This is it.... the day that I've been waiting for my entire life. The whole ten thousand of human's army, full of armour and weapons, greet the summon by the orders... once again marching to the demon's realm... to turns the world's fate back into our favour

I, as a volunteer soldier, joining this holy crusade on behalf of my family. With kingdom's iron rules,  each family must send men, one or many, who capable of bearing arms. Of course... those who desire to live in peace and harmony would not gladly to give their life to throw away just like some trash after being used... but... as for me, this is a bright opportunity, to avenge against the Spear Warrior called Sealgair, who killed my father 13 years ago.

"We are already near the place! Stay in the condition, men!" I know that man who clad himself in golden armour. He's one of the famous holy knights... Garmon of the Gold... who also led his own unit called Golden Javelin. His reputation on striking the enemies with surprised is well praised.

Hearing his words... the men suddenly roar with passion while raising their weapons. I can tell that they tried to null their fear.

After a long marching, we finally arrived at an area called Kayr. The place in front of us is quite hilly unlike from our standing point, is the straightly vast plain. When I look at the sky... it's already dwelling in dark, the black cloud has completely closed the sunshine. It's like we're in a different world.

The cold breeze has begun to ride pass us... making me feel uncomfortable and cautious... with thinking various bad things will happen in a moment of a blink of an eye. I began to feel discouraged, holding my sword with a tight grip. My eyes catch the person on the right-side, trembling while his face looks frightened, even the iron bar of the banner which he held, appear to shake by his hands.

I cannot blame him. Our result battling against the demon has never achieved victory... even for once. The only thing that we received from our war records in the past is an overwhelming number of casualties. We even forge an alliance with the elves, dwarves, beastmen, Girgan, the Sanain and even the help of the deities worshippers... all of us together fight against this demon king... but it was futile. An undisputed victory for them. And so... our relationship with the others began to worse and on a certain year... the each of us brings our own path in different ways.

And so, we have created our own strongest weapon, the holy knight. They are the best among the best who can defeat numerous demon alone. Sometimes there are twelve people... and sometimes they are only three or less. They will be called based on their traits and speciality. And for this war... we have seven holy knights, which is more balanced than the previous years! I have a feeling that we will win this war for the first time!

"Um...h-hey, do you think we'll win  this war?" a guy from my left suddenly poke me at my rib with his finger

"We must win... because the Holy Knight is with us. Plus they are the best among the best! "I never feel this confidence before, so I should spread this vibe of mine to the other as well.

"Hey, I'm sorry, I'm not going to drop your passion, but for the past few decades, I heard the rumours that there are no holy knights who survived on every single of war. Their corpses being eaten, their weapons also were taken with greedy. It all started when this demon who shows up from nowhere and killed them with ruthless. That demon is called Sealgair" and now, the person in front of me joining our conversation

Sealgair... that's the name that I've been looking for. The holy knight's hunter. That name really makes me lose of composure for a moment here. I swear on my father's name... I'll kill him!

"Sealgair ?? never heard of such a title, "

"What do you expect .. we're just volunteer soldiers. Things like this usually do not reach the ears of ordinary people like us. But in recent years, this became a hot topic, whether in the village, town or in the city. "

"I have the information about him and I only know two things about it... Sealgair... is just the title for only one person, neither a clan nor a unit of soldiers. Another one, his characteristic feature is that he is a spear-shield user "he said again

A spear-shield user... got it. I'll search that kind of demon as soon we engage with these low lifes!

While we're on busy with this kind of topic... an unpleasant shout has reached us... making us end this conversation right here. It's the scout who came back from surveying the area. His shouts really triggered my emotion, which is right now it mixing with fear, anticipate and rage.

And then, that scout mount his horse with fast to down the hill and enters our rank. I saw his terrified looks with bathing the sweats. I guess they have arrived.

With a sudden, our horns blow together with the exact time. It's the signal of an enemy in sight. And then... my eyes have caught some human figure in that hill. It's a demon with long twin horns attach on his forehead, long silver hair, bulked body with a silver armour and his right hand wielding a spear. It's him! my father's murderer!!

