Chapter 90: Promise

The battlefield was a sea of chaos, where the clash of weapons mixed with the cries of war.

The demon prince Niolz clad in a crimson cape, with dark skin and piercing yellow eyes, led a battalion of demons and werewolves.

Mounted atop a Cu Sith, a massive creature resembling a fusion of a giant dog and wolf with deep violet fur, he carried a long black and silver trident strapped to his back.

The elves surrounded struggled to hold their ground, but the oppressive aura of Niolz spread fear among them.

He let out a booming laugh, his presence overwhelming the battlefield.

"Haha! Weak elves! By now, Zoltov has surely captured Elsihore and taken control of the castle."

He turned to one of his subordinates, a kneeling demon. "And you? Were you able to contact Woltuk?"

The trembling demon lowered his head. "N-no, Prince Niolz. Lord Woltuk remains… untraceable."

Niolz sighed in frustration. "Tch typical knowing him, he's likely buried in one of his crazy experiments."

A werewolf sprinted toward him before kneeling.

"Prince Niolz, urgent report. H-humans have been spotted. They're heading in your direction."

A predatory grin spread across the demon's face his dark and violet demonic energy surged around him like a suffocating wave.

"Hm… I see i almost forgot that Azulferia had a maritime opening. That means they've called for reinforcements."

A single name passed through Niolz's mind, igniting his fury: Jonady Kaya.

He clenched his trident so tightly that it vibrated in his grasp.

Not far away Kaylen, accompanied by Sylena and a contingent of goblins and elves, advanced through the ruins of Iselhein an elven city reduced to rubble.

Together, they methodically eliminated the werewolves attempting to slow them down.

Kaylen, clad in his long white coat, swiftly cut down a werewolf with a precise strike of his sword.

But before he could turn, another werewolf feigning death, lunged at him—only to be pierced through the heart by a swift arrow.

"Nice shot, Sylena," Kaylen said, wiping his blade.

Sylena gave a small smile.

"Thanks, Kaylen but your sword… it's incredible that woman, Sienna must be a genius artisan. Perhaps even rivaling dwarven craftsmanship."

Kaylen's expression darkened slightly, a memory surfacing in his mind.

Within the halls of Elsihore Castle, Sienna had come running, carrying a long sword in her arms.

"Here, Kaylen," she said, offering him the weapon.

Kaylen turned, intrigued. He examined the blade with fascination—a silver sword, its steel engraved with the image of a white tiger with two crystal red eyes.

The metal hilt felt perfectly balanced in his grip.

Sienna handed it to him with a firm nod.

"…Thank you," he said, touched.

Dressed in a perfectly fitted white blouse, Sienna lowered her gaze.

"I'm not like you," she murmured. "I can not fight on the battlefield. The only thing I can do is forge."

She lifted her face, her violet eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Then, suddenly she grabbed his collar, rising slightly on her toes to steal a kiss from him.

"…So come back alive, Kaylen" she whispered.

Kaylen momentarily stunned, remained still before gently patting her head.

Turning away, he murmured "I promise I won't die."

Sienna clasped her hands over her chest, a shy smile on her lips.

"I'll be waiting for you at Elsihore."

Back in the present, a goblin named Geolt hurried to Sylena.

"Princess, the werewolves have been neutralized scouts report a demon unit nearby."

Sylena exchanged a glance with Kaylen, who nodded.

"That must be the Prince Niolz of the Katakiel Empire leading them," Sylena stated.

Kaylen took a deep breath. "Alright let's gather our forces and crush them."

Suddenly, a howl echoed near their position.

"WOOOOOO!"

Sylena's head snapped toward the sound. "Werewolves they've picked up our scent."

Kaylen smiled calmly. "Good that saves us the trouble of hunting them down."

A deafening roar shattered the air.

"WROAAAAAA!"

The goblins froze in terror, their legs trembling beneath them.

A massive figure emerged from the shadows—a Cu Sith, its deep violet fur glowing eerily under the dim light.

Perched atop its back was Niolz, his presence both imposing and terrifying his demonic aura radiating like a storm.

Sylena though shaken, studied the beast carefully.

"A Cu Sith… these wild creatures live in the remote forests of Nymenor. They never allow themselves to be tamed how can that demon have do this ?"

Kaylen answered without taking his eyes off Niolz. 

"This is likely the work of the dark mage, Woltuck Kodort."

Niolz, at the head of his battalion, fixed Kaylen with a cold, piercing stare.

"You, human… I assume you're from Ednia.Where is Jonady Kaya? Answer me, and I'll grant you a swift death."

Kaylen smirked, his tone laced with irony.

"So, you're the prince of the Katakiel Empire? No wonder your coalition failed."

Niolz's subordinates recoiled in horror they knew this was a sensitive subject for their prince the air grew thick with tension.

Niolz's yellow eyes flared with rage.

"DIE!"

With lightning speed, he charged straight for Kaylen.

Sylena raising her bow, rallied her troops with a fierce battle cry:

"For the future of Azulferia!"