With the full army deployed behind them, polished armor gleamed beneath the sunlight, mages' cloaks rippled in the wind, and banners blanketed the hillside like a sea of color. Emily drew a slow breath, allowing a fleeting sense of calm to settle over her before the coming storm.

  Lusian summoned Albert, seeking the counsel of a seasoned warrior to coordinate the operation without unnecessary risk.

  Albert frowned, his voice firm and unyielding.

  "I do not agree with this, my lord. This matter does not concern us."

  Lusian sighed, attempting persuasion.

  "Then that makes two of us. But I gave Emily my word that I would help. I need your support."

  A faint, cutting sarcasm slipped into Albert's reply.

  "I see… So when you marry, will she rule the duchy? Should I begin currying favor with Lady Emily?"

  Lusian's frustration surfaced.

  "Are you going to help me, or just mock me?"

  Albert's expression shifted instantly. The humor vanished, replaced by resolute loyalty.

  "Of course I will help you, my lord. And if this mission is vital to winning your fiancée's heart… then it will succeed."

  Lusian exhaled in relief.

  "Just help me convince the other knights to stand with us."

  Albert smiled faintly.

  "There is no need to convince anyone. You give the order, and the knights obey. It is our duty—and our highest honor. Even if we were marching toward death, we would do so gladly for you."

  Lusian held his gaze.

  "Thank you, Albert. But we are not marching toward death. Help me ensure no one is harmed."

  Albert nodded gravely.

  "I will do my utmost. But you must speak with the adventurers. Three Liches raising undead are a serious threat—manageable, but serious. When they reached the village, they withdrew before fully engaging us."

  Lusian's brow furrowed.

  "Someone is controlling them… the demonic cult."

  Albert's voice lowered.

  "Yes. They usually abduct people for demon summoning rituals. A high-ranking demon requires too many sacrifices; the population here is limited."

  "Then they intend to summon a lesser demon."

  "Exactly," Albert confirmed. "It would not endanger the kingdom as a whole—but for small villages or mid-sized towns, it would be hell."

  Lusian thought back to his studies.

  Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  "For demon summoning, the sacrifices must be alive. They're keeping them somewhere."

  Albert warned sternly,

  "They are not fools. Their base will be surrounded by traps."

  "It will be dangerous," Lusian murmured.

  Albert's silence was answer enough.

  Lusian weighed the situation carefully. Keitaro had once lost his wife within this kingdom. If Lusian could earn the heroes' trust here, he might alter the course of future events. And with Emily beside him, his chances improved.

  Meanwhile, Albert organized the knights and called the adventurers aside.

  "My lord has decided to initiate a rescue operation. What are your intentions?"

  Cain stepped forward without hesitation.

  "We will assist. We intend to avenge our fallen comrades."

  Albert's tone hardened.

  "If you join us, you will follow orders precisely. I will not have you caught in crossfire or endangering my knights. Understood?"

  The adventurers nodded in agreement.

  High on the mountain, Jerges, a black mage of the demonic cult, addressed his followers.

  "Activate the support spells and alert all cult members. If the kingdom's army attacks, we retreat."

  One subordinate asked nervously,

  "And the sacrifices, sir? They are not enough to summon a demon."

  "If the soldiers arrive, we escape," Jerges replied coldly. "The prophecy draws near. Our lord, the Demon King, will descend upon Kuria and grant our wish. We must be patient."

  As the rescue force ascended the mountain, Albert, Lusian, Emily, and Adela advanced at the center of the formation, with Umber and Aureus scouting the surroundings.

  "Are you certain of the direction?" Lusian asked. "Perhaps we should send Umber ahead to investigate."

  Albert smiled confidently.

  "Umber may lack a keen nose, but I can sense the stench of corrupted mana nearby. If I need assistance, I will inform you."

  Suddenly, Umber detected movement. Through his bond with Lusian, the group slipped silently into cover among the trees.

  Ahead, twenty men in black cloaks guarded several bound villagers—men, women, and children.

  At Albert's signal, the knights struck.

  Their coordination was flawless. Three knights overwhelmed each cultist from separate angles, catching them off guard. Eight were killed. Twelve were captured.

  Lusian turned to Charles.

  "Take the prisoners somewhere secure. Extract as much information as possible."

  "Yes, my lord."

  He then addressed the rest.

  "We continue forward. Survey the terrain and prepare for the next assault."

  Albert added,

  "We must also escort the rescued villagers back to Dreville. I will assign ten knights for protection."

  Night fell.

  Lusian leaned toward Emily.

  "Are you holding up? We cannot set up tents—it would draw attention."

  She smiled confidently.

  "I'm fine, Lusian. I've been trained to fight as well. Don't underestimate me."

  A white feline approached and sat beside Lusian, Adela close behind.

  "Adela, what are you doing?" Lusian asked.

  "I brought food for you and Lady Emily," she replied matter-of-factly.

  Lusian raised a brow.

  "So the food was 'invisible,' was it?"

  Adela grinned and revealed fruit and dried meat stored within her spatial bracelet.

  "Knights always carry emergency provisions. Survival is part of our training."

  "Thank you, Adela," Lusian said warmly.

  Emily gently stroked Aureus.

  "Will Umber be long?"

  "You may rest against him," Adela assured her. "I will stand watch."

  "May I pet him?"

  "Of course, Lady Emily."

  Emily smiled.

  "He looks strong."

  "Class C–Epsilon," Adela explained proudly. "The strongest magical beast trained by a beast tamer in the kingdom."

  "Don't boast so much," Lusian sighed.

  "I am not boasting, my lord. Aureus and I will become your strongest servants."

  Emily smiled at the girl's unwavering confidence.

  Albert and Charles soon approached, their expressions grim.

  "My lord, we have troubling news."

  Lusian offered a dark jest.

  "Let me guess—traps and undead."

  "And a significant cult presence," Albert added. "They have established a full base."

  "Were they planning something larger?" Lusian asked.

  "They spoke only of a prophecy… and the coming time of the Demon King," Charles replied.

  Lusian's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

  "They know… but how?"

  Emily looked at him.

  "They know what?"

  "It doesn't matter," Lusian muttered. "What is our plan, Albert?"

  "We will divide our forces," Albert replied. "Soldiers and mages will encircle the mountain. There is more than one entrance. Charles, Leonidas, and I will lead separate groups. My lord, you will remain at the main entrance with Emily and Adela. The adventurers will secure a secondary exit."

  The mountain loomed ahead—silent, waiting.