On the Western Border of Tenebria
In the western borderlands of the Demonic Kingdom of Tenebria, the air was thick with tension. The ominous presence of several demonic armies, clad in their imposing black armor, created a foreboding atmosphere. Each soldier stood with a stern look, eyes focused and alert.
Leading this formidable defense was Kratos, the Vice Commander of all the demonic armies. His reputation as the strongest knight in Tenebria preceded him, and his presence on the battlefield was both surprising and necessary. Beside him stood Megara, the commander of the third division. The pair represented the kingdom’s hope against the looming threat from the Kingdom of Kastoria.
The remaining commanders and strong knights stayed back in the capital, ever-vigilant against the possibility of surprise attacks from the numerous countries that despised Tenebria. Their main duty was to protect the two princesses of the kingdom, a task of utmost importance.
Kratos, a towering figure of brute strength and unwavering determination, scanned the horizon with a steely gaze. The impending battle was no ordinary conflict—it involved the Heroes of Kastoria. Although Kratos had never faced these heroes personally, the stories from his fellow knights and various testimonies painted a clear picture of their dangerous prowess.
The Demon King himself had once underestimated the heroes, nearly paying with his life twice against the Heroes of the Empire of Light. Kratos had no intention of repeating that mistake. He was resolved to kill any hero who dared to threaten them.
“Commander Kratos.”
Megara’s voice broke the silence. She approached, her red armor gleaming despite the overcast sky. Although petite compared to the imposing Kratos, Megara possessed a striking beauty. Her red hair was tied in a ponytail, revealing a glimpse of her small, tender white neck. Her armor concealed her figure, including her small breasts she was complexing over.
“Megara,” Kratos acknowledged her with a nod, his eyes still fixed on the assembling armies.
More than five thousand demons stood ready to intercept the heroes.
“Do you think it will be enough?” Megara asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Kratos turned his intense gaze toward her, considering her question. “What do you think, personally, Megara? You’ve fought one of them, if I’m not mistaken?”
Megara’s eyes narrowed slightly as she recalled the encounter. “Yes. It was an annoying girl who seemed to care more about her looks than the fight, but she was exceptionally strong. I was still stronger then, but that was two months ago. Who knows how much stronger she has become since then? And from what I’ve heard, there are even stronger heroes with her.”
She paused, her expression growing more serious. “I unfortunately don’t think she’s the one we should be worried about the most.”
“From our information, they are using skills bestowed by the gods themselves. The names Ryuuki and some dark twins come up often…” Kratos spoke with a solemn gaze, his expression betraying the gravity of the situation.
He took the matter very seriously, knowing the potential threat posed by these formidable heroes.
“Those damn kingdoms, summoning heroes because they can’t beat us otherwise… they really have no shame…” Megara gritted her teeth, her frustration palpable.
Kratos chuckled softly, turning to her. “Is that how you think of our Princess, Megara?”
Megara’s face paled instantly. “N…Not at all! The Princess saved all of us and saved our kingdom! She made the right decision by responding to their summons with a summoning of our own!” she quickly replied, her voice earnest.
Kratos nodded, his expression serious. “Yes, I couldn’t agree more. I was skeptical at first, but the mere fact that our hero awakened Darkness Magic has sent tremors around the world. They all became wary of this attack. The Hero of Darkness is known everywhere.”
Megara mumbled, thinking about Samael, “Yes, but he is really the worst…”
“I don’t like him either, but we are forced to recognize his strength and his presence. It has only been a month, but his mere words and presence have made all our nobles agree with him and support him,” Kratos said.
Some people were born to be leaders, possessing an innate presence that drew others to them. Samael was one of these people, his presence even more dense and dark.
This single fact was changing a lot. If you were on his side, you’d feel a sense of relief and safety; if you were against him, you’d feel immediately threatened and fearful.
“That man… he said he’d fight alone and then left right after, somewhere with Semiramis…” Megara grumbled, not understanding Samael at all.
“I don’t think he lied to us. If he left, he probably had a reason. Semiramis is with him as well,” Kratos said. He had known Samael for only a little more than a week, but it was enough to understand that Samael wasn’t one to lie. He kept his promises, and the promise he made with their presence was a true one.
“But it’s been two days, and still no letters from them…” Megara was starting to worry.
“Don’t worry. We should be enough to face the Heroes of Kastoria,” Kratos reassured her. He wasn’t considered Tenebria’s mighty weapon for nothing.
Even before Samael, the other countries struggled without taking risks because of the Demon King and Kratos. Their presence made enemies wary, and now, with the added strength of Samael, the demonic forces felt a renewed confidence.
“Lord Kratos!”
A demon soldier suddenly appeared, kneeling with a pale face. His breath came in short, panicked gasps as he delivered his urgent news.
“The Heroes of Kastoria are here! Just a few miles away. They’re rushing towards us in a flying ship!”
“What?!” Kratos’s eyes widened in shock.
How had they only noticed this now? Did the heroes possess something that rendered their vessels invisible?
“Tell everyone to ready themselves immediately! Megara, you too!” Kratos ordered, his voice commanding and urgent.
“Yes!” Megara swiftly departed to relay the orders to her division, her red armor gleaming as she moved.
The soldier’s face grew even paler. “Lord Kratos! Th-they’re above us! In the sky!”
Kratos looked up, his heart pounding. Above them, a massive flying ship descended, its shadow casting an ominous pall over the demonic forces. On the deck, several figures stood, their presence unmistakable.
“The Heroes of Kastoria! Brace yourselves!” Kratos bellowed, raising his long sword toward the ship. A giant red magic circle materialized in the air. “Red Shield!”
BADOOOOM!