Fortress

The war had raged on for centuries, and there had been great casualties on both sides. But it was always the demons who had held the upper hand. Although they did not have great numbers, they possessed great strength. And so it had come to this. The final fight. The decider. The end battle. The battle that would decide who would own the planet. It was unfairly balanced, for the demons had roughly 30000 troops, while the mages only had about 5000. But the mages were in their fortress, their final fortress. The one that had been made specially for this battle. And this battle was like none other either race had fought before. This was battle was one the entire world had never seen before. And never would see again.

This fight would give one race a second chance to rebuild its shattered civilization. War had destroyed both humans and demons. And now they had to fight to save their race from the war itself. Although the mages were not strong, they made up for this shortcoming with cunning and guile. Each mage carried a sword on their side, but they would use the weapon only if they where forced to. The only weapon they needed was their magic. For once the demons breached the wall, their only option left was to fight hand to hand. And that was no option at all.

Perhaps a little history is needed to clarify the situation. Ever since both sides could remember man and demon had been foes. For hundreds of years they had fought, the demons with incredible strength, and the humans with numbers and cunning. But now the tables had turned and the demons possessed greater numbers, and all the humans had were cunning and very thick walls. Both races had once been great, but now all that remained where the dregs. Both races had succumbed to the destruction of war. With every other battle they had fought all had known there would always be another. But this time the stakes were higher. Now whomever lost would be completely annihilated. The victors, or what was left of them, would be free to start civilization anew. And at the moment all signs pointed towards the demons for victory. But nothing was sure. The human mages were very crafty, and perhaps they could pull something out of their voluminous sleeves that might change the tide of battle. But then again, most likely not.

I feel it is necessary to describe both sides before the battle begins, and that is what I will do. I will begin with the demons. Demons are huge. The smallest demon is at least three meters tall, and the tallest and most powerful, well, let me just say they reach far over five meters. The demons possess a thick, red hide and stand on two, huge, clawed feet. They have thick red arms and long, sharp talons on the end of each finger. Their teeth are as sharp as knives and two coal black horns protrude from their skulls. They are, in effect, killing machines.

The mages, however, are quite the opposite. Perhaps the phrase “mage” is misleading. They are normal men and women, with one important difference: They are able to summon and control lightning at will. This means they are able to blast lightning from their hands faster and more accurate than the most skilled bowman. The lightning bolts also did more damage than any normal arrows would. The principle behind these was this:

The mages had a rather higher than normal resistance to lightning. This alone was quite useless. But coupled with the ability for their brains to create an inordinate amount of electricity in a few moments they could use both abilities as a deadly weapon. Using their resistance, they could allow electricity to flow through their body without hurting themselves. It could also flow out of their bodies. Now, with most body parts, it would be rather hard to accurately blast electricity. If it was blasted out of their skull, for instance, then the bolt could fly off at any angle and cause more trouble for the mage than for his enemy. But with fingers, it was another matter. The mass of energy had to simple follow the bone in a straight line, and then it would blast forwards at whatever the mage was pointing at, at that moment. Although using their fingers for their bolts, they could also, if they were especially talented, fire electricity from any part of their body. But only a handful of them had this ability.

Their electrical energy was, in a way, like blood. It is constantly being replenished. The mages can generate lightning and shoot it at an extraordinary speed. But if they waste too much of it, they weaken, and eventually, if they use too much of their energy, they die, as there is not enough energy to command the heart to beat.

But this curious ability on its own is not all that protects the mages. After centuries of war, they knew that one day, this fight would come, and they prepared for it. The fortress which held the 5000 mage-warriors, was the largest, most well defended fortress on the entire planet. The walls were at least three times as thick as any normal wall, and the wall itself was almost twice as high. And on top of this massive structure, there stood, at even intervals, 20 lightning towers. Not to mention the mass of traps that also protected the wall. It was going to be one hell of a fight.

It truly was an incredible sight. The entire fortress was completely surrounded by demons. A huge mass of demons, besieging the castle. Well, they hadn’t actually started besieging yet, for they had all the time in the world. There was no reinforcements coming. This was it. Nothing more. Just the demons, outside the fortress, versus the mages within. No third element. No random factor. That was all. Demon versus human. Very basic. But not simple. War is never simple. For while there might not be a third element or a random factor, there were a great many factors on the side of the mages. They did have something up their sleeves. In fact, they had many things up their sleeves. They even had a plan B. For when things go wrong. But I will not reveal their backup plan. Well, not at the moment anyway. If the mages are unlucky, and their defenses crumble, I shall reveal their brilliant strategy.

