'The Ambitious Princess.'

That was the nickname I got when I attended the Sword Academy in Sonskyne with Eden three years ago.

Those were the best times of my life.

Not only I made many friends all over the continent, but also overcame challenges and learned about the life itself.

Apart from the art of swordsmanship, I learned the value of life too.

Something that every strategist has to know in order to become successful.

With a single order, many of your men may die, or many of your enemies. Often both in wars.

Most highly esteemed tacticians disagreed with me while I attended the War Tactics class at Sonskyne Knight Academy, which stood next to the Magic Academy.

'Your soldiers are merely your pawns, and you are the one who is playing the game.'

No, you were wrong, Professor Dimnuhi.

All of us are merely pawns in this massive game that is being played.

Talking to that person for only a few minutes made me realize how little we actually are.

She has provided me with a profound insight into the potential grim future that awaits us.

The burden atop my shoulders is growing heavier than ever. Can I really achieve the things she told me about?

Ryuji breathed another fireball, filling the abandoned workshop with light that exploded loudly.

However, the Sword Master was a powerful foe. His Clear Flowing River style made it possible for him to remain unfazed.

"We can't hit him at all." (Ninon)

"I agree. He is using some weird martial art." (Ryuji)

"It's known as the Clear Flowing River style, one of the most prominent martial arts styles. It's all about parries and counters at the right moment." (Ninon)

Of course, I knew Ryuji wasn't familiar with our world.

After all, I already knew that he is not of our world.

A reincarnated person.

Ustrauth moved with unwavering certainty and elegance, employing his distinctive footwork to effortlessly evade Ninon's spear and land a superficial cut on her shoulder.

A satisfied sneer was readable from Ustrauth's face.

"Hnng!" (Ninon)

"Melodia, heal her!" (Dinarina)

It was not a fatal wound. It looked like Ustrauth was toying with them. However, their opponent was a Sword Master with a Prana Heart. An adversary that shared the same sword rank as my strongest Knight, Eden von Adalgard.

Ryuji attacked with his sword, meanwhile his clone, Yomi used a sickle attached to a chain, attacking from a distance. Of course, I knew about that too. My eyes are allowed to see through most illusions.

Ustrauth effortlessly parried and dodged with grace.

"[Lumienus Annoeus!]" (Melodia)

Ninon's wound closed within seconds as she winced with pain.

I expected Ryuji to use a big technique, so I told him to pull back.

"Barnett, switch!" (Dinarina)

Ryuji understood my command and pulled away from Ustrauth, swapping positions with Barnett, Fladdwyn, and Milgard Tetsugo.

(Ryuji has a great sense of battle. I expected nothing less...)

With the assistance of his clone, they began to create those extraordinary hand gestures, a peculiar method of practicing magic... However, this technique had a significant flaw: it required both hands to cast the spell, hindering someone’s fighting capabilities. Though Ryuji seemed to know about that flaw since he was making clones of himself for extra protection.

"Everyone, get back! [Coordination Ninpou: Infernal Tempest!]" (Ryuji)

Ryuji himself used fire, meanwhile his clone Yomi used a wind cyclone aimed towards Ustrauth.

The others managed to get away just in time, catching Ustrauth off guard as Ryuji's spell engulfed him, flying him back and through a wall with a loud crash.

He was confidently grinning while assuming a rather unique pose.

As the dust settled, Ryuji and his allies cautiously approached the wreckage, the intensity of their battle temporarily subsiding as they exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the success of their coordinated attack against Ustrauth.

Words left my mouth without realizing.

"Don't let your guard down!" (Dinarina)

With a loud boom, Ustrauth emerged from the pile of rubble like an arrow just as I predicted. However, the others did not possess the same level of insight and strategic thinking as I have showcased countless times before.

A Demon cannot be taken down that easily. Especially if they possess a Prana Heart.

Ustrauth's blade was aimed at Ryuji's heart, but at the last second he managed to wrap himself with the same armor Yomi had, shocking everyone as the thick plating of the foreign armor managed to deflect the powerful blow. The impact echoed through the battlefield, causing a momentary pause in the chaos as everyone turned to witness the unexpected turn of events.

