Chapter 28: Are you daring me?
[A few moments before]
Arthur emerged from the room, his attire a vivid contrast to the shadows that clung to the stone walls.
His traditional outfit was adorned with intricate embroidery. Beside him, Sina and the three maidens, like ethereal companions, moved in graceful synchrony.
Isla, positioned on the left, walked with Raiden. Her gaze, distant as the night sky, hinted at the weight of countless secrets she carried.
Raiden's fingers traced patterns through her long, raven hair, a picture of nonchalance in the midst of a mysterious journey.
On Arthur's right, Sina strode with a presence that could command stars. Her confidence was a beacon, illuminating the path ahead.
In contrast, Mona clung to Arthur's hand, her knuckles white against her tightly gripped sword. Her voice, tinged with a sleepy curiosity, broke the silence.
"Master… are we going to kill someone?" she asked, stifling a yawn as they walked.
Arthur's voice held a weary undertone, the weight of past battles echoing in his response. "Hopefully not… I need a break from bloodshed." He turned to Sina, his eyes searching for answers. "So, who exactly are these people?".
"Black knights, ruthless armies under the king's command, they view Monstat as their land of resources, they take whatever and do whatever, and they are incredibly strong, that's why people fear them so much," Sina explained, her voice carrying the weight of grim knowledge.
"Ehh? They sound like interesting people," Arthur replied with an air of curiosity, his steps measured as they carried him closer to an impending confrontation.
As they continued their journey, the anticipation hung heavy in the air. The path led them to their destination, where a tense scene unfolded before them.
Villagers, their faces etched with worry and determination, had gathered at the entrance to the village. Each one clutched a weapon, their resolve as sharp as the blades they held.
"Well now… I can sense a huge problem coming from there… should I go check?" Isla asked, her eyes fixed on the gathering, a sense of responsibility evident in her posture.
"No, that will just ruin the fun… instead… let's go up there," Arthur spoke, pointing at the sky.
…..
Hovering above the determined masses, Arthur's presence cast a shadow over the black Knights. His face remained a mask of stoicism, his gaze unwavering as it bore into the heart of the opposition.
Luke, one of the black Knights, a small, sly grin curving his lips, dared to address the formidable figure above.
"I don't know how I feel looking up at you, why don't you come down here and we'll discuss," he taunted, his voice carrying a hint of defiance.
Arthur's response was laced with unshakable confidence, his voice echoing down to Luke like a challenge.
"You don't? I find this scenario more fitting. You should be looking up at me… don't you agree?"
Luke's frustration simmered beneath the surface, his clenched fists betraying his irritation.
He sighed, briefly casting his eyes towards the formidable women standing below Arthur, before returning his gaze defiantly upward.
Amid the tense standoff, Luke, a sinister glint in his eyes, took a step forward, addressing Arthur with a twisted sense of authority.
"I'll be correct in assuming you are the leader here?" he inquired, his voice oozing with veiled menace.
Arthur's response was stren, his posture regal and commanding. "That should be obvious… the question here is, what do you want?"
Luke's grin widened, his voice dripping with cruelty as he extended his hand in a sweeping gesture. "Interesting," he mused, "well, you wouldn't mind if I took a couple of women with me… I'd like to use them as an example to the rest."
His words hung heavy in the air, a chilling silence enveloping the scene. Luke continued, his threats darkening the atmosphere further.
"Seems my absence has caused you all to think you have a right to defy the kingdom. Losing your virginity to such a man is beyond me, such disrespect. Maybe, maybe I'll kill off everyone in this village, maybe that will make fear reign again."
Amidst the tension that hung in the air like a storm about to break, Arthur fixed his gaze on Luke, his eyes revealing nothing but calm resolve. He allowed the silence to stretch, letting the weight of his words settle in.
"Sure, go ahead," Arthur finally replied, his voice steady and unwavering.
Luke's face twisted in confusion, his arms lowering slowly as if the ground beneath him had suddenly shifted. "What?" he stammered, taken aback by the unexpected response.
The women who stood beside Arthur exchanged puzzled glances, their expressions mirroring their disbelief. They couldn't fathom why their leader would make such a concession.
Arthur's voice cut through the confusion like a sharp blade. "Go ahead, take them," he repeated, his tone unyielding. "If there's a single woman here that you can take forcefully, then they were never mine to begin with."
"What?"
Luke's bewilderment deepened as he struggled to comprehend the implications of Arthur's words. The standoff had taken an unforeseen turn, and uncertainty now hung over the confrontation like a shroud.
"Raiden, Mona, Isla, go down, if a single of them tries to touch you, you have my permission to kill them on the spot." Arthur turned his gaze to the remaining women.
With Arthur's command, Raiden, Mona, and Isla descended from their elevated position with a determined purpose.
Their expressions held a mix of resolve and readiness, their hands tightening around the weapons at their sides. They understood the gravity of their leader's orders and were prepared to defend themselves at any cost.
Arthur's gaze shifted to the remaining women, his words a stern directive. "That goes for the rest of you as well," he declared. "Feel free to kill off any of them who tries to touch you, and if you can't defend yourself against these fools, then you have no use standing beside me."
Luke's anger simmered, his frustration bubbling to the surface. He confronted Arthur, his voice edged with defiance.
"Are you… daring me?" His challenge hung in the air like a spark waiting to ignite a powder keg of tension.
"Yes… yes I am, if you fail to even take a single woman from my village… I'm going to give every single one of you who tried the most horrible death you could possibly think of… so yeah… go on, I dare you." Arthur threatened, his cold gaze fixed on them.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone