The sound of not so distant screams pierced his ears as he stepped out of the inn.

As Ryuta looked down both ends of the street, it didn't take long for him to witness the ugly side of human nature.

It was every man for himself.

There were townsfolk running wildly in all directions as several armed horsemen chased them down.

In such a panic, to trip or fall was fatal. They were either trampled by those running behind them or killed by the knights chasing them.

As much as Ryuta tried not to look, his eyes darted back and forth, catching glimpses of the dead and dying that were scattered about.

Among them, two corpses in particular set his heart ablaze. Not far from him, the still bodies of a headless girl and her grandmother laid motionless.

...

How could they..? Those animals…

As if spacing out, Ryuta stood still, soaking in all the madness that surrounded him.

Zakin was already on the move before turning around and calling out to him: “Ryuta! What are you doing!? We don't have time to be standing around!”

Ryuta quickly apologized and followed Zakin towards the town square.

At first, since all of the foot traffic appeared to be headed towards their direction, it seemed as if the knights had begun their raid from just one side of town. But as soon as they got onto the main road, Ryuta noticed that it was not the case. Civilians were running in all directions—running for their lives.

The knights, however, were not entirely unopposed. There were several town guards amongst the crowd, fending off some of the attacks.

Despite the fact that this was the main road, there were only about a dozen raiders. But the town guards were still outnumbered, and to top it off, their ranks were dwindling rapidly after each engagement.

The town guards were completely outmatched, after watching just one exchange that much was evident.

One guardsman had his spear raised and pointed at an oncoming raider, but the raider paid it no heed, charging at full speed. Normally, spearmen were a natural counter for cavalry, even a single spear could deter a single rider if positioned correctly.

However, in this case, there was one huge factor playing in favor of the raider, and that was the difference between their quality of equipment. As soon as the spear made contact with the knight's silver armour, the shaft snapped and broke into many pieces. The guardsman did not even have time to react before he was cut down just a second later.

There are two possibilities here, either the guards are useless and just for show, or the raiders must be elites of some sort. Though considering the circumstances, the latter was much more likely.

Either way, that display alone depicted the state of any organized resistance—nonexistent. It's clear that the situation was out of the authorities' control. And with the guardsmen unable to even protect themselves, the townsfolk were being slaughtered left and right.

Those filthy bastards!

Ryuta cracked his knuckles, but took a deep breath to calm himself down.

Focus, Kichirou and Schnee are the priority here.

Speed was of the essence, they needed to find them quickly, then wait it out at the safety of the inn.

More importantly, just how could they find Kichirou and Schnee in this mess? It’s not as if they would just stay in place and wait for rescue. There was no telling where they could be by now, there was even a chance that they could have already made it back to the inn, and there would be no way that Ryuta or Zakin could even know of this.

If only we still had working phones!

Up to this point, he was just following Zakin and hadn't really even thought about it, but unless they knew for certain where to go to find them this whole venture could prove not only to be fruitless but also endanger their own lives.

“Zakin, where are we going?”

Zakin paused and thought for a moment before answering, his voice didn't carry the calming reassurance that Ryuta had hoped.

“Towards the town square.”

“How can you be sure that she's going to be there?”

“I'm sure, I just have a feeling we’re gonna find her there.”

“Just a feeling, huh.”

The instinct of a parent—it's not something to be underestimated. In Ryuta's youth, he used to play hooky quite often to hang out with some of his more less than desirable friends—according to his mother anyways. His mother would be contacted every time he was absent, and no matter where they chose to hang out, his mother would always find him.

With just one night of being with the Lepard family, it was clear as day that they had a strong bond, and if the man’s instincts told him that his daughter’s in danger and probably in that direction, there was no point in questioning him.

“It's the most direct path for them to get back to the inn, and it would still be the safest and fastest route to cut through the crowd.”

“Let's move then, before we lose the cover of the crowd.”

The crowd, why is there still a crowd running from the town square if the raiders were all over the place? The first thing that should come to mind is to find a building to hide in and build a barricade, getting off the streets is definitely the first priority. So then why are there still so many people out on the streets then?

