The Blade Dance

Prologue: A World Shrouded in Shadows

The cold night air came with bone-chilling arrogance. The air was stiff and thick, giving the sense that this night was full of dark secrets hidden in the darkness. The endless dark sky was covered in thick black clouds, leaving not the slightest gap for the moonlight to penetrate the night.

Sinners City is a small place looked down upon by many as a place where criminals and traitors gather. Nestled in the middle of a lush forest and flanked by hills, the town has become a sanctuary for people considered a "disgrace" by the Eroth Empire. However, unlike the stories, Sinners are a peaceful and prosperous city.

The townspeople enjoyed a harmonious life under the wise and just leadership of Olaf. Despite their tarnished reputation, the Sinners live with dignity and courage. They built their homes among the towering trees, and the sound of the wind whispering among the leaves lent a magical feel to the evening atmosphere.

The city is home to the Sinners Clan, a group of people who are considered outcasts. However, they have proven that there is no truth in the stereotype attached to them. They live with honesty and support each other, creating a strong familial bond between them.

As the rain began to fall, the sound of water droplets falling to the ground filled the silence with the night. The sound became a soft, soothing song, providing a kind of tranquillity in the silence of the night that felt so thick. The raindrops that rubbed the face of the ground also gave hope for the freshness that would come after the rain passed.

Sinners, a city surrounded by lush forests, exudes an aura of life and natural beauty. On this night, deep tranquillity pervades the city, and it is possible that behind the dark impression given by their name, lies unexpected kindness and light.

Who knows where the cruel idea came from, no one knows for sure, but the rumors spread throughout the empire and even reached the ears of the Emperor, the long silence of the rumors became an unstoppable unrest.

Finally, the Emperor ordered his advisors to gather all the Clan leaders, knowing that this situation needed a serious solution. When the time came, the Clan leaders gathered in a large and magnificent room in the imperial palace.

However, unbeknownst to the Emperor, his advisors had forged a secret alliance with the other Clan leaders, intending to eliminate representation from Clan Sinner at this meeting. They had decided that the Sinners' voices should not be heard and their influence should be banished. When the Emperor entered the room with steady steps, he did not realize that there was a void among the Clan representatives present.

The big discussion began with a tense atmosphere. The other Clan leaders spoke with passion and sharp arguments, trying to convince each other of the decision to be made. The Emperor watched closely, trying to understand each leader's point of view and find a solution that was fair to all.

However, when the Sinners' representatives did not show up, the Emperor began to feel suspicious. He raised his concerns to his advisor, asking why the Sinners' representatives were not there. His advisor calmly replied that the Sinners' representative refused to attend, leaving the Emperor feeling disappointed and sad.

Inwardly, the Emperor felt that something was wrong. He knew that the presence of the Sinners was an essential part of a fair decision-making process. Although his advisors tried to convince him that decisions could be made without them, the Emperor felt disconnected from the most marginalized voices of his people.

The absence of the Sinners' representatives left a void in the Emperor's heart. He realized how important it was to listen to all sides and observe fairness in the decision-making process. The Emperor hoped that the Sinners' representatives could understand this decision as something done with sadness and hope for a better future.

However, before the Emperor could speak his mind, the decision had already been made. In a majority decision, the Clan leaders agreed on the fate of Clan Sinners. Although the Emperor disagreed with this cruel decision, he felt powerless to change the tide. He lamented that Clan Sinners would face a grim fate.

In this situation, the Emperor had to suppress his personal feelings and face the consequences of the decision that had been taken together. In his heart, he wished there was a more just and humane solution for all parties involved.

After a discussion full of intrigue, they finally decided on a decision, Clan de Sinners must be exterminated. Many disagreed with the cruel decision including the Emperor himself, but unfortunately, they still had to follow the majority decision. It was from that decision that today's massive battle took place.

The troops sent were not playing games, even the Knight Veterans and the Emperor also participated in this extermination. They were not without the intention of sending the country's strongest troops, because Clan de Sinners was led by Olaf the Hero, the old man was the current Emperor's combat partner— Gleothain the Conqueror when the Anthares Continent was heavily invaded by the Dragon army. With the cooperation of the two of them, the Dragon King Luthien was successfully eliminated and managed to repel the remaining large winged creatures to return to their lair in the Dragon Hearts.

