XXI

To what seemed to be the end of the 17th, the Faction of Light decided to make a move. At the center of their formation, six men started to chant.

"Let light guide your waryward souls!"

Like a predator stalking its prey, Kzel hid in the darkness and refused to engage. Although they surrounded the armoured soldiers of the Order, their line is thin and the enemy can easily breakthrough when roused by their commander.

As if to make it worse, the Cultists began to turn at each other. Forget about their thin line, they were already killing each other. It was already broken.

However, some of the Cultists started to shook violently. Their bodies released red smokes as they grew twice their normal size. With eyes bloodshot, they let out beast-like roars and massacred allies and foes.

Within minutes, the Cultists were all corpse except the berserked ones. They slammed into the 17th who desperately tried to retaliate, slashing flesh and bones. But these monsters instantly healed and showed no sign of slowing down.

"This is hopeless! We are going to get annihilated!" Lieutenant Muerr shouted, the sword he held trembled displaying the fear within him.

"Do not falter!" Captain Lewik's voice reverberated throughout the desperate cries. "Raise your shield and pray to our patron, Mirith, god of Order, 2nd of his kind!"

There was a sudden boost of morale. The 17th chanted and with a unified voice, they all shouted, "Order!"

A dome-like gold translucent barrier enclosed the 17th. The Chaos Enraged Cultists tried to attack but got hurt instead. Whenever their body made contact with the barrier, they would get burnt and their fast healing ability neutralised.

The 17th chanted again and summoned a subjugating gold light that showered the Cultists, instantly turning them to ashes.

Captain Lewik slowly calmed his breathing. He looked around his men and saw their weariness. Nonetheless, they had won. Once they're back at their headquarters, new recruits will fill in their losses which he cannot mourn at the time being. They have to get out of the mountain. However, they needed to conduct an investigation first. 'Why did the Cultists gathered here?' One of many questions that needed answering.

Unbeknownst to them, eyes were still present in the darkness. Kzel instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword, drawing the attention of the dozen pairs of eyes behind him. This is the most opportune moment he had been waiting for. They were not cowards, just smarter to keep their lives.

Hesitation is the seed of defeat. Kzel knew that. If he had to make an impression, this was it. Inhaling deeply, he unsheathed his sword and accelerated toward the armoured infantries. The Cultists behind him were shocked, but they used their brain unlike their fallen comrades. They drew their weapons and followed the instigator of this attack.

Kzel did not let out a cry as he approached the worn enemies. Instead, he channeled it all on his first attack. He almost cut the first Order soldier that he came in contact in half and continued his assault to the next. He parried a random swing from an Order soldier and brought his sword to another who tried to take advantage of his situation.

Captain Lewik's heart almost leaped into his throat as he saw more Cultists emerge from the darkness. "Where did these bastards came from?"

With that in mind, he observed the battlefield and found a man easily reaping the life of his men. If he did not stop him, they will be routed in a matter of minutes. He immediately intercepted the man and clashed sword with him.

Contrary to his expectation, the man did not have bloodshot eyes like the ones he faced before and before that. He seemed to be in full control of his actions.

"You're crimes will be punished." Captain Lewik roared. He unleashed a barrage of attacks that were easily blocked and parried.

Kzel slowed down his pace and observed the man who bravely stopped his advance. The man who seemed to be in his late forties had plate armor, and an air of authority. No doubt an officer. He circled around as the screams around him restarted to a whole new level. After a moment, he feignted an attack that was so convincing that he's opponent reacted. Kzel immediately took advantage and lobbed the man's head off.

There was utter silence as the leader of the Order Faction was beheaded, before a cultist hacked a man from the Order and the battle continued for several minutes. Without the leadership of their headless commander, the 17th slowly fell into the hands of the Cultists.

About half an hour, six figures were left standing, mindlessly glancing around the pile of dead. Kzel went to the darkest corner and sat. There was no emotion in his eyes. It was like a war. He had experienced it countless before. He knew that what mattered the most in the end, is survive.

Suddenly, his forearm glowed and left a blue mark. He was certain that Ilaz had performed the one that Naevnir did, chanting to a smoke. Such action must be an offering to their goddess of Love.

Now that he thought about it. Why did he left their side? He can now recall his years in service as a trooper. One might not be able to board a Drop Pod without being half dead. Whether you return dead or alive, in the inside, you are already dead.

"Hey!" A voice reached Kzel's ears. "That was an epic move you did there. Charging like the heroes of old."

Kzel looked up and saw the red haired man he talked earlier. He was drenched in blood, just like him.

"I'm Disap." The red haired man introduced, "What's yours?"

The Rzir stared at Disap, hesitant to waste a breath, "I'm Kzel."

Both their eyes widened when red smokes filled the area. All the remaining Cultists coughed and collapsed on the ground while Kzel tried to crawl away but to no avail. He let out a few groans before his sight turned dark.