Nicholas stepped back quickly, giving himself enough room to maneuver in case of any sudden movements from the Captain. His instincts were screaming at him to run away. He knew that this was the origin of his uneasiness. He touched his face as he felt the sweat dripping down his neck while his fist ached from the recent impact. He could tell from the sword's pale blue color that the man's cladding was first class. That meant that his sword was hardened by 100% while cladding. He had a full conversion of world energy into the sword. This man was a terrifying encounter, to say the least.

Nicholas readied himself for the enemy's charge as he tightened his metal armor to maximize his defense. He cladded his fist once again as he saw the enemy beginning to move. However, the man never rushed towards him, instead, Nicholas heard a low whistle as Howler swung his sword in his direction. The pale blue blade suddenly caused the surrounding air to gather and compress before it shot towards Nicholas. "Shit," Nicholas cried as he tried to dodge the razor wind. It was just too fast and too sudden. He quickly crossed his forearms in front of his face as he prepared for impact. The attack tore through his cladding then through the metal, stopping only after penetrating half an inch into his skin.

Nicholas was startled. It was the first time in his life his defense was ever penetrated after just one attack. He couldn't even see the attack before it was too late. His left forearm began to bleed profusely. Nicholas willed his spirit energy to close the wound before he lost too much blood. "Tsk" Howler was surprised that the man managed to survive. Although Howler was not lucky enough to be born an Elementum he prided himself in being one of the few 1st class cladding Knights capable of battle artes.

Like spirit artes, battle artes were techniques developed by Knights to facilitate easier control. Spirit artes required fine control of an element to create various environmental alterations. However, battle artes were different. They were unable to create any elements but with the precise control, they were able to redirect elements in the surroundings causing as much devastation as spirit artes. It had taken Howler years of constant training and suffering to reach where he was. The gap between 1st class and master class was a watershed that most could never dream to cross in their lifetimes. Unable to cross it in all his 53 years, he decided to focus on his control of cladding to develop his sure kill technique.

Howler sent another aerial slash towards Nicholas without giving him the time to fully recuperate. Nicholas, learning from his previous mistake, used his steel powers to form a concave platform directly in front of him as soon as Howler attacked. The platform lasted for only a second, but it was enough to change the direction of the wind. Howler watched in shock as his attack claimed 10 of his men's lives.

Howler felt like his pride was injured. He was the only surviving Captain and the strongest ranked Knight in the retinue after their voyage across the deadly river. He was a member of the Heliopolis Circle, one of the top 3 organizations in Burg. Although he was just a subordinate of The Circle, he only viewed those of the other two circles as his match and would never acknowledge others, especially a Katarian. How dare the lowly Commander resist his aerial slash. But no matter, he would just have to rip the entire armor off then crush the man's neck, albeit with more time than he'd like. He readied himself for another attack, cladding his sword in red again.

Michael looked at the confrontation with wary eyes. He had not recovered from his fight with Commander Boegard and would not be much help in this fight. He looked at the injured Burgan Knight and noticed the man's eyes. It showed him just how much respect this Sid Howler gained from his subordinates. Although he wanted to help Nicholas, he knew he had to kill as many of the enemy's soldiers as he could. He continued to attack the Burgan soldiers hoping that they could somehow make it out of this without too many causalities.

Howler continued to send aerial slashes towards Nicholas but it was easier to dodge the longer the fight went on. Although the man's attack was strong, its only drawback was the whistling sound which was a clear giveaway. Nicholas dodged to his left while using his steel to dig the dirt. It allowed him to temporarily hide in the dust as he raced towards Howler's exposed flank.

Boom!

His fist collided with the man's ribs forcing him away from the injured Knight. It was the first time Howler moved from his position since the beginning of the fight. Nicholas didn't wait for the man to recover, he increased his speed again to catch up to Howler just in time to receive an aerial slash to his chest. He tumbled on the floor as his charge came to a halt. He stopped the minor bleeding on his chest as he dodged the next incoming attack. He stepped back a little to see Howler without a scratch on his body. Is this man even human? Nicholas thought to himself. Howler had good reflexes and timing, the throbbing pain in Nicholas' fist proved that. Just before impact, the Burgan had cladded his ribs just in time to prevent any injuries.

