#09.

It was dark dawn. The scene of the moonlight coming into a wide terrace was beautiful, even to the extent of frightening. The sound of nature coming from somewhere, and the wind cooling down a hot temperature were enough to make anyone think it was the best day to enjoy the nighttime.

And there was a lad, holding a glass in a sofa and getting himself drunk in that forlorn beauty. A blush on his cheek was obviously contrasting with his fair skin. He was a surprisingly nice-looking man. However, there was more to it than his appearance. The dignity he was oozing made him look like the eldest in the family of an aristocrat. He put down the luxurious wine glass on the table and topped it up. The wine he was drinking was Cockburn port wine, which had been discontinued and become hard to come by. That wine had been made in Normunt, one of the cities in Perriun back in the day, but it had become impossible to make it now. How, and why was he drinking that wine? Who was he?

He was the second-in-command of Hellon Knights in Perriun kingdom, Neon Silvain. There would be no Hellon Knights who would deny that Neon must have been the deputy master of the knightage, had the position existed. His swordsmanship was superb that it was second only to that of the master Rose Selion, and he also naturally knew how to control people. Some fellow knights would feel uncomfortable around him as he never went off the rails despite the loose atmosphere of the knightage, but he was a warm-hearted person on the inside that would always take care of the members in an unnoticeable way.

"Bloody taste…"

After sipping the wine a little bit more, Neon talked to himself and put the glasses back again. Did he mean the wine he just had drunk tasted like blood? Although it was red in color, the Cockburn port wine was made of fermented grapes. It did not make sense.

Frowning, Neon thought about what had happened in the afternoon. That was, the happening that Rose had left to the northern defense line the Cheheran's forces were advancing to, spitting ridiculous reasons without even thinking. Was Rose really someone who would go out of his way and make up those stupid reasons, just to intervene in the war with Cheheran? To think about it, it was not even close. He was rather impassive over war, and even over the world. Rose Selion was not the one who would allow himself to do anything bothersome, unless it was absolutely necessary.

Neon felt awkward anxiety. It was the anxiety that Rose would not come back anymore. That was a baseless emotion, but it coiled up in his mind more clearly as he drank the next mouthful of wine. Neon rose to his feet.

'What is going on…'

Unconsciously, Neon opened the door to Rose's office. He recalled what Louis had yelled at Rose in the afternoon. Right. He had yelled that he would clean out everything in his office if he left, and Rose had replied, 'it wouldn't be bad, as they would just take up space from now on'. They would just take up space? Neon quickly scanned Rose's office with his eyes. It was tidied up so neatly, as if it had been ready for its owner to disappear any time they wanted.

While looking at that scene silently, Neon realized the thing that had always been in his office was nowhere to be found. Though he had already expected it and was not very surprised, he did have to feel emptiness at a side of his heart. It was Rose's sword that had always been laid against the wall in a careless way. He must have headed for the front line with it, Neon thought.

Not being able to find out the reason why he had left Hellon Knights all of a sudden, Neon had to walk out of the office only confirming that he had left to somewhere with his sword. He saw the sky was becoming bright. It was already daybreak.

The darkness was passing. Neon just stood still, watching it. He realized what he would have to do from now on.

‎

If the atmosphere of Perriun kingdom right now were to be described with just one word, it was 'madhouse'.

"This is an absolute bombshell!"

"Aren't you supposed to set up a plan? Will you just sit there and watch this kingdom being trampled by Cheheran?"

A hideously fat officer shouted. Even though it was right in front of their king, they were not holding back anything as their lives were in danger. It would have normally been the serious lese-majesty, but for now, it was the king being totally flustered.

"L, let's wait a bit more."

The moment the king said it, another officer slammed the conference table with his fist.

"Will it change anything? Both Zenoa and Croa are already holding off too long! At this rate, this kingdom will be wiped off the map!"

"We've got only one option left. We should be wise and give up sovereignty, and surrender to Cheheran before it's too late! If we bow to them first, they will also show some mercy and forgive us!"

The officer who claimed 'being humiliated is the solution' proudly threw his shoulders back as though he just came up with one and only excellent idea. The infinite ignorance and filthy desire to survive combined and formed a stinky monstrosity.

"Sir Seid! Please help us out here!"

Another officer shouted again. Thanks to him, everyone sitting around the table turned their eyes to one person.

