"Haa- haa- haa," they were ragged and out of breath, completely demoralized and out of options despite having fought to the utmost of their limits, sparing no inch of energy nor drastic measures.

All three were on the brink of collapse while their enemy levitated in place, not even breaking a single sweat after having done her part, causing massive destruction upon the city.

Roland's face was bloodied as he stood on one knee, breathing raggedly; his armor torn, cracked and mostly destroyed, his sword was intact, but felt like it would not be in a few more clashes, nor could he bring himself to even lift his own weapon.

Johann could not feel his legs and right arm, which were used up to their limits as he was leaning on a ruined wall, his eyes still barely open, his clothes torn, and his precious shield, broken, shattered into pieces.

Rayleigh was the only one who could still fight, or that was what she thought, standing tall, barely managing to keep herself up with her own strength enhancing magic, desperately drawing up magic from her surroundings, becoming fruitless with each passing second as the girl in front of her made use of it as well, taking the loose Essence of magic floating around them, replenishing her lost energy, not that there was much lost.

Just then, she felt a sudden surge of magic from behind her, becoming a strong beam of light that radiated the dark night sky for a split second, fading in that instant as well.

She noticed, but she dared not speak seeing as it would waste the remainder of her energy, still having a bit of hope that she could overcome such an odd, or maybe, Marco, their guild master, could save them from this peril.

The girl in front of them made another move, one that they could not defy due to obvious reasons.

With a snap of a finger, she instantly created numerous dark, sizable, balls made of darkness and flames, all floating around her, looming above the unfortunate three, emanating a pulse of corruption within, seemingly eerie and haunting.

(I'll use the last of my magic here. I need to hold out for much longer, and surely, our guild master will come for us), she said in her head with determination, focusing all her attention into channeling her last spell, placing both hands in front of her, facing flat at the girl who levitated higher up, leveling with her orbs of darkness.

"R-Rayleigh-argh!" Roland spoke desperately, stumbling as his body ached in pain. "D-don't do it. Just get out of here while you still can. I've got a bit in me left. It'll be- argh! - It'll be enough to buy you time," he forced the words out, producing a small stream of blood to come out from his mouth, and the rest of the wounds in his body, bleeding further.

She did not respond, she could not respond for all her focus was on this one spell, one that might actually harm her with enough strength and luck.

Rayleigh started glowing an aura of white, then came a ball forming on front of her palms, containing a powerful spell that she had been channeling for a while.

She unleashed it, but failed; her light fading quickly as she stumbled to the ground like the rest, unable to maintain her focus due to the lack of strength in her body.

"Haa~ I'm sorry. I couldn't hold the spell in place. It became distorted. I don't have anything else to use against her," she said, panting, looking upwards at their doom, looking pitiful at their attempts to fight back some more.

"Tch! This can't be the end! Argh!" Roland kept arguing with himself, forcing his body further through his limits, refusing to accept defeat, which was imminent at this point. Yet he could not stand, only look and speak idly.

"What a way to, isn't it? Defeated by a beautiful maiden. It seems like it's not such a bad thing after all, ha ha," Johann laughed wryly, keeping pressure on his wound while still looking up.

"Shut it, Johann. I won't go down, no matter what! Grr! Move, damn it!"

In that moment, the girl moved her arm forward, finally tired of her company, seeking to finish her objectives and return right away.

The orbs all moved in unison, slowly heading down towards their targets, pulsating from within, like a bomb waiting to explode.

Rayleigh then closed her eyes, feeling fear for the first time in a long while, remembering something that she grasped on dearly to, something that has pushed her to living for so long despite the many things she had to overcome, only to have it end afterwards, without a fight, nor a challenge.

"Alright, Cecil. Blow them up!" she heard a voice just then, not from someone that she's familiar with, nor had she heard this voice before; teeming with life and energy, as if it were a beam of light symbolizing hope in such a bitter life where those who are weak are fated to die mercilessly at the hands of the beholder.

She felt a strong draft of air come from beside her, then the sound of something exploding continuously.

Opening her eyes slowly to adjust to the bright light enveloping the area after the explosion, she saw a figure, one that stood tall with confidence, light shining at it, preventing her from seeing the man's features while she sat. It was like a picturesque image that stood in front of her, a savior, a heroic one that had an odd, but comfortable aura with him. Her entire attention was captivated all at once, and she could not think clearly at all.

"Good. I guess it's time we take over. You ready, Cecil?"

"Yeah! Let's do this!"

"Oh, you're awake? Well, like I said. Leave this to us. You're Marco's guild members, right? You all did great and got this far. Even I'm surprised, which doesn't mean that much, but, hopefully things go well," the man glanced behind him, revealing his bright, smiling face to Rayleigh, who was just even more captivated at his sight, not able to tell what that certain charm is, but is captivated nevertheless.

