Chapter 7 : A new foe

Battlefield of Dentor Valley is filled with the corpses of his soldiers. Thousands of these people who barely survived the battle were killed in an instant before his eyes. Julicous lost his senses and rushed towards the source, but froze in place upon sensing a powerful presence. Fortunately, this regained his senses. He took a deep breath, regained control, and shouted in rage, "Who are you? Show yourself!"

No one replied. A slash came rushing towards him from the shadows. Julicous tried to dodge, but his left shoulder was cut. A laughing sound echoed from the shadows. Julicous threw a sharp stone towards the source of the attack to check the enemy's location, but he didn't hear any sound of it hitting anything. He realized this was no ordinary enemy; it was the strongest he'd faced in his life.

Meanwhile, Captain Harsay and Vice Captain Yeinto, along with their soldiers, moved across the high grounds. When they saw their comrades being killed instantly, Harsay ordered one of the soldiers, "Call for backup. The rest, come with us!"

He declared, "If we must die, so be it! We cannot let such an enemy enter Acronyian at any cost. We haven't even recovered from the beast attack yet." Vice Captain Yeinto asked, "What should we do, Captain?"

Harsay replied, "We cannot defeat him with just numbers. We just need to find an opening and attack with a single decisive strike." He looked at the crystal swords he was holding in his arms and continued, "These are my wife's swords. She hasn't unlocked their power yet, so you can also use them." He offered the swords to Vice Captain Yeinto.

The Vice Captain refused, saying, "Captain, I am well aware that these are very precious to you and your wife. If I use them, the connection between her and the swords might break."

Harsay said, "Cator has already broken her connection with the swords. If it were still there, would we even have this option?" Tears welled up in his eyes.

He saw a flashback. "I made this for you," he said, looking at a woman. The woman said in a sweet voice, "Come here, sit with me and look at this beautiful sunset." Harsay sat beside her as a strong breeze blew from the bottom of the cliff, carrying away his hat. The woman's hair danced in the wind. "You're so funny," she said, then looked at the wooden sword Harsay had created. "This sword is incredible, but I cannot protect you with this."

She opened her crystal swords, which had golden handles with beautiful engravings, and said, "But I can replace the handle with this one, if you don't mind." Harsay remained silent for a moment. The woman continued, "Okay, then let's do it." She took a needle and detached the handle from her sword. Carefully, she cut the handle of the wooden sword and fitted it into her own sword. The handle was loose, so she took her golden chain and tightened it around the handle for support. "Now this sword is perfect," she said.

Harsay, feeling bad for what she had to do for him, said, "You don't have to do this. That was your mother's last memory. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..."

Before he could finish his words, the woman put her finger on his lips and said, "You both are equally precious to me, so I have kept you together."

"Captain? Captain!" Vice Captain Yeinto shook him and brought him back to the present. Harsay took a deep breath and said, "For now on, please take care of this blade for me, Yeinto."

Yeinto realized the situation and said, "If it's possible, I will return this weapon after this battle." He took the blade. As soon as he held it, his head started to pound. Harsay noticed his situation and said in worry, "What happened? Are you alright? Call for the chemists!"

"I'm fine," Yeinto said, holding his head. "Maybe this was a backlash from the blade." He collapsed after finishing his sentence. Harsay ordered the soldiers to take him to the infirmary quickly. Two soldiers took him away, and Harsay said, "This is bad. I'm not sure I'll be enough for him." He paused for a brief moment and continued, "If I can buy time for the Commander, it will be alright."

On the battlefield...

Julicous stood still, ready for another attack, but nothing happened. After waiting for a long time, his patience wore thin, and he shouted, "With such power, you are hiding from me?Perhaps I miss judged you!" Still no reply. Julicous tried everything he could to provoke the enemy – taunts, insults, even throwing himself towards the shadows – but all his efforts were met with chilling silence. Frustration gnawed at him. He snatched a sword from a fallen Neothaliyan soldier and hurled it with all his might. This time, it found its mark, clattering against the ground somewhere within the darkness.

