The battle intensified as the Thorenzians fought tirelessly for their freedom. With the arrival of the El Zoranda clan, the tide had turned in their favor, bolstering their spirits and their ranks. Banabas, the clan's leader, surveyed the conflict with a keen eye, issuing commands with unwavering authority. "Love!" he called out, prompting a young woman to rush to his side. "Tend to the Kraelosis patients and administer the antidotes." Love, ever dutiful, agreed and hurried away to fulfill her task.
As Banabas watched her go, his thoughts turned to Nathaniel, the founder of the El Zoranda clan. "Nathaniel, your dream has finally become a reality. After your departure, you raised this clan and trained them for the very battle we fight today. The strength and dedication of those who fought for your vision continue to support us as we strive for freedom. We will honor your memory and ensure your efforts were not in vain." Banabas's resolve hardened, his clenched fist a testament to his determination.
Meanwhile, the Shield raced through the palace halls, navigating the fallen bodies of Vylonian soldiers that littered the ground. Isolde couldn't help but marvel at Princess Athena's strength. She took down all these soldiers single-handedly? she mused.
Princess Alexandra, however, harbored concerns. "While there's no denying Athena's power, I worry about the Vylonian power structure."
Valerus elaborated, "The Vylonian military is a formidable force. Their ranks begin with the citizens, each one trained in hand-to-hand combat and various weaponry to ensure the nation's safety. Above them are the foot soldiers, followed by the Black Knights – twelve formidable warriors skilled in both combat and Hera. Then come the White Knights, the Generals, and the Seven Days. The latter three are all Hera users, though the Generals and Seven Days possess far greater strength than the White Knights."
Thane absorbed this information, saying, "So they're always ready for war."
"Precisely," Valerus affirmed. "Our greatest challenge lies with the Generals. They're said to be nearly as powerful as the Seven Days, and there are three of them. Princess Athena is rumored to be the strongest among them."
The Shield exchanged looks of disbelief, their understanding of Princess Athena's strength deepening. "She truly is a force to be reckoned with," Orion acknowledged.
Elara nodded in agreement, acknowledging Princess Athena's strength, as Valerus urged them to hasten their pace. "Let's hurry."
"Right!" The Shield quickened their steps, pushing forward with renewed vigor.
Meanwhile, Princess Athena forged ahead, expertly taking down Vylonian soldiers with her mastery of Hera and her trusty sword. The Shield soon caught up to her, drawing a look of surprise from the princess.
"You really are strong," Princess Alexandra said, her admiration evident.
"Am I?" Princess Athena replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Yes, you are," Elara confirmed.
"Well, thanks," Princess Athena said, her tone growing more serious. "People say I'm the strongest General. Even if they're right, my brothers are still a force to be reckoned with. Compared to me, they're monsters."
The Shield listened intently as Princess Athena continued, her voice heavy with emotion. "It's selfish of me to ask, but please hear me out."
"Of course," Valerus said. "We're listening."
"If it's possible, can you spare the Seven Days?" Princess Athena pleaded. "You can beat them to a pulp, but please don't kill them. They're still my brothers, and I love them, even though they can be annoying. I hope it's not too much to ask."
"We'll do our best," Valerus promised.
"I finally get to do something for you," Princess Alexandra said, her voice filled with determination.
Princess Athena offered a small smile in response. When all this is over, I'll confess my feelings to the one who holds my heart. So until then, please don't die, my prince, she thought to herself.
As they continued their advance, a massive boulder crashed down in front of them, nearly hitting the group. They managed to dodge it, their hearts pounding with adrenaline.
"This is Sir Leviathan's earth Hera," Princess Athena realized, her mind racing.
Suddenly, two middle-aged men appeared, blocking the Shield's path. Sir Leviathan, his voice cold and accusing, addressed Princess Athena. "You were the strongest and most powerful of the three of us, even though you were the youngest. But you've taken the enemy's side. Don't you think this act of betrayal has gone on long enough?"
"I fight to free my family and restore peace," Princess Athena retorted, her resolve unshaken. "But if you stand in my way, I won't hesitate to cut you two down!"
Valerus, his voice filled with concern, questioned, "Athena, who are they?"
"Sir Leviathan, the Minister of the Left, and Sir Kraken, the Minister of the Right," Princess Athena explained. "Together, we are the Three Generals."
Shock rippled through the Shield as they struggled to process the revelation, their eyes wide with disbelief.