Quas Blood

Part 1: Journey to Fagora City

The night in Vask's Resting was filled with warmth and celebration. The Grimknights had successfully defended the town, and for the first time in weeks, the people could relax.

Bjorn had drowned himself in ale, his hearty laughter echoing through the tavern as he exchanged drunken stories with the locals. Elric and Espada engaged in a game of darts, their competitive natures on full display as they tried to one-up each other. Henry sat with a group of older men, discussing the town's future and how peace should be upheld in Vask's Resting moving forward.

Meanwhile, outside the tavern, Kaiser and Mariposa played with Nyx, the small liemur that Kaiser had tamed. The creature darted between them, its silver fur glistening under the moonlight. Mariposa chuckled as she held out a small piece of fruit, watching Nyx snatch it away eagerly.

For a brief moment, it felt like the war outside didn't exist.

The Next Morning - The Grimknights' Meeting

As dawn broke, the Grimknights gathered for a meeting. Henry sat at the center, with Espada leaning against a table, arms crossed.

"So, what's next?" Bjorn asked groggily, rubbing his temples. "We staying here?"

Espada shook her head. "We need to move. Supplies won't last forever, and Vask's Resting isn't exactly the safest place if more conflicts rise."

"Where to, then?" Henry asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Espada tapped the map laid out on the table. "Fagora City. It's the northernmost city in Woodsaw. The People's Shop has a station there—we can restock."

Henry nodded in agreement. "Then we make for Fagora."

The group prepared for their journey, ensuring their horses were ready. Mariposa Vask, much to everyone's surprise, decided to join them.

Departure from Vask's Resting

As the Grimknights mounted their horses, the townspeople gathered around, cheering for them. Some clapped, others waved, and a few even offered words of gratitude.

"Good luck, Grimknights!"

"Come back safe!"

Henry took one last glance at the town before leading his group out. The road ahead was long, but they rode with purpose.

Passing by Yore City

A few hours into their journey, they passed the outskirts of Yore City. What was once a thriving settlement now stood in shambles, the remnants of revolution and war evident in the scorched buildings and empty streets.

Espada smirked. "Looks like whatever happened here was more interesting than that fort we stormed."

Elric sighed. "More like tragic."

They pressed on, leaving Yore City and its ghosts behind.

Encounters on the Road

As they traveled, they passed a group of civilians along the road. The people whispered as the Grimknights rode by, their eyes filled with curiosity—and fear.

"Those are the Grims…" one murmured.

"They say they crushed the revolutionaries…" another whispered.

The Grimknights said nothing, simply continuing their journey.

Arrival at Fagora City

After two days of travel, the group reached Fagora City. The city's high stone walls and aged architecture stood as a testament to its history—the oldest city in Woodsaw.

As they approached the gates, armed guards stopped them. "State your business in Fagora."

Espada stepped forward, flashing a confident smirk. "We're just passing through, resupplying at the People's Shop."

The guards eyed them warily but ultimately let them through. "Don't cause trouble."

The Grimknights entered Fagora City.

Brief History of Fagora City

Fagora was the first settlement in Woodsaw, built centuries ago by the early pioneers. Its location near the mountains made it a prime defensive stronghold. Over time, it became known for its historic architecture and old traditions, preserving the past while the world around it changed. Despite its age, it remained a vital part of Woodsaw's network.

Shopping at the People's Shop

The Grimknights made their way to the People's Shop, a well-known supply hub for travelers and warriors alike. They stocked up on food, weapons, and essential gear.

As they browsed, Nyx spotted a stall selling meat. The little liemur fixated on a fresh slab, its tail twitching.

Mariposa chuckled and bought a piece for him. "You've got expensive taste, little one."

With their supplies secured, Henry called the group together. "Let's find an inn."

At the Inn – Mariposa Joins the Grimknights

That evening, they gathered in the inn's common area. Henry stood, looking at the group. "Before we rest, we need to assess our capabilities again. We'll take AWL (Assessing Warrior Level) tomorrow."

The group nodded in agreement.

"Also," Henry continued, glancing at Mariposa, "I'd like to officially welcome Mariposa Vask as a member of the Grimknights."

