Chapter 10: The Fight Begins
A deafening explosion shook the battlefield.
The crimson sky was filled with smoke as shattered buildings collapsed one after another. Arcane Knights surrounded the Commander from every direction, their black armor gleaming with sinister energy.
The Commander tightened his grip on his sword.
"So this is your plan..."
Without hesitation, three Arcane Knights charged.
Steel clashed against steel.
CLANG!
The Commander spun gracefully, his blade cutting through the first knight before blocking two heavy strikes.
A shockwave burst across the ruined street.
For several minutes, the battle remained evenly matched.
Then another wave of Arcane Knights appeared.
"...More?"
The Commander frowned.
There were simply too many.
One knight slipped behind him.
Slash!
A deep wound opened across his shoulder.
Another struck from the side.
Bang!
His left arm slammed into a broken wall.
A sharp pain shot through his hand.
The sword nearly slipped from his grasp.
"My hand..."
He tried to move his fingers.
Nothing.
The impact had numbed his arm completely.
"So that's how it is..."
Blood dripped onto the cracked pavement.
His breathing grew heavier.
The Arcane Knights slowly closed the distance.
Far beyond them stood a towering figure wrapped in black armor.
The Arcane General watched silently, showing no intention of joining the fight.
To it...
The Commander was merely entertainment.
The Commander gave a bitter smile.
"I suppose this may be my final battle."
His golden aura flickered.
Even exhausted...
He refused to lower his sword.
"If I fall..."
He planted one foot firmly forward.
"...I'll take at least five of you with me."
Golden energy erupted once more.
The nearest Arcane Knight lunged.
The Commander disappeared.
Flash!
One knight fell.
Another.
A third.
His blade danced like lightning despite the blood flowing from his wounds.
But every movement became slower.
His injured arm trembled violently.
Another sword pierced his side.
A kick sent him crashing through the remains of a building.
Dust filled the air.
The Commander struggled to stand.
His vision blurred.
"So..."
"This is the end..."
He inhaled deeply.
"My final stand."
The Arcane Knights advanced together.
Their weapons glowed with dark crimson light.
Just before they attacked—
A familiar voice echoed across the battlefield.
"Commander!"
The Commander slowly lifted his head.
Standing atop an armored Revilsor was Shen, his sword resting on his shoulder with the same fearless grin as always.
Behind him stood Kenya, Ruke, Eliz, and Captain Luez.
The Revilsor smashed directly into an Arcane Knight, throwing it across the battlefield.
The Commander couldn't hide his surprise.
"...Why are you here?"
Shen jumped from the vehicle and landed beside him.
"If you want to punish us for disobeying orders..."
He smiled confidently.
"...you can do it after we survive."
Kenya ignited crimson flames around both hands.
"We're not leaving you behind."
Lightning danced around Ruke's body.
"I've been waiting for a real fight."
Eliz raised her staff.
A brilliant blue magic circle spread beneath the team.
"I'll support everyone."
Captain Luez drew his blade with a confident grin.
"Looks like I'm late."
For the first time in days...
The Commander laughed.
"You all came..."
Captain Luez nodded.
"Of course, sir."
The Commander looked at each of them.
Despite the danger...
Not one of them showed fear.
Only determination.
His tired eyes regained their fire.
"Very well."
Golden energy exploded around him once again.
"Then we fight together."
Shen pointed his sword toward the enemy ranks.
"Everyone!"
The team answered immediately.
"Yes!"
"The Arcane Knights aren't our destination."
Shen's eyes locked onto the massive figure watching from afar.
"The Arcane General is."
The General slowly stepped forward.
Each footstep cracked the earth beneath its feet.
An overwhelming pressure swept across the battlefield.
Even the Arcane Knights instinctively moved aside.
The General raised a colossal black blade.
Its crimson eyes settled upon Shen and the Commander.
Then...
It smiled.
The battlefield fell silent.
The true battle was finally about to begin.