Quas Blood

The

Powers That Rule Mezolith

Part

1 – The Five Great Nations

Mezolith

is a continent shaped not by magic, but by war, geography, and the ambitions of

those who rule it. Power does not belong to a single empire—it is fractured,

held by five dominant nations, each seeking to expand its reach.

None

of them care for balance. Only control.

And

now, Kaiser had stepped into their world.

Blazzarene

– The Northern Dominion

Far

in the frozen lands of the North, where the sun barely warms the ground, lies

the empire of Blazzarene.

Its

people are hardened by unforgiving winters, endless battles, and a ruler who

tolerates no weakness.

Ruler:

Reis Goudford, The Unyielding Tyrant

Once a warlord, he

united the North through sheer brutality, crushing every clan that opposed

him.

Holds the largest

army, specialized in siege warfare and relentless assaults.

Commands with an iron

fist—loyalty is absolute, or death follows.

Blazzarene's

Influence

Mastery of warfare,

training soldiers from childhood.

Expansionists, always

seeking to push their borders further south.

Fearless of war.

Because to them, war never ends.

Ignareth

– The Southern Inferno

A

scorching desert kingdom, built on fire, blood, and the will to survive. There

are no weak men in Ignareth—only dead ones.

Ruler:

Zakares Hellsing, The Blazing Fang

A warrior-king who

rose through the brutal gladiator pits, taking the throne by slaughtering

his competition.

His rule is

absolute—those who challenge him end up as dust in the wind.

Rules over a land

where mercenaries, assassins, and slavers thrive.

Ignareth's

Influence

Home to the deadliest

fighters-for-hire in Mezolith.

Controls the black

market, profiting off illegal goods, weapons, and trade.

Honor means

nothing—gold and strength determine status.

Aquarene

– The Southern Coasts

The

nation of the sea, where power lies not in armies, but in ships, trade, and

secrets.

Ruler:

Lady Quarterene, The Silent Wave

A woman of calm

cruelty, she rules from the shadows, making moves that no one sees coming.

Prefers diplomacy over

war, but assassination over negotiation.

Her greatest strength?

Controlling the seas.

Aquarene's

Influence

Holds the strongest

navy, dominating trade routes across Mezolith.

Pirates, smugglers,

and spies operate freely under her rule.

Stays neutral in

conflicts but profits from every war.

Terresan

– The Eastern Highlands

A

land of mountains, forests, and warriors who do not fight fair.

Ruler:

Jeffrey Maxim, The Mountain King

An exiled prince

turned warlord, who carved his own kingdom from nothing.

Rules with strategy,

not strength—his forces are masters of ambushes and guerrilla warfare.

Prefers to weaken

enemies before striking rather than face them head-on.

Terresan's

Influence

Controls the highlands

and hidden fortresses that no army can easily breach.

Specializes in

archery, stealth, and unconventional warfare.

A dangerous enemy, but

a valuable ally—for those who earn their trust.

Metreon

– The Heart of Mezolith

The

wealthiest and most influential of all the nations. A kingdom of gold, power,

and unseen forces pulling the strings of the continent.

Ruler:

King Fredrik Dimas, The Divine Monarch

A man rumored to

possess an ancient relic, granting him unnatural wisdom.

Prefers manipulation

over direct conflict—wars are fought for him, not by him.

Holds influence over

nobility, scholars, and religious institutions.

Metreon's

Influence

Controls Grandios, the

central trade hub of Mezolith.

Dominates politics,

information, and high society.

A nation where gold is

stronger than steel.

The

Road to Nowhere

Kaiser

knew none of these things.

He

was just a wanderer, stepping into an unknown world that had no place for him.

The

dirt road stretched before him—his first steps into the wild.

The

sun burned overhead, the wind carried the scent of distant forests, and for the

first time, he had no home.

His

stomach growled.

His

body ached.

But

he kept walking.

Survival

is Not Easy

Every

step forward reminded him how unprepared he was.

He

had no food. No destination. No plan.

For

the first time since awakening, he realized—power did not mean survival.

He

could barely stand after using Phantom Step once. What good was an ability that

drained him in an instant?

He

clenched his fists.

He

had so much to learn.

The

First Trial – A Hunter's Trap

The

sound of rustling leaves made him stop.

Kaiser's

body tensed. He wasn't alone.

The

dirt road had led him to the outskirts of a forest, where the trees whispered

in the wind, concealing unseen threats.

Then—a

sharp whistle.

A

rope snare snapped around his ankle before he could react, yanking him into the

air.

Kaiser

grunted in shock, now dangling upside down from a tree.

Before

he could cut himself loose, figures stepped out from the shadows.

Five

men.

Rough-looking.

Armed. Smirking.

Bandits.

One

of them, scar-faced and carrying a rusted axe, grinned. "Well, well, boys.

Looks like we caught ourselves a fresh one."

The

others laughed.

Kaiser

gritted his teeth.

He

had been in town fights before, but this was different.

This

time, there were no rules.

No

one to stop them.

And

he was their prey.

Unseen

Eyes Watching

Hidden

in the forest, two figures remained unseen.

One

of them, clad in a long coat, muttered, "He got caught already?"

The

other, more patient, simply said, "Let's see how he handles it."

They

did not interfere.

They

only watched.

Part

2 – A Lesson in Survival

The

Bandit Town of Zarka

Kaiser

had heard of Zarka before, but never had a reason to visit. It was a

neighboring town to Pax Crossing, but unlike his hometown, Zarka was a place

where the law had no presence.

It

was a known bandit-infested settlement, home to drifters, thieves, and

mercenaries with no allegiance. The town itself barely functioned—chaotic,

ungoverned, and ruled by strength alone.

The

worst part?

The

ones that lived in Zarka weren't even the worst of them.

The

forests and mountains surrounding Zarka crawled with bandits. Most of them were

lowly criminals, but some were stronger, more experienced killers.

And

Kaiser had just run into a group of them.

The

Hunter Becomes the Prey

Kaiser

dangled upside down, struggling against the rope that had snapped around his

ankle.

The

five bandits surrounding him were grinning, their weapons drawn.

One

of them, scarred and carrying a rusted axe, gave a mocking laugh. "Not

even five minutes outside Pax Crossing, and you're already caught?"

The

others chuckled. "Poor bastard probably thought he could survive on his

own."

Kaiser

gritted his teeth.

It

was his own mistake—he had let his guard down.

And

now, he had to fix it.

Alzalel's

Whisper

"These

bandits are weak, but they can serve as your training."

Alzalel's

voice slithered into Kaiser's mind, cold and calm.

"You

rely on power you do not understand. Use this moment to learn."

Kaiser

tensed.

He

was still exhausted. He couldn't afford to waste his abilities.

He

needed to think.

The

First Move

One

of the bandits, a thin man with a jagged knife, stepped forward, raising his

weapon toward Kaiser's chest.

"Let's

see if you have anything valuable on you."

Kaiser

exhaled slowly.

Then—he

moved.

Using

the momentum of his hanging position, he twisted his body mid-air, grabbing the

bandit's wrist with both hands.

With

a sharp yank, he pulled the man forward, unbalancing him just enough—

SNAP.

The

rope trapping Kaiser tore loose, sending him flipping down to the ground. He

landed on his feet, low and ready.

The

bandit stumbled back in shock.

But

Kaiser wasn't done.

The

Ghastly Fangs

A

strange cold sensation ran through Kaiser's hands.

Before

he could even think, his daggers materialized.

Ghastly

Fangs.

Twin

curved daggers, their edges glowing with an eerie, ghostly mist. Not fully

solid, yet not intangible either.

Kaiser

stared at them for half a second. His weapons… they came when he needed them.

Then,

he moved.

Turning

the Fight

The

first bandit barely had time to react before Kaiser rushed forward, slashing

across his chest.

The

cut wasn't deep, but it was enough to make the man scream and fall back.

The

other bandits immediately reacted, drawing their weapons.

Kaiser's

heart pounded. This was his first real fight since awakening.

He

could feel his muscles burning, his body adjusting to his enhanced reflexes.

