............"This is really dangerous. I am not sure why this beast was chasing them, but from their condition, we can conclude that we lost those young, promising knights to its claws," Commander Roland said after assessing the situation and Commander Brian's condition."Hmm, it seems we might have poked a beehive this time," Commander Liam uttered in a serious tone, understanding they couldn't relax as long as the beast loomed over them."We need to at least check what kind of beast it is. Otherwise, we won't be able to make any countermeasures," Commander Anki suggested, and both Roland and Liam nodded, knowing they couldn't just wait indefinitely for the beast to emerge from the forest."Alright, for now let's keep watch on it. We can't do anything today since it's getting late. We need to keep an eye on the beast ourselves and take turns to watch it. We can't leave this to the other knights," Roland said, noting the sun going down and darkness approaching.He suggested monitori
............Back to Crystalbrook City, "How did you even end the vermin of Verdiara City?" Aarav asked as he sat across from Aeliana, with Eina and Astrid beside him.Phi had gone with Aria to drop her off at the university.After the previous night's celebration, everyone had let loose, so nobody was sober enough to have a conversation with Aeliana.After their morning headache tea, Aarav asked her about her experience in Verdiara City, how she cleaned up the city's trash, and what kind of people she met along the way."Well... it wasn't so difficult at first because none of them thought someone like me would directly start raiding their hideouts and capturing them. The only difficulty I had was with the last few rats who slipped through my clutches," Aeliana said as she shared her experience with her lord, Astrid, and Eina."You had quite the adventurous experience. What are your plans for Crystalbrook City?" Aarav asked, surprised at how she handled the black market in Verdiara
............"I'm off, Aeliana and Astrid!" Aarav waved at them, and they waved back as he left to attend the party organized by the Von family especially for him.A few moments later, Aarav arrived at the familiar place. He couldn't help but have a wry smile; each time he came to this restaurant, he had to face a troubling matter."Elite Epicurean..."Shaking his head, he gestured to the politely bowing guards and handed them his car keys to park it before he entered the restaurant.Arriving at the spot booked by Felix Von, who waved at him enthusiastically and gestured for him to take a seat beside him and Asher Von, Aarav greeted them, "Good day to you all!""Good day to you, Mr. Veridian," the trio greeted back politely."Thank you for taking the time to grace us with your presence!" Felix Von said with a happy smile."No, it's my pleasure to be here," Aarav replied, shaking his head at Felix Von's excitement and smiling.The table was soon filled with a sumptuous array of dishe
............"Fine, no need to worry. It's not like your words are wrong. It all happened because of my stupid parents." Bella waved her hand dismissively. Seeing Mrs. Von's apologetic look, Bella calmed down and spoke in a calmer tone, blaming her parents for everything."Oh, so there are still parents like those who can't judge what's best for their children. I'm really looking forward to seeing such parents who had the audacity to judge Mr. Veridian, such a great man, with arrogance!" Harsha Von commented, a little anger in her tone. Felix and Asher Von also showed anger in their eyes but remained composed.'Sorry, Mother and Father, I think you really need to learn a harsh lesson about your behavior towards my great brother-in-law!' Bella thought to herself as she crossed her arms and waited for her parents, also giving them a call.A short while later, Antonio and Sophia Rossi arrived at their table and noticed Bella sitting there.After Bella introduced Felix Von and Harsha Vo
............An hour before Aarav heard the disturbing news.Outside the great wall of Quartzgate City, facing the forest.“Boommn…Crasssshhh…!”Loud noises echoed everywhere as Commander Anki Valorcrest, Commander Liam Battlesteel, and Commander Roland Knightshield were flung around the field like rag dolls by the monstrous entity known as the Shadowbeast.“Cough…cough…damn it!” Roland cursed as he stood up after being thrown by the beast’s attack. He landed hard, making his insides churn, and he spat out blood.“How are we going to defeat this beast? I’m already worn out and injured. Luna and Anki aren’t in any better condition than me!” Roland muttered, gripping his sturdy shield with one hand and his sharp sword with the other.He observed his fellow commanders and saw their sluggish movements and bloodied bodies. It was clear they were in no better shape than he was."Chiiichiiii...!"The Shadowbeast roared, its eyes glowing with a malevolent light as it walked toward the comman
............"Here...eat up and go on a rampage. Make sure to break down that sturdy wall before ravaging the city further...Hahahah!" The man opened the bag and then jumped on the beast's slightly open mouth, dumping all the cursed tools inside.The punk-style man retreated as silently as he had appeared. Without drawing any attention, he disappeared into the city, climbing the great wall.Meanwhile, the beast, unaware of the man's actions, began to pulse like a volcano about to erupt. Its energy skyrocketed to such a high degree that it started to form a solid mass around its body.The air crackled with power as the beast's transformation continued, its muscles bulging and its eyes glowing with an unholy light.The knights on the wall watched in horror as the creature underwent this terrifying metamorphosis. They knew they were facing a threat unlike anything they had encountered before."Hurry up! Someone inform the Commanders and the Supreme Commander, we need their help right no
............"Chiiiiichiiii....!!"The beast roared and charged through the elite knights, its massive form plowing through their ranks as if they were nothing more than leaves in a storm. "Ahhhh....Booommnn...crashhh....!!"One by one, the elite knights fell, their efforts to strike the creature proving futile against its immense power."Booomn....Bammm....!!"With a terrifying roar, the beast turned its attention to the wall. It reared back and slammed its body against the stone, each impact sending shockwaves through the structure. The commanders and the remaining knights watched in horror as cracks spread and stone crumbled."Boomnn...Crashshh....!!"The great wall, their last line of defense, began to break down slowly. Rubble cascaded from the top as the beast continued its relentless assault, smashing its body against the wall over and over again.From atop the wall, Commander Roland, Commander Liam, and Commander Anki could see the inevitable. The color drained from their fa
............She wanted to take them to the healing quarters right away, but when she looked back, she saw their knights being killed like cabbages by the shadows."Please... cough... cough... please leave us be and help those knights. Stop the beast. We... cough... cough... can't let it enter the city... cough..." Roland and Liam coughed up blood, but they still reminded Anki of what was more important."I... please hold on. I'm sure the Leader will be here soon... please just hold on until then!" Anki said, trying to convince herself. But Liam and Roland gestured for her to go and do what was necessary.With a heavy heart, Anki nodded, her eyes filled with determination. She knew she had to protect the city and the knights, no matter the cost."Please hold on... I will do my best to stop this beast until I have even one breath left!" She muttered as she turned and charged back into the fray, her rapier flashing as she fought with a heart filled with rage.Her knights, inspired by h