"Knights could beat mages?"
"There is an uneven ratio between dark knights and celestials?"
"And still, even if there is a celestial mage that is put against a dark knight, it would still be a hard battle to be fought?"
"There are no clear differences in strength?"
James's worldview was shattered.
He always believed mages to be on top of the world, while the knights were just coolies with admirable strength and endurance. Yet here was Donald telling him that if the conditions were right, a knight could beat a mage. And also in the situation that the knight isn't in a favorable position, he could still hold his ground.
"It's impossible". James screamed.
"How can a knight beat a mage? How can there be such a knight? And even if there was, why hasn't anyone heard of them? Every book I've read never mentioned it and also never mentioned a celestial mage. How can you expect me to believe you?" James had already calmed down from his earlier outburst and started to reason the whole matter.
"Hahaha, the ignorance of a youngling. Do you think the mage association would spread such news? Those egoistic pricks would never allow the news of the Dark knights to leave their old, dusty towers". Donald laughed.
"But though they are attributed to the silencing of the knights they are not the main reason. There is a reason they are called Dark knights. Not celestial, not God-tier, not emperor and the likes. After all, with their strength they deserve such titles."
James was silent, Donald was right.
"Like I said, they are related to the ancient ISung empire. The origin of their power isn't clear. Some said they had a deal with the devil himself, some said it was from the abyss, some said it was through the sacrifices made by the ISungSams, using the blood of enemy empires, Nobody knows. The procedure for making a dark knight was lost in time, following the ISung empire to its grave. All we could find was some remnant knowledge, which in turn proved to be priceless knowledge. They are what were used in inventing the anti mage weapons the people are proud of. All that we are sure of, is that such powers weren't acquired by breaking through the realm like celestial mages. In exchange for great power they lose their lifespan, as there have never been any dark knight recorded to have lived long. Other symptoms include the red hair, eyes, uncontrollable anger and based on the records we found they grow stronger by giving up their sanity. The history of the dark knights is dark and unpleasant." Donald sighed.
"So why wasn't the information about celestial mages disclosed?" James asked as it was something he was confused about.
"Well nobody knows. Every celestial after ascending, pass it as a law not to reveal their existence without actually saying why." Donald shrugged.
"Then, if these are the top secrets of the association, how then are you aware of them?" James asked as he looked at Donald.
Donald smiled but didn't saying anything.
Meanwhile at a faraway location.
"Don't try to act smart. Rid yourself of all your valuables if you want to leave here alive." said a masked bandit.
" *Sigh* Currently I'm not in a good mood, so if you would kindly let me be, I would appreciate it very much and you get to keep your life." said Andrew.
"…"
Every where became silent as the bandits looked among themselves, obviously confused.
"Hahahahahahahahahaha" the bandits laughed hysterically. Some were even rolling on the floor.
One bandits stopped laughing and wiped his tears. "Boss, why don't we sell him? I'm sure those noble sluts will appreciate such fine goods."
"Or we can sell him to the demons. He could be a very competent slave and he can even tell jokes, so it's a plus." another bandit said.
"We will not say it ag…."
It was suddenly quiet as each and every bandit had their heads silently disintegrated. It was as silent as it was deadly.
"*Sigh* [Cold Decapitation]" Andrew sighed.
"Finally, no more noise. Now onward to my stupid mission". Andrew continued his journey and the headless bodies also turned into dust, nourishing the soil below it.
Seven months ago.