Chapter 6 - Roses: Battle Of Wildness (6)

…

The night grew late, and the festivities had finally come to an end. The invited guests had returned to their respective quarters, leaving a warm silence within the royal chambers of the Kingdom of Roses.

The soft, yellow glow of oil lamps illuminated the faces of King Erico and Queen Eivana, who were sitting side by side on the edge of their bed. The atmosphere between them was peaceful and filled with affection, far removed from the political tensions and threats of war.

King Erico: (Holding Eivana's hand gently, his eyes gazing at her with deep love)

"Thank you for enduring today, my love. I know the noise and crowd must have exhausted you. But seeing you smile brings such peace to my heart."

Queen Eivana: (Smiling faintly, her face looking pale yet still graceful, she gently rubbed her slightly swollen belly)

"I am fine, my husband. The presence of our little one here gives me strength. I wonder... will he grow up to be a mighty warrior like you, or a wise leader?"

King Erico: (Chuckled softly, then pressed his ear against Eivana's belly)

"Whatever he becomes, he will be a great successor. He is my own flesh and blood, and he will guard the Kingdom of Roses with courage and honor."

He looked up again, his expression turning slightly more serious but still gentle.

King Erico:

"Tomorrow is a crucial day, Eivana. The duel against the envoys of Darken will determine our fate for years to come. But rest assured... I have prepared everything. No one will harm us, and no one will harm our child."

Queen Eivana: (Nodding, yet her eyes betrayed deep worry)

"I believe in you, Erico. But... that King Cladimir... there is something cold and terrifying about him. I cannot shake off this feeling of unease."

King Erico:

"Cladimir is indeed a wolf in sheep's clothing. He is a master of deception. But he forgets, this is our land. And here, I am the one who holds control..."

BOOM!!! RUMBLE!!

Suddenly, the sound of something hard smashing against glass echoed loudly and deafeningly!

CRAAASH!

A black object shot through the window at lightning speed, shattering the glass into thousands of pieces. Shards flew everywhere across the room.

Queen Eivana:

"KYAAAAA!!"

Eivana was startled violently. Her body trembled as she immediately hugged her belly tightly, retreating behind Erico in sheer terror. Her face turned deathly pale.

King Erico: (Quickly stood up to shield his wife, his hand ready to draw the sword resting by the headboard)

"Who is it?! Is this an attack?!"

It turned out not to be an arrow, but a giant, ferocious-looking crow. The bird flapped its wings wildly inside the room, creating chaotic gusts of wind, before finally landing on the vanity table with eyes glowing bright red. Tied to its leg was a small rolled-up piece of paper.

King Erico: (Roared loudly, calling for the guards)

"GUARDS!! GET IN HERE NOW!!"

Bam!

The chamber doors flew open. Two knights clad in steel armor rushed in with swords drawn, ready to slay anyone who threatened their king.

Knight:

"Your Majesty! What is wrong?! Are we under attack?!"

King Erico: (Pointing furiously at the bird)

"Catch that bird immediately! Do not let it escape! And check what it carries on its leg! Find out who sent it and where it came from!"

Knight:

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The knights immediately moved to act, carefully trying to capture the mysterious bird that looked like a messenger of death, while Eivana remained trembling in fear in the corner, and Erico stood tall, his aura radiating with rising fury.

The atmosphere in the main hall suddenly fell into absolute silence. Only the sound of heavy yet steady footsteps in iron armor echoed as the Knight stepped forward. With a stiff, formal salute, he presented the rolled parchment to the King.

The King received the letter with a firm hand, though his eyes scanned every inch of the paper with vigilance.

"Has it been thoroughly inspected?" asked the King, his deep voice resonating through the hall.

"It has, Your Majesty," the Knight replied firmly. "Dangan examined it with great care. There is no poison, no spells, and this paper is completely harmless. It contains nothing but ordinary writing."

The King nodded slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly, though his guard remained high. He held the letter for a moment, then looked at the guards before him.

"Good. Listen to my command," the King stated decisively. "Summon five of our best knights immediately. Ensure they are the most loyal and discreet ones."

The Knight bowed his head. "At once, Your Majesty."

"Once they arrive," the King continued, his eyes burning with resolve, "your duty is to escort and bring Queen Eivana to the guest chambers in the eastern wing of the palace. Guard her well. Do not allow her to leave, and let no one enter except by my direct order. Ensure the path there is safe and unseen."

"Understood, Your Majesty."

"And leave one man here with me," the King commanded further. He sat upright on his throne, adjusting his royal robes, and stared at the letter in his hands. "I will read its contents here. The rest of you, move out!"

"Yes, Sir!" the knights chorused in unison.

The five newly arrived knights moved swiftly toward the inner chambers to fetch Queen Eivana, leaving the hall illuminated only by the soft glow of candlelight. The King sat alone, accompanied only by a single guard standing rigidly beside the throne, as he slowly unfurled the scroll to discover the message hidden within.

The main hall fell into absolute silence. Only the soft rustling of paper could be heard as the King slowly unrolled the letter. He began to read line by line with an intense gaze.

At first, his expression was flat and serious. But gradually, his eyebrows furrowed and his forehead creased, as if he were carefully digesting the hidden meaning behind the words. His eyes, once calm, now widened slightly, as if he had discovered something unexpected.

Suddenly, the corners of his lips lifted. A broad smile spread across his face—not a warm smile, but one filled with challenge and suppressed rage. The light in his eyes turned fierce, his entire countenance burning with a rising spirit of war.

"Hahaha... So this is what you meant..." the King muttered softly, his voice trembling with barely contained emotion. He slammed his right hand hard against the armrest of his throne.

"How dare you send this! Do you think this will make me tremble? This is not a request, this is clearly a threat!" he hissed to himself, his eyes flashing with vengeance. "You want to play rough? Fine! I will gladly accept your little 'game'!"

The King closed the letter roughly, yet his grip remained tight. He turned sharply toward the loyal knight standing beside him.

"Listen closely to my command!" the King roared, his voice echoing through the hall.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the knight replied immediately, bowing respectfully.

"Send orders at once! Reduce the number of guards at the borders and other regions! Pull the elite troops back to the capital!" The King stood up from his throne, his robes billowing with authority.

"Then, gather all forces at the Supreme Commander's headquarters today! Tell them to be on full alert!" The King's eyes blazed with the fire of battle.

"It seems, tonight or tomorrow... we shall no longer dream in peace. A great battle is upon us, and I will ensure that we emerge victorious!"

"Yes, Your Majesty! It shall be done!" the knight affirmed, then turned and sprinted out of the hall to relay the war orders.

…

The morning sun rose higher, casting its light over a vast field located outside the palace walls. The air felt different than usual—filled with spirit yet thick with tension. Here, the tournament grounds, usually held within the inner courtyard, had been relocated and expanded. The fighting stage was made of compacted earth, surrounded by sturdy wooden fences, while thousands of spectators and soldiers filled the surrounding area.

Loud trumpets blared, signaling the start of the event.

On the main tribune, the King sat regally. His face appeared eager yet cold, as if he were observing not merely a performance, but the true strength of his forces. Beside him, generals and nobles sat in vigilant readiness.

"First match! Step forward!" announced the announcer in a booming voice.

Two knights marched into the arena. One wore gleaming silver armor, while the other was clad in black. They faced each other, swords drawn, ready to unleash their adrenaline.

DING!

The sharp clash of steel rang out as the match began. Their movements were fast and deadly. Attack and defense alternated seamlessly, stirring the crowd into a frenzy of cheers.

"Hey, look at that! His side strike is incredibly fast!" exclaimed one spectator.

"That was just the warm-up! This tournament feels much tougher than usual!" another replied.

Amidst the roaring cheers, the King leaned slightly forward, his eyes sharp as he analyzed every technique and agility displayed. He murmured softly to the general standing beside him,

"Good... very good. They are growing stronger."

"Indeed, Your Majesty," the General replied in a low voice. "Their rigorous training has paid off. Every knight fights with burning passion today."

The King smirked faintly, recalling the contents of the letter from yesterday.

"Let them show their full strength today. Because the training they do in this arena... will be their true preparation for the battlefield that awaits," the King spoke with a heavy, meaningful tone.

Meanwhile, in the arena, the fight reached its climax. One knight successfully unleashed his ultimate move, sending his opponent flying and forcing a surrender. Deafening applause and cheers echoed across the field.

"Victory! The winner is the Knight of the Northern Wing!"

Match after match continued, one-on-one, displaying prowess and courage, unaware that behind the splendor of this tournament, the King was already plotting a grand strategy for the war to come.

The trumpets sounded once more, this time longer and more majestic. The crowd fell silent for a moment as the great names were called. Two massive figures marched into the center of the arena, the ground trembling with every heavy step of their iron armor.

On the left stood Sir Tulles, representing the Roses region. His armor was a blazing crimson, adorned with golden roses on the chestplate, radiating an aura that was both elegant and deadly. On the right, Sir Ricard of Kenlard appeared in dark grey armor, solid as a rock, wielding a sword that looked massive and heavy.

They halted directly below the main tribune and knelt respectfully before the King seated on the throne. A profound silence fell over the area, broken only by the wind gently caressing the royal banners.

The King looked at them with a gaze sharp and full of authority.

"Rise, my two finest warriors!" the King proclaimed, his voice carrying clearly to every corner of the arena.

They stood up simultaneously, their heads still bowed in respect.

"Sir Tulles... Sir Ricard," the King addressed them one by one. "I know you are the pride of Roses and Kenlard. Today, you fight not merely for a trophy or a title. You fight to prove which is stronger: the sharp agility of the rose, or the unyielding endurance of stone!"

"We understand, Your Majesty!" they answered in unison, their voices deep and resolute.

