XX

Warm breathes were easily neutralized by the cold wind. Kzel halted for a minute and glanced around. He can naturally see in the darkness. The lack of warmth and the drop of oxygen did not bother him but his stamina was waning. It's not like those fantasy that he read or watched where a single person can easily decimate countless adversary. No. There's a limit to the body even with his evolved one. The more he exerted himself, the more he got tired. He just needed to keep it slow and steady. With that pace, he will reach his destination no matter what.

Kzel continued climbing the path until he saw a flicker of light. He placed his steps carefully as he approached the figure holding a torch.

The man noticed Kzel's presence and lazily approached him. Within a couple meters distance, Kzel could see the red war paint on the man's face.

"Are you lost?" The man questioned with a discerning gaze. A hand clasping the hilt of his sword ready to strike if he make a sudden move.

Kzel observed the man for a moment. There is a secret meeting on top of the mountain. They had probably sent the man as a gatekeeper to repell any unwanted guest. He answered without hesitation, "I'm here to join the brotherhood."

The man let out a chuckle and went back to his post, motioning Kzel to continue, "I'll see you on the other side, brother."

The Rzir couldn't help but repeat the man's words in his head. He felt like it was ominous. With a sigh, he started to move as the man started to watch him just as he passed by with predatory eyes.

After half an hour, he finally saw the top of the mountain. More lights flickered above it. He fastened his pace until he reached stairs made of stones that ascended to a platform. With a bit of hesitation, he ascended carefully. Once on top, he heard an authoritative voice and saw dozens of men cheering.

"You there! Come closer." The owner of the voice instantly noticed Kzel. He was a man dressed in a red robe decorated by a spiralling shape. Kzel keenly rolled his eyes from the intense gazes directed at him as he moved forward.

The man in a robe extended a hand towards the Rzir and the air vibrated. Kzel felt that his existence was being invaded by an unknown force. After seconds, the man lowered his hand and laughed maniacally.

"Welcome! You have come to the right place." The man started to pace at the front of the throng and introduced, "I am Xendan. The face and voice of the Chaos god, Calar, 3rd of his kind. You have all come here even when you know the prize that needed to be paid."

Silence. Xendan studied each man as he strolled back and forth. "Our lord Calar had a change of heart. Our long practice of killing each other to decide who is the strongest became barbaric in the eyes of his mighty presence. His servants must not fight each other anymore."

Xendan strolled to the edge of the plateau, and as if he had anticipated it for a long time, motioned a hand at the ball of lights that suddenly appeared fifty meters down. "Instead, the mighty lord brings you the blood of his enemies. Kill all of these fools and claim your place and prize at Castle Dorlh!"

Red energy started to envelope Xendan until his figure blurred and disappeared.

Kzel hastily went to the place where Xendan once stood and extended his head to peer below. From there, he saw men walking out from ball of lights wearing light silver armor.

"Fuck!" Cursed a man beside Kzel who was also looking down, "They also brought the Faction of Light!"

"What's the matter?" Kzel asked the man.

The man with a red hair stared at him and began pointing his finger, "You see those men in blue robes with white staffs. They can control your mind."

Kzel's eyes widened as he returned his sight below. They might have the advantage of high grounds, but when magic is involved--any tactical and strategic advantage might be void.

-----

Captain Lewik of the 17th Order Brigade, stepped out from one of the light portal in his shining plate armor. His lieutenant immediately saluted upon sight.

"Sir, we are now sure that this is the place where Xendan is gathering his followers."

Anger instantly formed on Captain Lewik's face, "Order the men to form a line. We must attack immediately. That fiend must die for all the crimes he committed."

"Yes, sir!"

An attacking unit was immediately assembled after a few minutes. The captain nodded in satisfaction and was about to lead the charge when he heard battlecries. Men with glowing red eyes slammed on their formations. Skewering everything in their path.

But before they could do more damage, Captain Lewik drew his sword and raised it high, "Order!"

The 17th Order Brigade roared the word before stabbing their swords on the ground, all at the same time. Each sword stabbed in the earth produced a wave that slowed down their enraged enemies. Captain Lewik pulled out his sword and personally led the attack.

The men with glowing red eyes did not have armor unlike their well equipped enemies, they were easily disposed or trampled.

The 17th did not show any mercy and reverse-killed everything on their path. Captain Lewik had no intention of slowing down and ascended the stairs. When he was at the top, he saw that no trace of any cultists or Xendan can be seen.

"Xendan! You can't run forever!" Lewik roared. When he turned to his men, his eyes widened. Only now did he heard the screams of his dying men. The 17th Order Brigade was surrounded on all sides. If he had known that the cultists had spread out and hid on the darkest part of the mountain, he wouldn't have impulsively led them straight to their doom.