Main Content
Archive of Our Own betaArchive of Our OwnLog In
FandomsBrowseSearchAboutWork Search
tip: arthur merlin words>1000 sort:hits
Actions
Entire Work ← Previous Chapter Next Chapter → Chapter Index Comments Share Download
Work Header
Rating:
General Audiences
Archive Warning:
Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category:
F/M
Fandoms:
Re:ゼロから始める異世界生活 | Re:Zero Starting Life in Another World (Anime)陰の実力者になりたくて! | The Eminence in Shadow (Anime)陰の実力者になりたくて! | The Eminence in Shadow - Aizawa Daisuke (Light Novels)
Relationships:
Emilia/Natsuki SubaruBeta & Cid KagenouAlpha & Cid KagenouGamma & Cid KagenouNatsuki Subaru/RemBeatrice & Natsuki SubaruNatsuki Subaru/SatellaEmilia & Natsuki SubaruNatsuki Subaru & RamEmilia & Puck (Re:Zero)Reinhard van Astrea & Natsuki SubaruReinhard van Astrea & FeltFelix Argyle | Ferris & Reinhard Van Astrea & Julius Juukulius | Julius EucliusNatsuki Subaru & Otto SuwenRam & Rem (Re:Zero)Crusch Karsten/Fourier LugnicaTheresia van Astrea/Wilhelm van AstreaReinhard Van Astrea & Wilhelm Van AstreaPetra Leyte & Natsuki SubaruFelix Argyle | Ferris & Natsuki SubaruDelta/Cid KagenouDelta & Cid KagenouRam/Cid KagenouPriscilla Barielle & Cid KagenouNatsuki Subaru & Cid Kagenou
Characters:
Natsuki SubaruCid KagenouAlpha (Eminence in Shadow)Delta (Eminence in Shadow)Beta (Eminence in Shadow)Gamma (Eminence in Shadow)Emilia (Re:Zero)Rem (Re:Zero)Ram (Re:Zero)Petra LeytePetelgeuse Romanée-ContiReinhard van AstreaRoswaal L MathersSatella (Re:Zero)Otto SuwenFourier LugnicaPuck (Re:Zero)Felix Argyle | FerrisFelt (Re:Zero)Wilhelm van AstreaTheresia van AstreaAnastasia HoshinPriscilla BarielleCrusch KarstenJulius Juukulius | Julius EucliusAldebaran | Al (Re:Zero)Sphinx (Re:Zero)Echidna the Witch (Re:Zero)Pandora (Re:Zero)Regulus CorneasBeatrice (Re:Zero)Volcanica (Re:Zero)Stride Vollachia
Additional Tags:
Isekai and TransmigrationCrossoverCrossover PairingsTime TravelSecond ChancesDestructionCanonical Character DeathTemporary Character DeathCharacter DeathTime LoopDeveloping Relationship
Language:
English
Stats:
Published:2025-02-14Updated:2025-11-19Words:231,628Chapters:37/?Comments:1,433Kudos:1,431Bookmarks:159Hits:66,071
Re: Zero Shadow's Legacy
TheLostOrion
Chapter 6: Shadows Over Lugunica
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
As Cid Kagenou walked through the streets of the Royal Capital of Lugunica in the early morning, the air was thick with tension.
The city, once a proud and bustling hub, now showed clear signs of hardship. Buildings bore the marks of past skirmishes, and the people moved with caution, their eyes filled with weariness. Some shops remained closed, while others sold goods at inflated prices. Even the knights patrolling the streets carried an air of unease, their armour slightly worn, their expressions grim.
"So, it really isn't a dream," Cid murmured to himself, his hands in his pockets. "This place is going through some tough times."
He continued walking, glancing at a group of merchants haggling over supplies and a mother hurriedly ushering her children inside a home. From what he had gathered, a civil war was raging between the kingdom and the demi-humans.
"If there's truly a war going on," he mused, "then why hasn't that hero ended it already?" His mind drifted to Reinhard van Astrea, the so-called Sword Saint.
The guy looked more than capable of handling a conflict like this. With his strength, ending the war should have been nothing more than a formality.
Cid stopped in his tracks and closed his eyes, focusing all his senses.
Yet, he felt nothing.