"Show me your true strength! Show no mercy, yet never forget the code of chivalry! Begin a battle worthy of being remembered!"

"YES, SIR!"

They turned to face each other. Only a few steps separated them. The air felt heavy, charged with tension ready to explode at any moment. Yet beneath that pressure, a burning fighting spirit blazed in both their eyes.

Sir Tulles raised his sword slightly to his chest as a sign of respect. "Sir Ricard... I have been waiting for this moment. The land of Roses shall not be defeated by the toughness of Kenlard!"

Sir Ricard chuckled lightly, his voice deep and resonant. "Hahaha! Your silver tongue is as sharp as your blade, Tulles. But remember, stone does not crack easily merely from the scratch of a thorn. Prepare yourself to be thrown out of this arena!"

"We shall see about that," replied Sir Tulles with a smirk, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword. "Do not cry if my sword finds its mark upon your iron plate!"

"Enough talk! Show me what you are capable of!" snapped Sir Ricard.

They took their fighting stances once more. Feet spread wide, bodies leaning forward, eyes locked in an unblinking stare. The audience held their breath; the cheers had vanished, replaced by an eerie silence filled with anticipation.

The referee raised his hand high into the air...

"BEGIN!!"

The referee's shout had barely faded when Sir Ricard lunged forward. Without hesitation, he raised his massive sword high and brought it crashing down with full force.

"HAAAH! BURNING STRIKE!!"

A tremendous collision rang out! Sir Tulles did not retreat; instead, he twisted his body agilely, deflecting the blow not with brute strength, but with perfect precision. His slender blade moved like lightning, striking straight for the gap in his opponent's armor.

"ROSE THORN!!"

SLASH!

"Tch! So fast!" exclaimed Sir Ricard in surprise. He stepped back, checking the thin cut on his arm. Tulles' sword was indeed sharp and swift, piercing like an invisible thorn.

"Your armor is heavy, Ricard! But it makes you too slow!" Tulles taunted, swinging his blade in a beautiful yet deadly circle.

"Don't get cocky! Take this!"

Sir Ricard attacked again, this time changing his rhythm. He spun his sword rapidly, cleaving the air three times in succession with varying levels of power.

"EMERALD STRIKE!!"

CLANG! CLASH! SWISH!

The first two blows were successfully blocked by Tulles, the sound of steel ringing deafeningly, but the third strike nearly grazed his shoulder. Tulles leaped backward, his breathing growing heavier but his gaze remaining sharp.

"Good... your defense is as solid as rock," Tulles praised with a challenging smile. "But now, try to catch this!"

Tulles shifted his fighting style. He began to move erratically, his figure seeming to multiply as if a dozen blades were attacking at once.

"ROSES SLASH!!"

Attacks came from every direction—above, below, left, and right—like spinning flower petals. Sir Ricard was overwhelmed; he could only block with all his might, using his heavy sword as a moving shield.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

"Impossible... demonic speed!" Ricard growled. Sweat began to trickle down his temple. He knew he couldn't hold out forever. He had to unleash his ultimate technique!

"Enough playing around! This ends now!"

Sir Ricard exhaled deeply, every muscle in his body tensing up. sunlight reflected off his blade, creating a deadly golden glint. He channeled all his remaining strength into a single point.

"AURA GEM!!"

He dashed forward, delivering one single, incredibly powerful and accurate slash—an attack capable of shattering any defense!

However, Tulles had already spotted the opening. As the giant blade came down, Tulles did not block it. He let it pass barely an inch from his body, then with an elegant and lethal spinning motion...

"AURA ROSES!!"

His thin sword whirled at maximum speed, binding his opponent's movement before landing the decisive strike precisely on the weak point of Ricard's shoulder guard!

CRACK!

The impact sent dust flying from the ground. Sir Ricard stumbled back several steps, his sword nearly slipping from his grasp. He stood swaying, breathing heavily, while Sir Tulles remained firm, his blade still drawn and ready to strike again if necessary.

The crowd erupted into hysterical cheers, amazed by the high-level battle they had just witnessed!

Dust swirled in the center of the arena, shrouding the two figures who still stood facing each other. Their breathing was heavy, their armor covered in scratches, yet the fire in their eyes burned undimmed.

Sir Ricard growled, gathering the last of his strength for one final, deadly strike. He swung his massive sword with all his might, attempting to shatter Tulles' defenses once and for all.

"ONE LAST TIME! YELLOW GEM!!"

But Sir Tulles merely smiled. This time, he used no fancy moves or complex spins. He knew his opponent was growing weary and his movements had slightly slowed. Calmly, Tulles let the attack pass, then moved like lightning to slip through the gap in his defense.

"Thorn... of Roses!"

SLICE!!

The sharp sound of steel scraping against steel rang out. There was no grand explosion, just one swift and precise thrust that touched the side of Ricard's neck guard—an area not fully protected, yet enough to bring his movement to a complete halt.

Sir Ricard froze. His sword remained suspended in mid-air. His eyes widened in realization as he saw the thin blade standing mere inches from him; a single touch would have been fatal.

"Ugh...!"

Breathing raggedly, the strength seemed to drain from Ricard's legs. His sturdy knees finally gave way, hitting the hard ground with a heavy thud. He knelt, head bowed in acceptance of defeat.

The arena fell silent for a heartbeat, then erupted into thunderous cheers!

"HUAAAAH! SIR TULLES!!"

Tulles immediately withdrew his blade and sheathed it with an elegant motion. He walked toward his opponent who remained on one knee.

"You are truly formidable, Ricard. Your stone-like defense nearly crushed me," Tulles said as he extended his right hand.

Ricard looked up, his face flushed with exhaustion, but then broke into a deep, hearty laugh. "Hahahaha! Damn you! A simple move, yet the most painful one! Your rose thorn is indeed sharp as ever!"

Ricard accepted the hand and was pulled back onto his feet. They shook hands firmly, two warriors who deeply respected each other's strength.

"What a battle!" exclaimed Ricard, patting Tulles on the shoulder.

"You were no less impressive, my friend," Tulles replied.

The two then turned simultaneously toward the main tribune where King Erico sat. Still holding hands, they knelt respectfully.

"Your Majesty, King Erico!" they proclaimed in unison.

"The battle between Roses and Kenlard has concluded! Victory rests in our hands, but our brotherhood remains unbroken!" Sir Tulles reported with pride.

Sir Ricard added, "We have given our all! Please proceed to the next match, Your Majesty!"

King Erico on the throne smiled broadly, clearly delighted to witness such friendship and sportsmanship. He raised his hand high.

"EXCELLENT! THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A KNIGHT! STAND UP, BOTH OF YOU! TODAY, YOU ARE BOTH WINNERS!" the King roared, his voice echoing across the field.

"NEXT! PREPARE THE NEXT COMBATANTS! THE TOURNAMENT CONTINUES!"

The applause and cheers had not yet faded when the trumpets sounded again, this time with a tone more majestic and grand than ever. This time, the entire crowd, even the nobles in the stands, rose to their feet.

This was no ordinary duel. About to clash were two blue-blooded figures, the most feared and admired throughout the kingdoms.

From the right side of the arena stepped Prince Andrew Roses. His appearance radiated elegance and sharpness. His armor was dominated by soft rose-pink and silver, adorned with a glowing rose emblem on his chest. He was known as the Knight of the Young Rose—his movements fluid and beautiful, yet every swing was as deadly as a newly sprouted thorn, already ready to pierce.

From the left side appeared Prince Elward Kenlard. He wore armor in the colors of the blue sky and white clouds. His sword was long and slender, looking less like a weapon and more like a giant artist's brush. His title, The Sky Painter, was well-earned; every attack he made traced beautiful lines through the air, like painting a rainbow ready to cleave his opponent in two.

The atmosphere of the arena shifted drastically. If the previous fight was filled with raw power, the air now felt more elegant yet infinitely more oppressive. The energy radiated by both men caused the very wind around the arena to swirl in response.

They halted in the center and knelt respectfully before King Erico.

"Rise, brave youths!" King Erico exclaimed, his eyes shining brightly. "Today, it is not merely territories that clash, but the future of this kingdom and others! Andrew... Elward... Show me what you possess!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" they answered in unison.

They stood and turned to face each other. The distance between them seemed short, yet they felt separated by an invisible wall of pressure.

Prince Andrew smiled faintly, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword casually yet vigilantly.

"Elward... I have heard tales of how your 'brush strokes' can split the clouds. Today, I want to see if your painting is strong enough to withstand my sharp thorns."

Elward returned the smile, but his gaze was calm and deep, like the evening sky.

"Andrew, the Young Rose is indeed beautiful and dangerous. But remember... even flowers will wither and break beneath a storm. I shall paint your defeat beautifully right here in this arena."

"Don't dream it! This rose only blooms more wildly when the storm arrives!" Andrew retorted. He lowered his stance slightly, his fighting aura blazing with a soft pink light. "Prepare yourself, Prince Painter. I will tear apart your sky!"

"Be my guest, Prince Thorn. But do not cry if you get lost within my canvas!" Elward replied calmly, yet his sword slowly slid halfway out of its sheath, emanating a chilling blue light.

The audience held their breath. Even the tiny dust particles on the ground seemed to freeze in place. The tension reached its peak. Two geniuses were about to collide.

Even the referee, usually so firm, looked nervous. He raised his hand high, his fingers trembling slightly.

"THE MATCH... BEGINS!!"

Silence hung in the air for a heartbeat before exploding into action! Without a signal, Prince Andrew lunged forward faster than his own shadow. His sword glided sharply, tracing a beautiful yet deadly arc.

"ROSE SLASH!!"

SWISH!

However, Prince Elward did not flinch. He raised his blade casually but with perfect precision, deflecting the attack with a single swing that cleaved through the air.