It started rather unceremoniously. There came a great shout from the demons, and they all simply charged across the battlefield. A wave of demons. A large bell in the middle of the Fortress rung and all warriors rushed to their places on the walls. But they weren’t needed. Not yet. For as soon as the demons came within two hundred meters of the fortress, great shrieks of pain and torment rang through the air. They had stumbled upon the first of many nasty sets of traps prepared by the mages. The earth before them crumbled and the demons fell to a very swift, yet brutal death. For dug around the fortress was a maze of pits. Which was all well and good. Except for one thing. And this one thing was several meter-long metal spikes that protruded from the bottom of the pits. Very painful. Several demons died in the first few moments of the siege. It was a very nasty way to die. Well, just for the record, there where only few nice ways to die, and falling upon a meter long metal spike isn’t one of them. The mass of demons stopped charging after at least one hundred had been impaled upon the spikes. They milled about, just at the edge of the pits, confused.

It was then that the mages attacked. Not with their lightning bolts. They only had a slightly larger range then arrows. No, it was not arrows, nor even the larger lightning bolts that rained down upon the demons. It was lightning balls. Yes, you read right, lightning balls. I shall now explain the mechanics behind the deadly spheres: 5 Mages would create a round orb of lightning, and store a small amount of electrical energy within. The shield would be powerful enough to keep the electrical energy within, but was weak enough so that it would burst upon impact, and the electrical energy would expand outwards, in a field of electricity, till the energy would be too thinly spread and the field would disappear. This field would only extend for about 3 meters, before it would dissipate. There was not a lot of energy within the balls, so when they struck, they would only fry anything living within the field. Anything else remained untouched. Perhaps my method of explaining is a bit too complicated. The bubble of electricity would burst, and the electrical energy would flow outwards, which basically resembles an expanding ball. Once the radius of this expanding ball reached 3 meters, there wouldn’t be enough energy left, and the expanding ball would wink out of existence. But not before cooking everything within the 3 meters.

In other words, it created rather large holes in the ranks of the demons. Those at the back of the lines pushed those in front forwards, for they did not know of the spikes, and those in the front attempted to push the larger force back, away from the pits. Several demons were either pushed into the pits, or trampled underfoot while being struck by large lightning orbs. After a moment of blind panic and chaos, the order for retreat was given, and the horde of demons surged backwards, back towards their camp. Dozens of demons were dead. Not a single mage had been injured. The imaginary scoreboard for the siege read: Humans: 1, Demons: 0.

An hour or two later, a small band of demons returned on the north side of the fortress, in order to test the ground for traps. It seems the demon king and his generals had wizened up. To their utmost dismay, the demons found their dead companions had been reduced to ashes. As soon as the battle had ended, several well placed blasts of lightning had incinerated the corpses. This was one of the advantages of having metal spikes. The demons had hoped that they might eventually be able to walk over the corpses of their brethren. Cruel, yes. Brutal, yes. But effective. They had been thwarted again. But they would still attempt to cross the maze of pits. Above, on the fortress wall, the mage general gave a laugh. His name was Farralius. Although the catapults where ineffective at the moment, for the group was too small and agile, he knew the demons attempt at crossing the pit would soon come to a sudden stop, on the end of a metal spike.

The demons discovered this too. At first they began walking on the areas that hadn’t already collapsed, but they soon found that it was an incredibly complex maze. Not only was there twists and turns everywhere, but the true path was cleverly hidden. Sometimes an earth partition would give away as soon as a single demon stood upon it, and the hapless creature would fall, screaming to its death. Other times the earth would hold, and several others would join the first, only to have the earth give away beneath their combined weight. They grew more and more frustrated and called for reinforcements, for their initial group was already rapidly growing smaller. The only good thing about the whole maze was that once the earth collapsed, it stayed down. It might take a lot of time, and quite a few lives, but eventually the demons would cross. And then, then it would be pay back time.

The demons toiled for two days, slowly working their way across the great maze. And, all the while, wasting an inordinate amount of lives. By the time they reached the end of the maze, slightly more than five hundred demons had died. When the survivors neared the end of the maze, almost one hundred meters from the fortress, the next electrifying attack came from the mages. Pardon the pun. The demons had moved in range of the electric towers that dotted the castle wall. Slowly the demons moved forwards, when they suddenly found that there was no more maze. They had passed it! There came a great shout from the survivors of the demons. A moment later these shouts turned into screams of terror.