Cid's eyes slowly opened, his expression unreadable, but his thoughts sharp. "I don't feel his presence anywhere..." he muttered.
The idea that someone like Reinhard could be dead crossed his mind for a fleeting second, but he immediately rejected it. "No, that's impossible."
A few rushed past him, whispering about food shortages and border skirmishes. The war was more than just a distant conflict—it was changing the daily lives of everyone in the kingdom.
"I need to get more info about this event if I want to do something," Cid decided, his lips curling into a faint smirk.
Cid continued his leisurely stroll through the streets of the Royal Capital, his hands still in his pockets, when his gaze landed on a small commotion unfolding in a narrow alleyway.
A group of demi-humans—three in total—were cornering a frail old man and a young woman, their expressions filled with menace. The elderly man clutched a small sack tightly, his hands trembling as the demi-humans loomed over him.
"We ain't got time for this," one of them growled. "Hand it over, old man. Ain't fair humans gettin' to eat while we starve."
"B-But this is all I have..." the old man stammered. The woman beside him stepped forward protectively, but her courage wavered against the hostile glares of the demi-humans.
Cid stopped a fair distance away, watching the scene unfold.
Ah, I'd love to step in right now, say something cool, and make them all kneel in terror... But that would go against my background character persona.
He sighed internally.
But still…
Before he could dwell on it any further, a figure stepped forward.
"Alright, alright, break it up," the knight said in a careful tone, raising both hands as if defusing a tavern brawl. "No need to make a mess here, fellas."
The demi-humans sneered. "This ain't got nothing to do with you, knight."
"See, that's where you're wrong," the knight—Grimm Fauzen, as Cid picked up from murmurs in the crowd—replied with an easy grin. "Protecting people kinda is my job. Not that I'm all that great at it, but hey, gotta try, right?"
Cid arched a brow.
Not exactly the most intimidating presence.
The demi-humans, unimpressed, stepped forward. "You think we're scared of some no-name knight?"
Cid chuckled silently.
Well, I guess this guy's about to get beat up. That's one way to inspire the people—taking a hit for them.
But before the fight could escalate, something changed.
A suffocating, razor-sharp bloodlust filled the air, completely directed at the demi-humans.
The demi-humans froze, their skin breaking into a cold sweat. Their ears twitched, and their tails bristled in sheer terror. They turned their heads toward the knight.
"Wh-what the hell…?" one of them stammered.
Another took a shaky step back. "That guy… he's a monster…!"
Without another word, they bolted, pushing past civilians as they ran.
The knight blinked in confusion. "Huh?" He turned around, sensing something behind him.
Cid stood there, hands still in his pockets, expression blank.
The knight narrowed his eyes. "…Was that you?"
Cid tilted his head. "Was what me?"
After a moment, the knight shrugged. "Eh, whatever."
The gathered civilians rushed forward, gratitude in their eyes. "Sir Knight, thank you!"
"You saved us!"
Grimm scratched the back of his head, clearly surprised but enjoying the praise. "Oh, uh… yeah! No problem! Just doin' my knightly duties, you know?"
Cid watched the scene unfold, his smirk hidden beneath his aloof expression.
Later on...
As the two walked through the streets of the Royal Capital, the morning sun barely peeking through the overcast sky, Grimm glanced at Cid with a curious expression.
"So," Grimm began, hands resting lazily on his belt. "What squadron do you serve under?"
Cid, who had been leisurely observing his surroundings, tilted his head slightly. "Squadron?"
"Yeah," Grimm nodded. "You look too composed to be a commoner, and you carry yourself like someone who's seen a fight or two. So, what knight order are you with?"
Cid sighed internally.
Ah, great. He thinks I'm a knight now. If I say something too impressive, it'll ruin my background persona.
Time to downplay everything.
He put on an awkward smile and scratched his cheek. "Ah, well… I'm actually not that great with a sword. If anything, I'd just be a burden to others."
Grimm's eyebrows rose slightly before he looked off into the distance. A contemplative silence followed.
"I see…" he murmured. After a pause, he let out a soft chuckle. "I know how that feels sometimes."
Cid glanced at him. "You?"
Grimm gave a small nod, a faint, almost self-deprecating smile on his lips. "Yeah. Some days, I feel like I'm just a burden, too. Like, no matter what I do, I won't ever be as strong as the true knights—the real warriors of this kingdom."
