1
"Melvin! Wake up! You'll be late for your hunt. Albert and Leo are already here, they've been waiting on you."
Said Clara.
"What! Just what time is it already? We said we'd meet here at sunrise."
Said, Melvin.
"Well, it's sunrise already!"
Said Clara.
"What! Surely you jest your husband.
Said, Melvin.
Melvin Gillor and Clara Gillor were residents of a small village in the outskirts of the Zen kingdom. This village was a farming community, it didn't even have an official name yet but the villagers called it "Serba Village". Serba village doesn't have a ruling Lord yet but the nearest Lord to the village appoints a Baron to lead it. Melvin was the man appointed by Lord Ironarm as Baron. As a village grows so does the title of the family that was initially appointed Baron. In case a village disbands, the title is stripped from the family, and become commoners once more. Melvin and his wife Clara live in a small manor located at the center of the village. Usually, a Baron's house is a bit bigger and has small luxuries that common folk doesn't have. One of those luxuries is running water inside the house. Melvin and Clara are still getting used to these luxuries since not too long ago they were just commoners living day by day and working very hard to earn a wage. Melvin has a daughter named Sarah and a son named Roy who one day will lead his house named Gillor if the gods are good to him. Barons had no right to a house name yet but if their title increased they'd be given the right. Small villages such as Serba needed to hunt game to have food reserves for the winter. kingdom law villages were only allowed to hunt for half a week each month and depending on what they'd hunt and the amount they'd be taxed for it. This of course did not include fishing. Some fortunate villages fished as well to have a good for the winter but Serba wasn't one of those fortunate to be located near a stream or river much less the ocean so hunting and crop production were the lifelines of the village. Serba has a large deep well near the center of the village where villagers depend on fresh water.
"Jest? I think not, Sarah and Roy are already up and working on their chores. I sent Sarah to help gather medicinal herbs with the other village girls and Roy is helping old man Henry with his crops, his back isn't what it use to he says."
Said Clara.
" I'm surprised that old man still grows crops at all, it's good that Roy is helping him out."
Said, Melvin.
"You done getting dressed?"
Asked Clara.
"Yes. Or should I not?
Melvin said while smiling at Clara.
Melvin grabbed one of Clara's arms and pulled her into his arms and gave her a kiss.
"I can't believe I fell for you, Mel."
Said Clara.
"How could you not? I'm the most handsome man in the world."
Melvin said while smiling.
"Stop it already, Albert and Leo will hear us."
Whispered Clara while giggling.
Melvin opened his bedroom door and descended the stairs. Clara followed just behind Melvin. As soon as the pair reached the last bottom stem they both could see Albert and Leo sitting on the kitchen table eating breakfast that Clara had served the men.
"Melvin!"
Yelled out, Albert.
"We were beginning to wonder if you'd be coming with us."
Followed Leo.
"Just a little extra sleep men, we will have an entire week together ahead of us. Albert, did you bring your bow?"
Asked Melvin.
"Got her right, Melvin. She's ready for the hunt!"
Answered Albert.
"How about you Leo? Did you bring enough medicinal herbs? Just in case we need them."
"Of course Melvin, though I'd wish we could afford a potion or two like the ones the adventurers use. There a lot more convenient y'know."
Said Leo.
"So where will we be looking for the deelmer this month?"
Asked Albert.
"Well, they've migrated west again. They were last spotted near the open plains along the tree line. That's where we'll go. We'll hunt hoppers along the way maybe even get our hands on some Atas, we're running low on our brew, and wouldn't want to be left with nothing in the village now would we?"
Said, Melvin.
"What! Run out of Ale! That's just as unthinkable as the royal family visiting Serba!"
Shouted Albert.
"Out of all the comparisons why pick the royal family visiting?"
Asked Leo.
"I don't know. It was the first thing that came to me I suppose. Well, I think the princess is a real beauty I'd like to take a look under her dress I would hahaha!"
Said, Albert.
"You'd be executed on the spot Albert. No dirty nonsense talk in my house!"
Said Clara
"You heard the lady. Let's get a move on now or we'll miss out on the deelmer."
Suggested Melvin.
"Mel you haven't eaten breakfast!"
Said Clara.
"That's okay Clara, I'll eat when we camp tonight. Did you pack our rations?"
"Yes. Roy left the packs near the front door. There should be enough rations in there for the week."
Said Clara.
"Alright let's get a move on, we have a lot of ground to cover west of Serba."
Said, Melvin.
"Wish we had some horses we'd travel faster for sure."
Suggested Leo.
"I disagree, horses take the fun out of hunting in my opinion."
Said, Albert.
**************
Four days have passed since Melvin, Albert and Leo traveled west of Serba on a hunting expedition for deelmer. Though the party has yet to encounter a single deelmer to hunt, spirits were high. It was a dark night, in particular, the moon was not visible and clouds littered the night sky covering the stars. Melvin, Albert, and Leo sat by a roaring fire roasting hopper meat for dinner. Ale was passed around and the men united their cups on a cheer. The men had gotten extremely lucky with hunting hordes of hoppers, It was just the 4th night and the men had gotten enough meat to call it a successful hunt for the month. Every hopper was gutted and clean and placed inside a storage realm where time was frozen and so things like meat or any type of food would be preserved until they were taken out once more. Storage realm magic is extremely useful magic for any number of situations. Bags that were enchanted with storage realm magic were extremely expensive. Serba had to save money for eight winters to be able to afford an enchanted bag. Though a lot could fit in these bags they did hold limits. Enchanted bags could hold up to one-hundred items of any size except living beings and permanent structures. That being said, the bags still were one of the most popular enchanted items people bought. To enchant a bag with realm magic a mage would have to be level 100 usually mages at this level were old men and women that had spent a lifetime researching and dedicating every day to magic, some said that level one hundred was the limit one could achieve, naturally this was somewhat right. People born with talent have broken over level one hundred, these people were often legendary figures sometimes called heroes, gods, and the evil ones were called demons. Naturally, the rarity of experienced mages of such a high level fueled the cost of powerful magic enchantments. Serba's enchanted bag was enchanted by a famous mage from Merribourne. The mage had served as the court mage for fifty years until he retired. Court mages held the position until they were challenged and defeated by another mage. Landzar had been defeated by a younger mage that had challenged him when the princess was born and subsequently lost his royal court mage position. Melvin pondered what he'd do in the future to grow Serba Village into a town.
"Hey Melvin what did you do to get such a beautiful wife"
Asked Albert.
"I stole her heart and I'm of course a very good-looking man."
Melvin added
Albert turned to look at Leo with a stunned expression then both men laughed heavily
"I wish I could woo a beauty of a woman."
Said Leo while looking at the moon.
Keep dreaming. Women want a strong and wealthy man you'd have to become a well-known adventurer or something like that to be able to have a beautiful wife."
Added Albert
"Shh quiet! Do you hear that?"
Interrupted Melvine.
"What is it?"
Whispered Leo.
Albert stood up and grabbed his butchering axe. Leo grabbed his bow and Melvin unsheathed his dagger. All the men were on high alert and rightly so. Bandits and criminals roamed the wilderness looking for easy coin and once in a while a monster from the darkwood forest made its way into villages. Melvin readied himself from a potential incoming attack.
