Between Two Souls, Chapter 13

CLAANKKKKK!

In an instant, a figure clad in armor and mounted on a horse leaped into the fray, deflecting the attack and striking back with precision. The swing of his axe tore through the monster’s flesh. Seizing the opportunity, the prince spurred his horse forward, glancing back to see…

“DEIMOS!” Adrien shouted.

The group wasted no time, urging their horses into a gallop, taking full advantage of the opening Deimos had created. Deimos, still on horseback, charged at the oncoming monsters, slashing left and right with deadly efficiency. After clearing a path, he turned to follow the fleeing group toward the trap they had prepared.

The monsters, enraged by the destruction of their nest, poured forth relentlessly, their howls echoing through the air. They tried to slow Deimos by attacking his horse, but the beast’s armor proved impenetrable. With a powerful kick, Deimos’ steed sent one of the monsters flying.

Deimos spurred his horse forward again as a pack of wolves emerged to block the group’s path. The riders fired their crossbows, the bolts striking true and slowing the beasts just enough to keep them at bay.

The prince, however, seemed to be the monsters’ next target. Despite their horses running at full speed, one of the creatures managed to leap toward Adrien. The prince dodged just in time, drawing his sword and slicing through the monster’s body. Another lunged, but Adrien maneuvered swiftly, driving his blade into its chest. Erika, riding ahead of Adrien, twisted in her saddle and fired a crossbow bolt straight into the monster’s skull, killing it instantly.

With practiced ease, Erika reloaded her crossbow, swinging to the right and firing another bolt that struck a monster square in the head. But it was a diversion—another creature leaped from the left, aiming for Adrien’s horse. Vino, riding at the front, reacted instantly, hurling a firebomb.

BAM!

“AARGGHHHH!!!”

The monster roared in agony as flames engulfed it, but its momentum carried it toward Adrien. The prince yanked on the reins, bringing his horse to an abrupt halt. Just then…

BAMM!

Deimos charged in on his massive black steed, slamming into the burning monster. The knights escorting Adrien swiftly closed in, cutting down the creature Deimos had struck. Their focus shifted entirely to protecting the prince.

But in their vigilance, they let their guard down…

SRAAKKKK!

“AAARRRRGHH!”

The werewolves snatched one of the knights, the monsters tearing into the unfortunate man with savage ferocity. The others wanted to help, but the relentless horde left them no choice—they had to keep moving.

The group pressed on, their hearts heavy but their resolve unbroken, as the monsters continued their relentless pursuit.

“You two, take the front and secure the path! You two, stay in the middle! I’ll guard the rear!” Deimos barked, pointing and assigning roles to each member of st. Ares Knight in the group. Without hesitation, they scattered to their positions, following his orders.

The monsters continued their relentless assault. Exhaustion began to set in—their crossbow bolts were nearly spent, Vino’s supply of firebombs was dwindling, and ideas were running thin. Their only hope now was the trap they had prepared, which lay just ahead. It was strategically placed in a narrow pass between steep cliffs, an area impossible for the monsters to climb.

Deimos swung his axe with all his might, cutting down one monster after another. Finally, a glimmer of hope appeared…

A narrow path appeared, lined with rows of shield-bearing soldiers standing ready in formation, blocking the only way forward.

“That’s our checkpoint! PREPARE YOURSELVES! We’ll hold our ground there and counterattack!” Prince Adrien shouted, urging the others to ride faster.

“HYAAHHH!”

……………….

WOOSHHHH!!!

Their horses whinnied as they leaped over the line of soldiers. Prince Adrien turned and yelled…

“NOW!”

From the ground, spiked barricades sprang up, impaling and blocking the monsters in a shocking ambush. Archers stationed atop the cliffs unleashed a hail of arrows, raining death upon the horde. Yet, the monsters refused to yield, pressing forward with savage determination. Then, unexpectedly…

BAAMMM!!!

Vino hurled the last of his firebombs. The explosion engulfed several monsters, sending them into a frenzied panic. Flames spread rapidly, leaping from one creature to another as their fur caught fire.

“YAY! IT WORKED!” Vino cheered, his face lit with triumph.

“Don’t let your guard down, miss,” a armored commander warned, stepping forward to take Vino’s place. He raised his sword, ready to face the remaining monsters.

A few of the creatures still tried to break through, enduring the flames and the relentless rain of arrows.

This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

“SOLDIERS! Form a phalanx and prepare to impale them!” the commander ordered.

“YES, SIR!”

The monsters that managed to breach the barricades were met with a wall of spears, their bodies skewered on the deadly points. Yet, some still leaped over the defenses…

RAAHHHH!!!

SRANKKKK!!!

One of the monsters lunged at the commander. With lightning reflexes, he sidestepped the attack and swung his massive two-handed sword in a wide arc, cleanly severing the creature’s head from its body. The head flew through the air, and the monster crumpled to the ground.

The battle raged on, but the tide was turning. The group, now united with the soldiers, stood their ground, determined to end the monstrous onslaught once and for all.

“FORWARD! We end their terror tonight!” the commander roared.

With unwavering resolve, the shielded soldiers advanced, spears piercing through every monster that dared approach. The narrow passage between the two cliffs, combined with the relentless rain of arrows from above, gave them the perfect advantage. The creatures were being pushed back, their numbers dwindling rapidly. Each one that charged forward was swiftly impaled by the soldiers' sharp spears.

