Hayato walked calmly ahead, his hands behind his back, guiding Ren and Ryota through the heart of the village.
"This place…" Hayato murmured. "These streets… they've seen more blood than peace. Built on battle, rebuilt by pain."
Ren's eyes scanned the villagers—some sharpening weapons, others in silent training. Children peeked from behind doorways, sensing something heavy in the air.
"So, do you really think war is near?" Ryota asked.
Hayato paused.
Before he could speak, a soldier sprinted toward them, dust rising with every step.
"My Lord—Hayato!" the soldier saluted, breathing heavily. "The Royal soldiers have been spotted near the northern ridge!"
Hayato's face darkened instantly.
"Hmph… I figured the king would move eventually. Took him longer than I expected."
He turned to the soldier.
"Alert every warrior. Prepare the formations. Sound the war drums!"
Within the hour, warriors began gathering. Hayato stood at the center of the square, eyes scanning every face.
"The forces coming at us are far stronger than we are," he began. "If they attack with full force, we won't stand a chance."
Murmurs started, but Hayato raised his voice.
"But warriors of Crimson—we do not back down! Even if a million soldiers march at us, even if we face an enemy no one here can defeat, we will fight!"
"Till our last breath. Till death takes us."
"Even if our arms are cut off—we fight with our legs! If our legs fail—we fight with our teeth, our hearts, our will!"
"For our ancestors who built this home, and for the ones who will come after—we fight for Crimson!"
A roar exploded through the crowd. Over 250 soldiers lifted their weapons high, their battle cries shaking the air.
Then, Ren stepped forward.
"We'll also join this fight," he said firmly. "They're our enemy too."
More cheers erupted. The entire village was alive with determination.
But far beyond the hills—they were already coming.
The Royal Soldiers Army.
A massive force marched forward. Leading them: Tarak, clad in black armor, a twisted grin on his face.
To his left: Umren, calm and deadly.
To his right: Wasp, her spear gleaming with magical energy.
Tarak's voice sliced the silence.
"Six commanders died in the past. Weaklings… unworthy of the king's name."
He glanced at Umren and Wasp.
"Let's enjoy this. Crush them. Scare them. Break their souls before their bones."
Wasp twirled her spear, grinning.
"Can't wait to make them dance with this baby."
Umren stayed silent, her dark magic already forming like a shadow around her.
"No mercy," Tarak whispered. "Kill them all."
The Battle Begins
The Crimson soldiers braced themselves.
Hayato stood at the front, blade drawn.
With a shout from both sides—the war erupted.
Tarak summoned rock armor around his body, crushing everything in his path. He moved like a beast, tearing through lines of defense with brute strength.
Wasp launched her spear with deadly precision. Her semi-celestial synergy magic gave her full control. The weapon curved midair, tearing through several soldiers before returning to her hand. Her movements were fierce—wild, yet calculated.
Umren's dark aura thickened. From behind her, two dragon-like heads formed—attached to her body, slithering and striking at distant enemies like cursed serpents. Soldiers tried to dodge or cut them, but they were relentless and fast.
Hayato stood unmoved for a moment—then vanished.
Speed Magic. Semi-Celestial.
He reappeared in the middle of the enemy forces—cutting down enemies in a flash.
"Cutting Slash!"
A massive horizontal slash tore through the battlefield, instantly killing 70 to 100 soldiers.
But then—Tarak charged, armor pulsing with raw power.
Hayato had spent too much stamina. Tarak smashed forward at terrifying speed.
Ren, nearby, reacted just in time, using atomic control to conjure a half-shield.
It held… for half a second—then shattered.
"Hraaaaaagh!" Tarak roared, swinging a heavy punch.
Hayato responded with another Cutting Slash, their powers colliding with a thunderous shock.
The ground shattered. Both were flung back by the force.
Tarak stood up, laughing.
"Oh… so you've got friends to support you?"
He raised his weapon.
"Don't worry. They'll join you in hell."