As the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard, Leo focused on the routine tasks that filled his day. He had spent the morning training with Rorin, nearly mastering a precise parry technique. The session had been grueling but rewarding, with each strike and block bringing him closer to perfection. His progress with the ''False Power'' spell was also advancing—he could feel its energy stabilizing more with each practice attempt. After the lesson, he headed to the storage room, preparing for the next part of his day.
Inside the small, dimly lit room, Leo carefully suited up in his armor. The armor’s metal plates brushed against each other, producing a soft metallic sound with each deliberate movement. He went over his equipment meticulously, ensuring everything was in place. “One Teleport scroll, four potions, one fire gem, one calm gem, and one shield gem,” he counted, the sound of his voice bouncing off the cold stone walls. His hand closed around his cane, its familiar heft reassuring in his grip. He then attached the sword cane and the Sword of Light to his belt, securing them tightly.
For days now, something had been bothering him. It wasn’t just the weight of his gear or the upcoming tasks—it was the Sword of Light itself. Despite its radiant appearance, there was something unsettling about it, a darkness that seemed to lurk within. The blade, though shining with pure light, carried a disturbing hunger for blood. This contradiction gnawed at Leo, making him question the true nature of light and whether the purity it represented could really be trusted.
“I can’t trust anything,” he muttered, a frown creasing his brow.
Assured of his readiness, Leo made his way to the main hall. Time stretched on until Edmond’s arrival broke the silence.
“Let’s go,” Edmond declared, his voice cutting through the stillness.
Leo fell into step behind Edmond as they exited the barracks, the cool air outside carrying a subtle tension that made the hairs on Leo’s neck stand on end. Today’s patrol wasn’t following their usual route; instead of the familiar streets they typically covered, Edmond led them down Bush Street, a narrower, more isolated road lined with shadowed alleys and vacant buildings. The uneven cobblestones underfoot echoed softly with each step, the sound oddly muted in the stillness. There was an unspoken weight between them, a silence that seemed too heavy for a routine patrol.
As they turned onto Main Street, the wide thoroughfare appeared eerily empty. The usual bustle of people and carts was absent, and even the shop windows reflected only stillness. Leo''s eyes scanned the surroundings, but nothing seemed out of place—yet the silence felt unnatural, like the city itself was holding its breath. His instincts told him something was off, but Edmond gave no sign, his face unreadable.
When they finally reached Ashburn Street, Edmond came to an abrupt stop, his body tensing. Without a word, his brow furrowed in concentration as he began muttering an incantation under his breath. Leo recognized the spell—Edmond was scanning for hidden dangers. Edmond’s hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his great sword, his fingers curling tightly around the worn leather grip. The gesture was small but unmistakable: something wasn’t right.
“Get ready,” Edmond commanded, his voice low but filled with urgency. It cut through the silence like a blade.
Despite Leo’s experience in combat, Leo’s heart raced. His mind raced with possibilities—what threat lay ahead? A trap? An ambush? Without hesitating, Leo reached down and grabbed the calm gem from his belt. His fingers closed around the cool stone, its surface smooth against his skin. He activated it with a subtle pulse of magic, feeling the gem’s calming energy flow through his body like a cool breeze. The tension in his muscles began to fade, and his rapid heartbeat slowed to a steady, controlled rhythm. His thoughts cleared, and the familiar focus of battle readiness settled over him. Whatever was coming, he was ready for it now.
Edmond started to move forward, his steps deliberate but charged with a readiness for action. Only a few strides in, he suddenly halted, his sharp gaze locking onto a figure standing about a hundred feet away. Leo quickly followed his line of sight, tension tightening in his chest as his eyes landed on the stranger. The air between them seemed to thicken, the moment fraught with silent anticipation. It didn’t last long. In a flash, Edmond’s hand went to his sword, the blade sliding free with a smooth hiss as he burst into action, his speed unnatural. His body became a blur of controlled power, cutting through the space between them with frightening precision. The quiet street was immediately thrown into chaos—people who had been unaware just moments ago screamed and scrambled to get away, their panic filling the air.
The stranger wasted no time either. His hand shot up, a ball of fire already forming in his palm, its violent heat flickering dangerously close to the fleeing crowd. His posture screamed indifference, as if the lives of the bystanders meant nothing. But Edmond was faster. In a heartbeat, he was upon the man. With a swift, decisive move, Edmond''s fingers brushed the fireball, snuffing it out like a candle flame. In the same instant, his other hand clamped down on the stranger’s wrist with an iron grip. Before anyone could process what had happened, Edmond and the stranger vanished, disappearing from sight as if they had never been there at all, leaving behind a stunned crowd and an uneasy quiet.
The entire confrontation had lasted less than five seconds, but the speed and intensity of it left Leo standing in shock, his mind struggling to catch up with what had just occurred. For a moment, his thoughts spun, but the calming magic from the gem pulsed through him, grounding him once again. Snapping back to the present, Leo echoed Edmond’s earlier words in his mind and quickly turned toward the panicking crowd, his focus shifting to the civilians now in disarray.
“Everyone, please remain calm and proceed to the main square. Let’s move quickly and safely,” Leo instructed, his voice firm yet reassuring as he began to shepherd the crowd away from the chaos.
Amidst the chaos, Leo’s fingers fumbled for his telepathy ring to reach the association for backup. But the connection was dead, leaving him in an eerie silence. Minutes ticked by, and soon, the sound of boots on cobblestone signaled the arrival of law enforcement. Among them were Aldred and Edric, their faces etched with concern.
“Captain?” Aldred’s voice cut through the din.
Leo’s response was almost a shout, “Aldred, Edric, why are you here? Where’s Walden?”
“Walden’s off today,” came the terse reply.
Before more could be said, a thunderous explosion rent the air, a spectacle of light and fire erupting overhead. The crowd’s fear crescendoed into outright terror. Aldred’s eyes met Leo’s, searching for leadership.
“What are your orders, sir?”
Surveying the pandemonium, Leo knew the weight of command rested on his shoulders. Decisiveness was crucial. “Clear the area, get everyone to safety in the main square—that includes those in their homes. And someone needs to physically reach the association; our telepathic link is severed.”
“Understood, sir,” Aldred and Edric responded in unison, saluting with a fist over their hearts before dispatching his instructions to the other officers.
As they moved to execute the orders, another deafening boom shook the street, a stark reminder of the urgency at hand.
‘The blast should be loud enough to alert the entire block,’ Leo thought, his mind racing with the urgency of the situation.
As he guided the last of the civilians towards safety, a piercing scream cut through the commotion. It came from an alley off Orchid Street, a narrow passage overlooked in the frenzy. No officers were in sight, so Leo sprinted towards the source of the distress.
Arriving at the scene, Leo''s heart sank at the sight of a young girl standing alone, her clothes torn and stained with blood. Her small frame trembled as she hugged herself tightly, but her wide eyes remained dry, filled more with fear than tears.
“Hey, are you okay? Don’t worry, I’m here to help,” Leo said softly, his voice steady, trying to cut through the panic that hung in the air. He crouched down to her level, hoping to reassure her with his calm demeanor.
The girl didn’t speak. Her eyes darted nervously toward the far end of the alley where her mother lay, half-buried under a pile of debris. The rubble looked fresh, likely dislodged by the recent explosion that had torn through the area. Leo followed her gaze, his own stomach tightening at the sight.
He placed a gentle hand on the girl’s shoulder, feeling the tension in her tiny body. “I’ll get your mom out, okay? Just stay right here. I’ll be back,” he promised, his voice firm with determination.
Without wasting another second, Leo sprinted to the woman’s side, quickly dropping to his knees beside her. Dust and debris coated her motionless body, his fingers trembled slightly as he reached to check for a pulse. But the moment his hand touched her skin, it dissolved into smoke, vanishing as if she had never been there. Leo pulled back in shock, his mind reeling.
Confusion hit him like a wave. ‘Why wasn’t the girl crying? That’s not normal for a child her age,’ he thought, unease creeping in as the pieces of the situation began to feel wrong.
His instincts flared suddenly. Without thinking, Leo threw himself to the side, just as an acid-green orb shot past him and slammed into the ground where he had been moments before. The ball hissed on impact, corroding the stone with a menacing sizzle.
‘An acid ball?’ Leo’s mind raced as he scrambled back to his feet, the bizarre events snapping into focus. Something wasn’t right about this whole encounter, and he was beginning to realize it too late.
Leo spun on his heel, eyes darting to the origin of the acid attack. The sight that met him was grotesque; the little girl’s form twisted and contorted, her skin dissolving into nothingness. Within moments, she was replaced by a man whose features were all too familiar to Leo.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
The man vanished in a wisp of shadow, only to reappear behind Leo. Caught off guard, Leo’s reflexes helped him just in time to activate his shield. The impact of the dagger against the magical barrier sent him hurtling through the air, crashing down near the alley’s mouth.
The assailant’s abilities were unmistakable: shadow clones, teleportation, and acid magic. Leo had encountered this unique combination before in the reports of Aline, in his own previous capture. The shape-shifting was a new ability, but Leo had no doubts about the identity of his attacker.
“Aline,” Leo said, his voice steady, though his mind raced with calculations. The man’s grin widened, acknowledging the recognition, his eyes glinting with cruel amusement.
Aline was no ordinary opponent—an E+ rank necromancer and shadow assassin, known for his ruthlessness and mastery of at least six deadly abilities. Leo quickly assessed his own situation. He had only four attempts left of his shield gem, while Aline’s strength seemed far from running out. The odds were grim. ‘Do I stand and fight, or do I flee?’ Leo wondered, his thoughts spiraling between strategy and survival.
Just as Leo was weighing his options, a voice he recognized all too well broke through the tension.
“Captain, are you alright?” Edric called from behind.
Leo’s heart sank. ‘No, stay back,’ he thought, panic rising. Edric’s timing couldn’t have been worse. Aline had already noticed. His hand shot up, dark energy crackling around it as he conjured another Acid orb, this time aimed directly at Edric. Leo’s blood ran cold, instinct kicking in with lightning speed.
Without hesitation, Leo launched himself backward and to the left, moving with the fluidity of practiced combat, positioning himself between Edric and the incoming threat. He barely had time to think as he spun on his heel, his hand diving into his bag to grab the scroll. In the same breath, the acid orb crashed into his shield with a violent hiss, exploding into a wave of corrosive energy that radiated outward.
The force of the blast rocked him, his muscles straining as he braced against the impact. The acidic vapors sizzled around him, but the shield held firm, protecting them both from the lethal attack. Leo gritted his teeth, absorbing the shockwave that threatened to knock him off his feet, determined not to give ground.
In one fluid motion, Leo tossed the scroll toward Edric, his voice sharp and commanding. “Take it!” he barked, urgency coloring his words. There was no time for explanations—only action.
“Get reinforcements, now!”
Edric clutched the scroll, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished from the alley, leaving a stunned Aline in his wake.
“A teleport scroll? Should’ve saved your skin with it,” Aline taunted, his voice laced with mockery.
Ignoring the jibe, Leo drew his cane sword, the metal gleaming with readiness. He couldn’t afford to flee; the only path left was through Aline.
‘I will take this bastard down,’ Leo resolved, his gaze hardening.
He quickly assessed the situation. Aline was likely concealing more tricks, possibly even magical items. Caution was paramount; Aline had singled him out, underestimating Leo’s capabilities—a grave mistake.
As Leo strategized, Aline began to speak, his voice a sinister melody in the tense air.
“You’re quick on your feet; seems you’ve chosen the path of a warrior or paladin. A fitting role for simpletons,” Aline sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.
He didn’t linger for Leo’s retort, aware that reinforcements could arrive at any moment. His shadow clone lunged towards Leo from behind, while Aline himself conjured another acid orb, launching it with deadly intent.
Leo dashed forward, his eyes locked on the incoming projectile. It was slower than expected, allowing him to evade at the last second. The orb sailed harmlessly over his head, phasing through the shadow clone.
‘Acid is useless against shadows, or maybe his spells can’t hurt his own’ Leo realized, his mind racing.
He closed the distance to Aline rapidly, sword drawn for a decisive strike. But his blade met only air; Aline had swapped places with his clone in a cunning feint. Leo pivoted, leaping past the clone and whirling to face his adversary. Flames gathered in his palm, coalescing into a fiery sphere that he hurled towards Aline and the clone. The explosion sent a cloud of dust billowing into the air.
Seizing the opportunity, Leo hurled his sword with all the strength he could muster into the swirling dust where Aline had last stood. His muscles tensed as he dropped into a defensive stance, his eyes scanning the chaotic haze for any sign of movement. As the dust began to settle revealing the aftermath of his throw, a single figure stepped forward from the cloud.
‘Where’s the second one?’ Leo’s gaze darted frantically.
Then it hit him. Behind…
He spun around, his fist flying towards the hidden threat. A sharp pain lanced through his back as he connected with his target. Aline staggered from the force of Leo’s punch, managing only a superficial cut in return. Leo seized the chance to retreat, putting distance between them as he assessed the situation. His back throbbed with the onset of pain, blood warm against his skin.
Leo positioned himself strategically, ensuring a clear line of sight to both Aline and the clone. Noticing a fresh scratch marring Aline’s cheek, Leo felt a surge of grim satisfaction. Aline, unfazed, wiped away the blood and offered a chilling smile.
“Not bad, but this is where it ends,” Aline declared, a sinister grin spreading across his face as he summoned a shadow ball in his palm. Leo, recognizing the full extent of Aline’s six abilities, braced himself behind his shield, preparing to dodge. But a sudden weakness seized his legs, rooting him to the spot. ‘Paralysis?’ The thought flashed through his mind as Aline’s smile widened.
Leo fought against the paralysis, reaching for his sword to trigger its healing ability. But Aline was one step ahead, lifting his other hand to reveal a ring that pulsed with dark energy.
Aline’s lips curled into a cruel smirk, his eyes gleaming with triumph. “You thought you were the only one armed with magical items?” he taunted, his voice thick with arrogance. He raised his hand, revealing a silver ring that glinted ominously in the dim light. “I’m not going to lose this perfect chance.”
There was a sadistic satisfaction in his voice as he twisted the ring, a faint shimmering aura radiating outward. “This ring nullifies any magic item within its radius,” Aline explained, his eyes locked onto Leo, who felt the sudden dulling of the protective enchantments he had been relying on. “And just to make things worse for you, you’ve been poisoned. The longer you struggle, the weaker you’ll get. It’s time to accept your fate.”
A knot tightened in Leo’s chest, but he barely had time to process the words. With a flick of his wrist, Aline conjured a dark, pulsating sphere of shadow magic. It formed quickly, growing denser with each passing second until it was throbbing with malevolent energy. Then, without warning, the shadow ball hurtled toward him, faster and far more dangerous than the acid ball Aline had thrown earlier.
It wasn’t just the speed that terrified Leo—the sheer power emanating from the projectile was overwhelming, like a wave of darkness that threatened to swallow him whole. The air around it crackled with distortion, as though reality itself couldn’t bear its presence.
‘He’s been holding this back… waiting for the perfect moment to catch me off guard,’ Leo thought, panic rising in his chest. The shadow ball sped toward him, its trajectory unwavering. His mind raced for a solution, but Aline’s ring was already nullifying his magical defenses. The protective charms he carried now felt useless, as dead as the air around him.
Worse still, the poison. He could already sense it—a creeping, burning sensation spreading through his veins. His movements felt sluggish, his thoughts hazier with every passing second. He fought to keep his balance, but dizziness clawed at the edges of his mind.
The shadow ball loomed closer, and Leo’s grip tightened on his cane, his knuckles turning white. His mana reserves surged within him, but casting a spell felt like a gamble. Would Aline have a counter for every move he made? He couldn’t afford to hesitate, but the shadow ball was only seconds away from hitting its mark.
Leo’s mind frantically scrambled through his options, survival instinct taking over as the threat loomed ever closer.
…
In the association’s main hall, Lara was engrossed in paperwork when Edric materialized out of thin air, startling her into conjuring an ice crystal defensively.
“Identify yourself!” she demanded.
Edric, bewildered but quick-witted, explained his urgent mission from Leo. Lara’s expression shifted from suspicion to alarm as she processed the news.
“Everyone, to your duty! Captain Edmond is engaged with the A-rank threat in the city. We must secure the area immediately,” she commanded, her voice echoing with authority.
The hall erupted into action, the sound of armor and weapons clattering as the association’s members mobilized. Lara wasted no time contacting other paladin headquarters for backup. Every available captain was needed for the battle that loomed on the city’s horizon.
Minutes ticked by, and the hall filled with the hurried footsteps of the association’s members. Faleria’s gaze found Rorin amidst the bustle.
“Master Rorin, command the ground forces. I’m off to assist Edmond,” she declared, her voice cutting through the clamor before she dashed away, her speed a blur to the onlookers.
Rorin, ever the tactician, wasted no time. “Liamond, take someone to Leo’s side. The rest, you’re with me,” he ordered, his tone brooking no argument.
Liamond, understanding the gravity of the situation, beckoned to Frank. “Take this men and let’s go” he instructed, his voice steady.
Frank, without hesitation, hoisted Edric from the ground. “What’s the meaning of this?” Edric protested, taken aback by the sudden lift.
“We’re racing against time to reach Leo, and you’re not swift enough on your feet. Lead the way,” Liamond explained, urgency propelling their swift departure.
…
On the ground below, Leo wrestled furiously with his adversary, his breath ragged as he fought to keep up. Meanwhile, far above, Edmond was locked in a brutal battle against an A-rank foe, a solitary struggle against overwhelming power. Five minutes had already passed, and Edmond’s once-pristine armor was now streaked with blood. His shoulder, torn and bloodied, bore the unmistakable signs of combat—slashes and burns from where his enemy’s relentless attacks had landed.
Suddenly, the air was pierced by a whistling sound, sharp and fast. Five dark silhouettes shot through the sky like arrows, converging on Edmond’s position with incredible speed. As they drew closer, a massive fireball roared to life, blazing towards the A-rank man with enough heat to turn stone to ash. But with a casual flick of his wrist, the man deflected the attack, the fireball dissipating into nothing as it met the back of his hand. His expression remained calm, almost bored.
The figures emerged from the remnants of smoke—their forms now visible. Faleria led the group, her long coat billowing behind her as she arrived with a quiet but powerful grace. She was flanked by the four captains, each one bristling with combat readiness, their eyes locked on the enemy before them. They were a well-oiled machine, each captain taking their position with the precision of seasoned warriors. Faleria immediately stepped in front of Edmond, her stance protective as she sized up the A-rank opponent.
Behind them all, Cirnath, the priest, hovered in mid-air, his robes gently rippling as he floated behind Edmond. His hands glowed with a soft, radiant light, channeling healing energy into Edmond’s battered body. The wounds on Edmond’s shoulder began to close, the blood stopping as Cirnath’s magic worked its restorative effects.
‘Apologies for our delay,’ Cirnath’s voice echoed clearly in Edmond’s mind, the telepathic link between them unmistakable. Edmond felt the priest’s presence not just physically but mentally, his calm voice cutting through the chaos of battle.
‘No need for apologies,’ Edmond responded through the link, though his voice was tight with the strain of the fight. He glanced at Faleria, relieved to have reinforcements but knowing the battle was far from over.
From the back, Gerhard, one of the other captains, spoke next, his voice sharp and demanding as it cut through the telepathic connection. ‘We need intel.’
Edmond nodded grimly and, without hesitation, relayed everything he had learned about their mysterious opponent. The A-rank man wasn’t just powerful—he was an enchanter of rare skills, using techniques Edmond had rarely encountered. His strength wasn’t merely in raw magical force but in the subtle ways he manipulated the battlefield, turning it to his advantage.
The man stood his ground as Edmond’s thoughts flowed into the minds of his comrades. His posture was unnervingly relaxed, as if he was fully aware of the captains now surrounding him yet entirely unconcerned. His eyes moved slowly from one captain to the next, calculating, calm, almost as if he welcomed the challenge.
For a moment, silence fell over the battlefield. The captains, now armed with the knowledge Edmond had shared, exchanged brief glances—silent but filled with purpose. Their opponent, still motionless, seemed to be waiting, his lips curling ever so slightly into a cold smile, daring them to make their move.