The knight hurried into the courtyard, his armor clanking with each step. His eyes swept the area until he spotted Sir Daniel, mid-swing at a straw dummy. Sweat glistened on Daniel's brow as he practiced, his movements precise, each cut a testament to years of disciplined training.
"Sir Daniel!" the knight called, his voice tight with urgency.
Daniel froze, lowering his sword, and turned. The sight of the knight's tense expression instantly put him on edge. He strode forward, wiping his hands on a cloth hanging at his belt. "What's the matter?" he asked, his tone serious. But the knight only shook his head, glancing around as if afraid of being overheard.
"Come to the gathering room," the knight urged, his voice barely a whisper. "Quickly."
Daniel didn't hesitate. He cast one last glance around the training grounds, his mind racing with questions. Whatever was happening, it was urgent enough to pull him from training, and he sensed that trouble was brewing. Tightening his grip on his sword, he strode toward the grand stone hall, his boots echoing on the cobblestone pathway.
At the other end of the field, Luci leaned against a wooden fence, arms folded as he watched Daniel hurry away. His dark hair glinted in the sunlight, and he scratched his chin thoughtfully, mildly curious about the sudden urgency.
"Eh," he muttered to himself, a sly grin creeping onto his face. "Guess it's time to find myself some roasted chicken." He whistled as he wandered off toward the kitchens, picturing a crispy, golden drumstick already in his hand.
Meanwhile, another knight sprinted across the field, dodging broken fragments of dummies littered from earlier practice rounds. He weaved his way through until he spotted Brianna—a fierce, resolute knight in the middle of her training. Her blade cut through the air, each strike landing against a dummy, and her breathing was controlled but heavy. She was lost in her focus until the knight's voice cut through her rhythm.
"Brianna, madam," he called out, a sense of urgency underlying his tone. "You're needed in the gathering room. Immediately."
Brianna paused, her sword still raised, chest heaving as she turned to look at the knight. Wiping sweat from her brow, she let out a breath, reluctantly releasing her grip on the sword. She nodded, sparing the dummy a final glance, then sheathed her weapon. Her gaze steeled as she started following the knight.
The grand gathering room loomed ahead, its stone walls towering with a history both ancient and intimidating. When Brianna stepped inside, her eyes adjusted to the dim light. Daniel was already seated around a large, round table in the center of the room, along with Brian, Crest, and Martin. Each knight looked as tense as the last, their expressions serious, their gazes flicking up as Brianna entered. The room was still, heavy with the weight of unspoken questions.
Brian looked up at her arrival, gesturing to an empty chair beside him. "Please, Brianna, take a seat."
She took her place, hands resting on the table as she glanced around, her eyes seeking answers. "What's going on?" she finally asked, her voice a murmur that nonetheless carried in the silence.
Crest shook his head, his brow furrowed as he surveyed the room. He looked to each face in turn, his own thoughts a mixture of worry and resolve. "What's all this about?"
The gathering room was a testament to the kingdom's legacy, with high ceilings that seemed to reach for the heavens, draped in ancient tapestries depicting battles long past. The faded colors gave the scenes a ghostly quality, yet the details were hauntingly vivid—armies clashing under stormy skies, dragons curling around mountains, knights standing tall amidst waves of enemies. Each heavy wooden chair was carved with intricate designs symbolizing the knightly orders, a reminder of duty and tradition.
Torches lined the walls, their flames flickering in a steady rhythm, casting a warm but uneven glow across the room. Shadows danced in the corners, making the air feel thick with mystery and anticipation.
Before anyone could answer, the door creaked open. A hush fell over the room as the King himself entered, his presence commanding immediate respect. He wore a regal cloak that trailed behind him, and his eyes carried the weight of his rule. Behind him stood several knights, their armor polished to a gleam, the sound of their footsteps echoing with a solemn finality.
The knights seated around the table rose as one, bowing their heads in respect. The King, however, raised a hand, a silent command for them to sit.