He unsheathed his sword and started walking forward slowly, his boots were the only sound in the vicinity.

The girl merely tilted her head, not at all surprised that her orbs had been destroyed.

"Keep her on the ground, Cecil. It'll be tricky if I had to force her down myself. Doubt that I could do that," he gave her companion instructions, one that she nodded to with enthusiasm and a charming, and bouncy personality.

"Hey! Who are you two?! What are you doing here?!" Roland asked, surprised at what he saw, but still wary of the two new presences before them.

"Now, now. Don't get too worked up. I'm trying to focus here. Sit tight. This'll be over in a bit. I don't intend to lose here after what I've been through," he told him, silencing the aggravated warrior for a while, still having something to say from the looks of it.

"Here, Larrus!" she unleashed a series of arrows searing with flames, all precisely heading towards the girl, who stared absentmindedly at it, only to disappear instantly, avoiding the arrows.

She reappeared a few inches away from her previous position, still floating in the air.

"I see how it is. Keep it up, Cecil. She's bound to get down here eventually," the man said, awaiting his opportunity to strike.

The girl he spoke with then started firing more arrows, each one becoming faster than the last, seemingly making the girl frantic with her teleporting, sometimes forcing her to shield the spells herself, then teleporting to safety.

She looked distressed when the girl's casting almost surpassed her teleportation speed, leaving her no room to escape, and only forcing her on the defensive, unable to make a change in power.

"Just like we planned. Do it!" the man yelled out with a smile, whereas the girl responded by extending her arms wide open, creating small orbs of light that glistened and formed an organized barrier in the sky, covering it.

She girl slowly backed away, but some of the orbs began chasing her when she was close enough to them, exploding loudly when both came in contact, forcing the girl to reconsider floating in the air as more of the aerial mines chased her, now forcing her to the ground.

"What?! they actually forced her down to the ground?" Roland said, genuinely surprised seeing as how easily two of them did it, and with less time than them.

"Ahh, two beautiful maidens with such strong magic affinities. What a time to be alive," Johann said in admiration.

"My turn!' he ran straight like an arrow, faster than that even, closing the gap between the two as her attention was mostly on the orb mines, making sure that she wasn't being chased.

Upon landing and making sure that she was safe from the mines, she immediately resorted to casting her spells, those of which were used against the three, forcing them back with a powerful pulse of air.

But to her surprise, he was nowhere to be seen after she faced forward, making her show a face that none of the three had seen, nor had anticipated seeing; she had a face of panic, trying to find the man who mysteriously disappeared from her line of sight.

"Over here," he whispered from behind her, slashing horizontally with his blade with an unbelievable amount of strength, giving her only a split second to react from the man's warning, which seemed to have saved her life, ironically.

The girl instantly created a barrier around her, one that the man easily cracked and destroyed, sending the girl flying back, rolling and stumbling uncontrollably, receiving a cut from him on her left arm, which now bled.

"U-unbelievable. Just what is he and how is he able to fight her like that?!" Roland said, amazed at the scene before him, which looked easy, but in truth it did not.

"You're right, Roland. I thought you were the strongest and fastest around here, but who knew there was someone like him," Johann said, forgetting his wound, also captivated by the one-sided battle.

While the two gave their opinions on the side, Rayleigh merely stood there, mesmerized at the man and his actions, his every being, and for some reason, she could not remove her sight from him and his dazzling style of wielding the sword using his body efficiently.

"Cecil, send her back, will you?" he said, holding his sword with both hands, waiting in place for what he asked to happen.

"Got it! Here!" Cecil said, creating a rotating circle made of magic in front of her, one which sent out a powerful beam of light from it, hitting the girl who stumbled towards her, being sent back towards the man who eagerly awaited her.

"On behalf of all the people here that you killed without mercy, I dedicate this to them!" the man began sprinting, meeting the girl head on, then lunging with a forward step, slicing at just the right time to cut his target, and the air from the looks of it.

The beam of light faded, and the girl fell to the ground, having a horizontal scar on her stomach, yet still alive.

The scene became silent, and the roars from further down the area seemed to die down, leaving the man unscathed as he emerged victorious from the battle, standing triumphantly in front of the girl who was lying down on the street, clinging to what little life remains in her.

"Tell me. Why were you here, and why did you attack the city?" he knelt down, asking calmly and gently, looking deep into her eyes in an attempt to get through to her despite what he had just done.

"M-Marco Fairway, I-I need to kill him. W-where is h-he?" she said, blood coming out form her mouth, blocking out a bit of her voice.

"Who sent you here?"

She did not respond, but instead she shook her head, indicating that she will not speak of that person, holding her peace as her eyes slowly began closing, her hand trying to reach out to the man.

"C-cold, I-It's cold," she pleaded, tears dripping from her eyes without reason.