-Clang!-

"What?!" (Ustrauth)

Ustrauth's clothing was burnt away, and his sudden change of emotions revealed his true form. A grotesque looking Demon with a pair of horns protruding from his head, a wide maw full of sharp teeth paired with a gray, lifeless looking skin and glowing red eyes.

"A Demon!?" (Milgard)

"A high ranking one too. I should've guessed it was you guys behind the Scorpion." (Clovea)

Ustrauth's voice had also changed. It had become deeper and more menacing.

He carefully observed Ryuji's new appearance. Now there were two of him, and Ustrauth was oblivious to which one was the real one.

With that, my suspicions were confirmed. This Demon was serving one of the Demon Lords to overthrow my father!

(Brother... What have you done?!)

"To think that I must assume my true form to fight mere pests like yourselves. Know your place!" (Ustrauth)

His roar shook the entire building, which seemed like nearing its limit already. And everyone looked shocked, except for me. The ominous aura around him did not escape from my sight from the very start. Though, I did not tell them because I was not completely sure.

"Whatever. I am done playing. It's almost time..." (Ustrauth)

He ripped off the last vestiges of fabric, exposing his horrifying, sinewy grey frame.

"What are you planning to do!" (Dinarina)

"Kakaka... Did you really think I would tell you? You are about to see for yourself anyway." (Ustrauth)

His ugly, ominous laughter was the hint of what was going to happen soon. I'd rather not find out, though.

I pulled out my sword.

It was almost identical to Eden's sword. Both were gifted to us by my father.

An elegant, curved blade with a closed hand guard.

"Ooh? Has the Princess finally decided to confront me herself? Hahaha!" (Ustrauth)

"Of course. A Sword Master can be beaten by only another Sword Master." (Dinarina)

Ustrauth's expression twisted with disbelief.

Knowing my capabilities, my Knights weren't so surprised. I was actually stronger than each one of them except for Eden who, unfortunately, was not present as she was occupied with liberating the Crescent Fort from the small siege my Brother so foolishly orchestrated.

I wondered what kind of stupid face he would make when he finds out about that.

A confident smile flitted across my face without even realizing. Ustrauth seemed to be displeased about that.

"You insect... What are you smiling for?!" (Ustrauth)

His insult did not faze me one bit. In fact, I found it amusing. I shrugged nonchalantly. However, it made my subordinates clearly angry. They were tightly gripping their weapons with their teeth clenched.

And as a result, he charged at me head on with the help of his enhanced speed.

"Princess!" (Ryuji)

Of course, Ryuji did not know yet.

I was the second-best Martial Artist in this Kingdom.

Just as I expected, Ustrauth tried to blitz me with his incredible speed, and attack me from behind. -Something similar to what Ryuji does from my past observations.

Sparks flashed as I used my Mana Blade to parry and deflect his swing, just like he did to Ryuji and others.

[Clear Flowing River Style: Cascade.]

With each parried strike, I countered with equal amounts of strength behind my blows. However, his demonic skin was too thick, acting as an armor. My slashes only nicked him in few places.

Ustrauth recoiled, his wounds closing rapidly thanks to his innate self-regeneration ability derived from his Demonic heritage.

He leapt back, putting some distance between me and himself with a shocked expression.

"Impossible! According to our intel, you are only a Sword Graduate in Lionne school!" (Ustrauth)

Manipulating information was one of my specialties. Also one of my favorite things to do.

"Is that so, Demon?" (Dinarina)

I showed him the violet ribbon that was attached to my pink hair. It was interesting how he hadn't noticed before. Even though I kept most information about myself secret ever since the inner conflict started.

A red ribbon or scarf meant that a person was a Sword Graduate.

Purple meant Sword Master.

Gold was Grand Master.

And black meant the highest level of proficiency in Martial Arts. The apex of fighting.

Sword Saint. There were only a few in the Turais.

Both ribbons were from the Knight Academy I've graduated from. They are made from a special silk that is harvested from a certain type of Giant Spider.

They were given to me by Darjeeling Mifern and Riel van Forenburg, the respective masters of each style.

Knowing he was still processing information, I decided to attack.

And others also reacted to my decision.

Ustrauth evaded Fladdwyn's dagger throw, a technique from a Laughing Jester School, specially used by master assassins like her.

