There he stood, face to face with Cinder. Fire raged all around them, the sounds of battle drowned out by the suffocating flames. His armor was scorched, his blade half melted, every part of his body was tired.
Yet his aura remained, unlike hers.
He glared down with the Fall Maiden. She was in far worse condition than himself. Her grimm arm was gone, along with part of the shoulder, both her legs lay limp, and blood pooled from numerous wounds. She returned his gaze with her own hateful glare.
No words were spoken as he aimed the melted blade of Cocrea Mors at Cinder's heart.
Then he awoke, letting out a slow breath as he stood up. He could hear the sounds of soldiers hard at work outside "his" tent. 'Its been a long time since I had that dream' he mused before looking back at "his" bed. He had slept in an actual bed, more a hammock than a bed but thats besides the point. Slowly he put on his armor, letting his muscle memory guide him as he mulled over the details of the prior night.
Several Hours earlier
Jaune jumped back as arrows began to fly through the camp. Volley after volley struck the demons surrounding him. He could hear the leader shouting at his men, trying to reorganize them as more were struck down by arrows. Jaune utilized his foes distraction to thrust the tip of Cocrea Mors into the Demon's helmet.
Sadly the Demon caught onto his plan. Using the head of his warhammer to parry the thrust while keeping his shield held high to block another volley of arrows. Jaune pushed the offensive, jabbing the pommel of Cocrea Mors into the Demon's shield hand. A sickening crack echoed out as it let out a scream of pain, the large shield falling to the ground as a result.
Arrows just continued bouncing off his aura as a few struck through the plate of the Demon. He didn't let his chance go to waste, aiming to strike the other arm. Aura blazed off Cocrea Mors as the blade bit into the demon's arm.
The Warhammer fell as Jaune heard the galloping of massive beasts.
He had the Demon on its knees, their death only stopped by the approach of a third party.
Jaune turned, taking in the sight before him.
A massive creature, like a six-legged bear mixed with a horse, dressed in armor and a large saddle. Riding atop the beast was a man in armor, garbs of olive and marine blue covered the metal of his armor. The man's helmet bore a striking resemblance too the creature he used as a mount, only with a pair of Ram's horns on the sides. In his hand was a three pointed spear, currently aimed at Jaune.
"Halt... stay your blade knight." The man spoke in a commanding tone. Jaune didn't speak, but he wasn't in the mood for picking a fight with these men who saved him such troubles. "Good, someone chain up that Demon." the man shouted to the growing crowd behind him. Jaune could see that every soldier had the same beast as a mount and dressed in similar armor, sans the Ram's horns.
One of them approached, stepping off their mount with chains in hand. Jaune could feel the cautious looks the man was shooting him as he passed by him. He didn't say a word as the Demon with two crippled arms was bound in chains.
Taking a quick look around he could see that the soldiers were already routing the Demons.
"Now... Are you the one they called the Rusted Knight?" Jaune heard the Commander asked. He simple turned back to the man and nodded. "Well, considering the eork you put in, I must thank you." The Commander said as Jaune watched him begin to dismount.
"Thank me?" Jaune inquired out loud. He could see the Commander's eyes widen for a moment before they went back to normal.
"Indeed, we crossed paths with a group of refugees who spoke of a Knight in Rusted armor who killed numerous Demons all on his own." The Commander said. Jaune had to surpress a chuckle as he shook his head. "Yes, they spoke most highly of you, even gave us a few drawings to identify should we cross paths." The Commander rambled.
"You see, many of my men had families in that village, many more in villages also hit by these Demon expeditions." The commander said while gesturing to his right. Jaune turned, taking in the sight of humans in chains being released by the soldiers.
"Spavery tends to be their typical practise, many Demons consider manual labour the jobs of the weak." The commander mumbled to no one. "Since you led us straight to this camp, you inadvertently saved them from such a life." The commander said as he put a hand on Jaune's shoulder.
"So, Sir Knight, what do you say to spending the night with us while we start getting these people out of here?" The commander inquired. Jaune looked at him, putting a hand on his chin as he thought it over.
"I accept." he answered.
Jaune had a brief flash of memories from the rest of the night. Escorting refugees and captured demons back to the camp. Helping some of the soldiers and camp workers cook food. Even having a few drinks of what he assumed to be wine with a few of the soldiers.
He let those memories pass as he stepped out of the tent in his armor. He took a casual stride, passing by many soldiers as they partook in a variety of morning activities. Some were eating, others were maintaining weapons. He could even seem some reuniting with family amongst the now freed slaves. Jaune smiled underneath his helmet as he wandered through the camp.
Still, he had one destination in mind, the Commander's tent. Barely a few minutes of walking led him right too it. It wasn't much different than the other tents, only having a more refined coat of arms on its side. It wasn't anything too special, just a deer-like creature standing on its hind legs with two spear crossed over it.
