Aftermatch

Underneath the moon's spectral pallor, Windcrest bore witness to the carnage that unfolded upon its streets. As Durian and his men began their counteroffensive, William and his forces quickly retreated, leaving the Vipers to face the wrath of the town militia alone. With each death within Durian's sight, he absorbed the souls into his swords, concealing his magical abilities. The battle raged on with a brutality that left the ground littered with entrails and severed limbs. Within the span of an hour, the Vipers were almost entirely wiped out, their hideouts conquered, and their reign of terror brought to a violent end.

Durian, his heart untouched by sorrow, took a somber walk amidst the battlefield. His eyes fell upon the lifeless bodies of the two initiate knights he had brought from the Blackwood Manor. A look of disdain crossed his face as he quietly muttered to himself, "Trash," ensuring that his words were not heard by anyone else. Without hesitation, he swiftly absorbed their souls into his sword, severing their connection to the mortal realm.

City medics, together with the militia, moved with purpose, attending to the wounded and documenting the devastating losses in their medieval notebooks. The scale of casualties was staggering, and the gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon the minds of those present. Durian left the battlefield behind and made his way back to the garrison, seeking a moment of respite after the arduous battle.

Upon receiving the news of the losses suffered in this supposed "victory," Commander Bertrand's countenance transformed, as if the weight of two decades had been etched upon his face within a matter of minutes. The toll of the battle had been immense. Of the 18 veterans dispatched, only 7 had survived. Among the 120 regular troops, a mere 60 remained. The recruits had borne the brunt of the casualties, with approximately 170 losing their lives. The wounded, both physically and emotionally, further added to the grim toll. If it hadn't been for Durian's strength and commanding skills, the garrison would have faced even greater devastation. The commander felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward the young lord of the Blackwood family, whose presence had proved crucial in this harrowing conflict.

As Commander Bertrand sat in his chamber, contemplating the tragedy that had befallen his troops, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. His adjutant entered, announcing that the young lord, Durian, wished to speak with him. The commander swiftly ordered his adjutant not to keep Durian waiting and welcomed him into the chambers.

Durian, clad in his battle-worn attire, entered the room with a sense of purpose. He immediately inquired about the situation, his eyes piercing through the commander's weariness. The commander proceeded to relay the grim reality of their circumstances, expressing the depth of their losses and the dire state of the garrison. Durian listened intently, his face an enigmatic mask as he absorbed the gravity of the situation. He was very pleased with such an outcome.

After a moment of silence, Durian spoke, his voice tinged with faked empathy . "Commander Bertrand, I understand the immense toll this battle has taken on our forces. The sacrifices made by the brave men and women under your command shall not be forgotten. We stand on the precipice of a new era, and it is through your leadership and the resilience of the garrison that we have come this far. I am grateful for your unwavering dedication to the city and its people."

Commander Bertrand bowed his head, deeply moved by Durian's words. "Thank you, my lord. It is your courage and strategic prowess that have allowed us to prevail against such a dangerous foe. The city owes you a debt of gratitude."

Durian's gaze shifted, and he inquired about the prisoners he had ordered to be escorted to the garrison. The commander informed him that they were securely held in the dungeon, prepared for questioning. Despite their efforts, the prisoners had proved unyielding in their resistance. Durian nodded, a flicker of determination igniting within his eyes. "I shall take charge of the interrogation myself. But for now, I require some rest after the battles we have faced."

Understanding the exhaustion that clung to Durian, Commander Bertrand bid him farewell, expressing his gratitude once more. The two men parted ways, each burdened by the weight of their respective responsibilities.

After leaving the commander's chambers, Durian tapped into his shadow power, cloaking his presence as he quietly made his way to meet with William. The young man, consumed by grief and guilt, mourned the loss of his fallen comrades, Gregory and Marcus, two friends who had stood by his side for years. Hatred for Durian welled within William, blaming him for the tragic outcome. Yet, amidst his anguish, a renewed determination burned within him. He had sacrificed so much for his family's sake, and he would do whatever it took to protect them.

As William grieved, Durian's voice suddenly called out to him, jolting him from his thoughts. Startled, he quickly composed himself, kneeling before Durian, awaiting his next command. Durian's instructions were clear—William was to oversee the weapon manufacturing business and assume control over the remaining Vipers. Additionally, Durian asked him to train himself in the knight breathing technique and select a loyal and disciplined individual to learn alongside him.

The mention of the knight breathing technique sent shockwaves through William. It was a revered practice, a foundation of the knight families, capable of elevating a regular human to a realm resembling heaven. Despite his astonishment, the scar Durian had inflicted upon his face served as a stark reminder of his disobedience, stifling any questions that may have formed within him. Durian, content with William's reaction, expressed his satisfaction and informed him of their plans to settle matters within the town before expanding their influence, all while maintaining a low profile. Durian handed over the remaining funds, urging William to utilize them for further expansion.

With their exchange concluded, Durian left to find solace and rest in his room. The weariness of battle weighed heavily upon him, and he welcomed the respite.