As morning broke, the seriousness was evident on the faces of the soldiers throughout the palace, yet their readiness for the journey ahead was equally apparent.
Arthur, having prepared early, was now in the stables, affectionately petting his stag mount, Casa, a magnificent creature with a pure red coat.
"Sorry, Casa. We won't be hunting today," he said apologetically to the stag, knowing he would not be using it for his separate mission.
From his vantage point, Arthur could see Erica offering encouragement to Artemis.
She assured him of his capability to fulfill his mission at Lion's Gate as a Chyrum. Artemis, in response, vowed to do his utmost.
Shortly after, King Dwight emerged from the throne room, followed by his fully armored soldiers, ready for the mission.
He signaled for Artemis to join him, and Artemis promptly complied, approaching his father.
From her position, Erica spotted Arthur at the stables. She waved at him and called out, wishing him good luck.
This gesture of support from Erica was a small yet significant morale boost for Arthur as he prepared for the challenges ahead.
The departure scene was filled with a sense of solemnity and purpose. The King and his entourage, including Artemis, were embarking on a mission crucial to the kingdom's safety and stability, while Arthur had his own important task to accomplish.
The air was charged with determination and the unspoken understanding of the risks and responsibilities each of them carried.
With all the preparations complete, a resounding blast of horns sounded from the soldiers, signaling the King's imminent departure for his mission.
Mounted on their majestic stags, with Artemis at his right and Commander Lord Van at his left, King Dwight Braveheart was ready to lead.
"Friends! We ride for Lion's Gate! May the Blessing of the Stars go with us!" he proclaimed, his voice strong and encouraging, inspiring his comrades for the journey ahead.
"And the Vanguards of the Leo's Flame forevermore!" the soldiers responded in unison, their Warcry echoing through the air.
They raised their hands high, filled with pride and courage for their mission, holding aloft the kingdom's flag emblazoned with its emblem.
This moment was not just a departure; it was a powerful display of unity, determination, and loyalty to their kingdom and its ideals.
The collective spirit of the King and his soldiers, their shared resolve, and the symbolism of their actions spoke volumes about the values and strength of the kingdom of Chyros Desi.
Approached by two soldiers who bowed before him, Arthur was informed that they were assigned to accompany him on his separate mission. They expressed their readiness to depart immediately.
"May I say what an honor it is to serve alongside you," one of the soldiers addressed Arthur. In return, Arthur shook their hands, showing respect for their bravery in joining a mission fraught with uncertainty and danger.
Arthur emphasized that their task was more than just a mere investigation, especially if they confirmed the presence of numerous beastmen in the marshes.
He knew that beastmen were fierce adversaries; underestimating them could lead to defeat, so caution was paramount.
"Sir Luis, Sir Troy, let us do our duty," Arthur finally said, signaling the start of their mission.
With a sense of solemn commitment, the trio set off, prepared to face the challenges that awaited them in the marshes.
--- Marshes, Near border of Chyros Desi
As they arrived at the marshes, Arthur and his companions were greeted by a foreboding environment.
The area was dark, with fallen trees and muddy grounds, emitting a musty, unpleasant odor. They proceeded cautiously, constantly vigilant for any signs of danger.
"Keep your eyes open for those beastmen. The reports place them in this area," Arthur reminded Sir Luis and Sir Troy as they navigated the challenging swampy terrain. His leadership and alertness were crucial in such a potentially perilous situation.
Upon entering the plague-ravaged area, the desolation was starkly apparent to Arthur and his companions.
The surroundings were visibly consumed by the plague, with abandoned houses dotting the landscape, a clear sign that the inhabitants had evacuated to escape the spreading calamity.
When they reached the old village in the marshes, formerly known as Lis Village, Sir Troy took the lead to warn Arthur upon spotting a group of beastmen nearby.
These creatures looked ravenous, scavenging through the debris in search of food.
Arthur and his team unsheathed their weapons, preparing for a potential confrontation.
They positioned themselves strategically, planning to ambush the beastmen. However, the plan was unexpectedly jeopardized when Sir Luis accidentally stepped on a twig.
Though the sound was not very loud, the beastmen, with their acute hearing, were instantly alerted to their presence.
As the beastmen charged, armed with their rusted axes, Arthur realized this was his moment to prove his mettle.
Without hesitation or fear, he dashed forward, sword in hand, and confronted one of the beastmen head-on.
Demonstrating a formidable combination of swordsmanship and magic from the Chyrum's blessing, Arthur exhibited exceptional combat skills. In a swift and decisive action, he managed to vanquish the surrounding beastmen.
Meanwhile, Sir Luis and Sir Troy worked together to take down a single beastman. The contrast between Arthur's efficiency and the struggle of his companions highlighted his advanced combat abilities and his potential as a leader and warrior.
This encounter not only tested their physical prowess but also showcased Arthur's growth and development