The sound of clashing steel could be heard from the far as the sand rose up from that direction. The scorching sun heated soldiers under its powerful light as many felt dizzy but none of them dared to lose their focus for a minute because that meant death for them.
Marcus slashed his sword down, bringing blood on its blade. He relentlessly slashed his sword to protect his people while slowly retreating back with them. However, his stamina was draining much faster due to his age and position. He wasn't in his prime, he was getting old and his strength was merely a fraction of his youth.
" Ugh*"
One of the soldiers slashed his leg as Marcus knelt on the ground. The paladins who saw this scene, surrounded him while protecting him from harm.
" Old man, get up. We are going to die at this rate!"
Gabriella tried to pull him up but Marcus was too injured. His knees were already bad and this injury made this worse despite not being serious. He knew his leg would give out eventually, so he decided to do his last prayer.
" Oh merciful lord, guide me to your kingdom. For I am your lost lamb."
He motioned Gabriella to go while pushing the paladins around. Hasan seemed to understand his thoughts as he gestured for his men to hurry up.
" Brave warrior of Roma, be proud of yourself. You are in front of one of the strongest men on this planet."
A giant man came before him with a big mace. Unlike others his skin was dark and he had a huge body which was covered in muscles.
" A Southerner? I never thought I would meet a big warrior like you. Guess, old age comes with some privilege."
Marcus tore off his remaining armor, only standing with his normal clothes and sword. The blood dripped from his wound but he didn't show any discomfort.
" Leave! Leave this man to me. I will enjoy this."
The tall black man swung his mace to Marcus who barely dodged it with his one leg. The sand scattered around them as it showed how powerful his blow was in the first place.
The black man didn't hesitate to attack, continuously bombarding him with heavy blows. Each blow was earth-shattering and Marcus who was bleeding got dizzier and dizzier.
The ground was tainted with blood and nobody was able to help him while he singlehandedly blocked this man.
Marcus felt his vision was getting hazy, and he was getting more sluggish. He gritted his teeth, knowing his end was near.
" Come on."
He didn't hesitate anymore, looking at the incoming mace with a calm face. He had to face this power since he had no more strength and he had to take it.
" Ugh*"
The cracking sound of his bones reached his ears, the sweet and metallic taste of blood washed his mouth, yet he remained firm.
His hand grabbed the wrist of the man while he climbed it. He pushed his very limit of human, jumping to the height where he reached his goal.
" Die!"
With a single swift move, his sword cleaved through the neck of his enemy and he fell to the ground with heavy bleeding. The enemy soldiers were surprised to see their infamous warrior fall into the hand of an old man but nevertheless, they couldn't deny it.
" Die, monster!"
The soldiers shouted in Persian, stabbing him with his swords. Marcus didn't utter a single word, looking at the sky with a calm face.
The rhythmic beat of flesh tearing made his way to the brain but Marcus felt no pain. All he felt was worry and guilt for helping his men. He knew this would happen yet he foolishly jumped in the pit. What a helpless man he was.
" Marcus!"
The cries of his men weren't able to reach his ears, fading into forever darkness with death. Only calm space with no light waited for him in the end.
" Gabriella! Go!"
Sera turned his head around with despair, dragging Gabriella who was trying to go for him. Her mind was on the verge of break and she was sweating heavily.
" Let me go! He is still alive. We can help him. The church will help us and our God will guide us."
Gabriella firmly believed in her God.