I will now explain the 20 lightning towers that had all been built equally far from each other on top of the fortress wall. In the top of the tower, there is one huge window, through which one may survey the battlefield. In the middle of this area at the top of the towers, a large blue ball stands upon a pedestal. This magical orb was built with extreme care by several highly skilled mages. It is able to store electrical energy, rather like the energy balls. Except these orbs where more durable, and less likely to break. But these lightning orbs where on another, completely different, level. If you will recall, I explained that lightning balls stored only a small amount of energy. These lightning orbs contained a reasonably larger amount of energy. This meant that a team of ten mages would pour their energies into the orb, and the most talented of them would then use their energy to create incredibly large lightning bolts that incinerated everything in their path in an enormous blast.

Specifically, the lightning orb stores electricity and then it may use it to shoot large lightning bolts. Bolts that humans, without the aid of the orb, cannot control. In the most simple of words: It shoots big lightning bolts. An upgrade of the lightning bolts that the individual mages shot. If the lightning orb was to be completely full, it would hold too much energy to use, and the protective orb around the energy would explode in a titanic blast of lightning that would consume the tower and its surroundings. And so it was that the lightning orbs contained only a safe amount of energy to use. Roughly three quarters full was the highest any wizard dared.

And shoot big lightning bolts is what it did the moment the demons came within range. It had enough power to instantly kills at least three, or perhaps even more, demons in an explosion of lightning. Needless to say, the cheering demons were blasted in all directions in a matter of seconds. One unlucky chap was struck straight in the forehead and made two complete revolutions before landing. I shall call this type of lightning bolt “blast” so it will not be confused with the smaller lightning “bolt”. So far the death count was almost 600 for the demons, while the humans hadn’t lost a single life. And the demons had so far only covered half of the ground till the fortress. There was still another 100 meters to go, and no one knew what would come next (Well, that isn’t entirely true, I know. But I won’t be divulging this information until the time comes I feel that the public is ready for it).

The very next day, the demons began building five small bridges with several large wooden planks. They were very careful to stay out of range of the lightning towers’ blasts. They were, however, still in range of the catapults. Several lightning balls rained down upon them, but the lightning balls did not possess the destructive energy of the lightning towers, so they simply struck the planks and exploded, leaving the wood unmarked. They did, however kill several demons. This did not bode well for the mages. Their first defense had been compromised. But it still offered some protection. The bridges where narrow, so the fortress wouldn’t instantly be swarmed. They would only have to face a few groups of the demons at a time. And it was this that gave the mages some hope. But it would take more than hope to win this war.

The demonic generals, however, were slightly more intelligent then last time, and they did not begin a full on attack straight away. They were cautious. And so it was that no more than 100 demons crossed one of the bridges. They came to a halt just before the invisible line that marked the range of the lightning tower. With a shout the demons then broke off into a run, in an attempt to outrun the lightning bolts that would soon hurl down upon them. No such bolts came. They slowed to a halt, and stood still, confused. They were not under fire. One demon continued to run until, barely five meters from the abnormally thick fortress wall, there was an electric discharge and the demon was bodily hurled into the wall, where he lay, dead. Wisps of smoke arose from him. This attack was to be expected. Except for the fact that the discharge came from below. From his feet. Comprehension dawned. The leader of the band of demons shouted “We are in a minefield!” He then added, “RUN!”

The leader turned back to the base. A second later he trod upon a patch of earth and another electrical discharge instantly killed the commander. The demons all turned to run, when suddenly several lightning towers began to fire. The demons ran as fast as they could, yet either the electrical mines or the lightning blasts killed them. None returned to the bridge. The second defense had been breached. And it had held.

The electrical mines that cover the hundred meters between pit maze and fortress, are somewhat simple, yet very effective. They consist entirely of electrical energy, and are not unlike the lightning balls that are catapulted over the walls. But they are smaller, yet more concentrated and therefore they hold more power which enables them to incinerate several demons before it would loose its power. The protective shield around them is just strong enough to keep the energy in, whilst it is also weak enough to break when trodden on. The way it works is simple. Whomever steps on them gets zapped. Crude, yet extremely effective. Although the mines did eventually loose power, they would always be replenished on the next evening. It would take an enormous host of demons indeed to dodge lightning balls, lightning blasts and lightning bolts all the while running through a mine filled field and passing over bridges suspended over metal spikes. Unfortunately, although they had suffered many casualties, the demons possessed such a force.