But

he couldn't rely on his powers too much.

If

he used Phantom Step too soon, he would tire out.

If

he used Gaze, he would be just as vulnerable as his enemy.

He

had to fight smart.

A

Bandit Leader Appears

Just

as Kaiser knocked down a second bandit, a deeper voice cut through the air.

"Enough."

The

remaining bandits stepped aside as someone new approached.

A

larger, more muscular man, wearing reinforced leather armor. Unlike the others,

his weapon wasn't a rusted axe or a broken blade—

It

was a massive two-handed club, its surface covered in dried blood.

Kaiser

immediately knew—this one was different.

The

leader smirked. "You're not bad, kid. But you're not good either."

He

rested his club on his shoulder, cracking his neck. "How about I teach you

what real pain feels like?"

Kaiser

exhaled sharply.

This

wasn't like the others.

This

one was a real threat.

The

Phantom Step

He

had no choice.

Kaiser

activated Phantom Step.

His

body flickered—disappearing for a split second.

He

reappeared behind the bandit leader, daggers already swinging.

But—

CLANG.

The

man reacted instantly, twisting and blocking with the handle of his club.

Kaiser's

eyes widened.

"He

saw through it?!"

The

bandit leader smirked. "That trick might work on my men, but not on

me."

Then—he

swung.

Kaiser

barely had time to react before the club came crashing toward him.

The

Hidden Watchers

In

the distance, hidden among the trees, the two mysterious figures continued to

observe.

One

of them let out a low whistle. "He's adapting fast."

The

other, more serious, simply said, "But will it be enough?"

They

continued to watch.

Waiting.

Testing.

Part

3 – A Lesson in Combat

The

Hidden Forces of Mezolith

The

world was not ruled by nations alone.

Beneath

the banners of kings and warlords lurked factions, each with their own

ambitions, shaping events from the shadows. Some were driven by wealth, others

by power, faith, or vengeance.

Among

them were the mercenaries of The People's Shop, selling their blades to the

highest bidder. The rogues of The Crow, raiding and killing for their own

twisted sense of freedom. The fanatics of the Order of Isus, believing war was

a sacred path. The reclusive mages of the House of Arcana, protecting secrets

that should not exist. And finally, the Obsoletes, a faction shrouded in

mystery—known only for their relentless hunt of Quas-blooded individuals.

Kaiser

had no knowledge of them.

But

soon, he would.

The

Fight Turns Against Kaiser

The

clash of metal and the crunch of boots on dirt echoed in the clearing as Kaiser

gritted his teeth, his body tensed.

His

Phantom Step had failed—the bandit leader had reacted faster than expected,

blocking the attack effortlessly.

The

towering brute sneered, lifting his massive club onto his shoulder. "That

little trick of yours might scare the weak ones, but it won't work on me,

kid."

The

other bandits chuckled, already anticipating the brutal beating Kaiser was

about to receive.

Kaiser's

breathing was labored. His stamina was draining fast. His enhanced movements

burned energy faster than his body could recover.

Alzalel's

voice whispered in his mind.

"You

charge recklessly. Learn from your enemy. Watch. Anticipate. Then strike."

Kaiser

narrowed his eyes, shifting his stance. He couldn't afford another mistake.

Shifting

to Defense

The

bandit leader moved first.

With

a burst of speed unexpected for his size, he swung his club in a powerful arc,

aiming to crush Kaiser's ribs.

Kaiser

barely dodged, rolling to the side. The ground where he had just stood exploded

into dust and splinters.

The

brute kept swinging, relentless in his assault. Kaiser ducked, sidestepped, and

twisted away, each attack missing him by inches.

The

bandit leader growled. "Stop running and fight me, coward!"

Kaiser

ignored the taunt. His mind was racing.

Alzalel

had been right. This wasn't a battle of strength—it was a battle of patience.

And

he was starting to see an opening.

The

Moment to Strike

The

bandit leader's swings were powerful but predictable. With each attack, he

overcommitted, his weight shifting forward just slightly too much.

Kaiser

took a deep breath, watching carefully.

Then,

as the club came down in a crushing overhead blow—Kaiser moved.

Instead

of dodging backward, he stepped in close, sliding past the brute's defenses.

His

daggers flashed in the dim light as he slashed across the bandit's side—a deep,

clean cut.

The

bandit roared in pain, staggering back.

Kaiser

didn't let up. He lunged again, but—

A

fist slammed into his chest.

The

sheer force sent Kaiser flying back, his body crashing into the dirt.

Pain

exploded through his ribs. He gasped for air, his vision briefly flickering.

The

bandit leader spat blood, grinning despite the wound. "Not bad… but not

good enough."

Kaiser

struggled to push himself up. He needed something stronger. A finishing move.

The

Gaze into the Abyss

Kaiser

locked eyes with the bandit leader.

And

activated Gaze.

Alzalel's

presence flooded the space between them, the air growing thick with something

unnatural.

The

bandit's body froze. His pupils dilated. A sharp, horrified gasp escaped his

lips.

His

hands trembled as if an unseen force gripped his soul.

Kaiser

felt it, too. A weight pressing down on him.

A

battle of wills.

The

bandit was stronger than expected. He fought back.

His

body shook violently, veins bulging from his forehead as he clawed against the

abyss. His willpower was immense—he was breaking free!

Kaiser

had seconds to act.

The

Phantom Step – Decisive Strike

He

forced himself beyond his limit.

Summoning

the last of his energy, he activated Phantom Step.

His

body flickered, disappearing—

Reappearing

behind the bandit leader.

With

his last burst of strength, Kaiser drove both daggers into the man's back.

The

bandit leader stiffened. His body twitched. Then—he collapsed forward,

face-first into the dirt.

The

other bandits froze.

For

a moment, there was only silence.

Then—one

of them panicked and ran.

The

others, seeing their leader fall, made a choice—they turned and fled.

The

fight was over.

Kaiser

stood over the fallen bandit leader, his breath ragged, his limbs numb.

He

had won.

But

he was at his limit.

The

Unseen Becomes Seen

From

the trees, the two mysterious figures finally stepped forward.

One

was a tall man, wearing a long black coat, his hands casually tucked into his

pockets. His silver eyes studied Kaiser with mild amusement.

The

other was a woman, shorter but carrying herself with a confident ease. A

strange, curved sword rested on her hip, its design unlike any Kaiser had ever

seen.

Kaiser

barely had time to react before the man spoke first.

"That

was a sloppy fight, but at least you survived." His tone was calm, almost

bored.

The

woman tilted her head slightly, smiling faintly. "He's got potential,

though."

Kaiser

tensed, still struggling to stay on his feet. "Who… are you?"

The

man gave a small smirk. "The name's Elric Smith. And this here is Espada

Harmony."

Espada

gave him a two-finger salute, her voice smooth. "Nice work back there,

kid. But you're gonna need more than that to last in Mezolith."

Kaiser's

eyes narrowed. These two weren't bandits.

And

from the way they watched him fight instead of interfering… they weren't just

travelers either.

Part

4 – The Gathering Begins

The

Two Strangers

Kaiser

stared at the two figures before him, his body still aching from the fight. His

breathing was heavy, but his grip on his daggers remained firm—he wasn't sure

if these two were friend or foe.

The

man, Elric Smith, was tall and broad-shouldered, his posture relaxed yet

imposing. His black coat shifted slightly in the breeze, revealing a heavy mace

strapped to his belt and a flail hanging loosely from his hip. His sharp silver

eyes studied Kaiser with amusement, like a teacher watching an inexperienced

student.

Beside

him, Espada Harmony had a more playful air. She was shorter, lean, and moved

with an effortless grace, her scimitar resting lazily against her shoulder. She

had a mischievous smirk on her face, but her amber eyes were sharp, always

scanning.

"You

lasted longer than I expected," Elric remarked, rolling his shoulders.

"Sloppy, though."

Espada

tilted her head. "But you've got some fight in you. That's good—means you

might survive past the week."

Kaiser

didn't lower his weapons. His instincts told him not to trust them. "Who

are you?"