"WIND CUT!!"

BOOM!

A tremendous collision rang out, yet neither man stepped back. Andrew instantly twisted his wrist, the tip of his sword darting downward as if aiming to pierce his opponent's foot.

"THORN PUSH!!"

The attack forced Elward back a step, the pressure dense and sharp. But Elward stamped his foot firmly into the ground, his body turning rigid and immovable like a mountain.

"UNBREAKABLE STONE!!"

CRASH!

Andrew's assault was repelled by Elward's solid defense.

"Haha! Good, Andrew! Perfect fundamentals!" Elward praised, immediately counterattacking with a swift horizontal slash. "But take this! WIND CUT!"

"Not enough! ROSE SLASH cuts through wind!" Andrew retorted, his sword meeting Elward's once again in mid-air.

Their eyes locked. Their breathing remained steady, their movements efficient and lethal. There were no fancy moves, only pure technique honed over years. Attack, block, strike, dodge... repeating at a speed that made it hard for the audience to follow.

CLANG! CLANG! SLICE! THUD!

"You are strong, Elward! Extremely strong!" Andrew muttered, sweat beginning to bead at his temples.

"You too, Andrew. I can barely find an opening," Elward replied, his breath equally heavy.

They fought fiercely for dozens of minutes. Rose Slash met Wind Cut, Thorn Push crashed against Unbreakable Stone. Neither gained the slightest advantage. Their balance was perfect, their strength equal.

"Arghh... Enough!" Andrew shouted suddenly.

With a swift motion, he hurled his shield far to the edge of the arena, then released his sword entirely. CLANG! The iron weapon clattered loudly onto the ground.

Elward was startled, then a wide smile spread across his face as he understood his friend's intention.

"Ah... So you feel it too?"

Elward did the same. He tossed his sword and shield aside. Now, in the vast arena, the two princes stood empty-handed. Their heavy armor remained, but their hands were free to fight.

"Using swords and shields will take us until nightfall, Elward!" Andrew declared, spreading his legs and taking a martial arts stance.

"True! Our weapon skills are perfectly matched! Now let us see... who is stronger physically!" Elward replied, his hands ready to grapple and strike.

The atmosphere changed completely! From an elegant sword fight, it transformed into a brutal yet highly technical close-quarters brawl! The crowd roared in excitement at the daring move by the two princes.

"Let's settle this with our bare hands!" Andrew yelled.

"Come on! Don't regret it!" Elward answered.

They lunged at each other once more, this time not with the flash of steel, but with deadly fists and flying feet!

Deafening cheers and gasps of awe filled the arena. Everyone's eyes widened in astonishment, their mouths agape at a sight they had never imagined before.

"Oh gods... They threw away their weapons?!" exclaimed one spectator with a trembling voice.

"This is not just fighting, this is pure martial arts! Their balance is perfect!" another replied, eyes unblinking as fists and feet met in mid-air.

"Prince Andrew and Prince Elward... truly incredible! They fight with their bodies and bare hands, yet every single movement is deadly!"

Admiration mixed with shock swept across the entire field. Nobles, knights, and ordinary soldiers alike stood up from their seats, clapping with all their might. They were impressed not only by the strength displayed but also by the confidence and supreme skill shown by the two princes.

Meanwhile, in the royal stand, King Erico also wore a broad smile, his eyes shining with pride as he watched the young men. Yet, behind that smile, a sharp gaze remained focused on matters of state. He leaned slightly to the side, whispering to his Chief Assistant who stood rigidly behind the throne.

"Look at them... So strong, so resilient," the King murmured softly but clearly. "They are this kingdom's greatest asset."

"Indeed, Your Majesty," the Assistant replied in a low voice, maintaining utmost respect. "Their fighting spirit is contagious. If the soldiers see this, their morale will skyrocket."

The King nodded slowly, then his expression gradually turned more serious and cold. He steered the conversation toward more crucial matters.

"What of the preparations I ordered yesterday? The troops pulled back from the various regions..."

The Assistant immediately bowed, reporting firmly.

"Everything has been done as Your Majesty commanded. Guard duties at the borders and smaller towns have been drastically reduced, leaving only minimal personnel."

"And the main forces?" the King asked again, his fingers tapping rapidly against the armrest of his throne.

"They have fully assembled at the Supreme Commander's headquarters, Your Majesty. Thousands of elite troops are fully armed, supplies are ready, and warhorses are saddled. They await only Your Majesty's command to move at any moment."

King Erico smirked, his eyes returning to the arena where Andrew and Elward were locked in a test of strength, gripping each other's shoulders.

"Good... very good," the King whispered. "That threat letter was not just scribbles. They want war... and I have prepared a feast worthy of them."

"Tell the Commander to hold their positions. Once this tournament ends... we will not return to the palace to rest, but march straight to the battlefield!"

"Yes, Your Majesty! I shall deliver this secret order at once!" The Assistant slowly retreated, leaving the King to watch the intensifying hand-to-hand combat, his mind already weaving grand strategies.

The hand-to-hand combat reached its peak. They gripped each other's shoulders tightly, and the sheer force of their clash cracked the ground beneath their feet. Their breathing was heavy, and sweat soaked through their armor.

"You cannot defeat me, Andrew!" Elward growled, pushing with all his might.

"We shall see! You aren't perfect either, Elward!" Andrew retorted with equal strength.

Suddenly, Andrew released his grip and leaped back swiftly. Elward, losing his balance, stumbled forward slightly. That was the opening he had been waiting for!

Without hesitation, Andrew twisted his body, channeling every ounce of strength into his right fist.

"HAAAAH!!"

THUD!!

A devastating blow, fast and hard, landed squarely on Elward's chin! The impact sounded like thunder.

Elward's eyes rolled back instantly. His legs gave way, and his sturdy body slumped slowly before crashing heavily onto the arena floor.

The entire arena fell silent for a heartbeat, then erupted!

"VICTORY!! PRINCE ANDREW ROSES IS THE WINNER!!" the referee shouted with a trembling voice.

Andrew stood tall, breathing heavily but wearing a triumphant expression. He immediately bowed down and offered his hand to help Elward, who was regaining consciousness and rubbing his swollen jaw.

"Ouch... damn it... your punch hits like a hammer," Elward complained with a wry laugh. "You win this time, my friend."

"Thank you for an incredible battle," Andrew replied, patting his brother on the back.

The sun began to set in the west, signaling the end of the tournament. However, the celebration was far from over. All participants, generals, and nobles gathered in a grand lounge area beside the arena.

The atmosphere shifted drastically from tense to warm and festive. Before them lay an extraordinary dessert spread.

It was no ordinary treat, but finely shaved ice, cold and refreshing, adorned with colorful fresh fruits—produce that could only grow in the lands of eternal snow. Alongside it were fresh vegetables harvested from the fields of Roses and Abeille, paired with meats and breads imported from Zewilste.

"Please enjoy, Your Highnesses, Generals!" announced the Head Chef from the Kingdom of Roses, his face beaming with pride.

"This ice comes from the Coldest North! It was transported on special carriages to keep it frozen until it reached here! And the fruits are picked directly from our finest gardens!"

Everyone began to spoon the cold dessert. The refreshing sensation instantly washed away the fatigue and heat of battle.

"Wow... absolutely delicious!" exclaimed Sir Ricard, chewing on a sweet red fruit slice. "It tastes so crisp and fresh, like standing on top of an icy mountain!"

"Indeed," agreed Sir Tulles with a smile. "The chefs of Roses never disappoint. The sweetness is perfect, the chill is perfect... simply ideal to soothe the throat."

At the main table, Andrew and Elward sat side by side. Elward, still nursing a sore jaw, laughed freely as he enjoyed the treat.

"Hey Andrew... the food from your land is far more dangerous than your punch," Elward joked.

"What do you mean?" asked Andrew, confused.

"It is so delicious... I could get addicted and decide to invade Roses anytime just to steal it!" Elward teased, sending everyone into fits of laughter.

"Hahaha! Then become our ally! That way, you can eat this every day!" Andrew replied.

Amidst the laughter and the delightful flavors from the North, the bonds of brotherhood between the regions grew stronger. None realized that behind the smiles of the Generals, everything was already being set in motion for the great war that lay ahead.

The celebration was still in full swing. Laughter and casual conversation filled the air, and the sweet scent of fruit ice and roasted meat drifted everywhere. Yet, behind the festivities, there was a pair of eyes that never blinked.

The Generals and commanders appeared to be enjoying the feast, toasting and laughing with the rest. However, their attention was always fixed on one point—where King Cladimir sat.

The King of Darken sat alone on a bench slightly apart from the others, his face impassive and unreadable. He occasionally took food, but his movements were slow and calculated. He looked like a wolf cornered but ever vigilant.

In another corner, the Supreme Commander stepped slightly away from the crowd, pretending to gaze at the evening scenery, but was actually whispering or using eye signals to relay messages to his subordinates.

"Status report?" the Commander asked softly without turning his head.

An officer immediately approached, whispering his reply firmly.

"He remains still, Commander. King Cladimir has not moved from his spot since earlier. He is only drinking and occasionally glancing toward the exit gates."

The Commander nodded coldly, then took a sip of water from his glass.

"Do not let your guard down. A man like him is cunning. He surely knows we are watching him closely. He may act calm, but inside his head, he is looking for a way to escape or plotting something."

"Yes, Sir! We have placed shadow troops at every exit and hidden passage. Even the rooftops and large trees are under surveillance. Not a single bird can fly past unnoticed," the officer reported further.

Elsewhere, the General of Roses also watched Cladimir's every move over the rim of his glass. He whispered to his colleague,

"Look at his eyes... He isn't watching the performance at all. He is studying the positions of the guards. He is memorizing our patrol patterns."

