The Fall of Everything [Rewrite]

The demons appeared on the horizon just as the Rhazgordians had said they would. Rhazgord and Adler warriors stood ready on the walls as the giant insects rapidly approached the city. After a few minutes, the demons reached the city walls. Because the city walls were high, the demons had difficulty climbing them. Even those who managed to climb them were met with heavy blows from the Rhazgord warriors.
Rhazgorians were much stronger than normal humans. Not as strong as a 'blessed' , but strong enough to hurt the demons. By the first light of day, the number of demons had decreased and it was time to open the city gates. The Rhazgordians' plan succeeded and the demons were stuck at the city gates, making them easy targets. With the soldiers hiding outside the city joining the battle, the demons were easily destroyed.
Corvus fought at the front in this battle, proving once again his strength and leadership skills. The battle was hard fought, but the Rhazgordians suffered few casualties. The same was true for the soldiers of the city. Belisarius had also fought in the battle against the enemy, even though his father did not want him to, and he had gained many supporters among the soldiers.
The first day after the battle was a sad one. The city had been defended, but there were casualties. The next day was filled with the joy of victory. The Rhazgordians celebrated the victory and the loot they had obtained. While the soldiers celebrated, Corvus, who had learned the Adler language quite well, sat on the city walls with Belisarius, watching the celebrations in the city.
Corvus sighed heavily as he leaned against the cold stone walls of the city. His shoulders slumped and a look of deep sadness appeared on his face, casting shadows under his tired eyes. "Your empire may have fallen, but your city and its laws still bear the glory of an empire," he murmured, his voice was full of admiration. He took a deep breath before continuing, "But look at us. Every empire on this continent trembles when they hear the name of the Rhazgord.Our warriors, feared by all, defeat the demons that plague our world as easily as if they were nothing." A bitter laugh escaped his lips. "And what about our capital? Nothing but a few mud huts!"He clenched his fists as he spoke, his voice growing louder and more passionate.
Belisarius listened to his friend's words, nodding his head in agreement, but also with a hint of concern on his face. "Though I have never seen your capital, I can imagine," he said. "We have all the qualities you desire for your people, but look at us. We are nothing more than a small city crushed under the Sizat Empire." A sad smile tugged at the corners of his mouth but never quite reached his tired eyes. "But you Rhazgordians are free! Do not take this blessing for granted." He put his hand on Corvus' shoulder, wanting to reassure his friend. His voice was soft.
"These things must change!" Corvus said in a loud voice. "We must stop living like barbarians. And the kingdom of Adler must return to its former glory!"
"And how will that happen?" asked Belisarius. Unlike his friend, he was not confident.
"I don't know about you, but for us Rhazgordians, the only measure of superiority is power. We live by two things:Killing each other or killing our enemies. If I succeed in becoming the strongest, I will build an empire to rival the best of your ancestors!After the city of Rhazgord is even more magnificent than this city, I will help you to drive out the Sizat bastards!" said Corvus and laughed a laugh that made the walls tremble.
'Drive out the Sizat bastards!' It was something Belisarius would not have dared even think of. But when he saw how simply Corvus had said it, he couldn't help but laugh.
Then Belisarius sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I think you should be satisfied with what you have, but I know I can't change your mind no matter what I say," he admitted in a low voice, avoiding Corvus' sharp gaze. "But I promise to stand by you and support you in any way I can." This time a genuine smile appeared on his face and reached his tired eyes.
By morning the Rhazgord army had finished all their preparations. The demons had been defeated and it was time to turn back. But Corvus was nowhere to be seen. Valerius was about to send some men to Rax to find out where his nephew was when Corvus appeared at the city gates. He was accompanied by a few men and two carts filled to the brim with goods.
When Corvus arrived, he was greeted by Valerius' angry glare. They should have been on their way already, but without Corvus they could not return. This angered Valerius, who wanted to get back to Rhazgord as soon as possible. Valerius was as curious as he was angry. He was as curious about the two carts with his nephew as he was about the men with him.
"Who are they?" he asked. His voice was harsh and rude. When Corvus saw that his uncle had forgotten his anger and succumbed to his curiosity, he seized the opportunity. Pointing to the old man, he began to explain who he was.
"This man is Neratius. He is a famous sculptor. I am taking him with me to build a great statue in a Rhazgord city to honor my father. The other men you see are his assistants."
Corvus said the word 'sculptor ' in Adler Language because there was no word for 'sculptor ' in Rhazgord language. Valerius, too, showed with his gaze that he did not know what a 'sculptor ' was.
"Do you remember the big stone people in the city? The men who made them are called 'sculptors'" Corvus said.
For Valerius, statues had no value. He had seen many statues in his life as a mercenary, but he had never felt the need to take a second look at any of them. But he had no intention of interfering with his nephew.
"And what's in the carriages?"
Corvus was a little alarmed by this question. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Just the things the sculptor needs, uncle. Nothing important."
Valerius noticed his nephew's panic, but did not question it. They had to go now. Without asking any more questions, he gave the order to set off. Neratius the sculptor and his companions did not understand a word of the conversation, but there seemed to be no problem.
Corvus had indeed hired Neratius to sculpt a statue of his father, but the cargo in the carriages was not just what the sculptor needed, as he had said. There were books, paintings and tools not found in the city of Rhazgord. Corvus had sold his share of the Lightstones to buy all this.
The reason he wanted a statue of his father was to impress his father. He hoped to gain his father's support to change the Rhazgord and its people.
The journey to Rhazgord took two weeks and Corvus spent the whole time with Neratius and his men. He was constantly asking them questions, asking them to explain parts of the books he had read that he did not understand. The men, each of them well educated, diligently answered Corvus' every question in return for good pay.