The Arcanis Capital shimmered beneath the afternoon light.
Where Valencrest stood firm and unyielding, Arcanis felt progressive and modern.
White stone towers rose high, etched with glowing patterns that pulsed faintly with mana. Floating lights drifted lazily through the air, even under the sun. The streets were alive—bustling with visitors from all around the world.
It was a sight to behold.
"... It's just like the game." Elias muttered.
Cain adjusted the strap of his gear, eyes moving steadily across the structures, the guards, the formation at the gate.
"What did you say?"
...
"Nothing. Just admiring the view."
"It is indeed an admirable one."
Elias smirked.
"Try not to look too impressed. People might think you have emotions or something."
Cain ignored the taunt.
"I am not."
"…mhm sure."
As they walked, a legion of soldiers stopped them in their tracks.
They had been expected.
A line of Arcanis mages stood waiting, their armor lighter than Valencrest's—robes woven into steel, faintly glowing with embedded inscriptions. At their center stood a young man.
Straight posture. They gave off the air of researchers rather than war-hardened soldiers.
Cain looked at the man leading them. He was dressed akin to a noble.
Malthus stepped forward.
The young man smiled and inclined his head respectfully.
"I am Vincent Arcanis, eldest son of Duke Augustus Arcanis."
His tone was calm and welcoming.
"It is an honour to meet the famed captain of the Aegis Knights." he continued, "I hope you will convey my thanks to Duke Valencrest for answering our request. We would be in quite a predicament if the Valencrests hadn't come to our support."
Malthus placed a hand over his chest briefly.
"The honour is ours, Lord Vincent."
A short pause followed.
Malthus eyed Vincent as he spoke.
"I have heard of your swordsmanship. It seems Arcanis has not neglected its steel entirely."
Vincent smiled faintly at that.
"I do my best to keep up appearances."
No arrogance. No false humility.
Malthus gave a small nod, something close to approval.
"That is more than most."
Vincent's gaze lingered—not on the captain, but on the man standing just behind him.
His posture didn't match the others.
Malthus noticed Vincent's curiosity and continued.
"This is Elias."
He gestured toward Cain.
"Elias Dayne. A talented prospect His Grace has taken an interest in. I thought it best he gain some experience on the field."
Vincent's attention settled on him.
"…Elias Dayne," he repeated softly.
He smiled politely. Then he gave a small nod.
"Welcome. I hope your first campaign proves worthwhile."
"…I will do my best. Thank you." Cain replied.
Vincent's expression softened just slightly.
"I'm sure you will."
He stepped aside, gesturing toward the city.
"You've come a long way. It would be unreasonable to send you into the forest in this condition."
A few knights visibly relaxed at that.
"Rest today," Vincent continued. "We begin the subjugation at dawn."
"Sir Malthus, I hope you can join the meeting with our generals to discuss our tactics for the subjugation tomorrow. We will also be sharing the information we have been able to gather from previous attempts."
He gestured towards the legion behind him.
"This is Arcanis' mage order, -the Lunarium. I'm afraid the captain wasn't able to join us. They are currently away due to a personal mission."
He turned to them.
His tone shifted—not harsher, but firmer.
"No one enters the forest tonight. Make sure that everyone is prepared."
The Lunarium Mages responded immediately.
"Yes, sir."
They guided the Valencrest soldiers to an estate reserved for guests of Arcanis.
"…It's quite big." Elias muttered.
"…Indeed." Cain replied.
---
The estate provided to them was spacious, though simple compared to the capital's grandeur.
Armor was set aside. Weapons maintained. Food distributed.
For the first time in days—
They rested.
---
Evening settled quietly.
A small fire burned within the courtyard, several knights gathered around it. Some sharpened blades. Others ate in silence.
The tension hadn't disappeared.
It had just… settled.
Cain stood nearby, adjusting the string of his crossbow.
"…You're avoiding them," Elias said.
"I am preparing."
"Same thing."
Cain didn't respond.
He felt a tap on his shoulder.
"…Sir Elias."
Cain turned, then looked toward him.
"…Sir Malthus."
Malthus stood before him, arms loosely folded.
"I've just returned from the strategy meeting."
Cain straightened slightly.
"Then you are aware of the target."
"An Orc Lord," Malthus replied.
"Ordinarily classified between C and D rank."
Cain frowned.
"…Why did Arcanis request reinforcements for a C rank?"
"They should not struggle with something at that level."
"It's a mutated specimen," Malthus said. "Its mana resistance is estimated to rival that of an S-rank creature."
"Arcanis relies heavily on magic," Malthus continued.
"This creature nullifies that advantage."
Elias muttered internally:
Yeah… that's a nightmare for them.
Cain spoke again.
"…I see."
"They lack the means to deal decisive damage."
Silence lingered for a moment.
Then—
Malthus continued.
"We will not be engaging it blindly."
Cain's gaze sharpened slightly.
"We will divide into three squads, each squad will have five members- for mobility."
"This way we can cover the forest more efficiently—and prevent being cornered."
A brief pause.
Then Malthus looked directly at him.
"You will be in charge of leading the third squad."
Cain wasn't too fazed. He had a considerable amount of experience in leadership.
"…Understood."
But Elias?
"Wait—what? He's putting YOU in charge?"
Cain does not know anyone among the knights except the one he beat up... Why is Malthus trusting him with that kind of a responsibility?
I seriously don't get these guys.
"Do not misunderstand." Malthus continued. "I trust your leadership skills as the Knight of Light, but you have yet to gain even a fraction of your strength back. I have two reasons for this decision. First- Their Captain isn't available. They probably wouldn't have needed us if they were. Second- I trust your survivability. I hope you won't let your team die."
Malthus looked at him seriously.
"Whichever squad comes across the monster will shoot a flare to let the other teams know. Do not engage in battle till the others get there. Make sure to stay hidden, or run if you're spotted. We do not know everything about the enemy. If there are any surprises, it would be better to deal with them together."
"...I understand."
Cain looked at Malthus with a hint of curiousity on his face.
"...What is it?"
Cain spoke again.
"…This captain."
Malthus glanced at him.
"What about them?"
"…You imply their presence alone would change the outcome. Are they that capable?"
Malthus didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he looked toward the distant towers of Arcanis, their faint glow pulsing even in the night.
"When it comes to combat…"
He spoke slowly.
"There are very few individuals I would acknowledge without reservation. The captain of the Lunarium is one of them."
Cain raised a brow.
Even Elias went quiet for a second.
"Are they... stronger than you?"
Malthus answered without hesitation.
"Yes."
Elias could not hold back his curiousity. He took partial control just to ask him one question.
"…Then if you were to fight them…"
A brief pause. He wasn't challenging him. It was just plain curiousity.
"…would you lose?"
Malthus smiled at him.
And for the first time—
there was something resembling amusement in his eyes.
"…I never said that."
Elias sighed with disappointment.
He completely missed the chance to say it...