The Integrals
"No way," Shevel uttered under her breath. Great despair emanated from her as she witnessed the desolation that is her West Elven Empire. As it is located at the westernmost point of the continent, it was the first place they saw after reaching it.
The memories of the vibrant and luscious trees and flowers that once occupied the empire just months ago were now nowhere to be seen. Tears began to escape her eyes after they arrived at the heart of the empire, a withered tree in the middle of burnt piles of nature.
No words came out of Shevel's mouth as she knelt before the withered tree. Her being beside herself was enough to capture the despair that she was feeling. A pain that echoed to everyone around.
"Come, if there are any survivors, they should be at the nearest standing country. Since this place was attacked, there should be an ongoing battle nearby. Be prepared," Noel said.
Everyone's heart beat loudly as after snapping from the sadness they felt from seeing the situation of the empire, a looming threat filled their hearts.
'How deep did they manage to go?' was the thought that filled everyone's head, and it was not long before they were answered.
The West Elven Empire bordered three other countries which were all devastated by the attack by The Integrals. Human bodies were littered everywhere unlike in the West Elven Empire where no trace of bodies can be seen.
The traces of civilization can be barely found at the stretch of the land as nothing remained but the remnants of great infrastructures that once populated the place.
A strong stench of blood filled the air the deeper they went until they saw a brilliant and blinding wall at the horizon. A giant gate protected the entire fortress with the crest of two fully armored knights crossing their swords engraved at the heart of it, a symbol they did not miss.
"There they are!" Henry exclaimed. 'Thank the Laws! It is still standing.
A horde of Stelle Beasts and individuals flooded outside the giant walls of The Knight Order, fighting with knights, Elves, and humans. A fierce battle was raging on but even so, when they got closer, the enemy camp still noticed them, prompting Henry to pull out his crest and channel Arcane into it.
A moment later, a deep and sonorous voice echoed from The Knight Order fortress. "The young master of The Knight Order is arriving! Protect the young master!"
Dozens more Stelle Beasts flew out of the fortress, bolting toward their direction to shield them from the fury of The Integrals, thus allowing them to reach the side of their camp.
As they crossed the line of battle, a few individuals caught their eyes. They possessed a power that was hard to miss by people of their caliber. One in particular stuck out like a golden steed among an average ranch in Z's eyes.
The gentleman had long white hair that was neatly tied up, pairing nicely with his enchanting azure eyes. His skin was pinkish and fair, free of any scars and dirt, making him unique on the battlefield. He was wearing a full white suit in contrast to Z's black, and his demeanor was immaculate and fierce, like a seasoned assassin in sheep's clothing.
The two men locked their eyes together as if an unknown force was keeping them together. From the moment Z flew above the battle line until they managed to fly across it, their eyes never lost their tether despite the raging battle going on around them. It was as if time had moved slowly and the space had isolated them for some time.
"Z!!!" Noel screamed as he saw his student jump out of the Emerald Eagle straight to the heart of the battlefield.
Simultaneously, the man from the ground leaped to meet his attack without any regard for the environment as well. A long katana was summoned at his waist as he met Z and the flying daggers floating beside the latter.
"Cling!"
"How unusual, we do not have a record of who you are," The man said with a curious gaze as he parried the flying daggers.
"You seem peculiar yourself. Unbefitting of The Integrals," Z replied as he kicked the man's sword.
The two of them found themselves on the ground in the middle of chaos, but they did not remove their gaze from each other for even a second.
"I must say, The World Force had done a great job spreading violent rumors about our organization."
"Why? What is so good about a rebelling group who is killing innocent people for their goals?"
Hearing his response, the man could not help but smirk and say, "Do you think we wanted to do it this way? We were driven out of society because we did not belong to prominent families. Robbed of every resource and deprived of every chance to rise. It took a miracle for us to reach this far. A few selfish men are at the top of the ladder. You do not seem to belong to any faction and I do not know what event happened that allowed you to be part of The World Force, but if that miracle did not happen to you, where do you think you would be? Right, exactly where we were, the wilderness where there is no food, water, or Arcane."
Z took a moment of silence before letting out a soft smile, "That is fair. My name is Z. I am not with The World Force, just a person weathering this world to the top."
His response made the man smile as well, "Theos. So you would just stay with The World Force because they can provide you with all the resources? What is a man without principles but a dog well-fed."
"Principles will not give me power," Z said with a devious smile.
(But deception, cunningness, and mischief will.) Z transmitted to Theos which made the latter's grin even wider.
"Then you are just a sell-out!" Theos said with a disgusted look. (The Integrals is always looking for spies. Maybe we can work together. We pay generously.)
Their chat only lasted for a few moments as they decided to brawl once again.