This was a red demon prince, towering five to six meters tall, with massive wings, wielding a huge battle axe, and adorned with countless skulls, emitting a roar of despair.
"Father, Father!!!" The ascended fallen being seemed unable to speak coherently, merely repeating "father" even as it faced defeat under the combined assault of the Emperor and Jonson, bearing several grievous wounds and having lost an arm.
It persisted in its despair.
Yet, against the pincer attack of the Emperor and Jonson, it inevitably couldn't escape defeat. The towering figure was pierced through the chest by the Emperor's greatsword and Jonson's blade, the ascended fallen being collapsing thunderously. Its material form began to dissipate, its soul and chaotic energy about to return to the warp.
"Hurry up! Chaos has sensed my return!" The Emperor extended his hand, and his immense power created a colossal storm sweeping through the warp, forcibly pulling the demon's soul and chaotic essence from the warp.
The stars trembled.
Only the most powerful being of humanity could perform such a miracle.
"What do we do next, Father?" Jonson, having sustained minor injuries which were insignificant for a primarch and would heal in a day or two, asked.
"Now, it's time to purify this one, Leon, gather your men, we leave!"
"Retreat! Retreat!"
...
Mid-April, Brittany, Duchy of Winfort, Helenshield.
Grail Knight Ryan led the victorious knights back into the city, their spirits high with carts full of spoils of war and bandit heads.
In seven days, five bandit strongholds were eradicated.
Though not completely eradicating the bandit problem, it likely relieved the Duke of Winfort of headaches for a while.
During these days, Winfort's knights witnessed what was called ferocity.
All bandit strongholds fell to Ryan's initial solo charge, rendering the bandits' ranged weapons ineffective against the Grail Knight. Ryan would then use his griffin warhammer to break doors or even walls, eliminating the defenders' advantage, allowing the dismounted knights to follow and kill.
Wood, stone, or even iron doors, Ryan shattered them all.
Violent, simple, direct, and effective, this tactic led to continuous victories, with the bandits standing no chance in close combat against the knights.
On their way into the city, many minstrels were already recounting Ryan's series of glorious deeds, including single-handedly defeating a doom bull, winning the champions' duel, uncovering the Veiled Syndicate's schemes, killing the champion of Nurglitch, and slaying two greenskin warlords and a two-footed dragon.
These tales didn't yet include his latest exploits against the bandits, as poets and playwrights had not yet composed new works about these events.
Flowers and applause were lavished on the triumphant knights, causing many young ranger knights to feel somewhat elated, though they recognized that without Ryan, victory wouldn't have been so easy, preventing any untoward behavior.
Their pride was rather superficial.
On the way back to the castle, Sulia, walking alongside Ryan, sighed, "Too easy, Lord Ryan. You've fostered their pride, making them oblivious to the true nature of war. Not every battle will have a powerful Grail Knight like you easily breaking through walls and doors, giving them a chance at close combat. This makes them think war is too simple."
Ryan felt the duke's daughter was somewhat critical of the reckless and passionate nature of Brittany's young ranger knights, so he smiled, "It was too easy for me as well, Miss Sulia. My duty is to eliminate these bandits, not to train these ranger knights."
The female knight's eyes sparkled, wanting to continue this topic, but Ryan had already moved on, "Speaking of which... Ulric hasn't married yet, has he? He's 26 now, right? Hasn't anyone introduced him to someone?"
"Brother... many have been introduced, but he hasn't found anyone satisfactory, and he's not in a hurry," Sulia replied, "Since Brother and Lord Ryan are in similar situations, I suppose you can understand."
Ryan indeed understood, as both he and Julius were legendary-tier powerhouses, unlikely to age before reaching a hundred, making delayed marriage not a significant issue. If they hadn't found someone satisfactory, they could afford to wait.
For example, his godfather Ivan married near fifty.
Inside the pavilion of Helenshield's Winfort Duke Castle, François was conversing with a middle-aged man, around fifty, dressed exquisitely in a count's satin attire, leaning on a gentleman's cane.
He was Ryan's nominal superior, Marquis Connolly-Ascot.
The two sitting together made the duke appear even younger.
"So formidable, seven days, five bandit lairs," the marquis voiced his frustration and admiration, "My knights have tried several times without success, forcing me to hold funerals for the unlucky ones."
"The champion of the Lady managed it with just a few young men," François looked up, his eyes full of wisdom, "I plan to have him train the duchy's young men."
"You want to hire him as a ranger knight instructor?" Connolly's eyes lit up, being a kingdom knight of only elite beginner level and not proficient in military matters, his leadership often led to more defeats than victories.
"And you don't find him impressive? He's only twenty-five," François watched Ryan's composed demeanor, suddenly smiling, "At this age, young ranger knights are usually filled with bloodthirsty fantasies or lost in luxurious indulgence. Am I right?"
"You always see things so deeply, François," Connolly watched Ryan, "Do you think he'll agree?"
"He will. He's yet to establish his foundation and needs to build his team. He won't refuse my help now. By the time he rises, it'll be too late for us to offer support," the duke tapped his ring-adorned finger on the marble table, "Moreover, I have a premonition that a great change is coming to the Knight Kingdom. Don't you think, after centuries, Brittany is starting to decline?"
"You always worry too much, my duke, but... perhaps you're right," Connolly tapped his cane, "This year's famine arrived earlier than before. It's only April, and already many serfs from neighboring duchies are seeking refuge at our borders, especially from Paravon and Bordeleaux."
"Theodoric has been fighting invaders from Estalia for over two years now, Bordeleaux is exhausted... with three baronies and many castles fallen to the enemy. If I'm not mistaken, this war will continue for a long time," Duke Winfort was always observant of the surrounding situation, having a clear understanding of current affairs, "As for Kasravan? He deserves it! Paravon's barren lands, mostly mountains, rely on fragmented poor soil and tariffs. Yet, he insists on maintaining a full Pegasus Knight regiment. He's mad."
"High taxes and labor services are nearly breaking the serfs, and many knightly families can't afford full knightly equipment for their young," Connolly added, "Perhaps one day we'll face the same problem."
"The kingdom needs change, but it's fraught with difficulties. Vampires lurk in our land, knights can't lower their lances. From Bordeleaux in the south to Leoness in the north, serf uprisings are becoming more frequent. We need to carefully find solutions... especially when our relations with neighbors are strained," François frowned, pondering the prosperous yet troubled Helenshield.
Winfort's relations with its neighbors were tense, setting a sevenths tax rate (70% after basic food deductions) much lower than surrounding dukes, causing friction with other dukes except the friendly Bastonne in the north.
Unaware of the discussions about him, Grail Knight Ryan entered the castle, introduced to Marquis Connolly-Ascot by the duke, "Hello, my lord Marquis."
"Hello, champion of the Lady, Ryan Macado," Connolly greeted warmly.
After a brief meeting with the duke and marquis, Ryan excused himself, "My duke, please allow me to return to my domain."
"Won't you stay a bit longer? I've arranged a banquet, and Connolly will join," François seemed genuinely keen on having Ryan join the banquet, "You might meet many new friends there."
"Sorry, I must attend to matters in Jean. I'll definitely join next time," Ryan politely declined the duke's invitation, indicating he had other commitments.
Just arriving at his domain, Ryan had many tasks to attend to, and his request wasn't unreasonable. As a Grail Knight, Ryan had his independence, and François didn't insist further, "Then don't rush off. Let's have a drink first."
Ryan obliged, changing from his armor to baronial attire, thanks to his spatial ring, making the process swift.
Shortly, they returned to the pavilion, where the duke inquired about Ryan's domain, "Any difficulties with your domain's construction? Need my help?"
"My duke, I need a steward. Do you have any recommendations?" Ryan saw an opportunity to request assistance.
He knew Winfort had many idle noble youths, and his domain needed staff. Gasparton was an excellent tax officer, but Ryan didn't want to overburden him, seeking the duke's recommendation for capable personnel.
"A steward? What level do you need, my baron?" François considered suitable candidates from his court, "Do you need someone to manage your castle, or someone who can assist you with various matters?"
The female knight focused on Ryan.
"I hope for a versatile steward who can share my responsibilities," Ryan answered, seeking a more exceptional talent than just a castle manager.
"Many are willing to serve the champion of the Lady and Grail Knight, but given your request, maybe Kasenberg suits you... Summon Kasenberg!" François ordered his attendant warmly.
A tall, slim, bald young man approached, appearing under thirty, dressed neatly, though Ryan noticed his clothes were slightly worn.
"My duke, you called?"
"Ryan, Kasenberg is one of the most outstanding courtier candidates I've seen in recent years. He comes from a distinguished knightly family and is an excellent knight himself. Besides, Kasenberg excelled in all courtier courses at Winfort Academy. He can be your right-hand man for any matter, big or small, in your domain," François introduced Kasenberg's background, then smiled, "Unfortunately, I can't provide him the opportunity to flourish."
The young man immediately understood, his eyes shining with anticipation.
Serving Ryan, the Lady's chosen champion and Grail Knight, was an unparalleled honor.
Ryan, noting Kasenberg's sharp features and bald head, felt he was a capable individual. Trusting the duke, a Grail Knight himself, Ryan was satisfied with the recommendation, though he joked, "My duke, only one option? That's not very good, is it?"
"I have other candidates, but I believe Kasenberg will meet your needs. Let's do this," François pondered, then continued, "Try Kasenberg for a while and see how it goes. If you're unsatisfied, I can recommend someone else."
"That sounds like a plan, but about his salary..." Ryan seemed to accept the suggestion but hesitated.
"Ah, a shrewd champion!" The duke laughed heartily, pointing at Ryan, "Now I see why you're so exceptional. Others your age wouldn't think this far, only coming to me to complain after being swindled by merchants."
"Okay, how about this: for two years, I'll cover his salary. How's that?"
"That's the best outcome, thank you, my duke," Ryan, satisfied, smiled cunningly, his handsome face full of guile. The duke, sitting opposite, smiled meaningfully, his eyes revealing wisdom and praise.
Marquis Ascot and the duke's daughter smiled knowingly.
A match between an old fox and a young fox.
Last day of the month, seeking votes!
Note: The protagonist's power armor is neither backpack-powered nor feedback-powered. As mentioned, it's psyker-driven.
___________________
(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)
If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters
Read Ahead
Patreon.com/INNIT