Seid Nerpenst. He was the Justice Minister in Perriun kingdom, who was called 'the guardian of the law'. In terms of the rank, he was next to Archduke Guillermo Raspalmas, namely the third highest officer in the kingdom. The officers urged the Justice Minister to speak out. It was because they knew Seid's one word would weigh more than their ten words, but also because they had done the calculation in their heads and were certain that he would say something favorable to them. Seid Nerpenst was the officer who preferred stability over risk, savings over gamble and stood by conservatives rather than liberals. The typical public official that could be found from everywhere. After being pushed from here and there, Seid ended up opening his mouth.

"Well then, I, Seid Nerpenst, will humbly say my opinion to your majesty. As you well know, I hate dangerous situations. If possible, I want to survive even at the cost of the kingdom's sovereignty, and if there was any practical idea to save this kingdom, I would support it even if it was a bit humiliating."

"Right! That's the logical thinking!"

The officers seconded Seid with 'sure enough' on their face. The moment the king was about to say something with deep sigh, Seid opened his mouth again.

"But no matter how much I think, there's no way that you dummies could think of that practical idea."

"What'd you just s…"

They had to doubt their ears.

"Do you really think Shadow Pain will go back just because we throw in the towel? Nonsense. What Cheheran really wants is the unified world. This is war of conquest!"

"What the hell are you talking about? Even though Cheheran is the most powerful empire, they can't just go up against the whole world!"

It was groundless optimism. Seid pulled some papers with lots of figures out of his inner pocket and laid them on the table.

"Your majesty, please check these out. These are about the military supplies Cheheran empire has prepared for this war."

The king started reading through the papers, and screamed in fright before long.

"Madness…! is this really true?"

"I got it from a reliable intel. There's no way that Cheheran is moving this amount of troops and supplies only to conquer us. This is the solid proof that Cheheran is going after the world."

After finishing his words, Seid turned himself toward the officers around the table. Uncharacteristically, he said his thoughts loud and clear with a grim tone.

"Cheheran will never withdraw upon our surrender. The reason why they are heading to this small kingdom first is that they'll just have to pass this land to attack other kingdoms anyway. I mean, the only value of this small kingdom for Cheheran is as their stepping stone to reach Zenoa and Croa."

"…"

"The best swordsman in this kingdom, 'the silver knight' Sir Kiriyan is out at the northern front line with Ensis Knights and some of the royal guards. However, it is not enough. So I've decided to visit Zenoa and Croa in person today to urge their military support. Your majesty, I plead with you. Please allow me to do so."

Deeply moved by his desperate speech, the king answered with joy on his face.

"If you've become crazy, I plead with you. Don't come back to your normal self and stay as you are."

"Your majesty, now's not the time to joke." Seid sighed and shook his head.

The officers who had also read Seid's documents were yelling that it must have been the distorted information. Seid smiled. It was not that he did not want to deny the situation just like others. However, as Justice Minister of the kingdom, he knew what was really important for them. That was the biggest difference between Seid and other officers.

Only an hour after the gathering, the carriage with the crest of Perriun kingdom crossed the southern border and headed for Zenoa kingdom.

‎

Rose was leaning against a tree. The pasture at sunset was full of indigo blue. The grass, the ground, the fence. Everything. He chuckled at that unnaturalness. He looked up at stars embraced in the bosom of the sky. Loneliness he felt he would not be able to get rid of in any way, swept the whole body like a chill. He wished he had a magical brush, so that he could be a datum point himself and draw an unchanging meridian in the sky that would stop this world eternally. But time passes indifferently and nothing is immortal. The past days with Hellon Knights suddenly came into his mind. Although he did nothing as a master and slacked off, they were not meaningless. They were undeserved, if anything. He thought it would be good enough to live a life as the master of the knightage of this small kingdom again, if the heavens ever gave him a chance of rebirth after death.

"Should've said goodbye to Luis and others properly, maybe."

Rose mumbled to himself, but shook his head soon. He had already decided not to leave any trace of him to anyone. Needless affection would only hurt people close to him when he disappeared. Though it did not seem to make any sense, it was the way he had lived. He had always spent the days preparing for his upcoming destiny. But that was not from the beginning. The reason why Rose had started preparing for the expiration of himself was…

"Wow, you've been waiting for me all this time? Sir Rose Selion?"

"I was worried I would be stood up."

Rose looked at his full brother, Rorens Selion, who had come to tie up loose ends of the chain of their fate. All of these were destined. He and Rorens had to face each other and cut a string of their ill-fated relationship, and Rose had believed that was his upcoming destiny. That destiny was the expiration of Rorens and himself. Nothing else than that.

