The grand war table in the Royal War Council Hall was surrounded by seven imposing figures. At the head of the table stood Seraphina Flameheart, her fiery red armor gleaming under the chandelier's light. Beside her were six other knights, each representing a key region of the kingdom.
Darius Ironshield: A stoic knight clad in heavy steel armor, known for his impenetrable defense.
Selene Moonblade: A graceful warrior with a sharp sword and an even sharper mind.
Garrick Stormbane: A towering figure wielding a thunderous war hammer.
Eldrin Swiftstrike: An elven knight with unmatched speed and precision.
Kaela Frostwind: A composed and deadly knight skilled in ice magic.
Roland Dawnbringer: The strongest knight, revered for his unmatched battlefield prowess.
Seraphina "It's been a while, isn't it everyone."
Selene "Yeah, I felt it like an eternity."
Eldrin Swiftstrike " I suggest we should gather more often. It is quite boring to sit in by room all alone."
Darius "Can we get to the topic?"
Kaela "Come on Darius, we just met after a long time. What's the hurry?"
Roland "It's unlikely that you summon us so urgently. I assume that you have something hot for us to cook with. "
A moment of silence.
Seraphina spoke firmly, "The Goblin King has gathered his forces, and if we allow him to grow any stronger, he will become unstoppable."
Selene "Heh.. Goblin King, how is that punny creature a thread to the capital. Or are you in any case mocking us?"
Seraphina " More than 100 people went missing. 50 of our men got killed last time, a total of 200 men. Trading routes and mining areas are blocked. As a result food and commodity prices rocketed. Is this all good enough for you."
A moment of silence.
Darius "Well, you could have acted early"
Kaela "How come they are so organised. I smell something fishy."
Seraphina "I doubt there is somebody behind this. Someone who can control them, someone who has hatred towards the capital. More precisely, someone who had a hatred towards mankind."
A moment of silence.
Eldrin " Do you think a demon is involved in this case. "
Darius " Demon or not, they are upto no good."
Roland "We must cut off the head of the snake. I suggest a coordinated attack on their camps, focusing on the strongest first."
Kaela "Looks like our only choice...."
The knights all nodded in agreement. Plans were drawn, and roles were assigned. The knights would accompany their forces into the most dangerous zones, leaving no room for failure.
Meanwhile, Kael, Draven, and Lyriel stood in the muddy training grounds under the strict watch of Commander Rorik.
....
"Listen well," Rorik barked. "In war, hesitation means death. Watch your comrades' backs, keep your guard up, and remember—your life isn't just yours on the battlefield."
The trio spent grueling hours training. Kael practiced sword techniques, Draven focused on agile strikes with his daggers, and Lyriel honed her support magic. By the end of the third day, exhaustion weighed heavy on their shoulders, but their skills had noticeably improved.
...
Three days later, the knights and their forces marched out of the castle gates. Thousands of soldiers, adventurers, and support units flooded the roads, heading towards the Goblin Camps.
Kael's team found themselves under the command of Commander Thalos Greymark, a rugged warrior with a scarred face and a heavy broadsword.
Thalos addressed his troops. "We are tasked with eliminating one of the larger camps. Stay close, follow orders, and fight with all you've got!"
The siege began with cannon fire. Explosions rocked the camps, and flames lit up the night sky. Goblins poured out, screeching and wielding crude weapons.
"Charge!" Thalos roared.
The soldiers clashed with the goblins in brutal combat. Kael fought with determination, parrying strikes and countering with precise slashes. Draven danced around enemies, striking at weak points, while Lyriel provided support spells.
At the central battlefield, Knight Roland Dawnbringer stepped forward to face the Goblin King. The monstrous creature loomed over the field, clad in crude armor and wielding a spiked mace.
The two clashed in an earth-shaking battle. Roland's strikes were fierce and unyielding, while the Goblin King's raw strength shattered the ground with every swing.
With a final blow, Roland's sword pierced the Goblin King's chest. The beast let out a guttural roar before collapsing to the ground.