"On guards!!!" the front line begin to raise their shields and strengthen their pikes in forward.

That demon looks rage while giving a menacing look at us. He then pointing his spear at us... like giving a signal to attack. And with just that, a huge tremor has reached us. Is it an earthquake? or his magic? But right now, I hear loud stomps from his behind, and those noises became louder and louder.

"It's the orc riders!! tighten our defence!"

The front line men let out his stutter orders, and so for the others rank. To be honest... I also scared a bit after knew our enemy's first wave is the orc raiders. Their size and height are twice the normal human... including their strength as well.

Those riders have shown themselves at the top of the hill. And now I became more worried than before... not for me, but for the first line our rank. They'll be crushed by those massive wild boar's stomps.

And their weapon is larger than ours. This is bad--

"Men at the front, strengthen your defence and raise your spikes a little higher, make sure aim their hideous faces! Silver Eagles, on me!"

A man who wearing eagle-looking helm... it's the silver knight, Sir Arnold. His entire army is full of elite archers who have gone through thick and thin with him. Having him on the rear really reassuring.

But the orcs are already gone down the hill and dashing toward us. Their numbers are countable... but what makes me irritate is they heading here with insanely fast.

"Silver Eagles... take your aim!"

It's alright! Sir Arnold can shoot these pigs through their heads with ease. I should focus on preparing to attack. 

By the time those raiders are in the range for the archers to shoot, I saw for almost entire Silver Eagles aiming their arrow to the sky... with calm. The elites sure have shown me the great gap between us.

And with a single shout from the silver knight, the Silver Eagles unleash their arrows without delay... and raining to those orcs who approach us.

But, something weird has occurred... those attacks doesn't effect to them. More like, the arrows seem hit by some wide object.

It's the shield...!

"The shield protects them!!"

But the Silver Eagles non-stop firing without a flinch. Their movements are smooth and in sync. But it was futile. Only a few orcs have fallen from this attacks and now they already near us!

Suddenly, I hear the men in the front liner mocking, shouting cursing with loud. There are people who shout with rage... not least those shout with sobbing. The situation right now is really intense. In every corner... I can only hear words of a curse, praying, and even the last words for the family. This is the most heat up situation I ever had. It's far different than dealing with the bandits.

A massive explosion is heard from the front and the orcs keep ramming in one-way point. They have already infiltrated our rank... now it's time to lend a hand to those guy in the front.

From my eyes.... the orcs don't have any hard time fighting us, even though they in the middle of the sea of our army. They cut, stab, and swing their swords like nothing. Our men cannot hold their feet against them... and just when their approach the orcs, that wild boar will bite and devour them alive.

Those who called elite soldiers and holy knights are able to stand firm against them. But for us, the commoner, or called volunteer soldier... who not even wear a proper armour or weapon... are most likely being a fodder to these demons.

 And once again... another shout breaks our focus on orcs... 

"Modra and his army have arrived !!"

An army's parade with a black flag headed to the battlefield with a large number. This becomes chaotic. Orc alone is hard to defeat it, and now we have to deal with this prince demon's army itself? don't joke with me

Suddenly one of the orcs tried to swing his sword towards me as I who was not ready. I screamed with close my eye, but the orc's sword hasn't reached me for some reason. I opened my eyes slowly, apparently, he died being stabbed by the rust knight

" Snap out, soldier!! We are in battle so stay strong !! "

With that, I have been slapped by his words, then I shout with rage to clear my mind and run toward the enemies to fight another Orc to help the others.

After long battles with orc riders, they retreated from the battlefield. We may succeed fend them off but many of us who died in that battle. Our formation also becomes scattered

"Reform the line !!", a command from one of the superior

Even if we manage to reform the defence line... but with these number of casualties and injuries... I cannot think other than to retreat and gather the strength back. If I have to choose either revenge or victory... I would pick the latter... but it wasn't me who do the call... it's them who called themselves a holy knight

By the time the soldiers and I feel defeated... a sudden cheered has resounded through the rank. It's the holy knights... all seven of them are here... right in front of those men. Red, blue, black, silver, purple, gold and rust. All those strong men have appeared before us!