After what seemed like a long while though it actually being a few minutes Melvin could see outlines of people traveling through the tree line at a very fast pace.
After the people came within shouting distance Melvin shouted at them.
"Who are you!? Reveal yourself at once!"
The silence was broken by a response
"Whoa, whoa. We aren't looking for trouble. We are an adventurer party.
As soon as the people approach closer Melvin could see a party of 4 people.
"I'm Ron Sawyer we are the "stray dogs" is there a village nearby?"
"About 4 days east is our village Serba we are on a hunting expedition."
Said, Melvin.
"Can you guys take us there we need to get there as soon as possible! We need to earn the people if an incoming attack from the undead!"
"...."
"What? An attack!"
Confirmed Melvin.
"Yes we witness a giant horde and with their current path, they'll eradicate Serba Village. If we don't warn the people and evacuate, there will be a lot of fatalities."
"My family is there! If what you're saying is correct we need to hurry and go now"
Said Melvine.
"Yes get ready we'll travel light so leave everything that's nonessential."
Said Ron.
"The stray dog adventurers" and the three men from Serba Village traveled quickly through the grasslands and hills. Melvin was thinking about his family. It's safe to say that ever since the news about the undead that's all he's been thinking about. The adventurers decided to bite the bullet and travel non-stop to Serba Village. It was the last day and from the current location, they could see the smoke coming out of the chimneys. Soon the outlines of the guys and buildings. Melvin was relieved to finally see his home. The first thing he'd do was order the evacuation of the village.
"Finally we're here!"
Exclaimed Nola
She was the Healer in the Stray dog party.
"Yeah... we'll find out if Karen got the word out about the undead."
Said, Ron.
"Well I hope she's alright at least"
Muttered Warren.
Warren was the Stray Dogs tank. He was the oldest in the party and had been to many parties during his adventurer years. Warren's first party had been wiped out by a swarm of goblins. This happened when he was still a rookie and they'd taken a quest to one of the many dungeons located through the Zen kingdom. Warren was the only survivor only because he's fallen inside a pit that had collapsed and sent him to a lower floor. It just so happens that another party had found him and brought him back out of the dungeon. This was Warren's first experience of what it was to be an adventurer.
"Look! Over there! Is that ...."
Pointed out, Albert.
"Yes! It has to be Karen's doing!"
Said, Nicholas.
Nicholas was the Archer at the party. He'd just recently joined the Stray Dogs party and was the rookie in the group.
What in fact had been spotted by Albert was the fact that trenches had been dug out and a new defensive wall had need built. They also spotted catapults and multiple pit traps had been laid out.
"Looks like Serba Village is about to become a battlefield."
Said Ron.
Melvin was surprised but also relieved to see the defensive measures. It had to mean the village had already been evacuated so his family must be safe.
**************
"We've got movement in the perimeter!"
Shouted a soldier.
"Is it the undead?"
Asked Karen.
"It doesn't seem to be the undead it's a group of people."
Said the soldier while looking through a scope of some kind.
"Send a scout at once!"
Shouted another soldier.
"No need I'll go myself! Bring me a mount!"
Said Karen.
Karen was certain it had to be her party.
She was glad they'd made it safe and sound but then she realized the situation was grave. The undead was still on their way and the battle would no doubt be a hard-fought one.
Karen mounted the horse a soldier brought and rapidly headed toward the group. Karen had succeeded in the teleportation. When she had used the scroll she suddenly appeared right in front of the adventures guild building in Merribourne. She immediately rushed inside and sought help from the receptionist. Karen had appeared wild and rabid and at first, people had thought she was crazy. In the end, she had not completely convinced the guild about the undead attack so the royal army hadn't been dispatched but she did manage to get two regiments of Common guard troops, about 500 men in total plus a few adventurers who had volunteered to join the fight. She was placed in a commanding position by the guild since the regiment did not have a commanding officer. The commanding officers had attended a meeting at the royal affairs building where they discussed the finances of the armies. The adventurers guild had warned her that if her claims were found to be false she'd be expelled from the guild. The guild had also posted the quest in the quest board in case other adventurers were interested in participating in the undead subjugation so more adventurers had been arriving over the few days she'd been in Serba Village.
She had ordered and overlooked the building of defenses and she was certain they might have a chance to win if they played their cards right.
**************
2
"Oy someone is coming here on a mount."
Said Leo.
Melvin picked up his pace. He wanted to get confirmation about his family. He wouldn't know what to do if his family was hurt.
"Hey isn't that Karen!?"
Said Nola excitedly.
Nola started to wave her arms up in the air while jumping up and down and shouting Karen's name. The other men turned around to look at her. It is fair to say the men weren't particularly interested in Nola's oddly exciting greeting towards Karen it was more of Nola's breast swinging up and down that caught the attention of the men. The fact that Nala had quite large breasts and coupled with her revealing top made the whole situation quite the eye candy for the men. Perhaps because Nola sensed the lewd attention or maybe she caught one of the men looking at her breast, she suddenly stopped and covered her breast with her arms.
"Perverts."
Muttered Nola.
The men quickly turned around with some of them expressing embarrassment.
"Hey, Albert. I wish I'd been an adventurer."
Leo confessed.
"Yeah, maybe I would have met the long-sought-after beauty that could have been my wife."
While the Serba Village men were fantasying with the exception of Melvin Karen had finally come close enough for verbal communication.
"You guys made it!"
Karen said while halting the mount.
"Of course, we're the stray dogs after all. Did you get help from the guild? Did they believe the story?"
"Yeah they sent in help but it might not be enough to defeat the undead."
"How many men?"
Asked Ron with a wary expression.
"Two regiments of soldiers about 500 men 8 adventurer parties of black and silver rank with a total of 50 adventurers."
Answered Karen.
"How many mages? I feel like the outcome of this battle will depend heavily on magic power."
Asked Warren.
"We have a total of 15 mages that can use high-power magic."
"That's all!?"
Said Warren.
"...."
"Okay! We have about a week before the undead get here we have plenty of time to bolster our defense and set traps. In the meantime let's head to the Village."
Said Ron.
"Um.. what happened to the residents of the village?"
Timidly asked Melvin.
"And you are?"
Asked Karen with a raised eyebrow.
"Ah, he is the mayor of Serba Village. He and two of his fellow residents of Serba Village were in the middle of hunting for deelmer."
Said Ron.
"Now that I remember there were those two kids that had been asking for their father. Would one of you happen to have a young son and daughter?"
Asked Karen.
"Yes, that is me that was my son Roy Andy's daughter is Sarah. Are they okay? What about my wife?"
Asked Melvin.
"Yes, your family is on their way to Merribourne, all of the residents of Serba Village and any other nearby village were already evacuated. You three should probably head to Merribourne, this is no place for civilians."
Scornfully said, Karen.
**************
3
The room was luxuriously decorated in silver and gold. Paintings and tapestries hung on the walls and a large bookshelf filled with books was quite the attention grabber. Books in any kingdom were considered very valuable and only the high class could afford the privilege to own them. Bookshelves served to show off one's wealth. A large wooden desk was neatly placed in the middle of the room near the large clear glass window. The two men that currently occupied such a room were nonother than Lloyd Aldmin and his guest. The guest wore clothing fitting of high-class royalty but had a dark feeling, probably because the clothing was black and full of mithril decorations.