"I'm curious to death. You must have known the truth of that day, but you don't even say a word about it. I had to run some errands myself thanks to that."

"So, that's how you came up with channeling?"

"Exactly. I discovered a spirit medium just in time. Otherwise, it could've been really ugly."

"Well, so? Did you find out what you wanted?"

"Find out what I wanted? Ha." Rorens snorted at Rose.

"One more black space in my memory, is all I've got."

"…?"

Rose could not understand Rorens. Rorens shrugged as if he said 'whatever'.

"Well, no reason to go in detail, I guess. By the way, did you come here to stop the war by yourself?"

"What's with your twaddle? Why did you come here?"

"Ah ah, sure. We'll need to settle each other's debts. But look, I'm not really free to do anything as I like now."

"Of course you are not. You must have become the commander of Cheheran."

Rose knew it. Whenever Razen had died, Rorens had taken over the control of Cheheran and waged this war. Then, when would be the time for them to actually cut the loop of their fate. In an instant, Rorens' canine pulled out of his sheath ripped Rose's face like lightning. Drops of blood fell down on the ground, but Rose did not even budge.

"You've become very generous."

"What do you mean?"

"Wasn't Rorens Selion the person who would kill everything he doesn't like straightaway?"

The long diagonal scar from the left side of the chin to the right cheek would be permanent, but at least it was not the deadly wound. Rorens shook off the blood drops at the tip of his sword and showed a smile with mockery.

"Thought I'd leave a mark for the next time, since we can't see the end today."

"That's convenient."

Rose wiped a streak of blood running down on his mouth. Rorens looked to be spoiled. He was not going to start a fight, but Rose's reaction did not satisfy him. It was like constantly stabbing a lifeless doll. Rorens said.

"You said, you knew I'd become an emperor of Cheheran, didn't you?"

"…?"

"Then, you also knew Mikael Sepavile obeys me now, right?"

Rose's eyes shook for a split second. Since the last intel that he had been in the imperial palace, he had been nowhere to be found after the declaration of Razen's death. Could Mikael have really become Rorens' servant? Rose spoke slowly.

"That means…"

"Means, you guys will lose this war without a shred of doubt. Don't you agree?"

Rose's mind wobbled with a huge vibration. When Rorens wielded his sword again, Rose was blocking it with his own one.

"Wow, you finally look like you want to kill me! It would've been better if it was faster."

"Shut the fuck up! We'll have to put an end to this someday anyway!"

Being defeated in the war was not important for Rose. Even if Zenoa, Croa and other small kingdoms were conquered entirely after that, that would be none of his concern, either. However, there was only one person, who Rose could not overlook the death of. That very straight-arrow man, as well as the best swordsman in Perriun kingdom, would not avoid the enemy coming at him nor just go down on his knees. That fact meant almost the same as the death warrant for him. The belief for Mikael Sepavile's force was absolute. No matter how renowned the silver knight was, it did not change.

"I didn't know you were such a romanticist. Look at you, giving up on your life because of that one person."

Rorens also knew it. The existence of the man, Kiriyan Masis, was like a tall tree up on a hill for Rose Selion. Kiriyan had always embraced Rose through thick and thin. If there was only one 'humane' aspect deep inside of Rose, who never showed affection and opened up to anyone, it would be the fact that he had thought of Kiriyan as his genuine friend. Rorens touched the most precious part of Rose. And attacked Rose ferociously at the same time. Losing his composure, Rose's balance was broken easily and the two swords struck him. After the burst of blue fire, his body defied gravity and flew through the air like a lie. Rorens could have given Rose the finishing blow whenever he wanted, but he did not. He also had the same thought that he and Rose should both expire to change their everlasting fate. It was not the right time. Rose got back on his feet slowly, looking at Rorens with the eyes full of hatred.

"Rose. It is not only Kiriyan. The moment Cheheran conquers this world, we are gonna release infectious viruses and poison gases that we've planted throughout the whole world. The fall of humanity. There's no exception." Rorens said.

"…!"

"We have to finish everything. The never-ending emotions of a human like avarice, indolence and anger, we must put an end to all of them. This is the only way to do it, and make all of us happy."

Looking Rorens saying it with such a confident tone and look, Rose shivered with irresistible chill. It was the greatest madness that he had never seen or heard of before.

