As the newly formed Nightshade Guild, Konami, Xander and Vladimir were walking through the streets of the city, with their destination being the Eastern library.
Konami was excited and eager to finally visit the tower after so many detours and obstacles in his journey.
"We're finally here," Konami exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"Don't jinx it, Konami," Xander warned. "The road here was far from easy."
Just as the words left Xander's mouth, a loud explosion shook the city. The trio rushed to the source of the explosion and found themselves at the town square.
The city had been overrun by invaders and a fierce battle was taking place between the royal guards and the intruders.
"Citizens of Legard," a man dressed in red armor shouted, standing in the middle of the chaos. "I am General Gantala of the Korre Empire, and I hereby declare the immediate ban of all relics and the execution of relic users and their supporters, starting with your king."
Beside the General stood two knights also clad in red armor, their presence only serving to reinforce his authority and power.
The citizens of Legard were panicking, running in all directions as the General continued his speech.
"People believed that it was these accursed relics that saved us centuries ago," General Gantala proclaimed, his voice echoing through the town square.
"They were quick to forget that these same relics came from the very portals that the Akashic beasts emerged from. Nothing good would have come from them. Unless you repent, humanity will be at the brink of destruction again very soon."
"And there you have it," Xander let out a sigh, a look of disbelief etched on his face as he facepalmed.
"You just had to jinx it, didn't ya?" Konami couldn't help but laugh sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head, feeling embarrassed.
Amidst the chaos, a group of adventurers had gathered, revolting against the General.
"We knew of the risks when we bonded with our relics, and nobody can take them away from us!" one of the adventurers yelled, brandishing their relic.
Gantala and his subordinates were surrounded, with no way out. The adventurers were determined to protect their relics and their way of life. "You have no business here," another adventurer declared, stepping forward to lead the charge.
However, just as the adventurers were about to attack, General Gantala stopped his subordinates from taking any action. He wanted to give the adventurers a demonstration of Korre's power.
With a flick of his wrist, Gantala unleashed a burst of aura, so powerful that it nearly engulfed the entire area.
The force of the aura was so intense that some of the buildings crumbled under its weight, and the royal knights were blown away like leaves in the wind.
The adventurers who were closest to the general started bleeding from their eye sockets, writhing in agony on the ground.
Xander, Konami, and Vladimir watched from a safe distance, feeling the pressure of Gantala's aura even from there. "Incredible," Xander whispered, feeling a mixture of awe and fear.
"Such power…" Konami added, also in awe.
"This man is one of the 5 generals of Korre, warriors said to be as strong as the 12 Argents," Vladimir explained, knowing the true extent of Gantala's power. "He won't be an easy opponent, even if we fought together"
Konami knew very well what Vladimir's words entailed, as his father and grandfather are one of the 12 Argents.
One by one, the adventurers fell to the ground, begging for their lives. General Gantala stood tall, surveying the scene with a look of superiority.
"Humanity's one and only power should have been anima, a strength that was born by our will to survive, and not these accursed relics!" Gantala declared, his voice ringing through the city. "I will rid this world of the evil of the cursed artifacts."
The sight of the once proud adventurers begging for mercy was a stark contrast to the power and might that Gantala exuded.
The aftermath of the powerful aura burst left only the nightshade guild, who were positioned at a safe distance, and the invaders standing.
Gantala surveyed the scene with a smirk on his face, he was satisfied with his display of power. His smirk faded as he spots the Nightshade guild.
"You three are adventurers as well, the profession that supports this blasphemous power the most. I can sense the presence of relics in all of you, two dormant relics and one awakened," Gantala said, his voice deep and menacing.
Xander felt a lump form in his throat. "Please tell me this is the part where we turn tails and run," he muttered.
But Konami and Vladimir had different plans. They shared a look and grinned. Without warning, Vladimir grabbed Xander and tossed him onto the roof of a nearby building.
"What are you bastards thinking!? You will get yourselves killed," Xander yelled.
"Xander, what will happen to the eastern library if these invaders win?" Konami asked, his voice serious.
Xander knew exactly what he was referring to. The invaders, who claimed to hate everything related to relics, would stop at nothing to destroy the library and all its records.
Konami's aura swirled around him, a chaotic representation of his determination. "Nothing, and I mean nothing, will get in the way of my- no, our adventure. Sit there and watch as I send these punks packing," he said, his voice firm.
Vladimir, the red slayer, couldn't contain his excitement. He was ready for a fight.
Xander was in awe of his guild mates. "These two really are monsters," he thought to himself before letting out a faint sigh.
"I am probably going to end up 6 feet under after this, but…" He jumped from the roof and landed beside Konami, pulling out his fencing sword and gazing annoyingly at the assassin.
"I said I wanted to be stronger, so I'll use this opportunity to get some pointers from the two of you," he said, a smile spreading across his face.
Gantala watched the trio approach him with amusement. "Even after witnessing my Solemn aura burst, you still oppose me?" he asked, his tone mocking.
Konami conjured his shadow daggers. "Blah, blah, blah. Let's fight already,"