Mariposa smiled and stood up. "I'm Mariposa Vask, 19 years old. I know various medicinal herbs and treatments… but unlike Espada," she pointed with a playful smirk, "I have no combat skills."

The group chuckled.

Then, her expression turned slightly serious. "There is something I should mention. When I was kidnapped by Dante Viel, I overheard him talking to a woman. They mentioned that I possess the Blood of Joseph." She laughed. "Which is clearly a mistake."

Henry and Elric, however, exchanged shocked glances.

Explanation of Quas Blood Types

Henry took a deep breath. "There are two known types of Quas Blood."

Blood of Mary – The more common type, possessed by those who can form contracts with supernatural entities. These individuals are called Vessels, and their power enhances in five levels.

Blood of Joseph – Extremely rare. This type does not allow entity contracts but instead grants the ability to manipulate non-living materials:

Level 1 – Free manipulation of materials (without forming anything specific).

Level 2 – Can create solid objects from manipulated materials, though limited to a few types.

Special Ability: Demonic True Form, which only activates during full moons. However, only individuals with strong will can manifest it.

"Individuals with the Blood of Joseph are not called Vessels," Henry continued. "They are called Magi—Magus for men, Maga for women."

A heavy silence filled the room.

Mariposa blinked. "Well… that sounds important."

Espada smirked. "You think?"

Henry exhaled. "This changes things."

Part 2: Bandits to Deal with

A Leader's Decision

Before the night ended, Henry, as the leader of the Grimknights, made an important decision. "We will go to the AWL (Analytic Warriors Level) for reassessing our capabilities," he announced, his tone leaving no room for debate. The group nodded in agreement. It was essential to understand their strengths and weaknesses, especially now that their journey was taking them deeper into uncharted territories.

A Moment of Reflection

As the night settled, each member of the Grimknights found ways to make themselves comfortable. Some sat in quiet contemplation, while others simply lay on their beds, letting the weight of their adventures sink in. Mariposa lay down, still processing the shocking revelation about her bloodline. The thought of possibly possessing the Blood of Joseph unsettled her. Could it be true? She had never shown any unusual abilities before, aside from an occasional odd sensation during full moons—something she had always brushed off as fatigue.

She closed her eyes, whispering a silent plea in her mind. Papa, please guide me.

A Nightmarish Vision

Darkness surrounded her, then suddenly, there was blinding light. Mariposa found herself walking among a crowd of people, but their faces were blurred, indistinct. They called her name in a strange, echoing tone, their voices layered and surreal. Then, everything turned dark. She looked up to see the moon, radiant and unnaturally bright. A deep unease settled over her as her vision began to change—the world around her turning red, as if bathed in blood.

Shouts of terror reached her ears. She looked around, only to see the people running away from her, their faces twisted in fear. Confused, she took a step back and caught sight of a puddle of water nearby. A horrible chill ran down her spine as she leaned in to look at her reflection.

A monstrous face stared back at her. Demonic, grotesque, and unlike anything she had ever seen before.

She screamed. Then everything shattered into nothingness.

Waking Up to Concern

"Mariposa! Mariposa! Wake up!" A familiar voice broke through the haze.

Her eyes shot open, her breath ragged and uneven. Kaiser was beside her, his face filled with concern. "What happened? You were thrashing in your sleep," he said.

Mariposa wiped the sweat from her forehead, her heart still pounding. "Just a bad dream," she muttered, trying to sound nonchalant.

Nyx, the little liemur, scampered up onto her shoulder, pressing its small body against her in comfort. She took a deep breath and forced a weak smile.

Kaiser gave her a long look before nodding. "Get yourself ready. We're heading to the AWL now."

The AWL Reassessment

The Grimknights gathered at the People's Shop, where the AWL evaluation was set to take place. Each member stepped forward one by one, undergoing the assessment to measure their progress. Numbers flashed on the assessment devices as their updated capabilities were displayed. Some had improved significantly, while others found themselves needing to focus on certain skills. The reassessment was a necessary step, ensuring that they were well-prepared for whatever awaited them next.

A Desperate Plea

In the middle of their assessment, a civilian rushed into the shop, his face flushed and drenched in sweat. He was panting, clearly exhausted from running.

