Emerged Triumphant

From the portal emerged more Ghouls, launching a frenzied attack on Liam. Minister Wilhelm disappeared in a flash of fear, while Minister Quagmane was left to defend himself against the Ghouls that threatened to harm him, his cheeks narrowly avoiding their deadly claws. 

As five Ghouls leapt towards Liam's vulnerable back, they savagely slashed at him, digging their sharp claws deep into his flesh until he was forced to release Amelia. The pain seared through Liam, but he remained resolute, his eyes blazing with fury.

Before Liam could regain his composure and stand, Amelia vanished like smoke, utilizing her teleportation abilities to escape near the portal.

Driven by determination and desperation, Ludwig exerted all his might to reach Amelia. He fought fiercely against the surrounding Ghouls, aiming to clear a path to her. However, just as he was closing in, the portal began to collapse and faded, allowing Amelia to slip away successfully.

The forest of Fortunalia soon became overrun with hundreds of Ghouls, their menacing presence filling the once serene woods.

Enraged by Amelia's escape, Liam unleashed his fury, soaring into the sky and conjuring a rainstorm. Instead of water droplets, sharp icy projectiles rained down, piercing through the bodies of the Ghouls and decimating at least a quarter of their numbers in a relentless barrage.

As Ludwig grappled with the intense pain and newfound power coursing through him after the Ones merged with his being, he was unable to join the fray immediately. His body was still recovering from the ordeal, and he struggled to regain his strength.

Sensing Ludwig's vulnerability, a dozen Ghouls made a beeline towards him, eager to exploit his weakened state. However, their advance was swiftly halted by Commander Leonel. With his double-bladed fire sword, he effortlessly dispatched the Ghouls, positioning himself protectively in front of Ludwig as he noticed the king's labored breathing due to the effects of the Ones.

"Protect the King!" Commander Leonel's command rang out, and in an instant, numerous knights rallied to their king's side. They formed a protective barrier around Ludwig, ensuring that no enemy could get close to him, their loyalty and dedication unwavering in the face of danger.

As Minister Quagmane and King Daemond, along with their knights, swiftly dealt with the incoming Ghouls, Hiyasmin joined the fray without hesitation. Her movements were precise and lethal as she sliced through the Ghouls, leaving a trail of severed limbs and heads in her wake.

With each passing moment, Ludwig's recovery became evident as his breathing normalized and his body gradually adjusted to the power of the Ones. Despite Hiyasmin's concerns about the need for rest after receiving the Ones, they had no choice but to press forward. The urgency of the situation demanded that Ludwig join the fight alongside them.

Hiyasmin's worried expression reflected the understanding that the possessor of the Ones should not exert themselves recklessly so soon after receiving it, but with the threat of the Ghouls looming over them, Ludwig had no option but to fight alongside his allies.

As Ludwig unleashed his bluish fire, the approaching Ghouls were engulfed in flames, their agonized screams piercing the air. Liam stood beside him, quietly supporting him despite any outward signs of concern, knowing that Ludwig's body was still adjusting and weakening due to the fusion with the Ones.

Though Ludwig's fire was not yet at its full potential due to the ongoing fusion, it was still formidable enough to incinerate a significant number of Ghouls.

For hours, they battled relentlessly against the onslaught of Ghouls, the sounds of combat echoing through the once vibrant forest and town. When the final Ghoul fell, the landscape was unrecognizable, with devastation and destruction stretching as far as the eye could see. The heart of the town lay in ruins, infrastructure reduced to ashes, yet the sacred tree remained resilient amidst the chaos.

The ground was soaked in blood, painting a grim picture of the fierce battle that had unfolded, turning Fortunalia into a vivid red hue.

As the chaos of battle settled, the knights swiftly transitioned into aid mode, tending to the wounded and providing solace to the families of those who had fallen in battle. Critical injuries were addressed promptly, and the fallen knights were respectfully handed over to their grieving loved ones.

Ludwig couldn't help but feel a deep sense of regret and guilt for the loss of so many knights under his command. He wished fervently that things hadn't escalated to this point, that lives hadn't been sacrificed in pursuit of the Ones. However, he acknowledged the grim reality that casualties were an inevitable consequence of war, regardless of his desires.