He found his answer as they got closer to the town square, as large pillars of smoke emanated from several burning buildings.

They’re lighting the houses on fire!

Everyone must be running while they still have the chance. And given how tightly packed the buildings are, it wouldn't take long for the fire to spread like measles in an anti-vax town. Instead of hiding in a burning building, running while there were still others on the street was the best chance they had.

Now at the town square, the crowd had thinned to a nonexistent level. Only corpses littered the ground, along with what appeared to be at least twenty of those raiders.

This was the largest gathering of these raiders that Ryuta had seen so far. The raiders must be using the town square as a rendezvous point of some sort.

But why were there so many corpses concentrated right here? There was no doubt that he saw a fair share of them on the way, but it paled in comparison to the number of bodies here.

It would make sense that a more populated area would contain more bodies, but one thing struck out from the corpses. Many of them had clear lines of tension around their necks, along with other visible marks of struggle. They were gathering the bodies here, but why?

As Ryuta pondered over it, he saw one of the raiders drag the body of a lifeless young girl by a rope around her neck into the town square.

A hand grabbed him from behind and held on firmly. Ryuta turned to see Zakin shaking his head. His eyes appeared to say: It's too late for her.

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Ryuta looked back at the young girl and saw the trail of blood left by her body. As much as he hated to admit it, exsanguination must have already claimed her long ago.

“What the hell do we do now?” Ryuta muttered in anger.

“I don’t know, but we aren't staying here.”

As they turned back around, they saw another raider headed their way with a young boy being dragged behind him.

It was difficult to tell since they were moving directly towards them, but Ryuta saw a glimpse of motion. The boy was still grasping at the rope around his neck!

This time, before Zakin could react. Ryuta swiped the sword from Zakin’s grasp and charged right at the raider with the sword drawn.

Zakin called out to him, but it was far too late now. “Wait!”

Surprised by the virtue of his instinct—the man reined in his horse just before it could collide with the sudden intruder, throwing him off the horse as it reared just in time to stop.

Without wasting a moment, Ryuta swung down at the rope that attached the boy to the warhorse just as it took off without its master. The boy hit the ground and rolled over several times.

Ryuta and Zakin quickly ran to the boy's side.

The boy was still breathing but unconscious from the impact. His shirt was torn and blood oozed from his back due to the many jagged stones that had pierced his skin when he was dragged. It was clear that if he wasn't given some sort of treatment soon, his life would be in danger.

Zakin pulled Ryuta off to the side, his face almost red with anger: “You idiot! Just what were you thinking!? What if he didn't stop? You could have been killed!”

It was as if Ryuta was with his father again, being scolded like a child, the memories that flooded at the moment were rather bittersweet.

“We need to go back right now, we can't stay out here anymore.”

“But what about Schnee? We still need to find her. And this boy... we need to get him some medical attention.”

“Run!” Zakin scooped the boy up in his arms and ran towards the direction of the inn.

A confused Ryuta peered behind Zakin and saw the reason for his sudden sprint. They had caught the attention of the raiders that gathered in the town square, and two of them were headed right for him.

“Oh shit."

Zakin was already a good few meters ahead, but with the boy in his arms, Ryuta caught up very quickly.

The sound of hooves drew closer and closer. The raiders were almost on top of them, there was no way they could make it. And to top it off, even if they were to make it back, they were bringing the raiders with them.

They had to lose those two somehow… or at the very least he had to buy some time for Zakin and the boy.

“This way!” Ryuta pulled Zakin’s shirt, directing him towards a narrow street.

“Keep going, I’ll distract them.”

As their eyes met—without another word, the two men came to an understanding.

Zakin nodded and dashed off with the child, not looking back.

Ryuta smiled. He always had a feeling that Zakin was a sensible man, and his actions just now confirmed it. He did what he had to do without any hesitation, and he couldn't be more thankful.

Ryuta took a deep breath.

Here we go.

He pulled out an Epple XV from his pocket, the once brilliant piece of modern technology was covered in cracks throughout its entire glass frame. You'd think that with newer and more superior technology these damn things would be more durable, what a joke.