"It's already a sin to get your hands on something only deities can do. Don't you really know?" Rose said to Rorens, laughing as if he had become the savior of the world. They looked at each other with the same eyes.

"Sooner or later. The end of our ill-fated relationship." Rorens said.

‎

It is not an exaggeration to say war is all about making one single movement after a hundred of calculations. Especially if there was a competitive commander or tactician on an enemy's side, a lot more caution would be needed. In fact, when Cheheran had been going through internal war in the past, a seasoned strategist under a small city's lord had drowned thousands of Shadow Pain in a moat and defeated them, with his eyes closed. After that, emperor Razen, who had been commanding the troops at the front line himself, had successfully conquered the city in the end and appointed the strategist who had annihilated his soldiers to the head strategist of Shadow Pain.

There was a white-haired officer watching Perriun's first defense line beyond the horizon. He was the very strategist who had had to kill numerous soldiers of Shadow Pain to protect his lord from Cheheran, and yet had been appointed to the key position of the vanguard by the emperor who had acknowledged his ability, Zelid Vincristine. And there was only one reason for the second-in-command of the vanguard to be out there.

"Perriun's Justice Minister, Seid Nerpenst left to Zenoa and Croa to get their military aid. We don't have much time."

Zelid told Mikael, who was standing next to him. The combination of the greatest strategist and swordsman. It looked more than enough to take down high ramparts of Perriun from their sight in no time. But if Zenoa's Titan and Croa's Signus armed forces were to come behind that wall, even the strongest army in the world would not be able to assure the victory. Mikael asked.

"Who is the enemy's commander?"

"It's Kiriyan Masis."

"…As expected."

Mikael nodded, so did Zelid. Surprisingly, the title 'the noble silver knight' had already been spread not only within Perriun kingdom, but also in Cheheran empire.

Uncharacteristically, Mikael Sepevile furrowed his brow. People would expect that the most powerful man in history would demolish the wall of the small kingdom instantaneously, but there was no such a magic like that. Furthermore, even though Duke Guillermo was on their side and assisting them from behind, there was another great commander guarding the fortress on the hill, making their chance against Perriun lower than it should be.

He suddenly thought of his new 'owner', Rorens. He had left saying he had a debt to settle, which even Mikael did not know about. However, he could still guess. In his 200 years of life, he had been watching Rorens Sielon's life with his own eyes, even after he had left the empire and become the master of Ensis Knights, and joined Guillermo's plan for the end of the world. Rorens must have gone to meet Rose Selion, the only remaining family of his. And he would put an end to the terribly entangled fate between them. For all he knew, that might have been Rorens' true purpose after all, not the end of the world.

Mikael thought it was about time. He looked over his body here and there as though he was watching something strange. The madness flowing in the blood of the royal family. He recalled the words Rorens had said to him. How many destinies this war would start and end again. And now, he had to end it as well. Right now, when Rorens had become his owner. He thought Rorens of all people would understand his will. It would probably be the first and the last time for him to disobey his owner's order.

"Be ready for advance." Mikael said in a low voice.

‎

"Apologies for the delay. We had to stay out of Cheheran's radar."

Kiriyan looked at the beautiful and tall lady standing in front of him, in a tight uniform. She saluted him briefly. The officers present thought she was a nobody as she had shown respect to the knight of the small kingdom, but they had to be surprised right at the next moment.

"The master of Signus Templar, Lady Tracey Stenar. Pleasure to meet you."

Signus Templar! The meaning of this name was significant. It was the greatest armed forces that amounted to 700,000 under Croa kingdom, disguised to be a gathering of pacifists believing in the same religion. Kiriyan stood up and returned the salute, welcoming the master of that massive army. For the officers who had not known the Justice Minister Seid had already visited Zenoa and Croa and made the deal due to the urgency at the front line, it could not be more touching.

In the notorious 'all-black' uniform of Templar, which was not even close to the image of a believer, Tracey was passed a document from her adjutant and handed it along to Kiriyan.

"As we're pressed for time, I will get down to brass tacks. This is the official document that certifies I'm the person with the full authorities of the king of Croa kingdom, Vacheron Constantin."

Kiriyan's face hardened in tension. Literally, it was the leader of Croa kingdom standing in front of him, signaling the start of the alliance. Tracey spoke with her clipped military tones.

"As planned, I, Lieutenant General of Croa kingdom Tracey Stenar, is going to be granted the authority of the Director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Kiriyan Masis, the Supreme Commander of Perriun kingdom. Any objection?"