The very next day the siege truly began. Without warning, the mass of demons began to move forwards, pressing to cross the comparatively narrow bridges. The catapults instantly began to fire, and they used the narrow bridges to their advantage. Several demons died and where shoved aside a moment later into the spike pits. But still the enemy came. The first batch of demons then broke free from the bridge and ran to attack the fortress. They where joined a moment later by several more demons. A constant, seemingly endless, flow was established. The catapults would strike the crowd of demons crossing and a gap would occur. But this was soon filled as more and more demons pressed onwards. As this first batch left the bridge, several demons were immediately struck by an electric blast. Another two succumbed to the mines, and then the demons passed the last boundary. About fifty meters from the fortress, they were in range of the electric bolts. And as they crossed this threshold several mage-generated bolts of lightning sped to meet them. The mages would let the energy course through their bodies, and then blast from their fingertips, to hurl straight at the enemy. These I will simply call “bolts”. These bolts where not only faster and had greater range than arrows, but most of the time they instantly killed demons whether they struck on arm, leg or chest. They where incredibly deadly.

During the first few seconds of the hail of bolts at least ten demons dropped dead, and another four stepped upon mines and swiftly died. Meanwhile, catapults and lightning towers where firing as fast as they could and demons where dying. But the constantly growing horde was slowly moving closer and closer to the fortress. Hundreds died. Thousands continued to run towards the fortress. Then they reached the walls.

The demons leapt onto the walls, clinging to the stone with their sharp claws. Soon they would reap revenge upon those who had killed so many of their brethren. Bolts rained down, and dead demons fell from the wall. Their comrades simply stepped upon the dead and used them to climb higher and higher up. Then the first demon peeked over the edge. He was instantly blasted by several bolts and he hurtled down, taking a few demons with him. In a few areas the demons climbed the wall only to be struck down once more. The acrid smoke of charred bodies began to rise above the battlefield, making it hard to breathe. Then, finally, the demons turned, and the first wave ended.

Only two mages had died. A single demon had scaled the wall and lashed out with razor claws, killing both of the surprised mages instantly. A moment later it was struck by a dozen bolts and instantly was incinerated. The victims had died a minute later. The bodies of the dead had all been burnt, so as to avoid disease. This had to be done carefully, as the blood of demons was acidic. By this time more than 1000 demons were dead. Only one thirtieth had died. There was a lot of work to be done. But they would come again. And again. Until either they, or the humans where dead. For as I have explained before, this fight was to be the last. The demons and humans fought with a maniacal frenzy, for they knew that one of the two races would be annihilated.

The next day, the second wave came. Three more men died. The next day came the next wave. And the next. The mages where beginning to wear down, while the demons were fresher, due to the fact that some demons never even made it past the bridge before the call for retreat was given. If however, they did pass the bridges, they would never return. The mages would make sure of that. After the fifth and sixth wave, Farralius, the general, and in times of war, the leader, decided to counter-attack. His plan was to attack the enemies’ weakest position: the bridges.

And so it was that come nightfall, a band of 100 mages, led by Commander Lucas, snuck out of the large gates and they approached one of the bridges. Unfortunately, the demons had posted a guard on each bridge, clearly visible by several torches upon the bridge. Clearly the demon generals had anticipated such a move. But they had not posted enough guards. They had figured the mages wouldn’t risk so many men. Lucas hurled a lightning bolt and the demon gave a shout and was blasted backward, into the spike pits. Several inquiring shouts came from the other side of the long bridges, and Lucas quickly commanded his men to bring the object they had slowly towed behind them. A small wagon rolled onto the bridge, then it came to a stand still. Upon the wagon sat a lightning orb. Instantly a group of mages surrounded it and began to charge it up. It began to glow softly. Tonight, the orb would not perform its usual duties. It would not shoot lightning blasts. It would do something much deadlier.