Seeing them mounted with might giving me back the urge to winning this war. 

"HUMANS!"

That word was forcing us to stop cheering with instant and change it into intense fear. The one who shouted earlier was among the top powerful being in the world, the eldest son of the demon king... the one they called Prince Modra

"Have you done enough with this useless war??! Do you really wish to be killed that much!? Don't you have a family to be taken care off? do not be blind by that greed of yours and return to your land now!! " his voice was clear and loud

"Ridiculous! we will not stop until your minions have stopped their killing, devouring, defile our innocent people first! In fact, as long as you and your filthy demons remain the acts, and so we shall continue to march against your ruthless over and over again!" sir Garmon replied with loud

"We will not heed your orders, foul creatures!" and so as the red knight said

 "Go back to your nest, scum!!"

The situation became uncontrollable as they keep jeering at him with foul language. I also join bullish them because... if we have to recall all those deeds by those demons... it really necessary and a must thing to do.

"It appears that you really want to die. As the son of the ruler on this land, I'll gladly to grant that small wish of yours!" he said while wide both his arms.

Then is turn for the Modra army cheered loudly, echoing us to silence. I really have a bad feeling about those cheers. Their numbers and strength are far superior toward us.

"My comrades... the feast has appeared before us! KILL THEM!" The spear warrior earlier giving a command which is us human, can understand his speak

And so...the Modra army rushed towards us like a water that been pouring from the top and went downhill with fast. They consist of orcs, goblins, dark elves, demons, beasts, outcast humans, and others. They look very strong, plus with their unique weapons

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"CHARGE!!" the golden knight shouts with clear, making all of us, the human army, also join him in charges

Right in front of us is the golden javelin, the elite soldiers for the golden knight. they preparing to throw their spear while running. And the silver eagles keep firing the arrows from our rear. While the elite unit for the blue knight, UB Defender,  which wearing the thick armour have provided us with the safety by running with along with us.

But the demon hordes aren't stopped either... making me really nervous with their pressure.

Hence, both party has collided with each other and the holy war has begun. The battle looks biased as their morale is high, in addition, they are not injured as there were no attacks from us earlier.

And right now, I fighting with a dark elf's assassin. Not only his movements are hard to predict but also the pattern of his attack is also unique makes me difficult to fight him. My friend tried to help but died by his hand. I being suppressed by his attack, which made me close to the death. While I moving back to parries those attacks, I've miss foot with one of the corpse's leg, making me sit on the ground with unbalance

"Zanth ein defa kalh ahn nigg," that dark elf smirk while ready to attack me

Then this head suddenly split from its body, due to being killed by my comrade.

"Let's team up with me." I reaching his hands and we went together fighting against the enemy.

On the other hand, the Red Knight fought very well. Lots of  Modra's soldiers have died in his hands. Not least are the other knights. At the same time, the black knight fight like a madman against the Modra soldiers, who surrounded him, not far from my place.

The Black knight wielding a sacred weapon, the cursed sword, which is being struck or being scratched by his sword will surely die on an instant, and for some reason, he does not want to have his own soldier unit. Despite being alone, his strength was as great as 20 elite men.

I was impressed and inspired by his skillfully attack, and  I pressed hard my attack on the enemy. Suddenly, that circle of those Modra soldiers to the black knight, moving back with slowly. It's like giving some space to something.

I narrowed my eyes and it looks like to be a fight one against one...between the Black knight and one of the Modra's warrior. He wears two arms, in his right hand holding a spear and in the left hand holding like a small triangular shaped shield. I'm curious about they giving a space for him as he is a high ranking officer because to me, he looks just like other lowest rank demon, unlike other demon generals that wear a fancy, and creepy looking armour. They walk with circling the space, and a sudden jump by clashing with each other's weapon.

They fought violently as both mutually attacked. But not long enough, I able to differentiate them. The attacks from black knight become slower while the warrior still retained his violent attacks. Finally, the black knight has made a mistake. A miss swing from black knight has passed over top of warrior's head. Thus, the warrior bows his head and thrust his spear into the black knight's leg and penetrate it, then, he pulled out by grabbing the other side of a spear with his great strength, made the black knight lost his balance. Then at the time, just about the black knight in the mid of fallen, that warrior land a lethally blow with his sharp-edge shield to black knight's neck and then slam it on the ground, causing a loud blow. My eyes have witnessed that he's barely alive right there from that blow.