That grand name of the post meant she would be taking over the whole commandership of Kiriyan Masis as it was. Until the end of the war, Tracey's order would be considered the same as Kiriyan's one. Though they had already expected it, the officers on Perriun's side swallowed hard at the moment the commander of Croa's army said it.

"If you refuse it, we will repeal the alliance and withdraw to Croa kingdom immediately."

"I will grant you the authority of the Director, at least for our alliance's sake. But let me tell you this before that." Kiriyan responded to her with his hardened face.

"…?"

"How many are Croa's soldiers here with you now?"

"300,000 in total."

"300,000. If you change your mind and decide to attack us from behind with that amount of troops, we will not be able to last even one day."

In surprise, the officers sitting in long rows on both sides of the table looked at him at the same time. They did not know why Kiriyan had gone out of his way and built an unnecessary tension, until he continued.

"No one can predict the future, especially in an extreme situation like this. I'd rather do my job without taking any risk."

"Where are you going with this? You are not saying God's army is going to break the oath and stab you in the back, are you?" Tracey yelled in a low voice. And yet, Kiriyan did not budge.

"I need you to sign a note that proves your words. A document is stronger than people normally think. That's all I want."

Everyone admired Kiriyan's nerve, who dared to request a formal note as evidence from Croa's commander-in-chief. Since she had come to Perriun on behalf of the king of Croa kingdom, it would be the same as the note signed by the king himself. Tracey had been glaring at Kiriyan for a while, but laughed soon.

"As they say, the silver knight is flawless. The result of this war might not be as dark as I thought. All right. I will do it."

"I appreciate your consideration."

"Well then, I, Tracey Stenar, have taken over the command as of now."

The moment Tracey was about to salute Kiriyan again, a sudden scream echoed in the dark sky. And the curtain of the barracks was drawn open violently.

"Is here a command center of Perriun's first defense line?"

Everybody looked at where the voice had come from. The appearance of the man walking into the barracks left all of them in astonishment. They had never met anyone exuding the smell of wilderness and overwhelming power more than this man in their lives. One officer sprang to his feet and yelled at him.

"Who are you? Where do you think you are?"

The huge man looked at the officer who had dared to rant at him.

"Those words, I've heard them too often today. Everyone's said the same shit all the way from the entrance and I'm so sick of it. Ya wanna be like schmucks outside, too?"

Only then, everyone's eyes turned outside of the tent. All of Perriun's hand-picked elite guards were on the ground, moaning or unconscious. The officer who had yelled at the man stuttered in surprise.

"You… Yo…"

With the sound of pulling a sword, the officer's downstroke fell right on top of his head. Seeing it was a clean and impeccable movement despite the lack of composure, it was not a poor army at all. However, it did not work on that man.

*Clap*

Everyone's eyes got wide open when his two hands caught the officer's sword firmly between them. Then, his hands slid down along the hilt and chopped the officer's hand off strongly. The officer could not help but let go of the sword. The man seized his chance and kicked the officer's stomach, and brought the leg down on the back of him when he bent over.

"Argh!"

That accurate blow on his nape knocked him down, unconscious. Kiriyan's eyes glowed. As far as he knew, there was only one man in the world who could do what he had just seen.

"Shoot. I'm not here to fight, but I will take ya up on it if ya want. Bring it on."

"My name is Kiriyan Masis, the Supreme Commander of Perriun kingdom. What brings you here, master Raiden Pronen?"

Kiriyan stepped forward to stop any more clashes with the man, but in fact it was the man's name that left all the people in the barracks in shock. Raiden Pronen! The name belonged to the master of Titan armed forces of Zenoa. Just like he was in his own country, he was also renowned in other countries for his legendary power and heroic stories.

"What brings me here? Hell, what else would I be here for than my kingdom's order to help Perriun? By the way, you are the very man… the silver knight. …For God's sake, why are ya here, Tracey?"

Though not as sophisticated as Tracey's, Raiden's announcement of alliance was still the best news Perriun could have possibly expected in that situation. Of course, Perriun would have to repay Zenoa and Croa once they led the war to victory, but Zenoa and Croa were running out of time, too. That was the reason why they had accepted Seid's proposal immediately, to prevent themselves from being exposed directly to Cheheran.

"You are still as dumb as a bear, Raiden."

"The hell did you say? I didn't expect I'd see ya here, but whatever. Ya wanna get things started? I haven't been fighting too long, too frustrated."