Elric

let out a small chuckle. "Straight to the point, huh? I respect

that." He placed a hand on his chest. "Elric Smith. Fighter. Mace and

flail specialist. Born in Mondotiacum. Oh, and I have Quas blood, in case you

were wondering."

Espada

gave a small two-finger salute. "Espada Harmony. Spy, scout, occasional

problem-solver. Hometown? Rouge Town, the worst place you can grow up in. No

fancy Quas blood for me, though—just pure skill."

Kaiser

remained tense. "And you've been following me."

Elric

nodded. "That's right. We've been watching since you left Pax Crossing.

Wanted to see what you were capable of before introducing ourselves."

Espada

grinned. "And… let's just say you're a bit of a mess. But a promising

mess."

A

Bigger Purpose

Kaiser

frowned, still gripping his daggers tightly. "Why? What do you want from

me?"

Elric

and Espada exchanged a glance before Elric spoke. "We're forming a group.

Handpicking people with potential for a certain… cause."

Kaiser's

eyes narrowed. "What kind of cause?"

Elric

smirked. "That's for later. Right now, all you need to know is that you're

strong, but not strong enough. And whether you like it or not, you're gonna

have people hunting you down soon."

Espada

leaned forward slightly. "Think about it. You've barely scratched the

surface of your abilities, and already, you've been attacked by bandits. It

only gets worse from here."

Kaiser

hesitated. He hated to admit it, but… they weren't wrong.

Still,

he wasn't about to just trust two strangers.

"You're

saying you want me to join you?" he asked, voice guarded.

Elric

shrugged. "Eventually. But let's not rush things. For now, we just want to

see if you're worth keeping around."

Kaiser's

Introduction

Kaiser

exhaled slowly. There was no reason to hide who he was.

"Kaiser

Reiss," he said at last. "I just… found out I had Quas blood."

Espada

whistled. "Fresh blood, huh? That explains why you fight like you're still

getting used to your own body."

Elric

raised an eyebrow. "And your entity?"

Kaiser

hesitated, but after a moment, he answered, "Alzalel."

Silence.

Elric's

expression remained neutral. Espada just blinked before tilting her head.

"…Never heard of it."

Elric

nodded. "Same here."

Kaiser

frowned. "You've never heard of Alzalel?"

"Should

we have?" Espada asked, arms crossed.

Kaiser

thought back to the whispers of his entity—the ancient, ghostly presence bound

to him. If even Quas-blooded warriors hadn't heard of it, just how old was

Alzalel?

Elric

crossed his arms. "Not every entity is well known. Some are powerful but

forgotten. Could be your case."

Espada

grinned. "Or maybe you just made it up to sound cool."

Kaiser

rolled his eyes. "Why would I do that?"

Espada

shrugged. "I dunno. You tell me."

The

Fight Returns

Before

Kaiser could respond, a sound echoed through the trees.

Voices.

Multiple footsteps.

Elric

and Espada turned sharply, their playful expressions fading.

The

remaining bandits had returned—and they had brought reinforcements.

At

least ten of them emerged from the shadows, surrounding the clearing. Better

armed, more confident.

A

familiar face sneered at them—one of the bandits who had fled earlier.

"You

little shits thought you could just kill our boss and get away with it?"

he spat. "We're gonna tear you apart."

Elric

sighed, cracking his neck. "Well, this is inconvenient."

Espada

smirked, spinning her scimitar in her hands. "Oh? I was getting bored

anyway."

Kaiser

readied his daggers, heart pounding. He was exhausted—but he couldn't back down

now.

The

bandits charged.

Elric

Steps Forward

Elric

casually walked toward the nearest bandit, rolling his shoulders.

Then—his

flail materialized.

Its

chain dripped with mist, the air growing damp around him as his Quas blood

awakened.

"Nessie,

let's make this quick," he muttered.

With

a flick of his wrist, a sphere of water formed in his hand—Water Ball.

He

hurled it forward like a cannon blast.

It struck

a bandit's chest, sending him flying back into a tree, unconscious.

Elric

grinned. "One down."

Espada

Moves with Speed

Before

the first bandit could react, Espada was already gone.

She

weaved between the attackers, her scimitar flashing like a ghost, landing

precise cuts that disabled rather than killed.

One

of the larger bandits swung a sword at her—she dodged effortlessly, sliding

past him.

Her

blade moved like liquid—Flow Thrust.

She

pierced through a gap in his armor, striking just enough to drop him to his

knees.

Espada

smirked. "Try moving faster next time."

Kaiser,

Elric, and Espada Work as a Team

Kaiser,

still exhausted, used Phantom Step sparingly, striking when necessary.

Elric

fought like a tank, using his flail and mace to break weapons, crush defenses,

and knock enemies aside.

Espada

used Flow Thrust to pierce through armor gaps, taking down the bandits'

strongest fighters before they could even react.

Soon,

only one bandit remained.

He

turned to run.

Kaiser

acted on instinct.

He

activated Gaze.

The

bandit collapsed, shaking violently, unable to move.

Espada

raised an eyebrow, finally acknowledging Kaiser's potential.

Elric

nodded approvingly and said, "Not bad, kid. But we're just getting

started."

Part

5 – The Brewing Chaos and the Journey Ahead

The

Rise of Revolution in Woodsaw

The

Squatters District—a vast, poverty-stricken region in the southern part of

Woodsaw—was on the brink of collapse.

It

had once been a place where merchants and workers thrived, but now, it had become

a land of the forgotten. The economy of Woodsaw had been steadily declining,

and with resources becoming scarce, the poor suffered the most.

Corrupt

officials exploited the weak, merchants raised prices beyond what the common

people could afford, and hunger spread like a plague.

And

in this suffering, Carous Gelheim had found his stage.

Carous

was a revolutionary, a speaker, a leader who knew how to sway the desperate. He

promised the people freedom from oppression, wealth for all, and an end to the

suffering brought by Jeffrey Maxim's government.

But

while he wore the mask of a liberator, his ambitions ran deeper.

He

didn't just want to save Woodsaw. He wanted to rule it.

The

War Council in Yore

Inside

the fortress of Yore, the capital of Woodsaw, Jeffrey Maxim sat in silence as

his commanders debated the uprising.

Jack

McCaw, a hardened strategist with little patience for rebellion, leaned

forward. "We need to crush this movement before it spreads. The longer we

wait, the harder it will be to control."

Ion

Damboldour, a warrior-priest from the Order of Isus, folded his arms. "Let

them revolt. Those who rise against us must be purged."

Enzo,

the youngest and most level-headed of the commanders, sighed. "We should

consider diplomacy. If we open negotiations, perhaps we can prevent unnecessary

bloodshed."

Maxim

listened, his fingers tapping against the wooden table. He was a man of honor,

and the idea of slaughtering his own people did not sit well with him.

"The

people have suffered," Maxim finally said, his voice deep and steady.

"But a leader does not abandon his nation. If they rise against us, we

must respond—not with brutality, but with wisdom."

The

war council continued.

The

Journey to Guards' Point

Far

from the politics of Woodsaw, Kaiser, Elric, and Espada continued their

journey.

Their

destination was Guards' Point, a heavily fortified military encampment under

the Royal Guard of King Fredrik Dimas.

As

they walked, Elric explained the true structure of power in Mezolith.

"Even

though Woodsaw, Blazzarene, Ignareth, and Aquarene act as independent nations,

they are still under the rule of King Fredrik and the Heaven Family,"

Elric said.

Espada

smirked. "It's a game of power. The kings act like they have control, but

at the end of the day, it's Fredrik who holds the leash."

Kaiser

frowned. "Then why don't they just rebel?"

Elric

chuckled. "You don't rebel against a god, kid. The Heaven Family isn't

just royalty—they're the highest authority in Mezolith. No one dares move

against them."

Kaiser

processed this information in silence.

Rebels'

Pass – Entering Forbidden Land

As

they approached Rebels' Pass, the terrain became rugged and isolated. The

deeper they went, the more they noticed something strange—there were no

bandits, no travelers, nothing.