"Maybe he's gone!" Julicous declared, hoping to draw a reaction. But as he turned, a monstrous shape emerged from the shadows. A large, hulking figure covered in scars, its left eye bearing a deep, vicious gash, raised a pitch-black scythe high above its head. Adrenaline surged through Julicous' veins. He lunged forward, barely managing to deflect the blow with his own sword. The force of the impact sent him staggering back.

Before he could counter, the figure lashed out with a kick, sending Julicous flying through the air. He landed hard in the very same patch of shadows where the enemy had been lurking. A guttural laugh echoed around him, devoid of any humor, sending shivers down Julicous' spine. The laughter grew closer, and Julicous knew he had to act fast.

Meanwhile, Captain Harsay surveyed the battlefield from his position on the high ground. Despair gnawed at him. They were hopelessly outnumbered, and their reinforcements wouldn't arrive for another day. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the valley, further hindering their ability to track the mysterious attacker.

"Captain, what are we going to do?" one of the soldiers asked, his voice trembling. "We can't track him in the shadows!"

Harsay clenched his jaw. "Report on the backup," he ordered, his voice tight with tension.

A soldier returned shortly, his face grim. "Commander Leo is on the move, sir. However," he hesitated, "it will take them at least a day to reach us." He glanced towards the darkening sky. "The sun is setting, which limits their movements."

Harsay sighed. "Then we hold our ground until they arrive. The rest depends on the Commanders. Hopefully, nightfall will put a stop to this fight, or things will get much worse." His gaze fell upon the part of the valley shrouded in darkness, where Julicous was locked in a desperate battle.

## Nearly 30 to 40 Minutes Ago in the Royal Castle

A soldier presented a golden, circular box to the King. The King, his armor battered and bloodstained, had clearly just arrived from battle. Irregular breaths rasped from him. He opened the box, deciphered its wave-like structure, and said, "Send Leo's wing."

The soldiers bowed and left. The King gazed at the sky and called to a guard, "Where is Neil?"

"Commander Neil is on his way to the Royal Castle, Your Majesty," one soldier replied.

Another soldier entered, bowed, and said, "My Lord, Commander Neil will be here shortly."

After a while, Neil entered the Royal Castle and saw an army marching out. He asked one soldier, "Where are you all going?"

The soldiers greeted him. "Commander," one replied, "Commander Julicous requested backup."

Neil looked at the darkening sky. "Their battle should be ending with sunset, but we can't expect them to play by the rules." He hurried towards the Royal Castle.

**On the Battlefield...**

Julicous closed his eyes, standing still. "I can't see," he muttered to himself. "It's too dark. I need to rely on my other senses."

"This is pointless," the figure with the weapon scoffed. "You can't even fight with your eyes open. How did you think you could defeat me with them closed?" He swung his scythe, slicing flesh from Julicous' body.

Julicous pressed a clean cloth to his wound, mumbling, "This is bad. I can't fight him like this. I have to think of something else. If he wanted to kill me, I'd be dead already."

Formulating a plan, Julicous opened his eyes but saw nothing. Reaching into his bag, he muttered, "I only have one chance. It's the last one I have."

The figure laughed and attacked again. Julicous predicted his intention and almost dodged the attack. He judged the sound of the attack's origin, quickly moved back, touched his sword, and said, "Blood. That means the attack connected."

A sound filled the air. He looked towards the former battlefield, also shrouded in darkness, and took a breath. "Finally, it's night, and the battle is over," he said. He started to move away but sensed bloodlust followed by an angry voice.

"You weakling! How dare you waste my precious blood!" A slash came from the direction Julicous was about to leave, narrowly missing him. A voice yelled "Now!" A crimson red blade cut his clothes, and someone pulled Julicous down. His hair brushed against the attack and turned to dust within a second.

"Commander, we will buy you time! Use that!"