"The plan has been set in motion."
Said the guest.
"I've relaxed the security around the royal palace just as I was ordered. I've sent the commanding officers to a meeting so this should slow the military response in your favor."
Proudly said the eager Lloyd.
"Yes his majesty is quite happy, you've done well."
Said the guest.
For a while the room was silent Lloyd turned to look at a painting that hung on the wall. It wasn't that he was admiring the painting but more of seeing himself on it. The painting had a throne that was occupied by a large decorated crown.
"Of course, you will be properly rewarded once the Zen kingdom falls. His majesty will happily make you the new king. The zen kingdom will become a vassal state for the great Zeron."
Said the guest.
For years Lloyd's hunger for power had grown until it overfilled his greed. Now the thirsty Lloyd had set his eyes on the throne. He'd been plotting with Zerons faction for a while now. Zeron had promised him a crown and Lloyd could not resist such a mouth-watering offer. How could he? He'd had to be stupid not to take the offer. At least that is what ran through his head as he pondered and fantasized about sitting on the throne. The only thing that he wanted more than the throne was to have his way with the third princess Marry Mauntell. Just the thought of him thrusting himself at her while he held her down and beat her made him hard.
Lloyd salivated at his fantasy. Coming back to reality, He realized he wasn't alone and that his guest was currently staring at Lloyd. He had offered his guest to sit but he refused so Lloyd felt a bit uncomfortable being the only one sitting. Lloyd stood up and turned to look out his window. Though it was night, oil lanterns had been placed all over his garden. He also had a marvelous view of the city lights of Merribourne.
"Don't forget, don't kill the third princess she's mine."
Proclaimed Lloyd.
"Of course, we have no interest in the princess. You can do whatever you want with her."
Said the guest.
When Lloyd heard the words his guest had muttered, his imagination took over and formed an image in his head. It happened very fast and only for a split second but Lloyd knew what the image had been. Lloyd had envisioned walking through the stone-paved streets of Merribourne with the princess crawling on all fours with not a single piece of clothing on her all the while Lloyd held a leash that had been placed around the princess's delicate neck along with a collar. This had certainly made Lloyd hard and it had also brought a deep and sadistic grin to his face. Lloyd gazed at his hand and slowly rolled it into a fist. Without Lloyd noticing, his guest had also developed a silent grin.
**************
4
The steps echoed throughout the hallway a deep reverb resounded and bounced off the stone corridors. The hallway had no torches so combined with the night made them very dark. The only thing that lit the path was the moon that crept inside through the multiple windows on the wall. The moonlight wasn't particularly good at lighting but it gave off a blue glow that bounced off the stone bricks on the walls. The tiny footsteps making their way through the dark corridor were in fact Marry's. The princess had been running through the castle since the undead outbreak stormed the castle. Marry had woken up in her dark chambers only to see someone standing at the foot of her bed. The moonlight glow was enough to outline the features of the shadow but Marry lit her magic lantern and instantly her room was lit to expose all the details that had been a blur. Lynette was the shadow only now that the magic lantern had turned on she could see Lynette's face. Instantly Marry noticed the blood spread throughout Lynette's body. Not only the blood but the fact that Lynette's bowels hung in front of her. The strong scent of blood filled Marry's nostrils.
"Lyn...."
Suddenly the undead Lynette twitched and threw herself into the bed all the while screeching and moaning. Lynette tried to grab onto Marry's ankle but the now panicked Marry kicked and flailed and tossed her bed covers onto Lynette.
One thing led to another and consequently Marry was now running through a dark corridor with the king's chambers in mind. She didn't know what was going on but she could hear the shouting and the sound of screams along with the sound of fighting outside and all over the castle.
It was unheard of and unpredictable but the castle was now under siege. Marry had her nightgown on so the ambient temperature felt cold and the fact that she was barefooted made it worst. The stones on her feet felt like ice in the winter. After reaching the end of the corridor came to a large wooden double door. Marry instantly started to pound on the door.
"Let me in. Please something is going on in the castle. Father..."
Both doors started to move and began to open. The large chamber was the king's room. Inside laid a massive amount of decorations and tapestries. The king's bed alone was enough to leave any visitors in aw. Rugs covered a lot of the space near the king's bed and a judge fireplace kept the room warm even in the winter. Currently, two royal guards were opening both doors. The king and the queen both stood near the window overlooking the courtyard.
"Marry my daughter I'm glad you are safe."
Said king Rowe grey Mauntell.
"Father! What's going on?"
Demanded Marry
"We are being attacked by an enemy!"
Answered queen Catherine Gifford Mauntell.
"What about Alan and Arthur?"
Asked Marry.
"I've dispatched the royal guard to escort them safely out of the castle. After they are somewhere safe they come back for us to be escorted out as well."
Said the King.
By now the Royal guard had closed the massive doors again and had placed a wooden latch to further secure the doors.
Both guards had golden full armor that protected their bodies both had their helms closed as well so no one in the room could really see the guard's faces.
"Your majesty, we need to start getting ready to make the journey somewhere that's safer."
Said one of the royal guards with one knee on the ground.
"Yes of course. We are ready."
Said the King.
The relatively quiet room was tainted with noise as the wooden doors started to get pounded on.
"Could that be the remainder of the guard?"
Asked the king
"I don't think so your majesty to many are knocking on the doors. It's most likely the undead."
Suggested one of the royal guards.
"Don't worry your majesty these doors are thick and are reinforced with mithril, they can't get in."
Said the second royal guard.
The facts about the door were reassuring to Marry. She didn't know much about the situation but it was good to hear that the undead couldn't get into the king's bed chambers. Lynette still replayed in her mind the way she screamed and moaned and acted erratically almost rabidly like.
The pounding on the doors increased and we were now powerful enough that you could see the dust fall from the walls as the vibration from the pounding got more violent. The two royal guards had a battle stance with their swords drawn while facing the doors. Royal guards were just as powerful as silver-ranked adventurers. The king was confident that even if the undead would break in they'd have a shot at defeating the horde. Undead were stupid and never defended against attacks so they were pretty much always vulnerable to attacks. Everyone noticed it right away, the sound of pounding on the doors stopped and the room was once again quiet.
"What happened!? Why did they stop!?"
Asked Marry.
"....."
Her plead went unanswered. Everyone was alert and trying to piece the situation together. The silence didn't last long as a loud scraping could be heard making its way closer and closer to the door. It was the sound of metal scraping on stone. The scraping was followed up by the sound of heavy thumps. Something about the Erie sound had everyone on edge and Merry could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand. She felt a cold waft of air that made her tense up.
"What is that?"
Whispered the first royal guard.
The guard crept close to the door and placed his ear in an attempt to listen closer.
As the scraping sound finally reached the doors. Silence once again filled the room.
