Chapter 18: Imperial Knight
The news weighed heavily on everyone's faces as the mage with his familiar delivered the dire message. Familiars, imbued with mana and sentience, were rare and invaluable, especially for scouting and sensing powerful presences like Imperial Knights.
"I must go," Baron Cedric declared with a solemn resolve. "If an Imperial Knight is involved, Count Arlen's life is at stake."
Lucas stepped forward, his concern evident. "Are you confident you can handle this alone?"
Baron Cedric hesitated, his brow furrowing as he met Lucas's gaze. "I'm no longer in my prime as an Imperial Knight. Despite my blue mana core and mastery with the spear, I'm not equipped to defeat another Imperial Knight in combat."
"Then you're counting on Count Arlen's Knight Captain to assist?" Lucas pressed, his voice tinged with worry.
Baron Cedric nodded reluctantly. "Yes, that's my hope."
"What if Count Arlen's Knight Captain isn't alive to assist you?" I interjected, my voice tinged with worry. "You'll be risking your life."
"Master," I interrupted firmly, stepping closer to him. "Let Lucas and me accompany you. We can help defend Count Arlen and ensure his safety."
Baron Cedric hesitated, weighing the risks in his mind. "It's too dangerous," he began to argue.
Lucas, standing beside me, nodded in agreement. "We won't let you face this alone. Please, let us join you."
Baron Cedric looked at us, his brow furrowed with concern. He glanced over at my mother, who was watching with a mixture of fear and worry.
"No way!" she exclaimed, stepping forward. "It's too risky. You both just broke through to the green stage. You're not ready for this level of danger."
Lucas met her gaze steadily. "Mother, we can't stand by while danger threatens. We have the skills to help."
Mother hesitated, her worry palpable. She looked to Baron Cedric, silently pleading for support.
Baron Cedric sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging slightly under the weight of responsibility. "Very well," he conceded reluctantly. "But you must follow my lead, and stay close. Understood?"
"We'll come back safely, Mom," I said softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her worry palpable as she glanced anxiously between Lucas, Baron Cedric, and me.
Elara stood beside her, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, biting her lip in concern. "Please be careful," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, betraying her inner turmoil.
Father paced near the doorway, his brow furrowed with deep concern. He didn't speak, but the tension in his posture spoke volumes.
After a moment's hesitation, Father finally spoke up, his voice tight with apprehension. "Are you sure about this, Lancelot?"
I met his gaze squarely, trying to convey my resolve without using the word. "I have to go, Father," I replied firmly, my tone leaving no room for argument.
Reluctantly, Father nodded, his expression a mix of pride and worry. With a deep breath, he stepped forward and clasped my shoulder briefly before releasing it.
As the three of us swiftly made our way towards Count Arlen's estate, urgency propelled our steps through the darkened streets of Elmore. Lanterns flickered in the distance, casting eerie shadows on the cobblestone paths, amplifying the gravity of our mission.
Baron Cedric led the way, his movements purposeful yet cautious, his spear held at the ready. Lucas, his expression hardened with resolve, followed closely behind, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, gleaming faintly under the moon's dim light. I trailed just behind them, senses sharp, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger as my fingers touched my spatial ring, ready to arm me with a weapon with just a thought.
The streets were unnervingly quiet, save for the distant sounds of chaos echoing through the night. Shouts and clashes reverberated from various corners of the city, punctuated by the occasional burst of magical energy that illuminated the turmoil ahead. The once bustling market squares and winding alleys now bore the scars of conflict: overturned carts, shattered windows, and charred remnants of buildings smoldering in the darkness.
As we approached Count Arlen's estate, the tension in the air thickened with the sight of flickering fires casting ominous shadows. In the midst of the chaos, a solitary figure stood out amidst the turmoil, wielding a massive greatsword with effortless skill. His black hair flowed in the night breeze, framing a face marked by determination rather than malice, despite his betrayal.
The Imperial Knight's brown eyes gleamed with a mix of resolve and grim satisfaction as he single-handedly pushed back Count Arlen's guards with relentless force. Each swing of his greatsword cleaved through the air with deadly precision, forcing defenders to retreat under the onslaught.
