Bang Bang!

Arthur's boots crunched against the gravel path, each step echoing in the tense silence that hung in the air.

The women, their faces etched with a mix of fear and curiosity, parted like a human sea, creating a narrow corridor for him. His approach was measured, a predator stalking its prey.

"Stay where you are! I'm warning you!" Luke's voice quivered with a hint of desperation as he stumbled backward, his men forming a protective barrier Infront him. Their clenched jaws and wary eyes betrayed their unease.

"Come now, don't tell me you're going to back down from a fight after the brave front you showcased before…" Arthur's words were ice-cold, his gaze locked onto Luke's trembling figure.

Luke stammered, his voice strained as he attempted to reason his way out of the impending confrontation. "Wait, wait… only one of my men tried, right… you can't base the result on just one try, right? It's not exactly fair now, is it?".

Arthur came to an abrupt stop, the tension in the air nearly suffocating. His eyes scanned the faces of the black Knights, a wry smile playing on his lips. The sigh that escaped him was heavy with a mix of disappointment and amusement.

"Okay then…" His voice held a note of sarcasm as he addressed the group, "Hey, any of you dead men want to try taking my women from me? Don't worry, I won't raise a single finger."

The black Knights shifted uncomfortably, their eyes darting around nervously. The silence was deafening, a resounding testament to their reluctance. It was clear as day that none of them dared to approach the women, as if an invisible force field surrounded Arthur's precious companions.

"Well, that's out of the way." Arthur's tone remained cool and collected as he resumed his advance, each step echoing with an air of dominance.

Luke's face contorted with fear, his grip on his men's arms vice-like as he barked orders through quivering lips, "What do you think you're doing? Go over there and take one of them… come on, hurry up".

The women remained huddled together, their faces a mixture of relief and gratitude, while the black Knights exchanged uneasy glances, torn between their loyalty and their instinct for self-preservation.

Despite Luke's desperate plea, the black Knights remained frozen in place, their formation an uneasy shield against the impending threat of Aether.

None of them dared to risk the wrath of Mona, who they thought stood as a formidable guardian over the women.

'Shit, is this how I die?!' Luke's inner monologue echoed with fear and doubt, his thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. 'Damn it, wait… I shouldn't even be afraid. Sure, the girl was crazy strong, but that doesn't mean this idiot is. Yeah… What am I even panicking for? I'm one of the strongest knights in the kingdom!'

As Arthur closed the distance, his presence growing more imposing with every step, Luke tried to bolster his confidence through muttered words of self-assurance.

Once Arthur was within striking distance, he uttered a single command, his voice steady and unwavering, "Open, Gate."

The atmosphere shifted instantly. It was as though the very fabric of reality responded to Arthur's command.

As Arthur remained locked onto his target, an intricate red magic circle materialized at his left side. The symbol pulsed with an otherworldly energy, its vibrant crimson hues contrasting with the surrounding forest. It seemed like a portal to another realm, a doorway to the unknown.

The tension in the air thickened as Luke's gaze shifted between the magic circle and Arthur, his initial surprise giving way to a growing dread. But even in the face of fear, he clung to a sense of desperation and determination, harboring a few tricks up his sleeves.

The women, their faces illuminated with a mixture of amazement and anticipation, formed a tight circle around the unfolding spectacle.

Their eyes were fixed on their chief, expressions ranging from awe to subtle smiles. To them, Arthur's display of power was not only impressive but a testament to his ability to protect them.

With his arm submerged in the swirling magic circle, a gentle breeze whispered through the trees, ruffling Arthur's hair.

He slowly withdrew his arm, and as he did, a radiant golden energy began to pour forth. It radiated warmth and power, casting a radiant glow across the clearing.

As Arthur fully withdrew his arm from the enigmatic magic circle, an otherworldly weapon materialized in his left hand.

The mythical-looking gun gleamed with an ethereal radiance, its craftsmanship defying the laws of ordinary weaponry. Arthur's gaze remained locked on the trembling black knight, a stern resolve etched across his face.

Without a moment's hesitation, Arthur unleashed his attack.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

The deafening shots reverberated through the clearing, each sound like a thunderclap tearing through the tension-filled air.

Before anyone could comprehend the swift turn of events, four of the black Knights stood headless, their bodies swaying for a moment before collapsing to the ground.

Their heads were obliterated, leaving gruesome, blood-soaked remnants trailing down their necks.

The forest seemed to recoil in shock, the echoes of the gunshots still lingering like a ghostly whisper.

The women gasped, a collective expression of astonishment mixed with a hint of horror on their faces. Arthur's display of power had been nothing short of a supernatural spectacle, a display of violence that had unfolded in the blink of an eye.

Luke, now staring at the gruesome aftermath, stood frozen in a state of disbelief. The balance of power had shifted dramatically, leaving him and his remaining knights reeling in shock and fear. In that fleeting moment, the clearing had transformed into a chilling battlefield where the fates of those involved hung in the balance.

"Ahhhhhh!" Screamed Luke, falling to his butt and crawling backwards, even some of his men were frozen in shock, their faces painted with blood.

"W…what the hell is that weapon?" Asorth's voice quivered with shock, her eyes widening as she gazed upon the mystical firearm clutched in Arthur's hand. She then turned her attention towards Luna, her curiosity piqued. "Luna? When did Arthur get…?"

Her words trailed off, her voice dwindling to silence as she took note of the peculiar expression on Luna's face.

Luna's eyes shimmered like twin stars, her cheeks flushed a rosy hue, and a dreamy smile adorned her features. Her gaze was fixed solely on Arthur, as if he were the sole source of light in her world.

Amidst the chaos and tension that lingered in the clearing, Luna's enchanting fascination with her son stood out like a beacon of warmth and adoration.