The earth shook as a group of silver-clad soldiers raced through the dark forest. The scent of rot and blood remained strong in the air, whipping past their faces as their speed increased. While most of the mounts were tall elk-horses, strong and able to carry heavy packs and traverse mountains, their leader was a unique midnight black wolf, bigger and faster. Its golden eyes share the sa coldness as its master. Embellished with silver armor, the wolf looked extrely nacing. They learned Kier was its na and a heavenly beast adored and loved by The Lynari.
The ground shook wherever they went. If it were another, they would tremble in fear lest they attract a horde of monsters and demons. Just the scent of them could have brought every malibreed in the mountains to them. However, for the past few days, no creature has dared confront them. They were grateful for the blessed artifact and unique armor, each endowed with sacred purifying spells that protected them each second. However, they must rember to cleanse their artifact with arcan incantations to retain its function.
At the head of the group, golden strands danced with the wind. Although the n remained cautious in their environnt, they could not help but glance at their eye-catching leader. Amidst the darkness, he shone like a beacon of light. But no matter how glorious he looked, they fear the ruthless monster that waits within, watching and waiting for release.
For the past few days, as their fear of him grew, so did their respect. Like them, Lord Hercullio worships their Lynari… but in a different way no one could follow. He was the only exception…
Piercing golden eyes looked straight ahead, as though he could already see their destination past the moving terrain. Lord Hercullio is eager to return.
Suddenly, the black wolf's ears in front of them shifted slightly. The High Lord's golden eyes narrowed. The n's awareness was top-notch, and they imdiately sensed the anomaly.
Whoosh!
Mid-run, a flash of red intercepted their way tight before Kier. With a growl, the wolf did not hesitate to attack. Claws and teeth elongated to snap the intruder in half, but narrowly missed its prey. Snap! It locked on nothing but air.
The group scattered warily and stopped, hooves screeching to a halt. Silver blades are drawn, glinting viciously as tension fills their surroundings.
"Arms ready," Hadrian spoke, drawing his own obsidian sword from its sheath. They wore a cautious stance- Gazes filled with danger.
The breeze howled eerily around them as a thick fog began to creep from the edges of the tree line towards them. Then a gurgling sound reached their ears. Dark humanoid figures appeared within the thick fog. Several blood red eyes glowed eerily, sending shivers down their spine.
Raghh!
No one knew which had attacked first. Clash! Chaos ensued.
Swish!
A sharp blade clashed against a red arm. The warrior's eyes widened in struggle as she analyzed the enemy before her. Red skin, bulging veins, but it looked extrely human. Except instead of claws to attack her, its forearms were made of sharp tal-like muscle, moving like a creature handling two swords.
The battle grew longer and louder. Despite the thick fog, the n were skilled enough to detect danger even with their eyes closed. But no one knew how many there were.
Until a black sword pointed at the sky. Boom!
Golden lightning filled the area, the force pushed away the fog, and their surroundings were instantly visible!
Almost thirty human-like red monsters circled them, watching them with a predatory gaze. They were monster,s but how do they look so… human?
The warriors steadied themselves and attacked. Their blades cut through the air, slashed against flesh. Blood sprayed over the ground, and the earth happily drank it.
Lord Hadrian narrowed his eyes sharply, scouring the area until he found three unusual figures standing quietly and hidden within the shadows of the forest. Even from afar, he could hear their voices chanting incoherently…
Whoosh!
His figure flashed. Electricity crackled as he appeared in front of one of them. Before his sword landed, the hooded figure dodged skillfully.
"Hah…" It's fast.
An oppressive aura abruptly filled the area. The horned creature paused. In that split second, a dark blade pierced its chest. Still caught in the bone, the lord was forcibly dragged to the side, cutting the demon in half.
"One down…" Hadrian muttered. His cold, handso countenance, embellished with splatters of black blood.
The two retreated, locking their eyes towards the most dangerous foe they had encountered. One chanted, luring a few of the puppets towards the golden-haired man. Hadrian found it amusing. An eerie smile graced his face.
Whoosh!
The sword appeared an inch before the horned creature's face. It fell, swiftly slicing through flesh and bone and the softest tissues like chopping tender at.
The body fell, its head attached and split in half.
The only one left gazed curiously at its dead companion before silently observing Hadrian's terrifying form.
It smiled.
Golden eyes contracted. Hadrian's blood boiled. A madness so strong filled his mind. He wanted nothing than to rip that smile from this monster's face. Kill it! Cut off its head! Pull out its innards!
The sound of hooves in the distance interrupted them. During his battle, almost all of the puppets had been killed.
The red-horned demon's body shattered, disintegrating into ashes before Hadrian's eyes. Jaw clenched, he swung his sword, splitting the flurry of red into two. But it had already escaped.
"My Lord!"
Swish!
The sharp tip of the obsidian blade pointed towards the arriving knight. The man froze in place as fear hung heavy around him. The High Lord in front of him was burning with fury. He looked as though he would rip him into two and devour him whole. Sweat dripped from the knight's face.
"My Lord…"
…
After a few long seconds, Lord Hercullio paused. His eyes cleared a bit. Finally, his sword fell.