"I guess dying is really scary huh? No matter. Here, take my hand. I'll stay with you until then. You did some pretty bad things, but why don't you tell me why you did them? I want to hear it," he said, sitting down with his legs crossed; his hand being held tightly by the girl who just previously tried to annihilate him.

"H-hey, you! She's dangerous. Get him out of there. He's your companion, isn't he?" Roland said in a brief panic, knowing how strong and terrifying she is, and that she might use her death as a facade.

Cecil turned around, responding to him with a smile saying, "Don't worry. Larrus knows what he's doing. But here, let me heal you," she approached them, placing her hands on him, creating a comfortable green light.

"Don't bother with me. Heal him. He needs it the most," Roland turned his head towards Johann, who smiled as best he could, trying to look good in front of a maiden, like it was a routine.

"T-thank you, fair maiden. I believe your name is Cecil, isn't it? What a B-beautiful name, fitting for an angel, and one who looks like you, ow!" he said, reeling from a sharp pain that came from his wound.

"Don't move. I'll get you back up and running soon, hopefully," she focused, pouring her energy into healing him with magic.

"I don't want to be alone, that's why I did this," the girl spoke, looking drowsy as time passed, yet still being resilient.

"Is that so?" Well, I'm here, so no need to feel lonely, even if you went on a rampage and nearly destroyed a city. That's past your worries now. You won't be alone, or that's what I think at least," he said, as if speaking with a normal person off the street.

"You, you're kind, and warm. Kinder than him. I did this so I wouldn't be alone all the time, but, I wish I met you instead," her eyes finally closed as the pool of blood from under her became deep in red; her hand's grip tightening.

"Good night. Sleep well," the man whispered silently as the girl's body started reducing itself into mere smoke, vanishing into nothing, not even leaving her pool of blood on the street, briefly casting a curtain over the terrible travesty upon Zeal.

The man stood, returning to the three, who looked at him with a daze, not speaking, simply looking in amazement and astonishment.

"Need a hand?" he offered his to Roland, who denied him stubbornly, saying, "I'll be fine. I can feel my energy slowly coming back anyway."

"Well then, how about you? Can you stand?" he faced Rayleigh, who reached out to him without question, looking into his eyes replying with a simply thanks.

Regaining her balance, she looked around her, then at the spot where the girl they fought died, truly leaving nothing on it.

"Larrus, I think you should carry him. He looks too heavy for me," Cecil said, having finished healing Johann.

"Alright, let's get back to the others. You guide either him or her, and I'll carry this one back."

They agreed, heading back to the place that served as the city's final safe haven, a place near the chapel and the governor's building.

Larrus held the man named Johann in his arms while Cecil assisted Rayleigh. Roland Walked on his own, using his sword as a cane to guide him through the rubble and strewn out corpses of bloodied monsters and humans.

"I never thought in my entire life that I would be the one carried like this. It's quite flattering coming from someone as strong as you, but it makes me quite uneasy," said Johann with a wry, awkward smile, being carried like a maiden in someone else's arms.

"Don't worry about it too much. At least you got back safely, right? Don't sweat the small stuff," he said enthusiastically, walking gently, but quickly.

"Hey, you. Tell me, how did you get strong enough to beat her?!" Roland called out from behind, agitated and sincere in his words, wanting to find out the secrets to his success.

"Nothing special, really. Maybe I'm remembering me from back then. But, for now, let's rest up. I'm tired, but you three most importantly. If everything dies down, then maybe we can have a little talk," Larrus said, silencing the persistent Roland, who grumbled under his breath, accepting the compromise anyway.

"I'm glad that we could reach an understanding. I only offer prosperity and peace, nothing else. Yet there are some measures that must be taken in order to ensure that our goals are to succeed."

"Well, it seems that my ears had been filled with lies and many terrible things about your deeds. It is good that you came personally, otherwise I would have never known of your intent. I can see nothing bad from wanting to unite us all against a common threat. The city of Darsin will fully comply and join the alliance. But, we will need ample time to prepare if you are to make use of our military strength," a tall man sporting a long, white beard and a wrinkled face spoke endearingly, stroking his beard as he sat in front of a reputable man, one that his ideals and beliefs align to.

"There is no problem with that. For now, I will only need to secure the contract for the alliance, then my army and I will be taking a short rest here, and finally moving on to Port city Harrick, then Kausten. The faster we accomplish this, the higher the chance that my plans will succeed without fail," a man spoke while wearing his armor, wearing a genuine smile and a content face.

"Preparations will begin as early as tomorrow. I shall not spare any second, for even the will of the citizens in Darsin scream for a revolution!"

"Excellent. Well, that is all that I came here for. It was an honor meeting you, governor Zaros. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to my company. I'm sure that they must be wary from the journey," he extended his hand, shaking each other's.