It

wasn't empty.

It

was guarded.

Then,

they appeared.

A

group of warriors, clad in earth-colored robes with intricate markings, stepped

forward. Their curved blades gleamed in the light, and their faces were marked

with ritual tattoos.

At

the center stood an elderly mage, leaning on a staff adorned with strange

symbols.

"You

do not belong here," the elder spoke, his voice like wind rustling through

ancient stone.

Espada

raised an eyebrow. "And who exactly are you?"

The

elder narrowed his eyes. "I am Karawakara, chieftain of the Chichutu

Nomads. And this land is not Rebels' Pass. It is the Chichu Holy Land."

Elric

crossed his arms. "We don't mean trouble. We're just passing

through."

Karawakara's

expression did not change. "The ground you walk upon is sacred. Outsiders

are not welcome."

Kaiser

sensed the tension rising. This was not a simple dispute—this was a warning.

Battle

with the Chichutu Warriors

The

warriors drew their weapons.

Espada

sighed. "I hate when talking doesn't work."

Without

another word, the Chichutu warriors charged.

Kaiser

dodged a sweeping strike, rolling to the side as his daggers flashed in

retaliation.

Elric

swung his flail, cracking a warrior's armor with sheer force. Water gathered

around his hands, forming a whip-like tendril—his Water Whip struck another

enemy, knocking him back.

Espada

weaved between her opponents, her Flow Thrust piercing through the gaps in

their defenses.

The

Chichutu warriors fought with fluid, precise movements, making them difficult

to predict.

Kaiser

activated Phantom Step, flickering behind an opponent—but the warrior reacted

instantly, blocking his attack.

They

were fast. Too fast.

Kaiser

clenched his jaw. These weren't ordinary fighters. They were battle-hardened

warriors protecting sacred land.

The

Stables Merchant Encounter

As

the battle raged, a merchant caravan appeared at Mountain Point.

The

merchant, a sturdy-looking man with a thick beard, shouted. "Oi! What in

the hells is going on?!"

The

distraction gave the nomads an opening—one of them lunged at the merchant's

horses, aiming to cut the reins and scatter the supplies.

Elric

cursed. "They're going after the caravan!"

Kaiser

moved on instinct, throwing one of his daggers toward the attacker.

The

blade sank into the warrior's shoulder, stopping him before he could reach the

horses.

Espada

grinned. "Nice throw, rookie."

The

Chieftain's Arrival

The

battle ended as quickly as it had begun.

A

deep voice echoed through the battlefield.

"Enough."

Karawakara

himself stepped forward, his staff glowing faintly.

The

warriors immediately stopped, stepping back.

The

elder looked at Kaiser, Elric, and Espada. "You fight with skill. But you

are still intruders."

Elric

wiped blood off his flail. "We didn't come here to fight."

Karawakara

studied them for a long moment. Then, he nodded. "You may pass. But do not

return. Next time, there will be no mercy."

The

group exchanged glances but said nothing.

As

they continued their journey, Kaiser couldn't shake the feeling—he had just

made an enemy of the Chichutu Nomads.

And

that was a problem he didn't need.

Part

6 – The Hunt in the Moonlit Wilderness

The

Chichutu Nomads – Warriors of Forgotten History

Long

before the great nations of Mezolith rose to power, foreign invaders from

distant lands sought to claim the continent for themselves. They came with iron

ships, steel weapons, and fire magic, sweeping across the land like an

unstoppable force.

Entire

cities fell. Kingdoms crumbled. But one people stood defiant—the Chichutu

Nomads.

Unlike

the structured armies of Mezolith, the Chichutu warriors fought using guerrilla

tactics, striking from the mountains, disappearing into the desert, and

ambushing their enemies at night. Their combat style was fluid, unpredictable,

and precise, making them nearly impossible to defeat in their own terrain.

For

decades, they fought, and in the end, they won. The foreign invaders, unable to

maintain control, were forced to retreat, their ambitions shattered.

But

history is written by the victors.

When

the great nations of Mezolith finally rose, they did not recognize the Chichutu

as heroes. Instead, they labeled them as rebels—a dangerous, lawless people

unwilling to submit to modern rule.

The

world may have forgotten the truth, but the Chichutu never did. And they would

never forgive those who desecrated their sacred land.

A

Deal for Horses

Kaiser,

Elric, and Espada sat near the stable merchant's wagon, their bodies still sore

from their battle with the Chichutu warriors.

The

merchant, Hargun, was a large man with a thick, unkempt beard, scarred hands,

and sharp, calculating eyes. He wore a patchwork coat made of various animal

furs, and a long hunting knife rested on his belt.

More

importantly, he was a member of The People's Shop—a faction that controlled

much of the trade in Mezolith, including weapons, rare artifacts, and mercenary

contracts.

"I

don't care how many people you fought off," Hargun said, arms crossed.

"You want horses, you pay."

Espada

leaned forward, smiling sweetly. "Come on, Hargun. Three horses? Surely,

you could spare a discount for three weary travelers?"

Hargun

grunted. "Horses cost 250 Genny each. You got 750 Genny?"

Espada

sighed dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. "What happened to

generosity, Hargun? I thought The People's Shop valued its customers?"

Hargun

chuckled darkly. "Generosity don't keep my business running."

Elric

smirked. "Told you haggling wouldn't work."

Espada

shot him a glare before turning back to Hargun. "Fine. Then how about a

trade? Maybe we do something for you, and you lower the price?"

Hargun

scratched his beard, considering the offer. After a moment, he nodded.

"You want a deal? Fine. I got a problem you can handle."

The

Hunt for the Liemur

Hargun's

expression darkened. "Something's been following my caravan."

Kaiser

tensed. "A person?"

"No,"

Hargun replied. "A beast. A Liemur."

Elric's

brow furrowed. "Liemurs? Thought they were just a myth."

Hargun

snorted. "If it's a myth, then I guess a myth's been snatching people

outta my camp."

Espada

leaned forward, intrigued. "Describe it."

Hargun

glanced around as if making sure no one else was listening. Then, in a low

voice, he said, "It moves in the trees. Big, with long limbs. Its skin

looks like stretched leather, and its eyes glow red in the dark. It don't kill

quick—it drags people off and eats 'em slow."

Kaiser's

stomach tightened.

Hargun

shrugged. "You track it, kill it, and bring proof. Then we talk about your

discount."

Elric

cracked his knuckles. "Sounds like fun."

Espada

grinned. "Let's go beast hunting, boys."

Tracking

the Liemur

Night

had fallen by the time they reached the outskirts of the merchant's camp. The

air was unnervingly still.

Elric

crouched, running his fingers through the dirt. "Tracks. Light, but

fresh."

Kaiser

scanned the treetops. The shadows felt unnatural, shifting unnervingly in the

moonlight. Something was watching them.

"Alzalel…

do you sense it?"

A

whisper brushed against his mind. "It is near. And it is hungry."

Espada

drew her scimitar, eyes sharp. "I don't like this. It's too quiet."

Then—a

branch snapped.

Kaiser

turned just in time to see a dark shape drop from the trees.

The

Liemur Attacks

The

creature landed in front of them, its body twisted and unnerving. It was

tall—too tall, its limbs elongated and thin, its fingers ending in curved

claws.

Its

eyes glowed blood-red, unblinking. Its mouth was too wide, rows of needle-like

teeth twitching as if eager to taste flesh.

It

let out a shrill, distorted cry before lunging at Kaiser.

Kaiser

barely dodged, rolling away as its claws raked the ground where he had just

stood.

Elric

swung his flail, aiming for its legs, but the Liemur jumped back with

impossible agility.

Espada

moved fast, Flow Thrusting toward the creature's side. But the Liemur twisted

in midair, avoiding the strike entirely.

Kaiser's

heart pounded. It was too fast.

A

Desperate Strategy

Elric

cursed. "Damn thing moves like a shadow."

Kaiser

clenched his fists. He couldn't waste energy on Phantom Step, and Gaze required

a clear opening.