Some tried to scale the cliffs, their claws scraping desperately against the rock—but it was no use. The walls were too steep, the stone too hard. And the archers above showed no mercy, their arrows turning the climb into a death trap.

For the first time, the monsters felt fear.

RAAUUUUUUU!!!!

A white werewolf threw its head back and howled—a signal to retreat. Their forces had been decimated.

Seeing this, Deimos spurred his horse into pursuit, his eyes burning with ruthless determination.

“CHARGE! FINISH THEM OFF!”

A group of cavalry soldiers followed close behind, riding alongside their lieutenant, Deimos.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the full moon rose. This night, which should have been the peak of the werewolves’ ferocity, instead marked their downfall. Fear had taken root among them, forcing them to flee and hide from the humans. The night ended with the triumphant cheers of the Arestian soldiers, celebrating their hard-fought victory over the monstrous horde.

………………………………………..

The soldiers began gathering the corpses of the monsters, piling them up to be burned. Erika, filled with a mix of awe and curiosity, stepped carefully over the lifeless bodies, making her way toward the commander. She couldn’t shake the feeling that his voice sounded familiar.

Approaching from behind, she called out, “Excuse me, sir… who are you? Your voice… it sounds familiar.”

The commander turned, a smile hidden beneath his steel helmet. Slowly, he removed it, revealing a face Erika hadn’t seen in years.

With a deep, gentle voice, he greeted her. “Hahaha, it’s been a long time, Erika Heidekraut.”

Just as Erika had suspected, it was Vernus—her former mentor, the man she thought had retired.

Erika extended her hand, shaking his firmly. “Is this real? I thought you retired… I thought you were done. You have no idea how relieved I am to see you recovered. I heard you were paralyzed.”

“Haha, it takes more than an arrow to bring me down,” Vernus said, clapping Erika on the shoulder.

“But John said the arrow pierced your spine.”

“It did. My spine was shattered. But The Order managed to reinforce it with metal. Though, I had to rest for over a year. Don’t ask me how they did it.”

“I’m sorry… I was so reckless back then. I…”

“Don't be Sorry, You’ve become better,” Vernus said, patting Erika’s shoulder with a proud smile. “How’s your student, Bridgette? I hope she’s not as stubborn as you were.”

Erika chuckled, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. “She’s not stubborn, but she does need a bit more pushing to reach her full potential.”

They both turned as Prince Adrien approached, he greets Vernus with a curious expression.

“Vernus? I thought you retired. What brought you back?” the prince asked, extending his hand for a handshake.

“Blame these monsters. They forced me out of retirement. I couldn’t just sit back while they nearly destroyed my home. Seems like I’ve become a target myself.”

“I’ve seen how they reproduce. It’s horrifying. I watched someone covered in blood and flesh slowly transform into a werewolf. I can’t explain it fully, but perhaps The Order can shed more light on it.”

“So, you’ve joined the Ancestor Order. That’s good. Do you understand now why we operate in the shadows, taking on such dangerous tasks?” Vernus asked, wanting to ensure the prince could be trusted.

“Of course. I’ve read about Earth’s history and its people in their library. They’re not so different from us. What I still don’t understand is why the founders of The Order—Earthlings themselves—would help us against threats from their own kind.” The prince folded his arms, his mind racing with the possibility of hidden motives behind the organization he had just joined.

“Whatever their reasons, I won’t let this world I love fall into the hands of the greedy. At least for now, I don’t sense any ill intent from them, and I hope it stays that way,” Vernus declared, his resolve unwavering despite the losses he had endured.

“So, Vernus, are you rejoining The Order?” Erika asked, her voice filled with hope.

“Of course, hahaha. You seem really eager, Erika.”

Erika’s eyes sparkled at his response. Her hope to atone for her past mistakes, which had left her mentor severely injured, was finally being realized. She let out a sigh of relief.

“Oh, by the way, Prince, some monsters are still lurking out there. I’ve hired mercenaries to hunt them down, but please remain cautious,” Vernus warned, acknowledging that the problem had only diminished, not solved.

A moment later, Deimos, having finished clearing the monster corpses, approached the prince with a message from the king.

“Excuse me, Your Highness,” Deimos said, bowing slightly.

“Please, just call me Adrien. What is it?”

“You’ve been summoned by the king. He requests your presence at the palace for dinner and to discuss some matters.”

Exhausted but resigned, the prince decided to comply, though he was already looking for an excuse to slip away.

“Alright then. But wait, let me take a bath first.”

"No need for a bath, Prince."

Adrien frowned. "Can I make a quick stop in Berleene? It’s been a while since I visited the town Eric and Erika built. I have some important matters to handle there."

Deimos shook his head. "Apologies, Your Highness, but this is a direct order. You may bring your wife with you."

Adrien groaned. "Ugh, fine… Erika—"

He stepped toward Erika, expecting a warm embrace—but to his surprise…

Erika took a step back, clearing her throat. "Ahem. Perhaps we shouldn’t… in front of your wife. Let’s save that for when we actually have time to get married. I mean—after we’re married."

Adrien blinked, then chuckled awkwardly. "Ah, right… my apologies, Vino. Let’s head home."

The three of them mounted their horses once more, riding across the battlefield’s aftermath.

Adrien had a nagging feeling that his father had something more important to discuss than simply scolding him.

……To Be Continued……