Heaven and Hell

THIRTY-ONE

W A R

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THE VILLAGE WAS abuzz, people scurrying around with weapons and provisions in their preparation for the war to come. The sun had only risen mere minutes ago but every working soul was already up and ready, helping in any way possible to ensure smooth tidings.

After years and months of planning and scheming, the four brothers stood to attention in the center of the village, all observing the men and women bustling about. Of all five leaders in the upcoming battle, only Qiu Xia wasn't present.

"Where did the little lady go?" Calvin asked, throwing a quick glance at Fabian as he spoke.

Before dawn broke, the spirit of pestilence had left the castle in advance.

Days of rigorous tests and examinations had proven time and time again that she was no doubt the bringer of the plague and illness. Her powers had grown exponentially since then, proving to be on par with Dimitri's whose power had developed centuries before she was even born.

As such, all four brothers agreed that it was safe for her to leave the castle to visit the village by herself. Equipped with sufficient knowledge of sorcery and martial arts, Qiu Xia was more than capable of protecting herself against a few meager demons.

However, she should've arrived at the village hours ago yet not even the shadow of hers could be seen.

"What are the odds that Lucifer had found and captured her?" Wilhelm frowned, scratching at his neck.

"I doubt it. She's a rather scheming person and to be so easily captured isn't in her personality." Dimitri snorted ungracefully at the thought of Lucifer capturing their newest addition. "She probably scampered off to find some herbs to use as medicine."

"Or poison," Fabian chimed in.

No words were required to be exchanged. Instead, all four brothers nodded in agreement that it was more likely Qiu Xia had sought weapons of destruction than a cure to save.

Time passed quickly as more and more men gathered where the brothers stood, each with all sorts of weapons in their hands or strapped to their bodies. The commotion rose and without much more of a wait, the crowd grew strong and mighty. What stood before them was an army that was willing to lay down their existence for a change.

Although the spirits were dead, Dimitri had made it very clear to them during briefings and war councils that if they were to have their body parts cut off during the war, it would not return. A beheading would mean their souls would be thrown into a lottery that could only result in reincarnation or the end of their existence, depending on their own luck.

Yet, even with the risk, these men were there with determination across their faces and knuckles white from gripping their weapons. The sight of it all made Wilhelm grin with pride.

"Victory is within grasp," Wilhelm beamed, joyfully flashing his pearly white teeth. The blood in his veins was roaring in his ears, adrenaline coursing through each and every fiber of his body.

"You're awfully confident," Fabian commented with a frown. "Are you not worried? How are you so sure that Lucifer will not behead us all?"

"We don't have a choice," Calvin answered instead. He, too, had his jaw clenched. His bright blue eyes glistened with ferocity against the red of the dawn, white hair colored with a tinge of gold by sunlight. "We have to win."

Their plan was simple. Lucifer had been hiding out, biding his time in the Heart of Hell. Scouts sent ahead mentioned that he had not left, only allowing occasional demons in. Each demon that entered, however, grew in strength and power. The Heart of Hell was boosting their demonic capabilities by the hundreds and it was most likely because of Lucifer's aid.