"I'd love to, but not now, right? Let's do it after this, yeah?"

Raiden Pronen was a dab hand at bare hand fighting, whereas Tracey Stenar was a master of a whip. It seemed they had seen each other often as the two countries were sharing the border. Kiriyan came in between them as Raiden clenched his fists and Tracey brought her hand to the whip around her waist.

"Please stop. This is not the right time."

Raiden stepped backward with frustration on his face as Tracey did so first. He looked at Kiriyan.

"I'm sorry for beating down yer army a little bit. I didn't have much choice 'cause they didn't recognize my face and kept coming at me."

Kiriyan was lost for words. Who would have imagined the master of Titan armed forces of Zenoa was actually a guy like a huge bear who loves fistfights? What was even more surprising, though, was that he had taken out the soldiers attacking him all by himself, by bare hands. Kiriyan had to laugh, ha-ha.

"I'm impressed. What I've heard so far didn't come from nothing, I guess." Kiriyan said, looking at his soldiers lying on the ground. Raiden laughed as well.

"Mr. Silver Knight. Pleasure to work with ya."

‎

Kiriyan also asked Raiden the signed note without exception, which Raiden wrote right then and there showing his cool personality.

"Well, I wasn't even thinking about it anyway, but ya caught me off guard."

"It's what has to be done. We must be extra careful at an urgent time like this."

"Of course."

Raiden passed the note to Aurelio standing next to him, and Aurelio handed it along to Kiriyan.

"Thank you for your understanding. We were in the middle of a strategic planning meeting. Now we have the two of you commanders, let's start it over."

Surprisingly, Kiriyan did not look very confident as he said it. Neither did Tracey nor Raiden, despite the fact that the three kingdoms Zenoa, Croa and Perriun had joined up with each other for the first time in history, only for victory in this war. The reason was Mikael Sepavile. He was a superman who could not be dealt with by any ordinary methods. Moreover, Shadow Pain vanguard led by Zelid, whose names were overwhelming in themselves, were at his back as well.

"Mikael Sepavile will try to finish this war as fast as possible."

Kiriyan placed a black piece that represented Mikael at the front line of an operation map. Since Cheheran empire had prepared for the war for a longer time, it could be more advantageous for them as the war gets longer. However, the matter was the symbolic meaning of the combined force. It was not something that even Mikael could snort at, and the anxiety would spread throughout Shadow Pain like epidemic, leading up to the defeat in the war. But what if Mikael demonstrated his power and broke the balance from the beginning? The impact of it would be tremendous to Cheheran's morale.

"So, here's what we are going to do."

Kiriyan picked the other three pieces representing himself, Tracey and Raiden, and placed them in front of the black one, Mikael.

"Three…versus…one?" Tracey said in surprise, only to see Kiriyan's wordless nod. Raiden was surprised as well. Though it was the first time for him to see the man Kiriyan Masis, he could still tell that Kiriyan was not the man who would joke around in this kind of situation.

"I think none of us could assure victory in a one-on-one battle against Mikael. In addition, Lady Tracey said Mikael wouldn't really know for sure that Zenoa and Croa have already joined us."

Tracey nodded when Raiden jumped in.

"How would ya defend other places if we were all tied to Mikael?"

Raiden also had a point. The triple alliance was established just now. There was no way that they would be able to operate in harmony yet. And Shadow Pain vanguard was not an army that would miss that chance. Without any experienced commanders who could make up that gap, they could not assure victory despite the dramatically increased number of soldiers. However, Kiriyan did not budge.

"Shouldn't we only think about the final victory even though we would have to risk some damage?"

Raiden gazed at Kiriyan for a while with an unclear look on his face before he repositioned the pieces himself.

"How 'bout this?"

Kiriyan frowned right after he saw Raiden's positionings. The right wing of the army would be led by Raiden. The left wing would be on Tracey. And Kiriyan's piece was still left at the center, in front of Mikael. Kiriyan sighed.

"Thank you for thinking highly of my skill, but now's the time to be serious."

"I ain't joking."

Kiriyan glared at Raiden, but Raiden only looked back at Kiriyan calmly.

"It's simple. A whip is no match for a sword. Of course, Commander Tracey's whip has broken numerous swords so far, but I'd say it would not be the same against Mikael."

"…"

"As ya saw earlier, fighting skill is my weapon of choice, which is no match for a sword and Mikael, either. The one who can hold Mikael back for more than a day, I reckon you are the only one for this job, Mr. Silver Knight."

