Number Two's grip on the crystal tightened. His mind raced, weighing options that all seemed suicidal.
"Call every remaining commander," he ordered through clenched teeth. "And tell them—no one retreats without my order."
"Yes, sir!" the voice on the other end replied, though it trembled.
Outside, the faint rumble of battle was already reaching the mansion. Distant roars and the sickening crunch of collapsing buildings echoed through the capital.
Number Two looked out the wide window toward the market district. Even from here, he could see faint flashes of ice and necrotic light cutting through the skyline.
"Dammit, Noir… where are you?"
...
Thanks to the element of surprise, they were able to push the demons back at first, slaughtering thousands in just a couple of minutes.
However, the element of surprise only lasted for a short while, and now the entire Royal Capital was wide awake.
