The influence of the leader
The adventurers' hall resounded with a series of compliments and praises, and Kadden accepted them with a beaming smile, though he modestly downplayed their claims, insisting that his actions were nothing worthy of the praise they gave him.
However, the merry atmosphere took a sudden turn when the door to the hall swung open, and a group of five knights walked in, making their way towards Kadden.
"Sir Langley," the knight at the head of the group addressed him, slightly bowing, "I come on behalf of Lord Swail to request your assistance." His tone was respectful, as even the town lord wouldn't dare to go against Kadden, fearing Lady Alson's power and the potential for rebellion. Kadden's reputation was simply too great.
Kadden's bright expression dimmed, and concern appeared on his face as he asked, "What has happened?" If Lord Swail sought his help, it must have been an important matter.
"A large group of monsters has left the Barestone Mountains and is headed towards Summerbell Village. Captain Elton has already departed to confront them, but to ensure the safety of the villagers, we humbly ask for Sir Langley's assistance." The knight explained.
So it started? Kadden's expression paled a little, but he managed to regain his composure soon. Judah, Wain's contact, recently told him that Wain planned to begin his attack on Cloudgate Town.
"They've left the Barestone Mountains, you say?" Despite his inner thoughts, he spoke with a hint of mockery. "No matter how many of them I slay, they never get smarter." He explained, sighing.
"Please tell Lord Swail that there's no need for concern," Kadden declared, determination in his voice. "Today, I, Kadenn Langley, shall personally teach these monsters a lesson, one they won't forget again. They will think twice before venturing beyond the Barestone Mountains ever again!"
The hall's occupants, initially stunned by the turn of events, erupted into excited chatter.
"Amazing! To witness Sir Langley's battle today, this is the best day of my life."
"As expected, Sir Langley is unparalleled."
"I almost feel sorry for those monsters now."
…
A resounding wave of applause took over the adventurers' hall, however, inside Kadden couldn't help but cast a pained look over the assembly
This may be the last day he sees many of his fellow adventurers and he couldn't stop his heart from aching.
Despite their words, he was a traitor, who will lead them to death one day. He didn't know when, but that was his ultimate task from his master, whom he owed everything he currently had.
Even if Kadden didn't want to do it, he knew that he didn't have a choice. Either, Wain could choose someone else for the task if he refused, or there may be a way to force him through the contract.
"Let's go!" Kadden declared enthusiastically and left the adventurers' hall, followed by all adventurers present, who were determined to help him teach these monsters a lesson.
"So this is Kadden," the knights who witnessed the scene were left speechless, and a single thought resonated among them as they watched Kadden's departing figure:
"He is truly remarkable."
…
Dusk was already settling in as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a dusky hue over the plains near Summerbell Village.
Two hundred knights were in swift pursuit of the army of monsters, having received intelligence from scouts that hundreds of these creatures had left the Barestone Mountains and headed to the Summerbell Village, so they planned to stop the marauding horde before it could threaten the safety of the villagers.
They were anxious, unsure about the strength of their enemies, but they were determined to protect their fellow citizens trumped their fears.
Leading the force was Edvin Elton, a respected figure in Cloudgate Town. Though he may not have been as renowned as Kadden, he was widely regarded as the most powerful individual in the town. He was also known as a righteous and honest man, so soldiers held unwavering loyalty and respect towards their leader.
They have finally arrived at the Summerbell Village, when an eerie atmosphere descended upon them and the soldiers couldn't help feeling uneasy.
"Stay calm and keep the formation," Edvin Elton tried to reassure the soldiers. If they wanted to defeat their enemies, they needed to avoid panic.
However, even then, everyone was nervously eyeing the edge of the forest a few hundreds meters ahead, trying to find out who would be their opponent when it happened.
A figure garbed in a commanding black robe emerged from the forest, accompanied by an army of menacing monsters. The oppressive presence that radiated from this mysterious figure intensified, resembling the arrival of the god of death.
"What kind of monster is that?" Even Captain Elton, who typically remained unshaken, found himself frowning as he observed the dark magician before them. Despite his strength at the higher realm of 3rd-grade, he wasn't confident in confronting the formidable enemy.
The horses began to panic, while the soldiers were subconsciously stepping backwards, it was evident that everybody feared the man.
