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Gruesome Scene

Five hours earlier.

The Kingdom of Bethia. It was a kingdom that was situated in the northwestern area of the North-Blenera continent. Its lands which experience wet winters and dry summers due to their oceanic climate are ruled by a monarchy.

In the southern part of the Kingdom, in the region of Halmetan, there is a town named Missania.

The most prominent feature of Missania was the Bethia Kingdom Magic Academy. If one were to ask which magical academy was the greatest among the numerous that existed in the North-Blenera continent, the answer would undoubtedly be the ‘Bethia Kingdom Magic Academy’.

Most of the alumni produced by the magic academy are top-ranked adventurers, royal court magicians, and knights that possess a tremendous power that even one of them can rival a battalion.

It was opening ceremony day, two princesses of the Bethia Kingdom strode in the perfectly arranged red carpet, their hairs fluttering gently as they walked on the carpet, leaving a trail of nice fragrance to the audiences.

The boys can’t help but sigh in admiration as they were given a chance to bask in their goddess-like beauty.

The two princesses stepped up a staircase and reached the top where two throne chairs are mounted.

The princesses returned their bows to the bowing gentleman welcoming them on the state and after that, they sat on their respective thrones.

Seated on the right were Second Princess Christine and Third Princess Fiona.

It was evident at a glance that Christine and Fiona were siblings, — both young girls were beautiful and had lavender hair. Yet the aura they exerted was extremely opposites of each other. Fiona’s large, round eyes sparkled a lovely purple, and her pale skin was tinted with a faint blush. Conversely, Christine had her brows furrowed in displeasure, turning away with a huff when she made eye contact with the students.

Coincidentally, on this occasion, the Second Princess, Christine is also studying this day. But as a royalty, she needs to complete a traditional celebration, a responsibility of the sons or daughters. That’s why she was never seated along with her fellow students.

On stage, the guest speakers; the current student representative; and the Headmaster’s speech went on, but everything that they said went in one ear and out the other.

One girl who was tensed in her seat — was filled with her own speech. And then, she was called by the speaker.

“And now, let us continue the Freshman Representative speech. This year’s top student in the entrance examination, The Second Princess of Bethia Kingdom, Christine von Bethia.

And thus, the Princess stood up and walked to the podium where she will deliver her speech.

The hall was awfully noisy due to their exchange of praise to the Princess, most of them are male who declared their love to the Princess in their heart and mind.

Seconds later, the hall quieted.

“Let me introduce myself, I’m the Second Princess of Bethia Kingdom, Christine von Bethia, on this day, I am truly glad to be watched by guardians and distinguished guest; welcomed by the teachers and fellow students, and to be able to study at Bethia Kingdom Magic Academy; the top magic school in the continent…”

Then her speech went on and ended briefly. The students of the magic academy clapped their hands at her conclusion of the speech.

Christine let out a “finally” sigh in her seat. And after the opening ceremony, they head to their class respectively, her little sister, Fiona is currently staying in one of the Duke’s mansions.

The class ended smoothly, an orange radiance coming from the glint of the window told her that it was afternoon.

Exiting the magic academy, there was a horse-drawn royal carriage that stood magnificently in the middle of a two-way cobblestone road. The design and appearance of the carriage are truly a work of art. But she wonders why the royal carriage is here?

In front of Christine, was a man sheathed in silver armor, the brilliance in his armor reflects the radiance of the setting sun. He genuflects in front of the exalted princess with the utmost respect.

Christine's heart felt suddenly at ease, seeing the man in shining armor, it was no doubt that it was her “Guardian Knight”, the man that he looked up to as the most strongest swordsman, a rank one Adamantite adventurer: Ernest Cloudpiercer!

The knight removed his helmet and showed its true identity. It was a young man seemingly in his early twenties, he had chin-length blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. His face is of ethereal quality that will be broken if not treated carefully.

However, his face does not show magnificence but an uneasy face. Christine noticed it immediately and she will notice it when something is troubling him. After all, they knew each other for years.

“My humble knight, tell me the problem.” She asked with a dignified voice straightly, imposing her rank as royalty.

The knight lowered his head and replied:

“Your highness, they are circulating rumors in the town where a group of demons is invading this town at night. We’ve been ordered to retreat to the royal capital at once.” He reported.

“A demon?” Christine’s body shudders at the word, her heart beating slightly fast.

A demon is among the races that existed in this world, they were a powerful race with sinister magics and martial abilities controlled by a Demon King. However, not all demons of its kind are strong. In fact, it can be defeated by a low-level knight of the town. But if they were ordered to retreat, then probably it belongs to a high-ranking demon.

However...she has a question in mind.

“Where is my sister? And what will happen to the time.”

“Though the information that we have on hand has no legal basis or evidence, we are to retreat at the royal capital with your sister as well. Don’t worry about your highness. I will protect you and your sister from this threat. The King granted me an emergency power, placing you under my responsibility. I’d say that we leave tonight and be back in the magic academy when the threat is neutralized.” Ernest said.

“What about the people here?” Christina asked with a worried look on her face as she watched the peaceful town were about to be invaded by demons.

“Don’t worry about it, your highness, the guards of this town are in full-alert and patrolling the city 24/7. They will protect the people, I assure you with my words.”

“I see, that’s good to know…” Christina heaved a sigh of relief.

“Anyways, we need you to get inside now, your sister is waiting for you inside the carriage.”