The guard that had placed his ear on the door was still trying to listen closely to try and figure out what was going on the other side. Just as Marry finished blinking she saw
The guard's head suddenly split. The helm had warped and contorted and blood had painted the once golden helm. The situation had unfolded so fast that no one in the room had seen what happened. They only saw the aftermath of what happened. The object that had spilt the guard's head in half suddenly pulled away leaving a gash on the door and dropping the guard's body onto the floor. The limp body dropped with a loud thud that bounced from the walls making it sound load than what it really was. The metal object once again struck the door and now that the shock had worn away the situation started to be clearer.
"A-Axe! They're breaking the door with an axe!"
Shouted the remaining royal guard.
The sheer size of the axe sunk everyone's heart because something so big could only speak volumes about its wielder. The wielder also had to be huge to be able to easily swing the huge axe. Every strick sent vibrations running down everyone's spine. Or at least Marry certainly felt it. The door still held but now it was riddled with gashes from the axe. Wood splitters covered the floor just below the doors. The remaining royal guard had already started to back away from the doors. Walking backward every time the axe hit the door. The holes were big enough to see a little of the other side. The axe stopped hitting the door but in place of it a huge eye could be seen peeking at everyone in the room.
"A giant troll!?"
Shouted the royal guard.
Rightly so, giant trolls were on par with gold-ranked adventurers. It took a party of gold-rank adventurers to bring one down. Giant trolls were rare and we're often found deep in the forest usually in a large cave system. Giant trolls were known man-eaters and would torture humans until they died you could say they like to play with their food.
"What!? What's a troll doing here!?"
Exclaimed the king.
The panic had started to settle on everyone's mind and fear had crept ever since the guard was killed.
"HhHhhhHuumMMaAN! HuAAuUMMManN tTtTaaSTY!"
"It spoke! Trolls can speak!?"
Shouted the king.
"Mother! Father!"
Said Marry while holding onto her mother's side.
"Husband we have to leave or we'll be killed!"
Suggested the Queen.
The giant troll once again started to hack away at the door and with every strike, it got closer to entering. The horde of dead patiently waited on the sides. The undead still twitched and displayed erratic behavior but for the most part, they waited for the doors to open. Usually, undead attack anything, and naturally demi-humans or monsters were not an exception. The only reason why they weren't attacking the giant troll was that the troll was already undead. If anyone were to take a closer look they'd see that the giant troll is covered in bite marks and even some of its flesh is ripped in chunks. The collection of undead on this corridor produced a very pungent smell of rotting flesh. The smell is strong enough to make anyone faint. Marry covered her nostrils as the odor crept inside through the many holes in the door. She wasn't the only one to do so, everyone else had done the same. Finally, the door started to give. With a loud whining noise, the bolts that held the door onto the stone wall started to break one after another. The door was on its last breath and it had held as long as it could. The axe strike was powerful a precise, as the door finally dropped onto the stone floor. The vibration the door had caused as it hit the ground traveled throughout the room. It felt like an earthquake to everyone in the room. A grey cloud of dust raised and launched itself deep into the room.
"The door is down!! They are in!!"
Hysterically yelled the guard.
What followed was the loud thuds coming from the giant troll as it walked inside. The giant troll was hunched as it was far too tall to fit inside the room. Its green skin had become a deep purple as its flesh was rotted away. The odor was indescribable but was enough to cripple everyone inside the room. The last remaining guard shook as he faced such a large and powerful enemy. He stood with his sword raised up towards the giant troll.
"This is fucking madness!"
Shouted the guard.
While the giant troll was slowly making its way inside the rest of the undead started to enter in waves. The undead made their way around the giant troll's feet and some tripped and we were subsequently trampled as more undead flooded inside. As the troll adjusted itself into the cramped room its feet crushed some of the other undead. The undead had reached the guard and the guard swung his sword toward the incoming horde of undead.
"Hypersonic strick!"
Shouted the guard.
The guard's sword lit up brightly and as it swung it sent a group of undead into pieces.
The guard kept up the intensity of his attack. The wave of dead kept up as well and did not let up.
"Damn! At this rate, I'll run out of stamina!"
Exclaimed the guard.
About thirty undead had been turned into pink mist by the guard but the undead kept swarming.
"Blaze wind!"
Shouted the guard.
A wave of burning air was sent into the undead horde igniting them. One of the troll's legs ignited as well but the troll immediately put it out with its hand smashing a few of the other undead that was in the way. The attack enraged it and the troll set its eyes on the guard and swung its axe towards the guard and jumped backward to avoid getting hit, as he landed he slipped on the blood on the floor. The undead took the opportunity and launched themselves toward the guard.
"Fuckers! I won't let you kill me that easy!"
Shouted the guard.
The guard kicked off several undead and swung his sword sending rotted severed head flying. The guard prepared another attack.
"Blazing wind!"
Shouted the guard.
The repetition of the attack was interrupted by the sudden Axe that smashed down above the guard crushing the guard and everything surrounding him. Blood sprayed 360° all around sending blood flying into the walls. Marry was stunned by the blood that had slapped her across her face. Naturally, her parents also were sprayed with blood. The axe had sent a wave of vibrations that made Marry rumble onto the ground. The giant axe once again regained life and started to move to reveal a pool of flesh, blood, bone, and hair. The guard's armor was smashed flat into the ground. The king, queen, and Marry huddled onto each other in the corner of the room.
"It's the end..."
Muttered king Rowe.
It seemed like a long time. Marry was sure that just behind the dust and rubble was the hungry undead heading their way. Marry closed her eyes and awaited the impending doom. She didn't want to die by being eaten by the undead. It truly felt like a long time. Marry slowly opened her right eye to see what was going on. The undead did not run toward them but the combination of the night and the dust made it impossible to see anything. The moonlight morphed with the dust and almost made it look like a glowing fog.
"Why aren't they attacking?"
Whispered Queen Catherine.
"..."
"Looks like I arrived just in time."
"???"
"Who's that? who are you?"
Shouted king Rowe.
Suddenly the whole room was flooded by the sound of footsteps and the sound of clanging armor. Through the fog-like dust cloud, king Rowe could see torches radiating light and painting the walls. Slowly but surely the room was lit brightly.
"Your majesty!!"
"Ah! Is it the royal guard regiments!?"
Speculated King Rowe.
By now Marry had opened both of her eyes and had eased her grip on her mom's dress. Marry was just as perplexed on the situation. Just a minute ago she was sure that she was about to die but she was alive and fine. The dust finally settled and Marry could see dozens of people in the golden armor that represented the royal guards. Marry had also noticed that in front of the golden wall of guards was a woman. She was tall, and thin, and had an overall good body build associated with someone who has seen a lot of battles. Marry could see the amount of experience in the woman just by looking at her. The woman had long silver hair and her red eyes had a piercing effect as they came into contact with Marry. She wore white armor that emphasized her curves and her sword was strapped to her hip. The guards immediately moved in closer to the huddled group that was the result of the undead and the fear they had cast.
"Your majesty! We successfully made sure the princes are safe. They were taken to the underground vault. We left around twenty of the royal guards to keep them safe and we came back as soon as we could. We apologize for the wait!"
The guard said while kneeling in front of king Rowe.
"It is fine. You've saved us in our time of peril!"
Confessed king Rowe.
"Your words are too kind your majesty. We are glad you are safe!"
Said the royal guard while he bowed his head.
"Who might this be?"
Asked king Rowe while turning his attention towards the woman.