"Likewise, Lord Olfrin. I am reluctant to meet you once again, and maybe on friendlier terms such as at a meal perhaps," the man flattered, laughing heartily, showing a great amount of gratitude and praise as he escorted the man out from his office.

He exited the building, proceeding to the outskirts of the city where numerous tents and campfires have been prepared under the shade of night, filled with the hearty voices of men enjoying the company of each other.

"Ah, my lord. How did the negotiations go?" said Agatha, who welcomed him back as she stood alone outside the general's tent.

"Agatha. It went well. I have established clear ties with Darsin. But moving on. Are you not cold outside? Come, it's time for supper anyway. Join me," he offered her, opening the tent, and ushering the general in.

"So far there hasn't been any need for violence. Oh how I wish that it would be the same for the remainders. I dread thinking that we would have to shed more blood to force our brethren into an alliance. Do you think such a thing is necessary, Agatha?" he asked, trying to dissolve the doubts that linger from within his mind.

"No doubt you are acting only for the greater good of the people. There is nothing better than that. As I've always said. I will follow you through no matter the difficulty," she smiled, tidying the various things strewn about the tent, like important papers and maps.

"Thank you. Now that that's settled, wait here. I'll get our meals from our cook," Spencer said, removing his body armor and setting it down on the ground, leaving on his casual clothing of a neat long-sleeved, V-neck shirt with a vest on top.

After returning to her, they sat down together, eating the hot meal in front of them, taking shelter from the slightly cold wind developing outside.

"When do we leave for the next city?" she asked, trying to make small talk.

"Port city Harrick... Maybe in a day or so. Or tomorrow would be ideal, in the afternoon. But, the governor had told me that they are openly opposed to the alliance, having strengthened their military and city defenses in preparation for us. What's troubling about the city is that there is a clear line of water by it, making their small navy quite a problem if they were to bombard us from the side. More so that the city is built like a fortress city, enough to withstand an army's assault."

"Is there no way to negotiate with them?"

"I'm afraid they're past that it seems, Agatha. I want to confirm it as well, but the governor urges me not to, since they might kill me on sight, knowing that I am going around independence, trying to convince the various cities to join us. It will become a battle from the looks of it."

"If that is the case, then believe in me and my army. That is the very reason as to why I opted to use my own army to escort you instead of having someone else do it. I have confidence that we will succeed in many things. And as long as you are there, they will see you as a beacon of light that will guide them."

"It seems that all I receive from you are praises. I can't ask for a better companion than you, Agatha," he laughed with a carefree face, making Agatha's red, flustered by his remarks, but putting on a confident and strong front.

"Don't forget that you can also rely on me. I can't have you taking all my burdens from me. I have grown to become like this so that I could reverse the Olfrin family's image, and possibly create the ideal nation where we can prosper."

Time passed, and they finished their meals, getting the chance to know more and more of each other, talking with less formality, just like they've wanted.

"It seems that time passes ever so quickly if one is having fun. I guess that it is time for us to rest and prepare for tomorrow."

"You're right. Then I shall head back to my quarters. Sleep well, Spencer. I shall see you again tomorrow," Agatha exited the tent with a wave and a smile, leaving the man to himself.

"Well then, I have to prepare myself. I have the ability to forge through my path. It is unavoidable that lives must be taken, yet my heart tinges with pain at the very thought of it. Father, has my resolve wavered? Or am I unprepared for what may come?" he asked himself, taking the bottle that contained the medicine Hendrick had given to him, saying that he should take it every night before going to sleep.

He drunk from the bottle, emptying it within seconds, heaving a sigh afterwards.

Following a few more seconds, he felt a slight spike in his chest, welling up and becoming more and more painful as time passed, forcing his to convulse on the ground, tightly clutching his chest, as if a blade had been lodged deep within him, no way for him to take it out.

His voice would not come out, and he felt the desperate need for air, grasping at nothing in front of him.

Next, voices would then enter his mind, removing all strength from his body, preventing him from moving as his mind became chaotic.

"Ah! What is this pain?! Why has it surfaced now when it has not done so in the past?!" he screamed in his head, voicing the words in his mouth, but creating now sound.

It became unbearable, reaching a point where one could choose to simply end his life from the harsh torment and punishment.

... "You desire something, and I can give it. All you need to do is resign your life to me. Let your mind wander, and finally, give in."

The haunting voice reappeared once again, forcing each word to echo in his mind, unable to resist nor block the sound out.

"No! I won't give in!"

... "Stubborn. There are things, many things that cannot be attained without sacrifice. Your goal is one such thing. I shall remain in your soul, waiting for you to finally relinquish your heart and mind to me. Soon you will understand that you will not be able to resist me any longer..."

The voice disappeared, leaving him fatigued and out of breath, making him lose consciousness, and finally allowing him to drift to a deep sleep on the cold ground.