Christine took a peek at the royal carriage and saw Fiona’s face in the window, probably looking at her. Seeing her sister, she entered it without hesitation followed by the knight and after entering it, the carriage moved towards the exit of the city.

Four and fifty minutes later. The night has become considerably dark, enveloping the wide forest in darkness. The only source of light in order to direct the horse is a torch and a magic lamp mounted on the royal carriage.

The horses of the royal carriage and a group of knights produced a rhythmic galloping sound as they drove on the brick road that connected the town of Missania to the royal capital.

As long as they follow this road, they will be able to arrive at the capital in nine hours.

Inside the brightly lit carriage were Ernest, Christine, and Fiona. Fiona head’s were resting on Christine's shoulder, sleeping due to long-distance travel, breathing, and exhaling softly.

Even though the three of them are the only ones inside the carriage, no one even talked along the way. The inside of the carriage was quiet since departure.

Christine was feeling uncomfortable and awkward in this scenario and wanted to break it by talking to Ernest.

“Uhm...how does it feel to ride along with the princesses to the capital, Sword Saint Ernest? She finally said it, hoping to break this awkward atmosphere lingering for hours.

The Sword Saint respectfully shows his gratitude.

“Please don’t be shy to talk, I am quite curious about your adventures when you are working as an adventurer. Please tell me more…”

“About that…”

Ernest happily smiles at her indirect praise.

“Then first, can I tell you something important, please don’t be mad at me…”

“Mad? What are you saying?” Christine tilted her head to the side, curiously. And a thought came! Is this some sort of love confession?! Oh no, I wouldn’t mind if he were to confess, I would gladly accept it, however, I’m a royalty so it’s impossible, however it can be arranged since Ethan is a renowned knight of the Kingdom.

She tucked her hair behind her ear, her face turning red.

“...Okay…”

Ernest smiles happily once more and it is not something that you would show towards your master that you serve. It was an extremely wicked smile and in that instant, he pulled out his swords and cut off the ceiling of the carriage, and replied earnestly.

“Please die for my wish…”

Christine was baffled at the sudden events, the knight who was working for her for the last seven years, turned completely...scary!

As the roof was destroyed, a dozen knights rushed in to protect the two princesses. However, knowing that the cause of it was the Sword Saint himself, they stopped in the middle. Their grip shivering, body trembling as the Sword Saint looked at them dead in the eye.

“Sorry about this...Princess Christine...you need to be sacrificed for my long unyielding wish…” He declared boldly, his face devoid of emotion as he looked straightly in the eye of the Princess who was stunned at his hostility.

“Wha-what are you doing…”

“You’ll find it sooner.” The Sword Saint said coldly as he vanished in an instant.

“Guahhh!”

Cries of the shoulders filled the eerie forest as the Sword Saint cut them in half, beheads them, heartlessly.

Christine took a glance and saw the soldiers that are supposed to protect her fall one by one by an elegant swordsman of the most trusted man in her life. Fiona was roused by the loud cries of the soldiers, pleading for help from someone non-existent.

“What is happening...sister?” Fiona asked her sister...only to find out that she was trembling on her seat and looking blankly in a certain direction. Fiona tried to tug on her sleeves to get her attention, but she didn't respond. With that, she also looked in the direction where she was looking at and then…

She saw countless soldiers bleeding, cut in half, crying, and dying. This cruel scene would probably leave a traumatic experience to someone, especially when they are young.

To see such what could be described as a m*assacre.

“Come! Demon General Alciel! Demon General Shuna! Answer my call as I present to you the two princesses of Beltram who possessed an eye of truth!” A man who slaughtered the convoy, shouted, calling somebody.

A big magic circle is drawn in the ground and an instant. Two demons appeared from the magic circle, standing on it, menacingly. Filled with a bloodthirst aura.

One of them looked like a fearsome demon. Fangs protruded from its mouth and its body was covered in scales. It had stout arms and sharp claws, as well as flaming wings and snake-like tails.

The other one was sheathed in a dark-robe, similar to a witch, concealing its identity. However, with its sharp claw and dark-swathe staff, she knew immediately that it was a demon.

The two demon generals, the highest among the rank of all demon ranks appeared in front of her.

A handsome man kneeled in front of them as if they were a king.

“I present my unyielding loyalty to the demon race and to the demon king. As a sacrifice, I present to you the two princesses of the Bethia Kingdom. One of them has an eye for the truth. It will be useful to the demon king.” Sword saint said with reverent voice.

General Demon Shuna looked at Ethan in disgust, she looked around and saw that they were soldiers moving, clinging to their life. She was disappointed to see this.

“Ethan, I said clearly to you that you need to annihilate those filthy humans…” She said wickedly as if she will punish him, Shuna glanced at the destroyed carriage and saw two girls, “And only one of them is useful.”

“My deepest apologies, Demon Generals, I shall behead the third princess myself to atone for my sins.” Ernest lowered his head, grabbing the hilt of his word with murderous intent. But…

“No, let my minions enjoy the savor of a human. Fufufu…” She said and impaled the end of her staff, drawing a big magic circle on it. “Come, my loyal dogs!” she chanted some words that can’t be deciphered in a human tongue, and instantly, twenty grotesque looking goblins, with malevolent intent, their eyes filled with lust. Drooling as they saw a young woman in the carriage.

“Enjoy yourselves, minions! My treat is...that young princess!” She pointed at Fiona.