Fortunately, the casualties were not significant enough to cripple Fortunalia's defenses. The remaining knights were highly skilled, and plans were already in motion to train new recruits if needed. Additionally, thanks to proactive evacuation initiatives prior to the war, most civilians remained unharmed and safe from harm's way.

Despite being outnumbered by the Ghouls, the knights' expertise and determination ultimately led them to victory. Their hard-won triumph came at a cost, but it reinforced their resilience and dedication to protecting their kingdom and its people.

Ludwig slumped in exhaustion, paying little heed to the dirt and blood staining his attire. The strain on his body from using his powers to vanquish the Ghouls had taken its toll, leaving him in dire need of rest and recovery. With each breath, he felt the weight of fatigue and the lingering discomfort of overexertion.

Without resistance, Ludwig allowed Hiyasmin to guide him back to Lancaster Castle, where the loyal knights stood guard, vigilant in their duty to protect the castle and its inhabitants. Positioned strategically throughout the castle grounds, they remained ever watchful, ensuring no threats could breach their defenses and harm the citizens taking refuge within.

As Ludwig and Hiyasmin reached the castle, the presence of the vigilant knights provided a sense of security amidst the chaos outside. While Liam and Minister Quagmane remained to assist in cleaning up the aftermath of the battle, Ludwig retreated to the safety of the castle walls, knowing that his kingdom was in capable hands, at least for the time being.

As Ludwig and Hiyasmin arrived at Lancaster Castle, the vigilant knights stationed around the castle perimeter remained focused on their duties. One of the knights, upon recognizing their king's arrival, swiftly made their way to Ludwig while the others maintained their positions, their eyes scanning the surroundings as per Ludwig's orders.

Inside the castle, the entrance hall was bustling with citizens seeking refuge from the chaos outside. The hall was filled to capacity, with people of all ages and walks of life crowding together. Babies nestled in their mothers' arms, children clung to their parents, teenagers conversed in hushed tones, and the elderly sought solace amidst the commotion.

The atmosphere was tense yet unified, as the citizens gathered together, seeking safety and reassurance within the castle walls. The flaming arrows and bows ready for use served as a reminder of the ongoing threats looming outside, but for now, within the castle, there was a sense of solidarity and protection.

As Ludwig and Hiyasmin entered the castle, the sight of their bloodied clothes caused a stir among the citizens. Their shock deepened upon seeing the king in such a weakened state, relying on a knight's support to move. Despite his condition, Ludwig was determined to maintain a semblance of composure, aware of the concern and support of his people.

Sensing Ludwig's deteriorating condition, Hiyasmin quickly took charge, instructing the knight to escort Ludwig to his chambers while she addressed the gathered citizens to provide an explanation of the recent events.

Once in his room, Ludwig collapsed onto his bed, the exhaustion and strain overwhelming him. In a matter of moments, he succumbed to a deep slumber, his body finally finding respite after the intense ordeal of battle, using his powers, and possessing the Ones. The kingdom's fate weighed heavily on his shoulders, even in his unconscious state.

Hiyasmin stood tall before the grand assembly in the main hall of Lancaster Castle. The tension in the air was palpable as she prepared to deliver the news that would change everything. Taking a deep breath, she began, "Ladies and gentlemen, people of Fortunalia, I bring important news. The reason behind the King's weakening state is that he has finally the Ones, and with great valor, our brave knights have emerged triumphant in the war…"

Gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by a sudden hush as the significance of her words sank in. Then, as realization dawned, a wave of cheers and delight erupted, echoing throughout the vast hall. The people of Fortunalia rejoiced, their hopes rekindled by the news that the King had fulfilled the ancient prophecy.

As Hiyasmin tended to Ludwig, who was burning with fever and had lost consciousness, she understood that his condition was a normal occurrence after the infusion of the Ones into royal blood. Despite his distressing symptoms, Hiyasmin was reassured by her knowledge of the process and was not overly concerned.

Meanwhile, the castle remained vigilant and on high alert, knowing that Amelia's escape meant the threat was still present. The knights and guards maintained their defensive positions, ensuring the safety of the castle and its inhabitants.