Guess I’ll just get a new one, it's about time they released the new model anyway.

As the first raider turned around the corner, something flew right for his face. Out of pure reflex, his arm swung at the flying object. He couldn't make out what it was, but he imagined it was most likely a dagger or shuriken of some sort.

And what a mistake that was, as his consciousness faded before his brain could even register what happened.

A black cloud of smoke erupted, covering the entrance to the side street.

Two riders had entered, but only one still charged at Ryuta, the other vanished in the smoke, whose horse still galloped forward without its master.

The phone had exploded. When the raider’s sword cut Ryuta's phone, it had pierced the battery’s casing, and as soon as the chemicals within made contact with the blade, the contents ignited and exploded like a mini hand grenade. The shock of the explosion alone knocked the raider out before he could even feel the chemical burns on his body.

Under normal circumstances, this would have never occurred since most people don't have the means to break the battery and spill its contents. Even if someone did spend the time to cut into the battery, it would not have exploded in the same way it had now.

The difference here was the tool that broke into the battery. The raider’s sword was a magical item enchanted with ignite, adding a small amount of fire elemental damage to each and every attack. Then, when the chemicals came into contact with the sword's ignite effect, it exploded.

Huh, what the hell?

The phone was only meant to distract them, but the result turned out to be far better than anything he had imagined.

Not only did it reduce the enemy count by half, but it also made sure that he had their full attention.

Oh fuck!

The remaining raider—seemingly unaffected by what happened to his ally, charged straight at Ryuta without slowing a beat. Ryuta was barely able to raise his sword before attempting to parry the oncoming strike.

As their blades clashed, the momentum of the raider’s blade lifted Ryuta off his feet, sending him to the cold stone pavement.

Ryuta quickly leaped off the ground and got back on his feet. His arms were numb from the weight of the parry, and they would not be able to stand up to another one of those strikes. But apart from his arms, his body could still move fine, and that was all he needed.

Without delay, the raider struck once more. Responding quickly, Ryuta hugged the wall and ducked into a roll, evading the blade by a large margin. The loud and aggravated grunt of the raider was like music to his ears.

Ryuta turned around and smirked.

It was as he had expected, the enemy had two easily exploitable weaknesses. First, his enemy wasn't suited for this type of engagement as mounted horsemen are only effective in their charges, and would take a while to turn his horse around for another attack. Second, in streets like this one he could simply use the building walls as shields. So long as he hugged them it would greatly limit the offensive capabilities of his opponent.

Nevertheless, the raider charged in once more. But this time he changed the angle of his charge, leading his warhorse to step in against the wall, leaving no room for Ryuta to hide.

Rather than rolling forwards, Ryuta rolled towards the right, just barely dodging the hooves that would have trampled him into the earth.

He got up, intending to taunt the raider once more, but instead laughed as he saw the raider glaring at him from the ground.

The raider had swung at Ryuta as he rolled. But in order for him to hit someone that was rolling on the ground, he had to tilt his body much further out in an attempt to reach Ryuta with his sword, causing him to lose his balance.

The raider tried to get up, but a sharp pain in his left knee restrained his movements. He looked up half expecting to see the man he was chasing to charge right at him, but he was gone.

Having accomplished his only objective, Ryuta had bolted off to another side alley. He paused for a brief moment to look back, then finally breathed a sigh of relief.

There wasn't anyone following him.

Phew.

But another problem dawned on him. He had no idea where he was. He so desperately wanted to put some distance between himself and the raider, that he hadn’t bothered to take directions into account.

If I just keep going I'll find the main road sooner or later.

He peered down the alley and continued on after not seeing anyone.

There was an opening to what appeared to be a small square up ahead, a strong but familiar smell of blood wafted in the air.

“What exactly are you hoping to get out of this?”

“Well, to be honest, I just wanted things to be a bit more interesting. The world has turned quite stale in the last few years, wouldn't you agree?”

Ryuta hid by the wall, sneaking a peek at the owner's of those voices, then shuddered at the scene.