"Hold him back for more than a day…? Where are you going with this?" Tracey narrowed her eyes. Raiden cleared his throat and continued.

"If we do a full-on attack for a whole day, as long as myself and Tracey are there, we can do some serious damage on those fellas. That would be enough to get us the final victory."

"Holding Mikael back. Do you even know what the hell that means?"

"I do."

"No, you don't. That means Sir Kiriyan dies."

"Yes, I said I freakin' know it."

"…!"

Kiriyan looked Raiden in the eye. Risking one and only life is not easy, to say the least. Raiden Pronen was a violent man who liked fights, but at least he knew what the true value of life was. Kiriyan turned his eyes to the piece of himself and Mikael on the map, facing each other. If the 'damage' that he had said was worth risking for the final victory actually turned out to be his own life, would he still be able to say the same thing? His decision was fast.

"Let's do it."

"Wait, master!" Aurelio shouted, but Kiriyan shook his head.

"One day. Now we've come to this conclusion, so even if I lose, it's my responsibility to hold out for at least one day against Mikael. But Commander Raiden, you'll have to keep your end of the bargain."

"Rest assured, Tracey and I will bring Shadow Pain down. Ya have my word."

In spite of Raiden's promise, Kiriyan didn't stop looking at Raiden for a while.

"You are some guy. Asking a man you see for the first time today to go to Mikael and die, huh? Pretty determined." Tracey sneered at Raiden, which only returned to her right away.

"Ya know we don't have a damn choice. Yer some spinster, too, so just shaddup."

"Bah! It's not that you ever set me up with anyone."

Tracey scoffed as if nothing had happened, but betrayed despair on her face shortly. No matter how many times she thought, the possibility for Kiriyan to beat Mikael and come back alive was zero.

‎

At the same time, Cheheran's command center was busy with their own strategic planning meeting. Even though the number of officers present was less than that of the triple alliance, it consisted of the most talented strategists of Cheheran empire. The grey-eyed Supreme Commander sitting in the middle of them, Mikael Sepavile, was listening to Zelid's report quietly.

"The commander of the enemy must know you will be at the front. So, we expect Kiriyan Masis will also take the lead himself to stop you."

There were lots of pieces placed disorderly on the operation map in front of Mikael. What Cheheran's officers had expected about Perriun's strategy that they would prioritize Mikael hit the bull's eye, but Mikael still kept his poker face even when their victory had become highly likely.

"What have we got about Zenoa and Croa's movements?"

"Nothing so far, but it is expected that they will provide military aid for Perriun in a few days."

Surprisingly, even Shadow Pain had yet to notice that Tracey and Raiden had already joined up with the enemy base. It was because Zenoa and Croa had put more effort in avoiding Cheheran's eyes than in anything else.

"It seems the war would end within 3 days."

Mikael looked at the officer who had made that assumption. "What do you mean?"

"While you and Kiriyan Masis are battling, we will split the force into two with Sir Zelid to attack both sides of the enemy. Since Perriun is outnumbered, their defense line is expected to be conquered in about 3 days after Kiriyan's death."

"No, you advance after I finish the battle with Kiriyan. It will be only for us commanders to contend for superiority."

"If so, I figure Kiriyan would be able to hold you for a day."

"No, 10 minutes will be enough."

"…!"

The officers thought they had heard him wrong. Although it was Mikael, it was impossible to beat the silver knight in just 10 minutes. Kiriyan had been acclaimed not only in his own kingdom but even in Cheheran, and there had been a reason for it. The officers even started thinking that the best swordsman in the world had suddenly become overconfident in his power.

"When I kill Kiriyan, start an advance."

The grey-eyed commander of the vanguard walked out of the room, leaving Zelid and the other officers dumbfounded.

‎

Though it causes a tragedy at the front lines when war happens, it is not as influential to the soldiers guarding the rear, or to other general merchants and farmers. And it was the same for Perriun's capital Jikrea, which was far away from the northern defense line against Cheheran. The sky was calm and cloudless. The way people were behaving was also not any different than usual, which made it so hard to believe that war was imminent. And it was because not even a single enemy could ever reach here as long as the gateway defended by Kiriyan, Raiden and Tracey was intact. It was believed so, at least.

"What is that? Return?"

"It can't be. I've never got any report."

The guards at the entrance of the palace just stood there, looking at the mounted troops coming towards them without any clue. They did not have a shred of doubt that they could be an enemy. However, that belief shattered just after one second.

