The demons came in waves.
There was no organized ranks nor was there a marching formation.
But converging shadows cutting through the forest from four directions at once.
Damien stayed motionless above the fractured command structure, his breathing slow, his essence compressed so tightly it felt like a stone sitting in his chest.
Below, the four initial demons who had arrived moments ago were still investigating.
Then the forest line began to ripple.
One more signature.
Then two.
Then five.
Within seconds, over a dozen demonic presences entered the clearing.
Soldiers.
A few stronger variants.
However, there was no captain yet. It was nowhere in sight.
Perfect.
The eastern stronghold had not been abandoned.
It had become a gathering site for the hunting demons and now, it was about to become a graveyard for these new demons.
One of the investigating demons stepped onto the concealed rune near the central disk.
The trap ignited.