Then

he noticed something.

The

Liemur always avoided direct attacks—but it always kept its eyes locked on its

target.

He

gritted his teeth. "I have an idea. Keep it distracted."

Elric

and Espada nodded.

Elric

charged, swinging his Water Whip to limit the Liemur's movement.

Espada

struck from the opposite side, forcing it to twist and dodge.

Kaiser

stepped forward.

The

Liemur locked eyes with him.

That

was its mistake.

Kaiser

activated Gaze.

A

supernatural force locked the creature in place.

The

Liemur let out a horrific shriek, its body convulsing violently as it struggled

against the abyss.

It

was frozen. Vulnerable.

Elric

didn't hesitate. His flail swung, crushing the creature's skull.

Espada

delivered the final slash, her blade slicing its throat.

The

Liemur collapsed. Dead.

Part

7 – An Unexpected Companion

An

Unlikely Discovery

The

night air was still, the only sounds being the faint rustling of leaves and the

distant crackling of the merchant's campfire.

Kaiser

stood over the fallen Liemur, the tension of the battle slowly fading from his

body. His breath was still uneven, his muscles sore. It had been a tough fight.

As

he turned to leave, a faint whimpering noise reached his ears.

It

was subtle, almost swallowed by the night. But Kaiser's senses, sharpened from

years of tending to cattle in Pax Crossing, picked it up instantly.

He

froze, listening carefully.

Then

he heard it again—a soft, pitiful cry.

Frowning,

he scanned the darkened trees until his eyes landed on a small shadow,

half-hidden behind a fallen log.

A

baby Liemur.

Kaiser's

Decision

The

creature was tiny, no bigger than a house cat. Its red eyes flickered with

uncertainty, and its thin, leathery body trembled.

Its

claws clutched at the bark of the log, its gaze locked onto the corpse of its

mother.

Kaiser

felt something twist in his chest.

He

had grown up raising cattle, tending to weak calves left behind by their

mothers.

This

wasn't so different.

The

baby was confused, scared, and completely alone.

He

took a slow step forward.

The

Liemur hissed, baring tiny, needle-like teeth.

Espada,

who had been wiping the blood from her scimitar, raised an eyebrow. "Uh,

Kaiser? What are you doing?"

Elric

let out a deep sigh. "Don't tell me…"

Kaiser

knelt, extending a cautious hand. "I'm not leaving it here."

Elric

chuckled, shaking his head. "You just killed its mother, and now you want

to take it with us? Kid, you're something else."

Espada

leaned on her sword, grinning. "If it rips your face off in your sleep, I

call dibs on your weapons."

Kaiser

ignored them, focusing on the baby Liemur.

It

hissed again, but there was no real force behind it. It was young, barely

developed, and its movements were weak.

It

wasn't attacking. It was testing.

He

remained still, keeping his voice steady. "You're scared, aren't

you?"

The

Liemur's ears twitched.

"You

don't have to be."

Kaiser

slowly lowered his hand to the ground, palm up.

The

Liemur hesitated, eyes darting between Kaiser and its mother's corpse.

A

long silence stretched between them.

Then,

tentatively, it stepped forward.

Its

tiny claws pressed against Kaiser's fingers, trembling—but it didn't pull away.

Espada

let out a laugh. "Well, I'll be damned."

Elric

smirked. "Guess you just got yourself a new pet."

Returning

to Hargun

The

walk back to Hargun's merchant camp was uneventful—aside from the occasional

amusement from Espada and Elric.

The

baby Liemur clung to Kaiser's shoulder, still wary but no longer aggressive.

Its red eyes darted back and forth, taking in the surroundings.

As

they arrived, Hargun was waiting for them, arms crossed.

His

eyes immediately landed on the baby Liemur.

He

let out a loud, bellowing laugh. "What in the hells is that?!"

Kaiser

ignored him, dropping the severed head of the adult Liemur onto the merchant's

wooden table.

"The

job's done. Now about that discount."

Hargun

whistled, inspecting the Liemur's head. "Damn thing really was real, huh?

You lot did good."

He

tossed Kaiser a small leather pouch, filled with Genny. "Your payment. As

for the horses, I'll knock the price down. 150 Genny each."

Espada

grinned. "See? Negotiation works."

Hargun

chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. But I ain't giving away freebies. You still gotta

pay."

Kaiser

exhaled, glancing at the baby Liemur.

Hargun

followed his gaze, raising an eyebrow. "And what's the deal with that

thing?"

"It's

coming with us," Kaiser said simply.

Hargun

gave him a long look. Then he shook his head, muttering, "Your problem,

not mine."

Preparations

and Naming the Liemur

As

the group prepared to leave, they made final adjustments:

Espada restocked their

supplies, ensuring they had food, water, and medical herbs.

Elric adjusted the

chains of his flail, reinforcing them for future fights.

Kaiser fed the baby

Liemur small pieces of dried meat, watching as it cautiously ate.

Espada

sat nearby, tapping her chin. "You know, if you're keeping it, it needs a

name."

Kaiser

nodded, thinking.

Elric

smirked. "How about Nightmare?"

Espada

wrinkled her nose. "Too dramatic."

She

leaned forward, studying the creature. "Nyx. That sounds cool."

Kaiser

tested the name. "Nyx."

The

baby Liemur perked up slightly, blinking at him.

That

settled it.

"Nyx

it is," Kaiser said.

A

Sudden Interruption – A Message from The People's Shop

As

they finished their preparations, a messenger arrived—a scout from The People's

Shop.

He

spoke briefly to Hargun before turning to the group.

"You're

heading to Guards' Point, right?"

Kaiser

nodded.

The

scout pulled out a sealed letter, holding it out. "Deliver this to a

merchant named Fargus in Guards' Point. No one else. It's important."

Elric

raised an eyebrow. "We're not couriers."

The

scout shrugged. "It's a simple job. You're going there anyway, aren't

you?"

Kaiser

took the letter, slipping it into his pack. "Fine. We'll deliver it."

One

more task added to their journey.

A

Hidden Observer

As

the group mounted their newly purchased horses, preparing to leave, a hooded

figure watched them from a distance.

He

leaned against a wooden stall, arms crossed, observing Kaiser with particular

interest.

The

baby Liemur rested on Kaiser's shoulder, curling up for warmth.

The

figure smirked, speaking under his breath.

"Another

one with Quas blood... how interesting."

Then,

without another word, he vanished into the crowd.

Departing

for Guards' Point

With

the sun beginning to rise, the group rode out from Hargun's camp.

Espada

rode ahead, her posture relaxed but alert. "We better not run into more of

those Chichutu warriors."

Elric

followed behind, his flail resting against his back. "If we do, let's hope

they don't recognize us."

Kaiser,

Nyx still perched on his shoulder, took one last look at the merchant's camp.

Something

told him this journey was only going to get more complicated.

And

so, they rode toward Guards' Point, unaware of the dangers that awaited them.

Part

8 – A Duel in the Public Eye

The

Journey to Guards' Point

The

road to Guards' Point stretched before them, winding through rocky terrain and

sparse forests. The region was well-patrolled, but even with the presence of

Royal Guards, there were growing tensions. Rumors of rebellion, mercenary

raids, and internal conflicts spread like wildfire among travelers and traders.

Kaiser,

Elric, and Espada rode at a steady pace, their newly acquired horses making

travel easier. Nyx, the baby Liemur, clung to Kaiser's shoulder, occasionally

hissing at Elric and Espada when they got too close.

"Your

little demon's getting possessive," Elric remarked with a smirk, riding

beside Kaiser.

Espada

chuckled. "Guess it thinks you're its parent now. Congrats, dad."

Kaiser

exhaled, scratching the small creature behind its ears. "It's not a pet.

It's just… staying with us for now."****"

Espada

leaned forward in her saddle, grinning. "Yeah, yeah. Next thing we know,

it'll be sleeping in your bedroll."

Kaiser

ignored them, focusing on the road ahead. He had other things to worry about.

Arrival

at Guards' Point – The Military Encampment

After

several hours of travel, Guards' Point came into view.