He could see the commander just outside the tent, a cup in one hand and some food in the other. He wasn't wearing his helmet, letting Jaune see the well cut brown hair and shallow scars that littered the man's face. The Commander's gaze drifted to him and a small smile stretched across his face.
"Ah, already awake Sir Knight." The Commander greeted before taking a drink. Jaune just nodded as he approached. "Good to see that you're ready to start the next day." The Commander said.
"Actually, I have a few questions as well." Jaune said. The Commander paused, his face turning serious for a moment. Jaune let the man finish his meal and wash it down before the Commander stared him down. "My first question is how long this war has been going on?" Jaune asked.
"Ah, not many have actually been keeping track, but its been three years now." The Commander stated as he swirled his cup. "It all happened quite suddenly really, but don't let the ramblings of an old man interrupt you." The Commander said.
"No, sadly I have been living a most lonely life, the more details the better." Jaune replied. The Commander seemed to huff before straightening himself.
"I see, well it all started about five years ago truthfully." The Commander began. "The Demon Lands were embroiled in a civil war, some high ranking Demon had fallen in battle and every Demon that knew them were tearing each other apart to claim the unowned territories." The Commander paused, taking another sip from his cup. "Thats what our scouts near the border reported anyway." The Commander's expression turned crestfallen for a moment.
"The conflict grew, some Demons called in allies while others smelt a good fight, it wasn't long until the whole land was swallowed by a massive civil war." Yhe Commander said. "Our scouts hadn't realized it at the time, but when the civil war ended, only the new Demon Lord stood victorious." The Commander stopped, letting out a sigh.
"It was quiet for about a year, then they struck." The Commander spoke with a dead serious tone. "When it began, something was rather obvious, they weren't fighting like they had before." The Commander said.
"Like Before?" Jaune inquired.
"Demon's typically fight in a rather straightfoward manner; Shield walls and pike formations. Sometimes they use calvary and archers, but not often." The Commander paused once again. "Before you say anything, Demon's aren't stupid. They're just more powerful when compared to a normal human that they never bothered improving such tactics." The Commander interjected before Jaune could speak up.
"I see, so the Demon's started fighting with more human tactics and subterfuge." Jaune concluded.
"To the best of my knowledge, yes." The Commander replied. "These last three years have been a slow crawl of seiges, skirmishes, and ambushes on both sides. The fact that the Demons are now striking the inner layers of the Empire just means that the war will take even longer." The Commander stated.
"I understand, thank you for your time." Jaune said as he turned to leave.
"Before you go knight, there's something I must warn you of." The Commander said. Jaune turned back too look him in the eye. "You are stronger than anyone I've ever seen, those arrows easily have enough power to punch through armor and flesh alike, yet you have not been harmed by a single one." The Commander said. "Be wary of how others would seek to use such power." The Commander warned.
"Thank you for the warning, but I must ask why you have given me it?" Jaune inquired.
The Commander smiled for a moment. "In that village you saved, my son had a family, its thanks to you that they still live." The Commander answered honestly.
"I see, I shall be off soon." Jaune said.
"Do you require directions?" The Commander inquired.
"Only a map, and a few days of supplies." Jaune answered.
"Good to hear, I have something else as well." The Commander said as he held out his hand. Jaune held out his own, letting the Commander place something in it. "Should you find yourself in a city, show it where the symbol rests and you will be welcomed with open arms." The Commander said while gesturing too the coat of arms on the tent.
Jaune nodded as another soldier approached. "Sir, the men should be ready to move out within the hour." He reported. The Commander nodded before he looked to Jaune.
"Get our guest a large map and a few days of food, we'll be going our separate ways." The Commander instructed. The Soldier nodded before running off once again. Jaune nodded as he looked bavk out at the camp.
"Sir Knight, should we ever cross paths again, I hope to buy you a drink." The Commander said.
"Should we cross paths again, I hope it is as the living." Jaune replied.
The Commander let out a chuckle as he turned to his tent. "As do I Sir Knight, as do I." he muttered before disappearing into the tent.
Jaune sighed before the sound of footsteps caught his attention. He caught sight of that same soldier already returning with two bags at his side. He stopped, handing them to Jaune before nodding. "Best of luck." the Soldier muttered before running off.
Jaune smiled for a moment, before he took out the map from the bags and compared it too the map the villagers had given him. The new one covered more territory, yet also showed drawings of areas claimed by the Demons.
His next destination was clear, he would head for the village of Quail, to the west.
Tairo watched as the Rusted Knight walked away from the camp. His back to the east and a clear goal in mind.
"Sir?" one of his subordinates spoke up.
"Yes." he replied without looking back.
"Why let him leave, with his strength we could truly take the fight to the Demons?" the soldier inquired.
"Because someone like him can get more done on his own, rather than be tied down by our mission and the demands of our superiors." Tairo answered. "Besides, I doubt we could force him to work with us even if we tried." Tairo muttered the last part. "Now come on men, we have a lot of ground to cover." Tairo instructed, accepting the nods of his men.