Once the settling dust and dissipating smoke revealed the aftermath of the explosion, a cohort of figures clad in menacing black uniforms surged forth from the stage area.
Their sudden and ferocious attack caught the knights off guard, plunging the noble assembly into turmoil as fear rippled through their ranks.
"Take down these knights! The nobles are defenseless against us!" The authoritative command bellowed from a figure positioned at the rear of the attackers, signaling his leadership role.
Despite the careful preparations and the presence of skilled mercenaries and knights, the assailants' martial prowess and unique combat techniques threw the defenders into disarray.
The unfamiliar swordplay, unlike anything they had encountered before, placed the defenders at a distinct disadvantage. The attackers exhibited a mastery of techniques seemingly drawn from a realm beyond their own.
In the midst of the tumultuous battle, the attackers relentlessly pressed forward, seeking to breach the defenses and strike down the noble attendees. The knights valiantly maintained their formation, working in unison to protect those under their charge.
Each clash of swords and every parry were executed with precision, a testament to their rigorous training and unwavering dedication.
Amidst the chaos, Adrian's voice rang out, cutting through the din of battle. "Damian! Seek out the crowned prince! He may be sheltered behind the stage area." Adrian's words carried a sense of urgency as he continued to fend off an assailant with deft maneuvers.
Even though the Crown Prince has already been assigned several bodyguards and personal knights, upon assessing the situation on the battlefield, he is well aware that his current escort would be no match for the members of the Chaos Order. He knows that someone must attend to him immediately to protect him from any danger.
"Are you sure about this, father?" Damian's voice conveyed a mix of concern and determination as he skillfully navigated his own combat exchange, his sword meeting that of his opponent in a symphony of steel.
"I have faith in your abilities, my son. I will hold the line here. Now, go!" Adrian's command resonated with unwavering trust as he deflected a series of strikes with calculated finesse.
The conviction in his voice propelled Damian to decisively dispatch his immediate foe before hastening toward the stage area.
Aware of the uncertain situation that might have befallen the crowned prince, Damian's agile form blurred as he expertly engaged with and neutralized attackers along his path.
His honed swordsmanship and tactical prowess ensured that most ordinary chaos order fighters posed no insurmountable challenge to him.
As Damian arrived at the crown prince's resting quarters, a grim scene of carnage unfolded before his eyes. Numerous knights lay sprawled in pools of crimson, their lifeblood staining the ground beneath them. In the aftermath of the brutal combat, some had lost limbs, their sacrifice a testament to the intensity of the battle.
Pressing forward, Damian's eyes fell upon the crown prince, a figure of regal stature who now clutched his sword with trembling hands. The prince's once-confident demeanor had given way to a palpable unease, his battle stance faltering as fear coursed through his veins.
Surrounded by fallen comrades, the prince faced the onslaught of chaos order members alone, his determination warring against the odds stacked against him.
As Damian advanced closer, his presence offering a glimmer of hope in the midst of despair, a member of the chaos order sneered at the crown prince. The malicious laughter that echoed from the assailant's lips reverberated through the tense atmosphere.
"Why resist, your highness? Surrender, and your fate will be swift and merciful," the chaos member taunted, his words a sinister melody that danced upon the air.
The crown prince's response was laden with a mixture of rage and terror, his voice shaking as he spat back a retort. "I'll never yield to the likes of you!"
With a dismissive wave, the apparent leader of the assailants granted his subordinates permission to engage the crown prince. "Very well, have your fun. I shall attend to matters outside."
The leader began to turn away, his confidence palpable. However, the swift and sharp sound of a blade slicing through the air halted his retreat. His head snapped back in alarm, a realization dawning upon him too late.
A figure with golden hair and piercing red eyes had materialized behind the chaos leader. Blood adorned his attire, evidence of his recent skirmishes.
The chaos members who had been moments from delivering the final blow to the crown prince now lay lifeless at his feet, their throats expertly slashed in a single, lethal motion.
With a voice that resonated with both authority and concern, Damian addressed the crown prince, his question carrying a weight of sincerity. "Are you harmed, your highness?"
The crown prince's eyes widened in disbelief and relief as he beheld his unexpected savior. A mixture of gratitude and astonishment colored his voice as he responded, "I... I am unharmed, thanks to you."
"Wait… aren't you Damian Ornstein?" the leader inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity.
"Isn't that painfully obvious? Are you lacking in basic observation skills?" Damian retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm, a response that clearly irked the leader, evident in the slight crease of his brow.
"Do you truly believe that dispatching a few of my men grants you the authority to challenge me?" The man before Damian drew his sword, the blade gleaming as it sliced through the air.
A potent energy emanated from the weapon, resonating with a quality similar to Damian's own demonic aura. However, it was a distinct cultivation of Qi energy, a rarity in a realm dominated by traditional mana manipulation practiced by knights and mages.
"My Master has given explicit instructions not to end your life, but he said nothing about leaving you unscathed. I shall strip you of every limb before presenting you to him," the man declared, his tone a chilling blend of malice and promise.
Damian's instincts screamed at him, warning of the impending danger that emanated from this formidable adversary. He understood that this was no ordinary fighter; his opponent possessed a level of strength that surpassed any he had encountered before.
A sense of unease settled in Damian's chest, a realization that he was about to engage in a battle that would test every fiber of his being.
With a cool confidence that belied his internal concerns, Damian shot back, his words laden with underlying tension. "Let's see, who's going to beat who shall we? "
A flicker of slyness danced in Damian's eyes, but beneath his composed exterior, he grappled with a growing apprehension. The clash that awaited him was unlike any he had faced before, and he was ready to brace himself for the formidable challenge ahead.