 I immediately look at the incident and tried to help him, but being blocked by Modra army... I shouted his name loudly causing the blue knight and rust knight to hear it and they came to the scene .. and begin the small war there. Their number is like two against thirty.... as when one is dead...comes seven... makes the situation uncontrollable.

Finished with my fight, I with the other soldiers went to help the Knights. The blue knight wielding a large shield which it absorbs any kind of magical damage, makes him hard to be landed a blow from his enemy, but still, the situation is out of control and .. during the rust knight is busy fighting the other demons...suddenly his chest being pierced by the spear from his back, then his head being hit hard with sharp edge shield, causing a small hole at his head

"SIR RUST  !!!" shouted those soldiers after saw their leader lying on the ground without a movement... made a blue knight stop his attack.

The blue knight was shocked by the death of his two friends, the black knight and the rust knight. He yells regretfully while the Modra army laughed cheerfully and excitedly. Then he glances to aside of the rust knight dead body, there was a warrior standing beside him with the spears and shield covered with blood, dripping to the ground.

"You bastard! You'll pay for it !! " the Blue Knight said with rage as he headed toward him with anger. Thus, begin a fight between them.

I shout to stop the blue knight because the same occasion will happen if fighting that guy. I tried to push my way through the Modra soldier to help the blue knight.

"You! wait !! Do not go alone! "Shouted my friend but those words didn't bind me...but I was too late.

That warrior jumped with high while posture it like an attacking position, makes the blue knight being cautious as he lifted his shield to prevent that warrior's attack. Then he landed on a knight's shield. Then he holds that shield and jumps behind the knight while holding the shield to outbalance him. His strength is unbelievable despite his average figures.

The shield was very big and heavy, even the blue knight also had difficulty lifting it, causing him to fall backward. He manages to strike the spear into blue knight's chest... and he died immediately right before my eyes.

I saw the incident... stunned for what just happened. It ends so sudden. Those three holy knights were supposed to be one of the strongest faction in the kingdom, the saviour of humanity from the demon! why it ends so quickly!?

I want to retreat but the time I notice... I've been surrounded by the demons. My eyes have caught a glimpse that those corpses lying on the ground are my friends earlier. I've no words to say. The only thing that I thought right now is... my life will end in a moment.

Their army started approaching me so I'm ready with my sword. Even if I was killed, at the very least, I must show my effort and valiant to the end!

But something weird has occurred. Those demons who were approaching me... suddenly stop by some voice. It was the warrior who kills those holy knights. And strangely enough for me, they retreat and went to other enemies.

I called myself lucky! At least, I wouldn't have to worry about to be eaten alive with those savage creatures. And now... it just me and this demon warrior. He may alone but he just took care of holy knight in an earlier fight... three of them.

After recollecting back my courage, I try to attack him. I swing and thrust my sword numerous times, but all those attacks were evaded and parry by him without a sweat. I stop for a while and breathe heavily, even my cold sweat has let out.

He really fast with his feet!

Then I continue to attack him. Suddenly, he swings hard with his spear, hitting my right rib causing me thrown aside. My rib has broken, causing the blood comes out from my mouth with force. My vision now is blurred. I forced leg to rise and I swing my sword without course. But he kicks me in the stomach, makes me thrown back with far. The pains from that kick really made my mind's heavy. My sword has been left with him.

He approached me with slow. I mustered my strength into my eyes. His face was like a normal human mix with elves ...except that he has a twin horn on his forehead ... he stared right in front of me and asked me some questions.

"Answer my question and you will receive a fast death, neither you notice it, nor you suffering that pain," 

I only nodded in response to his question. In fact... I quite surprised by his ability to speak in our language

"You have a family?"

"Mother and sister" I replied

"what's your occupation in this war?"

"a volunteer...soldier"

"Why choose a soldier to live?"