"You claimed that little men are always the first to strike yet you've hidden your men in the dirt to ambush us, where is the honor in that," Nicholas said slowly as he tried to catch his breath. "Most people call you Burgan pigs because of your racial features, but no not me. I've always respected the Burgans who died honorable deaths. You bring shame to your people, allow me to rectify your folly." Nicholas reverted to his original form before withdrawing a scimitar. The blade had an ocean blue maginite core between the grip and the cross guard. It glowed with a faint blue light as it slowly healed the cuts and bruises around his body.

Michael watched in awe, he knew that most nobles had a maginite weapon but it was the first time seeing one up close. They were all unique weapons indestructible to spirit energy and capable of various abilities. The weapons were able to harness world energy from the maginite core allowing Knights to manipulate it during battles. It was an auxiliary power used to complement and extend a Knight's capabilities on the battlefield. Only Knights capable of resonance with the weapons could bring out its true power. For this reason, the maginite mines in Cormac were sought after by the surrounding nations.

"Ohhhh, big words from a little Commander. Got your hands on valuable merchandise and now you're tough," Howler said as he readied his weapon again. Nicholas transformed again while holding his scimitar. Before Howler could release another aerial slash, Nicholas engaged the man forcing him to abandon his attack in favor of defense. He knew Howler's attacks were stronger than his so he decided to keep the man too occupied with defending to land any serious hit.

Nicholas used the same tactic as before, he raised the dust to cover the direction of his sprint as he approached Howler head on. He cladded the scimitar in pale-red before aiming at Howler's head. He jumped into the air just before exiting the dust with his outstretched sword to meet Howler. To his surprise, Howler was already cladding his sword overhead.

CLANKKKKK!

The weapons clashed together as Howler finally coughed up some blood. Nicholas was a little relieved that he finally had an effective way to attack the man. He forced the scimitar downwards as he tried to chop the man's head off. However, Howler, anticipating the man's actions, tilted his blade until the scimitar slid off the flat surface and stuck into the ground. Nicholas's weight came crashing down with his weapon as he used his free hand to punch out at the man. His attack was blocked effectively as Howler took two steps back trying to get enough breathing room.

Noticing the sword stuck in the ground, Howler didn't give Nicholas any time as he quickly sent another of his attacks at point blank range. Nicholas was forced to abandon his weapon as he tried his best to evade the attack.

"Urgggg"

The attack connected with Nicholas's left leg, cutting into tendons and muscles. Nicholas watched as the wound bled profusely. "Shit, I was too careless." Howler smiled at his opponent. He wasn't as merciful as Nicholas would like. The man readied his weapon to attack the defenseless Nicholas. It was pointless at this time to mount a defense. Nicholas knew he had messed up. He closed his eyes with outstretched arms awaiting his fate. While awaiting death, Nicholas realized it never came. "You insignificant insect! How dare you interrupt ME!"

Nicholas opened his eyes to Howler's outburst. The first thing he saw was a viscous red-coated man in front of him. He recognized that it was Michael straight away. Michael's cladding was difficult to differentiate from the blood flowing from the gaping wound he now had across his chest. The only way Nicholas knew that Michael was injured was the puddle of blood on the dirt. "Are you just going to lay there, Commander? If you die we all die. I can't hold this monster forever." Nicholas stared blankly at Michael's tenacity then turned towards Howler. The man faced looked exhausted and angry at the same time. Who knew that a face could do that?

Howler lost his composure at this point. How many times was it that Nicholas evaded death? Too many for Howler to think about. Now, just when he was finally able to lay the final hit to end the man's life, another Knight Commander just had to intervene. This one seemed injured even before he received the attack. His weapon had cracked on impact with the attack, allowing the man to survive. There were now two men who could lay claim to receiving his attack and living. This vexed Howler to no end. He knew he had to get rid of this man before Nicholas could get ahold of his weapon so without allowing himself to recover Howler sent another aerial slash.

