The smoke cleared, revealing a horrifying scene. Before Eliza stood four winged men, the same individuals who had landed on Ezekiel Bridge.

Her fear intensified as she focused on the man in the forefront. His hand, stained crimson, protruded from Lamram's chest. Lamram, however, remained motionless, a trickle of blood escaping his mouth. His pupils and skin were devoid of color, a stark testament to his lifeless state.

Eliza's voice trembled as she muttered, "Lamram... Why... Why did you do that?"

She scanned the scene, her eyes filled with horror. The other Faye knights were captives. Hayase was trapped by the white-haired man, who had conjured a strange, transparent force around his hands, resembling glowing spheres. Fechin was pinned against the wall by the young kid, who seemed to possess a cloning ability. Leo was held aloft by the man with the blonde hair, his throat constricted by a dark spell that crept up his neck, threatening to consume him.

Charlotte and Eliza were the only ones left free, their faces a mask of fear, anger, and confusion. The sight before them was a shocking testament to the invaders' power.

The leader of the invaders turned to Eliza, his gaze fixed upon Lamram. "It wasn't you I was targeting, but never mind," he said, his voice laced with disappointment.

Eliza's anger flared. "Who are you, intruders? Do you know where you are?"

A chilling smile spread across the man's face. "Who am I? An interesting question for someone like you, isn't it? You don't know me, do you?"

Charlotte's voice trembled as she spoke. "Yes, I know who you are."

She listed their names, her tone filled with dread. "Orpheus Gastrell, the young man with the ability to clone himself. Achilles Agathangelou, the man with the power of destruction. Bionura Neo, the man who can stop any attack with his transparent sphere-shaped spells. And you, Nuzuki Serumu, the undisputed ruler of the Orwells."

Eliza's eyes widened in shock. "Nuzuki Serumu?" she muttered.

Nuzuki's grin widened. "So you know who I am? That's intriguing. But it seems you possess more knowledge than you should."

Charlotte drew her sword, her expression resolute. "I've studied your species extensively and participated in related missions. It's my duty to be prepared for any threat."

Nuzuki paused, his gaze fixed on Charlotte. "If you know so much, I have a question for you. Do you know who killed my pet serpent in Faye?"

Eliza was momentarily confused. "Serpent? I don't recall such a creature."

Then, a realization dawned upon her. "Wait. Are you referring to the young adventurer, Orano Tatsumi?"

Nuzuki's smile grew even wider. "Orano Tatsumi. That's his name."

"Now, let's get back to business," he said, his tone turning serious. "There was a man who lived many years ago, named Horus Serumu. Does anyone know him?"

"Yes, I'm familiar with him," Charlotte replied. "Most people are."

She continued, "Horus Serumu was a cruel individual. He relished in torturing his enemies and chose the path of cruelty in everything he did. However, when Luroun's war erupted, he was compelled to join and support the cause. Despite his past, he aided countless people during the war. Yet, he was a man of ambition, seeking power and control.

"The Royal Society opposed his aspirations, but due to his contributions to the war, they granted his kind the right to live freely in the Third Kingdom. Horus, while frustrated, had a plan in mind.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

"Unfortunately, the previous king, a ruthless man like Horus himself, had a hidden agenda. Despite his public image, he secretly murdered innocent people. He finally revealed his grudge against Horus Serumu by executing him.

"However, something unexpected happened. Before his death, Horus Serumu uttered a chilling prophecy: 'My anger may not have reached you, but someone will deliver your just punishment.' And with those words, he was brutally executed.

"Since then, Horus Serumu's kind has remained peaceful, avoiding conflict. Humans have also refrained from attacking them, recognizing the Orwells as the most formidable creatures they've ever encountered.

"But I still don't understand the connection between this ruthless man and the current situation," Charlotte concluded.

Nuzuki's voice, a chilling melody of malice, echoed through the chamber. "Your words hold truth," he began, "yet his fear-mongering was excessive. The old man, though powerful, lacked the wisdom to achieve his goal. His strength was undeniable, but his ideal was flawed. As his son, I once held him in the highest regard. Yet, his actions revealed a weakness I never anticipated."

