An entire week passed without a single attack.
At first, no one thought it was strange. After so many days of continuous fighting, it even seemed logical that the demons would retreat to reorganize their forces. But as the days went by and nothing happened, the silence started to become more unsettling than any battle.
I was standing on top of Vailor's wall, looking toward the horizon. The wind blew steadily, lifting small particles of dust, and the sky was far too clear. It was one of those peaceful days that didn't fit the moment we were living through.
"This is wrong," I thought.
Rai'kanna stood beside me, leaning against the cold stone of the wall, her eyes fixed in the same direction as mine. "You're feeling it too, aren't you?" she asked quietly.
"Yes," I replied without hesitation. "Demons don't just retreat like this. Especially not after everything we've done against them."
Elara crossed her arms behind us, studying the map she had brought. "No movement detected to the north, south, or east. Our observers haven't seen anything significant. It's as if they've... disappeared."
"Or hidden themselves," Lyannis added, leaning against the parapet. Her tone was more serious than usual. "And that's worse."
Scarlett approached with firm steps, looking directly at me. "The troops are starting to relax. Some think the war is over."
"It hasn't even truly begun," I replied, without taking my eyes off the horizon.
Vespera, who was standing a little farther away, spoke in a calm voice, but one filled with meaning. "Their behavior has changed. Before, they attacked in constant waves. Now... nothing. This isn't a normal retreat. It's strategy."
Liriel closed her eyes for a moment, as if trying to sense something beyond what we could see. "The demonic energy... is still there. It hasn't diminished. It has only... moved away."
That confirmed what I already suspected.
They weren't leaving.
They were preparing.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the situation. "He's waiting," I said.
"Him?" Elara asked.
"The second general," I replied. "All of this... is his doing. He's not like the others. He thinks. He observes. He's analyzing every move we make."
Scarlett gave a slight smirk. "So we finally have a real enemy."
"We do," I replied. "And that's exactly the problem."
Silence settled over the area again for a few seconds. Below us, in the city, life continued. Some people were beginning to go out more, merchants were reopening their shops, and children were playing in the streets again. For them, perhaps the threat had passed.
But I knew it hadn't.
"We can't lower our guard," I said, turning toward the group. "I want constant patrols. No area without surveillance. And inform the adventurers: no one goes off alone."
"I was already expecting you to say that," Scarlett replied. "I'll take care of organizing the troops."
"I'll help," said Elara. "We can reinforce the magical barriers around the city."
"I'll handle the scouts," Lyannis added. "If there's any movement, we'll know."
Vespera nodded. "I'll expand the nighttime surveillance area."
Liriel gave a small smile. "And I can maintain an active purification field. In case they try to use miasma again."
Rai'kanna placed a hand on my shoulder. "And I'll stay with you."
I looked at her for a moment and simply nodded. "Alright."
One by one, they began to move, each taking on their role without hesitation. That gave me a certain sense of reassurance. Even in the face of something unknown, we were prepared.
But even so... something still didn't fit.
I remained alone for a few seconds, looking toward the horizon once more. The wind felt colder now, and the sense of emptiness was greater.
"Show me what you want already," I muttered to myself. "Staying hidden won't change the outcome."
Deep down, I knew this wasn't just a pause.
It was preparation.
And that meant the next move would be far bigger than anything we had faced so far.
I descended from the wall and walked through the city. People greeted me, some thanked me, others simply smiled in relief. It made me realize just how much all of this rested in my hands now.
Before, I fought for myself.
Now, I fought for all of them.
When I arrived at the mansion, the atmosphere was calmer. The girls had already left to carry out their duties, and for a brief moment, I had absolute silence.
I entered my room and sat on the edge of the bed, resting my elbows on my knees.
"If he's waiting... then why?" I thought.
A general doesn't retreat without a reason. Especially not after losing so many troops. The only way it made sense was if he had something greater planned.
Something that justified giving up territory.
Something that outweighed the risk.
I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to organize everything in my head.
Division of forces.
Strategic retreat.
Complete silence.
"He wants us to think we've won," I concluded.
I slowly opened my eyes.
"But this... is only the beginning."
I stood up and walked to the window. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange. Far too beautiful for a world on the edge of war.
I crossed my arms, keeping my gaze fixed on the horizon.
"If you're preparing something... then come," I said quietly. "Because this time... I won't be caught by surprise."
Night slowly began to fall, bringing with it an even heavier silence.
And at that moment, I was certain of one thing.
The next battle... would not be like the others.
And when it began... there would be no more room for mistakes.
The true confrontation was approaching.
And I was ready for it.