image [https://i.imgur.com/eY2gF5l.png]

Mila's footsteps quickened as she reached the grand palace, the designated location for her crucial audience with the king. Yet, an unsettling feeling settled in her gut as she approached the palace gates. An inexplicable doubt tugged at her mind.

If I have the edict then why do I have to talk to the king? Can Grismala really be trusted?

...

She did save me from prison, so, in terms of trusting her, there is that detail...

A distant voice pierced the air, barely audible but carrying a chilling command: "Kill them all! Kill them all!" The words echoed strangely, casting doubt on the situation.

Could the palace be under attack?

Mila's heart raced, and she quickened her steps, almost breaking into a run, in the direction of the clamor. The sounds of battle grew louder, accompanied by the clashing of weapons and the metallic ring of combat. Frightened screams and determined grunts intermingled in a chaotic symphony.

Her hastened steps led her to a building that revealed itself as a barracks. outside, a fierce struggle unfolded before her eyes. Two valiant soldiers defended against a group of enigmatic assailants draped in white robes. An intricate sigil—a three-tongued lizard—was embroidered onto their hoods.

"It's her! Just as our master foresaw! Seize her!" The robed figures, armed with gleaming daggers, turned their attention toward Mila with a shared purpose.

The guards fought with every ounce of strength they could muster, barely holding their ground. Determined to save them, Mila's voice sliced through the chaos: "Quickly, get out of here!"

Clad in attire that was decidedly unusual, these figures didn't quite resemble holy knights, but rather seemed like fresh recruits. Their garments were a stark contrast to traditional armor. Hastily, they dashed into the barracks, quickly shutting the door behind them to create a barrier against the chaos outside.

"What is it that you seek from me?" Mila demanded, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Our master's directive is to bring you to him, unharmed. If you comply, Touched One, our assaults will cease," one of the robed figures responded.

"Touched One?" Mila's confusion mirrored in her voice.

"Indeed! You bear that title!"

"I'm completely in the dark about what you're babbling on about! But for your actions, there will be consequences!"

"Death in service of our cause is an honor. In the name of Lord Arbious, grant us strength!" they proclaimed fervently, revealing a black tome concealed within their robes.

A radiant surge of divine light cascaded from the heavens, vanquishing the cultists in a single sweeping motion.

Mila's gaze shot upward, fixating on a lone figure—a young man—whose cape fluttered majestically in the wind. He descended gracefully and landed with an imposing presence. A golden crown adorned with crimson jewels graced his brow, while his cape billowed in a regal navy hue. Bedecked in ancient runic armor, he stood as a paragon of martial prowess unlike any other Mila had encountered. "Mila Ashenhaul, I presume your recovery is complete?" he inquired, his gaze locked onto her.

"Yes, Your Highness!"

"It seems that I have no need for introductions." He spoke, making his way to the corpses of the cultists that lied dead on the ground.

"Your abilities are extraordinary! How did you achieve that?"

His attention was drawn to the black tome that was now on the ground. picking up the infernal scripture that the cultists used during their confrontation with Mila, Julius begins to read through its pages. A profound perplexity took root within Mila's mind, though she opted to keep her apprehensions unspoken.

Why is he touching that thing like it's no big deal?! The infernal scripture is a taboo to even look at!

"Time is of the essence. Our realm faces turmoil—minor conflicts escalating into unrest, rampant pillaging and destruction. Mila Ashenhaul, you are hereby promoted to the rank of lieutenant. These barracks' inhabitants are under your direct command. Hunt down every last one of these cultists and deliver divine justice!"

"Divine what?"

With a powerful leap, the king soared skyward as the tome fell to the ground. With his sword held aloft he made for a prominent figure. From above, he cast his gaze upon Mila.

"The village where Graybeard took refuge lies southeast. Proceed there immediately; that village is of paramount significance, providing our link to the vast sea."

With his words, or rather, orders, the king departed into the horizon, and as he vanished from sight, the barracks' doors swung open, allowing the two guards within to rush out.

"You rescued us!"

"We were going to die without you!"

The notion of leading weighed heavily on Mila, and her thoughts turned to the guards before her.

WAIT! THESE ARE MY MEN?

"Um... Where is everyone else?" she inquired, her eyes scanning the structure behind them.

"Presently, only the two of us novices remain! Delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss Mila!"

"Much about you has reached our ears!"

Two recruits!?