Cid watched him, intrigued despite himself.
"But," Grimm continued, clenching his fist slightly, "I push forward anyway. Even if I'm not the strongest, even if I don't have the talent of a chosen hero, I can still help people. I can still make a difference, even in small ways. And maybe, just maybe, if I keep at it, one day… I'll be strong enough to protect what really matters."
Cid remained silent for a moment, staring at him. Then, he sighed internally.
Damn, I got into a side story now.
His lips curled up ever so slightly.
This guy looks like a side character who keeps the lime and cold protagonist in check.
Grimm's thoughts were interrupted by the distant chime of a bell. His eyes widened in realization before he groaned loudly and smacked his forehead.
"Ah! I'm late for the meeting with the commanders!"
Cid raised an eyebrow, watching as the knight insulted himself under his breath. "Idiot, idiot, idiot! I was supposed to be there ten minutes ago!"
Curious, Cid tilted his head. "Meeting with the commanders? What's that about?"
Grimm blinked at him in surprise. "Wait, you don't know?" He then crossed his arms and sighed. "Right, I guess not everyone's been informed yet. It's about the next battle—we're making a move near Aihiya Swamp."
Aihiya Swamp? Cid stored that piece of information in the back of his mind.
Grimm took a step back, shaking his head. "Anyway, I gotta run! Try not to get caught up in anything too crazy, alright?" He waved a hand before sprinting off toward the meeting hall, dodging carts and pedestrians in his hurry.
Cid, now alone, let out a quiet chuckle, his smirk returning.
A battle incoming, huh?
He placed his hands in his pockets and stared at the sky, his expression unreadable. Then, a glint of excitement flashed in his eyes.
This is it. One of my wildest fantasies is about to become a reality.
As he turned on his heel, fully prepared to gather more information, his gaze landed on a man standing a few feet away, watching him with a sharp, calculating expression.
The stranger had long brown hair tied back into a tail, his sky-blue eyes piercing, and his features set in a stern expression. His posture was relaxed, but there was an unmistakable air of strength about him—one that instantly set him apart from the people around him.
Cid instinctively knew.
This one's way stronger than the other guys here.
The man narrowed his eyes slightly, taking in Cid's smirking face. Then, in a flat voice, he asked,
"What's your deal, grinning like a creep in the middle of the road?"
Cid quickly adjusted his expression and prepared to make up an excuse, but before he could finish, the man simply clicked his tongue and strode past him.
"Tch. Whatever."
Cid watched him go, blinking in mild surprise. Then, his smirk returned, and he muttered under his breath,
Damn. That guy pulled off the mysterious and cool act effortlessly. I should take notes for the future.
The Outskirts of the Royal Capital – Nightfall...
The sun had long set, and the outskirts of the Royal Capital were eerily quiet. Most of the buildings here were abandoned, their windows shattered, and their walls were covered in ivy. It was the kind of place people avoided at night—too many bad memories, too much emptiness.
Cid walked through the desolate streets, his hands still in his pockets. His eyes lazily scanned his surroundings, but his mind was elsewhere.
"Tomorrow's the big day," he murmured to himself. "The first real battle in this world… I have to make sure my performance is flawless."
For now, though, he needed a place to rest.
Just as he was about to settle near a crumbling wall, a voice cut through the silence—a voice laced with unmistakable irritation.
"Hmph. I never thought I'd see an idiot stepping all over the field in the middle of the night."
Cid blinked.
I knew she was there, but I didn't take her for the kind of girl to throw salty comments at an unknown man this late at night.
He tilted his head slightly toward the source of the voice, still shrouded in the darkness. "Wow, my bad. I usually try to avoid ruining people's night, but I guess I'm on a roll today."
A scoff came from the shadows, followed by an elegant yet pointed insult. "Your presence alone is enough to wither the flowers, let alone your careless steps. But I suppose I shouldn't expect refinement from a man who grins at nothing in the middle of the night."
Cid raised an eyebrow.
That was sophisticated. She's got class.
Glancing down, he finally noticed the crushed flowers beneath his boots. His inner monologue paused for a brief moment.
Crap, I didn't even notice. That's why she's acting like that with me.