Baaaaam!

A bullet crossed beautiful sunlight penetrating the head of one palace guard. At the same time, the other young guard witnessed his comrade's body collapse. Running down the forehead of the soldier who could not even scream before his death was obviously warm blood. Only then, the young guard's face became pale.

"A raid! Alert the palace! Fire a flare!"

Approaching at full speed, the front of the mounted troops drew a sword. The guard's head got cut off and flew up in the air with the flares reporting the enemy's raid. The sky was still clear.

‎

"Your majesty, we should escape here immediately!"

"Why?"

The king asked back with a peaceful face upon the officer's urgent report while swallowing a spoonful of soup. Getting speechless by the king's coolness, the officer had to stop himself from sneering, 'well, guess yourself!'.

"T, the front gate of the palace has been invaded by hundreds of mounted troops! It's only a matter of time before they get here!"

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!"

Realizing what was happening, the king sprang to his feet. The horrible scream echoed all over the palace.

"It can't be! Has Sir Kiriyan already been defeated?"

"No, the northern defense line has been in a lull so far."

"Then who the hell is invading?!"

"I don't know, but it's certain that they are not one of us!"

Screams came from outside of the window not long after. When he looked outside, the king found out that several buildings had already been on fire. When, and how had things gone this far? At that moment, Seid, who had come in to join the breakfast meeting, rose to his feet.

"Your majesty! The palace is now a castle in the sand! A light before the wind! Therefore, it is beyond a shadow of a doubt! clear as day! that the palace will be subjugated! Therefore, it is a matter of course! needless to say! that we need to escape right now!"

The king answered with an elegant tone after listening to Seid's don't-know-when-to-stop speech.

"Fuck, are you that happy to run away with an enemy on our ass?"

"T, that's quite a cutting remark."

The king hung his head in a moment. Even after all those efforts to get the military aid from Zenoa and Croa, they wound up having to give up the throne and flee by some unknown troops in the end. It was really humiliating, but they did not have any other choice.

"…Let's pack up."

"We shouldn't run away."

Sudden voice gathered people's attention at one point. A dashing and handsome lad was stepping into the room through the open door. The king managed to recall that the mark on his armor represented Hellon Knights. His face brightened up.

"May I have your name, sir?"

"Your highness. I'm Neon Silvain with Hellon Knights."

The king only tilted his head at his self-introduction, but the officer next to the king exclaimed in a short moment.

"Neon Silvain! The one called the second-in-command of Hellon Knights?"

"I'm flattered." Bowing his head slightly to the king with a surprised look, Neon continued.

"The goals of the enemy are chaos and agitation. As soon as this place and the throne are conquered, it will demoralize the soldiers at the front line and people will be afraid of invisible enemies that may be hiding in other cities as well. And that will directly result in our defeat in the war."

Seid could not help but hunch his shoulders at Neon's articulate speech. It was what he should have said.

"I came here with all the remaining forces of Hellon Knights. Combined with the rest of palace guards and Ensis Knights, we will be able to put ourselves in a much better position. Your highness, we haven't even fought yet."

"I forgot an important thing for a moment. That even this small and weak kingdom has a knight like you, sir."

Being full of wonder, the king looked at the man in front of him and said in a decisive manner. That was when another knight showed up in the room. This time, however, he was in armor with the symbol of Ensis Knights.

"Your majesty!"

"Oh, you just came in time."

The king took a golden insignia off his chest and hung it on Neon's uniform in person in front of the knight from Ensis Knights. Neon's eyes dilated.

"As we don't have time, I will speak shortly having all of you guys as the witnesses. Sir Neon, put Ensis Knights, Hellon Knights and other palace guards together and take command of the joint force. Please protect this historic kingdom."

The king held Neon's hands tightly with his sincere hope. Instead of being moved to tears, Neon reported a strategy he had come up with on his way to the palace.

"It is unlikely that we will be able to defeat the enemy with just a standard tactic. I have a plan."

"Oh, which is?"

"A diversionary tactic, using fake and real."

Neon started outlining his strategy with a grim look on his face.

Meanwhile, the leader of the mounted troops was faced with unexpected trouble, which was stopping them from rushing into the palace and completing a siege. The leader vented his annoyance after he had ended up getting lost several times.

"For crying out loud! What's wrong with this kingdom? None of these road signs are correct!"

That was the first and the last moment the officer's negligence of duties saved the kingdom.