Her discomfort was palpable, etched across her features. However, this was the esteemed order of holy knights, an institution renowned for its exclusivity—even as recruits, they must have demonstrated exceptional merit.

"I am Joan," one of the knights introduced himself, his attire adorned with a longsword and a light chainmail armor. His unruly brown hair partly obscured one eye. "A swordsman, dedicated to the path of becoming a holy knight!"

"I am Contii," the second knight chimed in, his sleek black hair catching the light. "A mage within our order. My speciality lies in healing, though I can also cast second-tier ice spells!"

The two were definitely younger than Mila, a fact she couldn't overlook.

"A healer and a knight?" Mila inquired.

"Appearances can be deceiving. We are adept fighters, despite what you might perceive. We've always functioned as team and make up for each other's weaknesses." Joan asserted.

Yet, Mila's attention remained fixed on Graybeard. The words of the two knights barely registered in her mind.

"Prepare your belongings. We must leave at once!"

Exchanging a disappointed glance, the two knights reluctantly acknowledged her command. Though disheartened, they didn't contest her orders. They withdrew from her presence, retreating into the barracks to gather their possessions, while Mila stood outside, waiting with an air of detachment.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Isolated outside, Mila's gaze was inexorably drawn to the ominous black scripture that lay before her. Its seductive allure seemed to implore her to reach out and grasp it. Her eyes oscillated uncertainly as she faced this profound dilemma, torn between fear and the allure of uncovering its secrets. This text bore the unmistakable mark of Arbious—an entity embodying malevolence, a being beyond the scope of monstrosity, the progenitor of wickedness. The very manifestation of his sinister will was inscribed within these pages. Yet, her curiosity compelled her to unearth the perilous knowledge hidden within.

Gradually, Mila inched closer, her steps measured as she surreptitiously scanned her surroundings, ensuring no prying eyes bore witness. Then, with a resolute motion, she lifted the tome.

Summoning a steadying breath and clearing her mind, Mila gingerly opened the volume, her eyes glinting with a blend of trepidation and anticipation. Her mind braced itself for the revelation of inconceivable malevolence.

However, the contents she encountered defied her expectations.

The pages—unblemished, starkly blank—stretched before her incredulous gaze. Page after page, her agitation gave way to bewilderment and a mounting sense of panic.

What is this madness? Why is this tome empty?

Engulfed by a whirlwind of thoughts, Mila instinctively invoked a spell she had mastered: "Arcane vault."

A luminous, magical portal materialized before her. Swiftly, she pressed the volume into its shimmering embrace, and as her hand withdrew, the portal sealed shut, the magic vanishing.

Emerging from the barracks, the guards stood ready, their preparations evident in the bags slung over their shoulders and the equipment adorning their persons.

"Miss Mila, we are ready to depart."

image [https://i.imgur.com/7fgH3qs.png]

The trio ventured forth from the city, watching its outer walls diminish in size as they distanced themselves. Octavia, nestled upon mountainous terrain, seemed to belie its elevation. Departing through the east gate, they descended the slopes of the mountains. Night approached like a lurking demon and by the time they reached the lower ground, darkness enveloped them, revealing a vast expanse of forest.

"We should set camp here." Mila proposed, her gaze sweeping the woods surrounding them.

An eerie sensation lingered in the movement of the trees as they danced to the rhythm of the wind. An unsettling quiet draped the forest.

"Are you certain, Miss Mila? This location might not be optimal..." Contii cautioned.

"Contiiii! Consider this from Miss Mila's viewpoint. Continuing while fatigued exposes us to the risk of ambush and exhaustion," Joan countered.

Miss Mila emitted a soft sigh, her attention wavering between the two engaged in debate.

"Listen, something isn't right... Can't you sense it? It's like we're being watched."

The duo exchanged glances and then redirected their gazes to Mila. "We're being watched?"

"I... I don't know for certain, but I sense evil within these forests..."

"If you assert it, then it must be true," Contii concurred with unshakeable faith.

They're almost... overly enthusiastic about this... It's as if I'm guiding two children.

"Listen, you two set up camp here and rest. I will stand watch," Mila decreed, her decision aimed at preventing them from squabbling while fatigued. It was the optimal choice for everyone involved.

However, as for herself... Rest was elusive. Not now. Not while Graybeard's life hung in the balance.

image [https://i.imgur.com/lhqCDcB.png]

With the camp assembled, the trio gathered around a crackling fire, seated near their tents. Yet, the air was imbued with an unease that prevented conversation.