As the enigmatic figure in the commanding black robe drew closer, a growing sense of fear took hold. Horses began to panic, their frantic movements unsettling the soldiers, who unconsciously started stepping backward. Their only wish was to wake up, but they couldn't since this wasn't just a nightmare!
However retreat wasn't an option. They couldn't let these monsters roam freely, devastating their territory and plundering villages.
Captain Elton understood that he needed to do something quickly otherwise the soldiers would soon enter a state of panic and perhaps even flee from the battlefield. Summoning his inner courage, he stepped forward, raising his voice to face the incoming enemy.
"I am Edvin Elton, Captain of the Guards from Cloudgate Town. Retreat to the mountains immediately, or we will not hesitate to use force!" His command helped many knights to remember their purpose and regain their composure.
However, the only response they received was a chilling laugh from their foes.
Edvin Elton was also growing restless, when the magician raised his hand, creating two raging serpents made from dark flames.
3rd-grade skill, Steel Protector!
In an attempt to defend, Captain Elton raised his shield and casted one of his most powerful skills, but when the two serpents struck, the shield shattered, and he was sent helplessly flying backward.
As the sun set, casting the plain in darkness, the soldiers gazed in sheer horror as their captain lost the exchange.
3rd-grade spell, Descend of Flames!
Wain cast another 3rd-grade spell, but under effect of [Nocturnal Hunter] and Chaos Flame, his attack already reached 4th-grade standard and Edvin Elton stood no chance to defend against them.
Despite the grave circumstances and his own defeat, Captain Elton refused to back down, he was now the only hope the soldiers could cling on and he definitely couldn't lose.
Struggling to his feet, he faced the mocking laughter from his opponent. "You were a formidable opponent, but now your time has come."
"I can still-" Edvin Elton tried to argue, but then he suddenly felt a chilling wetness on his leg and before he realized, a colossal monster devoured him whole.
Terror gripped the soldiers. If even Captain Elton had fallen, who could possibly save them now? Despair cast a dark shadow over their minds when, suddenly, a voice pierced the silence of the night.
"Azztar Echo, what gave you the courage to leave your mountains?"
The soldiers turned their heads, shocked which fool dared to provoke the god-like magician, when they noticed a group of adventurers, led by a youth with golden armor.
That sight was unforgettable. It was Kadden Langley! The soldiers began murmuring among themself. They all heard many tales about Kadden, but they never witnessed his strength, so they didn't know if he could face the evil magician, who was called Azztar Echo.
"Kadden Langley," the magician switched his gaze at Kadden, clearly recognizing the man. From their interaction, it was obvious they already crossed their paths and everyone couldn't help but get curious about the story behind it.
"You won't be able to stop me today!" The magician roared, his voice rumbling like thunder as he formed countless fireballs, each carrying incredible strength, and launched them simultaneously at Kadden
However, Kadden didn't waver. He confidently advanced, calling forth two radiant swords that hovered at his sides, and with masterful swordsmanship, he effortlessly extinguished all of the fireballs.
"Amazing!"
The onlookers couldn't hold their admiration at the display of skill, looking at Kadden as a beacon of hope in the world of darkness.
"As long as I, Kadden Langley, am here, there is no place for a monster like you!" Kadden declared confidently, but in reality he was sweating in anxiety, concerned about his master's reaction.
Wain would understand it's just an act, right? He hoped, observing Wain nervously, while the onlookers erupted in cheers.
"Sir Langley is truly an admirable man!"
"As long as Kadden is here, there is nothing to worry about!"
"Get back into the mountains, you filthy monsters!"
The soldiers regained their vigor, fearlessly confronting the once-terrifying army of monsters. Thanks to Kadden's presence, they regained their hope and courage.
The situation quickly turned into their favor with the appearance of just a single man, this was how big influence Kadden had over the soldiers.
Witnessing the unexpected turn of events, the dark magician, Azztar Echo, had no choice but to order a retreat. "Don't think you can protect them forever, Kadden Langley!" he shouted in frustration before disappearing with his forces.
The soldiers from Cloudgate Town immediately began to revere Kadden for his miraculous feat, showering him with praise and admiration. However, little did they know that the departing magician was actually sneering under his hood.
Wain had learned from his time ruling Blackridge Town the significant influence a powerful leader could wield over an army. But he also understood that as much hope as a leader could inspire, twice as much despair could befall them when that leader fell.