"My father was murdered by your people" answered me in a stuck voice

"So you're here for revenge ?? For your father ?? "

"For everyone who died in the hands of you demons !!" I said while gritting my teeth

"The last question ... is there anyone that you love more than your family members, your friends, and your king?"

"F .. fi .. Fia ..." I reached out to my necklace with despair

My eyes cannot hold much longer for this tears

"Any last words, weak human?"

I can't do it. The tears running through my cheeks speedily, thinking that my time has come to an end. I feel hot both from my eyes and my heart. 

"Please ... deliver my sword and my necklace to my family ...and tell them, I am doing my best" my voice become stuck in the throat.

Truly! I don't want to die!! please don't kill me!!

"I understand," he said with emotionless, closing my small hope with cruel

I hold my cry with a smile, nodding as I agree

The warrior swings with a single clean arc, with his knife and behead me. It's as he said, I don't feel any pain from his cut. I can't believe it... a demon keeps his promise. He keeps his promise after all. Thank... you...

 ************************************************************************* 

The sound of the horn and the drums have been made, as the human army retreated leaving the battlefield as Modra's army cheered and roared. After the war, they collected the spoils of war .. including property, weapons and human beings.

It doesn't matter to me anyway as today is another bad day for me. Three holy knights and one mere soldier. Really not worth my arrival.

"Hey, you! my hero" 

Gray of the spear. He's a close friend to Prince Modra and the one who taught me on wielding this spear. He also the one who trigger the orc riders to attack those human earlier

"Hmm...oh... it's you, Commander Gray, What do you want?" 

"Why are you look so unenthusiasm? Be joy at least! I hear the story of you, killing the holy knight again .. three of them this time too ...you're great, Sheron," commander Gray said while tapping my shoulder with excited.

"Don't flatter me with your words, I've sick to hear it. In fact, you lie to me... again!" 

"Ehh .. what? what did I do to make you angry like this? lying about what?"

" You always said that holy knight is the most powerful warrior because they are the master of using the sacred weapons, that forged by those self-claimed believers, the goddess clan, but I always kill them with ease without a sweat. Their fighting skills were far... far... FAR weaker than hobgoblin itself. Damn those weakling phonies,"

"Hey... don't blame me for that, Okay? you're just too strong... that's all. How about you rethink again to promoting yourself up to be a general? You're highly skilled in many different types of weapon, so I say your skill is in ninth stage, but your magic not near your strength in weapon... but that's fine with me as it's enough for you to secure your place as the general. I hold up your skill and strength with most high regard. Why is that you so against to be promoted to the high ranked?"

"It's not like I against for it, but more like I don't feel like it. Remember, I joining this army so that I can slaughter those holy knights for my personal joys as you've told me. Besides... I've no high ambitions like to command these hordes one day or to rule over this realm. All I want is to fight the stronger opponent, clashing each other's weapon without cares for life, ripped each other flesh without hold back and feels the intense as your life is put on the front of danger" 

Oh, that kind of thrill... even the gold coins and treasures would not seem to be dear for me.

"Not that I care but I understand your reason. But hold on to my words... as there will be a powerful warrior, stand against us with his army and pride... and then that time, we will have difficulty in opposing it... " 

He really likes to rub my hair while saying something that sounds so adult!

"Just to make sure. Is this a true story or one of those drunken stories of yours? Otherwise, I'll kill you personally" 

Before answering my question, he releasing a long sigh. he really is an annoying old man!

"You know, you're the only one who dares to say like that to me. Not even Modra and Malhar have that kind of courage"

"Out of respect to Modra, that Malhar guy was not worthy of my gaze"

"Why do you look so edgy?"

"Because you're lying to me! I've enough with this one-sided battle!"

"Ha.... to answer your question earlier, I got it from the elder Han. Surely you cannot go against the words from him, am I right?"

True enough. Elder Han is a demon who has lived long enough... even one might say that he's from the ancient era. It has been said that He possesses unrivalry strength and has a vast knowledge about the world and magic. His prophecy also hit the mark. a high-efficiency prophecy

"And when it will come true?"

