The Broken Halo

The remaining battles ended faster than the first ones.

Some demons had already secured two victories, while others entered their third match knowing that a single mistake would remove them from the campaign. There were more surrenders now, but there were also more deaths. Desperation made some demons cautious and made others reckless.

By the time the final battle ended, blood had soaked into every stage more than once.

The official recorded the last result, then looked toward Korran Veyl.

Korran walked forward.

The six barriers faded, and the battle stages slowly sank into the ground. A few seconds later, the compound became flat once again, although the smell of blood still remained in the air.

The Archfiends gathered before Korran.

Some were injured and some were covered in blood that did not belong to them. Some looked satisfied, while others had dark expressions because they had failed to obtain two victories.

Simon stood beside Sonya and Akaza.

Akaza’s wounds had stopped bleeding, but his clothes were still stained. He remained silent after his third victory and did not look pleased despite passing the test.

Korran swept his gaze across the compound.

"The combat test has ended."

The compound became completely silent.

"Those of you who obtained two victories have done well. Those who failed should not assume that shouting, begging, or offering bribes will change the result."

His gaze moved across a few demons whose expressions had changed.

"It will not."

Korran placed both hands behind his back.

"Passing the tests does not mean every single one of you will join the invasion force. Your affinity, physical strength, combat ability, injuries, temperament, and usefulness will be reviewed together."

A few demons frowned. They had assumed that winning two battles meant they were already chosen.

Besides, that was what Korran told them.

"We need soldiers, scouts, guards, trackers, healers, rune users, beast handlers, and demons capable of surviving without being watched every second. A demon can win two battles and still be useless for the roles we need."

He paused.

"The final list will be posted here within three days. Those chosen will receive campaign tokens and further instructions."

One demon raised his hand carefully.

"Sir, when will the invasion begin?"

A lot of demons looked toward Korran.

Korran remained silent for a few seconds before speaking.

"The rift is expected to become fully open and stable in two months."

The compound erupted.

"Two months?"

"Isn’t that... like long?"

"Don’t you know? Rifts are very unpredictable and some rifts form instantly and some take time."

"Yeah. It’s not that long."

Korran released a small portion of his aura, and the noise vanished immediately.

"The rift has already begun forming. However, it is still unstable and cannot carry an army safely. Velmora’s spatial experts, rune masters, and officials are working on stabilizing it."

His eyes became sharp.

"Do not mistake two months for permission to enter whenever you want. Anyone foolish enough to search for the rift and approach it without permission will either be arrested or torn apart by its unstable space."

Some demons swallowed.

Others were still stunned by the time frame, but a few had thoughtful expressions.

Rifts did not always open quickly. Some required several months before they could support passage. Others took a year or even several years before they became fully formed and stable.

Compared to those, two months was extremely fast.

Some guessed that the rift near Velmora had already reached an advanced stage, or the city was pouring a frightening amount of resources into it.

Simon narrowed his eyes slightly.

Two months was enough time for him to heal, gather information, make preparations, and do a few things he planned on doing when he came to Velmora City.

Korran continued.

"Those who are chosen will not be sent through the rift immediately. You will be summoned several times before the invasion."

"During those meetings, you will learn what is currently known about Earth, the command structure of the invasion force, your assigned roles, and the rules you will follow after crossing the rift."

He looked across the gathered demons.

"The exact location of the rift and the date of passage will only be given when necessary. Do not ask officials for information they are not allowed to give. At best, they will ignore you. At worst, you will be treated as a spy."

The expressions of several demons became serious.

Korran then spoke about something that caused greed to appear in many eyes.

"Chosen recruits will receive temporary benefits within Velmora."

The compound became even quieter.

"You will receive discounts at city-owned medicine halls, artifact repair halls, material stores, and certain inns. You will also be allowed to use designated training grounds and demonic energy chambers at a reduced cost."

A few injured demons immediately looked interested.

"For those with enough value, Greater Demons will be assigned to provide personal instruction. Do not misunderstand. They will not become your masters, and they will not waste time repeating simple things because you were too stupid to listen."

The eyes of many demons brightened.

There were some demons who were not part of an organization and they needed the assistance and knowledge of a Greater Demon in order to become a Greater Demon.

"Chosen recruits may also receive access to restricted auctions, private material exchanges, campaign resources, healing facilities, and information ordinary demons in Velmora cannot obtain."

The mention of restricted auctions caused whispers to spread.

Some rare artifacts and resources never entered public markets. They were sold privately to clans, organizations, and demons with enough status. Access alone could be worth more than the rewards some recruits had originally come for.

Simon remained calm, but the benefits were useful to him... Especially the information aspect.

Korran allowed the excitement to rise for a few seconds before crushing it with his next words.

"These benefits are not gifts."

The whispers stopped.

"Velmora is investing in demons who may be useful during the invasion. Misuse the privileges, cause unnecessary trouble, sell restricted information, or attempt to flee after accepting campaign resources, and everything will be taken back."

His smile was cold.

"Depending on what you did, the city may take more than the resources."

Nobody needed him to explain what that meant.

Korran looked at the officials beside him. One nodded, confirming that every result had been recorded.

He turned back toward the Archfiends.

"Return in three days and check the final list. Those chosen will receive further instructions. Those who are not chosen may leave Velmora, remain in the city, or find another way to waste their lives."

Korran’s gaze swept across Simon, Sonya, Akaza, Ammor, Virella, and Rovan before moving to the rest.

Then he spoke.

"The recruitment is over."