Chapter 53 – The Trap for the Strong
Leon's awakening spread hope across the battlefield.
His new power stabilized multiple frontline zones.
Military morale improved.
But hope attracts predators.
---
The Disappearance
Aria was leading a small elite squad to secure a damaged defense tower near the outer capital district.
Her mission:
- Reinforce barrier nodes
- Secure civilians in nearby shelters
- Eliminate remaining shadow infiltrators
The area seemed calm.
Too calm.
Her instincts triggered.
"Spread out."
She scanned the surroundings with energy detection.
Nothing appeared.
Then —
The ground beneath her activated.
A hidden teleportation sigil erupted.
Dark chains shot upward instantly.
Before her team could react —
The chains wrapped around Aria's body and suppressed her energy.
She attempted to break free —
But the seal disrupted her magic circulation.
Her voice echoed:
"Ambush!"
---
The Fifth Eclipse Knight Appears
The teleportation portal opened fully.
The Fifth Knight stepped out slowly.
His armor was crimson and black.
Unlike the others —
His presence radiated overwhelming pressure.
He smiled under his helmet.
"Target acquired."
"Aria — the strategist."
He analyzed her calmly.
"You coordinate defense systems."
"You strengthen Audrey's tactical advantage."
"Removing you reduces their battlefield intelligence."
Aria glared at him.
"Coward."
"Attacking from hidden traps."
He chuckled.
"War is efficiency."
---
The Capture
The Fifth Knight activated suppression runes.
Aria's energy output dropped drastically.
Her resistance weakened.
He approached calmly and placed a sealed artifact against her chest.
Dark light surged.
Her powers were locked.
She collapsed — restrained but conscious.
The knight lifted her effortlessly.
"This will force Audrey to make emotional mistakes."
Then he activated a portal.
Before leaving —
He whispered:
"Come rescue her."
"I want him angry."
The portal closed.
Aria disappeared.
---
The Alarm
Minutes later —
Aria's squad reported emergency distress.
Audrey received the signal immediately.
His eyes widened.
"…Aria."
Selene tracked the energy signature.
"It's the Fifth Knight."
"He used a spatial anchor to teleport her to an unknown location."
Leon's expression darkened.
"They targeted her intentionally."
Darius clenched his fist.
"They know she is vital."
Audrey's aura began rising slowly.
Not uncontrolled.
Cold.
Calculated anger.
---
Strategic Response
Leon spoke first:
"He wants you to rush in blindly."
"It's a trap."
Audrey nodded.
"I know."
Selene accessed residual teleport coordinates.
"I can trace the portal pathway."
"But it leads to a fortified demon stronghold."
Leon added:
"It will be heavily guarded."
"Possibly supported by shadow battalions."
Audrey responded firmly:
"Good."
"Then we attack with preparation — not emotion."
He turned to both Leon and Darius.
"Gather elite units."
"We launch a coordinated rescue operation."
His eyes burned golden.
"And when we reach him…"
"The Fifth Knight dies."
---
Elsewhere – The Fifth Knight
Inside a demon-controlled fortress —
Aria was chained inside a containment chamber.
The Fifth Knight stood before her.
He observed her calmly.
"You are valuable."
"Which means your life guarantees his arrival."
Aria looked up defiantly.
"He won't come alone."
The knight smiled.
"That's fine."
"I prepared for multiple enemies."
He turned toward the fortress gates.
"Let the hero come."
---
Far Away – The Demon King
The Demon King watched the capture through a projection.
He nodded approvingly.
"Excellent."
"The bait is set."
He turned to his remaining knights.
"Prepare the battlefield."
"Today…"
"We break their unity through emotional pressure."
---
🔥 End of Chapter 53
---
This arc is getting intense.