"Let him," replied the General of Kenlard with a cynical smile. "The more he memorizes, the more he will realize he is tightly trapped. Whichever way he chooses to run, he will only find our blades waiting."

Suddenly, King Cladimir stood up from his seat.

Instantly, the hands of the Generals moved to the hilts of their swords. The atmosphere around them turned tense in a heartbeat, even though the rest of the crowd was still laughing.

However, Cladimir merely walked slowly toward the washing area, then returned to his seat calmly.

"Just a small movement... but he did it on purpose to test our awareness," muttered one General. "Maintain maximum alertness. As long as this celebration lasts, he is the most valuable and dangerous prisoner we hold."

They returned to pretending to laugh and toast, but their mental and physical defenses were perfectly raised. The King of Darken could do nothing, for he was surrounded by war eagles that never slept.

The celebration in the arena continued in full swing. The Generals kept their eyes fixed on the figure they believed to be King Cladimir. He sat calmly, occasionally raising his glass and staring blankly ahead—his mannerisms so perfect, so identical, that not a single soldier or commander suspected the deception.

Yet the truth was... the figure sitting there was merely a "Shadow Clone"—a magical illusion created by Cladimir to replicate 90% of his appearance and behavior. It was nothing more than an empty, lifeless puppet, sufficient to fool ordinary eyes.

Meanwhile, far beyond the city walls, in a dark and squalid region known as Bevhasi Village.

This place was infamous as a dumping ground for society's rejects, home to vagrants, criminals, and illegal gambling dens. The air here was thick with the stench of smoke, liquor, and damp earth. There were no bright lights, only the flickering, eerie glow of torches.

At the center of the village stood a large but tattered tent. It looked inconspicuous, yet it was guarded by dozens of menacing figures armed with sharp blades.

Inside, the atmosphere was vastly different. Dark, stuffy, yet overflowing with an aura of malice and ambition.

And there, sitting on a rough wooden chair serving as a simple throne, was the real King Cladimir Darken! His face was no longer impassive as it was in the arena; instead, a cunning, triumphant smirk played upon his lips.

Before him, his Generals and shadow commanders knelt in reverence.

"Your Majesty... truly incredible! Your Shadow Clone technique is perfect! They must all still believe you are sitting right there among them!" exclaimed one General with awe.

Cladimir laughed softly, his voice echoing inside the tent. "Hahaha... How foolish they are. Do they think merely watching my physical form can contain my magic? That shadow will sit there until morning, while I am already in position to slit their throats!"

He stood up, his eyes glowing with a terrifying red light.

"Listen well, my forces! This village of Bevhasi is the perfect place. The people here are blind, deaf, and terrified... they would never dare report us. This is the enemy's weakness, and they don't even see it."

Cladimir pointed to a crude map spread across the table.

"The plan remains unchanged! At dawn tomorrow, precisely when the sun has not yet risen and the guards' eyes are heavy with sleep..."

Cladimir slammed his hand hard onto the table.

"...we will strike the Kingdom of Roses from the most unexpected direction! While they are busy celebrating victory and preparing their armies for open war... we will shatter the heart of their power from within!"

"And by the time they realize that figure in the arena was nothing but a shadow... their heads will already be severed before they can even scream!" Cladimir added with a deadly smile.

His subordinates cheered silently, their fists clenched tightly.

"Yes, Your Majesty! We have already positioned thousands of elite troops behind the forest! Come dawn... the Kingdom of Roses will burn to ash!"

"Excellent!" Cladimir sat back down, crossing his legs. "Rest and conserve your strength. Tonight is the last night they will ever laugh. Tomorrow morning... there will be only tears and blood!"

Outside the tent, the night wind howled fiercely, as if echoing the hatred ready to explode at any moment.

The atmosphere in the main hall was still warm with the lingering joy of the celebration. Nobles and guests chatted happily, enjoying the feast and jesting with one another, as if the world were entirely peaceful and safe.

Yet, that tranquility was shattered instantly when the massive doors of the hall swung open on their own. A cold wind burst through, causing the candle flames to flicker wildly.

Every eye turned toward the entrance.

A woman walked in with steps that were calm yet exuded immense authority. She wore pitch-black armor embroidered with golden patterns resembling clock faces and gears. Her face was half-covered by a thin veil, revealing only a pair of eyes—sharp and deep, as if holding thousands of years of history.

Her presence was uncanny. She had not been announced nor invited, yet the royal guards seemed frozen, not daring to block her path. She walked steadily past the crowd, stopping directly beneath King Erico's throne.

King Erico sat up straight, narrowing his eyes as he studied the stranger. The Generals beside him instantly placed their hands on the hilts of their swords, ready to act should she pose a threat.

"Who are you? How dare you enter here without permission?" King Erico demanded, his voice heavy and commanding.

The woman showed no fear. She merely bowed her head slightly in respect, then slowly lifted her face.

Suddenly, the air around the King and his Generals shifted. The noise of the crowd and the music seemed to vanish, swallowed by an absolute silence. Only the six of them could hear the voice that came from her lips—a voice soft and cold, yet resonated clearly inside their minds.

"Do not worry, Your Majesty... Only 'important people' can hear me right now."

King Erico and the Generals exchanged glances, shocked but still vigilant.

"Who are you really?" growled the Supreme Commander.

The woman smiled faintly, then introduced herself with a tone of grandeur.

"My name... is K. And my title is... Leader Of Time."

The name made the Generals' hearts race. Leader Of Time... the master of time itself? A legend found only in ancient books.

"I have not come to wage war, nor am I an enemy," K said softly, her gaze locking directly with King Erico's eyes. "I have come because the time has come. The threads of fate are tangling, and danger stands right at the gates of your palace."

"Do you speak of King Cladimir?" King Erico asked quickly.

"Cladimir... he is no longer a small problem. He has already escaped your cage, Your Majesty," K replied, causing the faces of all the Generals to turn pale. "The shadow you are guarding is merely an illusion. His real body already holds a deadly blade, ready to slit your throats at dawn tomorrow."

"That damned sorcerer!" one General snarled.

"Calm yourselves," K raised her right hand gently. "There is still a little time left. I am not here just to warn you... I have come to offer the power to rewrite the flow of battle. But the choice is yours, King Erico."

The atmosphere between them grew heavy and tense. Outside, the people and nobles continued to laugh and cheer, completely unaware that a conversation capable of deciding the life or death of the entire kingdom was taking place right before their King.

King Erico fell silent for a moment. His eyes pierced sharply into the mysterious woman named K. He weighed every possibility—was this a trick? Or truly aid from a higher power?

"Your words are sweet, 'Leader Of Time'," King Erico said slowly but firmly, his voice still confined to their small circle. "But in this world, no power comes without a price, and no ally appears without hidden motives. How can I trust a force whose very nature I do not even know?"

K merely smiled faintly beneath her veil, not offended in the slightest. "It is natural for Your Majesty to doubt. Trust is not built with words, but with proof."

"Very well!" King Erico slapped the armrest of his throne. "If you are truly strong and sincere in your wish to ally with us... Prove your worth before me first!"

The King turned to his right. Standing there was a woman clad in gleaming golden-silver armor. She had long, snow-white hair, and the aura she radiated was cold yet deadly.

General Eleonor Silvio, known as the Golden Ice—one of the strongest fighters, capable of manipulating ice with the purity of gold.

"Eleonor!" the King called.

"At your command, Your Majesty!" the woman replied in a crisp, cold voice, stepping forward. Her ice sword shimmered, reflecting the hall's lights brilliantly.

"Fight her! Show me if she is worthy to stand beside us, or merely passing wind to be swept away!" the King ordered.

Eleonor stared at K with challenging eyes. "I care not if you are the Leader of Time or whatever else. If you threaten His Majesty or this kingdom, my ice blade will not hesitate to cut you down!"

K looked back at General Eleonor, then slowly nodded in agreement.

"I accept this challenge," K answered calmly. "However, I have one condition and one request."

"Speak!" commanded King Erico.

"First," K said, raising one finger, "This duel must be based on Pure Honesty and Respect between Warriors. No underhanded tactics, no dark magic. We will fight with our true abilities, holding nothing back, yet always upholding honor."

"A noble code," remarked one General. "And what is your reward?"

"Second," K's eyes glowed softly, "If I win, or even if I am simply able to withstand General Eleonor's assault... I ask for no gold, nor throne. I only wish for Your Majesty to promise to elevate the status and welfare of the royal garden servants. Grant them proper rights, decent clothing, and respect equal to other citizens."

This request shocked everyone. Not power, not wealth, but justice for the lowly?

King Erico was stunned for a moment, then his expression softened slightly. "Hmm... A strange yet noble request. Very well! I agree! If you can prove yourself, this promise shall be kept!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty," K said with a slight bow.

Eleonor gripped her hilt tighter. "I will not go easy on you. Prepare yourself, O Leader of Time!"

"By all means, General of Ice. Show me the power of your 'Frozen Gold'," K replied, spreading her hands ready for battle.

Suddenly, the layer of air surrounding them seemed to shatter. The invisible dome that had muffled their voices vanished completely.

The noise of the crowd returned clearly, but this time, everyone fell silent, staring up at the throne in confusion. They saw King Erico standing tall and majestic, with two formidable women ready for battle standing before him.

King Erico raised his hand high, demanding the attention of the entire assembly. His voice was amplified by magic, ringing out loud and clear across every corner of the arena.

"LISTEN TO ME, ALL CITIZENS AND KNIGHTS!!"

Absolute silence fell. Every eye was fixed upon the King.

"The tournament is not over yet! There is still one ultimate battle remaining to conclude this day! A fight not just for victory, but one that stakes the very highest of PRIDE AND HONOR!"

