Chapter 64: Escorting the Prince

Inside the black forest, Prince Artha's group was still moving nonstop. Everyone had a nervous expression on their face. Especially Prince Artha who was holding the necklace with a solemn expression.

Dreg broke the silence by quietly asking Raga, "You sure you want to accept this? This difficulty is unprecedented and has never been exposed to the forum. We might be wiped out and the end result will be disastrous if we also add the penalty from the army."

Ragna shook his head, "It's okay, a great danger represents a greater opportunity. It's only because of this kind of danger that I possess the power I currently have. Plus, I'm not in the mood the engage in a war against the Red Demons"

Dreg was slightly confused with what Ragna said, "Well, that's okay too. I can't agree more with what you said, only inside danger that opportunity can exist!"

They continued the journey. Ragna stole a glance toward Prince Artha, he was still holding the necklace while chanting something. From the looks of it, he was muttering a prayer. Something that's considered as a habit for priests.

Ragna shrugged it off, thinking that maybe this journey was really taxing to him and he needed something to ease his mind.

Unfortunately, the peace didn't last for long. They were spotted by a group of Red Demons.

"Commence the battle plan! Don't let anyone escape!" Prince Artha issued the order without fail.

Ragna instantly started chanting for his spells. Today, he was just a mage, not a warrior. He was forced to show his real capability in front of Dreg, but he still wanted to conceal his power. It was the Ancient Blood Master's warning after all.

Dreg disappeared into the trees. His movement was like a shadow, silent and unpredictable. In his hand, the Twin Night became a tool of pure slaughter.

Prince Artha charged toward the Red Demons. He had a brave look on his face. He unsheathed his sword and performed an incantation. The sword suddenly became shrouded in golden light. He was actually a Paladin!

Paladin was a rare class that could only be acquired after advancing to 2nd class. The information regarding this class was very scarce. The only known thing was that this class was very powerful based on a player's testimony after accidentally stumbling into a Paladin who belonged to the Empire.

The other two swordsmen moved to follow the Prince. Their combat prowess was clearly far better than the normal AI. They were truly the elite of this generation.

They clashed with the Red Demons. The Prince and his two followers were clearly having the upper hand in this fight. Ragna's exceptional use of spells made it very difficult for the demons to find the right opportunity to attack. After raising in level and upgrading his gloves, Ragna's damage output had reached a new height. His spells were also aimed at the enemy's critical spot, further increasing the damage. In a flash, the enemies were defeated.

Dreg also came back with his Twin Night stained in blood. It was clear that he had managed to catch the fleeing Red Demons. Only the middle-aged man stood unmoving. He remained vigilant with his aura spread out. It was as if he was waiting for a greater danger to strike.

Fortunately, nothing happened.

Prince Artha smiled, "It seems like I was right. Neither of you is less capable than my follower. Eldric and Ramos here are the best talents in the army but the two of you are comparable to them. Ragna, your rapid casting and exceptional timing of spells are truly marvelous. As for you Dreg, you really are adept at killing without the enemy noticing."

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"It's nothing, Prince," both of them humbly replied.

"Let's continue. They must've noticed us. This place is their territory after all. We need to quickly enter the Ruin!" Prince Artha quickly resumed the journey.

Unfortunately for them, the ambush came faster than they expected. A whole squad of Red Demon was already waiting for them near the Ruin of Manifestation.

...

The war raged on.

Numerous players were already killed because of the Invasion. To begin with, the Red Demons and the army was at level incomparable to the majority of the players. The current average level of player was in the mid to late twenties while the Army and the Demons were already above level 40.

However, the Red Demons were not targeting players. They prioritized the army instead of the players as long as they didn't build too much of an aggro. Of course, there would still be casualties because of the stray arrows and area spells. Some also died because of their carelessness.

In this first clash, players were being weeded. Only the one with above average skill could survive.

Yes, the goal was to survive. As long as they could survive and deal some damage, they would still earn contribution points and a huge amount of experience. It was a war after all.

...

Back to the forest.

Prince Artha's team's path was blocked by the Red Demons. The situation looked very grim. In fact, they would have lost their hope if not for the middle-aged protector standing behind them.

"This is really a B-grade quest after all," Dreg shook his head.

The Prince was flustered with the current situation. He couldn't help but turn back toward his Protector. The middle-aged man understood his intention and sighed. He grabbed the sword around his waist in an attempt to unsheathe it.

Suddenly, his expression changed. He looked at the group of Red Demons blocking their way. His eyes seemed to pierce through the crowds. As if answering his doubt, a male Red Demon whose age was around him came out from behind the group. He had a calm expression and even a slight smile on his lips. If other Red Demons could be said as rather crude and savage, this man, however, exuded a refined aura.

"Long time no see, Arnold," the male Red Demon greeted. He was speaking in human language, proving that he was different from others.

Sir Arnold's face turned dark, his eyes widened in disbelief, "You... Rakshani... It seems like you also survived that war."

"Yes. It's been years since it happened. We were but a minor character back then."

"Hmph, I should have killed you myself, you wretched demon!" Sir Arnold snarled.

"Isn't this the perfect time to resolve that? Let the younger generation fight among each other. We shouldn't lower ourselves by interfering in their battle. We have our own fight after all" Rakshani grabbed his weapon, it was a blood-colored saber.

Seeing the situation, Sir Arnold whispered "Prince, this is really bad. His power is comparable to me. I can't help much in this situation. We need to retreat"

"But... We can't just give up. This... This is concerning the future of our dukedom!" Prince Artha disagreed. He was truly unwilling to surrender.

"Your life is more important! Heed my words! No matter how important that legacy is, there's no use if you lose your life."

The discussion seemed to reach a deadlock. It was at this moment that Ragna suddenly spoke.

"I think we can break through"

Prince Artha and Sir Arnold's eyes widened at Ragna's word. They quickly asked him with a serious tone, "What do you mean? Are you serious?"

"Yes, me and my friend can deal with them. As long as Sir Arnold can keep that Rakshani away. I think we have more than 50% chance of breaking through"

Sir Arnold glared at Ragna. This youngster is too presumptuous!

"Wait, Sir Arnold! I believe him. They did kill a Red Demon Leader yesterday. As long as they can give us some time, I can enter the Ruin and close the entrance within!"

Sir Arnold was still staring ferociously at Ragna. There wasn't much time left for discussion. He just grunted while saying, "If the plan really worked, then I can save both of you once Prince Artha entered the Ruin. However, if it fails then I can only save Prince Artha. Your fate will be left to the Red Demons over there!"

"Let's hope for the best," Ragna replied.

Ragna quickly explained the plan. In just a moment, they nodded their head in understanding.

"You sure made it sound really easy," Dreg chortled.

"Well it's just a bit more difficult than yesterday," Ragna shook his head.

"Then I assume it's time for you to reveal your true strength?"

"Haven't you been hiding it too?"

Dreg laughed, "I guess we really do suit each other"