The remaining men stood before the orb in a ragged line of defense. They only had to fear an attack from the other side of the bridge, as they would be long gone if anyone tried to attack from behind by using the other bridges. There was a shout and a few demons rushed into the torchlight. They all roared simultaneously upon seeing the mages, and all where struck by lightning a moment later. Already several other calls where to be heard. “More will come.” A soldier called Aserafin said. But this was not just any soldier. This soldier was the Aserafin. The greatest mage-warrior the planet had ever seen. The champion of the mages. The mage who had killed four demons in hand to hand combat, with only his sword. The mightiest mage alive. He had specifically requested to be in this mission. And when the Aserafin requested something, you usually accepted.

He was very imposing indeed, dressed in his battle armour. A large metal helmet with two slits covered his entire head. Two glowing, yellow eyes where to be seen through the slits. He wore metal armour a large sword hung on his side. This sword had been made by the most skilled craft master and had been infused with the power of lightning. Metal gauntlets covered his hands, keeping them safe, while still allowing his lightning bolts to fly. Aserafin was feared by all but the most powerful of demons. He had already killed several hundred. He had been offered a higher position several times, but he wished only to fight, and kept only the title of Champion. Drums began beating, and in the distance, many torches began to move slowly towards the bridge. The army was being summoned.

The first few demons where killed as soon as they approached. But soon more began to arrive. Aserafin drew his blade and stood ready next to several other, nervous mages. The lightning orb behind them was slowly being filled up. Aserafin and the other warriors purpose at the moment was to protect it with their lives. They had to delay the demons until the mages behind them completed their task. And then the first demon arrived in front of them. The Aserafin shouted a war cry and a bolt of lightning sped forwards, and bodily hurled the demon off the bridge. Then a second one appeared. Then a third. Aserafin ran forwards, sweeping his large blade. Before the demon knew what was happening, its head had been separated from its shoulders, and the Aserafin moved on. With a swift jump, he impaled another demon, and blasted another aside with a left handed lightning bolt.

Several lightning bolts whizzed past him, and some more demons fell. Another demon appeared and approached cautiously. Energy crackled down Aserafin’s sword and he took a step forwards. The demon roared and swept its long black claws downwards at him. Aserafin lifted his blade and blocked the blow. But this simple defensive maneuver had another, greater effect. On contact with the blade, the electricity flowed into the demons claws, and it roared in agony. Although the blade was more resistant to lightning than most others, it still could not hold great amounts, or it would melt. Yet the lightning bolt that sped from it was sufficient enough to distract it for a moment, and in this moment, the Aserafin’s blade pierced the demons neck.

Around the champion, the battle raged bloodily. More demons continued to arrive. Several where struck by lightning bolts. The survivors where killed by the blade. A mage was swatted aside by the claws of a 5 meter demon, and a moment later, its heart was punctured by another mage’s blade. The lightning orb had almost stored the maximum amount of energy it could before rupturing, and there was quite a few casualties amongst the mages. There was quite a bit more on the demons side, of course. The mages wouldn’t go down without a fight. One mage was struck by thick black claws, and as he lay dying on the floor, he summoned all of his energy and blasted three demons into oblivion, yet the energy that his blast required killed him. Aserafin was like a killing machine. He leapt to and fro, slashing and hacking, all the while shooting lightning bolts. When he killed his twentieth demon, Commander Lucas shouted “RETREAT!” And the Aserafin killed another demon and then began to move back over the bridge.

When all his men where off the bridge, Lucas waited until it was full of pursuing demons before he shot his lightning bolt. It did not hit any demons. Rather, it hit the energy orb that was filled to its maximum capacity. The orb absorbed the energy of the bolt, and, a moment later, it ruptured in a titanic blast that obliterated most of the bridge and at least fifty demons with it. The bridge cracked and fell to the pits below, killing another fifty demons. A great cheer arose from the mages and Commander Lucas ordered them to retreat to the castle before the demons would think of using the other bridges across. But the damage had been done. Almost twenty mages had died, but at least a hundred demons where dead, and one of the bridges had been destroyed. Yet another victory for the mages. But it wouldn’t last. Nothing ever did. Nothing.

The next day, yet another attack came. But it was defeated easier than it had been the previous times; one of the bridges had been destroyed, and this had reduced the flow of demons by one fifth. It also meant that one fifth of the wall received nearly no enemies, and so the soldiers could help on the other walls. But the beasts still came, and the mages where weakened by the constant battle. Another five died that day. The mages had made their move, and now, the question was, how would the demons retaliate?