The King pointed toward General Eleonor.

"On the right, you know her well! The cold yet deadly protector of the kingdom... General Eleonor Silvio, the THE GOLDEN ICE!!"

Applause and cheers erupted. Soldiers roared her name. Eleonor raised her ice sword high, radiating a brilliant golden light that shimmered beautifully in the afternoon sun.

Then, the King pointed toward the mysterious figure beside her.

"And here... we have a special guest! A female warrior who has traveled from afar, bringing forth an unexpected power! She is... K!!"

The entire audience whispered among themselves, wondering who this veiled woman was.

"Today, she challenges the power of our Golden Ice! This duel will prove who is truly worthy to stand at the peak! Watch with your own eyes!!"

Eleonor stepped down from the royal stand and walked into the center of the vast arena. The moment her feet touched the ground, the surrounding area instantly began to freeze, white mist billowing up from the earth.

Meanwhile, K also descended calmly. She paid no mind to the curious stares of the crowd. Her eyes were locked solely on Eleonor.

The two women stood facing each other in the middle of the arena. One radiated a cold so intense it could freeze flames, while the other emanated a mysterious aura that made time itself seem to stand still.

"This place is wide enough for us to move freely," Eleonor said in her icy voice. "Do not expect me to go easy on you just because you are a woman, K."

K smiled faintly beneath her veil. "I ask for no mercy, General. I only wish to show that justice and strength can walk hand in hand. Attack me..."

"...as you wish," K added with a wide smile.

As the Kingdom of Roses resumed the tournament, the assassins and spies from the Kingdom of Darken relayed information that the event had restarted, implying that war was imminent, along with news that a mysterious individual had arrived at the location.

"My Lord, the tournament in the Kingdom of Roses has begun again. This means we can launch our operation now, fully prepared," reported the Head Assassin, projecting his vision for Cladimir to see.

"Hmmm... Very well, that is accurate intelligence, hahaha. Is there anything else?" Cladimir asked as he walked toward another tent for inspection.

"Yes, My Lord. Moments ago, a mysterious person arrived wearing black armor and a face covering emblazoned with a Dragon emblem," reported the spy who had been disguised as a servant, his hands trembling slightly.

"What? A Dragon emblem? Hmmm... that is probably just your imagination. Proceed with the operation. I will return to the main tent!" Cladimir said, turning back toward the large command tent.

Inside the main tent in Bevhasi Village, the atmosphere was grave. A large map of the region was spread across a rough wooden table. King Cladimir Darken stood with one hand stroking his chin, his eyes glowing red as he studied the attack routes.

"The shadow troops will infiltrate through the underground sewers," Cladimir murmured softly but firmly. "At dawn, we will shatter the main gates with magical cannons. No one will survive..."

Suddenly...

"ARRRGGHHH!!"

Cladimir grabbed his head with both hands, screaming in excruciating pain. He stumbled backward until his back hit the tent pole.

"Your Majesty!! What is happening?!" his Generals shouted in panic, crowding around but daring not to touch him.

Cold sweat drenched Cladimir's forehead. His face was deathly pale, his eyes wide open as he endured a pain that pierced his very soul. This was the mental link he maintained with his Shadow Clone inside the palace. But this time, instead of a calm scene... he received an image that made his heart nearly stop.

He caught a glimpse... inside the Main Hall of the Roses Palace, a figure stood before King Erico. A woman clad in pitch-black armor, radiating an aura so heavy and oppressive it felt suffocating.

"It's... It's her..." Cladimir whispered, his voice trembling, his breathing ragged and irregular.

"Who, My Lord? Who did you see?" asked the Commander anxiously.

Cladimir wiped the cold sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. His eyes were filled with a fear rarely seen.

"K... It is K!!"

The name froze everyone inside the tent. The atmosphere, previously burning with war fervor, instantly turned into a chilling silence.

"Leader Of Time...?" one officer whispered in disbelief.

"Yes! She is there! She has already entered the palace!" Cladimir began pacing back and forth rapidly, his steps nervous. "Damn it! Why is she there?! Why does she interfere in the affairs of this mortal world?!"

The shadow he left behind had captured her image, and only Cladimir knew the true horror of the power possessed by 'K'. She was not an enemy that could be faced with ordinary soldiers or dark magic alone. She was the regulator of everything.

"Your Majesty... Should we cancel the plan?" his subordinate asked hesitantly. "If the opponent is 'that person'..."

"SILENCE!" Cladimir snapped, though his voice shook slightly. He forced himself to calm down, gripping the edge of the table until his knuckles turned white.

He knew K's presence changed every calculation. But he had already gone too far to turn back.

"We cannot retreat now!" Cladimir hissed, his eyes burning again but filled with pressure. "Perhaps she only came to watch, or perhaps she hasn't fully allied with Erico yet! We still have time!"

"But My Lord, you are sweating profusely..."

"IT IS JUST THE HEAT!" Cladimir denied loudly, though it was obvious he was terrified. "Listen! We accelerate the attack! Before she has a chance to move or unleash her power, Erico's head must be in my hands! At dawn... exactly after The Moon Fall! Move the troops now! Hide in the forest!"

His subordinates exchanged glances, feeling the same fear radiating from their King. They knew now that the name 'K' was a nightmare that could make even the King of Darken break out in cold sweat.

Outside the tent, the night wind howled even louder, carrying the scent of a danger far greater than they had ever imagined.

The atmosphere in the center of the arena was thick with tension. The evening sun cast a golden glow, reflecting brilliantly off the armor of these two formidable female warriors.

On the right stood General Eleonor Silvio. Tall, massive, and imposing, she radiated an aura of unshakable dominance. Her golden-silver armor shimmered, and in her hands, she gripped a pair of Twin Bladed Ice Swords. These blades were not forged from ordinary metal, but from pure ice compressed until it was harder than diamond. They emitted a chilling white mist that froze the very ground beneath them.

On the left stood K. Her figure was more slender yet shrouded in mystery. She held no sword or spear. In her right hand, she coiled a Black Whip made from an unknown material. It looked simple, yet it radiated a dark and profound energy.

They stared at each other. There was no fear, only mutual respect and challenge between two great powers.

Eleonor raised her swords slightly, producing a sharp tsiiiing sound caused by the extreme cold.

"You are indeed brave, mysterious woman," Eleonor's voice was deep and low, yet carried clearly. "Many tremble merely at the sight of my ice blades, yet you come to challenge me with nothing but a single whip."

K slowly uncoiled her weapon. Srett! The whip extended straight to the ground, then suddenly the tip shifted shape, transforming into the sharp point of a spear.

"Tools do not determine victory, General," K answered calmly, her voice soft yet firm. "This whip can bend like water, harden like steel, and become anything I desire. Including... becoming a worthy opponent for 'Golden Ice' like you."

Eleonor smirked, her eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

"Excellent! I like an opponent with confidence! But remember, my dual swords do not merely cut flesh and iron... they can freeze the flow of blood and energy itself! Do not end up as an ice statue before you even swing your weapon!"

"You worry too much about me, Eleonor," K replied, shifting her hand. The whip morphed again, this time becoming a long, flexible blade. "There is still plenty of time. And I... shall never freeze."

"Nonsense! Everything in this world can freeze and stop!" Eleonor declared, assuming her battle stance. Her feet stamped the ground, shattering it instantly with ice.

"Including you!"

"Say what you will," K stood casually yet vigilantly, her whip swaying gently in the air as if alive. "Let us prove it then. Will the Ice prevail... or will Time remain eternal?"

Seeing both ready, the referee immediately raised his hand high. The entire audience held their breath, their hearts pounding wildly.

In the Roses Family garden....

The afternoon sun still cast a warm glow over the corners of the Roses royal gardens. Flowers bloomed beautifully, yet the servants were not resting. They worked busily and efficiently—some harvesting fresh fruits, others sweeping away dry leaves, and carefully watering the plants.

The work atmosphere was calm and orderly, though tiring.

Suddenly, a young servant carrying a basket of flowers halted in her tracks. Her eyes were drawn to a small, simple building at the end of the servants' lane. The wooden door was slightly ajar, not locked tightly as it usually was.

"Hm? Isn't this Master Kerrens Bluehost's room?" she murmured. "Why is the door open like this? Is he inside, or has someone entered?"

Curiosity mixed with caution made her hurry toward the center of the garden, where a woman stood tall overseeing the work.

That woman was Mirro Alea.

She appeared simple, wearing only a clean and neat servant's uniform, yet her upright posture and sharp gaze made it clear immediately that she was no ordinary person. She was firm and brave, yet possessed a natural elegance that earned her the deep respect of all the staff. Even the villagers knew her as a woman of justice and wisdom.

"Miss Mirro! Miss Mirro!" called the servant, running lightly.

Mirro Alea turned slowly, a faint smile gracing her lips. "What is it? Why are you in such a rush?"

"Sorry to disturb you, Miss," the girl said, bowing slightly. "I passed by Master Kerrens Bluehost's private room earlier... The door was wide open. Usually, that room is always kept locked and private. I am worried someone might have taken something or that there is danger inside."

Hearing the name Kerrens Bluehost, Mirro's eyebrows lifted slightly. She knew exactly who lived there and how important that person was to the palace's inner circle.

"I see..." Mirro set down the broom in her hand and adjusted her clothing. Her expression, previously gentle, turned serious and alert. "Thank you for reporting this. Good work, never overlook even the smallest details."

"Come, let us check together. But stay careful," Mirro instructed.

Before moving, the servant asked with admiration, "Miss Mirro, you are truly amazing... Even Master Kerrens himself might not be as quick as you to respond."

