This was the first time Hao Ren and his party was in the city. Y'zaks too had never truly set foot into Cadessar before. His initial foray to the city was derailed by something else. Thus it was a new experience for all of the members, even though they were aware that they were here on a mission, they couldn't help but get swept up with the sense of wonder and excitement.
The party did not plan to enter the inner city today, and started looking for an inn for the night. Based on their experience, inns were usually open along the main trunk road and they walked along it until they reached the plaza at the end of the road.
It was semi-circular plaza paved in polished white masonry. Along the plaza were lamp posts and decorative statues. The whole place looked almost brand new that it was apparently that the plaza was built after the Ten Year War had ended.
The most intriguing item on the plaza was a giant rock statue. The party was amazed by the grandeur and decided to have a proper look.
Differing from other heroic statues, this one was just a normal soldier. He was not adorned in capes nor military insignias, just a typical soldier's armour. He was lunging forward, with one of his legs lifted high, his sword pointing ahead, as if he was jumping out of cover to engage the enemy. The statue was almost lifelike, and it radiated an aura that was impossible to miss - Onwards, to victory.
Beneath the status was an engraved epitaph; different from the wall of text in most heroic sagas. This one only had two lines.
Footman, Kevan Hodir. Died during the early years of the Ten Year War.
Brave comrade, thank you for giving us courage. When you leapt out of the trench, we finally knew why we were here.
Hao Ren was awed by the statue and wondered what sort of hero the person was. But he did not put much thought to it and as he was about to leave he saw Y'zaks deep in thought in front of the status.
"This man... I remember him." Y'zaks nodded towards the statue. "This is good. His comrades did not forget him."
Hao Ren immediately realised there were something more behind this, and the rest too expressed curiosity. Seeing that, Lanina explained what happened.
It was the start of the Ten Year War, and the end of the supremacy of the Demonic Army in the mortal realms. The battle took place on the laterite plain just outside the city.
The Demonic Army had already conquered a good half of the worlds, within, he united or subjugated all the demons under his banner, without he had virtually destroyed all the armies of the mortal realms. His was at his prime and was nigh unstoppable. Wishing to take advantage of that, Y'zaks made the fateful decision to attack Cadeceus. Controlling Cadeceus means bring the war to its final phase. Controlling the Throat of the world means all other worlds would have to submit to him.
It was at this key moment that the 'seven heroes' appeared. Seven powerful warriors, coming from remnant of the armies of the seven main races; Human, Elves, Dwarfs, Beastmen Dark Elves, Halflings and Spectrals. Under the untiring efforts of the human pope and holy maiden, the seven heroes came together to from the Allied Army. The tattered remnants of each races' army joined hands in the last critical moment, and went all in at the Battle of Cadeceus.
The Demonic Army and the Allied Army came face to face in the plains before Cadessar, and that decided the fate of the world.
In the initial stage of the battle, it was almost as if history was about to repeat itself, with the Demonic Army utterly crushing their foes.
"My Lord's army had been conquering places for a few hundred years, and his momentum was nigh unstoppable." Lanina looked towards the statue, there was a complicated glint in her eyes. "As our army approached the human defensive lines, their soldiers were cowering, not willing to give battle. Even if they were the strongest, the bravest of warriors chosen from their kind, fighting against fear incarnate was too much to ask."
"Then, a soldier leapt up." Y'zaks pointed towards the statue. "A normal soldier, he leapt up when everyone else was cowering. That was him."
"While we cannot place the laurels of victory on that man alone, but his actions changed many things, at the very least, the fate of the defending army... Nay, the fate of the world itself." Lanina sighed. "If he had not leapt forward, our army might have just smashed through their lines.. But as he charged forward, the whole line followed him.
Y'zaks nodded. "And I suffered my first defeat."
Hao Ren did not know how to react upon heading that. Lily however wanted to know more, "So... this guy pulled a heroic feat and become someone of note?"
"No... He perished in combat not long after leaping out of the trenches. He was one of the first few casualties of the Ten Year War." Lanina shook her head. "This man, he did not manage to kill anyone. I had him investigated. That day was his first time in the field, and his soldiering days snuffed out within ten minutes after the battle started. But that did not stop him from becoming on of the most important heroic figures of the war."
Hao Ren could not muster a response. At the same time, the sound of footsteps came from behind.
Hao Ren turned about and saw a girl in plain dress. She looked like she was about seventeen or eighteen. Her looks was plain, and her garb suggested that she was of the peasantry. She held flowers in her head, and as she passed by Hao Ren and his group, she gave a respectful nod before placing the stalk of flower before the statue.
As she placed the flower, she placed her hands on her chest and muttered softly. Her voice was soft, but it was still audible to Hao Ren and his party. "Papa, this is the last time I'll be visiting you this year. I've gotten the okay and will be following the next squad into the demonic plane..."
"You're his daughter?" Lily exclaimed without much thought. Even Hao Ren could not stop her in time.
The young lady looked up curiously at the group of strangers and nodded slightly. "Yes. Most of the town folk knows me."
Her voice was calm, and there was not a hint of pride that she was the 'daughter of a hero'. She was simply stating the facts.
Hao Ren was slightly uncomfortable with the situation. Y'zaks however, after quietly looking at the first for a moment, asked. "What's your name?"
"Vanessa Hoder." She was respectful in her reply and did not seem to be fazed by Y'zaks vicious-looking face.
"You're joining the army?" Y'zaks continued as if he had met someone the orphan of someone he knew. His face was expressionless, and no one could figure out what was going in his mind.
Vanessa nodded, before shaking her head. "I'm not fit to be a soldier, I'm there as a clerk. Papa said that he always wanted someone from the family to be learned."
Y'zaks looked at the girl again, the latter had a slightly confused look on her and was about to turn and leave. Y'zaks then suddenly pulled out a small charm from one of his pouches and handed it to her. "Take this. The demonic plane is not an inviting place. Your body would not stand the strain there for more than a few months. This charm here will help you get used to the place better."
Vanessa was flustered as she declined. Y'zaks however forcefully stuffed the charm onto her hands. "Take it. I know your father."
Vanessa had a very perplexed look on her face as she took the charm. After bowing to thank him, she turned around to leave."
"Girl," Y'zaks shouted from behind. "You're father was a good fighter!"
As the young lady left, the atmosphere was rather awkward. It was obvious that nothing could be said that wouldn't sound weird now. Y'zaks demurred for a moment before looking at Hao Ren, pointing to himself. "So, was I wrong?"
Hao Ren shook his head.
"No."
Y'zaks then pointed towards Kevan's statue. "So was he wrong then?"
"No."
"Thus is war."
Y'zaks said as he turned away from the statue.
Hao Ren shrugged and lead the rest. The MDT's voice suddenly rang in his head. "Thus is the life of an Inspector."