In the eerie and foreboding forest, a group of knights adorned in magnificent armor pressed forward, their senses heightened for any potential danger. With every movement exuding professionalism, their eyes scanned every nook and cranny, reminiscent of predators on the hunt. The mere sight of danger would ignite their fierce warrior spirits, ready to engage in an all-out war.

They were none other than the renowned Knight Order known as "The Lightborns." Within the Lux Sanctus Empire, their name resounded, celebrated for their meritorious deeds, unwavering bravery, and unmatched strength. Led by the indomitable Paul Devereux, The Loyal Sentinel, this middle-aged, handsome giant stood an imposing 2.5 meters tall. His sharp features, chiseled jawline, and fiery red hair were traits inherited from the Devereux family. Draped in gleaming armor that accentuated his muscular build, he carried a great sword upon his back, a symbol of his formidable strength.

As the knights pressed forward,

*RUSTLE* *RUSTLE*

The forest betrayed their presence with unsettling rustles and whispers. They halted abruptly, their vigilance reaching its peak. Each knight fixed their gaze in the direction of the sound, a dangerous glint shining in their eyes, preparing for an imminent battle. Slowly, the footsteps drew nearer, the air thick with tension. Eventually, a man dressed in leather armor emerged, visibly relieved at the sight of The Lightborns.

"Sir knights, I am Milo, an adventurer," the man announced, his hands raised to signify no threat. He displayed his adventurer badge on his chest as proof of his identity. One knight stepped forward, maintaining vigilance, and exchanged a nod with his companions. "I will take him to see the captain," the knight declared, guiding the adventurer.

Upon meeting Paul, the adventurer showed reverence and spoke with urgency, "Sir, I am an adventurer, and I have something important to report." "Please proceed," Paul encouraged.The adventureer recounted,"Yes sir,yesterday I got a mission to search for some herb that usually found in the some parts of this forest,as I go deeper into the forest I found something a miss as I don't hear or see any small animals which I usually do.I started to get the feeling of uneasiness and became alerted .When I arrive at the valley,which around a kilometer away from here I started to see some signs of dark arts .So, I tread carefully incase of danger, suddenly the ground sink in and I fall into it.In there I saw a depilated mansion,so I.."

Intrigued, Paul interrupted, "A mansion in Grimwood Hollow?""Yes sir..",the adventurer confirmed, and Paul urged him "Please continue". "Yes, I found a mansion, and it seems to be completely abandoned. I thought of investigating further, but as I approached, I discovered that it was surrounded by seals and barriers. Since I couldn't do anything about it, I decided to report the situation to the Adventurer Association. After spending the night and successfully locating the herbs I was searching for, I retraced my steps and made my way back.That's when I encountered Sir Knights on my way back".

Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

"Um, an abandoned mansion that's hidden underground and seals... Wait, did you just say the seals are still active?!"Paul asked...

"Yes,Sir!"

"Do you know what kind of seals they are?" Paul asked.

"I have never seen those seals before. That's why I didn't dare to do anything..." the adventurer replied..

Paul contemplated the information, his mind racing with possibilities. "An abandoned mansion with active seals," he mused.

Acknowledging the adventurer's predicament, Paul expressed gratitude, "Thank you for your assistance. We are also investigating this matter, and we will gladly accept your guidance to the mansion. Rest assured, we will report your invaluable help to the Adventurer Association."

The knights settled in for a momentary respite, and Paul turned to his vice captain, stating, "This seems to be it." With that, he walked away, his gaze filled with determination, ready to uncover the secrets hidden within the mysterious underground mansion.

Somewhere in Grimwood Hollow, five figures cloaked in black hoods, concealing their faces, moved swiftly with a sense of familiarity that hinted at their experience. One of the hooded figures, their voice raspy and filled with concern, spoke up, "Saintess Selena, can you contact them?"

"No, there's still no reply. The secret tunnel has also collapsed. I heard there was an error that caused the ritual to go wrong. I can only hope that my lord is safe. Saebas, what do you think could have caused the ritual to fail?" Selena replied with growing worry in her voice.

As they exchanged words, the group slowed their pace as they approached their destination. Suddenly, Selena's voice filled with concern, "Oh no! It can't be!"

Before them lay a massive hole, the result of the ground collapsing, revealing an abandoned mansion that appeared untouched for centuries.

"How could this have happened? How could it look like it has been abandoned for years? We just built it last year for the holy ritual!" exclaimed one of the members, their surprise evident.

"Let's find His Holiness and the others," Selena said anxiously, moving forward. However, she was halted by Saebas. "Wait, Saintess," he said, pointing in the opposite direction.

There, a group of knights emerged from the shadows.

"Lightborns, damned heretics! They must have come here to investigate the disturbance caused by the ritual," Saebas voiced with undisguised hostility, as if they were mortal enemies. "What should we do, retreat?" one of the members asked, looking to Selena.

"If we retreat, what about His Holiness and the others? We haven't confirmed their safety. Moreover, if the Lightborns are here, it means ,that Man would be here too. We cannot afford to face him in battle," Selena replied.

As the exchange took place, the knights also spotted the opposing party, causing them to come to a halt.

"Heretics, as expected, they are here!" said one of the knights with blond hair and blue eyes. "Prepare for battle," commanded Paul, unsheathing his great sword from his back.