As the mages led by the five Emperor Mages left to go deploy outside the city and deal with the attack from the unidentified enemy, Balin, the dwarf commander of the battalion walked back into the headquarters of the military quadrant to oversee the logistics and command this battle from the city.
As he headed into a large expansive room, with mainly logistic staff and people using communication magi-tech equipment to organise the defence among other things, he headed for the back of the room, as soon as the staff saw him, they all halted what they were doing and saluted by hitting their chest with their fist, the general salute of the Lightborn House.
He waved at them saying "Be at ease" as he approached the back of the room, where a large table displaying different intelligence reports from the shadows and movements of the enemy were spread out.
As he arrived, there was a man, most likely a demon, considering the small obsidian horns sprouting from his forehead, however, a apart from that he was very plain.
Commoners attire, a bit of stubble on his otherwise pale grey face, black hair, common for demons, and normal looking brown eyes.
He was one of the 'hands' they were essentially the role beneath the deputy head and head position in the organisation, in charge of a vast network of information, informants and operatives.
Balin noticed the man and said "What news do you bring?"
The plain-looking demon responded clearly "According to the counter-intelligence operatives stationed all over the city, it seems that a little while ago, sleeper cells went active, seemingly getting an order from whoever is attacking us to sabotage our defences and generally cause as much unrest internally as possible."
He then paused briefly before continuing "Obviously they thought that their actions would go unnoticed and that our attention would be focused on the outside threat. Idiots." He muttered at the end.
"They did not expect our counter-intelligence to be so formidable, therefore, when our operatives noticed the sudden movements, they tracked down the saboteurs before they could really do any damage and neutralised them. It seems they were mostly commoners and some low talented Novices Mages and Senior Mages, people you wouldn't look twice at."
Balin nodded, then pointed at one of the documents on the table "So our internal security is good to go, for now it seems, there may still be some surprises, so get your guys to do a once over, however, what about the enemy force strength? It seems here you list, five Emperor Mages and the rest are King Mages, no Lords?"
The plain-looking demon answered this straightforwardly "Yes, Commander Balin, It seems this force was sent with the knowledge of how formidable the Lightborn House mages are, however, that isn't really secret knowledge, considering past campaigns, it seems the force sent is based upon that information. It is nothing the battalion can't handle."
Balin looked up lost in thought then said "At least the troops can test out their new toys, they haven't had the chance yet, except for hunting some stray magic beasts outside the city."
....
Meanwhile, within the city:
Some people were worried, about the attack, looking for answers, some were actually laughing with each other - that is mortals for you, a paradox.
In an inn, inside the commercial district, at the centre of the city a group of industry workers, regulars, at this specific establishment, were shouting loudly at each other, one said to the friend next to him "Ah what is all the fuss about, do they not know who's city this is? Fuck me, they have a death wish!"
He then took a swig at his tankard of beer before a guy next to him, one of his friends laughed "hahaha exactly my friend! And why would Lord Kyros need to do anything when the battalion will crush any army! They are wearing our magi-tech armour after all, made with these two very hands!" He then waved his hands around, causing a laugh from everyone nearby.
Suddenly, the doors swung open and a couple of Senior Mages walked in, wearing the uniform of the Internal Security Force, (ISF) essentially the police of this city.
"Oi, move it! Get back to your homes and lock the doors until the alarms have stopped, this is not a drill!" One of the men said, to which the customers looked at them wanting to protest, but considering the implications if they did, decided to call it a day.
These types of situations were happening all over the city, however, there were some people that showed worry.
In the residential quadrant for the commoners, a mother was speaking with another Internal Security Force member, pleading for a response "Sir, please, can you not let us know what is going on? Who would attack us? Why?"
The man, a Senior Mage looked at the woman and said sharply, "Miss, you need to go back to your home and look after your child, everything is being dealt with by Commander Balin and the battalion. No need to worry, they won't even get passed our walls or defences."
This seemed to do little to calm the hysterical mother down, when she said "What about Lord Kyros? Where is he?"
At this point the man sharply slapped the woman across the face before saying "Do not question His Excellency! He is the reason you get to live in such luxury far above your station, commoner! Now do as you are told and get in your home, I will not say again!"
The woman seemed to realise her mistake, that she had crossed a line and quickly apologised, before heading to her home along with the majority of the cities residents.