"You may be wondering why I've called you here," he began, his voice low and measured, yet carrying an edge that was impossible to ignore. His gaze swept the room, landing on each knight in turn, piercing and unyielding.
Martin, ever one to voice what others kept silent, leaned forward, his expression guarded. "Where are the other high-ranking knights, Your Majesty?" he asked. "I can see Brian here, but not Christian, nor Hawkins or Levi. Even the Silver Knights aren't present."
The King's face tightened slightly, but he nodded. "They are on a mission—one that required half of our high ranks," he replied, his tone betraying a hint of unease. "They've been sent far from the kingdom. But," he added, his gaze sharpening, "the matter at hand is just as critical."
The air in the room thickened with tension. Martin exchanged a glance with Brian, both men's expressions mirroring their unease. Something serious was happening, something none of them had foreseen.
Martin leaned forward, his fingers tapping restlessly on the table. "Why have you called us here specifically, Your Majesty?" he asked, voicing the question that lingered on everyone's mind.
The King let out a deep sigh, his shoulders bearing the burden of the words he was about to speak. Placing his hands on the table, he looked each knight squarely in the eyes.
"We face a new threat," he said slowly. "Two enemies of Heaven, accompanied by a legion of demons, are advancing directly toward our kingdom."
A murmur rippled through the room. Brianna's face paled, and Crest's steady gaze faltered, his hand clenching into a fist. The knights shifted in their seats, their minds racing with the implications.
But the King's expression remained firm, his voice a steel edge. "Rest assured, I have taken measures. I will deploy the knights of the allied races to confront them. If they fall, so be it. The kingdom must be protected at all costs. I cannot risk losing my high-ranking knights when we have a feast on the horizon."
The room was silent, the King's words a cold shock. Brian stood, unable to contain himself, his face a mixture of frustration and fear. "Your Majesty, forgive me, but the highest-ranking knight among the allied races is Luci. He's only a Silver Rank 1. He and the others have been with us for only three weeks—they're still learning."
The King's eyes narrowed as he turned to Brian, his gaze hard and unyielding. "Are you questioning my command?"
Brian's face drained of color, and he quickly lowered his gaze, his voice a whisper. "No, sire. I wouldn't dare."
The King shifted his attention to Martin, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Gather the knights of the allied races," he ordered. "Luci will lead them into battle."
A chill ran down Brian's spine as the weight of the King's words hit him. Luci… he thought, a sinking feeling in his chest. I hope he'll be alright.
Just then, the doors to the gathering room burst open, and everyone turned, surprised. Luci strode in, a piece of roasted chicken in hand, biting into it with a mix of zeal and carelessness. His eyes widened as he took in the assembled knights, clearly unaware of the gravity of the situation.
"Uh…what's going on here?" he muttered, looking around, still mid-bite.
Brian coughed, suppressing a smile as he watched Luci's wide-eyed confusion. "Luci, you're here just in time," he said, gesturing for him to join them.
Luci swallowed, looking momentarily flustered as he wiped his mouth. The knights' gazes were on him, and he straightened, attempting to look composed. Darn it, he thought, eyeing the group. They're all here. How am I supposed to get my hands on that holy water now?
Brian's voice cut through his thoughts. "Luci, we need you to lead the allied races into battle. Those two enemies of Heaven you encountered before—they're back, and they're not alone. They have an army of demons with them. The kingdom needs you."
Luci blinked, taken aback. Then a slow grin crept onto his face. So those weaklings are back? he thought, his confidence swelling. I'll finish them off in one blow. "No worries," he said, clenching his fists. "I'll do my best."
As he turned to leave, he smirked to himself, thinking, My best? Ha! I'll destroy them all in one strike.
The King watched Luci go, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Well done, Brian," he murmured approvingly, before turning to the others. "Prepare to follow Luci's lead. Our kingdom's survival depends on