[Ariel's POV]
Ughhh... My head is spinning...
Opening my eyes, I saw the sky had turned a vibrant orange, signaling that the night had ended and dawn had arrived.
After surveying my surroundings, I realized I was on a boat, tucked under an old blanket. Several children nearby were quietly watching the river scenery pass by.
"Ah, Sister Ariel is awake!"
One of the children noticed me, and they all quickly gathered around as I sat up.
"That's right... but what happened to me?"
My memories of last night were a fractured mess. It seemed I truly needed more rest. However, as the children began recounting the previous night's events, the memories came rushing back.
I had saved the villagers from the monsters attacking the village, holding the line until everyone could escape from the pier by boat.
"Sister Ariel was so cool last night!"
"Yeah, yeah! Sister caught those monsters and crushed them without mercy!"
They were so enthusiastic about telling my story; is this what it feels like to have fans?
"That masked man was just as cool, you know!"
Huh? Masked man? Thinking back, I had suffered from Mana Exhaustion while trying to hold off the horde. Weren't there still countless monsters arriving before I lost consciousness? Who could have brought me onto the boat and fought off that entire pack?
"It's true. After Sister Ariel fainted, he caught you and fought those monsters before carrying you onto the boat," one of the children said. "I hate to admit it, but that man looked very gallant carrying Sister while swinging his sword to ward off the monsters."
"Wait a moment. What color were his hair and eyes?" I asked the children.
"Ummm... if I'm not mistaken, the masked man had white hair and green eyes," one of them answered.
White hair and green eyes, huh...?
I knew it. It was that man again. The same man who saved me and Brian from the bear monster and the assassins during the survival exam.
Why is he always there when I am in desperate need of help? What is his reason for constantly saving me? Isn't he part of the Heretics who are supposed to kill people like me?
"And where is this masked man now?" I asked.
"We don't know, Sister. After bringing you to the boat, the mysterious man suddenly left without saying a single word," the child replied.
As usual, he says nothing after saving me and simply vanishes. Next time we meet, I will demand to know his real name and why he keeps saving my life.
After several hours of sailing with the current, we finally arrived at a pier near the Fortress City of Cataluna. After explaining the situation, the guards took the villagers to the fortress to be placed in temporary shelters.
I, on the other hand, headed to the temple to rest and recover. Due to my Mana Exhaustion, I won't be able to use magic for several days. It's frustrating; there are so many victims right now who need healing magic, yet I can only spend my days lying in bed, waiting for my Mana to replenish.
***
[Raul's POV]
Following the monster raids on several villages last night, Marquis Fran summoned all the companies sent out to deliver their operation reports the next morning. Currently, I am at the military complex of Cataluna Fortress for the briefing.
Upon arriving at the meeting room, several Captains who led troops to the villages within the Margraviate were already present. All of Marquis Fran's direct subordinates were also in attendance.
"The General of the Empire's Northeastern Region—Marquis Fran de Cataluna, has entered the room!"
The guard announced the Marquis's arrival. Everyone in the room stood at attention to honor the ruler of the region. Accompanied by an assistant, the Marquis sat at the head table and looked over us.
"Alright, let us begin the meeting regarding the monster attacks from last night," the Marquis said, glancing at his assistant. "Rolo, you may begin reading the resume of last night's reports."
"Thank you, My Lord. Last night, monster attacks occurred across eight villages in the Margraviate of Cataluna," the assistant began. "As a result, hundreds villager from Zamora, Neumar, and Clemente were slaughtered by the invading monsters."
The guard forces at the villages were unable to withstand the sudden surge of monsters, which appeared in overwhelming numbers. Consequently, several villages could not be saved before reinforcements arrived.
"In this incident, approximately 340 civilians were killed, 149 soldiers fell in battle, and thousands of residents must now be evacuated into this city," the assistant continued. "Witnesses also reported seeing Vampires during the raids, leading us to suspect that Demons are behind these monster attacks."
The assistant estimated the attacking force at roughly 10,000 monsters. Given these numbers, it seemed unlikely the soldiers currently in the Margraviate could hold out on their own.
"We have requested aid from the Central Government and contacted a Grand Espada to face these demons and monster," Marquis Fran said. "The military from capital has deployed several battalions that will arrive in ten days. As for the Grand Espada, Knight Danilo says he will wait for another Grand Espada to arrive before engaging the demons."