Mirro laughed softly, her voice gentle. "I am merely doing my job. Besides... Lady Seraphina Roses loves and trusts me to maintain order here. I cannot disappoint her, can I?"

She walked forward with confidence. "Let's go. Let us make sure nothing is amiss in Master Kerrens' room. If he is not there, we will close and lock it for everyone's safety."

The two of them headed toward the small room, with Mirro Alea leading the way—her steps graceful yet filled with authority.

They stepped slowly into the room. But the moment the door swung fully open, their eyes widened in shock.

"Oh my goodness... Why is it such a mess?!" exclaimed the young servant, covering her mouth with her hand.

The room was in total disarray. Drawers were pulled open, clothes scattered across the floor, and furniture looked as though it had been forcefully moved. There were no signs of a struggle, but it was obvious that someone had been in a great hurry or searching frantically for something.

Mirro Alea did not scream. She held her breath, her senses on high alert. She stepped in slowly, her eyes scanning every corner.

"Calm down... Don't panic," Mirro whispered firmly but gently. "Observe carefully. Do not touch anything until we understand the situation."

The servant's eyes darted to a corner of the room, amidst a pile of dirty cloth.

"Miss Mirro... Look there!" she pointed, her hand trembling.

Lying discarded was a thick, sturdy Pitch-Black Robe, completely different from ordinary servant attire. Right next to it lay a pile of Worn-out Black Armor Pieces. The metal plates looked old, rusted, and heavily damaged, as if they had just been used in a brutal battle and then carelessly thrown aside.

Mirro approached, knelt down, and examined the items carefully. Her eyebrows furrowed deeply.

"These are not gardening tools... nor are they palace uniforms," she murmured softly. "The material is hard... and look at these scratches. These are marks of real combat. But why are they here in Master... I mean, Miss Kerrens' room?"

The servant shook her head in confusion. "It's so strange, Miss. All this time, Miss Kerrens seemed quiet and only cared about plants. Who would have thought she was hiding things like this..."

Suddenly, Mirro's eyes caught something on a small, dusty table. A neatly folded letter lay there, placed deliberately so it would be easily seen. On the envelope, written in beautiful yet firm handwriting, was:

"To my friends in the garden..."

"It's a letter!" Mirro exclaimed. She picked it up carefully.

"Open it, Miss! Maybe it explains why her room is like this and where she is now!" the servant urged impatiently.

Mirro nodded, then slowly unfolded the paper. The atmosphere in the small room grew heavy and tense. They both realized that the woman named Kerrens Bluehost, whom they had always known as just a fellow worker... was actually hiding a secret far greater than they had ever imagined.

"Let us read it... We must know the truth," Mirro said in a serious tone, her eyes beginning to trace line after line of the writing.

…

The atmosphere in the arena was suffocatingly tense. Every eye was fixed on the two formidable women in the center.

"BEGIN!!"

The referee's shout had barely faded when General Eleonor Silvio sprang into action. She stamped her feet powerfully against the ground.

"HAAAA!!"

A blinding Golden Ice Radiance burst forth from her body. The light spun rapidly, creating a miniature snowstorm that blurred the vision. It was a tactic to confuse her opponent, hiding her true movements.

"Die, mysterious woman!!" Eleonor shouted from within the mist. She dashed forward at incredible speed, her twin ice swords crossed and ready to cleave through anything.

Yet... amidst the thick fog, K stood perfectly still. She was not disturbed by the blinding light in the slightest.

"Beautiful... but not enough," K murmured softly.

With a fluid motion of her hand, the black whip in her grip suddenly widened, hardened, and transformed into a Giant Iron Fan, nearly two meters wide!

WHOOSH!

K swung it just once. The powerful gust of wind instantly tore through the ice mist and glare, sweeping away Eleonor's illusion in a single breath!

"WHAT?!" Eleonor stared in shock as her defense was shattered so easily.

"My turn," K said coldly.

Eleonor refused to back down. She knew her opponent was tough, so she had to unleash her full power. She took a deep breath, channeling every ounce of her freezing aura into her blades. Frost emanated from every pore of her body, causing the temperature in the arena to plummet, making the audience shiver.

"TASTE THIS!! ETERNAL ICE PRESSURE!!"

Eleonor leaped high into the air. Her swords now looked larger and sharper, coated in pure ice energy. With a battle cry, she slashed downward with a force capable of splitting boulders!

"CRRAAACK!!"

A massive collision occurred!

Just before the giant ice blades struck, K swiftly morphed her fan back into a thick, sturdy Round Shield.

"DANG!!"

The deafening sound of metal and ice clashing rang out. Shockwaves spread in all directions, sending dust flying and cracking the ground. K stood firm, holding back the assault with just one hand. Not an inch did she budge!

In the Spectator Stands

Cheers erupted like thunder!

"WAAAAH! INCREDIBLE!!"

"GENERAL ELEONOR'S ATTACK IS SO HEAVY!!"

"BUT THAT WOMAN IS INSANE! SHE BLOCKED IT SO EASILY?!"

Nobles and soldiers alike stood up from their seats, their eyes wide with awe at this god-level battle.

At the King's Throne

King Erico leaned forward, his hands gripping the armrests tightly. His face was filled with amazement.

"Truly... extraordinary power. Eleonor is using everything she has, yet that woman named K makes it look like child's play," the King muttered.

One of the Generals beside him nodded in agreement, his eyes never leaving the arena.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. The way she changes her weapon form... that is not ordinary magic. It is high-level matter manipulation. And her defense... she is as solid as a city wall."

"She is interesting," King Erico said with a broad smile. "Very interesting. Look at Eleonor, she is getting serious now!"

Back in the Arena

Eleonor pushed her swords forward again, but K's shield did not move.

"Why... why won't you move?!" Eleonor growled in frustration.

K looked straight into Eleonor's eyes from beneath her veil.

"Your ice is indeed cold and hard, General. But remember... in this world, nothing lasts forever against time. Ice melts, stone crumbles."

"NOT IF IT IS GOLDEN ICE!" Eleonor retorted. "I WILL FREEZE THIS ENTIRE ARENA!"

"Be my guest," K answered calmly yet challengingly. "Let us see if your ice can freeze time itself..."

The battle escalated to a fever pitch. The exploding energy made the air in the arena feel heavy and piercing.

Eleonor refused to stand still. She spun her twin ice swords at incredible speed, creating thousands of sharp shards that glistened like morning dew.

"TAKE THIS!! FROZEN ROSE DEW SLASH!!"

SYAAAAAANG!!!

Thousands of tiny, rapid attacks rained down on K like a shower of blades.

Yet K did not flinch. She spun her shield perfectly in front of her body, forming an impenetrable wall.

"STEEL HIDE SHIELD!!"

Clang! Clang! Ting! Ting!

Every single attack was deflected effortlessly, leaving not a single scratch.

"WHAT?! IT WON'T BREAK?!" Eleonor shouted in shock.

"REVERSAL!!" K commanded. With a touch of her shield, she sent the remaining energy of the attacks right back at Eleonor.

Eleonor was forced to retreat, but she quickly retaliated with a new fighting style. She thrust her swords repeatedly with unpredictable movements, stabbing from impossible angles.

"ICE ROSE THORN!!"

The stabs came one after another, cold and deadly!

"RESTORE TO ORIGIN!!"

K waved her hand, as if turning back time itself. Every incoming attack seemed to lose its path and was simply canceled out. This technique threw Eleonor's rhythm completely off balance.

"ARRRGHHH... YOU REALLY ARE... HYAAAA...!!"

Eleonor was now unleashing her absolute maximum power. Her entire body radiated a golden light, and the temperature plummeted so drastically that the ground began to freeze solid.

"ETERNAL GOLDEN ICE...!!!"

She leaped high and brought both swords crashing down with enough force to shatter fortress walls!

But a small, confident smile appeared on K's face.

"Hehehe... That was fun! Now it's my turn...!!"

The whip in her hand suddenly transformed into thousands of dark yet beautifully shimmering coils, mixing a terrifying aura of black and gold.

"HEAVEN AND HELL WHIP.....!"

CRRAAACK!!!!

A massive collision occurred! An explosion of white and blue light erupted violently in the center of the arena!

BUT...

The very moment their attacks met...

"BUUUUMMM...!! GROOOOAAARRR!!"

The entire ground beneath their feet shook violently! It was no ordinary tremor, but a quake strong enough to make the palace structures sway! Chandeliers swung wildly, decorations fell from the walls, and great pillars creaked loudly!

"WAAAAAAHHHH!! EARTHQUAKE! HUGE EARTHQUAKE!!" screamed one spectator in panic.

"GOOD HEAVENS! THE PALACE IS SHAKING! RUN OUTSIDE!!"

Chaos erupted everywhere. Nobles who had been sitting elegantly were now scrambling for safety, their hats and robes in disarray.

"My God! What is this? Is their power really this immense?!" exclaimed a nobleman, his face pale.

"No! This isn't from the fight! The tremor is coming from underground! Or perhaps from beyond the city walls!" shouted a soldier.

At the Throne

King Erico stood firm, gripping the throne pillars to keep his balance. His expression turned serious and vigilant—not out of fear, but suspicion.

"The vibration is incredibly strong... What is happening?!"

One of the Generals reported immediately, breathless.

"Your Majesty! Our magic sensors detect massive dark energy to the West! This is no natural quake... it feels like the march of a huge army or a high-impact spell!"

King Erico's eyes widened.

"Cladimir... So he has finally made his move?! And he chose this exact moment?!"

In the Arena

Both Eleonor and K were pushed back by the tremor. They paused their fight, looking around in shock.

"What is this...?" Eleonor muttered.

K gazed toward the outer gates, her eyes sharp.

"The uninvited guests have arrived... It seems our battle party must be postponed for now, General."