A sinister grin spread across Nuzuki's face. "After years of quiet reflection, a new ideal has emerged. An ideal born from my father's failures. I have come to realize that your freedom is an affront to those of us who are superior. Your so-called 'trust' is a farce, a tool to manipulate the masses. Your peaceful facade is a hollow shell."

"Therefore, I shall end your existence. This is my ideal."

Leo, his anger palpable, lunged forward, gripping Achilles's arm. His magma-infused strength surged through him, but to no avail. Achilles's gaze, cold and unwavering, pierced through the flames. With a cruel twist, Leo tightened his grip, his fingers digging into Achilles's throat.

Hayase's cry of protest was drowned out by the growing intensity of the confrontation. Nuzuki, however, merely chuckled. "Shall we begin the spectacle?"

Before Nuzuki could act, Fechin's voice boomed through the fog that he had conjured. "I shall buy us time! Everyone, do your part!"

The fog thickened, obscuring the scene. The floor beneath their feet froze solid, and Orpheus stumbled under Fechin's powerful blow.

Charlotte, seizing the opportunity, unleashed the ivy-like vines that had been lurking beneath the ground, binding Neo's arms. Hayase, now free, delivered a swift kick, sending Neo flying.

Leo, with a feral roar, landed a devastating punch on Achilles's face, sending him crashing into the wall.

Nuzuki watched the chaos unfold with a mixture of amusement and contempt. "A distraction, is it? Interesting."

From the swirling fog, Eliza emerged, her movements swift and precise. A powerful kick connected with Nuzuki's face, sending him soaring through the air. However, Nuzuki, with a graceful flick of his wings, landed softly on the ground. He wiped the blood from his nose and spoke calmly. "So you choose to resist? Be it so."

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Hiro Segyuu and Yonabi Tsukiko, stationed near the castle, witnessed the chaotic scene unfolding before them. The castle's reinforcement soldiers were frantically guiding the panicked crowd away from the danger, their voices echoing amidst the commotion.

"This way!" they shouted, their urgency palpable. "Get away from the castle! Reinforcement Soldiers! Move towards the castle! Be quick!"

Hiro's keen eyes scanned the scene, a sense of unease settling over him. "Something doesn't feel right about this," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the din. He turned to his loyal companion, Tadeo, the crow perched on his shoulder. "Tadeo, fly to the castle and assess the situation. If anything is amiss, return to me immediately."

With a sharp caw, Tadeo took flight, disappearing into the swirling chaos.

Meanwhile, Yonabi's heart pounded in her chest as the sound of destruction reached her ears. "That was a massive explosion," she exclaimed, her voice filled with alarm. "Are they attacking the castle? Something feels terribly wrong."

Without hesitation, Yonabi began to run towards the castle, her determination unwavering. "No matter how far away I am, I must investigate. This could be crucial."

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Eliza, her breath ragged from the exertion of her leap, landed before Nuzuki. Her voice, though strained, carried a resolute tone. "No matter who you are," she declared, her eyes flashing with defiance, "if you dare to attack Castle Flora, you will face the consequences."

Nuzuki's response was a cruel, mocking smile. "You speak with such confidence, little warrior. But can you truly stop me alone?"

As if in answer to Nuzuki's taunt, Chou Yu arrived on the scene, her presence a welcome relief. She turned to Eliza, her voice laced with concern. "I heard the screams echoing through the streets. Did I arrive in time?"

Eliza nodded, a flicker of gratitude passing across her face. "Just in time," she replied.

Nuzuki's laughter echoed through the air as he appraised the newfound balance of power. "Two against one, eh?" he taunted, his eyes narrowing. "Then you must be eager to demonstrate your combined strength."

Eliza, her resolve unwavering, raised her sword, its blade glinting in the sunlight. "Of course," she replied, her voice a low growl. "We will show you."