"Your majesty, she is a platinum-rank adventurer. She helped us defeat all of the undead and she instantly killed the giant troll. "
Explained the guard.
"Ah, could you be Layna The Rose?"
Asked king Rowe.
*Yes, your majesty."
Answered the woman.
"I heard you've been gone for three years."
Stated king Rowe.
"I've been in a long campaign exploring a deep dungeon. We've discovered many new monsters and even new materials. I took a quest to explore a new dungeon that had appeared it was new then and my party and I have been completing the long quest. We finally completed the quest and came back up from the dungeon."
"You can be sure you'll be properly rewarded, miss Layna.
"Thank you, your majesty."
Said Layna.
Marry was shocked that such a beautiful woman could be so strong. Layna was certainly strong she was the only platinum-ranked adventurer in the Zen kingdom. Layna had formed a party called Rose. The party is composed of gold-ranked adventurers but only woman adventurers are accepted. Many male adventurers think of Layna as the most beautiful female adventurer in the Zen kingdom and some even worship her as the beauty goddess. Many times have men asked her hand in marriage even lords have but Layna has yet to find the man she desires as her husband.
**************
5
The hills had been rigged with traps. The makeshift barriers now stretched about 1000 meters on each side of Serba Village. The village was busier than ever and it was now manned by 750 men most were common guards but adventurers seeking fame started arriving at the village. It was the 7th day after Karen was reunited with her party. Melvin, Albert, and Leo had made the journey to Merribourne where everyone had evacuated.
"Undead!!!"
Yelled a guard stationed in a lookout tower.
There was a total of four lookout towers that had been hastily built to have a better view from a greater height. Each tower maned 8 persons at a time and to climb up and down one had to climb a wooden ladder. The towers had been spread out along the barricade that had been built to intersect the undead. They'd been stocked with arrows so that the towers could also serve as archery posts. With the warning of the undead, Serba Village was very busy, to say the least. A bell had been rung to alert everyone within range of the bell.
"Everyone to your posts!"
"Make sure supplies are well stocked!"
Melvin's home had been turned into a commanding headquarters. Currently inside was the stray dog party and a few other parties of adventurers that had arrived along with the common guard regiment's representatives.
"Looks like they're finally here."
Muttered Ron.
"Right on time."
Added Warren.
One of the scouts had entered the house and told Ron about the arrival of the undead.
The scout sounded hysterical as he described the horde of undead.
Ron understood because he'd witnessed the undead very close when the party had run into them in the Seldom forest.
"How many?"
Asked the leader of another party.
"If I'd have to guess it looks like around 5,000 no 8,000 undead."
The scout said with wide eyes.
"What! That many! Where did they even come from!?"
Shouted an adventurer.
"Well we know they came from the Seldom forest. We were on a quest to find a Manderven from one of the dungeons located inside the Seldom forest. When we had completed the quest we were on our way back and that's when we saw the horde of undead marching towards Merribourne."
Explained Ron.
"We will need reinforcements! They greatly outnumber us!"
Said another adventurer.
"Ay."
Agreed and adventurer from the party called "Horizon"."
Ron understood why the adventurers were starting to grow unsure. Most of them thought they'd be dealing with a couple of hundred undead at most. When Karen had told the guild she had insisted the number was a couple thousand but the guild would believe anything until it had some kind of proof. In the end, they did send help but not enough to deal with 8,000 undead.
"Look we might be at a disadvantage in numbers but each one of us is able to take down 100 undead easily right? Maybe more? We have to stick to the plan and we can manage to win a victory."
Said Ron.
Currently, 10 major parties had joined in for the fight, the rest of the adventurers were either solo adventurers or beginners. At the top was a party called Horizon compromised of gold-rank adventurers. They were even stronger than Stray Dog but had no interest in leading the battle all they were interested in was the battle experience to be gained from such a scale of battle. Horizon had been sitting at a corner of the hall the biggest room in Melvin's manor. Normally the hall would be used for village meetings but now it was the headquarters of operations. Horizon was compromised of 8 adventurers the leader being Krynt Wintermere a tank-class warrior. Many of the adventurers felt a little at ease with just the presence of Horizon. Apart from being the only gold-rank adventurer party many of the members had a reputation.
Krynt Wintermere sat on a wooden chair surrounded by his companions. Krynt was 190cm in height and had a well-built body. His armor added to his mass and made him look a lot bigger. Being a tank Krynt wields a war hammer. Krynt had short-cut blond hair, blue eyes, and a solid stern-looking face, Krynt is 30 years old. Next to Krynt was Lander Buckman.
Lander is a swordsman class about 185cm in height, slender body but built, brown hair, green eyes, and a large beard. He wore a metallic heavy armor that looked well used. Strapped to his back was a great sword. Sybell Brightwood was another Horizon member, she is a druid healer. She has shoulder-length brown hair, brown eyes, and fair skin is 177cm in height and is slender with wide hips. She wore light brown hide armor with a metallic steel torso plate and steel bracers for the arms and legs, a black cloak covered her body. Her weapon was a sorcerer's conductor cane and she had a dagger strapped onto the side of her right hip under her cloak, Sybell is 20 years old.
Zora Lynchfield is a mage that uses the holy magic attribute. Her magic is mainly defensive magic. Zora is 172cm in height, thin but we'll be endowed on her chest, has blond hair tied into a ponytail, green eyes, and a very attractive face. Zora has light armor mainly fabric and hide and has a red mage robe over her body. Her weapon is a sorcerer's conductor cane and she was several needle-thin knives that she uses to throw or stab her enemies, she is 23 years old.
Talfen Mercier is the oldest at the party but is full of experience as a swordsman. Talfen mainly uses two short swords to fight but also has a hidden dagger in the talons of his boots that he uses to stab enemies as he kicks. Talfen is very thin but has well-muscled arms and legs for an adventurer his age. Talfen is 179cm in height and has light blond hair that is already starting to grey out in some spots. He wore light armor to help him move as he stabs. Talfen is mainly speed-oriented when fighting. His age is 39 years old.
Morn Greenguard is a 28-year-old tank. He's 183cm tall, has red shoulder-length hair, is well built, and has green eyes. Morn wears heavy armor made from steel and ura shell which is very durable and hard. Morn uses a double-bladed axe and has a lively personality.
Milo Dawn is a 27-year-old archer. He has wide shoulders and a median-built slender body. He wears light armor to be able to move around freely while launching arrows. His arrows are inside a pouch that's strapped to his back. Milo uses a war bow but also carries a small hand axe to toss at enemies. Milo has short brown hair with a large ungroomed beard. He's 170cm in height.
The last member of the Horizon part is a woman named Eva Greenguard she is the sister of Morn and is 25 years old. She is a mage with Sword skills. She uses a Rapier that is able to conduct her explosion/fire magic. She has a voluptuous body full of curves that draws any man's attention. Morn is a very jealous sibling and keeps men away from her whenever they try to approach her. It might be because Morn has a sister complex or it might be because she believes in keeping her pure. Eva has long red hair that sways as she walks and wears revealing dragon bone armor that covers her whole body except her chest because of how big it is. Her breasts are covered by a skin-tight black fabric with thin braided chainmail for added protection. A crimson cloak covers her body protecting her from lower-tier magic and the weather.