"He said soon," he said while climbing his horse

"Okay, I'm going to report the result of this war to Prince Modra .. and I'll tell your greatness to Princess Mana while I'm on it, gahahaha, " He rides away with his men, laughing hard until his laugh was not heard after disappeared

"T-that bastard. Why won't he die already... "

Rather than thinking about that... it's better to gather these spoils war and leave these place with immediately.  So now, right in front of me is three sacred weapons including the shield, one average looked sword, and a necklace.

I often tell myself that it would be nice to have an appraise skill. Otherwise, I won't have to call him for every single time I have these weapons

"Defon !! Come here for a moment "

A small dark elf with glasses, wearing a robe, it's him alright. The 'eyes' of mine. Numerous weapon has gone inspect via through him. If he's not around to help me, I may use it with ignorance

"What do you want, Sheron?"

"Do the usual thing, these things name and the skills"

"Again ?? How many this time that you have killed this time, Sheron?"

"Don't worry, this time only three" I answered nonchalantly

"Your actions have reached to the knowledge of the other generals... if it continues this way... you might in trouble" he seems too worried about me

"trouble? you mean by killing me? I would like them to try. Unlike them, I won't toy around those humans. I gave them an easy death, suit to Modra's instruction. They just want to make a pet of them"

"Well, I guess you right  because I saw the red knight and gold knight has being put on the anti-mana collar around their neck with General Fhartu just then"

"Ah... let him do whatever he wants. Okay how about this, you appraise these weapons and I'll give you one of these to you. And you went to your tribe, go telling them that it's you who manages to kill the holy knight. With that, you can get more respect from your tribe" I pat Defon's shoulder with sparkling eyes 

"Sheron... I don't want to say this, but my people have known for a long time that you always give me the sacred weapon... so this trick won't do for me" Defon's voice has sounded sulk.

"Ahahaha, is that so??" 

"I want you to teach me how to use the weapons with the fullest because I'm tired of sitting in the support line alone"

"Hmm... alright, you got yourself the deal, so let's get to it" 

Defon then opens his glasses to use the magic in his eyes. Defon has eyes that can identify the names and ability of weapons forged by the goddess clan.

I fond of Defon's appraise skill, but it just a little disappointing. It would be great if Defon can master the skill of weapon... combining with his magic and advantage .. he might become one of the famous warriors of the dark elf.

"I've finished checking it, Sheron"

"Okay, let's go!"

"The blue knight's shield name is Alm-Denika ... it can absorb the magical attacks,  even the fifth stage of magic too. Then it's released it by doubling the damage."

" Fifth stage of magic?? that's sure high-quality shield, okay ...next one"

"The sword used by the rusty knight is Rustia Enti, the ability of the sword is the same as its name, to rust anything that it touches and is deadly sharp."

"Meh, just another sacred weapon that already has the same ability as before. Those phonies are running out of an idea, I guess. The last one!" Sheron said with a bored tone

"Black Knight's sword... Selakhrdur, a sword that can make an instant kill even if it's just a slice or scratch on the skin."

"Wow... now that's what we're talking about. Deadly!"

" Alright then.. you can take these sword's and I take the shield. Take these swords to the blacksmith, forge it. Make it a little bit smaller to pair it with your physic so that you can easily use it... after that, I'll teach you how to use the dual sword"

"Is it right for me to take these weapons?" Defon asks to confirm

"The sound of your tone like this is the first time I give you a sacred weapon, where all the weapons I gave you?"

"I sell it to the mountain bandits for a high price" Defon answered with a straight face

"You what!? all of it??! what about Rulcahr, the spear that has massive destruction that near the 10th stage?? that weapon is the symbol of our friendship... where is it now??"

"I sold it too because you never keep your promise to teach me. So I sell it, for my magic books with the elder dark elves" said Defon

I cannot believe this. He even sold Rulcahr! this little demon...! ah, forget it. It was my fault, to begin with.

"Hmm .. do as you like then .. I want to ask help a blacksmith from dark witch to forge this shield and make a necklace."

And why is he smiling like that? Did I say something weird?

"Princess Mana"

"oh.. just Shut up .."