They retaliated very violently. That night the demon king was brooding in his tent. His name was Xoltan. His first advisor stood before him. “What have you decided my lord?” He finally said. Xoltan stared at his advisor and said “I tire of this siege. Tell the mages to rip the walls down.” The first advisor paled slightly. “But your highness, such an act would kill them all!” The demon king simply said “I do not care. Once the humans have been wiped out, we will have no need for their battle magics. If they refuse, tell them that they have the choice to die for their lord, or to die after hours of torture.” The first advisor nodded. “It will be done, my lord.” And he left the great tent.

The attack came at dawn. And it was to be the last attack. It began as it usually did, the demons began to swarm across the bridge, and then they proceeded to assault the walls. But after the initial wave a strange sight could be seen. A large group of demons could be seen, slowly approaching the castle. This alone was not strange, but whenever a lightning bolt or blast was fired at them, it struck a blue energy shield that covered them and protected them from harm. The swarm of demon mages came closer and Aserafin was the first to realize what was about to happen. “Fire at the mages! THE MAGES!” He shouted and proceeded to do just this. A hail of bolts and a few blasts of lightning struck the shield to little effect. But it was beginning to weaken. “Again!” Aserafin shouted and sent bolt after bolt at the mages. Then the mages came to a halt before the castle wall. They began to chant and weave magic. Then the first of the mages began to die.

They where not struck by lightning. They where not struck by steel. In fact, to the naked eye, it seemed as though they just keeled over dead. But Aserafin knew the cause of their deaths. They had wasted their lives’ energies in their spell casting. A few more mages began to die. Aserafin gave a wild shout and hurled another bolt of lightning. It struck the shield, and it shattered. For a moment the demons mages where completely vulnerable, then a hail of lightning obscured the mages. When they where visible again, only a handful remained. A few moments later, only two remained. Aserafin hurled a large bolt at the second last one, and the mage was fried in a second. Aserafin raised his hand, and the second bolt of lightning shot forth, a millisecond too late. The demon mage released the spell that was made from the life energies of the mages. Then the demon was struck by Aserafin’s bolt. The mage’s spell instantly took effect. A large section of the north wall promptly exploded.

It simply exploded in a cloud of dust and stone, and once the debris had cleared, there was no wall left. Just a large gaping gap. A huge gap, extending twenty meters along the wall. There was a loud cheer from the demons and several of them rushed in and instantly began to engage the mages. “The walls are breached, retreat!” Several generals shouted and the mages began to pull back into the city center. The city had been breached. Several bells began to ring. This was the signal for the start of the counter measures.

After the mages had retreated to a safe distance, the demons swarmed the fortress, and they began by taking out the electric towers. The first group rushed in and they ran up the stairs, only to find a single mage standing beside the lightning orb. It was glowing brightly. It was full of energy. The mage smiled and sent a bolt into the orb, just as around the fortress, 19 other mages did the same. The demons had an appropriate amount of time left to swear phenomenally, when the orbs exploded. Cataclysm.

Each and every electric tower exploded in the fortress, and the blasts consumed the entire tower, and several of the space beyond. The huge structures began to fall, crushing those that weren’t already dead. Hundreds died. But the demons continued to enter the fortress. It did not matter anymore. They had breached the wall. The rest was easy. It was then that each and every electric mine exploded in a smaller, but equally destructive blast. Everywhere in the field the mines exploded in electric blue domes of light, taking several demons with them. But the worst was still to come.

Within the city center, a great dome once stood. Its top was made of glass which was incredibly thick, and was thought to be indestructible. It was in this place that the entire race of mages had gathered. All except for one. Aserafin was left outside to guard the doors of the dome in a bid to buy the rest of them some time. At the present moment, almost 4700 mages where gathered within the dome. Within the first few moments of the breach, dozens of mages had died, in order to allow their comrades to retreat to the relative safety of the dome. And so it was that the demon king, Xoltan himself, stood before Aserafin. Behind him and on either side stood several huge body guards.

Xoltan seemed amused by Aserafin’s presence. The legendary champion stood still and did not move. “At last, I have the honour of meeting the great Aserafin himself. You should feel honoured, for the king of demons has come personally to kill you.” He gave a toothy smile. “It will be a swift end, for a brave man like you deserves such.” Aserafin simply said “As long as I live, you shall not pass.” The demon king gave a laugh. “Then I shall have to kill you!” Aserafin shouted and he released the two huge bolts of energy that he had kept in his hands. They struck on either side of Xoltan and they sent his bodyguards flying. “Attack!” The demon king shouted and his remaining cronies rushed forwards. Aserafin pulled his blade and leapt up at his enemy. With a swift sweep of his blade, the demon lost its head. Aserafin swung and struck another demon in its chest. He let loose a bolt of lightning and another died. Xoltan watched the entire display, impressed. Aserafin drove his sword through a huge demon’s gut, and he blasted a bolt through his sword at another demon standing behind the first. The second shrieked as the bolt coursed through its body, when Aserafin’s blade put a stop to its pain. Aserafin danced to and fro, slaughtering anything that moved.