Julicous recognized the voice. "Vice Captain?" He continued, "Then he might be the Captain. He can't hold him long. He took..." A vial filled with a power glowing like stars hung around his neck. "I must..."

He drank the liquid. His pupils changed to resemble a leopard's eyes. He quickly scanned the area and rose, saying, "So you're here, Xentiour Nelton." He recognized the figure and continued, "It will be my contribution to Acronyian by killing one of the Neothaliyan high-ranking commanders, the one they call Hengin."

"Not before this!" Julicous sent another attack and turned to check the damage. It scratched everything it touched. The high ground bore the brunt of the slash, creating a deep cut that moved a distance across the ground. It stopped at a massive crater, large enough to fit all his fallen soldiers.

Realizing something, Julicous searched and froze momentarily. He regained his senses on hearing a falling object. He looked and saw Captain Harsay crumpled on the ground. Relief washed over him as he saw Harsay breathing.

Harsay could barely whisper. "Commander, if I die today, please find my wife." He gave Julicous a pendant.

Julicous took the pendant, looked at it, and said, "Don't worry, you'll survive this. We all will."

Harsay rasped, "If... she's dead, please avenge her." He lost consciousness and collapsed.

Julicous rose swiftly, sword held high, and rushed towards Xentiour, who was holding Vice Captain Yeinto by the neck. Julicous slashed Xentiour's left hand, but his flesh was too hard to sever the fingers. However, it was enough. Julicous quickly grabbed Vice Captain Yeinto and said, "Now we're even."

Xentiour's wounds from Julicous' attack opened. He roared, "You and "...that worm hurt my fingers!" He took a deep breath and bellowed again, "Whatever you do, you will not be able to defeat me! You'll all die here tonight!"

Julicous and Yeinto stood back to back, their faces grim. The vial's effects were probably temporary, and they knew reinforcements wouldn't arrive for a while. Julicous scanned the battlefield, searching for any advantage, any weakness in Xentiour's stance. The giant scythe loomed over them, a constant threat.

"Move! Move!" A young man with eyes that shone with a fiery determination rallied his soldiers. His short, black hair accentuated his youthful face, and the pitch-black swords he carried gleamed under the fading light. "Our comrades can't see in this darkness! We need to reach them!"

He scanned the area, frustration etching lines on his brow. "Tell them to drink that potion! Even if they have to!"

One of the soldiers stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "Commander, we don't have enough for the entire army, and they're exhausted. Even if we reach them by morning, we might be too weak to help."

The young man, Commander Leo, looked at his soldiers, disappointment heavy in his eyes. "Vice Commander Kegleio Alssito, I understand your concerns. But losing another second could cost Julicous his life."

Kegleio remained silent for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.

Leo continued, his voice resolute. "If this is our end, then so be it." He strode towards a massive Wind Beast, its form barely visible in the darkening sky. Glancing back at Kegleio, he said, "Vice Commander, lead the backup as soon as possible. I'm going ahead."

"But Commander—" Kegleio began, but before he could finish, Leo vanished, leaving a trail of disturbed dust in his wake.

Kegleio shook his head in a mixture of disbelief and acceptance. "So that's why they call him the Lion," he muttered. "Always charging headfirst." He turned to his troops. "Acronyian soldiers! Take some rest and prepare yourselves. We move out as soon as possible!"

The soldiers set up camp with practiced efficiency. Kegleio retired to his tent, a heavy weight settling on his chest. "Tomorrow," he thought, "tomorrow we face the true threat."

He looked out at the camp, where soldiers talked, played games, and shared a final meal. Despite the looming darkness, a spirit of camaraderie persisted. Kegleio knew they were all aware of the potential sacrifice awaiting them, yet they faced it with a grim determination.

He stepped out of his tent and addressed the troops. "We know what lies ahead. We will defend this land with our blood. If it demands more, then our lives are its offering. Tomorrow, if we fall on the battlefield, we may not have the chance to send final messages to our loved ones." He signaled to a soldier holding a black box.