In Kael's section, Commander Thalos engaged a towering Goblin Commander. The duel was intense, but Thalos' skill and Kael's team's support turned the tide. The Goblin Commander fell, and the remaining goblins scattered.
Victory belonged to the kingdom.
As the battlefield quieted, Elara, the kingdom's chief healer, moved among the wounded, tending to their injuries. On a distant hill, a shadowy figure stood watching the scene—a Demon with crimson eyes and a sinister smile. Without a word, he turned and disappeared into the snowy mountains.
Back at camp, Elara and Rorik checked on Kael and his team.
"You did well out there," Rorik said gruffly.
Elara smiled. "You all have potential. Don't waste it."
Kael introduced Draven to them formally, and heartfelt words were exchanged. Kael's parents sent their blessings through Rorik, wishing the team success in their future adventures.
As the army began its march back to the castle, Kael, Draven, and Lyriel walked together. Along the way, they encountered Prince Aldric Therandil. He was specifically there to meet the three of them.
Aldric "Congratulations on your victory. I know I could count on you all."
Kael "I didn't see you anywhere in the battle field."
Aldric "With all the knight and warriors lined up, I couldn't find a place to fit myself in, you know."
Draven "Ahmm, excuse me, may I know who this is?"
Lyriel "Oh, we almost forget, it must your first time meeting him. He is Aldric Therandil, the prince of Therandil."
Draven " Oh sorry sir, I didn't know."
Aldric "Oh its alright. I don't might at all. Just call me Aldric."
Draven "Oh okay then, I am Draven by the way."
Aldric "On nice to meet you, Draven." They shook their hands.
Kael "I suppose you are not here just to say hi. Do you two need some space."
Adric and Lyriel went red faced and began to scratch the back of their heads with a smile.
Kael "Okay I understood, come on Draven we got to get something to eat. "
Draven with a small smile on his face "Okay..."
With that Kael and Draven went home.
"Lady Lyriel," Aldric said with a charming smile. "I have an important task that requires your talents. Would you accompany me?"
Blushing, Lyriel nodded. "Of course, Your Highness."
Kael and Draven shared a knowing glance and waved as Lyriel departed with the prince.
....
The next morning, Kael prepared breakfast while Draven helped set the table. After the breakfast they decided to check with the guild. As they walked to the Adventurers' Guild, they met Lyriel. She was waiting for them in front of the guild building.
Kael "Oh Lyriel, how did things go with the prince."
Lyriel "Oh hi you two, I was waiting for you two."
A moment of silence.
"I'm… leaving the team," Lyriel admitted softly.
Draven frowned. "Why so suddenly?"
"Prince gave me a new job. He wanted me to be his personal assistant. This is a rare opportunity to work closely with Prince Aldric," she said. "I hope you both understand."
Kael smiled. "I saw this coming. We're proud of you, Lyriel. Go chase your dreams."
Tears welled in Lyriel's eyes as she hugged them both. "Thank you... for everything."
She turned and walked towards the castle, leaving Kael and Draven behind.
Draven "Well, there goes our rare support and healer."
Kael "Ah man, things are going to be rough with out her. Seems like its time for another recruitment notice."
At the Guild Hall, Brunhild greeted them warmly.
"Congratulations, you two! Your ranks have been raised to Rank 2 Adventurers. You've earned it."
They were both shocked to hear that. Draven was the most shocked. Then both of them looked at each other.
Kael "Are you sure this is us we are talking about, miss Brunhild."
Brunhild "Yeah, I am. You guys did a great job defending those Goblins for the people. You guys really earned it. Here take this reward with you."
Kael and Draven received two small pouches of money.
Kael then mentioned about Lyriel's withdrawal from the team. Then Brunhild informed them that she had already informed her about it. Brunhild then encouraged them to find another party member.
"But for now," Kael said with a grin, "we celebrate our level up."
Draven nodded. "Agreed. Drinks are on me."
Together, they walked out into the bustling streets, towards the travern.