A sense of foreboding pervades the city as whispers of political unrest and hidden agendas reach the city. Olaf, aware of the impending danger, gathered his entire clan to defend their home.

Chaos ensues in the city of Sinners as the combined forces launch a surprise attack, to eliminate any potential threat to the emperor's rule. As they invaded, the peaceful atmosphere of the city turned into terrifying chaos.

The Emperor's troops broke through the city's defenses with unprecedented brutality. Soldiers in black armor and fearsome helmets weaved through the streets that once bustled with daily life. Their steps were filled with thunderous sounds, destroying whatever was in front of them.

A horrifying sight began to unfold before the innocent townspeople. Panicked screams, cries, and cries of despair filled the air. Houses were torn down and burned to the ground. People were shouted at and pushed outside, indiscriminately.

Blood rushed through the streets of the city, turning it into a terrifying stream of red. Innocent bodies lay on the streets, leaving a horrifying scene of the atrocities of war. The piercing smell of blood and the stench of rotting open wounds filled the air, creating a tense aura around the previously peaceful city.

Fires raged in various corners, greedily devouring houses and buildings. Thick puffs of black smoke floated in the sky, creating a gloomy sky. The temperature rose, creating an atmosphere that felt increasingly burned by the fires of destruction.

There were sounds of madness and despair, cries of people struggling to beg for mercy or trying to escape. However, their voices were drowned out by the merciless ferocity of the Emperor's troops. They continued to advance, carrying out orders ruthlessly and mercilessly. Everyone was slaughtered indiscriminately, including innocent women and children. Even the rain could not stem the rancid odor that evaporated and pierced every nose of the people there.

The city that was once beautiful and full of life was now a field of destruction and fear. The thunderous sound of swords, the heavy steps of soldiers, and cries of anguish merged into a symphony of chaos that filled the city. The once peaceful city became a mess and innocent lives were lost.

Piles of corpses were scattered everywhere, even people who begged for mercy for their breath were not left alive. Not to mention the claustrophobia caused by the smoke from the fires that were extinguished by the rain spreading all over the place.

This scene reminds us of the unimaginable sadness and suffering that can occur in war. In this chaos, lives are destroyed, there is no mercy, and humanity is cut short.

In the midst of the chaos, several Knight Veterans and generals of the kingdom surrounded an old man who was now clutching tightly one of his great Swords, his expression was unimaginable, and his eyes were sharp but in the corner of his eyes, there was a deep sadness. He was Olaf the Hero.

No one dared to attack the old man, the royal officials looked exhausted, and not a few were seriously injured. Until finally the circle was split by the steps of a person dressed in white armor in his left hand there was a large Shield with a lion symbol then he tightly grasped a long Spear. The old man looked the brightest in the darkness of the night. As if understanding the people who had previously circled suddenly backed themselves to give distance to the two friends who would soon make their reunion.

Gleothain, an emperor with an aura of authority and righteousness, stood tall as he faced his friend who now stood in front of him. Olaf stood tall as his anger turned into a cold and threatening figure. His eyes once filled with warmth, now shone with icy determination. The weight of their shared history and the tragedy to come hung in the air.

It didn't take long for Olaf and Gleothain to begin their reunion, there was a loud clash of weapons as they met, the ground shook from their footing as the wind whistled against each other from the sparks of the two friends' weapon swings, it was obvious that a great force was clashing.

All eyes were fixed on the fierce battle, they realized it would be impossible to enter the duel. Those who witnessed this fight were the lucky ones who would witness the history of the best fight on the Anthares continent. They couldn't even blink their eyes. This seemed to be the main course that was not to be missed.

Olaf fought with unparalleled skill and unwavering determination, defending the honor of his clan and seeking justice for the fallen. His attacks are precise, his every move is a testament to his years of training and dedication to protecting his people.

Whereas Gleothain, driven by the darkness that has overcome him, fights with ruthless aggression. His attacks are calculated and ferocious, driven by a desire to remove all obstacles to his power. However, beneath his cold exterior, glimpses of regret and sadness can be seen in his eyes.

This battle was a display of contrasting emotions and conflicting loyalties. Gleothain, torn between duty and friendship, attempts to reason with Olaf, hoping to resurrect the remnants of their once unbreakable bond.

Gleothain swiftly launched the first attack, waving his Spears toward Olaf with lightning speed. However, Olaf was able to dodge with incredible dexterity. He jumped nimbly, launching a precise counterattack with his Sword. The two exchanged quick and impressive strikes in the pouring rain.