The

encampment was massive, surrounded by stone walls and wooden watchtowers.

Inside, it was alive with activity—Royal Guards training, blacksmiths forging

weapons, merchants selling supplies, and mercenaries looking for work.

The

entrance was heavily guarded, with a long line of travelers waiting to enter.

As

the group approached, a gruff-looking gate captain stepped forward, eyeing them

with suspicion.

"State

your business."

Espada

took the lead, flashing her most charming smile. "Just passing through,

Captain. Mercenaries looking for work, maybe some supplies."

The

captain studied them, his gaze lingering on Nyx, who bared its tiny fangs.

"That

thing with you?"

"It's

tame," Kaiser said, patting Nyx's head.

The

captain frowned but waved them through. "Don't cause trouble."

With

that, they entered Guards' Point.

Delivering

the Letter to Fargus

The

first stop was Fargus, the merchant they had been assigned to find.

Fargus

was an older man, thin and wiry, with a hunched posture. His small stall was

tucked between larger merchant tents, selling general goods and minor trinkets.

Kaiser

handed him the sealed letter. "From Hargun. He said to give it to you

directly."

Fargus

took the letter, carefully opening it. As his eyes skimmed the contents, his

expression darkened.

He

muttered under his breath, "So… it's finally happening."

Kaiser

narrowed his eyes. "What's happening?"

Fargus

quickly folded the letter, shaking his head. "Nothing you need to concern

yourself with."

Espada

raised an eyebrow. "You sure? Because you look like you just read your own

death sentence."

Fargus

ignored her, reaching under his stall and handing Kaiser a small bronze token.

"This

is proof of delivery. Take it back to The People's Shop when you get the

chance."

Before

they could ask more questions, Fargus turned away, signaling the conversation

was over.

Elric

crossed his arms. "That guy's hiding something."

Kaiser

pocketed the token. "Not our problem—for now."

The

AWL (Analytic Warrior Level) Evaluation

After

leaving Fargus, Espada led them toward a large stone building near the training

grounds.

A

sign outside read:

AWL RANKING CENTER – EVALUATE YOUR WARRIOR LEVEL! 50 GENNY PER SCAN.

"Time

to see what we're made of," Espada said, flipping a coin between her

fingers.

Inside,

the facility was filled with warriors lining up for evaluation. The AWL system

was a massive, reinforced chamber, with a circular platform in the center.

One

by one, fighters stepped onto the platform, where the machine scanned their

bodies, analyzing:

Strength, endurance,

weapon mastery

Quas Blood

compatibility (if any)

Other special

abilities

The

results were projected onto a glowing stone slab, displaying their rank and

combat data.

How

AWL Ranks Fighters

The

rankings were as follows:

F Rank – Non-combat

individuals (ordinary people).

D Bronze, D Silver, D

Gold – Basic warriors with little combat technique.

C Bronze, C Silver, C

Gold – Fighters with poor to intermediate combat skills.

B Bronze, B Silver, B

Gold – Competent fighters, some with Quas blood abilities.

A Bronze, A Silver, A

Gold – Highly skilled warriors with strong abilities.

S Bronze, S Silver, S

Gold – Commanders, elite warriors, and powerful individuals.

SSS Rank – No known

individuals have reached this level.

The

Group's AWL Results

Elric

went first. The machine whirred, scanning him before displaying his rank:

B Bronze.

Espada

stepped up next, her rank appearing as:

C Gold.

Finally,

Kaiser took his turn.

As

the machine scanned him, it hesitated for a moment—as if struggling to

categorize his power. Then, his rank appeared:

C Silver.

Espada

tilted her head. "C Silver, huh? Not bad, considering you're new to all

this."

Kaiser

clenched his fists. He had expected more.

A

Confrontation with a Royal Guard

As

they left the AWL center, a loud, mocking voice called out.

"C

Silver? And you call yourself a warrior?"

A

Royal Guard soldier approached, his stance arrogant. His armor was polished,

his blade resting on his hip.

Kaiser

narrowed his eyes. "Something wrong?"

The

guard sneered. "It's pathetic. You barely qualify as a fighter. People

like you should stay out of real battles."

Kaiser

felt his blood boil. He had already been frustrated by his ranking—this idiot

was pushing it further.

"Want

to find out how weak I am?" he snapped.

The

Royal Guard's smirk widened. "Gladly."

By

now, a crowd had gathered, sensing an upcoming fight.

But

instead of stopping them, the other soldiers cheered for the duel.

Espada

crossed her arms, amused. "Well, this should be entertaining."

The

Public Duel – Kaiser vs. the Royal Guard

The

Royal Guard fighter drew his polearm, spinning it in his hands confidently.

Kaiser

only had his daggers.

The

crowd roared in excitement. A proper duel, raw and unscripted.

The

guard struck first, his polearm sweeping toward Kaiser's legs.

Kaiser

barely dodged, rolling to the side.

He

lunged forward, his daggers flashing, but the guard sidestepped and countered

with a sharp thrust.

The

polearm slammed against Kaiser's ribs, sending him stumbling.

Laughter

erupted from the crowd.

Nyx

hissed from Espada's arms, sensing Kaiser's distress.

Elric

frowned. "He's too slow. The reach difference is killing him."

A

Sudden Disruption – An Explosion in the Fort

Just

as Kaiser was about to counterattack, a massive explosion rocked Guards' Point.

BOOM!

A

thick cloud of smoke rose from the eastern section of the fort.

Guards

shouted in alarm, rushing toward the source.

The

duel was immediately forgotten.

The

Royal Guard cursed. "Damn it! What now?"

Kaiser

stood still, staring at the rising smoke.

Something

was very wrong.

Part

9 – The Revolution's First Strike

The

Letter That Set Everything in Motion

Fargus

sat in his dimly lit stall, gripping the letter with trembling fingers. The

inked words on the aged parchment felt heavier than ever. He had been expecting

orders, but now that they were here, he felt a pit in his stomach.

"The

time has come to take Smallville in Woodsaw (to free some of our comrades), to

take Middletown in Woodsaw (to control the broadcasting facilities). Brothers,

you are hereby ordered to detonate the bombs in Guards' Point, Sine Town, and

Drogo Town to confuse the Royal Guard."

The

revolutionaries in the Squatters District were making their move. This was

it—the coordinated strike to shake Woodsaw to its core.

Fargus

knew his role. He wasn't a fighter—he was a supplier, a handler, an informant.

His job was to help the operatives inside Guards' Point blend in, pass

messages, and ensure the right people got the right supplies.

But

now, with these orders, his role had changed. This was no longer about moving

supplies. It was about war.

Chaos

Unfolds – The Explosion in Guards' Point

A

massive explosion shattered the still air of Guards' Point.

BOOM!

A

wave of heat and dust ripped through the eastern section of the fort, sending

shockwaves of panic through the city. Screams filled the air as merchants,

soldiers, and travelers scattered, trying to make sense of the sudden attack.

Flames

engulfed one of the storage depots, smoke billowing into the night sky. Royal

Guards rushed toward the explosion site, their armor clanking as they shouted

orders.

Kaiser,

still recovering from his duel, staggered back from the force of the explosion.

Nyx screeched from Espada's arms, its tiny claws gripping onto her coat.

"What

the hell was that?!" Elric growled, immediately reaching for his flail.

Espada

spun around, taking in the scene. "Bomb. That was a damn bomb."

The

Royal Guard erupted into action—some rushed to the flames, while others locked

down the gates, sealing everyone inside Guards' Point.

"Nobody

leaves!" one of the guards shouted. "Find the culprits! Lock down the

city!"

The

fortress had just turned into a cage.

Fargus'

Immediate Reaction – Time to Escape

Fargus

heard the explosion and felt his blood turn ice cold.

It

had begun.

His

mind raced. Had the other bombs in Sine Town and Drogo Town gone off yet? Were

the forces in Smallville and Middletown moving as planned?

None

of that mattered right now. He had to get out.

If

the Royal Guard started investigating, they would eventually connect the

revolutionaries to him.