"Please... you have to help me!" he gasped, trying to catch his breath. "A group of bandits is harassing my farm. They've threatened to burn it down if I don't give them a quota—an absurd amount of genny and sacks of rice! I don't have that kind of money!"

Henry listened intently, then exchanged glances with the others. He didn't hesitate. "We'll help," he stated firmly.

Before the man could express his gratitude, Espada crossed her arms and asked, "What can you offer us in return?"

Elric shot her a glare, clearly displeased with the question. But after a moment, he seemed to realize that while they were willing to help, they still had a journey ahead—one that required supplies and resources.

The man hesitated before replying, "I... I will see to it that you're paid with something. It won't be much, but I'll give you what I can."

Henry nodded, satisfied with the arrangement. "That settles it. We ride at once."

A Journey to the Farmlands

With their horses prepared, the Grimknights followed the desperate man to the outskirts of Fagora City. As they approached, a vast farmland stretched before them, its golden fields illuminated by the morning sun. The sight was breathtaking—a stark contrast to the tension that loomed over the area.

The Grimknights observed their surroundings as they rode closer. "Not a bad place," Kaiser murmured.

"Yeah, shame it's under threat," Espada added. "Looks like these bandits don't just want money. They want control."

Elric, riding alongside them, remained quiet, his sharp gaze scanning the area.

A House of Worries

They finally arrived at a farmhouse, where several farmer maids were hard at work. The smell of freshly harvested wheat filled the air. The civilian led them inside the house, where they would further discuss the bandits they were about to face.

The tension in the air was heavy, but the Grimknights were ready. Another battle awaited them, but this time, it wasn't just their journey at stake—it was the livelihoods of the people before them.

And they would not let these bandits win.

Part 3: The Tremors

The Night Looms Over the Farmland

The sun had long since dipped beneath the horizon, casting a shroud of darkness over the vast farmland. The air was thick with the scent of soil and freshly harvested grain, but it was the distant howls of the lycan wolves that sent an eerie chill down the spines of those gathered. The Grimknights sat in a circle around a crackling bonfire, its flickering flames casting wavering shadows across their faces. Their host, Lauron, the owner of the farm, sat among them, his face etched with worry.

Lauron's voice was low and hushed as he recounted the bandits' recent activities. "They come without warning," he said, staring into the fire. "Ransacking our barns, taking our supplies, threatening my workers… If we fail to meet their demands, they promise to burn the entire farm to the ground."

"Do you know their leader?" Henry asked, his sharp gaze fixed on the farmer.

Lauron hesitated before nodding. "He wears a metal mask. A mask with no expression, no mouth—just hollow eyes staring through it."

A Familiar Name

At this, Elric, who had been listening silently, suddenly straightened. "I've heard of that masked bandit before," he muttered. All eyes turned to him as he leaned forward, arms resting on his knees. "They say he and his group roam the Ghea Mountain."

"The Ghea Mountain?" Espada asked, raising an eyebrow. "How do you know that?"

Elric exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Because I'm from Mondotiacum," he admitted. "It's located northwest of Woodsaw, past the Ghea Mountain. Before reaching Blazzarene, that land is a battlefield. War never ends there."

For a moment, the group fell silent, allowing Elric's words to settle. He was not one to talk about his past, but now, for the first time, he let himself remember.

Elric's Memories of Mondotiacum

(Insert flashback details: Describe the harsh realities of Mondotiacum—constant battles, the struggle to survive, and perhaps a significant event in Elric's past that shaped him into the warrior he is today.)

Gathering Information

Lauron cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. "There's one more thing," he continued. "The bandits always arrive on horseback. They are skilled riders."

Kaiser, who had been leaning back against a wooden crate, finally spoke up. "How often do they come here?"

Lauron sighed. "Every few weeks. But lately, their visits have been more frequent… and more aggressive."

The group exchanged glances, knowing that the bandits could return at any moment.

