Chapter 130: Dividing the Strongest
The Convergence of Realms had concluded, and for the first time in centuries, every major power stood as allies against a single enemy.
But unity alone would not win the war.
It was time to act.
The Rulers' Strategy – A War of Squads
Inside the High Council Chamber of Sylvethien, the rulers of each race gathered one final time.
The map before them glowed with magical markers—locations where demonic activity had been detected.
King Adrian Eldoria tapped the table. "We need to move before the demons establish strongholds. Waiting any longer will cost us more than just territory."
High Lord Veydrion the Crimson nodded. "Agreed. But sending full armies would take too long. Smaller, specialized squads will move faster and strike harder."
Queen Sylvaine Vaelora exhaled. "A dangerous but effective plan."
Borgrim Stonefury, the Dwarven King, grunted. "Then we forge warbands."
Zareth Bloodfang, the Beastkin Warchief, crossed his arms. "A mix of races will be stronger than isolated forces."
Valerian Noctis, the Vampiric Matriarch, smiled faintly. "Then it's settled. Elite squads will handle the first phase of this war."
Adrian turned to the Vanguard, standing silently at the side.
"You've fought gods and warlords. But now, you won't be fighting together."
Lucian's golden eyes narrowed. "We'll be leading our own squads, then."
Adrian nodded. "Exactly."
A hush fell over the room.
For years, the Vanguard had fought side by side.
Now, they would walk separate paths.
The New Squads – Assigned Missions
Each Vanguard member was assigned a team of five warriors from different races.
They would infiltrate, fight, and survive—not as a group of humans, but as a unified force of all races.
Kael's Squad – The Black Ruins Expedition
Mission: Investigate and eliminate demon forces in the ancient ruins.
Kael Veyrin (Leader) – Human Sigilist & Gravity Manipulator.
Vasaria Noctis – Vampire Nightblade, dual-wielding daggers.
Raithon Vaelora – High Elf Spellsword, combining swordsmanship and magic.
Thalric velmora– Dark Elf Battlemage, specializing in destructive war magic.
Saria Velmora – Dark Elf Assassin, a master of poisons and silent kills.
Kael glanced at his new team.
A Vampire, two Dark Elves, and a High Elf.
This… was going to be interesting.
Vasaria smirked. "So, leader, do we get a dramatic speech, or do we just start killing?"
Kael sighed. "Let's not die first. Then we can be dramatic."
Lucian's Squad – Crimson Spires Infiltration
Mission: Investigate demonic disturbances near the volcanic mountains.
Lucian Eldoria (Leader) – Human Swordsman with Draconic Mana.
Vaelgrin Flameshadow – Dragonkin Warlord, wielding a fire-imbued greatsword.
Sylvara the Ashen – Half-Dragon Sorceress, destruction magic specialist.
Drakar Emberfang – Dragonkin Vanguard, specializing in frontline combat.
Taria Nightscale – Draconic Healer, an expert in battlefield recovery.
Vaelgrin smirked down at Lucian. "You're the Crown Prince? Let's see if you're worthy of the title."
Lucian's golden eyes gleamed. "You'll learn soon enough."
Selene's Squad – Coastal Demon Tracking
Mission: Work with the Merfolk to track demon movements along the sea.
Selene Duskbane (Leader) – Human Shadowblade, master of assassination.
Aelric Vaelora – High Elf Wind Mage, master of aerial combat.
Orisa Tidecaller – Merfolk Warrior, controlling water-based magic.
Tyris Fangborn – Beastkin Scout, enhanced agility and tracking abilities.
Riven Nightveil – Vampire Strategist, a master of tactical warfare.
Aelric raised a brow. "A human is leading us?"
Selene's silver eyes remained cold. "If you have a problem with that, try and stop me."
Aelric hesitated. Then, he smirked.
"I like you already."
Other Squad Assignments:
Cassian & Mira – Beastkin warriors, clearing demonic nests in Ravenspire Highlands.
Evelyne & Darius – Vampires and High Elves, fortifying Eldoria's defenses.
Rael – Solo infiltration mission into the deep ruins.
Cassian sighed. "Mira, why do I feel like we got the most boring mission?"
Mira rolled her eyes. "Because you're an idiot."
Darius chuckled. "Try not to die, Cassian."
Cassian grinned. "You wound me, Darius. You wound me."
The Final Night Before War
As the squads prepared to leave, the Vanguard gathered for one last night together.
Cassian raised his drink. "A toast!"
Lucian sighed. "This is unnecessary."
Cassian smirked. "Shut up, prince. Let me have this."
Evelyne rolled her eyes. "Fine. Make it quick."
Cassian grinned. "To us. To war. And most importantly—" He turned to Kael.
"To Kael's new personal maid."
Kael choked on his drink.
The table erupted into laughter.
Ilyra, standing behind him, remained calm—but her golden eyes flickered.
"Should I be concerned?" she asked.
Kael groaned. "Ignore them."
Kael sighed into his hands.
Even Lucian smirked. "Looks like you're stuck with her."
Ilyra tilted her head. "I do serve House Veyrin now."
Cassian clapped his hands. "Kael. Buddy. You must embrace fate."
Mira snorted. "More like suffer it."
Rael chuckled. "This is the most fun I've had in years."
Selene, for once, smiled. "I agree."
Kael groaned.
The Vanguard laughed, drank, and joked—because once morning came, they would be separated.
But for tonight—
They were together.