One by one, the soldiers stepped forward and retrieved the letters they had already written. A young soldier, barely sixteen, hesitated, tears welling in his eyes. A hand touched his shoulder, and he looked up to see Kegleio.

"I understand, soldier," Kegleio said gently. "You are free to leave the battlefield. No one will judge you."

The young man scanned the faces around him, searching for any sign of reproach. Finding none, he spoke softly, "I know... I'm not the only one with a reason to leave. But you chose to fight."

He bowed deeply, a flicker of shame crossing his face. "I apologize for my cowardice," he said. "But..." He trailed off, his eyes falling to the letter in his hands.

He straightened his resolve. "I won't do this again. Vice Commander, may I have a moment?"

Kegleio nodded and watched as the young man disappeared into a nearby tent. He soon returned, his hands shaking and a red mark etched on his finger where the letter had been held tightly.

Kegleio gestured towards the box. "Have you finished writing?"

The young soldier nodded and placed the letter in the box. Kegleio handed the box back to a designated soldier, giving him clear instructions. "If word reaches you of our defeat, deliver these to our families. Otherwise, bury this box for safekeeping until the time is right."

The soldier saluted and took the box. As Kegleio began another set of instructions, the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air. He smiled, the tension easing slightly. "Alright, everyone! Time to eat and rest. Tomorrow, we fight for Acronyian!"

In the Royal Castle

As Leo's army marched out, Neil arrived before King August Acronyious VII. Neil lowered his weapon and head in greeting, his voice warm. "Long live Acronyian, long live the King," he declared. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

The King nodded, his gaze briefly flickering towards the darkening sky. "Welcome, Neil. I hear the fighting has resumed.

"I am well and ready to fight," Neil declared. "If you command it, I will leave immediately."

The King studied Neil's weary demeanor. Though his face held a resolute cheer, something deeper seemed hollow. The King took a deep breath. "Neil, don't push yourself so hard. We both know your importance here." He paused, sensing Neil's desire to speak freely. "This isn't an official meeting, so speak your mind."

Neil took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I respect you and my role," he began, but paused again, struggling to voice his pain. "Many families lost loved ones today," he continued, his voice low. "Children orphaned, parents grieving... they witnessed loved ones fall, powerless to intervene. They believe in me, and..." He slumped down in disappointment, "...and here I am, unable to be there when they need me most."

"Rest, Neil," the King said gently, but Neil cut him off.

"Who could I..." Neil began impulsively, then quickly realized his transgression. "Forgive me, Your Majesty," he said, bowing his head. "I didn't mean to disrespect you."

The King reached out and raised Neil's chin. "Don't do that, Neil. Believe me, I yearn to be out there fighting just as fiercely as you. But if..." He glanced towards the castle interior, "...if I abandon this post, our defeat is certain."

King and Commander discussed Acronyian's plight and strategized for the coming battle. "There's something I don't understand," Neil said, confused. "Why did they retreat? They had the upper hand at that point."

Neil looked towards the King for an answer, but the King was just as perplexed. "Whatever they're planning," he said, "we must be prepared for all possibilities."

Meanwhile, on the Battlefield of Dentor Valley

Julicous and Yentio gripped their weapons tightly, neither daring to let their guard down. Harsay lay unconscious nearby.

Xentiour laughed as he charged towards Julicous. He swung his scythe at Yentio, shouting, "Numbers don't matter in the face of overwhelming power!" He then punched Julicous, sending him flying into a corner of the valley.

Yentio knew Julicous wouldn't be able to dodge the attack in time, so he lunged himself to defend. "Pathetic!" Xentiour sneered, halting his strike mid-swing. A sudden pain flared in his muscle as if reacting to the withdrawn attack. He flexed his arm, and the pain vanished.

Xentiour glared at Yentio. "How did you get that sword?" he demanded. "Though it hasn't even reached one percent of its true power."