He

stuffed the letter into his coat and hurriedly packed a satchel of supplies. He

had to reach his contact inside Guards' Point and disappear before anyone

noticed.

But

just as he stepped out of his stall, he locked eyes with Kaiser.

For

a brief moment, neither of them moved.

Then,

Fargus looked away too quickly.

Kaiser's

expression hardened. He had seen that look before—the look of a man hiding

something.

Kaiser,

Elric, and Espada Take Notice

"That

guy's acting weird," Espada muttered, her sharp eyes tracking Fargus as he

weaved through the crowd.

Elric

glanced at Kaiser. "Wasn't that the merchant we gave the letter to?"

Kaiser

nodded. "Yeah… and he looks like he's trying to disappear."

The

three of them exchanged silent glances.

They

didn't know exactly what was happening yet, but something about Fargus'

behavior didn't sit right with any of them.

The

Fort Goes into Lockdown

Meanwhile,

the Royal Guard had started organizing search parties.

High-ranking

officers barked orders, soldiers stormed through the streets, and travelers

were lined up for questioning.

The

arrogant Royal Guard fighter from before, the one who had fought Kaiser, now

led one of the investigation groups.

His

eyes locked onto Kaiser.

"You,"

he sneered. "You were just fighting me when the explosion happened."

Kaiser

clenched his jaw. "Yeah, and?"

The

guard stepped closer, glaring down at him. "Could be a distraction. Could

be that you and your little friends are working with whoever set this up."

Elric

scoffed. "You really think we set off a bomb while we were in the middle

of fighting?"

Espada

crossed her arms. "We were right in front of half the damn fortress. Not

exactly the best way to avoid suspicion, genius."

The

guard gritted his teeth but said nothing.

Before

he could push further, a second explosion erupted in the city.

A

Second Explosion Rocks Guards' Point

BOOM!

Another

fiery blast sent shockwaves through the city, causing even more panic.

The

Royal Guard soldiers immediately abandoned their interrogations, rushing toward

the new explosion site.

The

once-organized investigation collapsed into complete chaos.

In

the confusion, Fargus took his chance.

He

turned sharply into a side alley, slipping away while the guards were

distracted.

Espada,

however, noticed immediately.

"He's

running."

A

Desperate Chase Begins

"We

follow him," Espada said firmly, already moving.

Elric

didn't hesitate, tightening his grip on his flail. "Agreed."

Kaiser

hesitated for a second, looking at the flames in the distance—something much

bigger was happening. But right now, Fargus was the only lead they had.

"Let's

go."

They

took off after him, weaving through the panicked crowds, chasing the man who

might hold the key to the revolution's plan.

Fargus

was fast—for an old man, he moved like someone who knew how to evade capture.

He

ducked through side streets, shoving past civilians, knocking over crates and

barrels to slow them down.

But

Kaiser, Espada, and Elric were trained fighters.

They

dodged, jumped, and pushed forward, gaining ground with each passing second.

The

chase through the burning fort had begun.

Part

10 – The Siege of Guards' Point

The

Revolutionaries Strike – Capturing Smallville and Middletown

As

Guards' Point erupted into chaos, the larger plan of the revolutionaries

unfolded elsewhere in Woodsaw.

In

Smallville, the attack came swiftly. Under the cover of night, groups of armed

revolutionaries infiltrated the town, bypassing the meager defenses. Smallville

was home to several holding facilities where captured rebels and sympathizers

were imprisoned.

The

Royal Guard stationed there was overwhelmed in less than an hour. The

revolutionaries swept through the streets, cutting down resistance and freeing

their comrades. By dawn, the royal banners were torn down, replaced with the

black-and-red insignia of the revolution.

In

Middletown, the revolutionaries had a different objective—controlling the

broadcasting facilities. If they could seize control of the communications

network, they could spread their message to the people of Woodsaw, urging them

to rise against the rule of King Fredrik Dimas.

As

soon as the fortress bombings in Guards' Point began, the revolutionaries

stormed the broadcasting station, slaughtering the Royal Guards within minutes.

Then,

their leader, Carous Gelheim, stepped in front of the transmission crystal. His

calm but powerful voice echoed across the nation:

"People

of Woodsaw, you have lived under the rule of corruption for too long. The time

for change is now! We do not fight for greed. We do not fight for conquest. We

fight to free the people, to break the chains of oppression! To all who seek

justice—stand with us!"

The

message spread across the region, rallying hidden cells of rebels.

Chasing

Fargus – The Escape to the Market Gate

Back

in Guards' Point, Kaiser, Elric, and Espada sprinted through the streets,

weaving past fleeing merchants and panicked civilians. The fort was in chaos,

the explosions having disrupted the entire stronghold.

Ahead

of them, Fargus dashed through the alleys, knocking over crates and barrels in

an attempt to slow them down.

"Damn

it, he's fast for an old guy," Elric muttered, easily jumping over an

overturned cart.

Espada

was ahead, her speed superior to both of them. "He's heading toward the

back market district!"

Kaiser

narrowed his eyes. Fargus wasn't running blindly—he had a plan.

As

they turned the corner, they saw it.

The

Army of Revolutionaries – A Shocking Sight

Through

the open gate at the back of the market buildings, an ocean of soldiers

stretched across the field beyond the fortress walls.

Five

thousand revolutionaries stood in formation, banners raised, weapons gleaming

in the torchlight.

Kaiser's

breath caught in his throat.

This

wasn't just an attack—this was an invasion.

Fargus

disappeared into the sea of revolutionaries, vanishing among his people.

Elric

clenched his fists. "We're too late."

Espada

scanned the enemy lines, her face unreadable. "We need to get back inside.

Now."

Kaiser

turned on his heel, his mind racing. The Royal Guard had no idea what was

coming.

They

ran.

Reporting

to the Royal Guard Captain

By

the time they reached the inner defenses of Guards' Point, the Royal Guard was

already in full battle mode.

Soldiers

were arming themselves, archers taking positions along the walls, and

barricades being reinforced.

At

the command center, they found Captain Henry Guhn, a broad-shouldered man clad

in reinforced steel armor. His weapons of choice were a heavy gauntlet and a

massive tower shield—a warrior who specialized in both defense and overwhelming

counterattacks.

His

silver-streaked hair gave away his experience, but his sharp eyes held the fire

of a man still in his prime.

Kaiser

and his group burst into the command center.

"Captain!

We have a problem!"

Guhn

looked up from the strategy table. "I already know. The fort is under

attack."

"No,

sir," Elric cut in, his tone urgent. "It's worse than that. There's

an army of five thousand outside the back gate."

Silence

fell over the room.

Guhn's

expression darkened. "Are you certain?"

"Saw

it with our own eyes," Espada confirmed. "They're already forming

battle lines."

Guhn

took a deep breath, then turned to his officers. "Sound the full alarm. We

hold this fort or die trying."

Hired

for the Defense of Guards' Point

Guhn

turned back to them. "I assume you three can fight?"

Espada

smirked. "Why else would we be here?"

Elric

nodded. "We can hold our own."

Guhn

studied Kaiser for a moment before giving a firm nod. "Good. We need every

blade."

He

tossed each of them a Royal Guard insignia. "You fight for the fort now.

Do your duty, and you'll be well-paid—if we survive."

Captain

Guhn Attempts to Negotiate

Though

Guhn was a warrior, he wasn't reckless. He knew that if there was a chance to

prevent bloodshed, he had to take it.

Under

a white flag of truce, he rode out to the enemy lines.

The

revolutionaries stood still, watching him approach.

He

raised his voice. "I am Captain Henry Guhn of the Royal Guard. I seek an

audience with your leader. We are willing to discuss terms!"

No

response.

The

only sound was the war drums pounding steadily in the background.

A

chilling realization settled over Guhn. They weren't here to negotiate.

They

were here to destroy.

He

turned his horse around and rode back. "Prepare for battle."

The

Siege Begins – The First Strike

The

moment he passed through the gates, the revolutionaries attacked.

Battering

rams slammed into the main doors.