Gleothain used his unstoppable strength and impressive battle skills. He spun his Spears with mesmerizing skill, creating a circle of protection around him. His attacks brought a hail of spears toward Olaf, testing the Hero's courage and agility.

Olaf, with his deadly speed and skill, dodged every attack with perfect body movements. He moved with a speed that was hard to follow, swinging his Sword with mesmerizing precision. His attacks were purposeful and powerful, trying to penetrate Gleothain's defenses.

However, Gleothain remained unwavering. He fought back with impressive strength, countering each of Olaf's attacks with incredible precision and power. His spears struck, breaking through Olaf's defenses and leaving deep scars.

The battle was fierce and intense, both bodies covered in wounds and scars. But Gleothain's strength and endurance proved superior. He was able to utilize his Spears with unparalleled skill, turning every move into a deadly strike.

The battle became increasingly uncontrollable as Olaf and Gleothain launched powerful attacks at each other, each driven by their own beliefs. The clash of steel rang out, accompanied by the roar of fire and the cries of the wounded, until finally, the fierce, long battle came to an end, signaled by a blinding flash of light.

In a deadly final attack, Gleothain landed a fatal blow on Olaf. The piercing sound of the metal tip of his spear-piercing flesh echoed throughout the battlefield. Olaf staggered, his eyes meeting Gleothain's one last time, a mixture of sorrow and regret etched on his face.

As the sight of the surrounding people began to return, they thundered violently while shouting one name. Olaf lay lifeless before Gleothain. It was a great treat for those who witnessed this history. King Gleothain's cry continued to explode triumphantly. But Gleothain did not feel it.

The heartbreaking moment came when the Emperor was overwhelmed with grief at the loss of his dear friend. Gleothain was overwhelmed by a flood of conflicting emotions. He was both emperor and mourner, having lost his dearest friend at his own hands. Regret and sorrow washed over him as the weight of his actions settled on his conscience.

The old man was seen standing upright in front of the corpse of his former best friend. Olaf lay lifeless on the ground, a symbol of the tragic downfall of their friendship. the city of Sinners was left in ruins, the people were devastated at the loss of their leader. The emperor's heart was sliced by all this and unconsciously in the small corner of his eyes flowed tears of sorrow, a moment that no one could see because the rain managed to cover the honourable Emperor's sadness.

Their mission had succeeded, the greatest massacre in the history of the Empire had been written. Some think this is an achievement but not a few people feel pity and consider this a disgrace to the Kingdom.

***

During the victory celebration, in the corner of the border, a little boy was seen running while dripping with tears, even to scream he could not. With a broken heart, he tried to escape from the pursuit of two Imperial soldiers. He ran without direction into the Yaban Forest, known as the last frontier of the city. He only continued to follow his father's message to keep running into the old forest until he found its end.

Surrounded by dense foliage and winding paths, it provided the perfect cover for the little boy's escape. He darted through the bushes, his breathing ragged and his senses heightened, his every move guided by instinct.

Two soldiers, driven by an intense determination to catch him, gave chase, their heavy boots pounding on the forest floor. Their shouts and the clanking of weapons echoed through the trees, a reminder of the approaching danger.

The mist that hung in the air obscured his path, creating an eerie atmosphere in the forest. It enveloped him in a veil of anonymity, making it difficult for the soldiers to pinpoint his exact location as he disappeared into the ethereal mist.

The boy's heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he pushed himself to his physical limits. Fear and determination mixed within him, giving him an intense focus to survive. He knew that escaping the soldiers was not only a matter of his own life but also a chance to seek justice for his fallen clan.

Halfway through he was out of breath, his energy had evaporated he intended to stop for a moment, but he could not because the two soldiers did not give up on capturing him. There were shouts of intimidation from the two soldiers. It was getting darker and he could barely see his way because of the large and dense trees in the forest.

Unconsciously he realized that right in front of his eyes was a ravine, the little man tried to stop his running but when he tried to step on his pedestal he slipped, his small body rolled around he could not feel his body anymore he bounced here and there after a few minutes his body lay at the bottom of the valley. He tried to regain consciousness but his head felt like it was spinning violently. His eyes tried to blink a few times until he finally gave up and soon only darkness was felt.

*****