For a split second, he considered playing it cool, but then he decided a different approach would be more fun.
He jumped back in exaggerated embarrassment, putting his hands up in surrender. "Ah—! My deepest apologies, noble flower guardian! I swear upon my honour as an average citizen, I didn't mean to step on your sacred garden!"
There was a brief silence before the girl stepped into the moonlight.
Her long red hair was tied into two ponytails, with a large portion left loose, adorned with delicate flowers that blended seamlessly with her natural beauty. Her sharp blue eyes held a mix of irritation and curiosity, and her pale complexion made her look almost ethereal under the dim light.
She pouted slightly, crossing her arms. "You certainly have a way with words… though I can't tell if you're mocking me or genuinely apologizing."
Cid smirked. "Why not both?"
The girl narrowed her eyes at him, but there was a hint of amusement hidden beneath her exasperation.
Cid, hands still in his pockets, glanced up at her.
So, I've somehow ended up in another side story again…
The girl let out a sigh, rubbing her temples as she fixed Cid with an expectant glare. "If you truly regret your actions, then do something about this mess." She gestured toward the crushed flowers beneath his boots. "Or are apologies all you're good for?"
Cid blinked, glancing down at the flowers before slowly raising his gaze back to her.
Wait, wait, wait. Hold on.
His eyes subtly widened as he took a second, more careful look at her.
Flowing red hair. Piercing blue eyes. A noble yet powerful aura.
No way.
His mind raced as he recalled the name that had crossed his thoughts earlier. The so-called Sword Saint, Reinhard van Astrea.
But Reinhard was a man.
Yet here, standing before him, was a girl who looked eerily similar—no, identical—to him.
If the whole kingdom got thrown into a civil war in a single day, then it wouldn't be that shocking if the hero somehow got turned into a girl, too… right?
No. That couldn't be the case. That would be ridiculous.
His thoughts were abruptly cut off when the girl frowned and snapped her fingers in front of his face. "Are you going to keep staring at me like a fool, or do you have something to say?"
Cid quickly adjusted his expression, snapping out of his daze.
Right. Background character mode. Stay humble.
He cleared his throat, lowering his gaze slightly in an attempt to seem deferential. "Apologies. I was just caught off guard by your presence."
The girl narrowed her eyes slightly as if trying to gauge his sincerity.
Cid, maintaining his act, tilted his head slightly and asked, "May I at least know the name of the lady I've offended?"
The girl hesitated. A flicker of surprise passed through her expression before she averted her gaze for a moment, as if debating whether or not to answer.
Then, with a composed yet measured tone, she finally spoke.
"Theresia… Theresia van Astrea."
As soon as Theresia introduced herself, Cid's inner thoughts went into overdrive.
I knew it.
That name. That look. That presence.
This girl is definitely Reinhard's twin sister!
Still, regardless of her relation to Reinhard, this girl was dangerous. Cid could feel it.
He had to tread carefully.
Lowering his gaze slightly, he put on a humble, slightly apologetic expression.
Background character mode—engage.
If I don't want Reinhard to sniff me out, I better treat this girl with extreme caution.
As he stayed still watching, Theresia let out a soft sigh and knelt down, beginning to carefully fix the damaged flowers with precise movements. Her fingers delicately brushed against the petals, and despite the darkness, she moved as if she had done this a hundred times before.
Then, without even looking at him, she gave a firm order.
"Well? Don't just stand there. You're going to help fix what you've ruined."
Cid's mind immediately kicked into high alert.
Operation 'No Matter What, Don't Get on This Girl's Bad Side'—start!
Without hesitation, he crouched down and began moving some of the flowers back into place, copying Theresia's movements as best as he could.
For a while, they worked in silence.
Then, just as Cid thought he might get through this without further trouble, Theresia suddenly spoke again.
"So," she said, her voice calm but expectant. "When are you going to ask?"
Cid blinked, looking up at her in confusion.
"Ask for what?"
Theresia continued fixing the flowers, not even sparing him a glance as she replied.
"What a girl of my age and status is doing in an abandoned place in the middle of the night."
Cid stilled for a brief second before quickly resuming his work, his mind sharpening.
She's testing me.
