--- ??? ---
Hello, I am Chris.
A simple noble, quite average in power and status...
Yeah, it's just that the current situation isn't exactly one to dive deep into explanations.
"Chris-sama! Your orders—Argh!" The agonized scream was abruptly cut short as one of my men was ruthlessly dismembered before my eyes, his arms severed with a sickening slash as liters of blood bathed the surroundings.
But that wasn't all.
"Chris-sama!!" Another soldier cried out, his body wracked with gashes and wounds. "Help us, please...!" The desperate plea hung in the air as more of my men were cut down in one way or another with frightening ease by the relentless Shadows.
I gritted my teeth, the metallic stench of blood overwhelming my senses and churning my stomach.
All around me, soldiers were being cut up to pieces, their bodies mangled and broken.
It was a scene straight out of a nightmare.
How could this be happening? How could these Shadows be so fucking strong?
With our numbers and a plethora of trump cards at our disposal, along with the legendary Knights of Rounds personally overseeing this war, I anticipated this mission to be a breeze.
I figured I could capitalize on the chaos of war to reap substantial rewards while minimizing my exposure to danger.
I wasn't aiming to steal all the credit or anything; I was just an average guy caught up in this insane Cult.
However, everything took a nosedive the moment the crazy Demon Duo showed up.
My entire strategy relied on the assumption that the Knights of Rounds would easily navigate the battlefield and engage in combat. So, when I sensed a sudden surge of immense Magical Power enveloping them, erecting a barrier far beyond anything normal, it felt like being forced to eat shit!
Even though I knew they weren't dead, what did it matter?
The heavyweights were effectively sealed away.
Left in their absence, what were we but a flock of sheep without our shepherds?
I instantly realized it.
We were cooked!
For that reason, I immediately gave up and wanted to run away, but before I could go far, I swear I could feel someone mocking me as another barrier was created, this time to deal with us.
I didn't have the time to react, didn't have the strength to deal with the situation, nor did I foolishly think I would be able to do shit.
...Ah, this is how I die.
"Fuck."
Instead of facing off against the powerful Demon or the elite Shadows we were trained to fear, only regular Shadows were sent to confront us.
Despite the odds, a glimmer of hope flickered within me. Once ignited, even that tiny, small flame is hard to extinguish.
Just as I had resigned myself to death, I found the resolve to fight again, fueled by the slightest chance of survival.
I didn't know their intentions, but if I could hold out until the four Knights returned, perhaps...
Perhaps there was a chance.
And that was all I needed.
I've always understood that death could come for me at any moment, as easily as taking a sip of water.
It's a concept I've grown accustomed to, and it doesn't stir much emotion within me anymore.
If my luck happens to run out, then so be it.
But if it holds...
I'll take the chance and turn it in my favor.
--- Alpha ---
"...Feeling threatened, huh?"
Fray's words pulled my attention away from the chaos unfolding within the barrier, prompting me to look at him.
"Yeah, a little," I admitted without hesitation.
It was undeniable.
Just glancing at the sword in her hand set off a subtle alarm in my senses.
That weapon was dangerous.
"But isn't it the same for you? No, perhaps that weapon could be an even bigger danger for you."
Even if you are married and all, that doesn't really mean you cannot feel the force behind that weapon.
Love is blind, but so is instinct.
It's a weapon designed to kill beings like us, after all.
If we had to make an analogy, it's like facing a holy sword as a demon.
But... I was wrong.
He chuckled as if I had said something amusing.
"No, I don't feel that way at all. The stronger her sword becomes, the more confident I am that she will be able to stand on her own in the future," he said with a gentle stare, his words leaving little room for interpretation.
Initially doubtful, witnessing her capabilities combined with his words...
He didn't place her inside that barrier alone without reason.
Maybe he wants her to become more accustomed to fighting on her own, without relying on him. Or perhaps there's some deeper reason behind his actions.
But whatever it is, I won't go out of my way to ask.
If it were my concern, he'd share the details with me.
Since it's not, I won't pry.
After all this time, I trust him enough that I don't necessarily need such explanations.
"Is it time for us to take action?"
Fray quickly erected a barrier around Alexia and the Knights of Rounds, but it wasn't the only one. Soon after, he created another barrier, this time containing the remaining members of the Cult of Diablos.
Inside, our task was clear: eliminate as many cultists as possible. However, with their large army, it would take some time to accomplish this goal, considering their overwhelming numerical advantage.
Each member of Shadow Garden can handle more than five of those cultists simultaneously on average. However, even with such impressive capabilities, we can't rely solely on them to handle the situation. Everyone has their limits, especially when it comes to stamina.
So, why haven't we, the Seven Shadows, intervened yet? It's because we're anticipating the arrival of the Cult Leaders.
Until they make their move, we'll conserve our strength. This way, we'll be prepared to deal with any unforeseen variables swiftly and effectively.
Initially, Delta was resistant to the plan, eager to charge into the enemy army as usual. However, upon learning that the plan was devised by Fray, she unexpectedly complied without hesitation.
I was relieved that she was easily persuaded, at least. While some voiced opposition, they didn't escalate the situation further. Once the leader causing the disagreement acquiesced, the others followed suit.
Despite being unaware of it, Delta has garnered considerable support from many within our ranks, so her stance actually has a really big impact...
"Yes, you can continue to lead as Commander as usual. Your presence will boost our troops' morale while undermining the Cult's confidence, especially since their leaders are nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile, I'll remain on high alert. The moment one of them shows up..."
We'll destroy them before they can even introduce themselves.
I like that.
"...I'll go now."
There wasn't much need for further discussion. We understood each other's intentions well enough after all this time.
With that, I stepped into the second barrier, channeling my Magical Power in a way that would signal to anyone within that a formidable force was about to descend upon them.
---
Author's Note:
Chris: Ok, now I am cooked for real
This chapter is setting the boss fight mood.
We're getting closer and closer to the end!
Can't believe it's really happening...
Let me cook, you will not be disappointed.
Thanks for anyone who is still here with me :)