On a mountain range between Alberta's border, there was an armed group of knights making their way towards the Kingdom of Zestril. On foot, it takes approximately one month to travel from Alberta towards Zestril. Zestril was once a small country located in the northern parts of the world. However, over the many years of its foundation, the Kingdom has grown to be the second largest kingdom in the Enosh continent by overthrowing other countries and making them a vassal state. The royal family of that nation is well-known for their greed and wanting dominance over other countries.
Ben, a handsome man who was in his late thirties, was in charge of delivering the message towards the Zestril Kingdom. He was the third strongest in the Kingdom of Alberta although he wasn't as famous as the commander of the imperial guard 'Sir Matthew' He wasn't that far below him. Many people think he could one day surpass him in terms of strength.
"Captain, we should be making our way out of the forest in roughly three days. According to this map, there is a road that extends between the forest and a mountain in the north."
The Knight, who seems to be in his early teens, said as he gave his report to his commander. Hearing the report of his follower, the captain nodded his head solemnly before making a pondering gesture. The commander then turns his gaze over towards the vast greenery with a look of caution in his eyes.
(The deeper in we go, the more likely we are to run into a dangerous monster, and yet we have been moving for four days now, and there is still no sign of one approaching. I can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing)
The commander thought, frowning to himself. His majesty made the decision that they would try a peace talk one more time, which would decide whether or not there really would be a war.
"Now, everyone! Get your things ready, we are about to move out."
He shouted, and so they once again made their way towards the Zestril Kingdom.
After walking for roughly 20 minutes, they arrived at a place with an open area. Surrounded by many hills, the sensation of the wind caresses their skin. They walked through the serene field with a hypervigilant gait; the only sounds that were audible to their ears were the rustling of the trees or the noises of the flattened grass beneath their feet.
The commander and his troops advance through the field when he suddenly comes to an abrupt stop. The other Knights also came to a stop while looking at the commander's back confusedly.
"Umm...Captain, is there something wrong?"
The Knight asks, tilting his head curiously. The commander didn't respond to his words; instead, he looked over his surroundings cautiously while having the feeling that something was off.
(What is that presence I felt moments ago? Was it just my imagination? No, it can't be?)
Suddenly, a magic circle measuring roughly 20 meters in radius appeared beneath their feet. Sensing the danger, the commander quickly turns to warn his troops.
"Quickly leave the circle!"
Ben shouted to his followers behind him. Before putting strength into his legs and took a big leap backwards.
At that moment, the magic circle glowed before releasing a huge amount of heat, shooting a large amount of fire into the uninhabited sky.
Ben was able to avoid being hit by the fire, while three of the knights were barely able to make it out in time, as they had only burned their arms or legs; however, unfortunately, two weren't so lucky. The two knights who had taken up the rear were late to react to the commanders' orders and were burned by the Intensity of the flame.
Their loud cries sounded into the eardrums of those who had managed to somehow escape the fire. After mere moments, the fire died down. Two bodies were still standing in the centre of where the circle appeared moments ago; however, those bodies were dyed black, and it was hard to make out their appearance due to their burnt bodies. They then fell to the ground, turning into ashes and mixing with the wind.
The commander then looked around his surroundings carefully, with sweat coming from his forehead.
(Was that a surprise attack? If I hadn't enchanted my senses, I wouldn't have been able to react to that spell just now)
He thought as cold sweat ran down his back, the other Knights were also flustered by the sudden attack, as Knights they were prepared to lay down their life for their Kingdom; however, knowing that they could've died without anyone realising it seems to be hard for them to digest. The commander gritted his teeth in anger at losing his own soldiers.
"Oh, as expected from well-trained knights of a major Kingdom. I thought my trap would have at least killed more of you, but I guess it can't be helped."
The commander turned his gaze towards the forest where the voice was coming from; the voice also gathered the attention of the knights as they all drew their weapons in perfect synchronisation. The sound of footsteps resounded as the silhouette of a person became visible to them. Eventually, the person came out of the forest wearing a robe that completely concealed his entire face.
"Who are you?!"
The commander asked while releasing his bloodlust towards the man before him. Feeling the pressure coming from the commander, a smile appeared beneath his covered face.
"Hahaha... that's it, it's been a while since I last felt this rush. I am Alister, that's all you need to know."
The man said while taking a few more steps towards the commander.
"Alister? What nation are you from?"
He asked, narrowing his eyes at the man. The man tilted his head when hearing his next question.
"Nation? I'm not from any particular country, you see, I'm simply trying to end this peace you all seem to enjoy so much."
He said, showing a sinister smile on his hidden face. A dark aura surrounded his body, making those present have a hard time breathing. The commander drew his sword from its scabbard before taking a natural stance.
(This pressure, he doesn't seem to be a normal opponent, as the commander, I can't allow any more useless sacrifice.)
"Listen, all of you, when I give the signal, all of you must run-!"
"Bastard!"
"No wait!"
Ben was cut off when a single knight rushed towards the man in a robe while tightening his grip on his sword. He then shortens the distance between them and swings his sword downwards towards the man. Instead of avoiding the sword by moving out of its trajectory, he intentionally allowed the sword to pierce his left shoulder. The knight then smiled triumphantly while trying to pull the sword from his shoulder.
"Weak."
He mumbled before grabbing the knight by his neck and lifting him with one hand.
"Chaa... let me-g-go you... Ba-bastard."
He said while trying his best to take in oxygen. Hearing his words, the man tightens his grip around his neck.
"He Hehe... you want me to let you go? Sure, I'll let you go once you're a corpse."
Alister said, strengthening his grip a little more. To see the face of the knight.
"Wait!"
He frantically shouted, but it was too late. Alister raised his other hand, and his five fingers turned into sharp black claws measuring 3 meters. He then thrust his claws towards the knight's chest. Each of these five claws then penetrated the centre of his chest.
"Guh."
The knight spits out a mouthful of blood as his eyes widen, but then they lose their shine. Alister then throws his lifeless body to the ground while observing the blood-stained on his claws with a grin.
"It's been a while since I last tasted blood."
He said, turning his gaze towards the other knights.