“Enough.” Xoltan said and the demons ceased their attack. “I will kill him myself.” Aserafin was breathing hard and was covered in blood. “It will be your end.” Then the Aserafin twitched. A feeling of great power suddenly pulsed forwards from the doors of the dome. Clearly something great was being done inside. “Let me aside NOW!” Xoltan shrieked. Aserafin smiled through his wicked looking helmet. “My duty is at an end. I must no longer guard this entrance. You may pass. The demon grinned and approached the warrior. “I shall see you in hell shortly.” Aserafin informed him, and then he let loose twolightning blasts. Yes, blasts. The enormous bolts crackled from his hand and struck the remaining horde of demons on both sides of the king. The blasts exploded in a shower of sparks and demons where thrown in all directions. It was a display of pure power. No single mage had ever used such energy. None would ever again. For this arcane energy brought with it a price: Death. Aserafin slumped to the floor, dead. The hero was gone. But he had taken at least a hundred demons with him.

Xoltan chuckled to himself. His body guards where gone, but what of it? He had plenty of other soldiers about. He called them over. Then he opened the doors to the dome, with a small army behind him. He expected a blast of lightning. Or at least something. But there was nothing. No attack came. Because every single person within the dome was dead. Every single person, save one. Farralius, the general of the fortress, and the last remaining human on the planet stood in the middle of the dome. “What the hell happened here?” Xoltan asked rather unprofessionally. Farralius grinned and said “I have waited for you.” The demon approached him. “I will kill you and then I will take over this planet.” The demon king told him. “And you can’t stop me.” Farralius shook his head. “I never believed that the war would end like this. Not this way. Never this way. But what has happened has happened.” The demon king smiled and said “You had better accept things the way they are. It will help you in your next life.” Farralius said nothing. “You will die now.” Xoltan said. Farralius then replied “Yes, I will die. But I will not go down without a fight!” And with that, he raised his hands and the glass above him shattered in a thousand pieces and rained down upon them.

Above them, dark clouds swirled. Xoltan shook his head. “Your petty tricks will not work on me. Goodbye human.” He raised his claws. Farralius looked him in his eye and said “You will never have this planet.” Xoltan froze for a moment. The look in this man’s eyes made him seem so sure. Then Farralius raised his arms, and Xoltan realized just how much trouble he was in. “RUN IT’S A-“ and he never got to finish his sentence. In fact, it was the last sentence he would ever speak. For, in that precise moment, a thunderbolt came down from the sky and struck Farralius’ hands. And then, the fortress exploded.

Perhaps I should have put that more elegantly. It was truly a marvelous sight, so I will try again: The lightning bolt that had been summoned with the life energy of more than four thousand mages was absolutely enormous. It was the largest lightning bolt that had ever struck the planet. The instant it struck Farralius’ hands, the bolt exploded and the entire fortress exploded with it. It simple exploded in one huge blast. Months later, after the smoke had finally cleared, all that remained of the great fortress was a great, black crater that stretched over the landmass upon which the fortress once sat. Two entire square kilometers had been destroyed. Every single demon and human within the fortress died. The electrical discharge fried everything within five kilometers. The flash of light could be seen at least ten kilometers away, and anyone facing the direction of the fortress was blinded. The sound wave, a truly awesome, rumbling wave, could be heard in a radius of one hundred kilometers. If any human, or demon ears had heard it, their eardrums would have instantly shattered in a violent explosion of blood.

So very awesome was the blast that it wiped the fortress off the face of the earth. It had wiped the entire human race, and the entire demon race off the planet. The humans ceased to exist. But they had gone down in a most explosive fashion. And their ploy had worked, for the demons too where obliterated. No one would remember Aserafin, nor would they remember Farralius or Xoltan. No one remembers them, except for me. And so you now know the story of the war that destroyed the two greatest cultures on the entire planet. And in the end, no one had won. But the war had ended.