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.

For hundreds of years, Lucifer had not worked towards the strengthening of the demons. The only reason why he would do so would be that he had already caught wind of the brewing conflict and the increasing number of the rebel forces.

From the beginning, they've calculated that there wouldn't be an element of surprise they could hide up their sleeves. Lucifer's demons were one too many and thus, information would travel to the devil's ears no matter how much his enemies tried to keep it hidden.

There was no need for a declaration of war or an attempt at peace. Both sides knew that this day would come.

Thus, the only option they had would be to siege the castle and the Heart of Hell. This would allow them to capture and immobilize Lucifer, gaining them victory over the domain.

"Men!" Wilhelm took a step forward, his sword sheathed by his side as a gust of wind swept his scarlet locks back and away from his face. "The time has come for us to move forward and fight against the tyranny of the demons of Hell. Entrust yourself in us and we will lead you all to victory!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, a deafening battle cry echoing through the forest that surrounded their little village. Swords and bows were raised into the air, each soldier carrying the weight of their futures on their backs. This fight would determine whether they become food for the demons or masters of their afterlife. For those who had suffered in the mortal world, or had seen the suffering of others, had motivation beyond the rest to eradicate their opponents.

This was their final chance at securing peaceful days.

From the corner of his eye, Wilhelm noticed a much smaller crowd sift between the ranks of the men. Led by a familiar pretty face, the group were also donned in armor and equipped with weapons. Their hair were tied back and faces that once bred envy were hardened with murderous intent.

Although specific orders were handed out for women and children to evacuate the village and retreat to safety in the mysterious cave once discovered by Dimitri, a group of them stood before the army of men. At the head of the pack was Qiu Xia, her usual silk dresses replaced by battle-worthy metal armor and pants. Strapped to her waist was a silver sword and across her back was a bow and its arrows.

It was a sight to behold. Every trace of her youthful beauty that mirrored fragile flowers had been stripped away. She looked to be a bringer of destruction and chaos, the epitome of a battle-hardened warrior.

"Qiu Xia?" Her name was spoken airily under Fabian's breath but the girl's attention was shifted to him all the same.

"What are you doing?" Wilhelm asked with a frown. He eyed the female warriors behind her, a group of at least one hundred that were prepped for the war. "You show up late and with a group that should be hiding?"

"Women are not weak, Wilhelm." She took a step forward and the sea of men naturally parted for her as if she were a deity. "Why should we listen to what you men decide?"

Her statement caused a ripple of voices to erupt in the crowd. Unlike the battle cry from before, the noise that enveloped the crowd was filled with doubt and accompanied by dubious glances.

Nevertheless, Qiu Xia ignored the chatter and continued, "This is war, brother. You need every able-bodied soldier you can get. These women have been training with me since I arrived in Hell and I guarantee they are no less capable than your men." Then, her tone softened. "We can help."

Calvin took a few steps forward, placing a hand on Wilhelm's shoulder. The latter turned back and shot a grimace, rolling his eyes and grumbling a few seconds later at the same time a bright smile broke across Calvin's face. It seemed as though one had won the silent battle against the other.

"Lead them well," Calvin instructed.

The group of women cheered, their leader beaming brightly with great might. In a time of female oppression, they've found freedom for their voices and was able to make their own choices. Even if that choice was to fight with their lives at stake, it was still something they decided for their own.

The sun had well-risen when all preparations were finalized and the army had arrived at the beach where the entrance to the Heart of Hell was located.

Like the brothers had previously anticipated, Lucifer was perched on a brilliant white horse, his light platinum hair glistening in the sun like the animal's mane. Behind him was a legion of red demons, split into ranks of higher fighting class and weaker fodder. Yet, their might was undeniably powerful. It was no doubt enough to rival the rebellion strength.

Each of the five leaders had chosen their own horses, trotting ahead at the front of the pack. With one hand on the reigns and another on the hilt of their swords, they drew their blades, lips pursed and eager to eradicate their enemies.

Riding a chestnut-colored horse, Wilhelm was ahead of the others by a single step. He had his sword raised to the sky, the tip reflecting the light of the morning sun. It provided a dazzling spotlight and acted as a beacon of hope and strength for the soldiers behind him.

Starting from his back and slinking to his shoulders, elbows, and the tip of his fingers, a bright crimson line trailed. It glowed brighter and brighter until it eventually made the sun look dim. Matching the color of his blood red hair and gold-speckled cherry eyes, Wilhelm stood out in the crowd of pale wispy souls.

That marked the beginning of Wilhelm's life with newfound potential, putting him on an equal footing with Dimitri, the spirit of death, and Qiu Xia, the spirit of pestilence.

With a mighty battle cry from Wilhelm, both sides charged at their enemies, clashing thunderously in combat for dominance.

The war had begun.

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