At First Light
Jonan and Tich awoke and began preparing in silence, neither saying a word until they left the room.
Jonan donned his armor, the tough leather of a Zaoron beast beneath a layer of black steel.
A dark green cloak trailed behind him, and on his chest gleamed a golden emblem, symbolizing his rank.
Tich wore similar Zaoron leather, though his outer plating was iron.
A green cloak draped behind him as well.
Both were ready in their own way.
As they stepped out, they locked eyes, exchanging serious looks before moving on without a word.
They exited the manor, heading straight for the central courtyard, where a fountain stood at its heart. Their eyes lifted to the sky, gray, heavy with clouds.
Suddenly, a voice called out.
"Sir Tich, please join the other soldiers.
Lord Jonan, please proceed to the Operations Planning Division.
Her Grace awaits you."
It was the same herald from the previous day.
They did as ordered, exchanging only a few words before parting.
"Tich, take care of yourself. I'll see you on the battlefield," his tone was caring, his expression unreadable.
"You too.
And stop being so tense, I know you worry about me, but you need to relax," he responded with confidence, but his eyes held traces of fear and hesitation.
With that, they split ways. Jonan made his way toward the Operations Planning Division.
The operations tent was large, with a round table inside displaying a detailed map of the forest surrounding the city.
Standing around it were Lady Nevera, one of her advisors, and the same guard Jonan had encountered in the prison cell.
"Oh… Master Jonan, thank you for gracing us with your presence." The voice was sarcastic and condescending.
"Lady Sylthrone, I apologize if I am late.
Please, share the details with me." his voice was authoritative and confident.
"Right now, we're devising a plan to kill that wretched beast, Suggestions?" her silver eyes burned with murderous intent, her voice carrying a sharp edge.
"Lady Sylthrone, may I speak candidly?" he asked carefully, his gaze unreadable.
"Just out with it..." she replied, her tone still condescending but tinged with curiosity.
"I have fought this monster before.
I believe we should delay the mission, as rain is approaching. Fighting in the forest under these conditions, especially against a creature this fast, is unwise."
His voice was resolute yet respectful.
"I see." Nevera turned and stepped out of the tent.
"Your Grace, where are you going? We still need to discuss the plan!" the advisor protested.
But Nevera ignored him, advancing toward the knights preparing for battle.
Before her stood around 100 warriors, clad in iron armor, each ready to sacrifice themselves for her.
She scanned the soldiers and the trees around them before speaking.
"Soldiers, knights, today's battle will be dangerous.
The odds are against us, If anyone wishes to withdraw, now is the time. There will be no consequences." Her voice was both commanding and gentle.
Yet, after she spoke, not a single knight or soldier moved. Instead, as one, they knelt and declared:
"Long live House Sylthrone! Long live Nevera Sylthrone!"
"Very well, I commend your loyalty, Stay alive for me so you can continue to protect me for years to come! We depart in ten minutes." Her voice was authoritative and grin form on her face, but a subtle weakness seeped through.
She left the assembly and returned to the operations tent, where her advisor, personal guard, and Jonan awaited her.
She wanted to embrace him. This isn't my fault… I don't want them to die. I gave them a choice…I wonder what Jonan would do… and why do I feel so drawn to him?
"Now that I'm back, I hope you've come up with a plan?" Her voice was testing and demanding.
The advisor stepped forward.
"Oh, of course, Your Grace. I've prepared a foolproof plan."
"Speak, Zolius, I don't have all day," she said impatiently.
Zolius cleared his throat and began.
"Your Grace, I propose we divide our soldiers into four groups of twenty, each with a leader.
This way, we can locate the beast faster and even flank it!" His chest swelled with pride at his idea.
Jonan interjected.
"If I may, Lady Sylthrone, this plan won't work, Not against Krizface."
"Insolent fool! What would a fallen noble like you know? And to interrupt a conversation among nobles?!" Zolius's face reddened with rage, his eyes bulging.
"Ahem," Nevera interrupted coldly, "Zolius, I remind you that this so-called 'fool' is the third most powerful person in House Sylthrone.
You will speak to him with respect!" Her tone burned with authority, her piercing gaze sending a shiver down Zolius's spine.
Zolius flinched and immediately dropped to his knees, pressing his forehead to the ground. "M-my lady, mercy! I did not know!" His voice quivered with fear.
"See that it doesn't happen again." She turned back to Jonan, "Now, Lord Jonan, I assume you spoke up because you have a better plan, yes?" Her curiosity was evident, her arms crossed in anticipation.
Jonan straightened, his expression unreadable but his voice firm.
"Of course, Lady Sylthrone, However, first, I take it that we're still proceeding with the mission despite my warning?" His tone carried a hint of judgment and disappointment, his gaze fixed on hers.
Nevera's eyes flared, veins appearing on her forehead. "Lord Jonan, I believe you forget, I am your Master, You belong to me, just like the rest of my soldiers.
This behavior is unacceptable, However, since you only just joined us, I'll overlook it this time. But don't let it happen again." She raised a hand, conjuring violet flames, her voice a chilling threat.
Why did I talked to him like this? I don't want him to look at me like that… Damn it…
"Of course, Lady Sylthrone, I apologize for my arrogance." Jonan knelt, lowering his head. His voice was respectful, though disappointment tinged his tone, and his expression remained impassive.
"Now, let's hear your plan," she said, dismissing the flames and crossing her arms once more.
"First, splitting up can be effective, but only into two groups.
Additionally, we should send as few soldiers as possible, the forest is dense and dark, making movement difficult.
Second, both groups must remain close to each other for communication, Finally, there will be a third, smaller team, me alone.
I will serve as bait, using a special powder I crafted that attracts the monster." His voice was fearless, his gaze unreadable.
"And you're certain you can survive until we reach you? Wouldn't it be better to place the powder near one of the groups?" Her expression showed curiosity, but her tone carried concern. She nervously scratched her nose.
"I'm certain. And no, the beast is smarter than most people, It will recognize the knights and avoid them. It won't attack unless it thinks it has the advantage." His hand tightened around his sword hilt, his expression unchanged.
"I see. Then it's decided. We'll use your plan, Lord Jonan.
I will lead the first group, and Sir Hans will lead the second. Dismissed. Join the ranks—except for you, Lord Jonan, stay." Her tone was firm,as she issuing commands.
"Jonan, what are you thinking?! This is dangerous! That monster is far too fast for you to act asbait!" Her voice was angry, but her eyes were filled with worry, her lips trembling slightly.
"Nevera, there's no need to worry. I know what I'm doing, and besides, you were the one who approved this plan…" Why is she so worried? I don't understand. A moment ago, she treated me so harshly, and now she's concerned about me? She's so confusing…
Nevera let out a heavy sigh. "I see… If this is truly what you want to do, then fine. But take care of yourself… You're the only one I actually feel comfortable around, alright?"
A faint blush colored her cheeks, yet her gaze remained locked on Jonan's, her voice carrying an undeniable sincerity.
Jonan's eyes widened slightly, his brows raising in surprise. But he quickly regained his composure, asking no questions. Instead, he simply replied:
"Understood. I promise I'll be fine."
His tone remained unchanged, as if he hadn't noticed the meaning behind her words, and his expression remained unreadable.
At the end of their conversation, Jonan had already set off toward the forest, while Nevera continued forward with the rest of the knights and soldiers.
Many were afraid. Some were eager, glad for the opportunity to assist their lady. Others thought of the honor they would gain from slaying the beast.
But only Nevera, Tich, and Jonan truly knew the nature of the cursed creature, and the true danger of facing it in battle…
And so, the battle to eliminate Krizface began.