Chapter 76: To Invite Ruin

    The sun was setting over the capital as Arkanos and Seraphine rode their horses back from the newly upgraded part of the city.

    The streets seemed more vibrant now, filled with the hum of whispers of gratitude from the people as they settled into their new and improved accommodations.

    Seraphine glanced at the happy faces of the people, then at Arkanos, who rode quietly with his usual calm and stoic expression.

    "The people will speak of today for generations. I am certain they will spread word of you as a man who performs the will of the goddess."

    Arkanos nodded but said nothing, his focus ahead as they made their way toward the palace.

    Suddenly, a deafening crash echoed.

    BOOM.

    The ground trembled as a massive figure descended from the sky, landing with a thunderous impact that sent dust billowing into the air.

    The horses neighed in fright, rearing momentarily before calming under the firm hands of their riders.

    Arkanos narrowed his green eyes, his sharp gaze fixed on the figure that had interrupted their journey. His voice was low yet intense as he spoke.

    "Why have you presented yourself before me in such a manner... Abaddon?"

    As the dust began to settle, a figure could be seen kneeling in the debris. The figure straightened slightly, revealing a tall man with black wings folded behind him that quickly disappeared, a faint glow of dark energy radiating from his body—it was Abaddon.

    Abaddon placed a hand over his chest and bowed his head, speaking respectfully yet with a mischievous edge.

    "Forgive my abrupt entrance, Your Majesty. It was not my intention to startle you or Lady Seraphine. I come bearing news."

    Arkanos''s eyes narrowed, his expression as calm as ever.

    "Speak," he commanded.

    Abaddon''s lips curled into a slight smile as he stood, brushing off some of the lingering dust.

    "It appears that two noble houses—House Raine and House Meldon—are on the verge of war. Their forces are gathered at the borderlands, preparing for a territorial skirmish."

    Seraphine''s brows furrowed as she glanced at Arkanos, a look of concern flashing in her eyes.

    "House Raine is one of the wealthiest in the empire... What is the Grand Viser up to?" she remarked. "House Meldon''s smaller force won''t last long against them."

    Abaddon nodded, his tone casual despite the gravity of the situation. "Indeed, Your Majesty. It seems House Raine is driven by greed, while House Meldon refuses to back down. Shall I intervene, or would you prefer another course of action?"

    Arkanos''s gaze remained fixed on Abaddon as the latter awaited his command.

    Abaddon spread his wings wide, the dark energy around him intensifying. With a powerful gust of wind that stirred the dust and debris around him, he shot into the sky, leaving a swirling vortex in his wake.

    Seraphine watched his departure with a touch of awe and concern, her voice barely above a whisper. "He truly is a force to be reckoned with."

    Arkanos''s gaze lingered on the horizon, his voice steady. "And that is precisely why I sent him. Caderic must understand the price of defiance."

    ...

    The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as the knights regrouped.

    The fight against the sea serpent had left most of them battered and bruised, yet the need to continue forward never waned.

    Kael led the way as the group moved cautiously through the quiet streets of the coastal settlement, wary of any more surprises lurking in the wavy waters.

    Suddenly, a growl echoed down a narrow alley, interrupting the stillness.

    The ground trembled beneath their feet as monstrous fishmen—half-man, half-fish creatures—emerged from the waters, their slick, scaly bodies gleaming in the fading light.

    Their sharp claws clacked against the cobblestone as they advanced.

    "Stay sharp!" Kael yelled. "They''re fast and vicious!"

    Laris instinctively moved to the front. His eyes locked onto the closest fishman, and with a swift motion, he struck down the nearest one.

    "Focus on their heads!" he shouted. "Aim for the eyes!"

    The Vanguard engaged immediately, their blades weaving a deadly dance against the relentless onslaught.

    Kael fought side by side with his knights, his sword flashing as he parried and slashed at the monstrous creatures.

    "Esten, cover the flank!" Kael commanded, watching as the Flankers spread out to intercept any fishmen attempting to break through. Spearmen hurled their weapons at the advancing creatures, piercing their tough flesh and slowing their advance.

    Lionel stood at the center of the line, his sword shaking slightly from fatigue. He focused on the beast before him, his strikes swift and precise, each movement honed by the training he had endured.

    Beside him, Darian effortlessly parried and countered, an excited grin on his face as if he was enjoying every moment.

    One fishman lunged at Lionel, claws extended. He saw the creature closing in, but he was too exhausted to move as fast as he used to in order to dodge the attack.

    In a flash, Darian stepped in front of the younger knight, deflecting the strike with a well-timed parry before cutting down the creature, its blood spraying all over his armor.

    He wiped his face with his hand before looking at the young knight.

    "Stay sharp, rookie," Darian said with a smirk as he drove his sword through another''s heart.