Nicholas was dragging himself to his weapon as Michael used his body to defend him from the aerial slash. "Move, worm!," Howler shouted again. The man was still not dead. His second attack was a direct hit this time but yet the man lived. Filled with rage, Howler didn't even notice that he had been using aerial slash throughout the entire fight. Usually, he could only use 10-20 before needing a break but the fact that two anomalies had shown up able to receive his attacks had confused him. On one hand, he was already surpassing his limit but on the other, he was dangerously close to complete exhaustion.

Nicholas finally grabbed the weapon as he willed it to heal him. In the next 5 seconds, his leg was fully healed but there was no way he could fight at full strength with the amount of blood he lost. He looked up at Michael who looked like he was only alive because of sheer willpower. Looking at Howler, Nicholas knew he had to end this soon. He transformed into his armored self before he raised his hand towards Howler.

Shards of steel flew through the air so fast that it took Howler's full concentration to defend himself from the attack. However, every time he blocked one he heard the sound of his men behind him dying one at a time. Grinding his teeth, Howler tried his best to knock the shards to the ground as best as he could.

Nicholas kept up his attacks for another 10 minutes, preventing Howler from attacking even once. However, he was losing too much spirit energy with his constant attacks while Howler looked flustered. It was evident that the man was not used to being on the receiving end of attacks. CLANG! The shards clashed again. Howler's facial muscles tensed before cladding his feet and evading backward. He wasted no time before he sent another aerial slash, this time to Nicholas' men. Having no option but to block the attack with his body, Nicholas formed a platform in front of the men.

Before the platform was fully formed, another 2 aerial slashes ripped a hole in the back of his armor sending flesh asunder.

"Blerggg"

Nicholas vomited blood as he fell to his knees. He felt the throbbing pain on his back as he gasped for breaths. His right lung was punctured but he knew he had to end this soon to save what remained of his men. He turned around looking for the man but his haphazard movements were too difficult to track. He received 2 more aerial slashes on his arm and leg before collapsing to the ground. "Too weak," Howler stated. Nicholas ground his teeth in defiance as he looked up at Howler. If only his legs would stop shaking and his body started moving. Was this where it ended? He used more of his spirit energy to close his wounds while he tried his best to get up. His scimitar would need more time before it could fully heal him again.

Howler used his boot to kick Nicholas while he made a feeble attempt to get up. Howler was just too cunning Nicholas thought; the man had managed to slip to his blind spot while he was dealing with the first aerial slash. Howler kept his boot on Nicholas' chest as he stated, "Don't worry, I'll send your men to greet you in the afterlife."

---

Nick was wary by the time he made it back to Sydenham town. His brother, Nate had stayed at the manor to protect Lord Tommel in case any unforeseen circumstances arose. The manor was reinforced with crates and nearby lumber, just enough to buy time for Lord Tommel and his vassals to flee if an intruder ever tried to break in. Nick wasn't sure what purpose it served since all the enemies were outside.

The party of 4 continued on the road towards the northern gate. Nick was relieved to see Khal staring at him with a small satisfied grin on his face. If I were you I'd do the same, Nick thought to himself. After all, how many Squires could boast of defeating a Senior Knight, much less for killing one. Nick had to admit the boy was strong, although a little reckless. He could only attribute that to the fact that Khal barely had any experience from the outside world. The boy had spent most of his time buried in books and stories. Although Nick had never learned to read, he was sure that without his experiences in the outside world he would already be dead.

100 meters away from the northern gate Nick noticed Ser Roth signaled them from the nearby tower. The closer the party got, the easier it was to figure out what the Knight was trying to say. The first thing Nick noticed was the blood-stained armor Ser Roth was wearing. The second thing he saw was the pained expression he had as he waved them to turn back. It didn't take long for Nick to realize that something must have happened in the town.

Suddenly, a green cloaked man appeared behind Ser Roth and gutted him from the back before staring at Nick. Nick watched in horror as Ser Roth's body slid off the blade and down the tower lifeless. Too exhausted to make a run for it, Nick and the rest of his group found themselves facing off with 100 archers on either side of the gate.

"Shit," Nick whispered as he clicked his tongue. The Burgans had taken the Town.