The Black Knights

As the knight's sword was about to strike, a magical circle created a wall of wind in front of me.

It was like an iron fortress, blocking everything.

The air rippled like heat haze, and the sound was muffled, indicating that it was completely sealed off from the outside.

I was momentarily startled but quickly recognized the nature of this magic.

It was 'Aeromancy', a higher attribute of the wind element.

In magic, there are four basic elements: water, wind, earth, and fire. Each has a higher attribute: ice for water, aeromancy for wind, metal for earth, and blue flame for fire. To manipulate these higher attributes, one needs to be at least a 6-circle mage.

"Who are you?!"

The knights quickly formed a line, opening their mana and coloring their sword blades with aura. The air changed, and a strong pressure was felt, indicating well-trained knights.

-Shuuu!

The sound of wind was familiar; it was the same as when I fought Clark in the forest.

This meant that the Black Knights were nearby.

"Please leave."

I was surprised by how close they were.

Beyond the wind wall, I could see the silhouettes of the Black Knights.

'How did I not sense them? Their presence was hidden by mana.'

My low magic power must have prevented me from detecting them.

"Who dares to block Bahl's path?"

A knight stepped forward from the center of the line. He had a distinct presence, with a blue aura that signified he was a direct descendant of Bahl.

The face was familiar.

'Torres Bahl.'

Torres was someone I knew well, having played as him in 'Last Saber'. He was my longest-played character and my partner until the end.

"The First Successor of Bahl, Torres Bahl."

The Black Knights recognized him as well, as he was the successor of a rival family.

The Black Knights, dressed in black cloaks and masks, maintained a distance around us.

This was clearly an attempt to protect me.

Though I couldn't see how many there were, their presence felt formidable enough to counter the knights.

"This is definitely to protect me."

Torres sneered, "You know me, yet you still dare to do this. Is this the work of Arahan's secret organization?"

"Please leave. Nothing will happen if you do."

"Arahan is crossing the line."

Torres raised his energy, signaling the other knights to prepare for battle.

In the game, Torres was known for his bravery but lack of strategy.

'Can't he see the situation?'

The Black Knights had the upper hand, as the knights had revealed their full strength while the Black Knights remained hidden.

However, Torres wouldn't back down, especially not in Bahl's territory near the front lines.

'Why is Arahan doing this?'

His actions were akin to declaring war, especially in someone else's territory.

The situation was full of questions.

As Torres charged forward, his aura intensified.

"Kill them with Bahl's will!"

A magical trap had been set under the knights' feet, a kind of booby trap.

'This wasn't set by a 5 or 6-circle mage. There must be a 7-circle mage among the Black Knights.'

A 7-circle mage is rare, even in the Arahan family.

"What are you doing? Do you think you can defeat Bahl's will with such magic?"

Torres's aura grew stronger, forming a lion-like shape with his mana.

This was Bahl's First Vision, 'The Lion's Roar'.

"Too reckless. This fight has no chance of winning."

I knew Torres well, including his stats and abilities.

In 'Last Saber', a one-circle difference was a significant gap, and at higher circles, the disparity grew.

If Torres had a special trait, I might expect a 50-50 chance, but as it stood, he would lose every time.

'Intervene?'

This was a critical situation. If the Black Knights and Bahl's knights clashed, it would lead to a major conflict.

For me, the ultimate goal was to defeat the Demon King. Killing Torres would only weaken the anti-demon forces.

Moreover, Torres was someone special to me.

As Torres prepared his attack, I intervened.

"Black Knights, release the magical trap."

The Black Knight hesitated, clearly not under my command.

"I'm Arahan's son. You should listen to me."

"We follow the orders of the lord. Our mission is to protect you, not follow your commands."

I expected this response.

"Does Arahan want war with Bahl?"

"The cost is irrelevant if it's for our mission."

"Why must you kill Bahl's successor? This is an overstep."

The Black Knight remained silent.

I knew that if Torres died here, it would be disastrous for both sides.

"Can't you see that this is unnecessary conflict?"

The Black Knight didn't respond.

As Torres launched his attack, the Black Knights released the magical trap.

Torres used Bahl's First Vision, 'The Lion's Roar', but it was incomplete and exhausted him.

"Is that satisfying?"

Torres spat out dark blood, his breathing rough and complexion poor.

"You shouldn't have used the vision."

Torres collapsed, his condition critical due to mana backlash.

The knights rushed to him, trying to treat the backlash, but it was beyond their capabilities.

"We need to get him to a healer! The nearest one is in Tamaya!"

I blocked their path.

"You won't make it in time. Even Bahl's white horses would take three hours to reach Tamaya."

The knights were at a loss.

I turned to the Black Knights and ordered the leader to treat Torres.

"It's not possible. He caused this himself."

"You're the ones who provoked this."

"This was the lord's choice."

"If Torres dies here, it doesn't matter how it happened. The Black Knights will be seen as having killed Bahl's successor."

The Black Knight hesitated.

"Magic users prioritize utility. What benefit is there in a full-scale war with Bahl?"

"You're also a mage. Are you asking me to save a knight?"

"Torres is an old friend."

"A knight is not a friend; he's an enemy."

"Is that written in imperial law?"

I emphasized that I would keep my promises.

The Black Knight sighed and began treating Torres with a green, soothing aura.

The knights stepped aside, still wary but recognizing that the Black Knight was the only one who could save Torres.

As the treatment progressed, Torres's condition improved.

The Black Knight's actions were understandable, given the situation.

I knew that if the lord found out, he would be angry.

But I was willing to take that risk.

"Save him. If you don't, your mission to protect me ends here."

I gripped the hilt of Torres's sword, placing it against my neck.

It was a desperate move, but time was running out.

The Black Knight finally relented, treating Torres to stabilize his condition.

The knights watched, still cautious but acknowledging that the Black Knight was their only hope.

As the situation calmed, I realized that both sides were far from normal.

"Please hurry. Every minute counts."

The Black Knight continued the treatment, and Torres slowly recovered.

The tension remained, but for now, a major conflict had been averted.