Ten days, huh? If we wait that long, the demons will have already conquered the region. Furthermore, it seems Grand Espada Danilo fears sharing the fate of the late Grand Espada Liana, who fought a Noble Demon alone. He has no desire to die young like the strongest female knight in the Empire's history.
"According to patrol units, the monster horde is heading this way."
The Marquis's words sent a wave of unease through the room. We still didn't know when the Noble Demon would make its move against the city.
"Today, you must prepare your respective units in case they attack tonight," Marquis Fran commanded. "We will hold them until reinforcements arrive, then launch a counter-offensive!"
After finalizing the city's defense strategy, the meeting adjourned. I gathered my members to relay the mission given by the Marquis to the academy students.
A great battle awaits this city. Moreover, tomorrow is the Night of Blessing where the Saint will be chosen.
Will Ariel succeed?
***
[Brian's POV]
I am currently heading to the City of Grenaut, specifically the residence of Duke Reyes de Cavelina, to meet my new mentor—one of the Holy Knights of the Authority of Goddess Diana.
After the heretic killed Holy Knight Remilio in their duel, the temple leadership began actively selecting Senior Inquisitors to fill the vacancy. Upon reaching the main gate of the Duke's estate, I showed the Excalibur to the guards. They looked awestruck at the legendary sword.
A servant soon escorted me into the residence.
"Lord Brian, Lady Lunaria is currently at the Cavelina family training grounds. She is an honored guest here," the servant said.
Holy Knight Lunaria Angevin—the First Princess of the Kingdom of Britonia.
She is the youngest Holy Knight in world history. Since the age of seven, she has displayed a genius for swordsmanship combined with unique magic. At fourteen, she became the youngest Inquisitor ever, and five years later, she was chosen as a Holy Knight.
We reached the training grounds shortly after. There, a woman with pink hair was performing fluid attack combos with her sword. Her movements were captivating, her body glowing like a full moon in the night sky. Sensing our presence, she turned toward us. Her blue eyes sparkled like exquisite gems.
My heart raced as the pink-haired knight approached.
"Are you the one named Brian?"
"Y-yes! It is an honor to be your new Squire, Princess Lunaria!" I replied nervously.
"I see. So you are the chosen Hero..." she murmured. "Can you show me the Holy Sword?"
I complied and drew the holy blade. Holy Knight Lunaria took the sword from me, examining the runes etched into the metal.
"Hey Brian, do you know the origin of this holy sword?" she asked.
"Wasn't it the Legendary Hero Pendragon who summoned it?" I answered with a question.
"You are correct. Only Pendragon could summon it after it had disappeared for centuries," she said. "However, this sword was originally forged in the Kingdom of Britonia long ago."
After inspecting it for a moment, she handed it back to me.
"I wish to bring this holy sword back to the land where it was made," she said, looking me in the eye. "But unfortunately, I am not the one chosen by this blade."
In truth, I wasn't the one chosen to be its master either—it was that masked man. But I couldn't say that. It would cause chaos if the public knew a Heretic was the one who truly summoned the holy sword.
"Very well, I have been tasked with fetching you, Brian," Lunaria said. "The Temple Authority has ordered me to take you to the Holy City of Notredame for training, with me as your mentor."
"I see. Then, should I call you Master from now on?" I asked.
"Since our ages aren't that far apart, you can just call me, Sister Lunaria. How about that?" she suggested with a gentle smile.
She was only twenty, just two years older than me. It made more sense to call her "Sister" than "Master."
"Alright, Sister Lunaria," I said. "Are we leaving for Notre Dame immediately?"
"I'm afraid not. I just received word that the Margraviate of Cataluna is being attacked by hordes of Demons and monsters," she replied. "Tomorrow, we will head there as temporary reinforcements while waiting for the Imperial aid."
That meant I would see Ariel there. I hoped she was safe. I gripped the hilt of Excalibur tightly. With my new power, I would amaze Ariel. She would surely be proud of me now that I am officially the chosen Hero of this world.
***
[Noble Vampire Vilmore]
Everything is going according to plan. The attack launched by the monsters Nuna summoned has successfully driven the villagers toward the main city.
It is only a matter of time before the Hero emerges from that guarded city to strike back at the monsters. If he does not appear soon, I will launch a much larger assault and ensure the human body count rises even higher.
"Nuna, are the preparations for the assault complete?" I asked.
"Everything is ready, Master. If you wish, we can attack tomorrow night."
"Excellent. You will lead the assault tomorrow, while I continue to search for the Hero once he enters this territory."