Krynt stood up from the chair he'd been sitting on while patiently listening to Ron.
"My party will go ahead and get ready to attack."
Said Krynt in a monotoned deep voice.
"Wait! That's not part of the strategy. We have to attack together."
Argued Ron"
"Look...You guys can go ahead and do whatever you like, be the leader, I don't care and quite frankly it's of no concern to me. All I'm interested in is the battle. You see it's hard to find an opponent that we can go all out on."
Said Krynt.
"I can't stop you but the moment it becomes dangerous please retreat. We are trying to complete this operation with minimal casualties."
Suggested Ron.
Krynt briefly looked the room in the eyes and slightly nodded. Without a word, Krynt left the hall. His other party members naturally filled behind him. All who attended the hall had eyes on the horizon of party members as they left the hall and some of them were even trying to sneak a peak at Eva's chest. Ron noticed the behavior and slightly chucked to himself.
"Looks like no matter the situation men will be men huh"
Muttered Karen.
"Yeah...A bunch of perverts!"
Added Nola.
***************
6
Krynt and his party headed towards the barricades. Milo climbed the nearest lookout towers to have a better view of the undead. When Milo got to the top he was met by a common guard.
"You trying to get a look at the undead?"
Asked the guard.
"Yeah, I am. Trying to get an idea of what we're up against."
Said Milo as he turned to look at the undead.
"...."
"Damn! Those assholes really came in numbers. Looks like they've reached the catapult range. Go ahead and start using the catapults."
Suggested Milo while turning to look at the guard.
The guard nodded in agreement and shouted the order. One of the other guards in the tower blows on a horn to signal the attack. The signal was relayed as the other towers began to blow the horn. There isn't a particular order of command for the Common guard. They were just ordered to follow the adventurer's command by the guild. It was an odd situation since the guards were used to having a commander give out orders. As soon as the horns stopped blowing the adventurers that had been inside Melvin's manor started to come out. Serba Village was very busy and adventurers and guards were moving all over the place. Ron observed from the manors doorway and had a concerned look.
From the sky, Serba Village would no doubt look like an ant hill. Ron knew that everything was disorganized because of the lack of chain of command but he'd been trying everything he could for the past week. The guard was easier he thought. Adventurers just didn't function that way. Adventurers were just competing for glory. Parties were no different they just competed against other parties to see which one was the most known and who was at the top. Ron cleared his mind and made his way to the frontline with his party in tow.
"It's finally time."
Said Warren.
"Yeah ever happens let's all try to survive this so that we can go drink ale till we drop."
Added Nicholas.
"If it's you, Nicholas, just one will do it haha."
Teased Nola.
Karen had chuckled a bit at the teasing but soon became deep in thought. She was worried they'd missed something. She had thought about it for a while but she never put much thought into it. Why had the undead group in such a massive number? Why had no one noticed the horde until they had run into them? And why does it seem like the horde was done with a purpose in mind? These were questions Karen had thought about throughout the week but no matter how much she thought about it she just couldn't figure it out.
"Are you okay?"
Asked Nola as she nudged Karen.
"Y-Yes I'm just a little nervous about this battle that's all. Undead really freaks me out."
Confessed Karen.
"I know me too! Something about corpses and the smell is just horrible it lingers in your clothing! Yuck!"
Nola said with a look of disgust.
"If the battle doesn't go well retreat. Better to be alive and fight another day than die. Now let's get this battle over with."
Said Ron.
As the Stray dog's party approached the barricades they could see the horde of undead in the distance the horde spread out as far as the eye could see. The catapults had been loaded with large stones. The large stones were actually crimson ore. Crimson ore exploded with any type of impact. It was an unstable ore that had many strict handling rules, especially during transportation. It's not unheard of for carriages suddenly explode when transporting crimson ore. Crimson ore was quite expensive so large stones were also brought as projectiles to be launched by the catapults.
"Load them up! Hurry up lads load up those catapults already!"
Shouted a common guard.
"Finished loading!"
Shouted a common guard that manned the catapults.
"Loose!"
Shouted a common guard.
The catapults were lined up throughout the entire barricade that stretched nearly 1000 meters. The catapults were 6.1 meters long by 3.5 meters wide and it took 15 men to man each catapult. The catapults launched their projectile one by one. The crimson ore was sent flying into the air toward the undead horde. As the projectiles peaked in the sky they started to drop back down with the undead in range. The first strike created a massive explosion that sent undead flying in pieces.
Among the undead were humans, ogres, trolls, goblins, giants, orcs, and many more types of monsters and demi-humans. All fell victim to the undead and we're all rotting corpses. As more projectiles hit their mark the explosion rained fire and sent a shockwave that even reached Serba Village. The shockwave brought a draft of warm air but also the smell of the end. The people in Serba Village covered their nostrils in an attempt to block the foul smell of undead. The catapults had once again been loaded and launched once more. As the explosions rang out some adventurers and even common guard troops cheered to the fiery display. As the second round of projectiles hit the outcome was much the same. The undead could not be seen as the fire and clouds of dust and smoke created a wall that inhibited visibility.
"Did that get them all!?"
Asked Nola.
Everyone's heart sank after the undead escaped the smoke and once again became visible. Horses of undead poured out of the fire with high speed getting closer and closer to Serba Village.
"Damn! They're still alive!"
Shouted a Ron.
Serba village was full of commotion as the undead seemed unfazed by the barrage of attacks from the catapults. Soon it became clear as to the reason why the explosion didn't have a full effect.
"Elder lich!"
Shouted a guard from one of the lookout towers.
"Elder lich? Why are they here?"
Asked Warren.
The elder lich was also undead. Unlike regular undead, elder lich possessed the ability to use magic. Some say they are undead spawned from mages who seek dark magic. Others say they spawn from a deep desire for power. The Elder lich had cast multiple barriers across the undead ranks to prevent the projectiles from exploding on the ground. Many of the projectiles exploded in mid-air after colliding with the barriers erected by the elder lich. Most of the damage was nullified by the elder lich's barrier. Elder lich is tall and thin and surrounded by a black tattered robe. The cloak almost acts like its shadow as it levitates around. Since they are hooded you couldn't really see facial features but the teeth and gums were the now receded skin used to cover them.
As the catapults continued their attack the elder lich continued to provide barriers to reduce the damage all the meanwhile the horde kept advancing at the same pace. As the wave of undead came closer to Serba Village they finally came into arrow range. The common guard had lined up all along the barricade and stretched a line as the eye could see.
"Men! Prepare your bows!"
Shouted a guard.
The line of guards did as they were told and stretched their bows. All the while adventurers who also used bows as their weapons also readied their bows. Natural this included Nicholas Bowie from the stray dogs and Milos Dawn from Horizon.
"Loose!"
Yelled a guard.
The arrows covered the sky in a dark shadow as they soared high up blocking the sunlight in a similar fashion as an eclipse but it all ended as the arrows fell once more raining down on the horde of undead. A lot of the arrows were also infused with the magic cast by adventurers. Many of the arrows found their mark as the undead fell in large numbers. Though once more the elder lich provided barriers to keep the damage minimal. Some of the undead ranks had even put up shields to cover their heads from the arrows. The undead did not stop the march even for a second, as the attacks from the guards and adventurers continued. The undead that fell dead from arrows were just trampled over as the undead continued to run towards Serba Village.