This girl wasn't just some noble wandering the streets. There was something else—something hidden beneath her elegant demeanour.
Cid subtly observed her movements, her posture, and her tone.
She might not be anywhere near Reinhard, but…
His eyes narrowed slightly as he focused on the weight of her presence, the sheer sense of power surrounding her.
This girl could clearly be as powerful as one of the Seven Shades.
Cid glanced at Theresia, observing her carefully. The way she had acted in front of him the moment he stepped on her flowers told him everything he needed to know.
She didn't see him as a threat.
"You know," Cid said with a slight smirk, his hands still occupied with fixing the flowers. "The way you spoke to me right after I stepped on your little garden… It was enough for me to tell that you didn't see me as a threat at all."
Theresia stayed silent, her fingers still carefully adjusting the delicate petals.
Then, with a small chuckle, he added, "If anything, I should be the one being careful around you."
Theresia finally stopped her movements, looking at him with those piercing blue eyes.
Cid met her gaze without hesitation and offered her a compliment. "You're strong. Stronger than anyone I've seen so far."
At that, Theresia let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "That's true," she admitted without arrogance. "You're certainly not as strong as me."
Cid raised an eyebrow at her honesty.
Then, after a small pause, Theresia continued, "But I'm also not as strong as you think I am."
Cid's expression shifted slightly. He took a moment to look at her again—not just at her presence, but at what lay beneath it.
He could see it now.
The raw potential within her was immense, like an untapped force waiting to be unleashed. And yet… something was holding her back.
No, not something—herself.
She was restraining herself.
Cid leaned back slightly, his gaze thoughtful. "I don't know much about this kind of stuff," he admitted. "But once, a mysterious man in a black coat told me something interesting."
Theresia raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Cid nodded, his voice turning distant, as if recalling the words of a wise mentor. "He said… 'All humans are meant to achieve greatness—if not for their own mind and way of thinking.'"
Theresia's expression shifted ever so slightly.
"He said that if one didn't overthink things, they could achieve any goal."
A breeze passed through the abandoned streets, rustling the petals of the surviving flowers.
Theresia remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking.
"This mysterious man…" she murmured, her gaze sharp and assessing. "Was he a human?"
Cid paused.
Ah. That's a good question.
He was clearly talking about himself—his Shadow persona. But to the people around him, Shadow wasn't exactly… human.
After a brief moment of consideration, Cid shrugged and gave an enigmatic smile. "He was. But not for anyone around him."
Theresia watched him closely, as if trying to decipher his meaning.
For the first time that night, Cid felt like he had genuinely piqued her interest.
Cid, realizing the precariousness of the situation, decided to tread lightly. He needed to keep the conversation light, casual, and most importantly, not at all threatening.
"So, uh," Cid began, scratching the back of his head awkwardly, "you come here often? Or is this, like, a one-time thing? Because, you know, the ambience is great—very post-apocalyptic chic. Perfect for a midnight stroll, if you're into that sort of thing."
Theresia raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of amusement and mild disbelief. "Are you always this… chatty with strangers you've just met in the middle of the night?"
Cid shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Only when I've accidentally trampled their flower garden. It's kind of my icebreaker. Works every time."
Theresia let out a small, almost imperceptible laugh but quickly composed herself. "You're an odd one," she said, her tone softening just a bit. "Most people would be running for the hills by now."
"Well, I'm not most people," Cid replied with a grin. "I'm more of a 'stand awkwardly in the ruins and hope for the best' kind of guy."
Theresia shook her head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You're certainly… unique."
Cid took that as a win. He had managed to lighten the mood without accidentally insulting her or stepping on any more flowers. Now, he just had to keep the conversation going without saying anything too stupid.
"You're not with the others," Theresia said, her tone calm but probing. "The army is gathering for the next push tomorrow. Why are you out here, wandering the outskirts alone?"
Cid froze for a split second, his mind racing to come up with a plausible excuse. He couldn't exactly tell her the truth—that he wasn't from around here. So, he did what he did best: he improvised.
"Oh, uh, well…" Cid scratched the back of his head, putting on his most sheepish grin. "I, uh… got lost. Yeah. Totally lost. You know how it is—one wrong turn, and suddenly you're in the middle of nowhere. Happens to me all the time."
