A Warrior's Rest
The next moments went by in a blur. Askyros beheaded Coredant without hesitation, causing the surrounding troops to falter.
"Is there anyone else who wants a try?" [Askyros]
He looked around at those around. Be it those who donned a dragon on their armor, or a flame on their pauldrons, Askyros was willing to be their opponent.
"...Is there no one?" [Askyros]
The soldiers looked to be stricken with fear. None would approach Askyros, not even the savage beasts that circled the field.
"Hm… I see." [Askyros]
Askyros scanned the area, looking for a specific figure. As soon as his eye caught what he was looking for, he spoke.
"You. Call for a retreat. I claim this land in the name of his highness, the Sovereign of Faith." [Askyros]
He directed his words to a soldier wearing a black plume on his helmet, along with a black cape that went down his back.
They didn't seem to be very happy that they were being ordered by an enemy soldier, but the soldier was too afraid to talk back.
"Damn monster…!" [Reluctant Soldier]
Reaching into their pocket, he pulled out a red luminescent crystal and spoke into it.
"Lord Kafma and the opposing general Viscount Coredant have been slain. I request permission for a retreat." [Reluctant Soldier]
The crystal didn't seem to get a response, but then the sound of a horn being blown resounded across the sky.
"Retreat!" [Reluctant Soldier]
The soldiers backed away. Inching away with cautiousness before turning around into a full sprint.
Cheers came from Askyros' side, and many soldiers charged forward.
"For the Sovereign of Faith!" [Charging Soldier]
"This land is ours!" [Elated Soldier]
As the Sovereign of Faith's soldiers flooded the field, Askyros stood there with a feeling of satisfaction.
"Askyros!" [???]
The sound of footsteps running up from behind alerted Askyros, causing him to turn around battle ready.
"Woah! Wait! It's me!" [???]
"..." [Askyros]
There stood a nervous Ryse, hands held up with a knife pointed towards him.
"...Hm." [Askyros]
He lowered the knife, practically dropping it since there was no longer a use for it.
"There we go… Anyway, that was amazing!" [Ryse]
"...I don't see what was so amazing." [Askyros]
"Huh? Y… You're kidding right? Right?!" [Ryse]
"..." [Askyros]
Ryse was dumbstruck. Seeing as how his friend was completely clueless, he inhaled deeply before going on a rant.
"Well, first of all. You helped me defeat a giant. With only TWO PEOPLE." [Ryse]
"Mhm." [Askyros]
"Second, you fought Kafma, and WON." [Ryse]
"Mhm…" [Askyros]
"Third. You fought Coredant, and still won AFTER fighting Kafma." [Ryse]
"Mhm…?" [Askyros]
"...You're not listening are you?" [Ryse]
Replying with a way that seemed like Askyros understood what he heard usually worked for him, but it seemed to have failed him this time.
"I'm unsure of what that means to you. All I did was defeat two people and one excessively large one." [Askyros]
"If you put it that way, of course it's going to sound like nothing!" [Ryse]
Ryse was getting a bit frustrated. Right as he was about to continue his rant, a soldier approached them.
"Excuse me! Are you sir Askyros by any chance?" [Tired Soldier]
The soldier panted heavily, exhausted from his run.
"Sir…? I don't have a "sir" in my name." [Askyros]
"...Askyros, it's an honorific." [Ryse]
"...Never heard of it." [Askyros]
"Ugh… These are the times where I wish you were a noble." [Ryse]
"And these are the times I wish they didn't exist." [Askyros]
The soldier became wide eyed upon hearing that. Glancing at Askyros and Ryse, he ignored it.
"Erm… You are sir- I mean, Askyros… correct…?" [Tired Soldier]
"Indeed." [Askyros]
The soldier breathed a sigh of relief. He seemed to be very happy to hear that.
"Delightful. You have been called upon by his highness, the Sovereign of Faith. Please come to the Holy Capital to receive a reward in the Great Hall." [Tired Soldier]
The soldier reached under his breastplate and pulled out a thick sheepskin scroll, presenting it to Askyros with two hands.
"You may also invite up to three companions to attend the rewarding ceremony with you if you'd like. That is all." [Tired Soldier]
Askyros took the scroll from the soldier's hands, unfurling it to get a read of its contents.
"…How boring." [Askyros]
The scroll had a formal invitation to the Holy Capital, along with a stamp signifying an imperial order.
"I see. Then I shall head to the capital." [Askyros]
He furled the scroll and slid it into the empty sheathe of his sword, looked around, and found himself a nice rock to sit on.
"...What are you doing?" [Ryse]
"Resting." [Askyros]
Seeing as how his body was riddled with wounds, Ryse could not complain.
"Ryse, won't you call a healer for me?" [Askyros]
"Uh… yeah, sure." [Ryse]
As he turned to leave, he was reminded of a question he needed for Askyros.
"Hey, uh… Askyros? What will you- huh?" [Ryse]
There sat Askyros with his eyes closed. Only a moment had passed since Ryse turned around, and Askyros was already making the most of his rest.
"...He's asleep?" [Ryse]