The atmosphere, once filled with cheers, had now turned into total panic! Great danger was lurking in the shadows.

The ground shook harder, accompanied by the sound of thousands of boots marching in perfect unison. It was no longer a rumble, but a rhythmic thud that made hearts race.

"WAAAAAAHHHH!! THE ENEMY IS HERE!! THE ENEMY IS HERE!!"

"IT'S THE DARKEN ARMY!! THEY'RE BREAKING THROUGH!!"

Panic exploded across the arena and palace grounds. Commoners, merchants, and visitors who had been cheering moments ago were now a terrified crowd. They scattered in every direction, shoving past one another, dropping their belongings, desperate to find shelter or an escape route.

"RUN! RUN FAST! THE WAR HAS STARTED!" screamed a citizen, dragging his child by the hand.

Total chaos ensued. Dust filled the air, mixing with the cries of children and the shouts of adults.

Yet, not everyone fled. The Lesser Nobles and Regional Governors remained standing. Though their faces were pale and hands trembling, they stood firm near the palace pillars, trying to maintain dignity and help calm the situation.

"Stay calm! Do not panic! Protect the families and the weak!" shouted one Noble, drawing his short sword, ready to defend himself despite his pounding heart.

Atop the Throne

King Erico did not move an inch. He paid no attention to the chaos below. His eyes pierced through the distance, staring straight at the main gate and the road connecting Roses and Darken.

There, beneath a sky turning dark and stormy, lay a vast ocean of pitch-black figures. The banners of the Kingdom of Darken fluttered violently in the wind of war. Their numbers... were overwhelming.

Nearly half of the entire military might of Darken was present! Infantry, spearmen, and dark magic units stood in terrifyingly neat formations.

One of the Generals ran up to the King, breathless.

"Your Majesty! Our suspicions were correct! They didn't wait for dawn! They are attacking right now, while we are distracted!"

King Erico clenched his fists tightly. A vein pulsed on his temple, fueled by restrained fury.

"Brutal... Truly cunning and bold," the King muttered, his voice dripping with deadly coldness. "They brought almost half their main force. Cladimir truly intends to crush Roses today."

"What are your orders, Your Majesty?! Our troops are still scattered!" asked the General anxiously.

King Erico slowly rose from his throne. He threw his royal cloak back, revealing his imposing, battle-ready figure.

"Let the civilians evacuate! Order the remaining Nobles to help guide them to the underground shelters!" the King commanded loudly.

Then, he pointed his index finger directly at the sea of enemy soldiers.

"AND YOU... CALL EVERYONE WHO CAN STILL HOLD A WEAPON! THE KNIGHTS, THE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS, AND ELEONOR... WE WILL NOT RETREAT! WE MEET THEM AT THE MAIN GATE!"

"YES, YOUR MAJESTY!!"

The atmosphere had changed completely. What was once a tournament arena was now a real battlefield! Dark clouds covered the sun, signifying that bloodshed was now inevitable!

Eleonor Silvio and K stood side by side at the edge of the arena, their eyes fixed straight ahead on the enemy lines filling the vast plain before the main gate.

The sight was magnificent yet terrifying. The Darken army looked like an endless ocean of black. Their spears stood tall like a forest of thorns, and they were packed so densely that the ground seemed to sink beneath the weight of steel and flesh.

"Gods... their numbers... are countless," Eleonor whispered, her eyes widening slightly. As a General, she was used to seeing large armies, but this was different. This was total invasion. "Nearly half of their entire strength is here... They are truly determined to annihilate us today."

Eleonor gripped her sword hilt tightly, cold sweat beginning to form. Even the ice surrounding her body seemed to tremble slightly under the pressure of such overwhelming numbers.

However, beside her, K reacted completely differently.

The mysterious woman felt no fear. Beneath her veil, a wide smile spread across her face—a smile filled with anticipation, pride, and even a hint of madness. Her eyes sparkled as if she were gazing upon the most beautiful sight in the world.

"Beautiful... truly a perfect view," K murmured softly, her voice trembling with excitement. "This is it... the moment that will be etched eternally. A great event to be recorded in the chronicles of time... and we are here at the very front line to witness it, or even to create it."

"K?! What are you talking about?! There are thousands, tens of thousands of them! Stop spouting nonsense about history!" Eleonor snapped, panicked by K's overly casual attitude.

K slowly turned to face Eleonor, her smile never fading.

"Precisely because there are so many... this will become a legend. Calm down, General of Ice... your task is to defend the palace. My task... is to shatter their ranks!"

Before Eleonor could protest or ask further, K turned around.

"I'm going ahead! Don't miss the show!"

With light steps, K walked out of the palace grounds. Her pace quickened, turning into a run. But it was no ordinary run... her speed was absolutely devastating!

She shot forward like a fierce gale! The ground behind her feet was blown away by the wind pressure. In the blink of an eye, the black-clad figure had crossed the main bridge, leaving the safety zone behind, and sprinting straight into the heart of the enemy army!

"HEY! ARE YOU INSANE?!! ALONE?!" Eleonor shouted in disbelief, watching K disappear into the distance, heading straight towards certain death... or perhaps, glorious victory.

Facing thousands of Darken soldiers ready to kill, one mysterious woman ran in alone, wearing a smile full of challenge!

King Erico stood tall on the main watchtower of the palace. His eyes never left the small black figure sprinting straight into the ocean of enemy soldiers.

Seeing such recklessness, the Generals around him immediately prepared to give the order.

"YOUR MAJESTY! PERMIT US TO SEND SUPPORT! SHE WILL DIE IN AN INSTANT! WE CANNOT LET HER FIGHT ALONE!" shouted the Infantry General frantically, his hand already ready to wave the battle flag.

The Royal Army of Roses stood in perfect formation behind the gates, swords drawn, ready to charge at any moment.

However, King Erico simply raised his right hand high, signaling them to STOP.

"HOLD YOUR POSITION!!" the King commanded in a heavy, authoritative voice.

Every soldier and commander froze instantly. Their movements halted completely.

"But Your Majesty?! That woman is running straight into the tiger's mouth!" protested another General.

King Erico did not look away from K, who was now closing in on the front lines. His gaze was sharp, filled with curiosity and deep analysis.

"Do not be hasty. Look closely... She is not an ordinary person acting foolishly," the King said slowly. "The aura she carries... does not belong to someone about to die. Quite the opposite."

The King leaned slightly forward, narrowing his eyes to observe every detail.

"I want to see... what this 'Leader Of Time' truly possesses. Let her act first. We shall witness if she is truly worthy to be our ally, or merely a shooting star that will fade instantly."

The Generals exchanged glances but held their troops back as ordered. Their hearts pounded anxiously, waiting to see what would happen.

Down below, K had already reached the front lines of the Darken army.

The enemy soldiers looked confused, then began to laugh at the sight of a single woman daring to enter their midst.

"HEY! LOOK AT THAT! A CRAZY WOMAN TRYING TO COMMIT SUICIDE?!"

"CAPTURE HER! OR JUST KILL HER!"

Dozens of spears were instantly pointed at K, ready to strike from every direction.

Yet... King Erico, watching from the tower, saw something extraordinary.

"Hmm... Her movements... are truly unique," the King murmured inwardly, his eyes unblinking.

He saw that K did not swing her weapon wildly. Her movements were smooth, circular, and flowing like water. Every time a spear came toward her, her body seemed to 'slip' effortlessly through the gaps without being touched in the slightest.

Whoosh! Srett! Clang!

K spun like she was dancing, yet every rotation was deadly. Her whip moved in ways that defied logic, as if she could predict where the enemy would strike before they even knew themselves.

"Generals, observe her footwork," King Erico whispered to his subordinates.

"She isn't moving to dodge... She seems to be 'resetting' the positions of her enemies. Look at that... the way she twists her body, how she reverses their attacks... This is not ordinary martial arts. This is... manipulation of space and time!"

Everyone was mesmerized by the terrifying display. In the middle of thousands of enemies, K stood tall, and one by one, the Darken soldiers fell without ever being able to touch the hem of her robe!

"Incredible..." King Erico breathed, a smile finally forming on his face. "Truly incredible! So this is how you fight... K!"

While the Kingdom of Roses was still in awe of the mysterious female warrior known as "K", she continued sprinting deeper into the seemingly endless sea of enemies.

At that moment, the front lines of the Darken army transformed into a living hell. The figure of K—once graceful, cold, silent, and expressionless—had completely changed into a slaughtering machine. She fought fiercely, swiftly, and brutally, showing no mercy. There was no pause, no sign of fatigue.

"HAAAAAA!!"

With a single swing of her arm, the black whip in her hand radiated a blinding, holy white light.

"HEAVEN'S WHIP!!"

WUSSSSSYAAAAAAANG!!!

The whip sliced through the air, lashing left and right. Every time it touched an enemy, they were sent flying dozens of meters backward as if hit by a charging carriage. Dozens of soldiers were thrown simultaneously, their formations shattered in an instant!

"WHA... WHAT IS THIS?!" screamed an enemy commander in terror.

Before they could catch their breath, the light in K's hand shifted to dark red and pitch black. A scorching, suffocating aura spread outwards.

"Now... feel the pain!! HELL'S WHIP!!"

BRAAAKK!! HISS!!

The whip slammed into the ground, creating an explosion of black smoke and shockwaves that turned the soldiers' legs to jelly. Those hit collapsed immediately, writhing in agony as if their skin were burning.

"DON'T LET HER MOVE! ATTACK ALL AT ONCE!" shouted the squad leader.

Hundreds of spears were thrust toward K simultaneously. But K merely smirked.

"Stubborn fools... Fine!"

The whip suddenly hardened, expanded, and morphed into a Giant Black Mace forged from pure obsidian stone!

