As Leo and Ben approached the Line of Control, the peaceful scenery that had accompanied them throughout their journey so far, changed rapidly, with their surroundings now showing unmistakable signs of an impending clash.
The makeshift outposts of the Empire's forces loomed ahead, which seemed to be constructed hastily yet sturdily to withstand the onslaught of demons.
These outposts were fortified with tall wooden barricades and watchtowers, where vigilant sentinels stood guard, their eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of enemy movement.
The scent of burning wood and metal lingered in the air, produced from make-shift furnaces that were created to mend chipped and damaged weapons in the absence of a proper forge.
Above, trained Griffin Rider's patrolled the skies, their keen eyes watching for any movement across the battlefield.
These riders, who used the fast and majestic Griffins as their mounts, were the scouts of the Empire, responsible for providing crucial intelligence on demon activities beyond the frontline.
Their presence adding an air of regality and strength to the human defenses, as well as serving as an intimidation factor for the enemy.
As Leo and Ben rode in their luxurious carriage, its opulence seemed to be in a stark contrast to the rugged surroundings.
The two healthy steeds pulling the carriage seemed almost out of place, their well-groomed appearance and rippling muscles drawing the attention of the soldiers stationed at the outposts.
As they neared the main checkpoint, a stern-looking soldier stepped forward, his hand raised to halt their progress. "This area is restricted," he announced firmly, his eyes narrowing as he took in the newcomers.
"No common citizens are allowed beyond this point." he said, as he tried to imply that Leo and Ben should turn around.
Without uttering a word, Leo produced a document from within his robe. The document bearing the imperial seal, a mark that commanded immediate respect and authority.
The soldier's eyes widened as he recognized the emblem, as with a sharp salute, he stepped back and bowed.
"Apologies, my lords… please let me know how I may assist you–" he said, as Leo took back the letter from his hand and instructed him to redirect them to the person in charge.
"Point me towards the man in charge" Leo said, as the soldier waved him through, guiding him towards a particular tent within the military outpost.
**********
Leo and Ben quickly arrived at the lieutenant's tent and were escorted inside by a soldier.
The interior of the tent was modest but functional, with a large map of the eastern front pinned to one wall and a table strewn with documents and reports positioned near the adjacent wall.
At the center of the room, stood a man in his late thirties, his uniform crisp and his demeanor stern.
"Lieutenant Marcus," the soldier announced, "these men are here on imperial orders."
Saying so, the soldier left the tent, as Lieutenant Marcus looked up from his papers, his sharp eyes assessing Leo and Ben.
He was a tall and well-built man, with a square jaw and piercing killer eyes that spoke of years of military service.
As his gaze landed on Ben, recognition flickered across his face, followed by a brief moment of discomfort.
"Welcome," Marcus said, his tone measured as he extended his hand towards Leo for a handshake.
"Lieutenant, sorry for barging in on you unannounced." Leo said, shaking Marcus's hand firmly, as he quickly gauged the NPC's level.
[ Marcus ] ( Level 290 ) ( Swordsman )( Intermediate )
In terms of level and mastery of his class, Marcus seemed to be a man who was on the same level as Leo, as after meeting him Leo realized that if he wanted to become a member of the imperial army, he currently held enough strength to directly begin as a lieutenant.
"And you must be Ben Faulkner, the legendary assassin." Marcus said, turning towards Ben, as he extended his hand towards the master assassin with a guarded expression on his face.
Ben nodded, his eyes meeting Marcus's as he could sense the lieutenant's unease in meeting an ex-criminal like him but chose to ignore it.
"We're here on a mission entrusted by the Emperor to eliminate the Demon Whisperer." Ben said, shaking his hand, as he tried to explain the reason behind his arrival, to comfort the lieutenant about his reservations.
And it was indeed as Ben expected, as upon hearing his reason for arrival, Marcus's expression shifted immediately, with his initial discomfort giving way to a more respectful and serious demeanor.
"I understand. The Demon Whisperer is a significant threat– " he said, as he seemed to draw every unsaid conclusion from just that one line.
"We need any information you have on the Demon Whisperer's whereabouts and the layout of the enemy forces…." Ben said, as his words made Marcus jump into action.
"The Demon Whisperer was last seen here," Marcus said, pointing towards a spot deep within demon territory on the map.
"He's heavily guarded, surrounded by a regiment of elite demons.
High demons are always in his vicinity, and he seldom leaves his tent alone.
Since his tent is within the heart of the demon camp, it's nearly impossible to approach him without being detected." Marcus said, as he laid out the challenges first.
"I say it's nearly impossible because, firstly, the demons have an acute sense of smell.
They can detect any foreign scent from a great distance, making it incredibly difficult to approach them unnoticed.
Additionally, they also have much better night vision compared to humans, which makes slipping through their guard under the veil of darkness more difficult as just like beasts, they can see extremely well in the dark" Marcus added, as he spoke about the demon's strengths with an audible tone of distaste.
"Their sense of hearing is also far superior to ours. They can pick up the faintest of sounds, and their physical attributes make them excellent runners that possess great stamina.
Even the slightest noise can compromise the mission, which means that once they hear you, there's almost no escaping them." He continued, his voice tinged with contempt.
As he listed out the challenges, Ben listened intently, understanding the gravity of the situation.
He knew that Marcus was providing all the critical details, trusting that a legendary assassin like him could devise a plan better than any that he could ever think of.