Kaiser's Lingering Thoughts

One by one, the Grimknights retired to their makeshift beds inside the farmhouse, but Kaiser remained by the bonfire. He stared into the flames, lost in thought. His mind drifted to his last battle with Carmela, the raw ferocity of their duel still fresh in his memory. And then, there was the horrifying image of Alzalel consuming Rosa, her screams echoing in his head.

A voice whispered in his mind. "I had to do that. Consuming her will help us grow stronger."

Kaiser clenched his fists. Alzalel was right. Strength was necessary. Without it, survival was impossible.

"I have to train harder," he murmured to himself. As if responding to his determination, a shadow dagger materialized in his hand, its dark aura pulsating. He stared at it for a long time before finally closing his eyes, letting the fire's warmth soothe his restless mind.

A New Day on the Farm

Morning arrived with the noisy crowing of roosters and the rhythmic pounding of hammers against wood. The Grimknights slowly stirred awake, stretching and rubbing sleep from their eyes.

Bjorn was the first to head outside, yawning loudly as he stretched his massive arms. Espada was already up, sharpening her sword, while Elric cleaned his mace and flail with practiced ease. Kaiser sat on the farmhouse steps, watching Nyx playfully chase a field mouse, while Mariposa combed through her hair, still lost in thought about the night before.

Lauron soon called them over, gesturing toward the farmland. "Come, let me show you how we work."

The Grimknights followed him, watching as farmers moved with impressive efficiency, their hands a blur of motion as they harvested crops and stored grains. An elderly woman approached Bjorn, handing him a large stack of wheat. "You look strong, lad. Help me carry this."

Bjorn chuckled and took the bundle—only to nearly stumble under its unexpected weight. He then adjusted his grip. The others laughed as he eventually managed to carry the stack, grumbling under his breath.

The Bandits Arrive

The peaceful morning was suddenly shattered by a distant tremor beneath their feet. The ground rumbled as if a hundred horses were galloping in unison.

Lauron's face paled. "They're here."

"Everyone, hide among the wheat fields!" Henry ordered quickly.

The Grimknights moved swiftly, positioning themselves behind the tall stalks of wheat, keeping their hands on their weapons. From their hiding spots, they watched as the bandits rode into the farmland, dust rising beneath their horses' hooves.

And then, amidst the group of raiders, they saw him—the masked man.

His hollow eyes stared ahead, devoid of emotion, as his horse came to a slow stop. The bandits dismounted, their hands resting on their weapons, their gazes scanning the farm like predators surveying their prey.

The Grimknights tightened their grips. The battle was about to begin.

Part 4: The Arrival of the Stallion

 The Distant Tremors

The golden wheatfields swayed gently under the mid-afternoon sun, a deceptive calm resting over the farmlands. The only sound was the occasional rustling of crops in the wind—until the ground began to tremble.

At first, it was faint, almost imperceptible. Then, like an oncoming storm, the rhythmic pounding of galloping hooves grew louder. Dust clouds rose in the distance, signaling an approaching force.

Hidden within the wheatfield, Henry, Bjorn, Espada, Elric, Mariposa, and Kaiser—the Grimknights—waited in tense silence. Their hands hovered over their weapons, ready, watching.

A group of horsemen emerged, their numbers in the dozens. They carried crude weapons—maces, sabers, and bows slung across their backs. Their leader rode at the front. He was taller than the rest, dressed in black and gold armor. A long cloak of tattered crimson billowed behind him. A masked man.

The Stallion had arrived.

The Bandits of Ghea Mountains

For years, these bandits had terrorized the Ghea Mountains, descending like locusts upon defenseless villages and trade routes. Their leader, known only as Stallion, was a ghost of a man—no one had ever seen his real face, nor knew his true name. Even among his own men, he was a figure shrouded in secrecy. But his reputation needed no face. Wherever his name was spoken, fear followed.

They were not selective in their cruelty. Rich or poor, strong or weak—it didn't matter. They took whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted.

And today, they had set their sights on this farmland.

Chaos at the Farmland

The farmers could do nothing as the bandits stormed in, kicking over barrels, ransacking carts, and forcing terrified villagers into the dirt.

One of the men grabbed a young boy by the collar, lifting him off the ground."You little rats been hiding food from us?" the bandit growled.

