Prologue

The universe holds many secrets, and many worlds. Each was interconnected throughout a series of divine intervention, unbeknownst of its sources. As there was the sun, stars and the moon, various types of energy existed, providing advantages of enormous proportion to the creatures that could use it, and one of these energy are called magic, commonly wielded by most of the inhabitant of a massive world. It wasn’t a source that was discovered immediately however, at least for one particular species, as the process of evolution took millions of years for that species, whom would later be well known for being able to sufficiently taken better control of magic than almost anything else in the world, the humans. Certain other species could use the energy as well, example being of snakes, lions, ogres and goblins, but many couldn’t quite obtained the achievement to use magic to reached the degree that humans could. For hundreds to thousands of years, ever since the dawn of mankind, the world has truly changed, as mankind climbed up the chain of command. Wars had begun between major races and species, resulting in numerous severities and the extinction of the weak. Unity started to crumbled, although certain relationships may still stands against the tide of time and couldn’t be influenced by betrayals and agitators.  These unprecedented events have caused wars and suffering, spilling endless streams of blood as countless fought against another for the sole control of their territories. Those that used to govern had fallen and discrepancy formed from one places to another. However, despite of long lasting chaotic attributes, decision to put an end to the destruction would sometimes surfaced, commonly aren’t long lasting. After a very long time, a successful treaty was finally made, signed in agreement by the leaders of each major race. New orders was issues by the leader of humanity that’s succeeded in the domination of their lands, forming empires and kingdom for various reasons , including of doing so for the purpose of ruling the other species, and those of normal citizens. Likewise, other thriving communities grew, becoming progressive, diverse and multicultural. Huge part of the world would soon become more peaceful and orderly, going through the passage of time as modernization happens and all sorts of developments were made. Unfortunately, many underdeveloped areas were still overwhelmed by the flames of battles, famines, and other atrocities, ignored by the better civilization and that would subsequently gave birth to others that harbored deep grudges. Rebellious actions against the kingdoms and empires were always occurring, igniting retribution that is soon to come.

Somewhere in the forest outside the kingdom of Artrillian, smokes are clouding the skies, coloring it black. It is an evening that is draped in orange, caused by the sun. A village is on fire, and people are scattering about running for their life, from men mounted on horse, armed with swords, bows, lances and spears. Capable villagers tries to fought the enemies whom were dressed as knights with magic skill, item throwing and using blunt weapons, but was easily defeated. After the attack had withered down, a lot of dead bodies are seen on the ground, soaking in red and burning. The perpetrators carve their smile in the dark, but it isn’t long lasting due to sudden attack from the nearby wood. Men wearing robes comes out in considerable numbers, also using horses and armed with weapons, ready for combat. Unaware knights were caught by surprise, and killed in the ambush through being stabbed through their armored chest, penetrated by magic infused swords. Arm was sliced and heads was beheaded. However, the numbers of the newly arrived retaliators was heavily out weighted by their enemies, increasing the fighting spirits of the attacked group.

“They are outnumbered! Show no fear and kill them all!”

The tide wasn’t quickly overturned due to the skillfulness of the men in robes. Arrows, swords and spear strike was deflected by magical shield, casted by the opposition. They’re proven to bear the strength of many, but even an ant could injure a giant if unity was made. Few of the knights attacked a single man, focusing their magic based attack that comes out as a torrent of red light from their right palm. The target noticed the oncoming beam and tried to block with the shield he carried but the force were strong enough to caused him to fall off from his horse. Being on foot, he quickly gathers his stability after falling to his back and throw away the used up shield. A dual arming sword was unsheathed from his belt, hidden behind the long robes that also covered his face. His horse ran off and he had to make do on foot, running quickly to reach his opponents. His fast movement is disorienting and the knight couldn’t keep up, asserting that he is very fast. Not a few seconds later, he managed to get near his target and cut off the legs of a horse, resulting in the rider to tumble down to the ground with the animal. He didn’t pay any heed to the fallen one and resume to attacking more of the horses around him. Right after the previously brought down knight get back to his own two feet, his head was chopped off in an instant by one of the other men in robes. The same action was repeated for a few times, with the leg of the horses was cut and its riders fall, and was immediately killed after they’ve stand up. Many of the other armored men are having difficulties in the battle, with their numbers dwindling and one of them could tell that it wouldn’t end well.

“Fuck, we’re all going to die at this rate. This isn’t what was supposed to happen!”

Completely distracted, he spoke alone, not realizing that someone is gaining distance toward him. His horse however noticed, neigh loudly before jumping. He is startled by the sudden motion and with that, caught sight of an approaching entity on his right eye. He is about to move his sword, but everything is too late as two arming swords flashes in red before his very eyes, and is used to cut off the right leg that’s riding the horse. The animal spurted out blood before falling down, trapping the gravely injured rider by its heavy weight. The man is screaming in pain, helplessly unable to move. Nearby knights saw the incident and one of them yell out an order.

“Sir Rialdo had been taken out! Retreat!”

As the knights soon started galloping away from the battleground, the location became quieter, filled with the sound of agonizing pain and burning matter, soon to be turned into ashes. The man with the dual arming swords is staring at Sir Rialdo, whom face is overwhelmed with horror, though he could still talk.

“W—who are you people?! Do you know what would happen---“

He is intercepted before he could finish.

“Yes. I know what would happen. Every one of you kept mentioning the same thing before ended up dead. The question is however, are people like you prepared to answer for your sins?”

Being scared by a gaze, Sir Rialdo ended up speechless. One of the men in robes approached them, soon to be talking as he lowered his hood.

“Leonard, the enemies had run off to the plains of Agertha. There are more villages over at that side, and we need to stop them from committing more atrocities. Some of the others are already pursuing them.”

‘Leonard?’, whispered Rialdo, as he’s listening to the conversation.

“How many more are left?”

“There are approximately 25 more of them. And all 10 of our men are still alive, while we succeeded in killing 15 of the enemies”.

The comrade continues explaining, followed by Leo as he’s asking something else.

“Do we have any information concerning the headquarters of these knights?”

“No. But I still believe that they’re sent by someone in the royal castle, even if these men wore no specific insignias and marking”.

As he had finished talking, Leo sent him on his way.

“You go on ahead and treat the wounds of the surviving villagers. Gather them all and I will come by for further instructions”.

He acknowledged the order and move on. Leo looks back at the man beneath his feet. He slash the air using the left sword to rid it of blood, before sheathing it inside a scabbard that was hang onto his belt, and speak afterward.  

“Who are you working for?”

A question was asked but Sir Rialdo kept his silence.

“What is the next village that you intended on destroying?”

Once again, no word was uttered. Leo suddenly bowed down, brought about a strong sense of bewilderment to the enemy in front of him.    

“Thank you for following my expectation. I’m grateful that you are loyal.”

As soon as Leo stand properly again, he lowered his hood, revealing a bright, blonde hair. Rialdo was deeply shocked by the sighting, and open his eyes wide.

“You!”

Before he could continue any further, his throat was unable to speak anymore and his vision started spinning, before coming to a stop a second after. He could only see a glimpse of the orange sky, mostly shrouded by black smoke. His consciousness slowly dissipated, as everything is going dark.