"OBSIDIAN HAMMER!! SHATTER!!"

K swung the massive weapon with just one hand!

"CRRAAACK!!"

The impact didn't just shatter the enemy spears; it pulverized the ground itself, creating a huge crater! The soldiers directly in front were instantly crushed beneath the overwhelming weight and force!

"MONSTER... SHE IS A REAL MONSTER!" shrieked one soldier.

K didn't stop. She tossed the mace into the air, and as it fell, it transformed again into a pair of Dual Battle Axes, shimmering beautifully like precious jewels yet deadly sharp.

"JEWEL AXES... CLEAVE!!"

Syangg! Srett! Slash!

Blood splattered everywhere. The sharp axes cleaved through wooden shields and iron armor like cutting through soft fruit. Her movements were wild yet perfectly calculated.

Spotting arrows and long-range magic raining down from above, K swiftly spun around. Her weapons morphed once more into a large, sturdy Round Shield.

"MOONSTONE GUARD!!"

DANG! TING! CLANK!

Every projectile simply bounced off the shield's surface, which looked soft yet was harder than celestial stone.

"Enough playing around! You talk too much!"

K threw the shield aside, and it changed yet again into a Giant Staff, its tip roaring with thunder and lightning.

"STAFF OF THE THUNDERBRINGER!!"

She slammed the staff violently onto the ground.

"BOOOOM!! ZAAAAPPP!!"

Blue lightning bolts struck down from the sky, exploding right in the middle of the enemy ranks. Hundreds were thrown back, knocked unconscious, or burned by the searing electric current.

In a short time, the area around K became a pile of fallen bodies. The woman stood tall amidst the ocean of enemies, her breathing slightly heavy but her eyes burning with wild excitement.

"Who's next?!" K shouted, her voice booming like thunder. "Bring your entire army! I will crush them all before your King even realizes what happened!"

At the Palace Tower

King Erico and the Generals stood frozen, their mouths agape in utter disbelief.

"Gods... she can change her weapon form at will?!" gasped one General.

"From whip to hammer, to axe, to staff... That isn't magic, that is the power of creation itself!"

King Erico let out a long breath, then broke into a wide, satisfied smile.

"Hehehe... Hahahaha! Incredible! What a magnificent sight!" the King exclaimed. "Hold back no longer! Look at the amazing ally we have gained! K... you truly are a war monster!"

Witnessing K's devastating display of power, King Erico felt his heart swell with emotion. A mix of awe and deep gratitude filled his soul.

"Truly... this woman has sacrificed and fought alone with all her might for our sake," King Erico murmured softly. "I cannot just stand here watching. I owe her a tremendous debt of honor. It is unworthy for a King to hide behind the protection of others!"

King Erico immediately turned toward the preparation room. In moments, he reappeared looking entirely different. Gone were the luxurious silk robes and golden crown.

Now, he wore his ancient Battle Armor, colored in blood-red and antique silver. It was covered in scars and scratches from countless historical battles, yet still radiated an imposing and terrifying aura. Strapped to his back was his legendary greatsword.

"GENERALS!!" King Erico shouted, his voice booming like thunder.

"YES, YOUR MAJESTY!!" all commanders responded in unison.

"LOOK THERE! OUR ALLY HAS ALREADY CLEARED THE WAY! NOW IT IS OUR TURN TO REPAY THE DEBT AND CRUSH THEM! ALL TROOPS... ADVANCE!! DEFEND ROSES TO THE LAST DROP OF BLOOD!"

"HUUUUURAAAAAAHHHH!!"

War trumpets blared with an inspiring rhythm. The main gates of the palace swung wide open! The army of Roses, already lined up and ready, surged out like a bursting river, joining the fray to support K!

However, just as the war reached its peak...

"GRRRRR...!!"

The sky above the battlefield suddenly turned pitch black. Dark clouds gathered rapidly, swirling into a massive vortex. Thunder roared so loudly it shook the ground violently.

Every soldier—both the Roses army just emerging and the Darken forces fighting K—stopped fighting instantly and looked up in shock.

Descending from the center of the black vortex was a floating throne. Sitting there arrogantly, radiating an aura of dark majesty, was the real King Cladimir Darken!

Behind him stood three colossal figures, the pillars of his power. Their combined auras were so strong that the very air felt heavy and suffocating.

"Hahahahaha... HAHAHAHAHA!!"

Cladimir's laughter echoed across the entire battlefield. He slowly descended and hovered in the air directly above K's head, looking down at her with a mixture of arrogance and hidden fear.

"IMPRESSIVE... TRULY IMPRESSIVE, 'LEADER OF TIME'!" Cladimir declared. "You are indeed a monster! You managed to shatter half my front lines in mere moments. But... do you think that is enough?"

K looked up, staring sharply at the King of Darken. Her hand still gripped her ever-shifting weapon.

"So you finally show yourself, Cladimir. You deliberately let your men die just to measure my strength?" K asked coldly.

"Of course! They are nothing but statistics!" Cladimir replied cynically. "And now... since you are done playing, meet my special guests!"

Cladimir pointed to his side, and one by one, his strongest Generals stepped forward, their terrifying auras flaring.

The first figure was massively muscular, wielding a giant hammer.

"I AM ROBERT LEONARD... MY TITLE IS THE BREAKER! I WILL CRUSH EVERY BONE IN YOUR BODY!"

The second figure appeared elegant yet deadly, holding a holy sword stained with darkness.

"BASTIAN AUSLEN... THE GLORIOUS. TASTE THIS FATAL GLORY!"

And the third figure... made King Erico and everyone from Roses widen their eyes in shock. The man wore armor decorated with rose patterns, but they were pitch black.

"ALFRIDO DE ROSES... THE ROUGH," he spoke with a raspy voice. "What a pity... I will be the one to spill the blood of the roses you are so proud of!"

Cladimir smiled widely.

"Listen well, K! You are no longer fighting mere soldiers! Today... you face ME and these THREE GENERALS OF HELL! Hahahaha!!"

The atmosphere turned deadly serious. The enemies were no longer ordinary troops, but the absolute peak of Darken's military might!

Seeing the third figure standing beside Cladimir, King Erico's body froze instantly. The blood in his veins seemed to stop flowing for a moment, then boiled over!

That face... Alfrido De Roses.

It was his own older brother! The blood brother whom he had believed for years had fallen in battle against invaders! The one he had laid to rest in the hero's tomb! The one he missed every single day!

Yet the truth was... his brother was alive! And standing there in black armor, acting as a guard dog for his sworn enemy!

"AAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!!"

King Erico roared, struggling to contain the explosive rage in his chest. He gripped his sword hilt until his knuckles turned white, breathing heavily like a wounded bull.

"ALFRIDO... MY BROTHER!!" Erico shouted, his voice breaking, filled with betrayal, heartache, and unimaginable fury. "WHY?! WHY ARE YOU ALIVE BUT STANDING BESIDE THAT DEVIL?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO YOURSELF?!"

Alfrido merely smirked cynically, his eyes cold and devoid of guilt.

"Hahaha... Look at him, Bastian, Robert. My little brother is still as naive as ever. Life and death? Loyalty? That is all nonsense, Erico! There is only power and dominance!"

Erico's pain intensified as his eyes shifted to the other two figures.

Bastian Auslen and Robert Leonard.

He knew those faces well! They were regional leaders who had sent him letters of loyalty, reports, and pleas for aid not long ago! They who claimed to fight for justice!

"AND YOU TWO...!" Erico's eyes widened, flames of anger radiating from every pore. "Bastian! Robert! You who sent letters crying for protection! You who swore allegiance to justice! BUT WHY?! WHY ARE YOU ALL WEARING BLACK AND BECOMING CLADIMIR'S LAPDOGS?!"

King Erico's voice pierced through the war winds. Every soldier of Roses was shocked and enraged by this indirect confession.

"TRAITORS!! THEY ARE MIGHTY TRAITORS!!" shouted one officer.

Robert Leonard, the Breaker, laughed loudly and coarsely.

"Hahaha! Forgive us, benevolent King! Those letters were merely a trick to buy time and make you let your guard down! We have belonged to King Cladimir for a long time! We enjoy the dark power you could never offer!"

Bastian Auslen added arrogantly,

"The world belongs to the strongest, Erico. Roses is old and obsolete. Darken is the future. And your brother Alfrido... he is proof that even the blood of roses can rot and turn black!"

"SHUT UPPPPP!!"

King Erico could no longer contain his emotions. A blood-red aura surrounded his body, cracking the ground beneath his feet.

"YOU ARE ALL FILTHY RATS! TRAITORS WITH NO HONOR OR DIGNITY!" Erico growled, his eyes burning red. "ALFRIDO! EVEN IF YOU ARE MY BROTHER, TODAY I WILL KILL YOU WITH MY OWN HANDS! I WILL WIPE THIS STAIN FROM OUR FAMILY!"

"Go ahead and try, poor little brother," Alfrido mocked, drawing his pitch-black sword. "But remember... the one who dies today will not be me, but your dreams and the entire Kingdom of Roses!"

The atmosphere grew scorching hot. Hatred, betrayal, and old grudges mixed into one. This battle was no longer about conquering land, but about revenge and honor that had been trampled upon!

"K!!" King Erico shouted toward the mysterious woman.

"THOSE THREE ARE MINE! LET NO ONE DARE TO TOUCH THEM EXCEPT ME!"

K glanced back, a faint smile on her lips.

"Understood... Family matters are best settled by family. But be careful, King... they are no longer the ordinary humans you once knew."

"I KNOW!" Erico answered firmly. "AND I WILL PUNISH THEM ACCORDING TO THEIR SINS!"

The ultimate war was about to begin! King against King, and Brother against Brother!