Reincarnated as the Demon King's Son

"Summon Francus and Grigor here."

Aldred's command echoed softly but firmly through the advanced communication system of his sprawling headquarters. Within moments, the office door slid open with a hushed whisper, admitting two figures who contrasted starkly yet complemented each other like the day complements the night.

First to stride in was Francus, his youthful visage marked by an unwavering resolve that belied his years. Clad in a sleek suit that integrated seamlessly with his arsenal of long-range weaponry, he carried himself with the ease of someone who had mastered the art of blending cutting-edge technology with lethal precision.

His eyes, sharp and observant, scanned the room with an intelligence that missed nothing.

Following closely was Grigor, a mountain of a man whose presence seemed to fill the room with an ancient, unyielding strength. His rugged features were etched with the tales of countless battles, and the heavy axes he bore were not just weapons but extensions of his will. Despite his imposing figure, there was a steady calmness about him, the quiet before the storm that was his wrath in battle.

"Francus, Grigor, thank you for coming at such short notice," Aldred began, acknowledging their entrance with a nod. The respect between them was mutual, born of battles fought and won together.

Francus inclined his head, a gesture of respect. "Commander Aldred, you have but to ask."

Grigor's voice, deep and resonant, filled the room. "What challenge awaits us now?"

Aldred gestured towards Shinari, who watched the exchange with keen interest. "We have a unique opportunity to extend our support to both the Phoenix Battalion and the Silverleaf Covenant. These groups have been instrumental in opposing demonic forces, but they are in dire need of resources."

Francus's interest was piqued, his mind already racing through the possibilities. "Weapons and tech could shift the balance in their favor. What's the plan?"

Grigor, whose experience had taught him the value of direct action, added, "And how do we ensure these resources strengthen their resolve rather than become crutches?"

Aldred smiled, appreciating their immediate grasp of the situation. "That's where you both come in. Francus, your expertise with long-range weaponry and technology will be crucial in identifying and supplying the right tools to the Phoenix Battalion without overwhelming them."

Turning to Grigor, he continued, "Grigor, your understanding of resilience and strength will guide us in fortifying the Silverleaf Covenant, enhancing their capabilities in a way that complements their mastery of magic and stealth."

"But they are elves. I am not sure they will accept our aid."

"That's where new our friend can help you."

Anariel entered the room. This time, the elf was by herself.

Aldred looked at her. "Do you know my intention?"

Anariel nodded. "I met the Silverleaf before. I can bring the supplies to them."

"Good. Bring Grigor with you."

"Bringing a human with will cause more troubles."

"Sooner or later I will have to shake hands with them," Aldred said. "I want them to get used to working with humans."

"It won't be easy to convince them."

Aldred smiled. "Well, now you know my struggle."

Francus nodded, his mind already racing through the tactical possibilities. "To the Phoenix Battalion first," he suggested, his plan clear. "Their need for our tech and information is immediate."

Grigor's deep laugh echoed in the corridor. "And I suppose I'll be enjoying the scenery until it's time to meet the elves?"

Anariel cast a glance at the burly man, a smile playing on her lips. "Your presence will be a testament to our intent. The Covenant must see that humans and elves can stand together against a common foe."

Their transport awaited them at the hangar, a sleek vessel designed for rapid deployment across the stars. As they boarded, each lost in their thoughts, the magnitude of their mission weighed heavily upon them. They were not just delivering supplies; they were laying the foundation for a new era of cooperation.

The journey to the Phoenix Battalion's hidden base was swift, the ship cutting through the void with the silence of a shadow. Francus led the way, his familiarity with human factions guiding them to their destination.

Upon arrival, they were met with cautious optimism. Commander Talia Kaine, a woman whose reputation for cunning and bravery preceded her, greeted them with a guarded but respectful nod. "Francus, of the Celestial Platoon," she acknowledged. "Your offer comes at a crucial time."

"You should thank my boss. He pays for all of this."

Talia chuckled. "I have been always wanting to visit him. Perhaps you can arrange a date, Francus?"