Damn! The attacks aren't doing enough damage thanks to those elder liches!"
Shouted an adventure.
The outcry was mimicked by many who had thought the same.
"Mages! Prepare to fire magic! They've come into range!
Shouted Ron.
"They're also about to reach the traps we played out!"
Added Warren.
"Are you ready Nola?"
Said Karen.
"Yes! Let's do it."
Said, Nola.
Karen and Nola started to chant as they readied their magic. Karen was able to use different attack spells as she was an attack mage. Nola was different. Nola specialized in healing magic but healing magic acted oppositely toward the undead. Instead of healing the undead, it caused damage, similar in nature to holy magic. Magic had also joined in the attack against the undead. The combination of the catapults, archers, and mages started to show results as some of the elder liches had been struck by magic and consequently, the barriers had been broken. As soon as the barrier broke a catapult projectile hit a group of undead in the left flank. The result was complete destruction, to say the least. Hundreds of undead had been blown to pieces.
The adventurers and guards cheered on to the explosion but soon quieted as the undead flooded the gap that was left by the explosion.
"No! More elder lich appeared! Where did they come from?!"
Shouted Warren.
The elder lich reinforcements started their own barrage of magic attacks. Fireballs created by the undead had started to target the catapults. The first to be hit was a catapult near the center of the barricade that was set up in Serba Village. The explosion caused the catapult to explode. The explosion grew in power due to the crimson ore supplies that had been close by for the reloading of the catapult. Two of the guard exploded along with the catapult and three of them were injured by the debris that flew at them as they tried to escape. Three of the guards had managed to get away in time to escape unscratched.
"Any mage capable of forming barriers please protect the catapults."
Ordered Ron.
Not many mages learned barrier magic as many preferred attacks or healing magic. Barrier magic was also very difficult to learn since it required a large amount of mana. Nevertheless, a few mages had stepped up and one of them was a man named Randall Hayward from the Red Ember adventurers party. Randall was a well-built man about 188cm in height, with brown hair, and blue eyes, and looked to be around 30 years old. He wore light armor and a small blue cape hung on his back. Red Ember was a four-man party compromised of mostly black-ranked adventurers with the exception of their leader Randall being gold ranked.
Randell cast a barrier around two catapults as a fireball was about to destroy another catapult.
"Awesome! Two barriers cast at the same time, it's quite difficult."
Said Zora Lynchfield from the Horizon party.
"Show them how it's done, Zora."
Said Krynt as he quietly observed the fight.
Zora immediately chanted and produced six barriers at the same time. The other adventurers took notice and began muttering. Everyone knew how difficult it was to cast such high levels of barriers and people couldn't help but admire such magic.
Randall was dejected by Zora's display and just kept focused on keeping up the barriers.
The undead soon reached the traps that had been set by the adventurers. A lot of the traps were simple pit traps that had been dug by mages with magic. The undead fell to their death about 5 meters to spikes that immediately impaled the undead. Though the traps had been effective, the pits soon overfilled and the undead avoided them by either going around them or stepping on the undead that had overfilled the pits essentially becoming bridges over the deep pits for the undead that marched.
"Mages use fissures!"
Shouted Ron.
Many mages from different parties began to chant and soon massive fissures appeared on the ground in front of the marching undead causing many of the undead on the frontline to fall into the fissures. The fissures were about 8 meters wide and all stretched differently but essentially the fissures stopped the undead march. The undead halted movement as many on the frontline still fell inside the fissures, pushed by other undead behind. Soon the massive horde came to a complete stop much to the adventurer's delight.
Once again many cheered in Serba Village. For the first time, they had achieved stopping the wave of undead.
"We've stopped them, lads!"
Shouted a guard.
Ron observed and shouted orders to the guard.
"Continue your attacks do not let up. I want double the amount of arrows being launched!"
Shouted Ron.
The guards understood and continued to attack. The undead had started pointing shields above them and soon a wave of shields was raised to cover the arrows launched from Serba Village. All the while the elder lich once again cast barriers. Some of the elder liches started to move up to the Frontlines as several of the undead opened up a path for the elder lich.
"What are they up to now."
Muttered Ron.
"How did they learn to use tactics like that?"
Asked Nicholas Bowie.
"Huh?"
Nola had a look of confusion.
"It's true that undead never works so synchronized."
Added Warren.
"This isn't normal. Something most likely is behind all of this.
Answered Ron while staring at the undead."
Everyone who could hear Ron had turned to look at him but Ron didn't lose focus and continued staring at the undead horde. Almost like everyone had expected some sort of answer from Ron because not many had put much thought into the situation until it was pointed out. Not everyone had asked the question but had chosen to bury it deep in their minds. The question as to why the undead displayed behavior never before seen. Undead are dumb slow rotted monsters that never coordinate and are often disposed of quickly by adventurers even by new rookie adventurers.
The elder lich began preparing magic.
"Another attack!?"
Questioned an adventurer.
Everyone was keenly observing the undead.
The elder lich used frost magic but did not direct it towards Serba Village, instead, they had begun to freeze the ground building Bridges across the fissures on the ground.
"Mages more fissures! Don't let up. They're creating bridges across the fissures!"
Shouted Ron.
Despite the increase in response from Serba Village the undead had once again prevailed and continued marching towards the village. This continued for an hour and the people in Serba Village had begun to show signs of fatigue. The attack had started in the morning and had now lasted until passed mid-day. The ground in the village was littered with potion bottles. People started to use stamina potions to regain energy and mages used Mana potions to regain lost mana. Despite the endless attack that did not let up on the undead they continued to advance. The first of the undead had finally reached the barricades all across Serba village and close-up battles made an initiation. The guards began using their spears to impale the undead through holes that had been left on the barricade on purpose to allow spears to pierce the undead. The adventures joined in by using their swords to stab the undead.
"Finally time to show everyone what we can do."
Said Krynt.
Krynt and his part made their way out of the barricade.
"Hey, are you crazy? Going out into the frontlines alone?"
Asked a guard that had been close to the barricade.
"....."
"You guys going alone!?"
Asked Ron
"I told you didn't I? I'm doing things my own way."
Said Krynt.
"....."
"Anyone who's not a Coward and wants to get strong I suggest you follow our party and fight the ideas on the other side of the barriers it's the only way to get experience."
Said Krynt.
As the adventurers prepare to make an all-out offensive against the undead, five mysterious figures appeared from within the undead ranks. The figures appeared to have a suppressive aura and a dark feeling drowned everyone in Serba Village. The strangers got closer and closer revealing a strong killing intent that made the adventurers on edge.
**************
7
The courtyard was full of piles of the undead. The royal guards had stacked them in mounds to burn. The royal castle had suffered a big loss of personal. Many guards and servants that had been inside the castle during the undead's siege had died and become undead themselves.
"Is that the last of them?"
Said a palace royal guard.
"Yes. The third regiment finished collecting the undead from the servants sleeping quarters as well. We can go ahead and light it up."
Said a second royal guard.
