The hunt for the mysterious enemy began. Aria and Dante worked tirelessly, combining her modern intellect with his battlefield experience. Aria proposed a more sophisticated spy network, using codes and signals the enemy would never anticipate. She also instructed Dante on how to analyze traces, identify anomalies in reports, and meticulously map out attack sites.
However, the threat didn't just come from outside. The seeds of jealousy within the camp grew larger. Lady Lan, publicly humiliated by Dante, still harbored thoughts of revenge. She began contacting disgruntled officers and other hidden factions within the camp, forming a network against Aria and Dante.
A week later, an urgent report arrived. A contingent led by one of Dante's trusted generals was heavily ambushed in a secluded valley. Hundreds of soldiers were killed, and the general himself was missing. What was more unsettling was that the valley was considered safe, with few traces of enemy presence.
"We must go there immediately!" Dante roared, grabbing Aria's hand. "This is a trap. They're trying to lure me out."
Aria frowned. "I think something's wrong. Why would they ambush in such a safe place? And why only target your trusted general?"
Dante squeezed her hand tighter. "Even if it's a trap, I must go. I cannot abandon my soldiers." He looked deep into Aria's eyes. "You will stay at the camp. I don't want you to risk yourself again."
"No!" Aria insisted. "I will go with you. You need me. I can see things you don't." She recalled the insidious nature of 21st-century enemies, their complex and multi-layered conspiracies. She knew this wasn't an ordinary ambush.
Dante looked at her for a long moment, then finally sighed. "Very well. But you must promise me you will always stay by my side. Do not leave me for even a step."
They set out immediately, leading an elite force. The journey to the valley was tense. Aria remained vigilant, her eyes scanning every bush, every rock. She felt a cold chill, an unsettling feeling pervading the air.
Upon reaching the valley, the sight before them horrified everyone. Dead soldiers lay scattered, blood staining the earth and rocks. There were no signs of a normal battle. Instead, the corpses bore strange wounds, as if torn by sharp claws, or scorched by some mysterious fire.
"What in the hell is this?" A soldier exclaimed, his voice trembling.
Dante knelt to examine a corpse. His face turned pale. "These are not wounds from conventional weapons," he whispered, his voice filled with dread. "And these are not rebels."
Aria knelt down, touching a scorched mark on a corpse. "This smell... it's not normal charcoal or pine oil. It's like... magic fire." She looked up, her eyes grave. "We've walked into a trap. But not an ordinary trap. The enemy is not human."
Just then, from the surrounding gorges and caves, grotesque creatures began to emerge. They were strangely shaped, with massive bodies, grayish skin, sharp claws, and glowing red eyes in the darkness. They made no human sounds, only ferocious roars.
"Demons!" A soldier screamed in panic.
Dante immediately drew his sword, stepping in front of Aria. "Protect the advisor!" he roared, his voice full of fury and determination.