Suddenly, Julicous, who had sensed something off, lunged forward with his borrowed blade. Xentiour raised his scythe to block the attack, but a spark and clang of metal ripped through the valley's silence.

"Missed," Julicous said in disappointment.

Xentiour raised his weapon to finish Julicous off, but again that strange feeling. He turned back and kicked Yentio, whose blade was about to pierce his neck. He ignored Julicous for now and focused on Yentio, who was sent flying.

This time, Xentiour felt that premonition again, but it was too late to react. Yentio's crimson blade found its mark, plunging into Xentiour's body.

Julicous let out a surprised laugh. "I thought a high-ranking commander would be stronger. You're weaker than your captain!"

A deep, heavy voice rumbled from the seemingly dead Xentiour. "Oh, really?"

Julicous stumbled back in shock as Yentio reached his side. They saw the blade hadn't penetrated Xentiour's flesh; it had simply shattered. His body rose with inhuman speed, and he grabbed Julicous' face, slamming it into the ground with a cruel laugh.

"You're not worth my time," he sneered, turning his attention to Yentio. He grabbed Yentio by the neck, tightening his grip with each mocking laugh. "I don't even need a weapon to kill you."

Yentio strained against Xentiour's grip, his vision blurring at the edges. Desperate, he glanced towards his left side, where a fresh wound bled beneath his armor. An idea sparked in his mind.

If he could distract Xentiour for a moment... With a surge of adrenaline, Yentio reached for the vial containing the poison, the one they'd retrieved earlier. Just as Xentiour drew back his fist for another blow, Yentio lunged forward, slamming the vial against Xentiour's wounded side.

The vial shattered, spraying its crimson contents across Xentiour's black armor. Xentiour roared in surprise and pain, momentarily loosening his grip on Yentio's throat. Yentio gasped for air, his chest heaving.

Xentiour whipped around, black veins pulsing even more prominently around the wounded area where the vial had broken. He glared at a bloodied and barely conscious Harsay, who stood clutching his blade.

"I should have finished you off!" Xentiour bellowed, his voice distorted with rage.

Harsay, his voice weak but resolute, met Xentiour's gaze. "I may not have given you a clean kill," he rasped, "but sometimes things don't go according to plan, do they?"

Yentio, with shaking hands, plunged the needle into the vial containing the antidote, injecting the crimson liquid into his bloodstream. Xentiour, sensing something amiss, turned towards Yentio with a cruel laugh.

"Poison has no effect on me! In fact, it often strengthens me!" he roared. But then, a flicker of unease crossed his face as a strange sensation spread through his body. "That wasn't poison, was it?" he snarled at Yentio.

Yentio, a triumphant glint in his eye, countered with a mocking laugh. "Cure for the poison, perhaps?"

Xentiour's fury surged. He grabbed Yentio and flung him towards Harsay. "Captain, are you alright?" Yentio rasped, scrambling to his feet.

Harsay, though battered, managed a weak nod. "For now," he said, taking a shallow breath. He pointed towards the crimson blade Yentio held. "That's no ordinary sword, Yentio. Imbue it with your blood."

Yentio, confused, looked at Harsay, his voice laced with uncertainty. "Captain?"

Harsay was as surprised as Yentio. Suddenly, a dark scythe materialized inches from Harsay's face.

Seizing this opportunity, Julicous lunged at Xentiour, plunging his broken sword into the enemy's chest. Xentiour, momentarily stunned, shrugged off the attack at first. But then, a horrifying realization dawned on him.

He turned towards Julicous, whose long, light yellow hair danced in the wind. Julicous's pale face, framed by blood-streaked black hair, tilted downwards. As it touched the ground, Julicous bellowed, and his power surged.

Xentiour understood the threat now. He called back his scythe, which flew back just in time to deflect a blow aimed at Harsay.

