, please step forward," Ash called out.

Six individuals emerged from the crowd, their distinctive appearances making them easily identifiable.

The seven pillars, legendary warriors, consisted of two females and five males, each with unique abilities and strengths.

Their presence seemed to electrify the air, and the troops parted to let them through.