After the Branch

With a shriek that tore through the air, the heavy alloy greatsword crashed down like a falling star. Though blunt-edged, it split a colossal demon the size of a heavy tank in two as easily as butter. Then, with a thunderous boom, Vana slammed her fist into the ground. The terrible shockwave ground several weaker demons gathered around her directly into pulp.

A strange, piercing howl rose from behind her. A missile filled with foul energy came at her from a tricky angle. Vana sprang to her feet, but before she could raise a hand to block it, a swift black shadow rushed in from the side. A silver-flashing two-handed sword intercepted the vicious sneak attack, and several marines wielding enchanted steel swords swarmed forward, mincing the demon that had launched the ambush into fine chunks.

Vana looked up at the shadow and gave a slight nod. "Fast reflexes."

Amber looked delighted. She nodded eagerly, then could not help casting Vana a look of astonishment and envy. "You really are... even stronger than I imagined."

"Not bad. I'm in pretty good condition today," Vana said, casually spinning the alloy greatsword in her hand. She thrust it backward into the mist beside her, skewering an Abyssal Hound that had just taken shape within the thick fog. Then she flicked the hilt lightly with her other hand—the demon was instantly crushed into fine dust. "And these demons aren't very strong... much weaker than the enemies I've been dealing with lately."

Amber's expression seemed to stiffen for a moment, but she quickly recovered and returned to her post—continuing to direct the warriors in clearing the wandering demons appearing near the cave entrance, while organizing the combat personnel to rest in shifts and reinforce the defenses.

Vana raised her greatsword again, but at that