He raised a hand to cover his eyes. Golden pupils glowing eerily in the shadows of his fingers. Haah… He… almost lost himself.
While he took a deep breath, he glanced at the demon's corpse at his feet. The gaping wound of its head revealed sothing red, hidden within the ss of black blood and mush.
Squelch!
The obsidian sword slowly dug through the ss and lifted a thin, damp object. Long and covered with thick, red strands.
A red feather was reflected in his golden eyes.
"Who…"
The soldier in front of him straightened instantly.
"An informant from the fortress…" He cautiously answered. "S-Settlents have been ravaged by unknown demons…"
"We are set to return…" Lord Hadrian's voice deepened. "Return…"
Yes… Moulin needed him to return.
The image of the youth's serene, beauteous face filled his mind. Slender hands caressing his own. He wanted that peace to remain forever…
He has to cleanse everything that aims to corrupt.
After a minute of silence, the golden lord raised his gaze. Staring at the blood-drenched red feather hanging from his sword, he spoke. "Which settlents have been attacked?…"
…..
Whoosh!
A strong breeze slipped inside the study from an open window. Long, silvery hair elegantly moved.
Moulin clenched his hands together and took a deep breath. Dressed formally in white, he stared at the holographic artifact for a few seconds. Those matters that had been plaguing him shall be addressed today…
And hopefully…
Moulin sighed. His silver eyes brimd with hopeful expectation. 'Hadrian…'
The youth composed himself and tucked a few strands of stray hair behind his ear before activating the crystal.
Whoosh!
The familiar grand assembly hall welcod Moulin's eyes. The long table, the elevated throne where the mighty prince Archaen sat. Several Lords and Ladies exuded elegance except for Lord Fridal, who looked as carefree as usual, even daring to pour himself a cup of wine in front of everyone.
"Welco, Lynari…"
Moulin t the Crown Prince's gaze. Where were they waiting for ? Discomfort crept inside Moulin. Wasn't the monarch usually the one who entered last?
The youth said his greetings while quietly assessing the prince's appearance. Was it just him, or does he look… exhausted? Tired? Are those dark circles under his eyes? For a man in his pri, he looked like he had aged years. As exaggerated as it sounds…
Moulin felt himself dreading the news now.
Ah… Moulin raised his gaze once more to look at the seat beside him. Empty and cold.
So he couldn't attend… Moulin pressed his lips together and looked away. His mind couldn't help but think of several reasons why Hadrian was missing…
"Let us begin…"
As the initial reports were laid, Moulin observes silently. His eyes fell upon each of the lords and ladies while his mind wandered. Lord Fridal and Lady Klaria had both turned to him almost simultaneously. It startled him, but he quickly revealed a sincere smile. Fridal raised a glass to him while Lady Klaria nodded before focusing her attention on the eting. She looked well… After Hadrian's successful aid, she must still be overwheld with the affairs of Ralor…
Moulin turned away.
After a few minutes, the core of the eting finally comnced.
"Our soldiers from the Silver Scepter have sent reports from various infected areas… all pertaining to the sa course of incidents." A general explained. His voice deepened in tension.
The others listened with grim faces.
Unknown demonic creatures have ravaged multiple settlents. Evidence of struggle and murder, but not a single corpse was found at the scene. However, a group of Silver Scepter soldiers who had stationed themselves in a small settlent was lucky enough to survive a bloody battle with these strange creatures.
Intelligent and strong humanoid creatures with red skin, looking as though they were doused in blood. The sclera of their eyes was black with glowing red pupils. Their arms could shapeshift into any weapon they desired. Too fast and agile to strike. Furthermore, they didn't seem to be affected by the aura of the arcan artifacts the soldiers carry. Although they could still be hard and killed with purifying-aid attacks.
What startled them even more was their goal of destroying the Arcan Conduits. Out of three of the Arcan Conduits, they had destroyed two… sacrificing their bodies using an explosion of corrupted energy to destroy the structure.
Furthermore, the n were greatly outnumbered, and monsters had even stealthily infiltrated the village's safe house. A few souls were lost…
Yet the most unsettling part was how these monsters were very eager to collect the bodies of those they had butchered…
Everyone within the hall grew paler the more they listened.
"Fortunately, the enemies had fled, and the n even secured the corpses of the demonic creatures." An artifact was activated, revealing a detailed look at the demon carcass.
Moulin's eyes widened. It was exactly as it was described. These were monsters… However… they possessed very human features. Silver pupils trembled. Sothing wasn't right…
"These don't look like malibreeds…" Lady Klaria furrowed her brows.
Prince Vascilicus, who had been mostly silent, nodded in agreent and stared at the corpse curiously. "And they don't seem like the typical demon breed or… any demonic race we've known…"
Mixed opinions filled the table, but everyone shared a similar suspicion. They agree that the monsters were undoubtedly inhuman, but their features, aside from their abilities, seed too human. Not that they had never encountered humanoid monsters before. Only these felt different.
"Human corpses?"
One voice silenced the rest. All turned towards the white-haired young man who remained staring at the monster corpse. His eyes possessed a certain calmness. Solemnity in his thoughts.
Suddenly, Moulin felt a shift in the air. His eyes snapped to the empty seat at his side, where a faint figure began materializing.
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