Xentiour swung his scythe at Julicous, who dodged with lightning speed and landed a powerful punch, sending Xentiour staggering back. The attack backfired on Julicous, damaging his muscles. Ignoring the pain, he focused on Xentiour's momentary confusion. He quickly drank a potion and spread a white liquid over his wounded hand. As the liquid touched him, his muscles repaired themselves, and the bleeding stopped. His eyes blazed with renewed determination, and his pale face regained its composure. He assumed a fighting stance, waiting for Xentiour's next move.

Harsay, his voice hoarse but filled with urgency, shouted, "Yes!" He then turned to a bewildered Yentio, who tried to ask, "Wha..."

"Quick!" Harsay interrupted. "Put the Wind Beast blood in it!"

Yentio opened a vial filled with a shimmering white liquid. "Do you mean this Live Blood?" he asked, confusion clouding his voice.

"Hurry, do it fast!" Harsay exclaimed.

"But what do I do?" Yentio asked, still lost.

Harsay grabbed the crystal blade Yentio held and poured the white liquid onto it. As the liquid touched the blade, it pulsed with a powerful, comforting energy.

Xentiour's expression darkened. "An awakening? No, this is not an awakening," he muttered to himself. "Looks like a seal was placed on his powers. However, I can't waste any more time playing with them. I need to finish them as soon as possible." He glared at Julicous, who was relentlessly attacking him, and then at his scythe, trying to dodge. "I must end this quickly, or otherwise..."

* Meanwhile, in the Royal Castle

Around twelve to fifteen minutes had passed.

"Alright, Neil," the King said, looking towards him. "We've discussed enough for today. Now, get some rest. I'll send the royal chemist to check on your condition."

"I'm fine," Neil mumbled, his voice low.

The King understood Neil's emotional state and said gently, "Neil, I..." Before he could finish his sentence, he sensed something. His face paled abruptly. Seeing the King's sudden change, Neil looked at him in fear. He grabbed the King's arm, his voice tense. "What happened? Guards! Guards!"

The King, taking shallow breaths, managed a shaky reply. "I'm alright, please take me outside." His legs were too weak to support his weight. Neil was about to refuse, but the worry in the King's eyes convinced him. He carried the King outside the castle. As they reached the mountain, the King's condition began to improve. He took a deep breath after a few seconds, calming himself.

A strong wind suddenly rushed down from the mountain. The King pointed towards it, his voice filled with urgency.

"Neil froze, the King's words hanging heavy in the air. "Neil," the King rasped, his voice laced with urgency and regret. "I'm so sorry, but you must investigate that area. Go quickly!"

Neil hesitated, his gaze flitting between the King's pale face and the ominous mountain looming in the distance. The King, sensing his indecision, pushed him with surprising strength. Neil stumbled back, losing his balance, and fell to the ground. The King, weakened by the sudden exertion, collapsed beside him.

Confusion clouded Neil's mind. He wanted to help the King, to understand what had happened, but the urgency in the King's voice echoed in his ears. Remembering the King's recent frailty, Neil knew he had to act.

With a surge of determination, Neil pushed himself to his feet. He cast one last worried glance at the King, who was being helped up by the rushing guards. A flicker of emotion – fear, perhaps, or a silent plea – passed through the King's eyes before the guards ushered him inside.

Neil didn't waste another moment. He turned and strode towards the mountain, the source of the strange wind. The guards, understanding the gravity of the situation, called for soldiers to secure the King.

Inside the castle, the King sank back onto his throne, a wave of dizziness washing over him. Shame gnawed at him for pushing Neil away, but the urgency of the situation had overridden his reservations. He had placed a heavy burden on his most trusted commander, but there was no other choice.

As tears welled up in his eyes, the King fought them back. He couldn't afford to break down. He had to trust Neil. With a ragged breath, he whispered towards the starlit sky, "Please, Neil. You are our only hope. Succeed for Acronyian." He quickly wiped away the tears that escaped, his face resolute despite the fear gnawing at his heart, as he watched Neil disappear into the darkness towards the mountain.