Snow Fort

Stones blazing in fire fly over the walls occasionally hitting some buildings and destroying it. Arrows hit everywhere and even occasional explosion where seen, it was utter chaos it was truly a gruesome scene.

"My lord, even if are successful in infiltrating the wall, we will no chance inside the wall. We should sound the retreat." The man beside him riding a horse was frantic as they were observing the battle.

"Damn these Sultans, did they betray us? It is impossible, our spies saw their army sneak into the forest. We even deliberately lure two golden beast to fight and hope to delay them in entering the forest." "Damn you sultans...Damn...Sound the retreat." With a heavy heart, the commander decided to retreat as his men was slowly diminishing in front of his eyes.

A loud horn sounded as the enemy retreated, the battle ended prematurely but nevertheless the fort won. An the whole of the fort was enveloped with cheering and shouting of victory.

At the top of a hill, a man with a long telescope was watching as the enemy retreated in defeat. He was silent as he folded the telescope while looking far at the fort. "It failed" The man banished in the bushes just like a shadow that faded into the darkness.

Many messenger birds were seen flying under the bright moonlight. But in the fort, many things that needs attention. Many structures that need to be fixed, injuries to tend to, and burials to Mourne.

After the burial ceremony to honor those who sacrificed themselves for the people and the kingdom, the soldiers and citizens started to fix the damage structures. And finally Azraelle's upgrade was done.

Fort Snow (Palace guess)

{Sire system upgrade is 100%, new functions are now available} "New Functions?. Can you elaborate on the new functions?" {As you wish., The system is now able to utilize energy X also known to this planet as mana, the Nano droids can now be upgraded and will give unlimited potential not only to the pod but to everyone. Even as we speak, the Nano droids are almost complete in evolution.} "Azraelle, did you say evolution?" {Yes, sire. Because of the knowledge of processing mana, the system was able to merge Nano droids, DNA, and some biological plant components evolving into a half machine half plant individual. Retaining its original function and adding more abilities} "Azraelle, this is a revolutionary event. The implications of this is huge. I would task you to gather more data, analyze it and list all possible usage of this new technology. {Sire before that, there is an urgent transmission from the capital} "Alright show it."

News of the victory reached already at the capital, but instead of praises, rewards and appreciation. It was rumored that the Snow Fort General and Archduke Colluded with outsiders. bribing tribes and using dark magic to save himself from the attack was spread. And after days of deliberation, the capital concluded that Archduke Sigmond Rygorn would be strip of his rank, and put to trial. The king decreed the Royal army to escort the duke to the capital for trial and investigation.

"This is a direct assault on our lord, A blatant use of power without even evidence. This is too much. My lord we need to appeal to the king." The commander was silent as it was a very grave matter, his only choice to protect his people is to surrender to the nobles. Any form of resistance will declare them rebelling, and may use as a reason for them to be attacked indiscriminately. But to surrender is surefire death.

"My lords, and all of you who supported me. This is the end for me, I am also tired of fighting and politics. The last thing I could do now is request for the king to spare all of the citizens here."

"But my lord, your surrender will not be an insurance of the safety of the people. Even if they would promise it, there is no assurance of anything, I am sure they are already plotting something." Alex was disagreed, because he know something was not right.

"Silince, This is my final decision." The commander was frustrated as he has no choice but to do it even without assurance.

Flash Back at the capital.

A young noble and a princess fell in love with each other but they were not meant to be as the princess was already been arranged with another. But even before the marriage the two of them were banned from meeting each other anymore, still the two of them continue to meet in secret and eventually created a child that would devastate the two of them and their future. The king, father of the princess who got pregnant was angry but could not do anything, because the young knight was the son of one of the most influential duke at his kingdom, the duke has a power that could equal the king and so the king hid the pregnancy and canceled the supposed to be weding of his daughter to other countries along with his anger.

The two kingdoms already sour relationship has taken its toll and war is inevitable, and because the duke was guilty of his sons actions, he volunteered to lead in the front lines to deflect the enemy but unfortunately died in the process. The victory was paid with a large amount of price, it was the death of the duke and along it half of his military power.

The child was born, but it was hidden inside the palace to not show the shame of the Royalty. The princess eventually died of illness from stress, she was imprisoned in the palace for her mistakes. And even after the princess death, the king blamed the young noble Sigmond Rygorn who is now duke. As a punishment, the king unreasonably commanded the duke as if he was his loyal dog. The duke endured it feeling guilty of his lovers death, and because his son was held hostage under the disguise of the kings care. Even with unreasonable quests, the duke won all his conquest that gave the kingdom a boost. The king was now in a dilemma the supposed punishment of the duke elevated him to be a more respected and honorable man so he was assigned in a very secluded area near the enemy border which is Snow Fort.

With minimal budget and resources from the capital, the duke still held the fort with smart tactics and face enemies bravely that is why many nobles and knights followed him even in the harshest condition in the fort.

The worst thing in his life is that his only son did not know that he is his father. The king threatened to harm his son the moment he knew of his circumstances, that is why all this years he could only be a father in secret. All his life he only saw his son during a quest return or a meeting in the capital palace but because he was exiled in the Snow fort he did not see his son for almost a decade.

Snow Fort (Present)

"Be my subjects and I will save you from this predicament." Zion said confidently breaking the dark mood that enveloped the silent room.