"Now, Clovea!" (Dinarina)

She was already ready for my command.

Clovea's [Power Shot] was powerful enough to pierce his armor-like skin. The arrow dug deep into his chest, causing him to stagger momentarily.

I focused on my Prana Heart, charging my body with the magicules my heart pumped through my veins, enhancing my abilities as the ring of energy around my heart increased its velocity.

And with a swift, deliberate movement, I lunged forward, aiming for Ustrauth's unguarded shoulder. My magicule enhanced blade struck true, cutting through the thick skin, and ripping his arm off in a flash, his thick, purple blood staining my Royal Uniform. As he staggered back with a loud groan of pain, I allowed myself a small, victorious smile, knowing that my skills far surpassed his expectations.

"Don't let him recover!" (Dinarina)

Everyone agreed.

"Yeah!"

Milgard's attack was slow and usually would never land on the Demonic Butler.

However, the Demon was in pain and enraged, which of course, effected his decision-making.

He was bashed away by Milgard's massive shield with a loud boom.

"Orrraaa!" (Milgard)

Ninon, Barnett, and Ryuji's clone launched a synchronized assault, the chain sickle pinned him down as Ninon's spear sliced into Ustrauth's flank while Barnett's mighty swing carved a profound gash across the Demon's chest.

The impact sent Ustrauth flying several meters, crashing into a nearby stone pillar. The force of the blow left him disoriented and vulnerable, giving us the perfect opportunity to keep pressing our advantage.

"YOU INSECTS! HOW COULD YOU!-" (Ustrauth)

It was futile.

Ryuji made two more clones, so there were now four of them, surprising everyone. And each of them were making different hand signs.

But what shocked all of us was his choice of attacks as he swiftly closed in on him from all four sides.

"[Ninpou!]" (Ryuji)

"[Fireball Jutsu!]"

"[Water Dragon Jutsu!]"

"[Pebble Shotgun Jutsu!]"

"[Wind Blade Jutsu!]"

If someone had told me before that I would witness the day when a person not only becomes a quadruple elementalist but also masters the ability to cast four distinct spells from each of their elements simultaneously, I would undoubtedly have dismissed it as unbelievable.

Each of the spells were a direct hit, causing Ustrauth to collapse on his knees. However, he was not dead yet. Even killing a low level demon would often require a party of Orihalchum Scavengers. And the one we were facing was certainly a mid-rank. On top of that, he was a Sword Master too. A formidable foe capable of wielding the Prana Heart.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHH!" (Ustrauth)

"Impossible!" (Fladdwyn)

"What did I even just watch..." (Ninon)

"You will get used to it..." (Melodia)

Milgard laughed, impressed by his close friend while Barnett's mouth was agape with sheer surprise.

I had to give it all I had in order to cut through his hardened skin.

[Clear Flowing River + Lionne Style, Soaring Sparrow Cut.]

With the utmost grace, my swift feet carried me across the distance between us.

"Spare m-" (Ustrauth)

Swift and precise, my blade cut through the air and struck the fallen Demon, effortlessly cleaving through his flesh like butter, splitting his body in twain from head to toe, painting the air with a mesmerizing haze of deep purple blood.

A crescent cut that left a trail of purple blood in the air along with the glowing after image of my Mana Blade.

As his lifeless body crumpled to the ground, the intensity of the moment hung heavy in the air, a chilling reminder of the power that coursed through me in that fleeting instant of violence.

"It's over..." (Melodia)

I heard the relaxed sigh that came out of her as I swung my blade in the air to clear it from the detestable Demon's blood.

The scent of blood and smoked flesh, as well as the metallic taste lingered in the air, a stark contrast against the tranquility that reigned in the Koja Atelier now. I could feel the weight of Ustrauth's defeat settling upon my shoulders, a reminder of the sacrifices that had brought me to this moment. But there was no time to dwell on the aftermath; the echoes of battle would surely draw unwelcome attention, and we had to keep moving if we were to save my Kingdom.

Next was the Blue Palace. I was going to finally put an end to this misery my Kingdom had suffered through.

However, all of us heard the shrill screaming and groans of pain from the outside, echoing throughout the night sky above the enchanting duo of crescents.

The entire capital was in flames.

"Seems like it's going to be a long night..." (Barnett)