Contii and Joan were somewhat intimated by Mila's presence. Sensing their mutual apprehension prompted Mila to break the silence.

"When did both of you join the ranks of the holy knights?"

Despite her resentment toward the order, her curiosity compelled her to learn why anyone would align themselves with it.

Exchanging glances, the duo seemed delighted by Mila's inquiry. Contii answered, "It's been two years now... Our village, north of here, above Elven's Crossing, was ravaged by insatiable demons."

"Demons? Like Imps?"

"No... True demons... Agents of malevolence. We've never encountered anything like them. It was the day Tasildor fell. In its aftermath, a horde of demons manifested seemingly out of nowhere. Our village was assaulted and burnt."

"I'm truly sorry to hear that."

"We were but thirteen then. Our parents gathered us within the church, seeking sanctuary in God's abode, the confines of the village church. However, the demons paid no heed to the sanctity of light. Darkened clouds shrouded the skies, blocking the light's reach, and... Our parents... They were slain."

Joan's hands quivered as he extended them toward the fire, seeking its warmth. He recounted their ordeal with a haunting despair. "Our parents...They weren't slain... they were... devoured... Before our very eyes..."

....

"We should've died... Back then, that night within the church... that accursed night. But we survived. Thanks to a noble warrior who came to our rescue."

"The king of Octavia, I presume?"

"The king? While it would be an honor, no, it wasn't him."

"Then who?"

"A warrior known as Samille. Surely you're familiar with her name."

"I'm not."

"She's the second strongest warrior within the holy knights, as well as the army's general. She and her forces surged into our town, decimating the demons one by one. When she entered the church on that ill-fated night, her armor was drenched in blood, her hair, her attire, her sword—everything was stained with blood. Yet, amidst the darkness, her blue eyes gleamed with heavenly providence, and she offered us salvation."

"I believe that Samille was blessed by God to this day." Contii suggested.

"Yes... She has an aura of the heavens... Something unique towards her... She is one bestowed upon a favor. A heavenly favor."

"What is this heavenly favor you speak of?"

"Ah... A 9th-tier spell..." Contii spoke, giving her an answer. "Only the heavenly father, and... that accursed Arbious is capable of such a gift."

She looks at the two, however, she cannot decern what to say.

"Are you certain that the heavenly father and Arbious have the same strength in terms of magic?"

Contii lets out a faint chuckle at her question.

"Why are you laughing?"

"I'm sorry Miss Mila, but I was under the impression you knew more than us. But to answer your question, in terms of magical powers... Arbious is far stronger than any before him."

"In terms of magic?"

"Well of course."

His voice now carried a heavy low tone as he uttered the next words.

"The infernal scripture is a testament to those magical powers."

A shroud of silence fell before them as Mila digested those words.

That book... But... How?

"Speaking of the scripture is prohibited Contii." Joan spoke, his face turned to him with a grim expression. "Even as brothers in arms, I cannot overlook such transgressions."

"Cheer up will ya... We've seen that book for ourselves."

Not wanting to expose himself further, Joan shut his mouth, but the damage had been dealt.

"What? You've seen its contents?"

"We've only caught a glimpse into its pages. However..." Contii's voice got serious. "The book was empty."

Empty... How...

"I don't understand... How could it be empty?"

"Arbious has ensured that the books have their contents reveal themselves to those he deems worthy. Ensuring all copies of the infernal scripture remain that way requires tremendous mana and mastery of magic... Our heavenly father... He could never accomplish such a feat."

Joan added. "But that does not change the fact that our divine lord is incompetent."

"Stop the bullshit Joan!"

Contii's words came out in frustration.

"I'm... I'm sorry Miss Mila that you had to see that..."

"It's fine..."

"I'm really sorry... It's just... Nevermind..."

The fire dwindled and the wind gathered momentum. The night sky stretched above, illuminated by the moon's glow. Stars sparkled, but their brilliance seemed to underscore the trio's inability to find words.

With Contii's outburst, tension had arisen. Seeking solace for the night, they bid each other farewell and retreated to their respective tents, Mila remained outside.

Amidst the encompassing darkness, Mila, for the first time, clasped her hands together and prayed.

"Divine Father above... I implore you, extend your providence to these two souls, and safeguard them from harm. They've endured so much at the hands of malevolence."

Her words resonated with silence, the wind gradually subsiding. But her act of prayer had brought her faith and hope within the darkness.

And... If you can... please... Bring light to Arbious so he may change his ways...