Theresia's expression didn't change. She stared at him, unimpressed, her arms crossed over her chest. "Lost," she repeated flatly. "In the outskirts of the Royal Capital. Where the only thing between here and the army camp is a straight road."
Cid's grin faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Okay, fine, you got me. I… uh… needed some fresh air. Yeah. The camp was getting too stuffy. All those guys talking about strategy and formations—it's exhausting, you know? I just needed a break. A little me-time. Totally normal."
Theresia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as if she were dealing with a particularly stubborn child. "You do realize there's a civil war going on, don't you? The kingdom is on the brink of collapse, and here you are, wandering around like it's a leisurely stroll in the park."
Cid shrugged, trying to play it off. "Hey, I'm just one guy. What difference does it make if I'm there or not? The army's got plenty of people. They'll be fine without me."
Theresia's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Cid felt a chill run down his spine. There was something in her gaze—a sharpness, a weight—that made him realize he might have pushed his luck a little too far.
"If that's your attitude," she said, her voice low and measured, "then I worry for the others who are carrying the hopes of this kingdom. Men and women are risking their lives to protect what little we have left, and you're out here making excuses. Do you even care about what happens to this land?"
Cid's usual carefree demeanour faltered for a moment. He hadn't expected her to call him out so directly. He quickly scrambled to recover, raising his hands in a placating gesture.
"Whoa, whoa, hold on. I care, okay? I care a lot. I just… uh… have a different way of showing it. You know, like… unconventional methods. Yeah. I'm more of a behind-the-scenes kind of guy. I do my best work when no one's looking."
Theresia didn't look convinced. She took a step closer, her presence almost overwhelming. "Is that so? Then tell me, what exactly have you done to contribute to this war? What 'behind-the-scenes' work have you accomplished?"
Cid opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. He couldn't exactly tell her about his Shadow persona or the fact that he was still trying to figure out how this world worked. Instead, he deflected with a nervous laugh.
"Uh, well, you see… it's kind of hard to explain. It's all very… secretive. Yeah. Top-secret stuff. If I told you, I'd have to, uh… you know. Do the thing."
Theresia raised an eyebrow. "The thing?"
Cid nodded vigorously. "Yeah, the thing. You know, the whole… 'I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you' deal. Very dramatic. Very cloak-and-dagger. Not really my style, but hey, rules are rules."
Theresia stared at him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to Cid's surprise, she let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "You're impossible," she said, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice. "I don't know whether to be annoyed or impressed by your ability to talk your way out of anything."
Theresia sighed, her expression softening just a bit. "Just… try to take this seriously, will you? The kingdom depends on all of us. If you're not going to fight, at least don't get in the way."
Cid nodded, his grin fading into a more serious expression. "Yeah, I get it. Don't worry, I'll stay out of trouble. Probably."
Theresia gave him one last assessing look before turning away. "Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more important things to attend than babysitting you."
Cid nodded, his usual carefree grin returning. "Yeah, I should probably get going too. Wouldn't want to keep you from your important duties."
He turned and started walking away, his hands slipping back into his pockets. But after a few steps, he suddenly stopped as if remembering something important. He spun around and shouted back at her, "Oh, and hey! Don't tell Reinhard you met me here, okay? That'd be... bad. Really bad."
Theresia, who had already begun to walk in the opposite direction, paused and turned to look at him, her expression a mix of confusion and mild irritation. "What was that supposed to mean?" she called back, her voice carrying a hint of suspicion.
Cid waved his hand dismissively, already backing away. "Nothing, nothing! Just forget I said anything! See you around—or not! Preferably not!"
With that, he turned and hurried off into the darkness, leaving Theresia standing alone in the moonlight. She stared after him, her brow furrowed in thought.
"Reinhard...?" she murmured to herself, placing a hand over her heart. Her expression shifted, a flicker of something unreadable passing through her sharp blue eyes. "Who is... Reinhard? And why does that name feel... different? Familiar?"
She stood there for a moment, her gaze distant, as if trying to grasp at a memory that was just out of reach. The name stirred something deep within her—a feeling she couldn't quite place. It was as if it carried a weight, a significance she couldn't yet understand.
Aihiya Swamp – The Battlefield of Dawn...