An elderly woman, frail but defiant, stepped forward. She had been the same one who earlier asked Bjorn for help carrying wheat. "Please, we have barely enough to feed our own!" she pleaded.

The bandit sneered. Then, without warning—his hand lashed out, striking her across the face.

A sharp gasp echoed through the air. The woman staggered, falling to the ground.

Bjorn saw red.

His pulse roared in his ears. The iron weight of his war axe felt like an extension of his fury as he lunged forward.

The Grimknights Engage

Bjorn's attack shattered the moment of stillness like a crack of thunder.

With one powerful swing, his axe caught the offending bandit square in the chest, sending him crashing into the dirt with a choked gasp. Blood seeped from the wound, and the air exploded into chaos.

There was no going back now.

Henry surged forward, slamming his shield into an oncoming attacker, sending the man sprawling. Espada, her blades a blur, sprinted toward the mounted archers, cutting them down before they could even nock their arrows. Elric raised a hand, preparing to summon his entity—Nessie—its massive form looming to strike fear into their enemies.

Through it all, Kaiser remained beside Mariposa, his blade drawn but his focus entirely on her safety.

The bandits retaliated in force, but for all their numbers, they had not anticipated the sheer might of the Grimknights.

Yet, through the whirlwind of violence, Stallion did not move.

The Stallion's Power

The battlefield slowly fell into silence as the remaining bandits pulled back, forming a tense line behind their leader. The farmers, trembling, watched as the Grimknights stood in front of them, their weapons stained with fresh blood.

Then, Stallion finally dismounted.

The weight of his presence alone sent a shiver through the air. His boots crunched against the dirt as he stepped forward, his masked face unreadable.

"You made a wrong decision," he said softly.

Then—power erupted from him.

A devastating aura surged outward, an invisible force crashing over the field like an unforgiving tidal wave. The farmers collapsed where they stood, their bodies unable to withstand the sheer pressure of it. A young man, the only one who resisted, fell to his knees, trembling violently.

Even Mariposa let out a weak breath before falling unconscious.

It was King's Presence—a Hand of God ability.

Slowly, Stallion drew his scimitar. Its long, curved blade glowed with dark, jagged markings, as though it had been scorched by an unholy fire.

"If only I didn't have other matters to attend to," he mused, leveling the blade toward them. "You would all be kissing the dirt right now."

But just as quickly as he had revealed his power, he sheathed his weapon and turned away, walking back toward his horse. The bandits quickly gathered their fallen comrades, mounting up without another word.

In mere moments, they were gone.

Aftermath

As the dust settled, the Grimknights were left standing in the wreckage of the farmland.

Kaiser turned to Henry, his face grim. "What was that power?"

Henry sighed, shaking his head. "That was King's Presence. A Hand of God ability." His grip on his sword tightened. "Now that we know he has it, we cannot take this lightly."

There was no time to waste. They moved quickly to help the farmers.

Bjorn ran to the old woman, his breath unsteady. He looked the eyes of the old woman. She gave him a weak nod, and relief flooded his chest.

Kaiser lifted Mariposa gently into his arms, her unconscious form limp against him.

This was no ordinary enemy. They had faced danger before, but this… this was different.

The Bandits' Departure

The convoy of bandits rode in near silence. The night stretched before them, their torches flickering against the darkened plains.

A bandit rode closer to Stallion, his voice edged with frustration."We should've just killed them," he grumbled.

Stallion stopped his horse.

Slowly, he turned to look at the man.

The bandit barely had time to react before he caught sight of Stallion's eyes beneath the mask—cold, sharp, utterly devoid of mercy.

A chill ran down his spine. He swallowed hard and immediately backed away, not daring to speak another word.

Just then, a rider approached, his armor marked with the insignia of a messenger. He bowed deeply.

"Sire, your presence has been requested… by your siblings."

The Truth Behind Stallion

The truth about Stallion was far more terrifying than simple banditry.

He was one of the Four Horsemen.

He represented Famine, a harbinger of suffering and ruin.

And he was not alone.

Three others walked this world—Plague, Death, and Abyss—each waiting for their time to strike.

The Grimknights had just faced one Horseman.

But the real war… had yet to begin.