The battle continued for thirty brutal minutes. The demon force was professional and coordinated, but they hadn't expected this level of resistance. Aldric's blessed sword and genuine heroic prowess. Seria's devastating paired-sword technique. Church magic's divine power.
And Damien's shadows, killing with ruthless precision.
Eventually, the demon force broke. What remained retreated into the forest, their attack disrupted.
Thirty-two demons dead. Eight soldiers wounded. No fatalities on the human side.
Victory by any tactical measure.
Damien stood in the aftermath, surrounded by corpses he'd created, and felt the corruption settle deeper into his essence.
[BATTLE COMPLETE]
[DEMONS SLAIN: 48]
[CORRUPTION: 6.2% → 7.1%]
[SIGNIFICANT PERSONALITY CHANGES DETECTED]
[WARNING: Emotional anchor connection required soon to stabilize]
He needed to see Elara. Ground himself in the connection that kept him human. The corruption was accelerating faster than anticipated.