The stench of blood and mud mixed into the air, as countless warriors stood ready on either side, gripping their weapons with tense anticipation.
On one side, the Kingdom's Army, clad in silver armour and blue banners, stood in tight formations. Their spears glinted under the dim sunlight, their ranks bolstered by knights and magicians prepared to enforce order. These were the forces of the nobility, those who sought to maintain control over the kingdom, fighting to preserve the old ways.
On the other, the Demi-Human Coalition, a ragtag yet formidable force of beastmen and other oppressed races, stood defiant. Clad in scavenged armour and wielding a variety of weapons, they were not an army of discipline—but of raw instinct, survival, and sheer will. Their eyes burned with the fury of generations of oppression, their war cries echoing through the swamp as they prepared to take back what had been denied to them.
Then—
A horn bellowed.
The battlefield erupted into chaos.
The frontlines crashed together like a violent tide, swords clashing, spears thrusting, arrows raining down from both sides.
The roars of beastmen warriors mixed with the battle cries of knights as blades clashed and blood sprayed into the murky waters. A massive demi-human swung his axe, cleaving through a squad of foot soldiers, only to be skewered by a dozen spears moments later.
A squad of other demi-humans archers rained down pinpoint arrows, felling enemy captains before they could rally their troops.
A tall, muscular man in royal armour shouted above the chaos, rallying his troops. "Hold the line! Do not falter!"
Meanwhile, an elusive snake-like beastman leapt over enemy shields, tearing through humans with terrifying ferocity. His double-blade sword dripped with blood, his green scales covered with mud, his voice a deafening roar:
"For our fallen! For our freedom!"
The battle raged on, bodies falling by the dozens, the swamp becoming a graveyard of warriors.
Yet high above it all—
Shadow watched.
From the skies, standing atop a floating black mass of energy, a lone figure in dark robes overlooked the battlefield. His golden eyes gleamed beneath the hood, and his presence alone seemed to distort the very air around him.
Shadow had arrived.
He observed the bloodshed with calm amusement, as if watching a grand performance unfold exactly as he expected.
Then, after a long silence, he grinned.
"Well now…" Shadow murmured, his voice carrying an almost playful tone. "It looks like the actors are all in place."
He extended a hand, dark energy swirling around his fingers.
"The time has come."
His cloak billowed in the wind, his presence radiating an overwhelming pressure.
"Let the shadows make their move."
And with that—
The battlefield descended into even deeper chaos as a new force joined the fray…
Notes:
Shadow's out here making dramatic entrances like he's auditioning for a Shakespearean tragedy.
What can I say? The man loves his flair.
Stay tuned for more chaos, questionable decisions, and maybe—just maybe—a hint of actual plot lol.
Thanks for reading, and for the support this far.
Actions
↑ Top ← Previous Chapter Next Chapter → Comments (8)
Kudos
Mapic, muriyume, geritoli6450, Pariyawit50, notAfont, apia, ESEPAPUMISTERIOSO, Supplicant, Moonless_legacy, astrotzka, PINKAPPLEPIE, Rat3ater, Mithimeow, enuj17, Maxwell0199, Ash_AC130, Lyricartist, Greedy_Heckness, NFLNT, Thechosenone_1, NickNameNick, BD5, ArdentiUmbra, Lbn1000, Lesprent, Kitsune695, Zohaibkhalid470, domin0es, Ran1704, PandoraJail, spiteismymiddlename, BolotaBolada, Anahatescoffee, Pokemon0406, GlassyHades, FadedOrder, WrapGod, Lamb64_best, CapS152, leo192, Zabachi, Kizuro, BoxOfMistakes, Luckymsd, Mookling, Samaritango, Nulli_Secundus, NewBoiHoonter, holagentecomoandan, JKB621, and 334 more users as well as 1047 guests left kudos on this work!
Comments
Post Comment
Note:
All fields are required. Your email address will not be published.
Guest name
Guest email
(Plain text with limited HTML ?)
Comment
10000 characters left
Footer
About the Archive
Site Map
Diversity Statement
Terms of Service
Content Policy
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Site Status
Contact Us
Policy Questions & Abuse Reports
Technical Support & Feedback
Development
otwarchive v0.9.447.1
Known Issues
GPL-2.0-or-later by the OTW