"What? So you can take over the Celestial Platoon? No thank you."

"You're afraid that I will take his heart?"

Francus shook his head. "This is Aldred we're talking about. You probably know about his reputation already."

Talia licked her lips. "I don't know. Powerful men tend to be powerless in front of me."

Francus sighed. "Just sign this document that says you have accepted our supplies. I got a flight to catch."

"Where to?"

Silverleaf Covenant

The forests of the Silverleaf were ancient, their depths holding secrets and magics long forgotten by the outside world. Anariel led them with a grace that spoke of her deep connection to these lands, guiding Francus and Grigor through the concealed paths that led to the heart of the Covenant's territory.

The meeting with Eldermage Illyrion was tense, the air thick with unspoken questions and doubts. Anariel spoke first, her voice clear and compelling. "Eldermage, we come bearing aid, not from a place of superiority, but from a desire to unite against those who would see our worlds in ruins."

Grigor, standing silent until now, stepped forward, his axes left behind as a gesture of peace. "I am not your enemy," he said, his voice a rumble like distant thunder. "Nor am I your ally, not yet. But give us the chance to prove that we can fight together."

Illyrion was silent, her face bitter.

Anariel's heart thumped. What if the eldermage refused their aid?

"Anariel. You of all people should know why I can't work with the humans."

Anariel sighed. "That's what I said to them as well."

"And yet here you are. Bringing the hairless apes to my land."

"Eldermage. I can assure you the leader of these apes can be of benefit to you. He has the intention of giving you resources to fight for your cause."

"What does he know about my cause?" The Eldermage. "Stalling the demons? Is that what he thinks? From what I can tell. These apes wants us to become their puppets."

Grigor stepped forward about to speak. "I am s—"

The Eldermage raised her hand and a mysterious magic shut Grigor's mouth shut.

Francus chuckled until his mouth was shut too.

"You have failed your kin, Anariel."

"You misunderstand, Elder. Elralya said the ancestors wants to work with this man."

"And who is this man?"

"Aldred. That is his name. He built the largest mercenary organization this galaxy has ever seen in merely four years. Now he has resources enough to fight nations."

"Sounds like he is a bigger threat than the demons."

Anariel swiped with her hands and a magic enveloped them, blocking the sound from going outside.

Francus and Grigor were outside this magic circle so they cannot hear anything.

"Elder, what you said is correct. This man Aldred is a threat far more dangerous than the demons. Which is exactly the reason why we need to work with him. The ancestors told us that this man is an unstoppable force of nature. Instead of fighting it, we should adapt and use it for our own benefit."

"What else Elralya told you?"

Anariel bit her lips. "She told me that Aldred might be the thing we need to return our golden era."

The dense magic that had enveloped Anariel and the Eldermage Illyrion dissipated as suddenly as it had formed, leaving Francus and Grigor momentarily disoriented by the return of their voices. They exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what had transpired within the silent bubble that had cocooned their companions.

Illyrion, her expression now softened by the revelations shared in confidence, turned to the humans with a gaze that held a new measure of respect. "Anariel speaks highly of your leader, Aldred. For her to vouch for a human… It is not a decision made lightly."

Grigor, rubbing his jaw, offered a wry smile. "Well, we're not exactly what you'd call typical humans, Eldermage."

Illyrion's lips twitched in amusement. "Indeed. And in the spirit of… understanding, I extend an invitation to you both. Join us for an elven feast tonight. It is rare for outsiders to witness, let alone partake in our traditions. Consider it a gesture of potential cooperation."

Francus, ever the diplomat, bowed slightly. "We are honored, Eldermage Illyrion. Thank you for this opportunity to bridge our worlds."

As night fell, the Silverleaf Covenant's stronghold transformed.

Bioluminescent flora bathed the ancient woods in ethereal light, casting an otherworldly glow on the faces of elves and humans alike. Tables laden with exotic dishes and age-old elven brews were arranged in a clearing, surrounded by towering trees that seemed to watch over the proceedings with quiet sentience.