"It's a shame really. You know that servant girl that attended to the flowers in the garden?"
asked the palace royal guard.
"You're talking about the small one with blond hair?"
Said the royal guard.
"Yes, that one. Well, I fancied her. I was going to ask if she wanted to have a picnic. She got killed by the undead. She's on the second mound wearing the white gown."
Said the palace royal guard as he pointed.
The two guards continued to talk as they poured oil on the mounds of the undead. One of the guards lit the mounds with a torch one by one. The corpses lit on fire right away creating black smoke. The fire raged as it continued to feed on the bodies. The smoke was visible from princess Marry Mauntell's chambers. The princess stood by her window looking at the burning mounds of the undead. Marry had been close with serval of the servants, especially a few girl servants that were close to her age. She'd sometimes chat with them as she strolled the garden in the mornings admiring the roses and the many flowers that had been planted in the royal garden. The hedges were planted in a way that formed a maze it wasn't a big maze but it was fun to stroll it. A doorknock interrupted her memory as she realized once again where she really was. Marry called out and asked who it was as she readied and walked towards her door. Usually, a servant would open the doors for her but the royal castle was seriously understaffed.
The guards were busier than ever and didn't have anyone to spare to guard her room.
"Hello princess, it me Layna Valenstien."
Said Layna.
Marry perked up as she opened her door. The door was much too heavy for Marry so she really had to put all her strength to open it up. When the door opened it revealed the beautiful Layna as she stood looking at Marry. It almost looked like the sun made her glow in a way that radiated her presence.
"I've come to announce my departure. Now that the castle is safe again there is no need for my presence. "
Said Layna.
"Once again we thank you for helping us defend against the undead."
Responded Marry.
Layna slightly bowed as a gesture of respect towards Merry but then met eyes with Marry once more.
"I've spoken to your father about this matter and I have been awarded an appropriate reward so there is no need for thanks."
Said Layna.
"Although I am fully aware that you are an adventurer and adventurers do things not out of the kindness of their hearts but for the reward, I'd still like to express my thanks."
Said Marry as she lowered her head to Layna.
Marry deeply admired Layna or maybe it was Layna's strength. Nevertheless Marry truly felt grateful that the undead had not killed her. Though Marry wondered how she could gain such strength. Marry had been seeking strength all her life so that she could become an adventurer. Since merry was the third princess she was not close to the line of succession. Though she would probably be married off to a lord that would help the royal family to gain more influence as her father had done with her elder sisters. Marry realized that if she were strong not even her father could force her hand into marriage. As Marry thought about this Layna caught on. As Layna turned to leave she stopped for a moment.
"If you seek strength, I suggest you study magic. It is a little too late to become a swordsman or an archer as warriors train at a very early stage in their lives but it could be that you possess a hidden latent ability in magic. Magic could lead to becoming a mage, enchanter, summoner, or even a healer. Although healers can't really defend themselves."
Said Layna as she turned her back to Marry.
"..."
"It could also be that you haven't got a talent for magic in that case I would suggest giving up on searching for strength."
Said Layna as she continued walking.
"....."
Marry couldn't respond but somehow a fire ignited inside her and her eyes reflected it.
*************
8
Layna was walking on the stone streets of Merribourne. She was on her way to her private residence. Platinum-ranked adventurers no longer had to worry about booking rooms at an Inn. It's not that Layna minded sleeping at an Inn but her own house was very convenient. The adventurers guild provided a house to any platinum-ranked adventurer as they were rare. It was a way for the guild to keep adventurers from moving to a different city or country. It was also part of the reason platinum-ranked adventurers were compensated quite generously by the guild.
"You done dealing with royalty?"
Asked Jane Singleton
Jane Singleton is a member of the Rose party. She has red hair and green eyes that shine. Jane is 176cm, slender, and wore a full set of red heavy armor. Her weapons were strapped on each of her hips. She uses two swords to fight.
"Where are the others?"
Asked Layna.
"They went to a nearby inn to get drinks and food. We've been underground for the past 3 years can't blame them."
Said Jane.
"Yes, a change of scenery is welcomed. Let's enjoy our free time while it lasts."
Saint Layna.
"You know we could've helped ya with the undead at the royal castle."
Saint Jane.
"They were just undead, nothing I couldn't handle."
Said Layna.
"You are a monster haha, kinda makes you feel bad for the undead."
Saint Jane.
"Surely you jest Jane."
Said Layna.
Layna looked back at the castle while she thought. Jane stared at Layna's back.
"I'm gone for three years and when I finally come back there's this mess with the undead I have to deal with. The royal army has gone soft."
Said Layna.
"You're right. Ever since they stopped employing adventurers to guard trouble seems to happen quite often."
Said Jane.
"In any case, it's not our place to meddle with the politics of the kingdom.
Answered Layna.
"On a side note, when are you going to find a man? It's been three years y'know."
Jane teased.
"Has there been any man that has risen to platinum rank yet?"
Asked Layna.
"I heard you still the only platinum rank in the kingdom."
Answered Jane.
"Then there is no man worthy of me."
Said Layna.
"But...I did hear rumors of a man who recently made platinum rank but I don't know if it's a trustworthy source. It might all be just baseless rumors."
Said Jane.
"Oh, where is this man?"
Said Layna.
"Blackthorn."
Answered Jane.
"If the rumor is true then I want to meet this man."
Said Layna.
While Layna and Jane were conversing they didn't notice the woman that was currently approaching them. The woman is 170cm in height, slender, with blond hair and blue eyes, and very attractive. The woman approaching is a receptionist at the Merribourne adventurers guild. The woman's name is Martha Banesir. As she approached in a hurried manner she looked unorganized and rushed.
"Um.... miss Layna The Rose."
Said Martha as she tried to get Layna's attention.
"The receptionist?"
Asked Jane.
"I'm glad I finally found you. We received word of your return and immediately came to search for you. We've received word that a horde of undead is currently headed towards Merribourne."
Said Martha.
"More undead?"
Asked Layna with a confused expression.
"The guild director is aware of the recent undead siege at the castle but this undead horde is currently being met at Serba Village by serval adventurers and two regiments of the common guard. I'm afraid it might not be enough to stop the horde. I'd like to request the help of The Roses."
Martha said while she bowed.
"Jane, get the others and tell them to get ready for battle. Martha, I expect a suitable reward for this request."
Said Layna.
"Yes, of course, the guild has prepared a reward. Thank you very much!"
Martha said.
Martha bowed one last time, turned around
And started to head back to the guild. Jane had left as soon as Layna had given her order. The sun had started to set and Layna looked up to the sky to see the deep orange that had taken over the sky as the sunset.
A man suitable for me has appeared. After this quest is completed I'll set off to Blackthorn and find this man.
To be continued...
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AUTHOR'S NOTE: It's been a while since I last updated, kinda been doing other projects but I really want to continue this project so I've recently set my focus back on Path Of A King. I really hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing it. I really appreciate any comments and please VOTE on the chapter as it lets me know how many people enjoyed it. It also gives me encouragement to continue writing. Thank you! For continuing reading my work. The next update will return to Hiroki in a chapter called The Rescue. This chapter will continue on Merribourne Act III. Happy holidays!!
-Jorge Duenas
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