There were at least twenty bloodied bodies on the ground. Some wore the same armour as the raiders, others had slightly different armour and bore an emblem that he had never seen before. Several town guards were also in the mix, scattered with everyone else.

Two people stood standing at this massacre, and he instantly recognized one of them. It was the noble lady who gave the speech the other day, lady Ashel. The other was a young man, probably around Ryuta's age.

He was a good looking young man, if he wasn't covered in blood. It wouldn't be a stretch to think that he was a model of some sort, or rather, this was more like how a model or celebrity truly is when the cameras aren't pointed at them. The cold smile the man wore sent shivers down Ryuta's spine.

“Are you calling the peace in our lands—the peace that our people can finally enjoy, stale? Why should the people live in a constant state of fear? Why should children grow up not knowing their fathers or mothers? This peace was paved by the blood of our forefathers, and we will not let people like you trample over the peace and happiness that we cherish.”

“Hahaha,” the man seemed to sneer at lady Ashel.

“What could be so funny?”

“Do you really believe that the people are happy? To live as nothing but livestock for the rich and powerful, breeding endlessly in servitude of the system.”

“Happiness is subjective in its own nature, however, which fool would prefer to live in a time of chaos rather than a time of peace? And who are you to speak for the common people? If the people are able to live peaceful and fulfilling lives with their loved ones, that IS happiness.”

“Hah, is that what you people on your high horses tell yourself to sleep at night, or do you truly believe that delusion?”

“And just what do you mean by that?”

“The crown… the nobles… now who decided that they are the chosen ones to rule over the realms? The heavens? God? Tis be nothing more than a sham, keeping the power within the hands of those pigs. It's about time we mixed things up. The world is a cruel place, it's about time everyone gets a taste of what it's like.”

“You are just like the rest of them, nothing more than a rambling lunatic.”

“Well, I wouldn't expect a puppet like yourself to understand. Now we do need you alive, so will you come with me peacefully or will you make this more difficult for yourself?”

Even though Ryuta didn’t know the details, it didn't take much to know who was the bad guy in this situation.

But something about that young man didn't sit right with him. Did he manage to take out all those guards on his own? If he was capable of such a feat, then Ryuta wouldn't even stand a punching chance.

There were still his friends to worry about, this was not the time to play hero, but...

The man began walking towards lady Ashel—there wasn't any more time to think about this.

Ryuta was met with looks of surprise as he dashed out with sword in hand, putting himself between lady Ashel and the young man.

“Not a step closer,” Ryuta warned with a stern voice.

“My lady you need to run now.”

“Ho, another knight in shining armour for the lady.” The man was all smiles at this point, he paused for only a moment before moving closer to them once again, seemingly without a care in the world.

“I cannot run, my ankle was twisted on the way here.”

“So it's all up to me then,” Ryuta said it to himself more than anything.

Cold sweat built like a river before a dam on Ryuta’s back.

“I said, not another step. I’m warning you, any closer and I'll be forced to cut you down.”

“Now is that a fact?”

Ryuta’s bluff was breezed aside like the wind, and the man continued towards him with a smile which can only be described to be of genuine delight.

This man before him was a murderer just like the rest of them, there was no need to hold back, no need for any compassion, or any consideration. With a heavy sigh, Ryuta gripped his sword firmly with both hands.

No matter how powerful this man was, as long as Ryuta was underestimated, there was a chance—an opening somewhere. His opponent was just a single man, all he needed was one shot—one chance to take him out.

“Another foolish sheep led to his own grave, hmmm? That's an interesting sword you got there.”

Without a word of warning, the man changed into high gear. He lunged at Ryuta with a rapier and was met with a simple downward chop.

He raised his weapon up to swat away the sword, continuing his lunge as if this was nothing out of the ordinary for him, like child's play.

But something completely unexpected occurred and stopped him in his tracks. Instead of gently brushing aside his opponent's weapon, his rapier was cut clean through. He immediately stopped his own momentum and leapt backward with a jump.

If he had done so even a split moment later, he might have suffered quite a distasteful wound. But the man was still all smiles.

“Ho, that is a brilliant sword indeed, how lovely this day turned out to be.”