My heart sank as I recognized the familiar fluidity in his movements—a mastery of Sword Blood technique that marked him as a formidable adversary. His presence alone posed a significant threat to Count Arlen and his estate.
"Lucas, Sir Cedric," I said urgently, my voice low but urgent amidst the chaos, "You two should engage him. Buy me time. I'll ensure no one breaches the estate to harm Count Arlen and his daughter."
Lucas nodded grimly, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword. Baron Cedric's jaw clenched in silent determination as he readied his spear, eyes locked on the advancing Imperial Knight.
I turned swiftly, focusing on the main entrance of the estate. Smoke billowed from nearby buildings, the acrid scent mingling with the metallic tang of magic lingering in the air. The sounds of battle echoed around us, a cacophony of clashes and shouts reverberating through the night.
The estate gates loomed ahead, partially ajar from the earlier skirmish. I pushed forward, instincts honed by years of training guiding my steps. Every corner of the estate grounds needed protection—every window, every hallway vulnerable to potential intrusion.
As I entered the courtyard, adrenaline surged through me, heightening my senses. Shadows flickered in the torchlight, hinting at movement that could spell danger. I moved swiftly, scanning for any signs of intruders intent on breaching the sanctuary of Count Arlen's home.
Inside, the atmosphere was tense yet surprisingly calm compared to the chaos outside. Guards positioned themselves strategically, ready to defend against any incursion. Count Arlen's daughter, Lyra, stood at her father's side, her expression full of worry.
I approached Count Arlen and Lyra cautiously, my hands raised in a gesture of peace amidst the tense atmosphere of the estate courtyard. Lyra's relieved cry broke the tension momentarily as she rushed forward and enveloped me in a tight hug, her fear momentarily assuaged by my presence.
"It's good to see you safe, Lyra," I murmured, gently patting her back before turning to face Count Arlen, his eyes betraying a mixture of relief and deep concern.
"Why are you here?" Count Arlen's voice trembled slightly, his gaze searching mine. "You shouldn't have come. He's too dangerous."
Confusion knitted my brow. "What do you mean, Count?"
"He's not an Imperial Knight," Count Arlen said urgently, his voice low and filled with dread. "He's something far more dangerous. You must leave before it's too late."
Before I could respond, a thunderous boom reverberated through the courtyard. My head snapped around, eyes widening in alarm as I witnessed the figure effortlessly pushing back Baron Cedric and Lucas with powerful strokes of his greatsword.
Not an Imperial Knight. The realization hit me like a physical blow. The scout's misidentification, based on the green core he possessed making him incapable of sensing the mana core of the person, had led us to underestimate the true threat before us.
This opponent wasn't an Imperial Knight.
Imperial Knight Lieutenant. Indigo core. Sword Blood.
"Damn," I muttered under my breath, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon my shoulders. This wasn't just a clash against mere rebels; it was a dire confrontation with a formidable adversary, one who could effortlessly overpower seasoned knights like Baron Cedric and my brother Lucas if he so desired.
The disparity in mana core colors alone spoke volumes. Even at his peak, Baron Cedric would be no match for an opponent of such caliber.
I squared my shoulders, my mind racing with strategies. The only option left was to reveal my true strength, but I couldn't afford to let anyone know the extent of my abilities. Not yet. Not at this age.
"Hey Count," I said, my voice low yet urgent, "Can I trust you to keep what's about to happen confidential? This includes everyone here, especially your knights."
Count Arlen regarded me with a mixture of concern and curiosity, his eyes reflecting the seriousness of the situation unfolding before us. The chaos of battle raged around, but his attention was fixed on me, awaiting my next move. He nodded slowly, a silent acknowledgment of the trust I had placed in him.
"You have my word, Lancelot," Count Arlen said solemnly, his voice carrying the weight of our unspoken agreement. "What are you planning?"
I drew in a deep breath, centering myself amidst the turmoil. My mana surged within me, pulsing with a newfound intensity. With a focused mind and steady hands, I directed my mana to converge around me, weaving it with the essence of the sword.
Sword Intent.
The air around me shimmered faintly, a subtle yet palpable aura of power enveloping my form.
"Keep your promise, Count," I said firmly, meeting his gaze with a confident smile.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone