“There are many legends that fill the halls of a tavern late at night. Yet the thing that many fail to mention is that these very legends are often ones earned posthumously. That many of the champions and heroes of our tales are the same ones who we never noticed in the guildhall beside us. That is to say, if you’re looking to carve a legend for yourself, know that it might be one earned in blood..”


    - Jacon Wirbel, Gold Ranked Adventurer “Advice For The Untrained”


    <hr><hr>


    Ruined Village, Snowfields


    Sophie barely moved anymore, her energies sapped away by the biting frost. She had, at first, found herself too content to simply sit still and be warmed by what was left of the room. But as the storm outside picked up , she still refused to move. Thus ending up where she was now. Lacking energy and motivation, almost beyond the point of no return.


    The constant buzzing sensation in her head didn’t help. It irritated her to no avail. That was before taking into account the hopelessness of her situation as she tried but failed to search for a way out of her own mind. It was only made worse by the stinging she felt whenever Arantos decided to peer deeper into the recesses of her consciousness.


    Frosty winds howled as the beginnings of a blizzard slowly draped the landscape in another layer of snow. The outside was nearly completely choked out by the whiteness that descended from the heavens. But unlike the gentle star light that had oft danced merrily against the ground. This was a wind unleashed from the cold heart of some long forgotten being.


    Wrapping herself with some barely preserved fabrics atop her armour, she remained perilously cold. Each shiver and sniffle seemed to make her stay ever closer to being permanent. The mysteries of the village remaining unsolved despite the generous amount of time that she could spend here. However, she was under no illusion that the worsening conditions would yield any more results.


    She opened and shut her hands, trying to get some blood circulation going as a dull numbness began to overtake it. With great reluctance, she kicked herself off the small piece of stonework, the chill in her bones making every movement a small struggle in of itself.


    Letting out a soft grunt, she landed on the ground and recoiled as her hand touched the snow. Unlike the latent chill in the air, the physical presence of the frost nipped at her far more viciously than she had expected. It was a painfully lonely vigil. For there was still neither hide nor hair of anything else in the area. The death god had evidently truly passed through here and left it devoid of life.


    Alone with her thoughts and not much else. She gradually started retracing her steps around the town. Barely remembering the winding roads and streets as she pushed out of the church and towards the outskirts of the village. Amongst the snow covered ruins, she felt a small sense of serenity. It was haunting, to be sure, but it was a moment all to herself, away from the weight of the world that had often rested upon her shoulders.


    She had no plans to abandon the world, nor her friends. For them, she would fight until the bitter end. But it was the nagging voice at the back of her mind. The doubt that seemed to always whisper, what if?


    Sophie glanced up at the sky. The grey snow clouds overhead a far cry from the kinder ones that she had often seen back in Carrador. Those were ones of gentle disposition, staining the farmlands but without burying the land in its entirety. Here however, these clouds were harsh and distant, the same way that she had begun to associate with this place. A troubled memory at best, and the nightmare that had once trapped her in a terrible cycle.


    Then it hit her. A flash of inspiration. A glimpse of something that was and something that wasn’t. To view the world in a lens beyond hers. She doubled back towards the church, immensely grateful that its bell tower’s superstructure still remained standing. For her tracks had already disappeared, covered by the unending snow that only continued to grow.


    Taking a few more measured steps, she felt something practically punch her gut, forcing her to double over as she nursed the impact. Sophie groaned and looked around. Beyond the snow and more snow, there seemed to be no one, nor were there even fading tracks for her to follow. It was as if the Goddess herself had seen fit to cripple her before vanishing just as suddenly.


    Unnerved, she picked up her pace and forced herself to take the last few steps back towards the church. Unlike the area around them, there was an eerie lull in the blizzard here. Something or someone had been here. For the snow entered mere moments ago, back when she had still sat. More uneasy than before, Sophie paused and looked around. Her eyes danced over every little nook and cranny that they could in an effort to find this mysterious assailant and equally mysterious benefactor.


    Yet, like most of her endeavors in this icy hell, there was nothing. No traces or even markings that something had passed by. It was a point of unease that she could do without. Doubt that didn’t need to linger in the back of her mind now had their seeds firmly down. Beyond Arantos and his presence, she felt that there was something else here. Something else that was watching her that was neither the death god nor The Entity.


    She doubled over in pain once more, this time her head also throbbing with a terrific headache. She felt nauseous and weak, unable to even stand as she tried to bite back the pain. She felt weakened and vulnerable, like a child that was lost and needed help. But she knew there was no help to come. Whatever pain she might face, she would have to do it alone.


    With the pain still wracking her body, she cobbled together enough strength to press forward. Grabbing a handful of snow to press against her bruised stomach, she nearly yelped at the cold press of the snow. But she soldiered on and stood up, trying her best to see through eyes that she hadn’t ever thought about before.


    Standing up where the elfin raider had stood, she looked around the room. Trying to find the reason that the demons had slaughtered this town. As she stood there, she felt something stir within her. Relief turned to panic as her head pulsated with agony. She didn’t find the way out, Arantos had found whatever it was that he had wanted.


    “Intriguing. How very, intriguing.”


    She hated every moment of it. Every pained gasp that followed the joyous expression from the death god. She felt a rage boil up. She had not only failed, but had inadvertently helped him. As she fought to claw at her own air, she felt the presence leave her mind and a dark shadow loomed over her. Looking up, she found cold dead eyes staring back at her. The humanoid looked like a Maujurrin, save for the decaying fur and lidless, gray eyes. And with every moment she stared at it, a burning sensation seemed to well up within her, the heat overwhelming every ounce of cold that she had felt this whole time.


    “I finally understand.”


    Arantos grinned, his mouth stretching far past where a normal mouth would as skin tore itself apart, dried bits of sinew and muscle dangling off to its side. Its shredded cheeks flapping as the cold wind finally breached the sanctity of the church.


    “The hells you find?” Sophie managed to growl.


    The Maujurrin leaned right up to her. Any cat-like features now replaced by the withered husk of a creature. Bits of bonedust and skin flaking off right in front of her.


    “Exactly what I needed. Now. Begone, puppet of nothing.”


    “Hey! You- argh!” Sophie screamed as a vicious psychic energy pummeled her mind.


    Defenseless and helpless, she crumpled on the spot as it beat her into submission. As her consciousness faded once more, she was left with a solitary thought. A resolve that had etched itself into her soul. Fucking bastard of God.


    <hr><hr><hr>


    Krenonian Arena, Arteria


    “Do you think you can do it?” Korvin asked, his expression of seriousness reminding Mila of Lady Serilda when her mentor was mad.


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    “Of course.” She replied.


    “Strike the core, and then free your friend. She also has a crystal which I need.”


    “I know.”


    “Are you sure?” Hanabi chimed in.


    “We’ll do it.” Mila assured her.


    The outlander nodded, though Mila gauged her as less reassured and simply acquiescing. Still, as long as she''s willing to help, I shan''t say no.


    “Fine. I’ll be right behind you.”


    The two nodded, their camaraderie strengthening ever so slightly.


    “What did Sophie say we were again?” Mila asked.


    “Huh? Uhh, what do you mean?” Hanabi frowned.


    “Our party name.”


    “Oh, The Lily Knights.”


    “Huh. Heheh. Sounds like something she would say." Mila grinned and paused for effect, "Then,” Mila raised a fist at Hanabi, a somber smile on her face. The outlander appeared uncertain but responding with a fist of her own, “Ride, my Lily Knights.”


    Hanabi stared at her for a good few seconds before snickering, “What the hell is that?”


    Mila’s declaration now brought on a blip of embarrassment for herself, her attempt at rebuilding their spirits having hit a small snag, “Sounds like something she would say, right?”


    “Pfft." Hanabi chuckled and then smiled, "Then after you.”


    The two shared a small grin before Mila nodded at Korvin. The inquisitor made a symbol of the stars with his hands and then pulled out a small mana crystal and slotted it into his contraption. As the gears and clockwork whirred, letting out buffs of steam and smoke, he motioned for Mila to begin.


    Mila hurried over towards the defensive lines, the city guard having held far more effectively now that they weren’t caught off guard. She caught Captain Urden’s attention and ran up to him.


    “We’ve got a plan to get to the mana core. But we’ll need cover.” Mila informed him.


    “Understood my lady.”


    He saluted before puffing out his chest for a shout, “Listen up! We’re pushing forward! Cover the inquisitor and her retinue. Do your duty and we’ll be done ‘fore dinner. On my mark!”


    Mila then looked back at Korvin, the senior inquisitor getting the message.


    As she watched the man chant a spell, his device lit up into an incandescent red before a ferocious gout of fire spewed forth from the machine. Skin burned as the corrupted were burned alive, a breach within the monster hordes slowly growing. The scent of charred flesh filled the air and Mila nodded at the Captain.


    “Lily Knight, we ride for the Goddess!” Mila cheered.


    “We ride!” Hanabi joined her, whether genuine or out of pity for the strange warcry, Mila did not know. Though she appreciated it nonetheless.


    “One last push! For Arteria! Cut them down!” Captain Urden roared, his voice bellowing across the whole arena pit.


    “Yaaah!” The guardsmen cheered.


    Though not as heavily armored as the templars, the Trinity Guards and Clover Legion still packed considerable punch. The armored fist of the people smashed directly onto the oncoming horde, their blades and pikes cutting deep as they butchered the corrupted in their way. Motivated less by righteousness and piety, their zeal in defending their homes was something that Mila appreciated nonetheless.


    From across the arena pits, their actions did not go unnoticed. Sir Dunley had been busy directing the archers and crossbowmen to assist with the templar effort. But upon catching sight of the renewed assault, the witch hunter’s voice carried with it a command that stirred something within Mila.


    “Archers! Focus fire over there!”


    Inspired by the assistance, Mila leapt into the middle of the shieldwall as the guards attacked. The heavy clatter of their slower but more meticulous assault offered her the confidence boost she needed to carefully direct their advance towards the demon. Just ahead of them, a barrage of arrows and bolts rained down on the corrupted. Enchanted bolts exploding on impact, some even knocking out two or more of the corrupted at once. The demon itself was being contained by the templars, bolts of divine magic piercing through it as the silver warriors kept its attention away from the less specialized guardsmen.


    Mila’s blade bit into one of the corrupted, the pained human face that protruded from its shoulder contorting in pain at the strike. But within the decayed yellowish eyes, she saw a small flicker of relief. Your duty is at an end, now you may rest. She muttered a soft prayer to herself for the creature.


    Hanabi cut through another of the corrupted near her. But unlike her, did so almost effortlessly. The outlander appeared more concerned for the integrity of the flank as she assisted the rearguard in holding off any breaches to the formation. How fitting, an ex-saintess but still augmented by the divine’s blessing. Heh, if only we were all so fortunate.


    The formation pushed through most of the corrupted, the weight of weapons and armor overwhelming the bodies thrown against them. However, the closer they got to the demon, Mila couldn’t help but feel uneasy. The tendrils, though focused on the templar assault opposite theirs, were still dangerous in their own right, and the demon had more than enough limbs flailing about. Just one or two and she dreaded what would happen.


    An ear piercing shriek caught her off guard and she barely had time to cover her ears as it debilitated the assault force. Most of the soldiers wilted under the unexpected assault, but thanks to the few legionnaires and Hanabi’s sheer grit, the line did not buckle. Those still standing fought with their all as they turned into forces of nature, holding back the tide on their own. One or two of the Trinite’s did fall, their positions on the edge of the line too far to be recovered.


    Seeing this, Mila snarled and let out a roar, pushing past the ringing in her ears. Gathering herself, she launched herself back into the fray and slashed every which way in an attempt to get them moving again. Wordlessly, Hanabi jumped to her side, the outlander lending her strength to the counter attack. Together, they began leading the counterattack and rallying those who had faltered from the demonic shriek.


    Perhaps it was their heroics, or simply misfortune. But the demon swung at them. So sudden was the attack that Mila barely registered the shadow of a demonic limb coming down at her than when Hanabi tackled her out of the way. Dust, rock and screams followed as the limb slammed against the ground. Two unfortunate guardsmen turned into nothing but pasty pulp from the blow.


    In a rage, Mila jumped to her feet and hacked at the limb. The demon let out a howl in return as it tried to pull away.


    Before Mila could continue her attack, she felt a tug as Hanabi held her back. Mila nearly growled at her before noticing the scowl on the outlander’s face as if chiding her. Dammit. She could only stare with a tinge of disappointment as the tendril backed away, the demon attacking yet another target.


    Calming down. Mila grunted absently, dismayed by the loss of more people under her command but not dissuaded by the turn of events. Her sights were recast back upon where Korvin had originally pointed her. Protruding from the demonic entity was a mass of flesh that grew like a sac around it. It seemingly plastered itself against the arena’s ground where a dull purple glow seemed to emanate from. Just behind it, practically smothered into the demon’s bottom was the faint glow of a portal. It’s just like he said. Ambient mana here is too high, it’s practically doing the heavy lifting for the demon.


    Something glimmered from beneath the fleshy growth, a faint glow fighting against the darkness of the monster.


    “There! Now!” Mila cried out.


    “Forward!” Captain Urden relayed her orders.


    One of the trinite guardsmen with a decorative flag tied to his pike acted as the signaller and waved it in the air to inform the other formations.


    A renewed assault happened on all fronts as the templars began cutting their way towards Mila’s troop. Rosenfeld’s argent troopers blasting their way through the corrupted as if they were farmers scything down wheat fields. The archers under Dunley reoriented themselves to pepper the enemies ahead of her formation. Potentially inspired by the resurgence, Korvin aided the group by recasting his defensive dome, the fresh glow of the divine protection eliciting a cheer from the guardsmen in the fight.


    Pressured on multiple fronts and the elite troops of the Argent Curia, the corrupted had little room to manuever when the last of the contingents finally joined the fight from behind them. Crashing through one of the arena doors, Inquisitor Cross’s troopers finally entered the fray. Though the man and his soldiers looked cautious if not downright baffled at first. Upon a quick assessment of the situation, their confusion turned to fervor as they descended against the horde from yet another flank. Their fresh ferocity lent just enough power to tip the scales for the attackers.


    With the amount of corrupted running out, the demon’s attacks grew more erratic and frantic. Less coordination and more smashing against whatever it could. Seeing her chance, she signalled to Hanabi and dashed through a gap between the demon’s minions. A straight shot to the bulbous flesh where Sophie was held.


    “Ignisahg.” Mila chanted and ignited her blade with a holy flame.


    Straining her capacity for maintaining spells, she contemplated adding another when she noticed Hanabi matching her pace, the outlander performing more than admirably at dispatching the fodder before the demon. Wanting to match the power of her companion, Mila sucked in a deep breath and chanted once more.


    “Beshdidec.”


    As divine light coated her blade, giving the flames a radiant golden hue. She could feel the strain and realized she had one chance to get this right. Don’t worry Sophie, I’ll get you out of this. You won’t end up like Anna. With only one or two more corrupted in the way, she trusted Hanabi to handle them as she slammed the blade down with all her might, and a blinding white light filled the air.