Arrows

darkened the sky, forcing defenders to take cover.

The

revolutionaries charged forward in disciplined formations, their sheer numbers

overwhelming the outer defenses.

Guhn

barely made it inside before shouting, "HOLD THE LINES!"

Espada

drew her scimitar. "Well, that answers that."

The

Defenders Hold Their Ground

Inside

Guards' Point, the 1,000 Royal Guards prepared for the worst.

Archers lined the

walls, loosing volleys of arrows into the advancing enemy.

Shield bearers braced

against the first wave of attackers, stopping them from immediately

overwhelming the entrance.

Kaiser, Elric, and

Espada took position at different points along the battlefield.

"Here

they come!" a soldier screamed.

The

Gates Shatter – The Battle Begins

CRACK!

The

massive wooden gates splintered and collapsed under the repeated strikes of the

battering ram.

The

revolutionaries poured inside, screaming battle cries.

Steel

met steel, arrows whistled through the air, and blood stained the ground.

Kaiser

activated Phantom Step, blinking through enemies and striking down

revolutionaries with precise dagger slashes.

Elric

stood firm at the front lines, swinging his flail with terrifying force,

smashing enemy skulls and shattering shields.

Espada

moved like a ghost, weaving through the battlefield with her Flow Thrust

technique, cutting down attackers before they even realized she was there.

Despite

their efforts, the revolutionaries kept coming.

The

battle for Guards' Point had begun.

Part

11 – The Fall of Guards' Point

The

Battle Rages – The Defenders Are Pushed Back

The

walls of Guards' Point trembled as the revolutionaries flooded into the

fortress, roaring their battle cries. Though outnumbered five to one, the Royal

Guards stood their ground, their discipline and superior armor giving them a

fighting chance.

Steel

clashed against steel, shields locked together in desperate resistance, and the

air was thick with the screams of dying men.

At

the front of the defense, Captain Henry Guhn led his warriors. His massive

tower shield blocked incoming strikes, and his gauntlet-clad fist crushed

skulls and shattered ribs. He fought with unrelenting force, barking orders to

his dwindling troops.

Kaiser,

Elric, and Espada stood in the thick of it, fending off wave after wave of

attackers.

"Keep

pushing!" Guhn roared, smashing his shield into a revolutionary and

sending him flying. "We don't let them take the inner fort!"

Kaiser

Struggles Against the Waves of Enemies

Kaiser

dodged and weaved through the chaos, his twin daggers flashing like fangs in

the dark.

A

revolutionary lunged at him with a sword—Kaiser ducked, spun, and drove his

dagger into the man's side, twisting it before pulling away. Another attacker

came at him from behind, and he barely had time to parry before a spear nearly

impaled him.

His

breathing was heavy. His limbs felt sluggish.

He

had been fighting nonstop since the battle started, and he could feel his

stamina draining. Phantom Step had been a gamble to use earlier, and now his

body was beginning to fail him.

A

blade rushed toward his throat—

He

barely dodged in time, falling backward onto the blood-soaked ground.

Elric's

Battle – Releasing the Power of Nessie

Nearby,

Elric fought like an unmovable force.

His

massive flail swung in wide arcs, shattering shields and breaking bones. But

despite his raw strength, the revolutionaries kept coming, swarming like ants,

pushing him back with sheer numbers.

A

spear sliced across his shoulder, leaving a deep gash. He gritted his teeth,

blood dripping down his arm.

He

knew what he had to do.

"Nessie…

awaken!"

A

powerful surge of water erupted around him, twisting into the air as the

spectral form of Nessie materialized.

The

massive, serpentine beast coiled above him, its blue scales shimmering, its

piercing eyes locking onto the enemy ranks.

With

a deafening roar, Nessie lashed out, sending waves of crushing water through

the battlefield, sweeping away dozens of revolutionaries.

Elric

felt the surge of power flow through him. He had entered Summon Mode – Level 2.

Kaiser's

Breaking Point – Calling Upon Alzalel

Kaiser

stumbled back, his vision blurring.

Another

revolutionary charged at him, blade raised. He tried to move, but his body

wouldn't react fast enough.

Then,

he heard the voice.

"You

are weak, Kaiser. But I can change that."

Alzalel's

voice echoed in his mind, dark and commanding.

Kaiser

gritted his teeth, his fingers tightening around his daggers.

"Alzalel…"

He

slashed his palm open, letting his blood spill onto the battlefield.

"I

call upon you—AWAKEN!"

The

shadows around him twisted and surged like living tendrils. The air grew cold.

From

the darkness, a ghastly figure emerged.

Alzalel's

form flickered between reality and nightmare, its spectral body stretching

unnaturally, its hollow eyes staring deep into the souls of its enemies.

Kaiser

had entered Summon Mode – Level 2.

The

Battlefield Shifts – Summoned Entities Change the Fight

With

Nessie and Alzalel unleashed, the battlefield changed drastically.

Nessie's massive body

crushed revolutionaries, water magic flooding through enemy lines.

Alzalel moved like a

nightmare, its mere presence sending terror through the ranks of the

revolutionaries.

Some rebels fled in

terror, unable to face the two Quas-blooded warriors and their

supernatural entities.

For

the first time in the battle, the Royal Guard had a fighting chance.

Espada

and Guhn Rally the Troops

Espada

darted through the chaos, her Flow Thrust technique cutting down enemies before

they even realized she was there.

Guhn

took the opportunity to rally what was left of his men.

"We

push forward now!" he shouted, slamming his shield into the ground.

"Drive them back! Fight for your brothers!"

With

renewed energy, the Royal Guard surged forward.

The

True Threat Appears – The Revolutionary Commander, Daniel Gustav

Then,

the battlefield grew silent for a moment.

A

new figure stepped forward, standing amidst the chaos.

Daniel

Gustav.

A

massive man, standing over six and a half feet tall, bare-chested, his muscular

body covered in battle scars.

He

carried a massive battle axe, its weight alone capable of crushing a man in one

swing.

His

presence alone changed the battlefield.

Kaiser

and Elric felt it immediately—a crushing, suffocating aura.

It

was King's Presence.

Some

of the Royal Guards collapsed where they stood, unconscious from the sheer

force of Gustav's aura.

"Quas

Bloods," Gustav said, his voice deep and booming. "I will show you

why that power means nothing against a real warrior."

Kaiser

and Elric Fight Daniel Gustav – And Lose

Kaiser

and Elric attacked together.

Elric

swung his flail, enhanced by Nessie's water magic.

Kaiser

darted in and out of the shadows, using Alzalel to strike from unpredictable

angles.

Gustav

was unfazed.

He

dodged effortlessly, weaving between their attacks with unnatural precision.

Then,

he counterattacked.

One

brutal swing of his axe sent Elric flying into a broken wall, blood spraying

from his mouth.

Kaiser

tried to use Phantom Step, but Gustav anticipated it.

The

revolutionary commander grabbed Kaiser mid-step, lifted him, and slammed him

into the ground.

The

impact knocked the wind out of him.

Kaiser

gasped, his vision blurring.

Alzalel

flickered and vanished.

He

had lost.

The

Last Stand – Captain Guhn's Final Effort

With

most of the Royal Guard dead or unconscious, only a handful remained standing.

Guhn

fought harder than ever, his shield breaking bones, his gauntlet crushing

skulls.

But

even he was beginning to falter.

Thirty

Royal Guards turned into twenty… then ten… then five.

Espada

looked around, realizing they were all that was left.

"We

have to retreat. Now!" she said.

Guhn

gritted his teeth, his hands shaking with rage.

But

he knew she was right.

The

Revolutionaries Seize Guards' Point

With

their last strength, Guhn, Kaiser, Elric, Espada, and the last five Royal

Guards escaped through a hidden passage beneath the fortress.

As

they fled, the revolutionaries stormed the stronghold, raising their banners.

Guards'

Point had fallen.

Standing

among the wreckage, Daniel Gustav watched them escape.

He

let out a deep laugh, his voice carrying across the ruined battlefield.

"Run

while you can. The war has only just begun."